I just bought the ES and I’m trying to find out which mode would work best for me.

For playing live I want to use 2 controllers connected to the Rack ES. They should both get their sound form the module. Also I want to do splits on one or both of these keyboards.

Is this possible and how should I go about this?

Thanks,
Albert

Not enough information to give you a definite answer. Are you planning on using a computer?

No, I’m not using a computer, it’s a live (stage) set up.
Thanks for your help.

How do you propose to use two controllers? You’ll need to have something to merge MIDI signal from your two controllers… Without knowing what those are, what their capabilities are, you’ll have to solve that issue yourself. Provide little info, you can only get little answers in return.

Obviously a single Rack unit has just one MIDI In… So unless you are going to unplug and re-plug your controllers, you’ll need to ensure you can merge the MIDI signal… The reason I asked about a computer because it could act as that merge device.

We suggest you get the model names of your two controllers figure out what options they offer you… Please recognize some controller have both a 5-pin MIDI Out, and USB capability, some have only one or the other.

Hi, I do what you are looking to do with 3 controllers connected to my Gig rack, but it depends on the capabilities of what you have.

I start with a Roland FC300 Foot Controller (the best MIDI foot controller ever!) I have its two pedals supplemented by a 3rd one!

The MIDI Out of the FC300 goes into the MIDI A IN on my Yamaha EX5, which is my main controller (and one of Yamaha’s last great synths, I have to say ;) ). The EX5 is set to echo MIDI A IN to MIDI A OUT, which merges the FC300 data with its own. The combined data now goes to my Novation Remote 61 second tier controller, which is again set to Merge MIDI in with its own data (the Novation is my “secret weapon” as you can hold notes and change patches on it without the notes cutting off).

The MIDI OUT of the Novation goes to my gig rack, first port of call is my Motif Rack ES, and then onto other synths: Nord G2 Engine, FS1r, TG77 and PC running Cantabile, which hosts my click tracks, DMX light show, and NI B4II Hammond Clone.

So that entire rig is controlled with no MIDI Merge boxes in sight because the two keyboards have built in merge capabilities that I make use of, and everything is chained via MIDI through connections.

Hope that gives you some ideas!

Hello,
I’m using a Roland a33, which has midi in, out 1, out 2 and trhu. As a second controller a 49 keys with midi out and USB out. I’m looking for one to buy second hand.

Besides the way to connect them I’m also wondering if I can use performance or multi on the rack es. As said, I want to use them live without a pc.

Thanks!

If you’re looking for a second tier controller, check out the Novation Remote61 as it will do the merging as I have described. Connect a MIDI Out from the Roland to the remote MIDI in, set it to merge, and then the Remote61 MIDI OUT goes to the rack’s MIDI input.

I have my Motif Rack ES set to Multi Mode when gigging as the most flexible mode that suits my need. I use it mainly for strings sounds (an EX5 weak point), and also some organ sounds. Muti-mode allows me to stack voices as well, include those from my PLG150-AN that’s inside the rack.