Roland SPD-S and MIDI update - HARD!

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gavin_here Author

Level 1

8 points

Roland SPD-S and MIDI update - HARD!

Ok, here is one for the smartest guy or girl out there. Quite literally.

I have been given an SPD-S Roland drum pad.

Problem is, it needs to updated to version 1.2 so it can take a modern compact flash card.

There are quite literally no older compact flash cards out there. So I need to update to 1.2

The way you do this, according to Roland, is to download a folder containing 16 SMF Midi files and send them to the drum pad.

Here are the instructions from Roland:

***************

What you will need

SPD-S Update Files downloaded to your computer. (MAC or PC) USB to MIDI converter and a MIDI cable.
Sequencer Software Capable of Playing Standard MIDI Files

Update Procedure

Connect the MIDI Out of the sequencer to the MIDI In of the SPD-S.

While holding down the [WAVE]and[ENTER] buttons turn on the power of the SPD-S.

When MIDI UPDATER appears in the display, press[SETUP] and [EDIT] simultaneously.

When “PLEASE SEND” appears in the display, se each SMF file in numeric order. The display of the SPD-S should indicate reception of data.

After all files are sent,“UPDATE COMPLETE” appears in the display.Turn the power off and then back on to resume normal operation.

***************

So I easily get to the final part where the Roland SPD-S reads "please send"

So here is the question. How on earth does one send these Midi Files from Logic to the SPD-S?

I have a Motu fast lane Midi to usb converter and an Apogee Duet sound card and the relevant cables.

I know this one is a toughie, but I'm sure some brain out there has an easy answer!

Please feel free to walk me through it like an idiot, including which midi and usb cables to put where.

Useful links below to Roland and my Midi interface.

Many thanks

Gavin

Roland 1.2 update for SPD-s

http://roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=SPD%2DS&id=8201144

Motu Fastlane USB:

http://www.motu.com/products/midi/fastlane_usb

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Motu Fastlane - Roland SPD-S

Posted on Mar 18, 2016 12:09 PM

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Answer 1

Pancenter

Level 6

14,686 points

Apr 22, 2017 10:13 AM in response to AndreasBerg

No way to know, it's a firmware/operating system update, you would need to ask someone who had created patches and installed the update.

One thing to check, see if the spd-s can do a MIDI-Dump of it's internal memory, (which is different than the firmware).

That way the patches would be backed up.

If I had to make a guess, I would say the patches will be left intact.

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Answer 2

Pancenter

Level 6

14,686 points

Mar 19, 2016 5:45 AM in response to gavin_here

Open Logic

Go to Preferences MIDI disable the selected reset messages... (they might interfere) make note of the selected.

Set the song tempo to 60

Load all of the MIDI files in Logic, (16 separate MIDI tracks) set the MIDI channels of each MIDI Track to the required channel, probably 1, the Roland documentation should say. MUTE all of the MIDI tracks.

Un-mute the first file/Track and hit play, mute the first track un-mute the second file track, hit play...etc...etc.

OR... load all of the MIDI files on a single track separated by a bar, and hit play. be sure the tempo is between 60 - 75.

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Answer 3

gavin_here Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 19, 2016 6:01 AM in response to Pancenter

Thanks Pancenter,

Would you use the Motu fastlane, or just pick up a cheap USB to Midi converter?

Fastlane looks like this, what connection to the mac would you use to send?

I tried USB on the mac > into the new style midi port on the Fastlane, then old type pin midi into the Roland SPD-s...\

sound correct? Midi thru on or off?

Mega thanks!

Gav

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Answer 4

Pancenter

Level 6

14,686 points

Mar 21, 2016 4:48 AM in response to gavin_here

As long as you're using the latest drivers for the Fastlane...the MOTU equipment is quality. The MOTU Fastlane is a USB MIDI Interface.

Why would you pickup a cheap MIDI interface when you have a good one, none of the cheap MIDI interfaces work with OSX anyway.

Download the latest MOTU MIDI driver, Install it, THEN plug the Fastlane into the computer via USB cable. Do not have the fastlane plugged in when installing the Fastlane driver. The Fastlane should show up in the application Audio-MIDI Setup in the Utilities folder. You don't need to do anything there, it just has to show up under the MIDI section.

http://www.motu.com/download Look for the MOTU MIDI Installer.

You wrote:

>>I tried USB on the mac > into the new style midi port on the Fastlane, then old type pin midi into the Roland SPD-s...

Yes, you will go from MIDI OUT A on the Fastlane To MIDI IN on the SPD.

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Answer 5

Apr 22, 2017 6:58 AM in response to gavin_here

Hi.

After update, will patches be deleted or will the spd-s remain as before?

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