VST-AU Standalone Global User Manual

Applies to All VST-AU and Standalone Editor Products

Welcome, and thank you for purchasing reKon audio™ VST-AU Editor software. The best editor software available for your classic hardware Synthesizer. reKon audio software offers extensive control over every Bank, Program, and Parameter for your Synthesizer with customized views and controls that help you create, shape, edit, store, import, export, and manage with incredible ease. It's the ultimate utility knife for your Synthesizer, with a smooth and great looking user interface. The best part is it will help you save tons of time when working with your Synthesizer, while also giving you a better understanding of it with an immediate overview of the Program data you are working with. Please read through this help documentation to become familiar with the software and its capabilities and refer back to it whenever you have a question, or get stuck with something.

 

reKon audio is a small company that works on a very small budget to produce and advertise our products. We encourage our customers who use and appreciate our software to share their experience with friends, family, students, and co-workers who are also interested in Synthesizers and Editor software to easily control them. If you appreciate our software and the time and dedication it takes to produce it, please help us stay in the game by sharing your experience with others.

 

If you have any issues with our software, or need some help, please get in touch with us to discuss what you are having issues with and we will do our best to help sort it out to make you happy. If you have suggestions, let us know. We are happy to consider them for future developments with our products. You can contact us through the Contact Us page.

 

This information applies to all reKon audio VST-AU and Standalone software products! Please read this entire document and the specific VST-AU product's User Manual before using the software or contacting us for technical support. You will need to be familiar with all of this information to be able to properly setup and use the software.

 

 

Other Helpful Documents

Read the User Manual for the VST-AU Editor product you are using.

Read the DAW Setup Guide for plug-in setup information in your DAW.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Requirements

In order to use the software properly you will need the following:

  • The actual model of hardware Synthesizer the product is designed for.
  • A computer running a recent or latest version of  MacOS or  Windows.
  • A Pro Audio Card (preferably with an ASIO driver) to connect the Synthesizer to the PC audio inputs.
  • 2 (1 Left, 1 Right) Audio cables to connect your Synthesizer to the Audio Card.
  • A Pro USB MIDI device with MIDI In and MIDI Out connectors.
  • 2 (1 In, 1 Out) MIDI cables to connect between Synthesizer and Pro USB MIDI device.
  • A DAW Plug-In Host (eg. Cubase, Live, Logic, etc.) if using the plug-in version, or you can use the Standalone version.
  • A firm understanding of MIDI, your Synthesizer, its user manual, and its capabilities.
  • Some patience in getting things setup and working. This is technical MIDI routing, so take your time.
  • Double check your routings, settings and equipment.

 

 

Step 1 - Physical Connections

You will need to make the appropriate physical MIDI and Audio cable connections to and from your hardware Synthesizer and the Computer first. You will also need to read and understand the user manuals for both your manufacturers hardware Synthesizer, and the VST-AU Editor product you are using. You will likely need to make some Global MIDI settings on the hardware Synthesizer in order to be able to send and receive MIDI data appropriately. This information can be found in the 'Synth Specific Settings' section in the User Manual for your product. The basic connections of a typical setup example would look like the figure below, but may also be expanded upon. In this example, a remote MIDI controller keyboard is used to play note data into the DAW or Standalone application, through the Editor, and out to the hardware Synthesizer. This allows the user to completely play and control the Synthesizer from across the room on the computer.

reKon audio - Setup Connections Diagram

 

 

Step 2 - Software Installation

 

Installation of the software is by means of common installer application file. Instructions are provided below for MacOS and Windows operating systems.

Mac OS InstallationMacOS Installation

  1. Run the .pkg installer file from the download. This will install the VST3, AU and Standalone application and related files to the following folders on your computer:

    • AU 64-bit: /{user}/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/
    • VST3 64-bit: /{user}/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/
    • Standalone: /Applications/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/
    • User Files: /Users/Shared/Library/Application Support/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/

    *Note- You may need to copy the 'VST3' and 'Component' files to your Mac drive's '/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/' folder for your DAW to be able to find them. DAW's may differ on the location it looks for Plug-ins.

 

Windows Installation Windows Installation

  1. Before installing, and if you have a previous version installed, be sure to run Windows Uninstaller and Uninstall the current version 2 software first.
  2. Run the downoaded installer file. This will install the VST3 and Standalone application and related files to the following folders on your computer:

    • VST3 64-bit: /Program Files/Common/VST3/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/
    • Standalone: /Program Files/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/
    • User Files: /Users/{user}/AppData/Roaming/reKon audio/[VST-AU Editor Name]/

 

 

Step 3 - Product Activation

Product Activation for version 2 Software is Discontinued!

Please note that previous version 2 software is no longer supported and will no longer allow for Activation of the software. Please update to the latest version 3 software to Activate your License and begin using the software.

See the Product Activation Information page for information on version 3 product activation.

 

We understand there were a lot of problems with our previous (version 2) License system in regards to not being able to perform the Product Activation process on newer MacOS and Windows 10 operating systems. We appologize for the hassle it has caused our valued customers and have addressed this issue head on. The result is a completely redesigned License system that eliminates those issues and makes it as easy as possible to Activate your software and get on to working with it right away. The new (version 3) License system works great in conjunction with the new web site, and it works on all recent or newer MacOS and Windows operating systems.

 

 

Step 4 - Synthesizer Specific Settings

You will likely need to make some Global MIDI settings on the Synthesizer itself to properly communicate with the Editor software. Please refer to the 'Synth Specific Settings' section in the Editor's product User Manual for more information regarding specific settings and where to find them on your Synthesizer.

