A Retrokits care package (RK-008 sequencer, RK-006 MIDI interface, RK-002 smart MIDI cable, Quickie)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"The Retrokits RK-008 is a great hardware sequencer (especially if you own a multitimbral synth). Here's a short look at the RK-002 smart MIDI cable, the RK-006 160 channel MIDI interface and the "Quickie" mini mixer as well. https://retrokits.com/

00:00 hello
00:44 what's in the parcel?
01:34 Quickie: mini mixer for synth jams
01:48 a short jam with 2 DIY synths
02:52 RK-006 MIDI interface
04:22 using the RK-006 as a USB to TRS MIDI adapter
05:53 RK-002 smart MIDI cable
06:32 online editor and code exchange forum
06:54 example: additional LFO on the Yamaha MU2000
07:53 RK-008 hardware mini sequencer
08:49 manager web application
09:50 short demo with Yamaha Montage M
11:10 thanks and bye

Hooray consumerism - in this video, ...:
Retrokits RK-008 https://retrokits.com
Synthux DIY https://www.synthux.academy/
MicroDexed DIY https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharep...
Divoom Pixel frame https://amzn.to/4hPtlsK (DE link) https://amzn.to/4buE3CN (US link)

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

RK008 MIDI FX: Note2CC

video upload by Retrokits

"Another MIDI Effect on the RK008 is a little utility called Note2CC. It allows you to convert/add MIDI note messages to Control Change messages. There Are three modes, available under Digit 4 in the MIDI FX selection menu:

Velocity to CC :
Takes the MIDI Note velocity value for use on CC values
Note to CC :
Takes the MIDI Note number value for use on CC values
Random to CC:
Trigger a random CC value Generation on a MIDI Note on message.

You can use these in different ways, for example adding random panning or trigger filters and even use a track for MIDI sidechain usage."

RK-008 MIDI FX : The MIDI Delay

video upload by Retrokits

"MIDI Delay is an effect from 'Ye olden MIDI days' to emulate a hardware audio delay with a timed note repeat. You can change the note's velocity and note increment per repeat. And the cool thing: It's always synced to the beat!

In this video I combine with another new MIDI FX called 'Note 2 CC' Which can transform MIDI note messages and convert it to a value for a MIDI Controller (like filters or volume, .. ). It's a 'midi-event-converter' which is also used on the RK002/MOD firmware. An example is to add extra expression to various synths which do not have velocity response by default but you can also use it to for example play a volume gate pattern solely with notes.

There are nice effects on their own but can be combined to create something completely new - and - hopefully inspiring."

RK-008 Pret-a-Play

video upload by Retrokits

"The music in this video is recorded and edited on the RK-008 and exported to standard .MID files so you can import them into yours.
The MID's are here in a .zip:
https://retrokits.com/rk008/content/j...
And the settings page where you can upload them to the RK-008 is here: https://retrokits.com/rk008/settings/
You can also load these into a DAW for example which can work with .MID files.

Happy Jammin' !"

Yamaha FB01 Editor with RK006/RK002/Korg Nanokontrol

video upload by Retrokits

"The Korg Nanokontrol is such a nice little music plaything. And so is the Yamaha FB01 ... and the RK006 ... and the RK002.... so ... lets make something reeeeallly useful with it!

We already did a RK002/Nanokontrol/PG300 editor combo for the Roland Alpha Juno [posted here] but the Yamaha FB-01 4-OP FM unit is a different ballgame. This little synth box has quite some parameters up it's sleeve and arranging it on a Nanokontrol was a bit of a challenge.

It turned out pretty nice though, in this video a bit about making this setup work and an introduction to editing the patches. (PS: Make sure 'memory protect' on the FB01 is set to OFF or the patches will not be saved)

The RK002 DUY processor and template can be downloaded on the RK002 Portal https://duy.retrokits.com/"

Must Have Accessories For Your Hardware Tracker

video upload by EZBOT

"The Dirtywave M8 tracker is a nearly flawless device, but that doesn't mean the user experience couldn't be improved. Electronics create noise, MIDI adapters use multiple dongle types, and controlling the M8 Tracker could be a bit more performative. In this video, I will share solutions to these problems."

Ground Loop Isolator → Google it.
RK-TRS-X → https://retrokits.com/shop/rk-minimidi/
Denki Oto OMX-27 MIDI Keyboard → https://www.denki-oto.com/store/p59/o...

EZBOT resources available at https://www.patreon.com/ezbot

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Retrokits - RK008 Multi Track MIDI Recorder In Eurorack

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State caught up with Gerrit from Retrokits to discuss their latest offerings. Gerrit showcased the new modular versions of their popular products, the RK-008 *multi-track MIDI recorder and the *RK-6 *MIDI interface/USB MIDI host. The *RK-008 features eight tracks, each capable of recording 16 channels of MIDI with multi-length capability, allowing users to create and manipulate MIDI data in a variety of ways. Gerrit also demonstrated how the RK-008 can be used to send MIDI notes to devices like the Kaossilator, showcasing the flexibility and functionality of Retro Kits' products.

