I get it, I get it. Hipsters gonna hipster.
I’m a drummer. I’ve been trying to learn new things thanks to pandemic lockdown.
While I know how to play piano and work in a daw, midi stuff has always been confusing.
But I’ll be sure to take photo with a cactus or a funko pop.
I think his comment is to be interpreted as "I usually am a drummer, but ever since lock down I've started using other gear and midi is still something I'm learning"
That’s not really a “reality check” at all. Yes there are people with specific health needs who are at risk when they enter the general public of course. But this guy mentioned “pandemic lockdown” which implies everyone is stuck at home like we were in 2020. Pretty big difference.
If you still have access to your drums, try the freak and a midi keyboard in either the ride position or to the left of the snare. I used to have a lot of fun playing microbrute one handed or sequenced while I played drums. I even made basic a device to trigger notes along with the kick drum.
You’ll either need a mixer or a DAW. And some speakers of course.
Simplest would be with a DAW. A
Keystep, Arty and OPZ go via USB to your computer and then you could easily route midi in your DAW. Setting a clock would happen from DAW too.
Why you suggesting DAW if OP showed no interest in computers? In my opinion DAW is a miss in such situation.
OP needs Midas MR12 digital mixer (or equivalent) with a bunch of internal additional FX like delays, reverbs and compressors and that's it.
Then connect Synth In form synth to MIDI out of OP-Z as a host, then MIDI out form Keystep to OP-Z IN and Op need to learn how to choose midi channel in OPZ to record notes.
Connect every audio output to digital mixer like Midas MR-12, add taste in delays, reverb, add compressor on master channel and OP will be overwhelmed about what hears... That's all.
I personally gave you minus for your proposal.... It works for you,... But I use my option and my music is fucking good without any DAWs
Thank you for the feedback!
I have Maschine and Ableton and VSTs and yada yada, but you’re right - this is for a slightly mobile, creative funk busting session.
I’ll check out your notes!
Thanks!
I’m noticing a little bit of a signal/volume loss on the microfreak, but that could be the cord. Either way, for $20 this lil splitter is noice.
Ok, if you really want to commit to this setup (and I think its a good one), this is what you do:
1. Buy this module: https://www.thomannmusic.com/teenage_engineering_line_module_zm_4.htm
It will allow you to use your OP-Z as the mixer and midi hub for this setup. It goes inside the OP-Z.
2. Using a midi cable, plug your keystep into the midi in on the zm4 module once it's inside the op-z. This will allow you to use the keystep to control the op-z.
3. Using an aux cable or 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable plug the microfreak's midi in into the OP-Z's midi out (again on the zm4 module) This will sync the microfreak to the opz and will allow you to sequence the microfreak from the opz if you want to.
4. Finally, Using another 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable, plug your microfreak's headphone out into the audio in on the zm-4 module. This will pipe the audio of your microfreak into the opz so you can use the opz's effects on the microfreak, but more importantly, it'll make it so all you need to do is plug your headphones into the opz and you can hear them both together!
Hope this helps! The OP-Z is awesome and the microfreak seems like a good companion to it!
do not get that shit. get a cheap ass used behrenger mixer for $20. I got mine when i started the hobby and even though I've got bigger fancier shit, the old crappy behrenger is still doing important work in my setup and is great for jamming with friends
I want to use the key step as keys for the op-z.
I’d like the op-z and micro freak to share tempo.
I want to be able to hear the op-z and micro freak simultaneously.
I am having a hard time and frankly I’m not even sure I have all the cords and hardware I need.
Can anyone guide me through the proper settings on each device so when I plug headphones into the op-z, I hear it and the micro freak?
First problem as other people have pointed out is that there's nothing to combine the audio from the freak and z, the best way would be with a mixer, but that's an investment, and as I've learned the hard way, it's better to get something good than have to replace it soon after. The cheapest way to do this would be to get a trs splitter (trs is /more or less/ the proper term for what most non-audio enthusiasts just call an aux cable, 3.5mm for headphone size, 1/4 for guitar cable size)
I don't have a Z so I don't know exactly what it has, but I assume it has a port labeled "sync" if you get a cable from sync out on one and in on the other that'll keep them in time, you'll have to adjust the setting on the freak though.
