Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

29 Mar 2010, 20:30

Hi,

I use my Fantom as MIDI controller and sound module for Cubase 5, while I do most sequencing in Cubase. When working with Cubase, I would prefer that all my project settings - including all my Fantom’s part settings - are stored on my computer, so that I don’t have to save a corresponding song (or studio set) on my Fantom. I believe that’s why Roland provides their Fantom-G Editor VST plug-in.
Is there anyone who has got this working flawlessly? My VST Editor has disabled menu buttons (the stand-alone version works fine). I run Windows XP, 32 bit. It's unclear to me if this is a problem in Cubase or in the VST Editor.

Also, I would still like to change all my part settings (effects and patch settings) on the Fantom (actually I don’t quite understand the purpose of making changes in the Editor, while I can also do this on the Fantom; am I missing something here?). When I make changes in the VST Editor, or in the Cubase mixer, they are immediately reflected on my Fantom. I would expect that it should also be the other way around, but this is not the case. Is it possible to set up the VST Editor so that it automatically syncs to the changes to part settings that I make on the Fantom?

Currently I save a separate (empty) song on my Fantom for each Cubase project, but I find it hard to keep my Fantom’s settings synchronized with the Cubase project. Often after loading a song the Fantom's volume sliders are set incorrectly, so that I have to move the mixer sliders in Cubase in order to correctly initialize them.

I would really appreciate your feedback.

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

31 Mar 2010, 11:18

Boy, do I feel lonely. Probably no Cubase users here...

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

31 Mar 2010, 11:28

Is it possible to set up the VST Editor so that it automatically syncs to the changes to part settings that I make on the Fantom?

I think no, the Editor will only manually load the data from the Fantom, correct? The editor is not exactly integrated with the board, it merely sends MIDI data back and forth telling it what to do.

As for the workflow and Cubase specifics, I'm still trying to coax myself into Cubase and while I love somethings about the audio editing, it still makes me frustrated.

Are you using the sliders on the Fantom as a controller for Cubase mixer?

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

31 Mar 2010, 11:56

I use Fan G as Instrument in C5 with a instrument map I created. You can get it at http://www.dhoop.de/ . If I find time I try to create a device panel - prhaps you are faster?

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

31 Mar 2010, 12:02

Thanks for the reactions.

I think no, the Editor will only manually load the data from the Fantom, correct? The editor is not exactly integrated with the board, it merely sends MIDI data back and forth telling it what to do.

What a shame! I see no reason why it shouldn't be possible to auto-sync the Editor to the Fantom.

Are you using the sliders on the Fantom as a controller for Cubase mixer?

I wish I knew how to do that. Any pointers? I also would like to start recording in Cubase with the record button on the Fantom. Is that possible?

But are you guys using the VST Editor, and if so, the same as me (with corresponding saved song on the Fantom)? Or do you make all your part changes in the VST Editor?

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

31 Mar 2010, 12:19

It's technically feasible I suppose, but the underlying question may be, are you editing the editor or the Fantom?

As for controlling the Record button in Cubase, that's something I think about every so often, then inevitably end up reaching over and hitting it myself. I've only been successful in syncing playback on the board(slave) from the DAW(master).

I think it may be possible to user the sliders as CC controllers in Cubase mixer. Don't quote me on that(although use [ /brackets ] if you do). Alas, I don't have the answer of how.

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

31 Mar 2010, 16:08

I've been using Cubase 5.1 for a couple of months and I have been able to integrate the Fantom-G into it only partially. For instance, you can't use the sliders and knobs directly to control tracks volume and pan - at least I haven't been able to do it, maybe I haven't given it all the time and effort it needs. But you CAN make the Cubase use Fantom-G's controllers to control VST instruments and effects parameters, others directly with the MIDI learn feature, others using a feature called Quick Controls.
More info on this here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFkjVJdmYFE

All said, I believe that the most obvious way to control Cubase properly, is to buy a dedicated USB DAW controller, either keyboard-based or not.

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

26 Aug 2010, 15:09

will roland ever fix their FantomG vsti edtior?

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

26 Aug 2010, 18:53

sorry im not usually so ignoranly outspoken,

but just because you have problems with your VSTi doesnt mean its broken

its an inherant problem with all software that some systems work and others dont,

try refreshing your chipset drivers and usb drivers if your having problems.

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

27 Aug 2010, 13:56

So why start now?

I've read about this problem in various threads on other forums. Of course it's a problem in the VST editor, in so far that it should but does not work correctly with Cubase (5).

I've learned to work around this problem by simply not using the VST editor. I just save a corresponding song on the G. But I have to say, Roland has the worse customer support I've seen in any company, ever. They don't even provide a place to report, find and discuss this and other problems.

Cheers

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

27 Aug 2010, 14:02

just one tip i may have,

have you tried using the 64 bit version of cubase and the roland VST

both are alot more stable than the 32 bit version
problems ive had with our studio outboard have been solved simply by using this

also make sure you use cubase 5.5

Re: Cubase 5 and the Fantom-G

16 Sep 2010, 10:24

I had the same Problem! i solved it with an other usb-midi Keyboard! i plugged it in the computer and was then able to record my desired automation directly into cubase! it's actually a shame the fantom g is not able to send fader signals over midi/usb. even the mc-909 was able to do that! hope this issue is solved in the next software update!