 

 

Step 5 - Quick Start Guide For the Standalone Version

 

Step 1 - Connect the Synthesizer to the Audio Device

  1. Ensure your Synthesizer is properly connected with Left and Right audio cables to the computer's Audio Device, and that it is working properly on it's own.
  2. Click the 'Options' button in the very top left of the window, then select the 'Audio/MIDI Settings' menu item. Choose the highest quality audio driver available from the options (ASIO is preferred), and the audio Left and Right channels that are connected to the Synthesizer's audio outputs and the audio device audio inputs.
  3. You should also select a MIDI Input that is connected to a remote MIDI keyboard controller (like an Akai MPK or other device), that may be used to play MIDI note and controller data into the Editor, and on to the Synthesizer. Only select a MIDI port that is connected to a remote keyboard controller! Do Not select the MIDI port connected to the Synthesizer! Failure to do so will result in the Editor not transmitting any MIDI data, and you won't be able to select this port in the Editor's MIDI Setup view where it is needed!.

 

Step 2 - Connect the Synthesizer to the MIDI Device

  1. First, make sure you have set up your Synthesizer following the 'Synth Specific Settings' outlined above.
  2. Ensure you have completed audio setup in Step 1 outlined above.
  3. Ensure your Synthesizer is connected with either the USB cable [required for Blofeld/Pulse2], or both standard MIDI In and MIDI Out cables connected to your computer's USB/MIDI Device.
  4. Open the 'MIDI SETUP' tab and select the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports that are connected to the Synthesizer. Make sure these same MIDI ports are not being used by any other Audio/MIDI applications first! If they are, disable them or close those applications then restart the Standalone software.
  5. Select the 'MIDI Channel' that you wish to send and receive MIDI data to/from the Synthesizer on. Ensure this value is the same setting on the Synthesizer as well. (*Note- It is best to start with MIDI Channel 1).
  6. It is recommended you leave all the MIDI checkbox settings at their default settings for best results. You must leave 'Program Change' checkboxes turned off or Sysex MIDI messages (ie. Editor Programs to the Synthesizer) will not be transmitted, only a Program Change MIDI message will be transmitted, which is likely not what you want to be doing with the Editor. This is an intentional design for flexibility of the MIDI system.
  7. Move some knobs on the Synthesizer, or change Programs in the Editor and verify MIDI data is being transmitted and received in the MIDI Monitor. This will affirm you have MIDI connectivity to and from your Synthesizer and the Editor.
  8. If you are having issues with MIDI not transmitting, please ensure all four 'Program Change' checkboxes are turned off in the 'MIDI Setup' view, and also check that no other applications are using the MIDI ports. If you have tried this already, then reboot your system and start by only opening the Standalone application, then selecting the MIDI ports again.

 

Step 3 - Load the Software - Configure Devices

Open the Standalone appliction and follow the instructions below to setup your devices.

  • Audio Config: Click the 'Options' button in the very top left of the screen. Then select the 'Audio/MIDI Settings'.
  • Select Audio Card Driver: Select the audio card and channels connected to the synthesizer. Use an ASIO driver if one is available.
  • Select Remote MIDI Keyboard Controller Input: If you have a remote MDI keyboard controller, Select it under the 'Controller Keybard In' section. Ensure the MIDI ports connected to your Synthesizer are NOT selected here! Failure to do so will result in the Editor not working.
  • Extra MIDI Output: Leave this setting 'OFF' for now. You do not need it.
  • Close Dialog: Close the 'Audio/MIDI Settings' dialong. You can save the setup if you wish.

 

Step 4 - Configure MIDI Devices

Click the MIDI SETUP tab. The three fields with the yellow border are the MIDI Port and Channel settings. The first one is the MIDI Input port, then the MIDI Output port. Select the MIDI device that is connected to the Synthesizer here, then select MIDI Channel 1.

 

Step 5 - Load In Your Programs

Next, we need to decide where we want to load Program data from. We can load data into the Editor from the Synthesizer, from a .FXB or .SYX Bank file, or from Programs stored in the Library database.

  • Load Programs from Synthesizer: Open the 'PROGRAMS' tab and Select the Bank button for the Bank you wish to load from the Synthesizer. Select 'Sync>Load Bank from Synthesizer' from the Menu. The Editor will send a command to the Synthesizer and request all Bank Program data and capture this data into the Editor Programs for that Bank. It may take a few minutes to load all the Programs in to the Editor.
  • Load Programs From File: You can Load a Bank of Programs, or All Banks from either an .FXB or .SYX Bank file. Loading Bank data this way is very fast.
  • Load Programs from Library database: You can build up your Editor Bank Programs easily by dragging and dropping Programs from the Library database, or single .syx file Programs from a File Explorer, into the Editor Bank Programs.

Once Programs are loaded into the Editor Bank, you can modify, re-arrange, rename, duplicate, or perform any other changes required to define the Programs and Bank exactly as you like. When you are satisfied with the results of your edits, you can easily add these Programs to the Library database, Transfer them to the Synthesizer, or export them as .SYX files for future reference.

After you have loaded data into the Editor and then close the Editor. It will restore the data that was last loaded and edited.

 

Step 6 - Start Editing and Creating!

You should be all set to start playing and creating your custom Programs and Banks quickly and easily now. Select the first Tab and begin moving knobs and sliders and changing values while playing notes from your remote MIDI keyboard controller to see how the changes affect the sound in real-time. All your changes are automatically kept, so when you come back to that Program later, all your changes are still there. This is called 'destructive' editing because it overwrites your existing data as changes are made, instead of during a final 'save' command, so be sure you have or save a copy of your Programs and Banks before you start changing them in the Editor. If you imported your Programs from the Synthesizer first, those Programs are still intact on the Synthesizer as the Editor does not permenantly overwrite the Synthesizer's stored data, unless you specifically tell it to by using the 'Set Program', or 'Set Bank' command from the Editor.

You can change the current Program from the Main Bar area, the Library Editor Banks view, or the Programs view. Once you have changed a Program using the mouse, you can use the Up and Down arrow keys to quickly change Programs while previewing them until you use the mouse to place focus on other items. In the Main Bar and Programs view, you can also rename the Program.

