V console

[jimlaing]

It actually does that, but a lot more.  First, it *adds* 8 sounds, so you can have (if you wanted), L, R1, R2, R3 plus 8 more.  I don't tend to use all 8 at once; I will add in 1 or 2 or 3 etc., and I can vary quickly as I go throughout a song.  Also, you can split and layer any way you want.  You can also set it so that a sound only comes in if you play with Velocity over 100 (for example) - great for "horn stabs").  You can freely modify/edit each of the 8 voices.

Then you can have 8 Registrations (on the V-Console) accessible immediately, with any combination of the 8 sounds - on your "upper" (right) and "lower" (left), and if you have an extra keyboard or MIDI pedalboard, you can assign sounds to that too.  There are 16 banks of those 8 Registrations, for 128 total.  (then you can load another file for another 128 etc. if you wanted to).  For each of the 8 sounds, you can freely modify many things, such as overall Volume, split/layer, amount of Reverb/Chorus, amount of DSP, velocity response, EQ, filter, Attack, Release, etc. etc.

For me, I have some V-Console "registrations" on which no sounds are "on" yet; I add them as I want, on top of my existing Tyros registrations for a given song, as I play the song.  Such as adding in a layer of "8va strings" or layering in a Glockenspiel for a chorus, then later layering Soft Horns to make my left-hands chords sound a bit fuller/different. 

So, it adds the ability to layer and split 8 additional sounds, which you can quickly choose from (on or off) like you would on a pipe organ.  I've only had it a couple of weeks, but one way I use it is to have various Registrations with whatever 8 sounds I want to add/layer ... on top of the Tyros Registrations that I already have and use.

So far, I have just created V-Console registrations for things like when I play a classical piece, with 'appropriate' sounds to add and layer in.  Another Reg. for jazz/standards, with various sounds I may want to add in.  Another is for film score type music, another Reg. that I set up is for "Show tunes".  Each has completely different sounds and settings, that I 'design' as ones that will work with songs of that genre.  Another for ballads, another for pipe organ so I can add in various layers as I play a song.  I have only had it a couple of weeks, so that's all I've created so far (wish I were retired and had more time!!)

-Jim

[voodoo]

Jim,

thank you for this interesting report. As I said, I find this idea very clever, to have an additional set of 8 sounds at hand, and this only works by clever midi routing to the channels of the Tyros, that would normally play midi files. And your explanations show, that the possibilities are really great.

Uli

[Roger Brenizer]

Hi Jim,

I've followed this topic since it was first posted, but have never commented.  Thank you so much for this interesting report and your personal discoveries about the V-Console.  This goes to prove that new concepts and software are invaluable in the hands of a skilled technician and musician.

I'm certain you will discover more as time ensues.  Please keep our community informed, as to your findings, with the passage of time. 

[jimlaing]

Here is a photo of my Tyros5 with the V-Console attached.  I don't have the V-Console yet placed into a permanent place; just propped it up on the music rack for now (where I usually put my iPad for reading music).  I'll eventually find a way to mount it to my rack in some way (although i'm running out of 'real-estate' since I have several gadgets already attached to my Tyros, as you see in the photo!)

-Jim

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Rondonc]

I am seriously considering purchasing the software as I already have an iPad.
I have always longed for a third right hand voice on my CVP605 if available, so this would solve the problem and some. Has anyone else used it in conjunction with a Clavi?
Cheers
Ron

[terryB]

Ron Before you purchase the software, check you can use it with Ipad. I think you can use it with windows 10 devices only.

Cheers Terry

[Rondonc]

Thank you Terry, you are so right. I would need to purchase a tablet running W10, which dampens my enthusiasm slightly.
Has anybody any further suggestions regarding adding an extra right hand voice to the Clavinova, other than multitrack.
Ron

[terryB]

Jim
When I saw the V console demo back in Oct at a Yamaha weekend, the demonstrator had it fixed to a tablet holder on a floor mounted stand to the side of the keyboard, which kept the music stand clear.

Cheers
Terry

[jimlaing]

Responding to a few notes:

Yes, it is a Windows program.  I am mainly a Mac and iPad user, so I bought his "complete kit" with a nice compact Windows tablet. 

And yes, I plan to clear off my music stand once I figure out exactly how and where I'll mount the V-Console more permanently.  Well, semi-permanently, as I'll need to be able to take it on gigs as well as use it on my home setup ...

Jim

[keyplayer]

message for jim (or anybody else here with a V console)
Hope you are enjoying your V console. I am thinking of investing in one and wondered if you would please share your thoughts on it now you have had it a few months?
I have a T5 TRX set up so I think I would be able to make full use of it, especially for the lower keyboard splits and also a better choice of pedal voices. I would be especially interested to know if the pedal voices play with reverb and can you adjust the depth?
I feel it might also be beneficial to upgrade to a 76 note T5 to make better use of the multiple splits?

Thanks
Pam

[jimlaing]

Hi - to answer a few of the questions ... the voices are just the voices already in your Tyros.  I know that he sells additional Registrations and some may have other voices.  But I use V-Console using all my voices (sounds) built-in to my tyros.  You can definitely adjust the Reverb (and just about anything you'd want to adjust) on voices that you set up for use with the V-Console.

Overall, I'm very happy with it - I wish I had even more time to work with it (have a busy life and don't get to it as much as I'd like to!)  It allows a LOT more control and variation in voice selection and layering etc.  I have done quite a but of my own V-Console editing and creating of Registrations to suite my needs, and overall it works really well.

One thing I did notice (and this is a Tyros thing, not a fault of the V-Console), is that if you are using a Style that is "thick" with a lot going on, plus a lot of layers on the keyboard, plus a lot of layers via V-Console, and you play full chords, you will run into the Tyros's "Polyphony" limit at times.  When you have all this going on, it's asking the Tyros to play a LOT of voices simultaneously!  The 128 limit is on the Tyros..

Jim

[keyplayer]

Hi Jim, thanks for your reply and comments, it seems a good buy and suitable addition to a set up. Good tip about the polyphony, I tend to not use too much of the accompaniments in a style so hopefully wouldn't come up against that. I'm hoping to hear and see one in action next month at the Yamaha Club weekend near Daventry, better take my credit card I think!
Pam

[jwyvern]

Before laying out the cash it might be a good idea to check likely compatibility/support with keyboards beyond Tyros 5 if there is a chance you could be tempted to upgrade  .
Also for me it's not certain at present whether the v console would so much of a worthwhile enhancement to say the "Genos"  IF the latter comes with built in features which take care of some of the voice channelling limitations on Tyros (where the VC scores).

John

[keyplayer]

Good point John, perhaps we will know what's new before end of October - although at the moment I'm happy with the T5, but think I might upgrade to 76 keys to make better use of the split points on the upper. I would also like multiple voices and splits for the lower keyboard and being able to access all voices for the bass pesdal + a bit of reverb. 
Thanks for your reply.
pam

[jimlaing]

In discussions with the creator of the V-Console, it seemed that he plans/wants to support the Genos (eventually) as well.  I can't speak for him, but that was my impression.  I'm guessing that the concept of the V-Console would apply to a new Yamaha arranger, just as it does to the already-supported PSR-S keyboard model(s), the Tyros models, and CVP models, that now support the V-Console.

If the Genos has "upped" the polyphony limit compared to Tyros, this will make V-Console even better for use on the Genos!  (I hope)!

-Jim

[keyplayer]

Hi all, am appreciating all these comments, hopefully will now what's new soon. Pam

[Bachus]

If upgraded for the Genos, this could be the tool to lift the genos to an even higher level..
Espescially now that there is an oprion to buy just the sofware..

I am wondering if the creator of this software plans to expand it even further
If you could next to tyros voice could also select vst sounds
That would mean creating a vst host for the software
But that would open up a whole world of even more possibilities

Imagine playing pianoteq piano's and hauptwerk virtual pipe organs on a twin Genos..

If this program works, i might create a new setup of a kawai vpc1 under yhe Genos, and use this program to share the sounds of the genos for both the Genos and the kawai piano..


But if you ever wanted acces to vst sounds in your Genos\tyros, V-console might be a perfect tool to access them. The question is, will the programmer invest more time in V-console

Other things they could add..
- an option to display the lyrics of music sheets of the genos/tyros on a big screen
- a pdf sheetmusic reader
And more..

I am quite impressed with what is allready there..
But expandingbthis program could make it a must have for every Genos owner.

[Marty]

If you use an iPad similarities to vconsole can be achieved with the IOS midi app 'midiflow'.

https://www.midiflow.com/

Midiflow midi keyboard data can be manipulated in a number of different ways and then sent back to the keyboard. This allows using the 'song' midi channels for layering voices with left, R1,R2 voices. Additional keyboard zones  can also be achieved by filtering note midi data received from the keyboard. iOS core midi apps can also be used in parallel to provide additional voices such as Arturia's iSEM synth. It won't cost you a fortune either!

Marty

[Bachus]

If you use an iPad similarities to vconsole can be achieved with the IOS midi app 'midiflow'.

https://www.midiflow.com/

Midiflow midi keyboard data can be manipulated in a number of different ways and then sent back to the keyboard. This allows using the 'song' midi channels for layering voices with left, R1,R2 voices. Additional keyboard zones  can also be achieved by filtering note midi data received from the keyboard. iOS core midi apps can also be used in parallel to provide additional voices such as Arturia's iSEM synth. It won't cost you a fortune either!

