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How to export MIDI files from Cubase Pro and load it into the Montage

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Emanuel
Posts: 0
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Topic starter
 

Hello,

Since working with Cubase Pro (10.5) is so straight forward, I would like to create MIDI drum files, then send it to the Montage (OS 3.5). Then I want to convert these into Arpeggios and use them in self made Performances. I'm interested to do that for drum parts only.

So how can I get that? Via Montage Connect? Or is it possible to export these MIDI drum files from Cubase and load it into the Montage through an USB stick?
This is an important topic for me since I want to create the drum parts by myself (including Intros, Fill ins, verse&chorus and finally an ending to it).

Thank you for guiding me on how to achieve this with my awesome Montage! 🙂

 
Posted : 19/08/2020 10:33 am
Bad Mister
Posts: 12304
 

So how can I get that? Via Montage Connect? Or is it possible to export these MIDI drum files from Cubase and load it into the Montage through an USB stick?

You would Export your data as MIDI Files — SAVE them to a USB stick and then load them into the MONTAGE sequencer.

In Cubase, go to Preferences > MIDI > MIDI FILE
You want to setup the MIDI EXPORT options as follows:

Click “Apply” > “OK”

From your Project, go to FILE > EXPORT > MIDI FILE
Move this to a USB stick, and Load the .mid file to either MIDI Song or a Pattern Scene in the MONTAGE.

Data in the MONTAGE sequencer can be converted to User Arps.
Since you are doing Drums, you will want to use the “Fixed” Convert Type.

 
Posted : 19/08/2020 1:01 pm
Emanuel
Posts: 0
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Topic starter
 

The first times I told you that I love you was back, on my Motif XS days. If I will repeat it again now, someone could start doubting about my intentions, so I will simply say thank you for your help here, which brings a lot if joy on and on again!!! 😀

 
Posted : 19/08/2020 3:05 pm
Posts: 0
Active Member
 

Would this be the same if I'm using Logic Pro X. I know Logic, its most likely pressing different buttons and executing different commands, but i want to do the same thing here as well.

Would Montage Connect have any thing to do with MIDI files?
Only after setting up Performances on Montage itself I then use Montage Connect to transfer that/those Performances to a DAW, right?
The Parts they are set up as MIDI tracks in a DAW.

This instruction here is for DAW's MIDI file to Montage with USB stick.

I will refer to Logic's instructions to transfer the MIDI files to the usb stick, Similar to Cubase?

I want to try to get up to speed with Cubase Elements (I'm very new to it).
and I'm waiting for a newer computer to get shipped soon.

ON A FLIP SIDE (hopefully not to much off the topic):
On Montage the Drum Parts could be set up in a Performance, recorded to the built in Performance recorder since it is a MIDI recorder itself, right?
I could use the PATTERN sequencer in a similar way, where I can overdub the Parts,
I can use the built in arpeggios and record some of my own here also,
Set up the patterns or sections to the scene buttons,
Then I would use Montage Connect to send that/those Performances to a DAW, make edits, adjustments, and add extra drum loops, arpeggios, fill's can be made.
I would then be able to send back those Performances (including all MIDI information) from the DAW, including the settings, back to Montage thru Montage Connect &/or just send the MIDI files just by themselves using a USB stick.

This here synthesizer has a lot of options to help with many different workflows.
I saw this thread so I thought I would ask.
Thanks for any answer and or clarification.

 
Posted : 20/08/2020 5:41 am
Bad Mister
Posts: 12304
 

Would this be the same if I'm using Logic Pro X. I know Logic, its most likely pressing different buttons and executing different commands, but i want to do the same thing here as well.

Most every DAW can both “Save As...” and “Load” .mid files (commonly called Standard MIDI Files). A MIDI Standard for moving Sequence data from one sequencer to another.

Would Montage Connect have any thing to do with MIDI files?

When you create a MIDI Song, or a Pattern Scene on the MONTAGE, that data is automatically stored in the internal memory of MONTAGE.
Go to [UTILITY] > “Contents” > “Data Utility” > here you will see the various on-board User Folders: the ones labeled “Song“ and “Pattern“ will hold the contents of your Performance Recorder’s MIDI Sequences. They remain in this Folder and are not removed until you manually Delete them or you initialize your instrument.

When you are connected to your computer via USB, you can use the MONTAGE CONNECT program — which can be run as a Standalone program or it can be run inside any VST3 or AU compatible DAW as a plugin — the advantage of running it *inside* the DAW is that you can configure it to automatically SAVE and RESTORE your Performance settings with each DAW session or project. If you run it standalone you simply make a separate file for the MONTAGE (to restore your Performance).

It also can communicate with the MONTAGE’s SONG and PATTERN Folders — allowing you to avoid having to SAVE your Songs or Pattern Scenes to a USB stick... instead you can simply “drag n drop” each Song, or each Pattern Scene into your favorite DAW.

When you have MONTAGE CONNECT “Online” the program has a tab that allows you to Import data directly from the MONTAGE.
Your DAW may allow “dropped” .mid files to be expanded to separate Tracks, automatically, (like Cubase)... if not, you can simply drag it to your Desktop and open it as you would any other .mid File.