 

 

Step 5 - Quick Start Guide For the Plug-In Version

 

Step 1 - Connect the Synthesizer to the Audio Device

  1. Ensure your Synthesizer is properly connected with Left and Right audio cables to the computer's Audio Device, and that it is working properly on it's own.
  2. The device settings will be from the DAW's own Audio and MIDI settings. MIDI Input from a remote keyboard controller will be from the DAW track's MIDI Input settings. Set that to your MIDI keyboard controller (like an Akai MPK or other device).
  3. Ensure you first disable the MIDI In and Out ports inside the DAW's MIDI settings that are connected to the Synthesizer! Instead assign those ports inside the Editor's MIDI Setup view as shown in Step 2. Failure to do so will prevent the Editor from transmitting MIDI data to the Synthesizer!
  4. For specific setup instructions for your DAW, We have created the 'DAW Setup Guide' for most popular and Supported DAWs. You can find it on our web site under the 'Support' section.

 

Step 2 - Connect the Synthesizer to the MIDI Device

  1. First, make sure you have set up your Synthesizer following the 'Synth Specific Settings' outlined above.
  2. Ensure you have completed audio setup in Step 1 outlined above.
  3. Ensure your Synthesizer is connected with either the USB cable [preferred], or both standard MIDI In and MIDI Out cables connected to your computer's USB/MIDI Device.
  4. In your DAW's MIDI Preferences, make sure the MIDI ports that are connected to your Synthesizer are disabled first! We will connect to the Synthesizer ports through the Editor's MIDI Setup View.
  5. Open the 'MIDI SETUP' tab and select the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports that are connected to the Synthesizer.
  6. Select the MIDI Channel that you wish to send and receive MIDI data on. Ensure this value is the same setting on the Synthesizer as well. It is best to start with MIDI Channel 1.
  7. It is recommended you leave the MIDI checkbox settings at their default settings for best results. Always leave 'Program Change' checkboxes off or MIDI messages may not be transmitted. This is an intentional design for flexibility of the MIDI system.
  8. Move some knobs on the Synthesizer, or change programs in the Editor and verify MIDI data is being transmitted and received in the MIDI Monitor. This will affirm you have MIDI connectivity to and from your Synthesizer and the Editor.
  9. If you are having issues with MIDI not transmitting, please ensure all four 'Program Change' checkboxes are turned off in the 'MIDI Setup' view and that no other applications are using the MIDI ports. If you have tried this already, then reboot your system and start by only opening the Standalone application, then selecting the MIDI ports again.

 

Step 3 - Load the Plug-in in the DAW

Open the DAW appliction then open its MIDI Settings and ensure that the MIDI In and Out ports connected to the Synthesizer are NOT selected. Failure to do so will cause the Editor to not work!

 

Step 4 - Open the Plug-In / Configure MIDI Devices

OPen the Editor plug-in then click the MIDI SETUP tab. The three fields with the yellow border are the MIDI Port and Channel settings. The first one is the MIDI Input port, then the MIDI Output port. Select the MIDI device that is connected to the Synthesizer here, then select MIDI Channel 1.

 

Step 4 - Load In Your Programs

Next, we need to decide where we want to load Program data from. We can load data into the Editor from the Synthesizer, from a .FXB or .SYX Bank file, or from Programs stored in the Library database.

 

  • Load Programs from Synthesizer: Open the 'PROGRAMS' tab and Select the Bank button for the Bank you wish to load from the Synthesizer. Select 'Sync>Load Bank from Synthesizer' from the Menu. The Editor will send a command to the Synthesizer and request all Bank Program data and capture this data into the Editor Programs for that Bank. It may take a few minutes to load all the Programs in to the Editor.
  • Load Programs From File: You can Load a Bank of Programs, or All Banks from either an .FXB or .SYX Bank file. Loading Bank data this way is very fast.
  • Load Programs from Library database: You can build up your Editor Bank Programs easily by dragging and dropping Programs from the Library database, or single .syx file Programs from a File Explorer, into the Editor Bank Programs.

Once Programs are loaded into the Editor Bank, you can modify, re-arrange, rename, duplicate, or perform any other changes required to define the Programs and Bank exactly as you like. When you are satisfied with the results of your edits, you can easily add these Programs to the Library database, Transfer them to the Synthesizer, or export them as .SYX files for future reference.

After you have loaded data into the Editor and then close the Editor. It will restore the data that was last loaded and edited.

 

Step 5 - Start Editing and Creating!

You should be all set to start playing and creating your custom Programs and Banks quickly and easily now. Select the first Tab and begin moving knobs and sliders and changing values while playing notes from your remote MIDI keyboard controller to see how the changes affect the sound in real-time. All your changes are automatically kept, so when you come back to that Program later, all your changes are still there. This is called 'destructive' editing because it overwrites your existing data as changes are made, instead of during a final 'save' command, so be sure you have or save a copy of your Programs and Banks before you start changing them in the Editor. If you imported your Programs from the Synthesizer first, those Programs are still intact on the Synthesizer as the Editor does not permenantly overwrite the Synthesizer's stored data, unless you specifically tell it to by using the 'Set Program', or 'Set Bank' command from the Editor.

You can change the current Program from the Main Bar area, the Library Editor Banks view, or the Programs view. Once you have changed a Program using the mouse, you can use the Up and Down arrow keys to quickly change Programs while previewing them until you use the mouse to place focus on other items. In the Main Bar and Programs view, you can also rename the Program.

 

 

How the Editor Works

Non-Destructive to the Synthesizer's Stored Data

You can safely browse all the Programs in the Editor Banks and Library without ever touching the stored data in the Synthesizer. The normal operation of this Editor is that it holds an exact representation of the data that makes up a Bank and Program in the Synthesizer. When you select a Program inside the Editor, you are sending the Editor's copy of that data to the Synthesizer's temporary 'Edit Buffer', which will allow you to preview the sound on the Synthesizer, without actually storing that data on the Synthesizer.

The 'Edit Buffer' is the temporary memory area in the Synthesizer. Any changes/edits you make are currently held there until you change the Program from the Synthesizer's front panel, via MIDI Program Change message, or from the Editor sending new Program data. No data is actually stored in the Synthesizer unless you specifically use the save/store command on the Synthesizer itself, or when you use the 'Set Current Program to Synthesizer' or 'Set Current Bank to Synthesizer' functions from the Editor.