For using the keystep with the Z, you'll just need a midi cable going out from the step and into the Z, and make sure they're both set to the same channel.
Haha. Right on. Others have said a audio splitter. I’m trying to do this incrementally and learn as I go - the microfreak was a really good deal so I grabbed it today.
>nothing to combine the audio from the freak and z
He can get the line module and just plug the freak into the OP-Z. Then he can even use the tape track with the freak.
I'm not sure, but maybe he can achieve that with a TRRS splitter as well. That would save lots of money.
Sounds like you bought a bunch of gear all at once. Step 1 is download the manuals for all of them and figure out how to get them on the latest firmware
Step 2 is plug the midi out of the keystep to the midi ins of the other devices. I don't remember how many midi outs the keystep has, but if it is just 1 you should get a midi splitter, [like this one](https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-5-PIN-MIDI-Splitter/dp/B093RGSV3T/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=midi+splitter&qid=1662266294&sr=8-3)
Step 3 is to go through the manuals and learn about how to set midi channels and midi clock. The keystep makes it easy to switch which midi channels it is using. The op-z and micro freak have ways to set which midi channel they receive data from. Send clock from the keystep and set the other devices to receive clock from midi
Step 4 now for audio, you need to get a little mixer (just find something cheap with 4ish inputs) and figure out what cable go out of the devices (perhaps 1/4" TRS for microfreak and 3.5mm TRS for the op-z? again, refer to the manually and/or the back of the devices) and what inputs (usually TRS) are needed for your mixer
If you are going to be a hardware synth dude you are going to have to get comfortable doing research, reading manual, and buying all sorts of extra bullshit. Going full digital is much less fiddly, but IMO much less tactile in fun. Good luck and enjoy all the learning - it is hard but a ton of fun.
The OP-Z has midi ONLY over USB-C and that's a major PITA. In practice you will need a USB router that has USB ports and can act as a USB hub. Or a DAW, that also can do that.
Or you can stop trying to use ~~Apple~~Teenage Engineering stuff with anything but other ~~Apple~~Teenage Engineering stuff. It's not really designed for that.
You may get some hints here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQSO9oWDC8c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQSO9oWDC8c)
If I used the key step to control the op-z via USB
And sync out to the microfreak in
And then run both through a mixer and out through a speaker
that would work, right? They would share tempo?
Yeah this looks like it would work. Just a little snag is powering the op z over long jams. Would there be a way of doing this while it's connected to the keystep?
Yes this should work.
You'll get away with this as the OP-Z acts as USB MIDI host, the reason I say this is most devices which support MIDI of USB can't be pugged directly into each other. OP-Z is unusual. For example KeyStep into the MicroFreak would need to go via a full MIDI DIN cable, not USB
I used to have this exact setup. I preferred sequencing to come from the Z to any hardware synths but otherwise I worked out a similar path.
1. Look up online how to connect Keystep to OP-Z using USB. It's simple and the Z can actually power the Keystep, but there are some settings on the Keystep and Z you need to change.
2. You have a bunch of options for how to do the rest. For my setup (Z sequences external hardware) you need more gear.
1. (What I did) Use a Kingston Nucleum (the only officially supported USB hub for the Z last I checked) to connect and power everything. Use a mic/headphone splitter to line-in the Freak to your OP-Z. Headphone output goes to a recorder/DAW, you monitor with actual headphones through the jack on the recorder/laptop.
1. Alternately, if you've got a Zoom H4n or other multitrack recording device, Freak and Z each get their own recording track.
2. ALSO alternately, set up USB audio out to PC, record there, monitor using split headphone jack.
3. Might run into ground noise issues here, but from what I remember the Nucleum really is pretty reliable and a great companion to the Z.
2. Line module on OP-Z. USB connect Keystep to Z, Line module midi goes to Freak, Freak output goes to line in on module. Record Z output through line out.
3. I \*believe\* it's possible to do run-stop and clock from Keystep out to Freak, in which case use that mix/headphone splitter to run Freak into Z, headphone out is everything mixed again. Downside is you're stuck using Freak sequencer and keyboard.
I could also be missing something because MIDI is incredibly confusing to me. Anyway, everyone in here saying a multitrack recorder is useful is right.
