UPDATED 1/27/12 – Getting an Akai LPD8 to work with Propellerhead Reason is a challenge to say the least. Earlier, I reported issues with the MIDI implementation chart (Reason compared to LPD8). I am posting the results of my work to help others who may have the found the same issues. After trying to set these up using the default Akai setting (where Reason recognizes the LPD8 as an Akai product), the results were less than stellar. What seems to work best is assigning the LPD8 as an “Other” device. From there, the MIDI Implementation chart *did* match much better. So now here are the IMPROVED versions of the presets I posted earlier.
The Akai presets below are nothing more than text files with a string of numbers. If you were a real geek, you could probably do all of this with Excel. To try what I have created, download the TXT file, remove the .TXT extension, and load into the Akai LPD8 via their provided patch librarian. Once all 4 are loaded, use the red Program button to change the Preset. This can be done within the body of a song that is playing back, but only four can be used at a time. Each Reason device will need its own preset to make best use of all the controls. I have chosen to focus on Kong and Redrum since my goal was to have more control for live improv.
JDPreset1_KongA_ch1_improved
LPD8 Pads assigned to Kong 1-8. Knobs assigned to Volume of same pads (using KPD8 Pad 5 to Knob 1 and so on, so it is easy to see)
JDPreset2_KongB_ch1_improved
LPD8 Pads assigned to Kong 9-16. Knobs assigned to Volume of same pads (using LPD8 Pad 5 to Knob 1 and so on, so it is easy to see)
Knobs assigned to Volume of same pads. Highlight pad to see volume change (or toggle the control that shows you volume/tone for all pads).
Note: There is probably a lot more you can do with the Kong controls. I spent most of my time on Redrum because that is where I had the most fun. Likely there will be more to come.
JDPreset3_RedrumVol_ch1_improved
Pads assigned to drums 1-8 of Redrum
Knobs assigned to Volume (using KPD8 Pad 5 to Knob 1 and so on, so it is easy to see)
Pad 1 is toggle to turn off pattern with CC 92
CC all pads 92 for now.
JDPreset4_RedrumPitch_ch1_improved
Pads assigned to drums 1-8 of Redrum
Knobs assigned to Pitch (using KPD8 Pad 5 to Knob 1 and so on, so it is easy to see)
NO toggle for now.
CC all pads 92 for now.
Note: Program Change that used to run some transport functions no longer works using this method. Still working that out, but not quite as critical. Remember – remove the entire .TXT extension (not sure they will work otherwise). No warranties folks. I am posting these to help you make music instead of spending your time programming… this is going to be a fun weekend now that this is out of the way!