About Program Changes

Sending Program Change data at the same time we are sending Sysex Program data to the Synthesizer's 'Edit Buffer' could cause issues on some devices. For this reason, notice that 'Program Changes' are turned off by default in the MIDI View preferences. This is because we do not need to change Programs to use the 'Edit Buffer' on the Synthesizer to preview the sound. We simply ignore which Program is/was currently selected on the Synthesizer itself. Since we are using the temporary 'Edit buffer' memory area to hold this data on the Synthesizer, we are able to 'preview' the sound in that way without ever touching the permanent memory on the Synthesizer, regardless of which Program the Synthesizer is currently set to.

MIDI, Automation and VST3

Things have changed from VST2 to VST3 that have forced some changes with the Editor when used as a Plug-in within the VST3 capable DAW. VST3 only sends Note On/Off MIDI message data, instead of the full range of MIDI data messages found in VST2. This means that all other MIDI messages, like CC, Sysex, Modulation wheel, Pitch bend, etc. are ignored by VST3, and therefore can not be received by the Editor. Instead, the new way forward is to simply use the 'automation' features found within your DAW. Map the automation parameters in the DAW to your selected controls in the Editor and the Editor will respond just as it would with MIDI CC or Sysex messages, and the Editor will still send out the proper MIDI CC and Sysex Parameter messages to the Synthesizer when Parameters are automated.

Note that sending large amount of automation data, or automation that has many points in the curve may cause the performance to degrade. Make sure to keep your automation controls and points to an absolute minimum for best performance.

 

 

Using The Graphical User Interface

The graphical user interface of the VST-AU Editor™ is designed for maximum ease of use, giving you easy accessibility to all of the parameters and common functions. You are also able to rename, modify and browse the Programs right inside the Editor itself. All controls are handled via either a slider, knob, combo box, button or text edit box.

The following screens will show screen shots from the VST-AU Blofeld Editor as an example, but they apply to all other Editor products as well since they all utilize the same features.

 

The Main User Interface Bar

reKon audio top menu bar

 

From top left to right in the image figure:

  • reKon audio Logo - Click to view the About screen.
  • Program Number and Name - Shows currently selected Program Name and Program Number. Click on this to edit the Program Name. (See note 1 below)
  • Bank Number - Shows the selected Bank Number.
  • Arrow Up: Program Increment - Move up one Program.
  • Arrow Down: Program Decrement - Move down one Program.
  • COPY button: Copy the current Program to clipboard.
  • PASTE button: Paste from clipboard to the current Program. (See note 2 below)
  • Top E buttonn: GET EDIT BUFFER - Gets the current Program data in the Synthesizer's edit buffer. (See note 2 below)
  • Top P button: GET Program - Gets the current Program on the Synthesizer's stored program memory. (See note 2 below)
  • Top B button: GET BANK - Opens the Programs view. Use the Sync menu/Get Bank to get the Bank into the Editor. It will get all Programs automatically. (See note 2 below)
  • Bottom E button: SET EDIT BUFFER- Send the current Program to the Blofeld edit buffer. Not really necessary, but use it if you need to 're-send' the current Editor Program data.
  • Bottom P button: SET Program - Send the current Program to the Blofeld. This overwrites your existing data on the Synthesizer. (See note 3 below)
  • Bottom B button: SET BANK - Opens the Programs view. Use the Sync menu/Get Bank to send the Bank into the Synthesizer. This overwrites your existing data on the Synthesizer. (See note 3 below)
  • C button: CLEAR Program - Clears the current Editor Program with befault 'zero' values. (See note 2 below)
  • ? button: Click to randomize the Program. (See note 2 below)
  • U button: Undo changes.
  • R button: Redo changes.
  • ! button: MIDI PANIC- Click to stop all notes and all sounds (Note- may not work on some synthesizers if it is not in the synths MIDI specification).
  • Colored MIDI LED's: These represent MIDI data that is moving in and out of the Editor from the DAW host and Editor/Synthesizer.

1. Note that some DAW's do not allow plug-ins to use keystrokes on the main plug-in window.
2. Warning! This will overwrite the currently selected Editor Program or Bank  data. Make sure you have made a backup of your Editor's Program and Bank data first!
3. Warning! This wile overwrite the stored Program or Bank data on the Synthesizer. Make sure you have made a backup of your Sytnehsizer's Program and Bank data first!

 

 

The MIDI Setup View

To access the 'MIDI Setup' view, click the 'MIDI Setup' tab. The 'MIDI Setup' view allows you to connect to the MIDI IN and Out ports that the Synthesizer is connected to,  and control (or filter)  the MIDI data coming in to and out of the Editor and Host. You will need to open this view directly after instantiating the software in order to setup up communication between the Synthesizer and Editor. Once you have done this, the software will remember your settings (until other MIDI devices are added or removed). You can toggle the filtering of specific MIDI data for both the Host and Editor In and Out MIDI data paths.

MIDI Setup view

 

  • New Window - Opens the MIDI Monitor views in a separate window.
  • MIDI In Port - Select the MIDI port that is connected to your synths MIDI Out port.
  • MIDI Out Port - Select the MIDI port that is connected to your synths MIDI In port.
  • MIDI Channel - Select the MIDI channel that is being used with your synths MIDI In port.
  • MIDI Device ID - Select the same device ID that the SYnthesizer is set to here.
  • Host MIDI In - Activates the Host MIDI In module. Turn this on to receive MIDI data from the Host.
  • Host MIDI Out - Activates the Host MIDI Out module. Turn this on to send MIDI data to the Host.
  • Editor MIDI In - Activates the Editor MIDI In module. Turn this on to receive MIDI data into the Editor from the Synthesizer.
  • Editor MIDI Out - Activates the Editor MIDI Out module. Turn this on to send MIDI data to the Synthesizer from the Editor.
  • MIDI Setup file Name - Shows the current MIDI Setup file that is being used.
  • MIDI Setup file Loaded - Shows the date the MIDI Setup file was loaded.
  • MIDI Setup file Created - Shows the date the MIDI Setup file was created.

