Voyager Question - as a controller

Hello!

This has probably been discussed before somewhere.

Today I gave the Voyager, Little Phatty and the Prophet 08 as good test drive.

I have too many keyboards and not sure yet what i’m going to do but here is my question.

IF I were to use the Voyager as a controller for the Prophet 08 rack unit how well does the Voyager function as a controller.

If I recall, I can disable the keyboard for local control yet still send out MIDI data??

I would really like to have both as keyboards but as it is I already have 5 keyboards in addition to some modules and even a MIDI’d Korg MS-10 (which may be sold towards my purchase of the Voyager and Prophet).

I am hoping that I can still play the Prophet module from one of the keyboards (such as the Voyager) and/or use one of them in a “split” mode where one side may control the Voyager’s oscillators and the other side the Prophet.

If the Voyager is capable of ANY type of remote control (as mentioned above) the only limitation I can see, for my purposes, would merely be the number of keys the voyager has.

Is anyone using the Voyager this way?

Based on your signature it doesn’t look like you have enough Black and White Keys!

:smiley:

Ive been finding that the MicroMoog lacks keys as well as my keyboard technique improves.

you might want to try something like this:

The QKB15S 5-octave keyboard controller generates precise control voltages and gate signals for use by oscillators, filters, envelope generators and other modules. Four modes of operation allow keyboard splits and dual voices. Additionally, MIDI signals are generated for each key press which can be used to control other devices. Incoming MIDI signals are converted to control voltages and gate signals allowing other MIDI devices to control the analog synthesizer. Responds correctly to MIDI pitch bend signals too. Solid walnut cabinet matches our studio systems. Use our QKB keyboard brackets to stack 2 keyboards.

Operating Modes
There are 4 modes which determine how the keyboard operates:

Single Voice Mode
Creates a pitch control voltage, gate, velocity control voltage, and a trigger pulse. The keyboard acts monophonically - only one key can be pressed at a time. The most recent key takes priority. The pitch control voltage is normally used to control oscillators or filters. The gate signal is normally used to trigger envelope generators. The velocity control voltage can be used to control an amplifier, filter or other module. The trigger pulse can be used to trigger sequencers or envelope generators.
Dual Voice Mode
Creates 2 pitch control voltages and 2 gate signals. In this mode 2 keys can be pressed at a time to create 2 sets of signals.

Split Keyboard at Octave 1
In this mode the keyboard is split at the first octave creating 2 keyboards. Each section of the keyboard will generate it’s own pitch control voltage and gate signal. Useful when you need to control 2 separate voices at the same time.

Split Keyboard at Octave 2
In this mode the keyboard is split at the second octave creating 2 keyboards. Each section of the keyboard will generate it’s own pitch control voltage and gate signal. Useful when you need to control 2 separate voices at the same time.


Scanning Method
The keyboard is scanned by a microprocessor which constantly looks for pressed keys. When a key is pressed, outputs are generated. If another key is pressed before the first is released, the newest key will take priority. If the second key is released, the first key will retake prority. When generating MIDI, the keyboard will respond to as many as 8 keys at a time.
Specifications
Physical Size: 41" wide, 3.75" tall, 9.5" deep.
Pitch Output: 0-5V, 1V/Octave response (12bit D/A)
Velocity Output: 0-5V.
Gate Output: 0-5V, active high.
Trigger Output: 0-5V, 10ms, active high.
MIDI Channel #: 1
Power: 12VDC@200ma External wall transformer (110VAC).
User must supply transformer or converter for 220VAC operation.

Performance
Tracking Accuracy
The following tracking accuracy chart was taken from a QKB15S Keyboard Controller taken right off the production line. No special calibration, parts, procedures, or modifications were used.

Test Equipment Used (with recent calibration):
HP 3455a 6.5 Digit Voltmeter


QKB15S Tracking Accuracy
Desired Actual % Error
0V 0V 0
1V 0.9995V -0.05
2V 1.9998V -0.01
3V 3.0012V +0.03
4V 4.0027V +0.07
5V 5.0008V +0.02


Price
$450.00 US.

http://www.synthesizers.com/qkb15s.html



I am going to be using the voyager to control my modular synth that im building (when i get the voyager and when i get more modules lol) but i certianly woudln’t scratch the voyager off of my list.

Eric

This is ultimately going to boil down to personal taste and how you are going to use each synthesizer. I have a Voyager and I have to say that I don’t think I would be happy with the rack version. I tend to like keyboard versions of synths since I know I can always take them someplace as a stand-alone unit and play them.

Having said that…if you really want to avoid having two new keyboards, I might suggest getting the Prophet 08 in keyboard form (so you have 5 octaves) and the Voyager in rack form since you really won’t be missing much.

I’m going through a similar dilemma at the moment but am opting for the keys and not the rack (of the Prophet)…

P '08 rack for me (I think). Controlled by either Rhodes Chroma or Voyager, depending on what is in use at the time.

:smiley: You’re comical!

Nice keyboard though but don’t need the CV features and it seems the split point it both fixed AND only usable via CV.

Yeah, I also prefer keyboard for similar reasons and I hate boxes without knobs, etc.

One reason I plan to sell a few things as I have some things that have become useless to me without knobs or a way to edit the sounds (e.g.- Roland VariOS).

I may go with the P '08 keyboard… i’m still unsure of which version of the Voyager I prefer - keys or RME. I may end up with another keyboard which may be alright as I am considering getting a rack version of the K5.

One thing that concerns me with using a controller with the Voyager is the depending upon how good of a controller the P’08 is if I will have problems as described here with zipper noise, etc.

I know the Evolver has a bit of an issue with zipper noise when turning an encoder and I have any idea if it has the same issue(s) while sending various knob/wheel changes via MIDI.

My only gripe with keyboards versus modules is having to haul so much stuff around if I play somewhere.

I hear ya - there is always a trade-off. I really like the Voyager keyboard feel though. It has just the perfect bounce for a monosynth. I don’t know if it work as well for a polysynth to be honest.

I am really liking the VirusTI keyboard as my main controller of late (when I need to control a softsynth or something) - it has a wonderful feel.

Speaking of studio real-estate. I prefer to have my Voyager on it’s own vertically…not above or below any other synth…it takes up a little extra space but it makes it more accessible.

As far as I’m concerned, if you get a keyboard instead of a module you can always stand it up against the wall and use it that way if you need the space :slight_smile: