I have an Alesis SR-18 that I would like to use. My goal is to use the SR-18 to control the input - this I have achieved. However, I would like to get the pads on the SR-18 to use the sound of a built-in MIDI instrument, the Vintage kit for example.
How can I do this?
Graham
While connecting my Alesis SR-18 I noticed that many of the MIDI instruments recognise this device and using the buttons results in the same output sound as using the on-screen keyboard. However, several instruments reproduce the output sound of the Alesis SR-18 rather than the sound from the on-screen keyboard.
This is a rather annoying bug in the MIDI system.
I’m not sure if what you’re describing is a bug. I gave a quick look at the device user guide, which contains extensive info on its MIDI implementation, and it appears each pad sends a MIDI note. If you select the SR18 as an input for an n-Track instrument track, the pads will control the notes sent to the instrument that is on the track. However the SR-18, depending on how it’s set up, may also play its own sounds when you press the pads, so you may be getting double sounds.
Or if you’ve set the SR-18 as the output that an n-Track MIDI track is sending to, notes played on the screen keyboard should produce sound from the SR-18.
If this doesn’t help, please send a more detailed description of what you’re trying to accomplish and what is the bug you’re referring to, possibly with a short video showing what’s happening.
Flavio.
Hi Flavio
I consider programming crashes and errors as bugs. I also consider usability difficulties and unexpected operation as bugs as well. Here the problem lies in the perception that no matter how a sound is triggered it must lead to a consistent user experience when using the supplied instrument simulation, external MIDI device, or on-screen MIDI keyboard. If the user experiences inconsistencies in level or length of notes this can lead to frustration.
For example, if a trumpet produces a differing velocity or volume depending on whether a MIDI keyboard or the on-screen keyboard is used you might be able to justify a setting difference. However, if another instrument responds with the same velocity or volume regardless of the MIDI triggering source there is a usability problem/feature/bug that can lead to frustration. This is precisely the situation I find my self in when using both supplied n-track Studio instruments as well as 3rd party ones.
I look forward to your feedback.
Graham
Graham,
if the bug is with instrument notes always playing at the same volume velocities regardless of the intensity with which you play a keyboard key, with the onscreen midi keyboard you can test this easily, the velocity of the note is set by how far you click down on the key, i.e. if you click near the top edge of the key the velocity is say 1, if you press near the bottom the velocity is 127.
When you play using the SR-18 pads the velocity may depend on the strength of the hit on the pad or might be fixed (depending on how the SR-18 hardware is designed and setup), you can check this by looking at the pianoroll lower panel which can show the velocity as vertical lines.
If you have problems with certain n-Track instruments not responding correctly to velocities, please detail which instruments those are.
Flavio.
Hi Flavio
I will look into your feedback, and, at the very least, I will be able calm my frustration of not being able to get what I wish by understanding that I am entering an new world.
Graham
Hi Flavio
After spending some time in this new wonderful world of MIDI, I have learned that differing input methods result in differing user experiences and that personal audio experiences are device dependent. This leads me to better understand why so many devices are present on a digital musician’s work area. Here was me thinking that is was all one-upmanship while also trying to impress the babes 
Maybe green LEDs do produce better musical results than blues ones do…
Graham