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Notice in the default MIDI Setup view settings that all four Program Change checkboxes are deactivated. Please ensure you keep them this way to ensure proper MIDI communication between the Editor and Synthesizer. Turning these on will prevent the Editor from being able to send Program System Exclusive MIDI messages, and instead will only send MIDI Program Change messages when Editor Program's are selected, which is probably not what you want. When Program Change checkboxes are turned Off, the Editor Program System Exclusive MIDI data will be sent to the Synthesizer when Editor Programs are selected, which is what we want for normal operation of the Editor software.

 

Section 1 - MIDI Setup Menus

Use these functions to manage your MIDI Setup.

MIDI Setup Edit Menu
  • Disable Program Changes - Quickly turns off all 'Program Change' filters in the four views. (See Important Notice above)
MIDI Setup View Menu
  • Open MIDI Monitor Window - This will open a new window for the MIDI Monitor and transfer data display to that view. Helpful when you need to use other view tabs and still see the MIDI Monitor.
  • Disable All MIDI Monitors - This will disable all four MIDI Monitor views.
  • Enable All MIDI Monitors - This will enable all four MIDI Monitor views.
  • Clear All MIDI Monitors - This will clear all data in all four MIDI Monitor views.

Section 2 - MIDI Device Configuration

Select the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports, MIDI Channel, and Device Id that your Synthesizer is connected to here. Ensure these same settings are made in the 'Global MIDI Settings' on the Synthesizer.

Section 3 - MIDI Filters and Monitors

There are four blocks here, each representing a MIDI signal path. The left side is MIDI Input data, the top from the Host, and the bottom from the Editor. The right side is MIDI Output data, the top from the Host, and the bottom from the Editor.

Each block allows you to Filter each type of MIDI Message In or Out of the data stream and monitor that MIDI data.

The MIDI Monitor views allows you to view the MIDI In and Out data coming to and from the Synthesizer, Editor, and Host app. Use this to verify if you have MIDI data transmitting and receiving MIDI In and Out data to and from the Editor, Host, or Synthesizer. You can open the MIDI Monitor in a new window if you need to refer to it while using other Views in the Editor or performing other tasks that require monitoring the data.

There is also the 'Force MIDI Channel' option if you need to quickly test data on other MIDI channels. this is usually only useful if you are working with Multi Instruments, or other data purposes. We recommend you leave these settings off for normal operation.

 

 

The MIDI Monitor View

To access the 'MIDI Monitor' view, click the 'New Window' button in th MIDI Setup view. The 'MIDI Monitor' allows you to view all MIDI data that is coming into or out of the Host and Editor in a separate window so you can see this data as you are working in other views. By default the view will show MIDI In/Out data from the Editor MIDI data path. You can switch between Host and Editor MIDI In and MIDI Out views independently. The colors of messages are related to the color coding found in the 'MIDI Setup' diagram. The 'Clear' button will clear the data in that view. The log view will show up to 1500 messages before clearing itself automatically. You can copy the data in the log view to other applications if necessary. The 'All' button will select and automatically copy to the clipboard that entire view's data. You can turn on/off the view with the button on the right.

 

MIDI Monitor view

  • Host MIDI Input View - shows data that has come from the DAW or Standalone (Audio Device Settings) MIDI In.
  • Host MIDI Output View - shows data that goes to the DAW.
  • Editor MIDI Input View - shows data that has come from the Synthesizer.
  • Editor MIDI Output View - shows data that goes to the Synthesizer.
  • Clipboard and Trash Icons - Clear, Copy All, or a selection of data to the clipboard.

 

 

The Programs View

The Programs View offers you a way to quickly organize your Editor Bank and quickly import, export, load, and save all Banks and Program data. The Editor Bank is the Bank that is in current Editor memory and contains the same number of Programs as your Synthesizer per Bank. You can import and export these Banks and Program files to and from the Editor and Synthesizer and File System. For Synthesizer's that have more than one Bank, you will see Bank Buttons for each of these Banks. For Synthesizer's that use only one Bank, the other Banks are useable as 'Scratch Pad' memory areas, and can still be previewed as usual.

 

The Programs View consists of a grid of Programs that can be re-arranged as you like by simply Dragging and Dropping them to and from other Programs using either 'Copy', 'Swap', or 'Move' methods selected from the 'Drop Mode' menu.

 

The Programs View is smart and it knows when there are duplicate or similar Programs in the same Bank. These will be shown with a colored tab in the top right corner of the matching Programs. This will help you easily identify any Programs in your Editor Bank that you could either remove, or replace with other useful Programs that are unique. There are three different color codes for recognizing the similarities with the selected Program. These are:

  • Pink - This Program is exactly the same in both Sound Data and Program Name to the currently selected Editor Program. It should be edited and renamed, cleared, or replaced with a different Program to make the Program unique in the Bank.
  • Blue - This Program has the same Sound Data, but with a different Program Name than the currently selected Editor Program. It should be edited, cleared, or replaced with a different Program to make the Program unique in the Bank.
  • Green - This Program has the same Program name, but has different Sound Data than the currently selected Editor Program. It should be renamed to make the Program unique in the Bank.

 

Programs View

 

Section 1 - Menus

Use these functions to manage your Programs and Banks.