Marty

Definately..

Yes you could just use audiobus 3 which could archive the same midi routing..



But you would miss out on the strong points of the V-console
The dedicted interface and full integration with tyros/genos

And its this interface and integration that makes the V-console special

[jimlaing]

Yes, the V-Console is very powerful; it gives you A LOT of control over the sounds you use, including fairly deep editing of many parameters.  It also supports key ranges (splits), velocity mapping, octave coupling, and the ability to make Registrations of all of this, for up to 8 additional Parts.  And it integrates (if you want) with Registrations on Tyros, so that Tyros can make V-Console change its registrations "on command", or you can have V-Console change Registrations on Tyros if you want (as you change the Registrations you have on V-Console).  And the interface seems very easy to use, esp. given how many things you can do / modify /specify with V-Console.

I'd say, from using it, that a LOT of thought and work went into it, I can see where it has to cost a good amount, for all the programming efforts and interface work etc. that went into it.  I feel that I've only "scratched the surface" of what V-Console can do.

It should be even better with Genos, since Genos has dedicated DSPs for all the "Song" voices, which is what V-Console uses.  And (maybe) more polyphony.

Jim

[Spirit of the old South]

Yes, the V-Console is very powerful; it gives you A LOT of control over the sounds you use, including fairly deep editing of many parameters.  It also supports key ranges (splits), velocity mapping, octave coupling, and the ability to make Registrations of all of this, for up to 8 additional Parts.  And it integrates (if you want) with Registrations on Tyros, so that Tyros can make V-Console change its registrations "on command", or you can have V-Console change Registrations on Tyros if you want (as you change the Registrations you have on V-Console).  And the interface seems very easy to use, esp. given how many things you can do / modify /specify with V-Console.

I'd say, from using it, that a LOT of thought and work went into it, I can see where it has to cost a good amount, for all the programming efforts and interface work etc. that went into it.  I feel that I've only "scratched the surface" of what V-Console can do.

It should be even better with Genos, since Genos has dedicated DSPs for all the "Song" voices, which is what V-Console uses.  And (maybe) more polyphony.

Jim

Yes, if i choose the Genos, V-console will definitely be part of my new setup.
Its good to see that we finally can buy the software without the hardware
It should just run fine on my Microsoft tablet.

So when i use the V-console, i can not play midi songs?
(i can live with that)

Also wondering if i can set up in a way that upper plays what the R1 and R2 play. Lower plays what left plays
and Bass plays what i play on the R3 (which i often use as the top voice to the far left of my keyboard trough 2nd split.

[jazz.preest]

Take a Look

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa26oAcFzgY

I like TyrosMagic's Registration Bank offerings as inspiration to learn a new genre - here's a recent October, 2017 John Beesley Broadway-focused upload:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYSfIXC7OXo

Hmmm - this is a year's practice!

[Jeff Hollande]

Thank you so much, Jim for your very interesting feedback.
It is always very useful and funny for me to learn something.


Jeff

[keyplayer]

Well, I met John Beesley last weekend, what a very helpful and clever man he is. I had a one to one demonstration of V-Console and bought one on the spot. It looks incredible with what it can do and comes with all neccesary cables and connections plus very comprehensive instructions. So far I've connected everything up, set up the MIDI and have been using it with the supplied registrations. I was concerned at first that I wouln't be able to play with the regs I've created over the last 2 years but everything is still working perfectly despite the original TRX MIDI platform having been deleted during set up. I can see just how useful it's going to be with my system when I have time to link it to my own regs. Just being able to split the lower keyboard and use more sounds on the bass pedals is a bonus.

John says it works OK with Genos but he is also working on upgrading it to be completely compatable with the extra reg 2 buttons etc. In the meantime I've got enough to keep me quiet for hours whilst I save up for my Genos.   

If anybody else is considering one as I have been for about a year, I would say go for it, it is straightforward to connect up, easy to set up and logical to use.
Pam

[Roger Brenizer]

Thank you for the report, Pam.  What a wonderful experience that must have been for you to meet John. 

[Mike W]

Pam, thanks for that update.  I've purchased other software from John B and have been very impressed.  I'm glad to hear he is working on upgrading V console for Genos.  With the extra polyphony of Genos it will be very powerful.

Keep saving up for Genos- IMO it is worth every penny for the upgrade, though T5 is an incredible arranger too!

