This thread will be a list of questions from Newbie

[Brian Jackson]

Greetings all.

Received my new MegaDrum 56 pre-built unit from Dmitri and it's a thing of beauty. I am very pleased with the build quality and am just now starting with the challenge of configuration as a completely new and unfamiliar user.

Since I will more than likely be asking several questions along the way (that I couldn't find answers to by searching this forum), I'll combine them into one thread that perhaps other new users with the same succession of questions can follow.

Q1. Is the preferred (or only) method of sending performance MIDI from MD to PC via 5-pin MIDI cable? I do not know if the USB/power cable is meant to transmit MIDI data except for SYSEX info and machine control between MDM-FX and MD.

Q2. On startup after connection, MIDI Log view (bar graph on right in MDM-FX) many random note-on/note-off events are being sent to note #0. This was expected because I haven't adjusted any thresholds yet. Just want to confirm this is normal.

Q3. Is there a printable document that explains the function of all the controls in MDM-FX? What knowledge I have thus far has been piecemealed together from various sources. But many of the controls and their function remain mysterious and cryptic.

Thanks for any feedback. And any advanced warning of common stumbling blocks I'm likely to encounter as a newbie would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Brian Jackson

[airflamesred]

Q1 either usb makes nore sense
Q2 normal
Q3 Dmitri will have sent you links to the documentation.
Welcome btw

[Brian Jackson]

Thank you Airflamesred.

Regarding Q1, that's good to know. I can get rid of the MIDI cable then and just run all MIDI communication through the USB/power cable. Since audio and MIDI on the PC are handled by an external interface (RME Babyface), what keeps the 2 clock sources in sync? Am I relying on Windows to sync both USB inputs (MD and Babyface)? Or is this even an issue in the studio?

RE: Q3, I do have links to some basic pad setup procedures, via a PDF on Angr77's site. But I haven't yet seen a document covering the meaning and usage of some of MDM-FX's named controls. A few are described elsewhere in other documents / forum posts. I'm hoping there is a list compiled that I just haven't discovered yet.

[airflamesred]

Fine choice with the rme. There is a full description of all the parameters onthe documentation page, or try this quick start guide
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6crpT1jfeS0

[dmitri]

Documentation for all configuration settings is at https://www.megadrum.info/content/megad ... figuration

[Brian Jackson]

Thank you gentlemen very much. Not sure how I missed that info, but I did compile all the text and illustrations in those links to a single printable PDF, which I've attached to this post for convenience. I'm enjoying the learning process. It's deeper than what one might assume.

[Brian Jackson]

Thought I'd share a simple solution to a space problem. Since a 19" rack unit can be a bit awkward to accommodate in the confined space of a small project studio, I mounted the MegaDrum 56 vertically to a cymbal stand using threaded u-bolts and stainless bar stock. Keeps everything clustered with smaller cable runs and easy access. Granted the screen reads sideways now, but with MDM-FX it's not an issue.

Edit to add: There are 2 brackets, one high and one low, so the MD unit is mounted rigidly at 2 points.

[Stiletto]

Brian,

That's an innovative way to mount MD without requiring any additional support structure, never thought of doing that. May come in handy for me, thanks for sharing your idea.

Hey I see that you are using the RME Babyface with AD2 and Windows 10. How's that been working for you? Specifically, what kind of latency are you experiencing when using that setup with your Megadrum? I've heard such good things about the Babyface series that I'm looking seriously at a used Babyface Pro, and would be using it in a similar configuration to yours.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide me with!
John

[Brian Jackson]

Brian,

That's an innovative way to mount MD without requiring any additional support structure, never thought of doing that. May come in handy for me, thanks for sharing your idea.

Hey I see that you are using the RME Babyface with AD2 and Windows 10. How's that been working for you? Specifically, what kind of latency are you experiencing when using that setup with your Megadrum? I've heard such good things about the Babyface series that I'm looking seriously at a used Babyface Pro, and would be using it in a similar configuration to yours.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide me with!
John

Hi John.

The RME has been the best, most reliable piece of gear I've ever owned. Their drivers alone are worth the price of admission. Stable and rock solid. And the quality of both the audio and hardware is top grade. Haven't used the Pro version yet but would expect the same.

I can't speak about latency yet as I've only recently purchased the MegaDrum and this is my first free day to start getting it configured. (Busy work schedule). However I will report the experience in this thread. Between the extremely low latencies of both the RME and what's reported of the MD, I don't think that will be an issue.

[airflamesred]

I've heard good (reputable) reports on Audient stuff as well.