The Retrokits team has been constantly updating the firmware for their devices, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and enhancements. While the RK-8 is currently available, the modular versions are still in development as Retro Kits gauges interest from the community. Gerrit also highlighted the ease of programming their devices, allowing users to download pre-made software or create their own code to customize their MIDI setup. With the RK-6 already serving as a versatile tool for both MIDI and modular users, the modular RK-8 is set to be a popular addition to Retro Kits' lineup. For more information on Retro Kits' products, visit their website for updates on availability and features.

RK008 Price: 351-392 Euros

RK006 Price: 142-158 Euros"

Retrokits RK008, Third Wave synth and Innerclock Systems

video upload by Steve Turner

"In this quick video I show how EASY it is to record midi sequences into the RK008 Realtime Multitrack Midi Recorder. I start with a monophonic part and then show a simple chord part. I am doing all this one handed so don't expect Rick Wakeman (even if I had 100 hands). The point being how SIMPLE it is to create parts in the RK008 and then play them back into your hardware."

https://www.innerclocksystems.com

Roland S-10 sampled bass

video upload by Espen Kraft

"When I sample sounds, on whatever sampler, I always test the samples in a musical context. How a bass sound sounds alone don't mean anything. A sound might sound awesome on its own, but in a mix it might be totally wrong. And vice versa.

I've always found the S-10 perfect for bass. A short sampling time, fast and easy to sample. Early Roland S-samplers have a sonic signature I've always liked. It sounds great while it can also cut through a mix.

Find my music here:
Bandcamp: https://espenkraft.bandcamp.com/"

Only one way to start this day 🙂

video upload by Retrokits

"Using only tracktrig mode and loop lengths on the RK008 to play the MB33 303"

A short RK008 Quantize grid example loop

video upload by Retrokits

"Recording realtime gives you complete freedom of playing - but sometimes a quantize grid can help you out, also production- wise.The quantize grid in the RK008 is capable of separately altering note on, note length or note off.

A note-off is part of the groove and you can use the grid options to tighten up sounds but also make the most of a synth with limited polyphony, timing note-offs perfectly before starting a new one.

PS: I'm focusing on the quantize grid here, you can also adapt the length of a note in a percentage of the original which is not shown in this movie. You can check the complete RK008 Quantize menu here:"

RK008 Menus: ALT+6 - QUANTIZE

video upload by Retrokits

"RK008 Menu 6 houses real-time Quantize transformations.
The first part (ALT+6) is for note-on quantize, straightening out played notes on a user-selectable grid:

Digit 1 to 6 select a timebase;
Digit 1 - 2 - 3: 1/64 - 1/32 - 1/16
Digit 4 - 5 - 6: 1/8 - 1/4 - 1/2
Digit 7 - 8 - 9: decrease - 1/16 center - increase
(inc/dec is also accessible via ALT+DEC and ALT+INC)

Tapping a digit multiple times will also allow you do select a dotted or triplet grid For example in case of a 16/th note-on Quantize(3):
1x tap: 1/16
2x tap: 1/16D (dotted, notes are 1.5 times a 16th note)
3x tap: 1/16T (Triplets, notes are 1/3rd length of a 16th note)

Pressing INC will slide to the Swing settings which have the same type of interface, selecting timebases with 1-6 and making adjustments with 7-9.

Pressing INC again will slide to the Note Length Quantize part. In this menu you will be able to quantize the note length to fixed length - or- only quantize note off fixed to a grid.

For example - on the 16th Note Length Quantize (3)
1x tap: 16th length fixed
2x tap: 16th- length staccato (length is cut just before the next 16th note)
3x tap: 16th+ length legato (length will just overlap the next 16th note)
4x tap: Q_16 note off length is snapped to a 16th note grid
5x tap: Q_16- note off length is snapped to a 16th note grid staccato style
6x tap: Q_16+ note off length is snapped to a 16th note grid legato style

The @EspenKraft video mentioned is here:" [posted here]

3 Reasons to Try DAWless

video upload by Jeremy Parker

"Here's my latest DAWless setup for live MIDI sequencing with my hardware synths. It centers around the Retrokits RK008, with my Nord Stage 4, miniKORG 700fs, Moog Minitaur and Elektron Analog Rytm MKII. Although I love using my main DAW, Cockos Reaper, for producing finished music, there are 3 advantages that this DAWless setup has, a couple of which were a little unexpected. And there is a bunch of good original music that came right out of this new setup, so enjoy!

A case/stand I designed for the RK008: https://www.printables.com/model/5981...
Check out all my original music here: https://soundcloud.com/user-801248952

00:00 Intro
00:55 The Setup
03:00 Portability
05:24 Practice tool
07:27 Songwriting tool
12:02 DAWless to DAW
13:15 Outro"

RK008 with an eeehr KO?... no.... OP-Z! 😊

video upload by Retrokits

"Just a quick demo on how to start a (perhaps not so fancy) song with the RK008 . Covering a basic beat, bass, chords and making a song structure."