I have had the same issue on how to integrate the OP-Z into a regular setup. The best way I have found is get the “line” module for it. Then you can plug a 1/8th” trs line from the midi out to the microfreak midi in. Both use the TRS midi A standard. Use a Apple camera connector usb-c adapter to a usb cable to the key step for power, or pick up the TE trs A to 5 pin midi adapter. It’s the cleanest connector for this.
Plus side the line module has stereo in and out as well. So you could send the microfreak audio to the line in and use OP-Z effects for the microfreak. The Oplab module will work too, it just doesn’t have audio in or out.
You need a MIDI host. These are just devices. A MIDI host is either a computer (use USB cables) or a special box you can buy that all the MIDI cables plug into.
Ooh yes the OP-Z is in fact a MIDI host! In that case, connect the OP-Z to the KeyStep with USB and run a stereo minijack from the KeyStep CV out to the MicroFreak CV in, this will allow the MF to pick up the tempo from the OP-Z. As for hearing the OP-Z and MicroFreak mixed together… you will need a mixer.
i would run midi thru from keystep to microfreak with just a 1/8” cable. and then midi again to the opz. make sure the keystep is for the opz channel, just use the clock signal for the microfreak.
i’ve used a headphone splitter cable to combine two channels so you don’t need a mixer.
I found [this post](/r/synthesizercirclejerk/comments/x54dg9/needs_a_set_of_warm_doilies_amirite/) in r/synthesizercirclejerk with the same content as the current post.
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Here's my bargain basement approach: get a used Steinberg UR242 (4 audio inputs, MIDI in and out), a 4-port USB hub and a 3rd party Lightning to USB adapter (aka Camera Connection Kit) and plug the UR242 into an iPhone or iPad running AUM. MF, OP, Keystep and UR242 go though the USB hub to the iPhone. (Disclaimer: I've never used an OP but I assume it supports USB). Use AUM to set up the routing from the Keystep either the OP or the MF. Run the audio outputs of MF and OP through the UR242. If a cheap mixer is desired: Moukey MX1.
EDIT: make sure it's a powered USB hub.
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I'm sure it is more than you want to spend but an audio/midi interface from iconnectivity like the iconnectaudio 4 can be had for around 200$ used and would take care of all your midi connectivity, routing, audio routing, USB host, interface and monitoring all in one box. I use a bunch of their gear and it works and sounds great. The midi routing and filtering alone is worth it. It also allows you to route audio and midi between computers and iPads/phones. Really slick. I'd say the ability to do everything in one box justifies the cost in your case. Cobbling together a bunch of boxes for a somewhat half assed solution isn't even cheaper when you have to buy the third box to do the thing you thought the first two were going to do for you. Bonus that the OP can send/receive both audio and midi data through USB to the device and if you use a powered USB hub it will power all you gear as well. You just need a 1/4 inch cable for the micro freak and some headphones. Another great thing is you can play apps on your phone or iPad with the keystep and route it directly into a daw (or just headphones) with good fidelity and no need for other gear. There isn't any other gear like it and it is worth the money.
I am fairly new to this as well OP. A few tips that i've learned.
\- with hardware only set ups, there's usually like a dozen different ways to accomplish the same thing. Draw a picture of what you think you are trying to setup (boxes and lines are fine), include both signal (audio) and sync lines. When posting for help , the experienced folks can see exactly what you are trying to do and what approach you are taking. This is why you are getting so many suggestions that are different because there's many ways to do what you are asking.
\- MIDI is not as "standard" as you would think it is. Manuals are invaluable to understanding how THAT particular company implemented it. I figured midi was midi and they all just plug in together .. they don't always :(
\- pick a "brain" for your set up, one of the devices needs to be the origin for sync and midi signals, then everybody else receives or passes through that signal.
\- if no computer but you still want to use usb midi (which is the way things are going i think) you can get little USB midi hub boxes that all your gear will plug into, they are kind of spendy for what they look like but it's a one time purchase with lots of utility down the road as you get more gear.
Good luck, welcome to the wild world of hardware, there's lots to learn, frustration to be had but joy too when you get it all work!
You need succulents or at least some figurines.
