#DigMyRig Photos
Gear List
My rig is focused on Modularity. In addition to the Eurorack Modular synthesizers, I employ a modular MIDI setup which consists of two Alyseum AL-88C MIDI>Ethernet interfaces. These MIDI Interfaces connect to a high-speed switch which is part of my larger home network. This means that any computer on my network can access the MIDI ports. The MIDI Interfaces can operate stand-alone (without a computer) or with the Copperlan software, to route MIDI in and out of my computers and even between the two MIDI interfaces. This allows me to route MIDI data from any keyboard or sequencer to any MIDI compatible sound source. Here is a list of MIDI equipment I use:
Roland V-Synth GT
Elektron Analog Four
Elektron Octatrack
Mutable Instruments Ambika
Nord Drum
Nektar Panorama P6
Nektar Panorama P1
Arturia MicroBrute
Arturia BeatSetp Pro
Novation Launch Pad I
ntellijel uMIDI (MIDI>CV Interface) 2x
Alyseum AL-88c
E-RM MultiClock
The Multiclock is a very important part of my rig.
The MIDI Association Artist Interview
Wow, I’m totally surprised and honored!
Well, my name is Justin Sullivan, I’m also known as justin3am in various online communities. I work with sound and attempt to make music. 😉 I don’t know, I always have trouble talking about myself… on the other hand I can talk about gear all day!
My first experience using MIDI was with a Yamaha PSR keyboard, a parallel port>MIDI adapter and a MIDI sequencer that I got from the local computer store (remember those?). I think it was Magix Music Maker; whatever it was, it came on a bunch of floppy disks. I didn’t have any experience playing the keyboard… but that did’t matter as I was fascinated by the way it communicated with my computer.
Today, MIDI is an integral part of my approach to music. I’m just a single person, so the ability to control multiple instruments from a single controller opens a lot of possibilities. Sequencers allow me to compose compositions that I wouldn’t be able to achieve otherwise. Combining the two via a computer gives me freedom to make a dynamic performance out of static sequences and phrases.
Many modern music applications have features to get very complex results from simple control messages (CCs, notes, Program Changes). For example, using a single physical control to adjust several parameters at once or scripting routines of events which can change depending on variables and logical arguments to make generative compositions, which are still controllable. Most of that is not made up, I promise!
Since I’ve started using MIDI over my studio’s network, I’m able to pass messages between multiple computers. I use one mainly as a tape machine and the other as the primary MIDI sequencer. MIDI over LAN allows me to keep both machines in sync. Of course you can do the same with a USB MIDI interface but I find it much easier to manage complex MIDI routing using the CopperLAN software with my 2 Alyseum AL-88Cs. Both interfaces are connected to a high speed switch, which enables me to sed MIDI between either computer and the instruments/effects in my studio.
I’m very interested in using MIDI with easily programmable micro controllers (i.e. Arduino) to drive motors, solenoids and other stuff. I’ve found that there are many tools out there which allow me to use MIDI to control instruments which primarily speak the language of voltage (modular synths) or physical force (acoustic instruments). It’s a fantastic time to be a synth nerd/sound junkie! Ha!
Boy, that’s a bunch of words!
I’m totally stoked to be a part of this contest and to share my enthusiasm for music technology!
Here are some links which may be of interest.
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