October 2020 Book update: New and improved!

Hadn't seen that interface, sounds like it would solve Ableton's clocking issue. Not thrilled at having a VST controlling the box then converting data twice, then to the thru box(es). Though from a price standpoint that is the cheaper option and it sounds like it. It also handles sysex which I have found is a whole thing with MIDI interfaces. For instance, when using Patch Base and an iRig MIDI2 you can crash the app sending sysex back and forth to a DX7. My mio2 does better with sysex but requires more cables than the iRig and isn't passive. At this point though, I might just try the USAMO too haha.

Hope to do an episode about this so I've love to hear what you discover. Regarding ES- I've not tried it but have you seen USAMO? https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/usamo.html

Nope haven't tried either. Going to test the ERM Midiclock+ and as an alternate a Disaster Area Designs DMC-3XL which is a midi interface geared towards pedals, but it has a dedicated clock that can be sent via 5 pin in/out. Might try Expert Sleepers clocker, but I don't need all those digital in/outs (at the moment any way) on the ES-8 or 9, unless they have a simpler module with clock that I am overlooking.

By the way have you tried clocking solutions by ERM or Expert Sleepers? I'm thinking of taking a look at those soon

Thanks and welcome!

This book is beautiful man. Thanks from a new patron!

Joe Duran

Cool - let me know if you can share any useful insights. I just spoke with a friend who says there's a bug with external clocking on hydra synth

I avoid ableton as the lead clock these days, and it seems so do my friends. My aggravation there stems from how ableton handles the inherent connection between the clock and transport controls. IIRC, ableton adds a button click or two to arrangement playback when it is not the lead clock. At least with my digitakt or digitone the transport end of things is easy, whether less clicks/button presses I haven’t counted. I’ve noticed some jitter at least on ableton and on my hydrasynth stemming from my digitone and digitakt, tempo set at 120.0 and hydrasynth or ableton reads the clock as 12.1~.2 and fluctuates in that range. As best I can tell this is the fault of the tone/takt whether it’s my units or not I’m unsure. My friend suggested a motu interface and have that serve as the lead, especially if I’m trying to run 4+ devices. At my recording desk I’m not, but when jamming on my larger setup anything is possible. Going to check how my digitakt does with a sixty four pixels banana split (six way midi thru), curious how this thru box fares for one and if my digitakt can wrangle my setup together, so jamming and composing is as fluid as possible. My friends used to run a 14-15~ device setup plus ableton for their live stuff and they said keeping everything in time was rough. Clock and transport control solutions have been on my mind since they expressed those frustrations. I am fascinated as to how they intrinsically work, and that came about when I noticed that the clock on ableton (and so it seems most devices) is a component of the transport mechanism...anyway I am rambling and it is early here (NC, USA). Will be on the lookout for that collaboration featuring the digitakt, appreciate your response!