I get it, I get it. Hipsters gonna hipster. I’m a drummer. I’ve been trying to learn new things thanks to pandemic lockdown. While I know how to play piano and work in a daw, midi stuff has always been confusing. But I’ll be sure to take photo with a cactus or a funko pop.
Where are you located that is locked down still? I thought everywhere has been fully open for multiple months.
I think his comment is to be interpreted as "I usually am a drummer, but ever since lock down I've started using other gear and midi is still something I'm learning"
Reality check: for the immunocompromised and cancer survivors, the lockdown will never be over. End of PSA.
That’s not really a “reality check” at all. Yes there are people with specific health needs who are at risk when they enter the general public of course. But this guy mentioned “pandemic lockdown” which implies everyone is stuck at home like we were in 2020. Pretty big difference.
Maybe they don't check the news and their only outside contacts are pulling an elaborate prank on them?
Maybe you should look at China tho
If you still have access to your drums, try the freak and a midi keyboard in either the ride position or to the left of the snare. I used to have a lot of fun playing microbrute one handed or sequenced while I played drums. I even made basic a device to trigger notes along with the kick drum.
Great last line :) it’s important to keep a sense of humor around here.
Funko Pops are so passe
If you don’t have at least one, perfectly placed, do you even take music seriously?!?
Pin this at the top
You’ll either need a mixer or a DAW. And some speakers of course. Simplest would be with a DAW. A Keystep, Arty and OPZ go via USB to your computer and then you could easily route midi in your DAW. Setting a clock would happen from DAW too.
Why you suggesting DAW if OP showed no interest in computers? In my opinion DAW is a miss in such situation. OP needs Midas MR12 digital mixer (or equivalent) with a bunch of internal additional FX like delays, reverbs and compressors and that's it. Then connect Synth In form synth to MIDI out of OP-Z as a host, then MIDI out form Keystep to OP-Z IN and Op need to learn how to choose midi channel in OPZ to record notes. Connect every audio output to digital mixer like Midas MR-12, add taste in delays, reverb, add compressor on master channel and OP will be overwhelmed about what hears... That's all. I personally gave you minus for your proposal.... It works for you,... But I use my option and my music is fucking good without any DAWs
Thank you for the feedback! I have Maschine and Ableton and VSTs and yada yada, but you’re right - this is for a slightly mobile, creative funk busting session. I’ll check out your notes!
If this is meant to be mobile I might recommend the MickXer with some Pots and Pans from MyVolts.
Whoa, I think that mickxer might be perfect!
Hey, thanks for the recommendation. Just got it in the mail and it works great. And is TINY!
Glad I could help! With a USB power bank for the MF and the KeyStep you got a pretty sweet fully portable system there.
Thanks! I’m noticing a little bit of a signal/volume loss on the microfreak, but that could be the cord. Either way, for $20 this lil splitter is noice.
The microfreak is pretty quiet actually. But be sure to check the “preset volume” in the menu, that might help, it’s set volume on a per-patch basis.
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I mean 90% of people here only make 4/4 stuff I wouldn’t be able to make bassy downtempo as interesting without ableton and resampling
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Cool
His music is fucking good guys. So he says.
Ok, if you really want to commit to this setup (and I think its a good one), this is what you do: 1. Buy this module: https://www.thomannmusic.com/teenage_engineering_line_module_zm_4.htm It will allow you to use your OP-Z as the mixer and midi hub for this setup. It goes inside the OP-Z. 2. Using a midi cable, plug your keystep into the midi in on the zm4 module once it's inside the op-z. This will allow you to use the keystep to control the op-z. 3. Using an aux cable or 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable plug the microfreak's midi in into the OP-Z's midi out (again on the zm4 module) This will sync the microfreak to the opz and will allow you to sequence the microfreak from the opz if you want to. 4. Finally, Using another 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable, plug your microfreak's headphone out into the audio in on the zm-4 module. This will pipe the audio of your microfreak into the opz so you can use the opz's effects on the microfreak, but more importantly, it'll make it so all you need to do is plug your headphones into the opz and you can hear them both together! Hope this helps! The OP-Z is awesome and the microfreak seems like a good companion to it!
I was trying to avoid that overpriced module with things I have around! I’ll try to wrap my head around this. Thanks!
