MIDI Controlled Harmonies

Nigel Mulvey · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 41 Location: Sydney, Australia

I am using a TC Helicon Voiceworks in my show. I have programmed a chord track on Ch 16 of all my midi files, then added control change messages to that track to turn the harmony function of the Voiceworks on and off as required.

I am seriously considering going to MP3's rather than midi simply to reduce the amount of gear I have to lug around. I know I could simply record the harmonies as part of the MP3 but I was wondering if the MIDI Event Sequence function could drive the Voiceworks. I know it could handle the on/off function but what about the harmony pitch controlling.

Of course the other thing is ... is there another option that I have completely overlooked?

Look forward to hearing your ideas.
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If music be the food of love ... give me a trombone sandwich.

Alien Apparatus Support · Site Admin Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Posts: 96

Yes, your approach sounds like a good one. Quite a few Solo Performer Show Controller Users are using TC Helicon vocal processors and are doing just what you are describing. Hopefully some others will chime in about how it's been working out for them.

Regards,

Alien Apparatus Support

ZB · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 25

We use MP3 files exclusively for our backing tracks. We run two TC Helicon VoiceWorks units concurrently with numerous control and program changes programmed into the songs. The same MIDI sequence file also runs patch changes on Roland guitar synths, a JMD Marshall amp, Roland electronic drums and a couple of other MIDI controlled guitar pedals. Our typical MIDI sequence file runs off the page! We don't have any problems with all this stuff running/changing at the same time.

ZB · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 25

Forgot to say that we quit using MIDI generated backing tracks a couple of years ago. Too much equipment and hassles on a live gig. MP3 or WAV files make life a lot easier! No MIDI sound generator setups to fool with between songs; you can concentrate on the show and keep the time between songs to an absolute minimum. You just need to put more upfront planning into producing your tunes and complete all your desired instrument selections, EQ/Compression/EFX tweaking/mix downs on the finished tracks. Working raw MIDI files on a good home studio like Cubase/Cakewalk/ProTools with the ability to substitute high quality virtual instruments/sound EFX, backing vocals if your a solo, etc. (depending on your budget of course!) makes some pretty awesome backing tracks that sound better than MIDI generation. We then thoroughly test and rehearse each MP3 file with our main PA at gig volume levels to make sure everything sounds OK and blends well with our live instrumentation (two axes and electronic drums)

tele_savalas · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 24 Location: UK

Totally agree. MIDI files were my normal live sound for years, but now wav files suit me much better - totally stable live - no loadup times and no trombones instead of bass guitar!
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www.trilogyband.co.uk

Nigel Mulvey · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 41 Location: Sydney, Australia

Is anyone using the note on/note off commands within a midi sequence to operate a TC Helicon Voiceworks (or similar) in harmony (chord) mode?
_________________
If music be the food of love ... give me a trombone sandwich.

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