[Spirit of the old South]

Well, I met John Beesley last weekend, what a very helpful and clever man he is. I had a one to one demonstration of V-Console and bought one on the spot. It looks incredible with what it can do and comes with all neccesary cables and connections plus very comprehensive instructions. So far I've connected everything up, set up the MIDI and have been using it with the supplied registrations. I was concerned at first that I wouln't be able to play with the regs I've created over the last 2 years but everything is still working perfectly despite the original TRX MIDI platform having been deleted during set up. I can see just how useful it's going to be with my system when I have time to link it to my own regs. Just being able to split the lower keyboard and use more sounds on the bass pedals is a bonus.

John says it works OK with Genos but he is also working on upgrading it to be completely compatable with the extra reg 2 buttons etc. In the meantime I've got enough to keep me quiet for hours whilst I save up for my Genos.   

If anybody else is considering one as I have been for about a year, I would say go for it, it is straightforward to connect up, easy to set up and logical to use.
Pam

Thank you Pam..

I plan to buy this after i have my Genos (which i am still saving up for)
And using my Roland FP90 as the lower keyboard. No pedals.

Maybe i am a just as excited for this new tool as for the Genos itselves.
It should add a whole new level of integration between the 2 keyboards.

[Togge]

Seems to be great and very cheap considering the added functionallity.
To bad it doesn't seem to be versions for the PSR-series also.

[Bobjmanchester]

Hi, I'm a complete newbie to the forum so I hope you'll be gentle!
I'm a little over 70 years young and I come from a background of playing and (once) building Wersi organs.
I love the Tyros 5 and if it works well the V Console could be just what I want.
No movement on this for so long though.
Any updates from users?
Please?!

Regards Bob.

[keyplayer]

Hi Bob (and others interested in V-Console),
I've just seen your post and it has prompted me to give an update of my experience with this fantastic piece of add-on equipment/programme to my T5 TRX set up.
I find it has opened up a whole new world of ease of creativity to my playing in terms of being able to utilise, to my advantage, all the voices from the T5 which are loaded into the console when you buy it. All voices have editing facilities like the T5 and edits can be saved within the console's voice map. I also imported my own edited voices from the T5.
I can now set up 8 additional voices of my choice to use on any of my 2 keyboards or bass pedals - on all 3 at once if I want! I can split these 8 voices to sound within any area of keys/pedals, at whatever octave I choose and can easily be turned on or off whilst playing.  The only restriction is polyphony but it's not been a big problem for me.
The 8 voices combination settings can be saved to a registration memory on the console, there are 8 memory buttons on each bank and I can create as many banks as I want.
R1,2,3 and left voices on the keyboard can still be used, including the R3 split if I want, and stored in the registration buttons and banks of the keyboard as normal.
Registration buttons from both keyboard and console can be used in conjunction with each other. However, if I want to set up a 'link' for a registration button on the keyboard to automatically select a registration button on the console (or visa versa) the operation works through the left voice of the keyboard and so that sound is then automatically set to 0 so no sound from that - not a problem because I have voices to use from the console to assign to left (or lower).
I will admit that after a couple of weeks I was beginning to find it all a bit frustrating because I had to keep consulting the instruction book (very comprehensive) and found that I needed to write down a few notes of my own because I couldn't remember how to do various things I had done just a few days previously, there was so much I was discovering that I wanted to do with it! I also had to get used to using a touch screen tablet and stop getting confused that my T5 screen is not touch sensitive and also whether I should be pressing save on the keyboard or the tablet!!
With hindsight (hmm) I wish I had spent more time trying out all the features of the V-Console instead of being very specific about how I thought I wanted to use it, but 9 months down the line and that is all in the past. I have discovered the dos and don'ts, made my mistakes (oops that still happens sometimes!), emailed John Beesley a couple of times to put me straight (very helpful) and I now very much enjoy the versatility with voices that it gives me.

Downside? Yep, lots of cables and connections especially as I have 2 keyboards and pedals connected through MIDI too, but it doesn't put me off! I can hide them if I ever get round to it.

Bob, I obviously don't use the V-Console with just the T5 by itself so perhaps somebody else can add that experience to this post. Basically all I can say is that things will work the same as usual but you can add extra voices wherever you want and it will open up a whole new world for you. If you are used to working with the T5 operating system and can follow and understand the instructions and explanations it shouldn't take long to get used to the console too. I find it easy to use now I've explored many options (probably more for me to realise yet!!) and an interesting and enjoyable challenge - I've learned a lot along the way.

I too would be interested in hearing other users views, good or not so good, perhaps we can help each other to realise more of the potential of this 'add on'. What I've written above is quite general in some ways, I'm happy to elaborate if anybody is more interested.

John Beesley has also completed the update compatible with Genos. I have a friend with this combination and it sounds fantastic.

Pam