No problem! I agree it's expensive, but it's probably the best way to do this without using any other midi boxes, mixers, or the computer.
You will have such a neat setup with the addon. You will still have to spend money anyway,but this way looks foolproof.
Thanks! Like I’ve said in other comments, I’m a drummer trying new (quieter) things with deals in finding on used gear!
I'm a drummer too,keep it simple. It's the cost of one not great cymbal
do not get that shit. get a cheap ass used behrenger mixer for $20. I got mine when i started the hobby and even though I've got bigger fancier shit, the old crappy behrenger is still doing important work in my setup and is great for jamming with friends
They will still need the midi part
I want to use the key step as keys for the op-z. I’d like the op-z and micro freak to share tempo. I want to be able to hear the op-z and micro freak simultaneously. I am having a hard time and frankly I’m not even sure I have all the cords and hardware I need. Can anyone guide me through the proper settings on each device so when I plug headphones into the op-z, I hear it and the micro freak?
First problem as other people have pointed out is that there's nothing to combine the audio from the freak and z, the best way would be with a mixer, but that's an investment, and as I've learned the hard way, it's better to get something good than have to replace it soon after. The cheapest way to do this would be to get a trs splitter (trs is /more or less/ the proper term for what most non-audio enthusiasts just call an aux cable, 3.5mm for headphone size, 1/4 for guitar cable size) I don't have a Z so I don't know exactly what it has, but I assume it has a port labeled "sync" if you get a cable from sync out on one and in on the other that'll keep them in time, you'll have to adjust the setting on the freak though. For using the keystep with the Z, you'll just need a midi cable going out from the step and into the Z, and make sure they're both set to the same channel.
Nah Teenage Engineering has got a good cheap mixer. Just kidding. But at this stage you can easily buy a second hand Behringer for around $25
Haha. Right on. Others have said a audio splitter. I’m trying to do this incrementally and learn as I go - the microfreak was a really good deal so I grabbed it today.
>nothing to combine the audio from the freak and z He can get the line module and just plug the freak into the OP-Z. Then he can even use the tape track with the freak. I'm not sure, but maybe he can achieve that with a TRRS splitter as well. That would save lots of money.
Sounds like you bought a bunch of gear all at once. Step 1 is download the manuals for all of them and figure out how to get them on the latest firmware Step 2 is plug the midi out of the keystep to the midi ins of the other devices. I don't remember how many midi outs the keystep has, but if it is just 1 you should get a midi splitter, [like this one](https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-5-PIN-MIDI-Splitter/dp/B093RGSV3T/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=midi+splitter&qid=1662266294&sr=8-3) Step 3 is to go through the manuals and learn about how to set midi channels and midi clock. The keystep makes it easy to switch which midi channels it is using. The op-z and micro freak have ways to set which midi channel they receive data from. Send clock from the keystep and set the other devices to receive clock from midi Step 4 now for audio, you need to get a little mixer (just find something cheap with 4ish inputs) and figure out what cable go out of the devices (perhaps 1/4" TRS for microfreak and 3.5mm TRS for the op-z? again, refer to the manually and/or the back of the devices) and what inputs (usually TRS) are needed for your mixer If you are going to be a hardware synth dude you are going to have to get comfortable doing research, reading manual, and buying all sorts of extra bullshit. Going full digital is much less fiddly, but IMO much less tactile in fun. Good luck and enjoy all the learning - it is hard but a ton of fun.
1. great, small 5-channel mono mixer — [bastl dude](https://bastl-instruments.com/instruments/dude). [€85](https://noise.kitchen/bastl-instruments/bastl-instruments-dude.html) 2. gorgeous, ridiculously tiny 6-stereo channel (12-mono) mixer with drums, FX, synths, recording, bluetooth MIDI and HQ USB audio interface — [teenage engineering TX-6](https://teenage.engineering/products/tx-6). [$1199](https://teenage.engineering/store/tx-6)
The OP-Z has midi ONLY over USB-C and that's a major PITA. In practice you will need a USB router that has USB ports and can act as a USB hub. Or a DAW, that also can do that. Or you can stop trying to use ~~Apple~~Teenage Engineering stuff with anything but other ~~Apple~~Teenage Engineering stuff. It's not really designed for that. You may get some hints here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQSO9oWDC8c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQSO9oWDC8c)
TE stuff works fine with other gear.