Getting data from your DAW (be it Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, or whatever...) back into the MONTAGE is the same as it would be for any synth for the last 30+ years... you Export it as a Standard MIDI File (.mid) Type 0 or Type 1... move the file to a USB stick... the MONTAGE can Load the .mid file from your USB stick.

You would then use MONTAGE CONNECT to restore the Performance to the MONTAGE USER Bank... and you would create a link between the Performance and the Sequence (Song or Pattern).

Each Pattern Scene can be from 1 to 256 measures in Length and is treated as a separate .mid file.

Remember, the Sequence consists of MIDI Events (Note-Ons, Controllers, etc) — it does NOT include the instruments you selected or their settings
The instruments you selected are called the Performance (Instrument Parts, and all their settings, including the Effects, Volume settings, Pan position, output routing, ... the synth. These are NOT apart of the MIDI data in the Sequence.
So the way you store your Performance to the DAW is by using MONTAGE CONNECT to memorize (capture/restore) the Performance settings. Your Performance settings are not in the .mid File.
The MIDI data is the coded messages representing your music
The Performance is the band.

No, you cannot write directly from the computer DAW to the MONTAGE’s internal folders — simply use a USB stick to shuttle the file over to the MONTAGE.

Alternatively, you can transfer MIDI in real-time by making the DAW the Master clock, set MONTAGE to linear Song and slave to MIDI Sync, and you can record the entire sequence at once into the MONTAGE sequencer... then you can divide it into Pattern Scenes if you so desire.

 
Posted : 20/08/2020 5:08 pm
Posts: 0
Active Member
 

😀 Bad Mister wrote:
Alternatively, you can transfer MIDI in real-time by making the DAW the Master clock, set MONTAGE to linear Song and slave to MIDI Sync, and you can record the entire sequence at once into the MONTAGE sequencer... then you can divide it into Pattern Scenes if you so desire.:)

These questions are based off an experiment I am interested in trying.
I recorded 8 midi tracks (8 parts with arpeggios using Quick setup, Arp record to daw) and converted the Midi tracks using Montage's tone engine to Audio tracks (using Audio record to Daw) works fine.

My questions:
Would I be able to use this method you described above to record the Midi tracks I already recorded on the daw, play them back thru Montages tone engine, to that Performance's performace Midi Recorder? And/Or Pattern recorder?
I would be using the daw as the external midi controller in a way. Controlling the Montage with it using the USB cable.

Is it possible to record on the Montage's performance recorder at the same time, while I record a Performance to a daw?
Just out of curiosity.

I figured out its easier to make all edits to the Midi recorded tracks for the drum parts and other instrument parts recorded to the daw's midi tracks first (quantize, adjust and fix notes, velocities, etc.) and then record them to Audio in the daw (the music/songs done) but also record the song (the midi) back to the Montage itself so I could play along to the music with other parts using parts 9-16.
I read on some of the post here, people playing along to recorded parts using Multi GM having midi recordings on parts 9- 16 and "keyboard controlling" playing parts 1-8.
But I also read you can't play parts 9-16 if I'm playing/using parts 1-8 at the same time.
Something I haven't yet tried.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Please.

I recorded a drum arpeggio to a midi track, but then added a few drum loops from a loop library to that same track, I turned off Arp Master for that Drum Part, played back the track to Audio and it sounded as I arranged it. I was amazed about it.

I've read to much at one time so I need to go play some music for awhile.
I'm more familiar with this synthesizer now, I want to find more ways to keep it up.
I'm thinking I could hit 2 birds with one stone.
And
I'll be diving into the SuperKnob next.

Thank you Bad Mister for all your knowledge behind this synth.

 
Posted : 09/09/2020 11:37 pm
Bad Mister
Posts: 12304
 

Would I be able to use this method you described above to record the Midi tracks I already recorded on the daw, play them back thru Montages tone engine, to that Performance's performace Midi Recorder?

Yes. You can Record all Tracks simultaneously when using the Performance Recorder in the linear MIDI Song function

And/Or Pattern recorder?

No. Not at all. As the portion you quoted says, after you transfer it to Song: “...then you can divide it into Pattern Scenes if you so desire.”

Is it possible to record on the Montage's performance recorder at the same time, while I record a Performance to a daw?
Just out of curiosity.

? ... hey, let us know 🙂

I read on some of the post here, people playing along to recorded parts using Multi GM having midi recordings on parts 9- 16 and "keyboard controlling" playing parts 1-8.
But I also read you can't play parts 9-16 if I'm playing/using parts 1-8 at the same time.
Something I haven't yet tried.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Please.

That’s not quite right. It is important to understand this...
You can directly use the Keys to play as many as 8 Parts if they are linked by the KBD CTRL function.
Any Part 1-8 can be linked via this KBD CTRL icon. When linked, if you *select* any one of them - they behave as a unified group. If you *select* any Part not linked in this group, you will be playing just that one Part.

