MKS-50 Synth Programmer

Introducing a fun and intuitive programmer/editor for the MKS-50 by Moth Retra. This is a Max For Live device for Ableton Live which makes programming the MKS-50 analog synth and saving patches within Live super easy!

FEATURES:

• The Programmer has the look and "feel" of a PG-300 programmer, but with better flow and optimization, and it costs a fraction of the price.
• This Programmer is integrated into Ableton Live using Max For Live. No need for an iPad or any other buggy ass software.
• Virtually all of the parameters and controls can be automated and/or mapped to your favorite controller or Control Surface.
• Quickly start patches from scratch with the initialize (INIT) and randomization functions.
• Save and load patches within Ableton Live. Use Ableton Live's Browser and Hot-Swap features to load saved patches into the Programmer then hit the Recall button to send the patch to the MKS-50.
• Control of all parameters of the MKS-50 from the convenience of your mouse!
• Creative functions: Use the Note Delay parameter to non-destructively change the timing of arpeggio notes for a different rhythm. Adjust the Sysex Timing parameter to squeeze and limit the data flow from the Programmer to the MKS-50, changing how automation reacts while playing, or how "deep" a randomized patch is created. **

READ ME/NOTES:

1. I only own, and have access to, the MKS-50. Therefore, I have developed this programmer with performance and usability in mind for the MKS-50. The Alpha Juno and Alpha Juno 2 (keyboards) may work with the programmer, but I have not, nor have the means to, test it. The AJ2 is most similar to the MKS-50, and most of the sysex parameters are shared, but the AJ1 may be too drastically different for effective use. I recommend only buying and using this Programmer if you have an MKS-50.
2. Programmer is unidirectional only, MIDI OUT data from the computer/interface to the synth, and therefore only requires one MIDI cable connection. The Programmer does not receive data from the hardware synthesizer.
3. Patch-saving on the hardware itself, initiated from the Programmer to the hardware, is not a function of this device. Furthermore, the patch name as entered in the Programmer is not transmitted to the hardware. However, you may indeed tweak parameters via the Programmer and perform a save sequence on the hardware synthesizer to save into memory, if desired, but you're wasting your time, IMHO. Instead, it's better to build an entire library of patches directly within the Browser and User Library.
4. ** NOTE: If the Sysex Timing parameter is set to anything other than the default value of 10, then parameters actually changed in the hardware will differ then those displayed on the Programmer. It's intended for live play and allow for more automation to take place and not swamp the synth, but if leverage to make weird, random patches, then it's recommended as a one-time use only, or save your creation into the MKS-50's physical memory in order to keep it.

FINAL WORD:

I really appreciate you stopping by and checking out my Programmer creation. Using this tool, I'm having a blast tweaking and programming my MKS-50 in my studio! If you decide to buy a copy -- thank you in advance for your support! -- then you get free updates for life. So if any bugs are squashed, or I add improvements, then you get a new version for FREE. Finally, please check me out at Bandcamp and consider becoming a fan @ http://mothretra.bandcamp.com. Take care and happy music-making! - m.R.