File Menu

  • Load Program from .FXP - Load a Program to the currently selected (dark red color) Program from an .FXP file. (See note 2 below)
  • Load Bank from .FXB - Loads a Bank from an .FXB file. (See note 2 below)
  • Save Program as .FXP - Saves the currently selected (dark red color) Program to a .FXP file.
  • Save All Programs as .FXP - Saves all Programs in the Bank to individual .FXP files.
  • Save Bank as .FXB - Saves the current Bank to a .FXB file.
  • Load Program from .SYX - Load a Program to the currently selected (dark red color) Program from an .SYX file. (See note 2 below)
  • Load Bank from .SYX - Loads a Bank from an .SYX Bank file. (See note 2 below)
  • Save Program as .SYX - Saves the currently selected (dark red color) Program to a .SYX file.
  • Save All Programs as .SYX - Saves all Programs in the Bank to individual .SYX Program files.
  • Save Bank as .SYX - Saves the current Bank to a .SYX file.
  • Save Factory Bank as .SYX - Saves the current Bank to a Factory .SYX sized file.
  • Export Program as .CSV - Saves the currently selected Program info to a .CSV file.
  • Export Bank as .CSV - Saves the current Bank info to a .CSV file.
  • Export Bank Programs as .TXT - Saves the Program names in the Bank as a .TXT file.

Edit Menu

  • Undo - This will Undo the last action.
  • Redo - This will Redo the last Undo action.
  • Randomize Program - This will randomize the currently selected Program. (See note 2 below)
  • Randomize Bank - This will randomize the entire Bank. (See note 2 below)
  • Clear Program - This will clear the currently selected Program. (See note 2 below)
  • Clear Bank - This will clear the entire Bank. (See note 2 below)
  • Clear Exact Duplicates - This will clear any other Programs that are duplicates by Name and Data. (See note 2 below)
  • Clear Data Duplicates - This will clear any other Programs that are Data duplicates only (may have same name). (See note 2 below)
  • Add Suffix to Program - This will add the set Suffix to the Program Name for the selected Program.
  • Add Suffix to Bank - This will add the set Suffix to the Program Name for the entire Bank.
  • Clear Suffix on Program - This will clear the set Suffix to the Program Name for the selected Program.
  • Clear Suffix on Bank - This will clear the set Suffix to the Program Name for the entire Bank.
  • Add Prefix to Program - This will add the set Prefix to the Program Name for the selected Program.
  • Add Prefix to Bank - This will add the set Prefix to the Program Name for the entire Bank.
  • Clear Prefix on Program - This will clear the set Prefix to the Program Name for the selected Program.
  • Clear Prefix on Bank - This will clear the set Prefix to the Program Name for the entire Bank.

Sync Menu

  • Get Program from Synthesizer - This will retrieve the Program Number of the currently selected Editor Program (dark red color) from the Synthesizer via a MIDI Program dump request and load that data into the currently selected Program slot. Note this will erase any current data in that slot! (See note 2 below)
  • Get Bank from Synthesizer - This will retrieve the Bank the entire Bank from the Synthesizer with a MIDI dump request. Note this will erase the current Bank data in the Editor and replace it with the new data from the Synthesizer! Be sure to back-up your Editor Bank data first! (See note 2 below)
  • Send Program to Synthesizer - This will send the currently selected Program (dark red color) to the Synthesizer and permanently store it at the Program Number of the currently selected Program in the Editor. This will erase the Program in the Synthesizer and replace it with the Program data from the currently selected Editor Program. (See note 3 below)
  • Send Bank to Synthesizer - This will send the entire Editor Bank to the Synthesizer an permanently replace the Bank data in the Synthesizer. This will erase your current Synthesizer Bank data and replace it with the data in the Editor Bank! Always backup your Synthesizer data first! (See note 3 below)

 

1. Note that some DAW's do not allow plug-ins to use keystrokes on the main plug-in window.
2. Warning! This will overwrite the currently selected Editor Program or Bank  data. Make sure you have made a backup of your Editor's Program and Bank data first!
3. Warning! This will overwrite the stored Program or Bank data on the Synthesizer. Make sure you have made a backup of your Sytnehsizer's Program and Bank data first!

 

Section 2 - File Information

When you load a .FXB, or .SYX Bank file, or Sync Import a Bank from your Synthesizer, this area will display the File Name, Date Loaded, and Date Created information of the file that was loaded.

Section 3 - Drag and Drop Mode

To Drag and Drop a Program to another Program location (number), start by clicking on the 'Number' area of the source Program, then hold and Drag and Drop it on to the destination 'Program Name' area. You may select from the following Drag and Drop Modes.

  • Copy: This will Copy the Source Program to the Destination Program.
  • Swap: This will Swap the Source Program or Block with the Destination Program.
  • Move: This will Move the Source Program to the Destination location. Shifting the Programs to accommodate the change.

Section 4 - Programs Grid

The grid contains all Programs in the selected Editor Bank. Use the Bank buttons at the top row to change Banks. Double-click on a Program to select it and preview the sound on the Synthesizer. See the Drag and Drop in Section 3 above for moving Programs around in the Bank.

 

 

The Librarian View

The Librarian View offers you a way to truly mega-manage all of the Programs for your Synthesizer from a central database. Store every single Program that you have collected or produced and they are always available no matter what Programs you have loaded into the Synthesizer, or Editor Bank. Data stored in the Library database will never change, making sure you have preserved an un-changed, non-editable copy of it in the database. It also allows you to add an 'Author', 'Notes', and 'Rating' value to each Program that you can use to better search and organize your Programs with. The Librarian allows you to easily Drag and Drop Programs from the Editor Bank, or from Program .SYX files from Finder or Explorer to add them to the Library database.

Use the Programs from the Library and Drag and Drop them into the Editor Bank to build Banks that perfectly suit your needs. Once you have the Programs in the Editor Bank, you can start editing and changing them with the controls, then send them to the Synthesizer for permanent storage there.

 

Library Manager View

 

Double Click to Preview Program

If you Double Click on a Library Program, you can preview the sound, and the Display will read 'LIB' instead of showing the Program Number. Also, the editing controls in the Editor Views will no longer change the sound. If you want to edit the Program, you just need to...

Copy Over to Edit

When you want to edit or modify a Library Program, simply select an Editor Bank and Program you wish to overwrite from the Editor Bank Program List first. Then select the Library Program you wish to edit and drag and drop it on the 'Drop Library Rows or SYX Files Here to Add to Programs' block in the 'Program Transfer Area', and you now have an Editor copy of the Program that you can begin editing in the Editor Views. All while preserving the original Program data which is still stored in the Library Program. Note that Drag and Dropping more than one Library Program will consecutively fill Editor Programs beyond the currently selected Editor Bank Program.

