How to Sync Aira Compact Devices!
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- How to Sync Aira Compact Devices!
Today I'm demonstrating how to sync the Aira Compact devices (in this case the J-6 and T-8) via MIDI, which is SO much better than using the built in sync jacks. This gives you seamless start/stop functionality, pattern and program change, and so much more! Enjoy the video :)
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The way you explain things on these type of videos is superb. I have a request 😊 could you do some more of this type of video 🙏🏻
Thanks so much!
Hello and you for your videos about the T-8 and J-6 ; I hope to see more of these in the future 🙏
Sync can be usefull between the J-6 and the T-8 because you can set a beat ratio between them (also usefull with volca and POs). For instance, once I set the beat ratio on "8" meaning that the T-8 would play one note each 8 notes on the J-6.
Having practicing a lot with these units, I found that the J-6 as master was interesting : say you have a long loop on the J-6, you launch it once and then you can introduce variations on the T-8 by switching patterns without affecting the J-6.
Great info, thanks!
I need to defend you…. LOL, if all you want to do is control the Tempo of one of the devices with another, ie: control the tempo of my S-1 from my T-8, the Sync Out/In connections work just fine. However as you show here, using the MIDI Connections gives you complete MIDI Clock Synchronization and better functionality as the Start/Stop are Synced as well as the Syncing the Pattern changes.
One point you didn’t make, you need to use TRS (Stereo) cables for the connections. Like many of us, I have quite a few Semi Modular Synthesizers and a slew of Patch Cables for interconnecting them, but they are MONO TS Cables and they will not transmit the MIDI Data. I made that mistake when I first tried to interconnect the MIDI Channels and it didn’t work, then I realized Duh, wrong cable.
Anyway you do a great job on all of your video demonstrations. I always find them informative, especially the one you did on the E-4 Microphone Input connection issue using external sources. Saved me hours of possible frustration.
Thanks!
Nice one Floyd ……. I was just wondering about the cables - thx for your clear descriptive 👍
Thanks for the video I’ve just bought these for my 9 year old son and he will be very grateful for this video ✌🏼
Awesome!
In fairness to you, why would 2 jacks in plain view called "sync" NOT be the best way to sync the devices?
Riddle me that, rude commenters 😜
Totally agree, I double-checked the J6 documentation and it says on the Panel Descriptions page (3) to use these jacks for input/output of "synchronization signals with an external device". I saw another video where someone used the midi ports instead and realized that was FB's answer, but also wondered, why?
@@geraldclark5812 The sync ports require a mono cable. He was trying to do it with a stereo one.
The sync ports just send out pulses that correspond to the tempo, there’s no signal to indicate where the beats are or the bar starts, nor are there sequencer start/stop messages. Midi has tempo sync as well as sequencer start/stop so you can get the sequencers in sync.
There may be a setting in the menu to tell the device to only send sync pulses when the sequencer is running. Then you’ll be able to sync them more easily as it will work like the Pocket Operator sync does.
@@ilovecatsandsynths9702 that makes sense. It makes you wonder why Roland put the audio sync prominently on the top while the midi is on the back and has so much more functionality
Yeah that definitely got me haha.
Hey Mate, I purchased the J-6 today. Now I’m in a great desire to connect with the 8. Thanks for your usefull video king.
Just want to let you know I appreciate your videos. I just got a J6 to go with my MV-1. This video all but confirms that I should be able to run them in tandom.
I would have guessed you’d use the USB port. (I have no idea if it works, just seemed likely) Really cool it syncs the pattern too though! That’s some next level sync.
It should, but I like using the MIDI jacks more haha.
So, what's the issue using sync on the Aira Compacts? Is it always best to use midi to link the Aira Compacts, including linking them to other gear, like, say, a Circuit Tracks?
By the way, 4 on the floor (as in) The Beach Boys song. It is referring to the gearstick, manual gear shift. Which Americans don’t have on most cars.
Oh yeah now it works! 💪
Yup, easy fix haha.
Thanks. I have a J-6 and I am thinking of buying a T-8. I've watched videos where people have used the sync sockets on both devices but this does not seem to work as well as the method used here. Good job. 👍
I suppose syncing the J-6 with say a TR6s would be similar with the correct adaptor?
How about a vid using all including the S1?
