Bernie,

Best solution is to use a MIDI merge box (2 MIDI IN {connected from both MIDI out of your controlers} -> 1 Midi Out {connected to the Midi in2 of SD40} ):- https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/125514-...lYaAkqvEALw_wcB

The unit shown above is what we use at the lab and we are about to release a video showing how we control 2 modules with this units (focus is on modules ofcourse but you get the drift).

Thanks,

Thanks AJ
I will try it tomorrow.
Bernie

I think Bernie is saying that he wants to use two USB midi controllers (with no MIDI 5 pin Din out) at the same time with the SD40. One of the USB controllers is his DM48 a midi harmonica.

AJ's solution to use a MIDI merge box is not a viable option for a few reasons. First, Bernie will have to have two Kenton USB MIDI hosts or a USB MIDI host that supports multiple USB MIDI controllers or a USB hub like the UHMR USB Host MIDI Router by Servilla Soft, which I use. Second, even if you feed both USB controllers, after "conversion," into MIDI In 2 (Keyboard), the MIDI harmonica will merely play the same patch as the controller #1. Not much benefit at all. I would be happy to be wrong about this but the SD40 in this mode doesn't allow the 2nd MIDI controller to call up its own sound patch. In other words, both MIDI controllers merged together will play the same sound. However, if the 1st USB midi controller is connected via USB, and the 2nd controller the harmonica to MIDI din 1, the harmonica will be totally independent from the controller 1 and be able to select its own patch for a nice solo melody. This is what I and Curt suggested earlier.

Chris

I have kb controller connected by USB and DM48 midi din to GM #1, and both playing same instrument. How do I get DM48 to play a different patch. The GM midi screen on the SD40 shows channel choices, but DM48 will play only on ch 1. It is simple on a keyboard by using different upper numbers. The problem is I don't have room for a big heavy keyboard, and I use the SD40 for a multitude of things. The only thing I have gotten to work is to choose a different instrument when I want to play the DM48 and the left hand sound remains the same. Of coarse, this is the same as changing instruments on the keyboard.

Bernie

Bernie - When connected to In1, the touchscreen on the SD40 will not change voices. You need to send a program change via MIDI. In comparison, when connected to In2, the SD40 touch screen will change the voices (or respond to program changes via MIDI). The default GM MIDI map is a 1-1 mapping of all the channels. So ch1 from your controller is going to channel 1 on the In1 port of the SD40. Channel 1 on In2 of the SD40 is an entirely different connection and your second controller can send on 1 (if needed) or any other channel. I would suggest using the Global channel on In2 to make things easy to control the arranger section, and that will also by default give you a split point. Does that help with understanding what the 40 is (or not) doing?

Ah - Wait, I missed the USB part of your comment. I'll have to fire my unit up and look at what you can do with USB. I don't use that connection.

I am wondering how much fiddling I would have to do during a performance to send a program change message from #1 port(DM48), as there are no keystrokes or GUI available, just a scrolling parameter window on the harmonica.

All of you have been great in trying to help me out, but, it seems that a module does not lend itself to simultaneous commands very easily. If this is the case, there are always workarounds.
1. Program registrations with a DM48 patch and have the other three for keyboard, which my new Microkey 61 is working fine.
2. Play over SMF files using "Favorite Instruments" folder.

I just feel guilty about taking your time if it isn't practical.

How about this idea? You could pre-build a set set of registrations that match up to a known setlist. In that case, it would be as simple as reaching over and touching the next registration via SD40 screen to configure things. You could even have multiple registrations for the same tune if needed. Of course, if you took a request you have to fiddle around if you didn't have an existing registration that would work. I haven't saved a registration and verified that the MIDI In1 settings are saved but I expecting that they are.

I am intrigued with all this midi stuff of which in all my years playing never took a fancy to and hardly ever used it in my rigs.
for me. It's just too dam confusing and cumbersome configuring all
that stuff. But we all do it differently MIDI devices
just isn't my cup of tea. good luck I hope you can figure out what it is your trying to accomplish.

Gee Donny, I thought you were a big advocate of cutting edge technology and using technology (ie. the latest, greatest, most full-featured arrangers) to accomplish your musical goals. If you haven't caught up to MIDI yet, that puts you about 20+ yrs behind the times. It's hard to find a piece of musical gear these days that doesn't support or utilize MIDI in some form or other. Hey, you don't want to be the dinosaur in the crowd, do you? Or should we just call you T.Rex (hey that could be your hip-hop name ).

Your BFF,

chas