Therefore if you link Parts 1 and 2 with KBD CTRL, when you are HOME or when you *select* either one of them, they will sound/be controlled together. The other 14 Parts are separate individual synths... which can be played by individually *selecting* one of them, or they can be played by 14 separate MIDI Tracks using MIDI Channels 3-16, respectively.

If you link Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 with KBD CTRL, when you are HOME or when you *select* any one of the five, they will sound/be controlled together. The other 11 Parts are separate individual synths... which can be played by individually *selecting* one of them, or they can be played by 11 separate MIDI Tracks using MIDI Channels 6-16, respectively.

KBD CTRL literally means the Parts become one entity. It does not mean all the linked Parts play together. It means that they could... for example “CFX + FM EP” is 5 Parts linked by this function. But Part 5, the electric piano, does not sound until you move the Super Knob to bring it in and fade out the acoustic piano. KBD CTRL literally means you have access to all the Parts linked when you decide to bring them in.

If you are Controlling (KBD CTRL) 8 Parts, then you have 8 Parts, namely 9-16, that are accessible as individuals.
Each individual Part is the equivalent of a Motif XF.

Conversely, if you have the sequencer addressing your KBD CTRL Parts you can setup so that, as a group, you can address them with a single MIDI Channel.

Your question is can you be playing both the KBD CTRL Parts and the individual Parts at the same time — well no, of course not... not if it means you are linking 9 Parts. If you want to play one of individual Parts — you must include it as one of the maximum 8 Parts you can control simultaneously. What many people miss is that all the linked Parts do not have to sound at the same time, nor do they have to do the same exact thing... you have many ways to “hide” a Part until you want it (XA Control, Morph to it with AssignKnob/Super Knob system, fade it in with MW, AT, RB, etc., etc.) if you have been used to layering where all the Parts basically respond the same — altogether — this is NOT just that. Each of the KBD CTRL Parts could be doing a completely different thing with a completely different MIDI data stream going Out.

So: No you cannot control nine Parts with the keyboard directly simultaneously.. (Eight is enough 🙂

Performance
You can play one Part.
You can link as many as 8 Parts
All non-linked Parts are individually selectable and playable from MIDI on the correspondingly numbered MIDI Channel.
The KBD CTRL linked Parts can be addressed from an external device (Seq or Controller) on a single selectable MIDI Channel — you do this using the MIDI I/O Mode = Single or Hybrid

Single - the Montage behaves as a single instrument. Everything it does can be done from an external MIDI controller on a Single MIDI Channel. The KBD CTRL Parts are the only Parts available through MIDI
Hybrid - the MONTAGE behaves as single instrument on one channel for all KBD CTRL linked Parts, all others are available on their correspondingly numbered MIDI Channel

 
Posted : 10/09/2020 7:46 pm
Jason
Posts: 7910
Illustrious Member
 

Any Part 1-8 can be linked via this KBD CTRL icon. When linked, if you *select* any one of them - they behave as a unified group. If you *select* any Part not linked in this group, you will be playing just that one Part.

There's only one case not expressed here. If you select zero Parts (if you press the [PERFORMANCE] (HOME) button, then zero Parts will be selected - all Parts will be deselected) then what happens is that all of the Parts 1-8 that have KBD CTRL turned on will play together. The same as if you had selected any single Part which has the KBD CTRL icon turned on.

 
Posted : 10/09/2020 8:43 pm
Bad Mister
Posts: 12304
 

It is expressed above using “CFX + FM EP” as an example.

 
Posted : 10/09/2020 9:58 pm
Posts: 0
Active Member
 

Thanks.
One more question.
On the Montages Performance Midi recorder If I record Midi from the Daw to parts 9-16, separating a drum set (kick,snare ,tom1,tom2,cymbol, hihat, rim shot,shaker) or just a stereo drum part for part 9, part 10 for a sound effect1, 11 for sound effect2, part 12 a pad, 13 for a Rhodes, 14 trumpet, 15 sax, 16 synth sound
I would already have recordings to these parts these midi tracks on the Montage itself. Using the mastered recordings from the daw.

Then I would be able to LISTEN back to Parts 9-16 while I PLAY Parts 1-8 with or without keyboard control?

This is what I want to make clear for myself.

On the DAW itself I WOULD be able to record to 1-16 Midi tracks 1-16 at the same time.

I just want to make sure I'm clear about these examples of work flows. And stop myself now if this is not possible.

To this threads Main topic, I create drum parts using Midi on a daw and I understand that I can transfer the recorded Midi tracks back to the Montage whether its with a flash stick or Recorded to the Montages Midi recorder from the Daw, then I can chop it up and set to the Pattern scenes whether or not its just 1or 2 or 8 or 16 parts.

On the Montage I set up the mix, effects, eq, etc., to the parts,
After recording to a Daw, I make all quantize, velosity, any other edits needed,
Then I can Record 8 tracks back to Parts 9-16 with Performance Midi recorder,
then I would be able to listen back to parts 9-16 recordings using/playing Montage's Parts 1-8.

I think to much.
😀 🙂 :p 😮 😉
Thanks again guys.

 
Posted : 11/09/2020 12:35 am
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