Using a Sonuus i2m for live use.

mettec · #1 08-03-2011, 11:16 AM

I just purchased a sonuus i2m USB device and though I have a good idea on how to hook this up for live use, I am looking at other options/opinions on this. So here is what I have:

Sonuus i2m

Laptop computer w/ IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2 software.

Tascam UB-122 audio/MIDI interface

Behringer XENYX 802 mixer

Genz Benz GBE-750 and Shuttle 6.0 amps

Genz Benz 4x10 and 2x12 cabs

Should I be using aby box, splinter cables, small mixer, etc.... I want to achieve my clean bass tone and some synth bass sounds

chinjazz · #2 12-07-2011, 11:35 AM

Hi Mettec,

Wondering if you worked out your set up.
I got interested in the i2M after seeing Uriah Duffy demoing his rig on YouTube.

I'm in the process of getting the MIDI to track right with my bass. Tweaking musicport software is where I'm at currently. Taking my soft synths in MainStage and making sure they have +2/-2 pitch bend...

This has been in the last 2 days.. Some weird notes pop up still...

I went with a Boss LS-2, which I'm about to hook up to loop back and mix the signals...

Did you have any good luck?

Cheers!

jbednarski · #3 12-07-2011, 12:22 PM

I would be very interested in knowing how these experiments work out. I had (returned it) the Sonnus and the latency drove me mad either with Logic or through my Mopho. I'm amazed Uriah can play as fast as he can in that YouTube video with no latency.

chinjazz · #4 12-07-2011, 12:51 PM

Yes. Having looked at that video a few times I noticed that he had it set to one of the guitar settings (green). I did notice that it started to work a bit better after I did an intonation adjustment.

Who knows maybe Reason is more powerfu or flexible for things like this than the Apple software.

I just assume it'll take some tweaking.

I left Uriah a question Under the YouTube video.

More fun later

jbednarski · #5 12-07-2011, 01:22 PM

Pls let me know what you find out. I don't specifically remember using it on a guitar setting but Uriah seems to get great tracking with no latency in that video. If you get it to work and have some sound samples I'd be interested in those too. It's funny, after ditching my Sonnus I picked up the same M-Audio keyboard and use it with my Mopho and Logic through my laptop. I just ordered Reason 6 so we'll see how easy that program is to master and how it sounds. Still not giving up on a pitch-to-MIDI solution.

chinjazz · #6 12-07-2011, 01:27 PM

Will do for sure! I'd be interested in hearing about Reason.

Yes, there's only good reason to keep trying these Midi solutions.
Especially at this price point.

chinjazz · #7 12-08-2011, 09:44 PM

Last night I downloaded the demo of Reason, couldn't figure out how to modify the software synths (just yet).

I did switch back over to main stage because I know my way around the Apple software better.
What I'm finding is being careful about muting and very consistent playing really helps a lot.

There were some tweaks I made on the Sonuus software that helped also... I'm on my iPad now but will post those tonight or over the weekend.
I'm certain that everyone will dial in different settings suit their playing.

gastric · #8 12-09-2011, 01:51 PM

Your DAW shouldn't have much impact on your latency, though your soundcard/interface settings would. Even though it's just triggering MIDI any D/A conversion latency would affect the perceived latency. Also, remember that with synth tones any attack settings that swell the sound will give perceived latency.

Note with Uriah's video I don't think you can really judge the latency since you cannot clearly hear the raw bass to compare against the triggered synth tone. You can also hear some glitching during his playing, listen closely at 0:55 for example you can hear what appears to be a ghost note. Common problem with audio/pitch tracking triggering.

Absolutely not bashing the product. Just sharing info.

chinjazz · #9 12-09-2011, 05:18 PM

Hi Gastric,

I'm not really having any issues with latency. It's the sensitivity coming thru with un-intended ghost notes I believe.
And basically my not so great playing or getting used to this (I want to call it a new instrument or implementation).

I wouldn't really classify it as a real issue.. I have been dialing the velocity filter up and down a bit on the Mode page of i2M music port software, and having what seems to be a positive affect thus far.

Thanks for the info

I see that you're into the Roland GR-55.. What do you think of it?

devilock76 · #10 11-25-2012, 11:18 AM

I have used the I2M live now a couple of times. I am using it with the new ipad 4th gen with a lightning port to USB camera connection kit an active 6 string bass and sampletank for the midi sound source. I used to have to lug a whole keyboard rig in addition to my bass rig and pa to every show so this was a huge space and time saver for the few songs that need keyboard.

I have an ab pedal that can do a or b or a and b. that allows me to foot switch between bass and or synth quickly. Some tips. You will need to dial in the I2m on a computer first with the software to get the right gain and midi settings. For what I do I find chromatic mode works better than pitch bend mode. I use flat wound on all my basses so that helps having a clearer fundamental for tracking. I have the I2m setup to just one midi zone to true pitch. Also make sure the gain exclusive switch is set on in the computer editor so that the ipad volume rocker does not change your gain staging on the midi tracking. I have the midi filter set to leave everything below velocity 25 out to help keep out unwanted notes. I also do the victor Wooten hair tie at the nut thing, well just below the nut.

As for all transposition needed I use sample tank on the iPads presets. That allows me to store instrument, transposition and volume settings per patch. Best tracking due to the nature of audio to midi conversion will require playing up high on the neck. I intend to add an octave pedal to my rig when I need to have a bass sound that is lower in unison playing. You could also have a bass sound playing in the patch to do that but I would rather have my actual bass tone at such times.

Some examples of how I use it in my cover gig is the flute sound in cant you see. I also do the piano into in f*** you be cee lo green. On the latter to accomplish chords I use sample tank instead of the zones in the midi conversion. So I setup a patch that has two piano parts, one at the fundamental and the other a 5th higher. My interface sends midi channel one and both instruments respond to channel one, however you have to multitouch them to make them both active while playing.

So far success has been good to mixed. The ipad audio out is run to a DI with the proper cables or direct to the mixer depending in the sound setup. Tone wise when we use our pa it has been good. The key is really in the prep work. Accuracy depends on neck position and how clean you play as well as your intonation and setup. There are somethings I used to do on keys that don't work in this setup. Like for example the solo in sweet home Alabama. But as a bass player who happens to play keys as well I would prefer to focus on bass playing and have a shorter setup time and lighter load in. The trade offs are worth it.

The long and short of this is that you should not expect to unbox it and go straight to the gig. There will be prep work to make it happen right and your tuning and accuracy will play a big role in pulling it off in a live setting especially if using it to realistically comp other instruments. The requirements for doing more experimental music might be looser but I use it in a top 40 cover setting.

Ken