4.1.2 Stand-alone modes
The stand-alone modes come into play when the B-CONTROL is not used as a USB-controller for controlling computer applications but as a pure MIDI controller. With all stand-alone modes, all MIDI connectors can be used simultaneously, and these modes differ only in how the data is transmitted on the MIDI outputs. Of course, not only sound generators can be remotely controlled (as shown in the illustrations) but also effects processors, groove boxes, hardware sequencers, lighting equipment, compact studios, portable keyboards, digital pianos etc.—basically any equipment with a MIDI input. This can also be your computer with its own MIDI interface. The USB connector can not be used while your B-CONTROL is in one of the stand-alone modes. A merge function that makes mixing MIDI data from two different sources to one output possible is active at output A in stand- alone modes S-1 to S-3.
Fig. 4.5: Routing and use in stand-alone mode 1
S-1 is probably the most frequently used standard operating mode among the stand-alone applications. We recommend using it when you for example want to control two sound generators from your B-CONTROL, whereby both sound generators are played simultaneously from a master keyboard. To do this, MIDI data from the B-CONTROL and the keyboard have to be mixed and transmitted on both MIDI OUTs. This is done using the integrated merge function. The master keyboard is connected to the MIDI input of the B-CONTROL. Both expanders played from the master keyboard and controlled by the B-CONTROL are connected at the MIDI outputs. Control data for the B-CONTROL will probably be program change and real-time controller commands, while the keyboard will typically transmit keyboard commands (note on/off, velocity, after touch, pitch bend).
Fig. 4.6: Routing and use in stand-alone mode 2
Say you want to control just one sound generator from your B-CONTROL because the tone generator allows extensive editing (e.g. it’s a rack synthesizer or a sampler, as shown above). The MIDI keyboard should be able to play both sound generators. In this case, S-2 is the optimal setup. The second sound module can be a pure preset unit that doesn’t allow any programming. However, it can also be an effects unit that only receives program commands from the keyboard. This operating mode is also very useful when the data received by the second unit is undesired and could otherwise disrupt operation (e.g. to MIDI functions that cannot be switched off or the MIDI channel can not be changed).
FADER