Oxygen49 v3: No Enigma support, DirectLink too Limited, Anything Else?

[GuitarPlayer]

As the Oxygen49 v3 is not compatible with the Enigma editor/library, and DirectLink is rather limited, are there any other softwares, preferably free, that one can use intuitively, to assign controls to daw functions, and also store sets of presets, one, or more, for each daw application? That is to say, without getting into midi technicalities. Or is that unavoidable?

[pilmat]

The answer to your question will depend on what DAW you are working with. If it is GarageBand, you are stuck with DirectLink (and so far it all I have found that works with GarageBand).

For other DAW, I suggest to simply use the DAW's midi learn function to get it to do what you want. If you use diffent presets on the Oxy (DON"T mess with preset 10 if you ever want to use DirectLink again) you can build different layers of contol. Here you will have to chose unassigned Midi CC and assign them to the control you want if there are overlaps between the presets.

I tried to explain a little bit about this re-assigning in the Oxy 8 v2 mapping thread for Ean's Traktor TSI. Look near the end of the thread for some instructions.

Let us know if you need more info, Phil.

[GuitarPlayer]

Thank you for the reply, pilmat.
Have been researching MIDI a little, last week. Other time commitments have slowed things down a little, though. The following is excerpted from a message I sent, it gives a picture of the situation.


"You are right about implementation compatibility. I actually wanted to buy the Novation ReMOTE 49 SL Compact MIDI Controller Keyboard, which has "automapping", a "speed dial" function, and cross-platform compatibility with any sequencer software, plugin, vst, etc.. Or, so they claim. The Oxygen 49 v3, which i bought because it was in stock at the outlet, has "directlink" technology, which is new, and heavily biased towards Pro Tools. It does support the latest version of Ableton Live, and has files for Cubase 4 and 5.
The Novation's learning curve would extend to it's "automap" software, rendering knowledge of midi unnecessary. This is not the case with the Oxygen 49 v3. If there is no directlink support, one has to manually assign parameters. There are "learn" functions in the softwares i am using, so considerable amounts of functionality can still be achieved intuitively.
Nevertheless, a comprehensive and systematic approach would enable greater understanding and facility, increasing the scope of intuition. This is where knowledge of midi, the cyber-language of electronic musical communication enabling control functionality, becomes helpful.
So, yesterday i began my quest into this realm. I should add that this is my first computor, bought a year and four months ago. So i am still at a novice stage in many areas.
What i have determined to do is to make lists, glossaries, of each set of parameters involved. The Oxygen controls language-set and the functionality language-sets of user commands relating to each multi-track recording programme. Midi, another language-set, seems to be the translation medium between all of these.
I had the idea of making a database, with each table being a "language-set". This would enable fast and flexible custom mappings, due to the relational power of such an approach. I haven't built a database before, though.
That's as far as i've got so far. Haven't played guitar much since buying a PC. And i bought it as a work tool to make music. "

Is this possible?

[pilmat]

I'm not sure I understand, and I think that is because you are making it more complicated than it needs to be.

Yes, you idea of listing exactly what functions you would like mapped is important. Also mark beside each whether it is a button or knob/fader that is required. Now arrange these into logical groupings. How many groups do you end up with? Is each group knob/fader only, button only?

If you end up with 12 groupings and can get the most out of your knob/fader button package (the only reason I would have been interested in the 49 is that extra row of faders and buttons...), you will be able to program it with some fairly advanced midi. But before embarking on that adventure, ask yourself how you will remember 12 banks of button configurations (12 acetate overlays?). OK, I'm a simple GarageBand guy but that seems like a lot to remember and stay fluid with in a work flow.

As you mention that you are coming up to speed with the whole computer environment, I would suggest keeping it simple at the beginning. I suggest you whittle that list down to 2 grouping of the stuff that you are constantly at in your work flow. Now use preset 1 and 2 to get all that programmed into you DAW with the Midi Learn function. This will get potentially confusing when the preset uses the same Midi CC on both presets. I don't have my Oxy or the list of Midi CC in each prest with me to check. If there are conflicts, you just need to find an open Midi CC and assign it to the control (use the "Control Asign" function). Just remember to use the "Store" function after programming, that way the Oxy will remember you asignments (experience...).

If I can now answer you original question, there is no easy visual software that will allow you to see what is programmed where. Enigma was it, but as you know it will no longer support the Oxygen series. There is ways to get the programming out of your keyboard and a similar way to re-load it if something went wrong. Check your DAW to see if it supports SysEx Midi data, otherwise there is freeware that will do it.

No matter how confusing I just made this (sorry if I did), it is not rocket science. Midi is a relatively simple programming protocol that they have made sound complicated when they discovered it was limited and "expanded" it. However, for basic stuff it remains simple. The best way to learn is to by trial and error, just remember that you can delete assignments in your DAW and perform a system rest of the keyboard. So try a few things and backtrack if its not what you expected.

Phil.

[GuitarPlayer]

Thank you, pilmat, for your detailed reply, it is helpful and I will refer to it when I work with the Oxygen.
I actually replied yesterday, but for some reason it didn't go through. The text was lost, should've used Notepad first.
I have been downloading video and webpage tutorials on MIDI. Things are starting to seem clearer. Your reply inspired me to look at the manual again, and the terms are starting to make some kind of sense now.
Haven't had a chance to start "hands on" work with the Oxygen yet. Hoping to, this evening.
Last week, did have a problem with adding tracks. Would mess up track assignments, necessitatng wholesale reassignment of all tracks. Haven't got as far as creating and storing an entire preset of daw assignments yet.
The Novation may have proved easier, initially, but would probably have lent itself to maintaining my ignorance of MIDI. Buying the Oxygen 49 compels the development of MIDI facility. I bought the "49" precisely because of the extra controls, and larger keyboard. More keys, more possibilities.

[Eddi Dantes]

Hi Phil,

I do own aswell a VCI- 100 and a Oxygen 25. I just bought it last week but since then Im trying to match both midis with one tks to have more controll of my mixes, the problem is that I haven't find anything that would help my to do this. could you help my a little, since Im starting with the whole mapping thing. I tought It wouldn't be complicated, but Im having Problems with this.

Thanks,
Eddie

[Eddi Dantes]

Hi Phil,

I do own aswell a VCI- 100 and a Oxygen 25. I just bought it last week but since then Im trying to match both midis with one tks to have more controll of my mixes, the problem is that I haven't find anything that would help my to do this. could you help my a little, since Im starting with the whole mapping thing. I tought It wouldn't be complicated, but Im having Problems with this.

Thanks,
Eddie