Midi Out and Mapping

[Cheskie]

Im trying to use the MIDI Out feature in EZDrummer2 to trigger another Drum Library which are mapped in the GM format, but somehow the EZ Drummer grooves doesnt match the mapping, for example when i play a groove in EZDrummer my Drum Library will not respond to the hi hats, is it possible the hi hats in EZDrummer are also maped to higher notes on the keyboard, which my library are not?

Topic

[John]

Hi,

EZdrummer 2 MIDI may contain extra extended GM notes, yes.

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[d0gn0se]

I see the extended GM is a problem which many (potential) EZD2 user have (see also my BeatBuddy post). Wouldn’t it be possible to add a function in the software like “save as GM” similar to Word where I can save as docx or doc? You would open up EZD for huge new customer group!

[Scott]

@d0gn0se said:

I see the extended GM is a problem which many (potential) EZD2 user have (see also my BeatBuddy post). Wouldn’t it be possible to add a function in the software like “save as GM” similar to Word where I can save as docx or doc? You would open up EZD for huge new customer group!

What would be done with those ‘extended’ articulations and sounds? Do they get disregarded or not used?

EZD2 is GM compliant. Meaning if you feed it a GM drum file, it will play back correctly. If you create a file in EZD2, it may use the GM Extended mapping depending on the articulations used.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[d0gn0se]

Good question regarding the “extended” articulations. I have no idea since I have not really a glue about midi. One of my BeatBuddies modified a EZD2 drum midi file and he mentioned: “It’s crazy how many kinds of ‘hats they use.. just moved them all to 42 (closed) and 46 (open)”. And I have to say for me it sounds ok then in BB, almost like in EZD2.

If I feed EZD2 with a GM drum file and modify it, what articulations would change it to a extended midi file? Or in other words if I load a GM file and just cut and save it would it still be a GM file? In this case I tend to buy the EZD2 software and the midi files from GroovMonkee.

[Scott]

The hi hats articulations are what is usually the ‘extended’ parts. There are quite a few different open articulations, for example. They are offered to allow for the most realistic drum experience. A real hi hat has varying levels of ‘open’, not just one. Also, you can hit a hi hat with the top of the stick our the shaft of the stick. Different sound. There are offered. GM doesn’t.

“It’s crazy how many kinds of ‘hats they use.. just moved them all to 42 (closed) and 46 (open)”

My answer would be: ‘it’s not 1985 anymore’. It’s what Toontrack was founded on in the first place. The best, most detailed, realistic sounding drum libraries and sample engine. Our customer demand more realism. We provide it to them. Realism requires articulations to simulate that realism. Articulations require GM Extended mapping.

I believe Groove Monkey MIDI had Toontrack mapped MIDI libraries.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Cheskie]

Thanks for the answers

But why not map all strokes for a particular drum ( hi hat etc.) next to each other to have them under the fingers while druming on a midi keyboard?

Why do i have to jump the keyboard up and down to play a realistic groove?

[Scott]

It’s usually because of GM. GM has a standard making already…it’s why it’s the standard. If Toontrack wants to add articulations, there are only certain notes they can use. Those are usually at the outer edge of the map.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Cheskie]

As a Toontrack fan i would really suggest its about time to include a new standard map which i would call “EZ Realism Map” or “Keyboard Drumming Map” which will include all the added realistic keystrokes but, as opposed to GM, mapped specifically for keyboard drumming, all keystrokes for a particular drum next to each other, which would really give the opportunity to actually utilise the added realistic keystrokes for keyboard drumming.

And if possible make it as an industry standard map with other Drums VI manufacturers.

Thanks

Love Toontrack Products

[Olof Westman]

Our first mapping was made for playing with a keyboard.
It is available in Superior Drummer and called ‘Superior’.
But – no – it does not put all articulations of a particular drum
next to each other. It was designed for play-ability not ease
of finding/guessing which key plays what articulation.

Olof Westman - Toontrack
Coder

[Author]

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