Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Forum for Roland FA-06/08
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Aldan
Posts: 21
Joined: 16:24, 30 March 2015

Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Aldan »

Hi Guys,
I wrote special app to control drawbars and overdrive MFX from Android Phone.
The only thing left to do is to prepare sexy icon for it.

The phone should be equipped with the latest OS (Marshalow). Hope, every Android user have installed it already, if device allows.
The connection between synth and phone is via any USB-OTG cabel.
On Roland FA-0608 side USB driver should be changed to “Generic (MIDI only)”.
That is due to Marshalow API can’t recognize original Roland’s driver "VENDOR(MIDI+AUDIO)".
Just go to MENU/SYSTEM/USB DRIVER, select option “Generic (MIDI only)”, write changes, and restart synth.

On my Xperia Z2 the app looks like on attached screenshot.

My questions to community:
• Is there any demand for such app?
• Shall I distribute it via Google Play Market?
• What do you say if price it $10?

Please, leave your comments and share your opinion!
Attachments
DrawbarAndOverdriveControllerRolandFa.jpg
DrawbarAndOverdriveControllerRolandFa.jpg (50.48 KiB) Viewed 1820 times
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Myrk-
Posts: 329
Joined: 19:45, 27 August 2016
Location: Bristol, UK

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Myrk- »

I didn't realise it was possible to code apps to control the FA via USB! I suppose it's reasonably useful to some people (people trying to do DJ esque effects etc) as it skips menu diving whilst doing other functions.

Do you think it would be possible to code an app that would allow jumping between bars on the sequencer during playback and set loop points (also during playback)? It would allow the FA's to utilize non-linear sequencer playback. Reckon that's something you could make?
Aldan
Posts: 21
Joined: 16:24, 30 March 2015

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Aldan »

Hi Myrk,
Theoretically, everything is possible. There is special chapter in Midi implementation Guide related to Sequencer controll and there are Song position pointer,Start and Stop messages.
But, I dont see any messages related to "loop points" or markers or labels or something similar.
So, think, in reallity that may require hell of investigation and analysis.
Skijumptoes
Posts: 681
Joined: 11:08, 21 June 2010

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Skijumptoes »

I use song position via my setup and it's a bit hit and miss too.

Don't forget you can use an app as the sequencer, this would be the better way to achieve Ableton-like loop behaviour.

I remember the UK Roland guy (During demo videos) selling the pads on the FA as being available for future ideas such as marker points - but that was obviously never picked up on in Japan.
scramble
Posts: 88
Joined: 20:21, 16 November 2007

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by scramble »

>The phone should be equipped with the latest OS (Marshalow). Hope, every Android user have installed it already, if device allows.

No, there are millions of existing Android phones that don't have Marshmallow, and never will. (I tried to update my not-that-old phone to Marshmallow, but it broke it, so had to go back to Lollipop.)

Good idea, though. For $10 I'd buy it myself to have a play-around with if I had a Marshmallow phone.
Gatorjohn
Posts: 96
Joined: 15:39, 3 July 2016
Location: N E Florida

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Gatorjohn »

An IPad app of this would be awesome!
bennyseven
Posts: 699
Joined: 18:01, 19 April 2014
Location: Germany

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by bennyseven »

As far as I know there is already one from candy:
http://mididesigner.com/qa/3093/roland- ... nth-editor
Gatorjohn
Posts: 96
Joined: 15:39, 3 July 2016
Location: N E Florida

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Gatorjohn »

Holy smokes! Thanks bennyseven!
Aldan
Posts: 21
Joined: 16:24, 30 March 2015

Re: Android App : Drawbar and OverDrive Controller

Post by Aldan »

Hi, Guys,
Happy to announce that Aldan Drawbar Controller for Roland FA-06 08 is already available at Google Play Market.
Here is the link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... controller
Until end of October the app is FREE !
Download and enjoy!
Please, post below “+1” if it works for you.
Feel free to post your questions/issues/wishes, if any.
BR
Attachments
AldanDrawBar at Google.JPG
AldanDrawBar at Google.JPG (84.24 KiB) Viewed 1605 times
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