Excellent Organization

Easily find your Programs with full Search and Sorting capabilities coupled with powerful database functions that allows you to easily manage all of your Programs in a central location. Sort the data by column. Add or edit the 'Name', 'Class', 'Rating', 'Favorite', and 'Notes' data to help identify and find your favorite Programs.

Store Data How You Want

You can load and save Library database files easily and can choose to arrange your Libraries any way you wish. Store every Program in a single database. Or, store only certain Banks and Programs in a database and load them by file when needed. It's flexible, and that allows you to store your Library data any way you like it.

Section 1 - Library Menus

Use these functions to manage your Library databases, Programs and Banks.

Library File Menu

  • Create New Database - Creates a new named Library database file.
  • Open Database from File - Open a Library database from file.
  • Save Database to File - Save the current Library database to a new file name.
  • Add Program from .SYX File - Open a single Program .SYX file to add to the Library database. Note, it may be faster to just drag and drop these files from Finder or Explorer into the 'Drop Program Rows...' box if you need to import several files at once.
  • Save Program to .SYX File - Saves the currently selected (dark red color) Program to a .SYX file.

Library Edit Menu

  • Delete Active Program - This will delete the currently selected Program(deep red color).
  • Delete All Programs and Re-index - This will delete all Programs in the Library database and restart the index at 1. Use this with caution!
  • Delete Active Duplicates - This will delete all Programs in the Library database that are an exact duplicate of the currently selected Program (deep red color), keeping the selected Program.
  • Delete All Duplicates in Database - This will delete all Programs in the Library database that are duplicates, keeping only a single instance of each Program. This is handy for cleaning up your database and ensuring no single Program is alike.

Librarian View Menu

  • Refresh List - You can use this to manually refresh the list if you feel it is not current.

Section 2 - Search Library

This section allows you to search the Library database by the selected Column.

Section 3 - File Information

When you load a database file this area will display the File Name, Date Loaded, and Date Created information of the file that was loaded.

Section 4 - Editor Bank List

These are the same programs in the Programs view and is the same number of Programs that make up a Bank for the Synthesizer. You cannot sort this list, the order always follows the numeric Program number of the Synthesizer Bank. The grey boxes in the 'Program Transfer Area' at the top right of this area are where you Drag and Drop Program rows to add them to the Library or 'Clear' them from the Editor Bank.

Section 5 - Program Transfer Area

These four block areas are drop targets for transferring Programs between the Editor Bank List and the Library List.

Section 6 - Library List

This is a list of any and all Programs you have aded to it. You can Search and Sort this list by column to easily find Programs. The boxes to the left of this area are where you may Drag and Drop Library rows to ad these Programs to the Editor Bank list (starting at the currently selected Editor Bank row). Note this will overwrite existing Editor Bank Programs, so be careful! See below for more info on adding and removing Programs to and from this area.

Section 7 - Library Program Editor

Allows you to edit the currently selected Library Program information and update the stored values in the Library database. This does not affect the Program's Sound Data, only the Name and Category info are updated in the Sound Data. Add useful information to your Library Program like 'Author', 'Rating', 'Favorite', and 'Notes' that can be searched and sorted on for finding it later. Note that this data is not part of the Program or Synthesizer's system exclusive data, and is used only by the Librarian.

Drag and Dropping Programs

Add Library Programs to Editor Bank - You can Drag and Drop Programs from the Library to selected slots in the Editor Bank Programs list. This allows you to quickly build your own Banks right from the Programs in your Library database. Then dump that Bank into the Synthesizer, or save it to a .SYX or .FXB Bank file on your computer for storage or sharing.

Remove Library Programs - You can remove Programs from the Library database by single Program, or by selecting a range of Programs by holding he 'Shift' or 'Control' keys while you click, then Drag and Dropping these onto the 'Delete Library Rows' box. You can also remove all Programs from the database and start fresh with a newly indexed database. One more useful feature we have added is the Delete all Duplicate Programs feature that allows you to quickly remove any Programs from your database that are exact duplicates by name and data.

 

 

The Preferences View

The Preferences View allows you to select and configure applications settings that affect specific functionality and areas in the app. These settings are stored and recalled when re-opening the application.

User Interface

Preferences View

Section 1 - File Path and Info

This area shows the locations of the preferences file used and the date it was created and loaded..

Section 2 - Preference Selections

Each column represents the 'Tab' view in which the preference selections will apply. Note that these may change between products and versions updates.

 

 

MIDI Implementation Chart

The following MIDI data is transmitted (Tx) and Received (Rx) from the Editor and may be filtered as well.

MIDI Message
 Tx Rx
Channel Y Y
Mode Y Y
Note On/Off Y Y
Velocity Y Y
Aftertouch Y Y
Poly Pressure Y Y
Pitch Wheel Y Y
Modulation (CC1) Y Y
Continuous Control (CC) Y Y
Program Change Y Y
System Common Y Y
System Realtime Y Y
System Exclusive Y Y

For a full list of the parameters and their value ranges, please refer to the Synthesizer's User Manual.

 

 

About Quality MIDI Devices

There are several different brands, makes, and models of USB MIDI devices on the market since the late 1990's. Across the spectrum of these devices you will find a variety of quality in both performance and price. Since the introduction and popularization of DAW's since the late 1990's, there seems to have been a (and IMO, downward) trend towards (silently) deprecating the use of the compliant MIDI specification standards in regards to MIDI System Exclusive messages (and some others). Many of the older devices can end up having better support for the original MIDI specification, and support larger byte size chunks of system exclusive data. Whereas, many of the modern devices do not always support the MIDI standard (eg. the $5 on Ebay, made in China cable, and some brand name devices) and typically limit/truncate the received system exclusive messages to 3 byte chunks. Sometimes these devices can achieve making up for that in software drivers. Some do this successfully, some do not.