Are the midi cable regular stereo cables, or there must be some trs magic inside for them to work? Pardon my ignorance…
I just sync the E4 with the S1, thanks!
A question for the experts.
*How do I connect devices with built-in sounds
Directly to a control keyboard that has no sounds?
*Which cables do I need? And what is the friend why?
- I have: launchkey 25 mk Novation control keyboard
and want to connect it for example:
to CIRCUIT TRACKS.
Or - for the Roland device / Roland Aira S-1
and use their sounds.
Many thanks to the helpers.
Thanks dude
Something I should have asked before buying S-1: can AIRA compacts sync to non-AIRA, non-Roland gear? All videos seem to be about syncing S-1 to T-8 or J-6 which should be a breeze, but what about other stuff?
It can, but sometimes it can be dodgy haha.
I have used these with Dave Smith Rev2, and Prophet 12 works great. They have separate midi channels. The default channels are in the manual. This is so the Aira series work together.
I’m guessing they don’t come with any midi cables
😊
I'm new to this. The sync cable is a simple audio 3.5mm ? The manual stipulate to not use this kind of cable so I am a bit confuse...
Sounds good. And what about to connect all that 4 parts Via MIDI?
Can anyone tell me exactly what cables FB uses in this demo?
I wish they would update the t8 to have longer patterns or pattern chaining as changing by hand is not the easiest when you're dropping and adding drum it's possible but u need to be quick so it leads to mistakes I don't see why they would not have all the aira stuff with the same amount of steps if there intended to be used with each other....it's not an issue with the drums only the bass ...hope Roland fix this but I can't see it
I'm trying to figure out how to actually disable the simultaneous pattern change feature 😢 I don't always want one device to change the pattern of my other device automatically.
yeah man me too did you find out?
So were the comments just like holy *&$# or was there anger? And why!?pretty standard sync. The absaloute easiest way to sync is using the WIDI 3.5 Bluetooth. In my case I’m controlling everything from the Behringer X touch. Peace!
Connection is the key Point of it, right?
Thanks for this video, how could I sync a keyboard with an AIRA? Could you make a video pls? Thanks!!!
What do you mean by synced to a keyboard? If you're just talking about MIDI, I've already done a few videos about that :)
@@FreeBeat great, I am looking into the channel. Sorry, I just arrived today. Great videos 😊🙏
What if I want to take them out of sync mode and use them separate?
Have you tried those little Sonicware boxes? I want to sync a Sonicware, an Aira, and Volca VIA SYNC
Yeah I've got the XFM, just haven't tried it with the Airas yet. I'll have to give that a shot!
I know these AIRA products have a lot of cool features, but sound wise do you consider them professional grade or more for the hobbyist?
its roland they always sound professional. look at a jam from rachel collier shes has too much self love and not so down to earth like our free beat but the jam is good
@@lee3144 I'm familiar with Roland, I like their stuff, just got a Roland TR-8S and a vintage Roland V-COMBO 760.....but hearing these AIRA products, they seem to be more toyish to me. I'm considering buying all three of them cuz they can do a lot of cool stuff..
Depending on the use, they can fit into a mix. The E-4 is the only one I would caveat, as for vocals, you may want something cleaner.
Remember, sound is subjective. I guarantee you someone could take these two synths and produce a professional album with them. They're also fantastic for hobbyists as well! The J-6 is a creativity monster and I plan on always having one around. It's already shown up in my new outro music, which goes in every single video I make. Those videos make money, so therefore, I suppose it's already being used in a professional setting haha.
I think far too many folks put wayyyyy too much emphasis on sounds rather than what they actually DO with those sounds. Thanks for watching!
They have the exact same sound signature with more features than the vintage ones they are recreating. Roland knocked it out of the ballpark.
Thank you, does anyone know how midi works over a 3.5mm audio cable ? Sorry if that’s super obvious but I didn’t understand that part of the video.
how to sync J-6 + T-8 + E-4?
I cant figure out how to record from these. Besides just doing a line in to a standard audio recorder. Help! Is there an iphone app I should be using or some software like abelton or fl studio. I have no idea 😢
Anything you suggested there would work great!
@@FreeBeat there is an ios app called zentracker i’d like to use but i can’t figure out how to get the audio into it.