RK008 Menus: ALT+7 - OUTPUT + ROUTING

video upload by Retrokits

"This menu is for routing the Tracks' MIDI data. Each one of the 8 Tracks on the RK008 can hold MIDI data (notes, pitch, CC's) for 16 MIDI channels at once but via the output menu you can reroute these:

1. MIDI Channel
By default it's set to ORG, meaning that there is no MIDI channel remapping done. Typing a MIDI channel here will reroute incoming MIDI from any channel to the set output channel. This way you can use the RK008 as a handy MIDI switchboard. Just by pressing a Track you can reroute to a predefined MIDI output channel.

2. MIDI Port
MIDI port selects the physical MIDI output to route the MIDI to. You can use the digits 1-3 to select a specific output (OUT1, OUT2 or the RK006 via USB), or press 0 to send to all. By specifying outputs you can potentially drive a whopping 48 channels of MIDI gear.

Read more about the RK008 in the page link below:
https://retrokits.com/rk008/

Bonus: You can download the little Dopplereffekt / Infophysix .mid file loop which I exported from the RK008 here to play with: https://retrokits.com/rk008/dopper_in..."

RK008 Clicktrack DAW (reason) Sync Example

video upload by Retrokits

"The sync input on the RK008 has different settings you can use to slave it to a clicktrack. Here's an example on how to get that done with basic devices on @ReasonVideoTutorials

PS: I also mention using HairlessMIDI for linking up complete MIDI communication to a DAW via the RK008 usbserial port, here's the link to that project for various Platforms (PC, MAC, Linux)

https://github.com/tyan0/hairless-mid..."

RK008 Menus: ALT+5 - TRANSFORM & ALT+4 - FILTER / VELOCITY SCALING

video upload by Retrokits

"The RK008 Transform menu can be used for transposing Tracks (according to global scale if desired) and Time shifts. Combined with Performance mode (ALT+ROUTE) you can even transpose according to MIDI Key input."

RK008 Menus: ALT+4 - FILTER / VELOCITY SCALING

video upload by Retrokits

"Not a big menu, but combined with the others in this row ( TRANSFORM / QUANTIZE) you'll find it a handy one.

The Filter menu modifies per Track MIDI IN and MIDI OUT. It houses a velocity scaler and a filter for MIDI Notes, Control Changes, Program Changes, Aftertouch and Pitchbend. It can change the way you play your keyboard but can also be used (in combination with ALT+3, MIXDOWN) to clean up your recording."

You can find additional RK008 Menus video posts here.

Nord Stage 4 + RK008 + Analog Rytm = DAWless powerhouse!

video upload by Jeremy Parker

"So I recently picked up a Nord Stage 4 as an upgrade to my Electro 2 from 16 years ago, as my main compact gigging keyboard. What I didn't realize was how powerful the multitimbrality could be when paired with a sequencer, like the Retrokits RK008, which I'm borrowing from my good friend "Cowboy" Ben Alman for our @TheEntireRobot gigs. I fairly quickly set up the sounds on the Nord and then played in some quick parts for an A and B section into the RK008. I'm reserving tracks 1 and 3 on the RK008 for my MiniKorg and Moog Minitaur, once I get the MIDI hooked up for those, so that will be next. I used 6 layers on the Nord, but technically I could have done 7 if I split up the organ into two separate manuals, etc. Anyway, this is a promising rig!"

RK008 Menus: ALT+3 - PART / TRACK MERGE

video upload by Retrokits

"With the Merge menu on the RK008 you can combine multiple Tracks into one Track and render realtime RK008 MIDI effects like quantize, transpose and velocity modifiers.
Of course you can also merge Parts, to merge a Part, just make sure there are no Tracks selected."

RK008 Menus: ALT+2 - PART / TRACK COPY, SWAP & EXPLODE

video upload by Retrokits

"ALT+2 means COPY: Operations where you can copy, swap and explode your RK-008 recordings.

(PS - I'll try to align the recording with the RK008 buttons next time, the video is not very helpful on led feedback this way...)"

RK008 Menus: ALT+1 - INDIVIDUAL TRACK LENGTHS (fw2.x)

video upload by Retrokits

"As of RK008 Firmware 2.0 You can now set a loop point on every individual Track in a Part so here is a little addendum on the ALT+1 tutorial we made earlier. Multiple Track lengths can be accessed by pressing the Track buttons while in the Length menu (ALT+1)
When a Track button is pressed in this menu you can type the Track length in to a quarter-note resolution, or just Shorten/Lengthen the Track with the ALT + ← or → keys.
If you want to set a very fine length for a Track you can go to the StepTime Editor (ALT+MODE) and navigate to any point in time and set/unset a Loop point with Digit 9"