It can be difficult to decide upon a solid and reliable USB MIDI device in a sea of different products over the last 20+ years. Luckily, there are some informative sites out there that can help from users that have experienced these issues over their years of use. One such helpful web page is the MIDI Device Whitelist and Blacklist. This site has a list of known issues between many of the devices on or recent to the market. It may be helpful for you if you find you are having trouble with your current device and need a cross reference, or are considering purchasing a new USB MIDI device. I have used the same MOTU MIDI Express XT for over 10 years and I have found that MOTU (and their other USB MIDI devices) have excellent continued driver support, and they handle the large sysex messages just fine. I have also tested several of the cheapo cables from ebay, and these perform ok for a while, but usually tend to fail after using them for a few minutes or so when using them heavily, or with larger sysex messages. reKon audio recommends investing in a quality USB MIDI device if you are serious about your Synthesizer, and interfacing it professionally with your computer (as your interest in our VST-AU Editor products would suggest you do).

 

 

Using With Virtual MIDI devices


For Windows users, you may opt to use a Virtual MIDI Device (LoopMIDI, etc.) to use your MIDI ports with more than one application at a time. The VST-AU Editor's MIDI Setup will be able to see your Virtual MIDI Devices in the MIDI Setup MIDI Port list, just as it would any normal MIDI port. The idea here is to allow the DAW direct access to the Synthesizer MIDI ports, and the Editor the same access to those same ports, at the same time. Thus, allowing you to send MIDI Note On/Off, Aftertouch messages directly to the Synthesizer from the DAW, instead of through the Editor first, which may slightly delay the timing of MIDI messages. All other MIDI messages (CC, Sysex, etc.) should still be sent/generated from the Editor's MIDI Out port and on to the Synthesizer. Unlike, normal MIDI Device ports, by using a Virtual MIDI Device port, you will be able to access the MIDI Out port (to the Synthesizer) in both the DAW's MIDI Setup, and in the Editor's MIDI Setup.

For Mac users, your Virtual MIDI Devices are handled by the IAC Driver (in the Audio/MIDI Setup application). Refer to the Apple documentation for details on the Audio/MIDI application, CoreMIDI and the IAC Driver.

 

 

Getting Additional Support

If you have read through this document, the User Manual and the DAW Setup Guide, and are still having issues using the software, then support is available through our Contact Us page.

 

 

License Agreement

  • You may download, install, Activate, and run this software on up to three(3) machines, as many times as necessary.
  • By purchasing a License, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Web Site Terms of Use.
  • Licenses, Software, and User Accounts are non-transferrable and may not be sold, re-sold, traded, or gifted to a third-party.
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  • Violation of any Terms and Conditions or Web Site Terms of Use will void your reKon audio User Account, and any Licenses you may have purchased with the account.
  • You may not use this product in any manner that would be considered illegal, harmful, or not as intended for its purpose and use. This includes using the product with incompatible hardware or software systems.
  • reKon audio retains all rights to the software, licensing, content, and intellectual property related to the software and product.
  • reKon audio reserves the right to modify or change these Terms and Conditions, Web Site Terms of Use, Software, Licensing, or content related to the product at any time.

 

1. This is an agreement between Licensor and Licensee, who is being licensed to use the named Software.

2. Licensee acknowledges that this is only a limited nonexclusive license. Licensor is and remains the owner of all titles, rights, and interests in the Software.

3. This License permits Licensee to install the Software on more than one computer system, as long as the Software will not be used on more than one computer system simultaneously. Licensee will not make copies of the Software or allow copies of the Software to be made by others, unless authorized by this License Agreement. Licensee may make copies of the Software for backup purposes only.

4. This Software is subject to a limited warranty. Licensor warrants to Licensee that the physical medium on which this Software is distributed is free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, the Software will perform according to its printed documentation, and to the best of Licensors knowledge Licensee's use of this Software according to the printed documentation is not an infringement of any third party's intellectual property rights. This limited warranty lasts for a period of 365 days after delivery. To the extent permitted by law, THE ABOVE-STATED LIMITED WARRANTY REPLACES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND LICENSOR DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. No agent of Licensor is authorized to make any other warranties or to modify this limited warranty. Any action for breach of this limited warranty must be commenced within one year of the expiration of the warranty. Because some jurisdictions do not allow any limit on the length of an implied warranty, the above limitation may not apply to this Licensee. If the law does not allow disclaimer of implied warranties, then any implied warranty is limited to 365 days after delivery of the Software to Licensee. Licensee has specific legal rights pursuant to this warranty and, depending on Licensee's jurisdiction, may have additional rights.

5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, LICENSOR IS NOT LIABLE TO LICENSEE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING COMPENSATORY, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, CONNECTED WITH OR RESULTING FROM THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT OR LICENSEE'S USE OF THIS SOFTWARE. Licensee's jurisdiction may not allow such a limitation of damages, so this limitation may not apply.

6. Licensee agrees to defend and indemnify Licensor and hold Licensor harmless from all claims, losses, damages, complaints, or expenses connected with or resulting from Licensee's business operations.

7. Licensor has the right to terminate this License Agreement and Licensee's right to use this Software upon any material breach by Licensee.

8. Licensee agrees to return to Licensor or to destroy all copies of the Software upon termination of the License.

9. This License Agreement is the entire and exclusive agreement between Licensor and Licensee regarding this Software. This License Agreement replaces and supersedes all prior negotiations, dealings, and agreements between Licensor and Licensee regarding this Software.

10. This License Agreement is valid without Licensors signature. It becomes effective upon the earlier of Licensee's signature or Licensee's use of the Software.

 

 

Disclaimer

Steinberg and the VST name and logos are the property of Steinberg Media, GmbH. Apple Computer and the Audio Units name and logos are the property of Apple Computer.

reKon audio VST-AU Editor products have no association or affiliation with the Manufacturer of the Synthesizer, or it's brand, model, or trademark names related to the Synthesizer product. reKon audio retains all copyright and/or patent to the software products and intellectual property it solely produces and sells.

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