Roland PK5 - Midi - Reason 3.0 on a Mac

androo75 · #1 10-20-2008, 06:25 PM

Hey everyone, anyone know how to hook up the PK5 to work with Reason 3.0? I am a MIDI ****** so any help would be appreciated!

I can get basic connectivity and I understand how the PK5 works but something isn't set up right within Reason.

I am a bass player in what is essentially a trio so being able get this gear working, PM me or reply back.

Thanks to all!

androo75 · #2 10-21-2008, 04:32 PM

Delta T · #3 10-22-2008, 01:32 PM

I have a PK5 and Reason (version 4 right now - I do have version 3 but it is uninstalled...) so I'll try and help you out with this.

First - explain to me exactly what you are looking to do with the PK5/Reason combo...this way I'll have a better understanding of what direction this is going to go.

Ok - so you have your PK5's hooked into your midi interface...right? What model interface is it.

Also - in Reason make sure you have the midi interface port enabled. Are you just tryng to control a particular synth or ???

Remember that you need to make sure that the PK5 is transmitting on a midi channel that Reason is expecting to see. i.e. channel 1 or 2, etc. and that whatever module yo are trying to control in Reason is also setup to receive on that channel.

Dave

androo75 · #4 10-22-2008, 03:37 PM

Dave,

Thanks for offering your assistance. I will gather all the details and repost tonight.

androo75 · #5 10-22-2008, 06:52 PM

Equipment:
2003 Mac G4 700 MHz Laptop 2 GHz RAM
Reason 3.0 (All software updates)
Midi Sport Uno USB connector 1x1
Roland PK5 A Organ Foot Pedal

Issue:
Standard Midi keyboards have no issue when plugged into the UNO and Reason 3.0, simply "plug and play" so the problem is not the Mac, UNO or the Reason software.
When the PK5 A is connected in Monophonic mode notes play out of order or not at all. Signal is shown entering on Reason thru Midi channel 2 using the NN-XT for example. Even when setting to a higher octave on the PK5 A notes are still intermittent or don't play.

I've reviewed the manual for the PK5 A and can't seem to get simple plug and play like when I connect the set up to Logic Studios virtual instruments.

Do you have instruction for a step by step approach that can walk me through how your set up works? I just don't get how this is so complicated when a simple Midi keyboard is a breeze.

Thank you again!

androo75 · #6 10-22-2008, 07:03 PM

Sorry forgot to mention, I have two needs from this setup:

Simple sounds like Hammond Organ chords, Moog type sounds.

Basic start-stop of the Reason sequencer for backing tracks.

Both are for live applications.

Delta T · #7 10-22-2008, 09:17 PM

Honestly it sounds that your PK5 may be buggered up.

I have both Reason and the PK-5 but I don't use them together. I used to control a Korg M3R when I used the pedals live. Still - if your midi keyboard controller works ok with Reason, the PK-5 should too. Let's try and verify that it is working fine.

In Factory mode, Mono (or Bass) mode should transmit on channel 1 - this can be changed though. The fact that Reason is showing it on ch. 2 and notes are not sequential indicates that something has changed.

- Have you tried using it with any hardware synths at all? If running batteries - are they new? If you have not checked the batteries and are using an external supply - open the battery compartment and make sure they are not leaking.

- If using an external power supply, make sure it is the correct voltage and amp rating: 9vdc, 50ma, negative tip. The Roland/Boss ACA series is what they spec...

- Check and make sure that all of the keys and buttons on the PK are working freely - i.e. - not stuck. If a key is stuck closed it could cause it to mess up.

- You could also try to do a reset:
Turn the PK5 on while holding mode selector [9] down (should say Factory Set) above it. I think you have to hold it down for like 4 or 5 seconds. This should reset all parameters to where they are normally.

Once reset Bass Pedal mode (monophonic) will transmit on Midi channel 1. Poly Mode should transmit on channel 2.

If you have a midi keyboard that generates sounds - try plugging the PK-5 midi out into the keyboard Midi in. Try playing a scale on the PK-5 - a lot of midi keyboards default to omni mode which means they will receive on all midi channels. By hooking the PK-5 into the keyboard you can determine if it is working properly.

Post what you find....

Dave

cameric · #8 11-02-2008, 10:17 AM

A bit late, but:
The PK-5 outputs to midi channel 2 as standard on the bass channel - so that is the factory default, nothing busted there. It's a Roland thing.

Easily set to channel 1 once you master the slightly eccentric programming sequence. Quality time with the manual is essential to do this.

Bassman316 · #9 01-07-2011, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta T

- If using an external power supply, make sure it is the correct voltage and amp rating: 9vdc, 50ma, negative tip. The Roland/Boss ACA series is what they spec...

Dave

I've noticed that a lot of Boss/Roland doesn't make the ACA series adapter anymore. A lot of places that sells equipment that requires the ACA series adapter has the Boss PSA series adapters as what's needed. Anyone know if this is right?