From deke@dekethegeek.com Mon Feb 03 09:59:24 2003
Subject:Re: Native Instuments B4 - midi mapping

> My questions are:
> The GFX-8 has the following midi-able controllers:
> a foot 'expression' pedal
> four on/off foot switches. I'll definitely need something
> like mixiox since there are some constraints on CC ranges in the
> GFX-8.

That depends on what you are wanting to control... see the list of MIDI CC#'s here: http://dekethegeek.com/stuff/b4ctrl.pdf

> I'm going to wire the expression pedal to B4's CC11 (expression
> pedal), but I believe the min and max values probably shouldn't be
> 0 and 127, since real B3 expression pedals don't drop the level
> to 0. What levels work for other people? Min and max.
> If volume is at 50%, do I assume that an expression value of
> 127 makes the overall sound still 50%, or does it override
> volume. I hope it's the former and not the latter.

Tony gave you a good answer of 45 for the minimum. I have mine set at 35, and it works well for me. With the B4 in either standalone or VST mode, the "volume" setting (CC#7) is assigned to "Tube Amp Volume", and "expression" CC#11 is assigned to the expression pedal. Handy, eh? So I use it this way... I have a MIDI slider on my upper manual that is assigned to CC#7... I use this to set the overall volume. I have a foot controller assigned to CC#11, and this works within the confines of the upper slider. It's a bit like the gain knob on a real Hammond... when you turn the amp gain down or up, it affects how much output gain stage is used... whereas the expression pedal just gives you control within that range. Clear as mud?

> Also, I'd like to make the leslie rotary switch (B4's CC1) be
> controlled by a foot on/off. Does anyone know what values
> make this work? 0 and 127? Something else? I also have
> this wired up to my keyboard's modulation controller, but I'd
> like the option of doing it with a foot.

Any value above 64 as the peak will work, and any value below 63 as the bottom will work. The reason I mention this is that I have mine set to a range of 0-75. This means I can safely keep my foot on the pedal without fear of it accidentally switching speeds... it just makes it more deliberate for me by moving the center point forward.

> Similarly, I want to have one switch for vibrato (upp) on/off (CC 31).
> What values?

Same as above.

> And Percussion on/off (CC 66)?

Ditto.

> And finally, I'd like to use the fourth switch to flick between
> two of the percussion harmonic settings. Again, is this
> continuous in the B4. (ie can I just set them to, say 29 and 67)
> for the two foot switch positions?

Yup.

> Another question for B4-ers. I read a posting on this excellent
> group suggesting that some decent EQ-ing of the B4 can
> improve the sound. Any details?

Bring down the 1 KHz range a bit to taste. I think a multiband EQ would be best, but of course we are trying to make a small portable rig, right? Another option (if your laptop can handle it) is to use a VST plugin EQ. This is cool in AudioMulch since you can EQ the signal before it gets to your amp's input. I have just been using standalone lately, so I turned the treble rotor tone down (second screen on B4). Also, cutting the Bright control on the same screen does the trick, but either of these can cut out too much hi-freq, so adjust to taste.

> I hear the bass isn't as
> faithful as the treble? So should I EQ this down a bit?

I leave the bass settings alone within B4 and adjust to taste on my amp.

> Is anyone doing anything else to the sound? Eg reverb, compression
> even? I know this is getting into the realms of subjectivity,
> but opinions still count with me.

IMO it will help a lot if you turn up the Tube Amp Drive a little to take off the digital edge. It still sounds a little digital, but no so much as the clean sound does. BTW, these are per patch settings, so you'll have to make these changes to each patch you plan to use.

> Another question.
> I've been web searching for a sitting position keyboard stand
> (H-shaped) and have come across a Quiklok WS-550 (with a 561 and

Good stand. I bought the "On Stage Stands" version for $49 at GC... or else I would have the Quiklok.

Deke The Geek