Using Alesis SR18 and OnSong

[Yammyman]

I've been trying to get OnSong to load patterns and tempos on to the SR18 via 5-pin midi cable. No matter what I read/try/watch (on YouTube), although I can get the metadata into OnSong, I cannot get the SR18 to change by receiving the midi commands.

Has anyone managed to achieve the process of pulling up a song in OnSong and the drum machine actually doing what I want it to do i.e., go to the pattern and tempo that I want?

If anyone can help, that would be brilliant. If this includes a 'complete idiots guide' to achieve what I believe is 'easily' done, please feel free to put me out of my misery!

Thanks
Steve

[Chaser]

I've been trying to get OnSong to load patterns and tempos on to the SR18 via 5-pin midi cable. No matter what I read/try/watch (on YouTube), although I can get the metadata into OnSong, I cannot get the SR18 to change by receiving the midi commands.
Has anyone managed to achieve the process of pulling up a song in OnSong and the drum machine actually doing what I want it to do i.e., go to the pattern and tempo that I want?
If anyone can help, that would be brilliant. If this includes a 'complete idiots guide' to achieve what I believe is 'easily' done, please feel free to put me out of my misery!
Thanks
Steve

Welcome to the Forum !
I haven't owned an SR18 in years however I do remember you can use it as a Sound Generator..
and you can send MIDI to it for Pattern playing etc after the SR18 is properly setup for it and the MIDI Events are setup in the software/Hardware (Onsong MIDI ADD ON-additional Purchase).MIDI Channel and MIDI Mapping for the Pads to Match...Clock Sync....Tempo...Bank LSB,MSB...Program Changes etc..
Refer to pages 45-51 of the User Guide..

You set the SR18 to V1 (Velocity)..V2 is Constant... you must then assign/Map MIDI Notes to the Pads....match the Map you are using in Onsong..


"Background Select ON V1 or ON V2 if you're using the SR18 as an expander module, or want to play real time drum controllers into the SR18 as it plays a Pattern or Song.
Select OFF if you're using the SR18 as a drum machine slaved to a sequencer; when OFF, the SR18 follows the sequencer timing data but not note data (you don't want it to play other parts).
Note that in this scenario Clock In (page 5 of the System Setup menus) must be set to ON"

The Mapping is in 3 Sections..DRUMS..PERC...BASS
The Drum Section is GM Standard Drum mapping....User Guide pg 46 (Attached) in NORMAL MODE.
MULTI-DRUMSET MODE has Multiple MIDI mappings per Kit(s)
Basically every Kit ending in 0 (Zero) use the same MIDI Map..Kit's ending in 1 (one) use the same MIDI Mapping..etc etc and so on..
Refer to User Guide pg 50 (Attached)
You can then setup Program Changes to change Kits (PRG CHNG)

To access User kits, you will need to send a Bank Select message along with the Program Change.
Bank MSB,LSB, Program Change number for Kit..Refer to the table..User Guide pg 48
The MIDI Implementation Chart shows it doesn't recognize Note ON/OFF..and there isn't a "Local Control".
However I know that is Not accurate...refer to User Guide pg 45.(Attached)

The MIDI Implementation  Chart (Attached) also shows  Program Changes aren't recognized..which I also know isn't accurate..refer to this Topic
 and page 50 User Guide.(Attached)

SR18 Recording MIDI from DAW or External MIDI Device.

OnSong SENDING AND RECEIVING MIDI EVENTS

[Yammyman]

Many thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. The good news is that everything that you have shown me is what I have done already but to no avail. However, having taken a break away from trying to set it up, I'll now go back and try again. As they say: "If at first you don't succeed......'! Or stick to playing the bass!😂
Steve

[Chaser]

I used OnSong years ago (before Band Helper) until they went to Subscription Model around 2020..$60 a year.Prior to that you just purchased the app....since the SR18 doesn't have USB I presume you are using a Camera Kit and  a 5 PIN MIDI interface or Audio Interface.
Have you checked to make sure MIDI is being sent out?...or are you getting a response just no control over the patterns/tempo etc.

I recall the same complaints years ago for the SR18 and using an external controller and as a sound generator/patterns etc.
I  set up the SR18 with the Trigger IO as the controller..there is/was a File to set it up..and then OnSong to the Trigger IO thru USB....the Trigger IO was faster for re-mapping,program changes etc as you had everything on the front panel.. that was a lot of years ago..