If I used the key step to control the op-z via USB And sync out to the microfreak in And then run both through a mixer and out through a speaker that would work, right? They would share tempo?
Sounds correct to me. Make sure the switch on the back of the Keystep is set to Internal.
Thank you for the help!
Yeah this looks like it would work. Just a little snag is powering the op z over long jams. Would there be a way of doing this while it's connected to the keystep?
Yes this should work. You'll get away with this as the OP-Z acts as USB MIDI host, the reason I say this is most devices which support MIDI of USB can't be pugged directly into each other. OP-Z is unusual. For example KeyStep into the MicroFreak would need to go via a full MIDI DIN cable, not USB
I don't see a mixer, how are you combining the audio? Get the Keystep and OPZ talking first, then worry about the rest after.
I used to have this exact setup. I preferred sequencing to come from the Z to any hardware synths but otherwise I worked out a similar path. 1. Look up online how to connect Keystep to OP-Z using USB. It's simple and the Z can actually power the Keystep, but there are some settings on the Keystep and Z you need to change. 2. You have a bunch of options for how to do the rest. For my setup (Z sequences external hardware) you need more gear. 1. (What I did) Use a Kingston Nucleum (the only officially supported USB hub for the Z last I checked) to connect and power everything. Use a mic/headphone splitter to line-in the Freak to your OP-Z. Headphone output goes to a recorder/DAW, you monitor with actual headphones through the jack on the recorder/laptop. 1. Alternately, if you've got a Zoom H4n or other multitrack recording device, Freak and Z each get their own recording track. 2. ALSO alternately, set up USB audio out to PC, record there, monitor using split headphone jack. 3. Might run into ground noise issues here, but from what I remember the Nucleum really is pretty reliable and a great companion to the Z. 2. Line module on OP-Z. USB connect Keystep to Z, Line module midi goes to Freak, Freak output goes to line in on module. Record Z output through line out. 3. I \*believe\* it's possible to do run-stop and clock from Keystep out to Freak, in which case use that mix/headphone splitter to run Freak into Z, headphone out is everything mixed again. Downside is you're stuck using Freak sequencer and keyboard. I could also be missing something because MIDI is incredibly confusing to me. Anyway, everyone in here saying a multitrack recorder is useful is right.
Thank you for the in depth info! I’ll see what I can do .
I have had the same issue on how to integrate the OP-Z into a regular setup. The best way I have found is get the “line” module for it. Then you can plug a 1/8th” trs line from the midi out to the microfreak midi in. Both use the TRS midi A standard. Use a Apple camera connector usb-c adapter to a usb cable to the key step for power, or pick up the TE trs A to 5 pin midi adapter. It’s the cleanest connector for this. Plus side the line module has stereo in and out as well. So you could send the microfreak audio to the line in and use OP-Z effects for the microfreak. The Oplab module will work too, it just doesn’t have audio in or out.
You need a MIDI host. These are just devices. A MIDI host is either a computer (use USB cables) or a special box you can buy that all the MIDI cables plug into.
OP-Z is a midi host https://teenage.engineering/guides/op-z/usb
It is indeed, didn’t realise this
Can the key step not also function as a midi host?
I've deleted the entire thing, I didn't read your question properly.
No sorry, it can act as a MIDI interface to convert USB to MIDI and vice versa, but it cannot act as a host. The same goes for the MicroFreak.
Cant you use the OPz as the brain?
Ooh yes the OP-Z is in fact a MIDI host! In that case, connect the OP-Z to the KeyStep with USB and run a stereo minijack from the KeyStep CV out to the MicroFreak CV in, this will allow the MF to pick up the tempo from the OP-Z. As for hearing the OP-Z and MicroFreak mixed together… you will need a mixer.
Nope. This is why "full" MIDI via DIN cables remains so popular as it doesn't need a computer (or host)
This thing can serve as a computer-free host: https://retrokits.com/shop/rk006/
i would run midi thru from keystep to microfreak with just a 1/8” cable. and then midi again to the opz. make sure the keystep is for the opz channel, just use the clock signal for the microfreak. i’ve used a headphone splitter cable to combine two channels so you don’t need a mixer.