Good, good. Now, if there only was a way to sync Volcas with the Airas... My E-4 is killing me with inconsistency and plain malevolence. A drum jam sent through it de-synced twice in less than 4min. (Posted on my channel in despair). Even the mic input is moody. One day stereo line input works - Next day it demands mono (which the Volcas refuse to deliver. :(
Yeah the Volcas seem to be pretty sketchy about sync haha.
@@FreeBeat Not for me. Just with the E-4. (Well, the bass and Sample2 sometimes goes twice as fast, but still)
I tried to use sync with T8 and Cobalt 5s - didn’t work! I use the midi jacks and it works
Thx for the video. Sorry for that bad comment. I wanted to use my K.O. 2 as a master and the t8 as a slave. So this function should also work vice versa ? If I use the t8 as a master and the K.O. 2 as a Slave it works, but I doesn’t work othterwise
I'm not sure about the KO2 but all the original pocket operators use a proprietary sync method that doesn't work well with standard sync.
I wonder why dont use sync in and sync out but use midi port？
The thing is… when I change a pattern on one device, the other changes the pattern too!! Can someone help me?! I want the tempo to sync, not the patterns.
I did the same way with Roland Tr6s and it works but how do I switch synth on j6 with tr6 ?
What exactly do you want to do?
@@FreeBeat cause I see when you switch on t8 to another pattern , it change automatically another chord on j6 , I would love to know how I can switch chord on j6 with Roland tr6s , 🙏
@@Javidshah44 The T-8 isn't switching the chords, it's just a sequence set up in the J-6.
It's always working when using only one brand. Just look at Apple; they had to change the Bluetooth-standard so Apple only communicates with other Apple. I thought 2standard" was an absolute. Don't get me started on Rolands unique Bank and program system.
Hi, how do you sync t8 with microfreak?
I would recommend using MIDI to do it :)
Hey there free beat . Im pulling my hair out abit ive followed the instructions in the video but still cant get the devices to sync
Strange thing is i followed the instructions a week ago and it was working fine . Now when i try i cant get it to work
Wouldn't expect people to be rude about it, but, yeah, those sync in/out can be deceptive. They're essentially just a pulse to sync the tempo of the clocks and don't actually start or stop anything like midi. I tried syncing a Volca Bass to a RD-6 once and it went so horribly, I've used only midi ever since 🤣
Turns out a lot of people are more passionate about cables and settings than they are about the actual music produced hahaha. Thanks for watching!
@@FreeBeat When I brainstorm I usually hook up a Volca to my Tascam dp006 mixer. No possibilities for sync there apart from a metronome. Let's say those recordings come with "humanize" as a free-bee. Anyway, I've never got the sync chain *Keystep37 - Laptop/Acid10 - volcas/Aira-E4/NTS-1/D-10,Mobile-phone' to close correctly. Acid can send Timecode and clock but some random actor in the chain screws it up. ex: Acid MIDI-clock -> Keystep, then a Volca plays deaf and dumb even with MIDI-thru on. Clocking the Volcas with the keystep is fine, but then Acid doesn't get the sync. It always ends with me running all loops through the Beatmapper.
What a nightmare
I'm returning products
Goodbye Roland your support sucks
Just will not sync
I like the idea of the Aira series, but I'd much rather have non-aira content back. The J-6 is just a chord generator, nothing more. The sequence is short and the chords are rather boring in this minimal configuration. I feel like Juno sounds like that are just really overused, so I'd much rather hear you use it with your Liven XFM for example.
The T-8 is just a rather overpriced drum-machine which also has this really awful acid-bass. The patterns are short, and the usability is questionable.
In my opinion, both of these machines live from the presets, and finding presets which fit together seems to be quite the task. Since the presets make the machines, they seem to be really limiting for creativity, and not really sparking it, like you suggested a few videos back. I think the reason people buy the J-6 is not the keyboard, not the midi sync, not the Juno clone, not the sequencer, it's literally just the chords, and for a glorified midi chord package, it's too expensive.
Since you showed off the drumbrute impact, I've actually considered getting one as well. I'd love to see that paired with some other instruments.
Thanks for watching! Non Aira content hasn't gone away haha. Whenever I get new gear in the studio I always feature it for a bit :)
You deleted comments because the language offended you? 😂
What's it like to be so soft? 🤔
I do my best to keep my comments section clean and family friendly.