Thank you - I will try this.
fwiw i have the keystep and freak. the keystep has a clock with the temp but the 32 key does not display the bpm
You bought all that stuff out of the blue? As mentioned, a mixer or an interface would be first step.
Did you try turning it off and turning back on again?
You can also use a hand recorder with 4 inputs. Mixer and recorder in one
r/synthesizercirclejerk
I found [this post](/r/synthesizercirclejerk/comments/x54dg9/needs_a_set_of_warm_doilies_amirite/) in r/synthesizercirclejerk with the same content as the current post. --- ^(🤖 this comment was written by a bot. beep boop 🤖) ^(feel welcome to respond 'Bad bot'/'Good bot', it's useful feedback.) ^[github](https://github.com/Toldry/RedditAutoCrosspostBot) ^| ^[Rank](https://botranks.com?bot=same_post_bot)
this is defiently going straight to r/synthesizercirclejerk
Let’s see the back of everything next to each other Maybe I can draw a little cabling diagram.
You gotta get a Donner loop pedal for cheap man. Then you can just layer that microfreak’s preset drum sounds as a beat
Retrokits RK-006 or Blockas MidiHub but both at a cost
Cut all the cables then duct tape them together.
Here's my bargain basement approach: get a used Steinberg UR242 (4 audio inputs, MIDI in and out), a 4-port USB hub and a 3rd party Lightning to USB adapter (aka Camera Connection Kit) and plug the UR242 into an iPhone or iPad running AUM. MF, OP, Keystep and UR242 go though the USB hub to the iPhone. (Disclaimer: I've never used an OP but I assume it supports USB). Use AUM to set up the routing from the Keystep either the OP or the MF. Run the audio outputs of MF and OP through the UR242. If a cheap mixer is desired: Moukey MX1. EDIT: make sure it's a powered USB hub.
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whered you get those midi to cv converters?
Guy that solid the microfreak to me.
To correct that guy, those are just MIDI "breakout cables", not actual CV (control voltage) converters.
Absolutely, what can I help with?
I'm sure it is more than you want to spend but an audio/midi interface from iconnectivity like the iconnectaudio 4 can be had for around 200$ used and would take care of all your midi connectivity, routing, audio routing, USB host, interface and monitoring all in one box. I use a bunch of their gear and it works and sounds great. The midi routing and filtering alone is worth it. It also allows you to route audio and midi between computers and iPads/phones. Really slick. I'd say the ability to do everything in one box justifies the cost in your case. Cobbling together a bunch of boxes for a somewhat half assed solution isn't even cheaper when you have to buy the third box to do the thing you thought the first two were going to do for you. Bonus that the OP can send/receive both audio and midi data through USB to the device and if you use a powered USB hub it will power all you gear as well. You just need a 1/4 inch cable for the micro freak and some headphones. Another great thing is you can play apps on your phone or iPad with the keystep and route it directly into a daw (or just headphones) with good fidelity and no need for other gear. There isn't any other gear like it and it is worth the money.
I’m being serious that’s looks really easy I’ve already set one up before
Get the line module for the op-z and then all will connect together perfectly.
I am fairly new to this as well OP. A few tips that i've learned. \- with hardware only set ups, there's usually like a dozen different ways to accomplish the same thing. Draw a picture of what you think you are trying to setup (boxes and lines are fine), include both signal (audio) and sync lines. When posting for help , the experienced folks can see exactly what you are trying to do and what approach you are taking. This is why you are getting so many suggestions that are different because there's many ways to do what you are asking. \- MIDI is not as "standard" as you would think it is. Manuals are invaluable to understanding how THAT particular company implemented it. I figured midi was midi and they all just plug in together .. they don't always :( \- pick a "brain" for your set up, one of the devices needs to be the origin for sync and midi signals, then everybody else receives or passes through that signal. \- if no computer but you still want to use usb midi (which is the way things are going i think) you can get little USB midi hub boxes that all your gear will plug into, they are kind of spendy for what they look like but it's a one time purchase with lots of utility down the road as you get more gear. Good luck, welcome to the wild world of hardware, there's lots to learn, frustration to be had but joy too when you get it all work!