Hi all,
I know there are threads or discussions in various places on MW on this, but none seem to touch upon the thing I'm looking for. As some may have noticed, I have been very preoccupied with cv preset and cv value bank functionality as of late. I have some modules that provide this ability, but all come with their own quirks, limitations (and costs!) - voltage block, catalyst, addac transitions, pressure points, livestock ellis, etc.
I am looking to expand on those abilities in my setup in the cheapest way possible (and while avoiding having to introduce a computer or laptop into the loop, if at all possible).
I have Launchpad mini mk2 laying around that is mostly gathering dust, which got me thinking.
TL;DR
In short, I'm looking for modules, patching ideas, or creative setups, that will allow me to tune each of the pads on my Launchpad to a specific cv value. So that when I press a specific pad, a specific cv value is generated (for use) in the modular. In other words, precise cv offsets mapped to pads on the launchpad.
Bonus points if I could set up and switch between various pages on the launchpad, each with a separate grid of 64 values. Unless I'm mistaken, the mini version (at least) doesn't have this sort of native capability and will need additional modules or units to act as the brain/connection.
Existing possibilities.
Of course, there's lots of sequencers (westlicht, vector, nerdseq, hermod+), or modules allowing for trigger sequencing through the launchpad (triggerpad), that use the launchpad to extend their functionality or UI, but I haven't yet found a solution for my specific need.
Open to any and all suggestions, but not looking to buy yet another sequencer or midi2cv module unless absolute necessary.
Here are some things I've considered, working with what I already have:
Westlicht Performer
I have a Westlicht that takes a launchpad, and there's some hacks/workarounds I've been thinking about. Like setting pattern length to 1 step, and then changing the note value of that step with the launchpad. But that workaround or others I've contemplated are not all that ergonomic or ideal.
Or, let's say, setting a pattern on the Westlicht to 64 steps. The problem is these steps play sequentially, so even if you have tuned each of the 64 steps to a precise voltage, I haven't yet found a way to have, e.g., only step 37 active and indefinitely playing or looping on a single step (last/first step combo presses needed, westlicht launchpad doesnt show all 64 steps of a note sequence, only does so for gates, etc.). If someone with better knowledge of the Westlicht has any ideas, that would be great, and I'm hoping everything could potentially be solved by using just 1 of the 8 tracks on the Westlicht with some smart patching/setup.
Cv.ocd
I also have a cv.ocd midi2cv that I've rarely used, but that might help. Also, I don't know much about midi or the Launchpad's implementation of it, but perhaps its pads can be set to specific midi values that the cv.ocd could convert to cv? That would be a simple and effective means to achieve what I'm looking for, but I am rather clueless on this front as I've developed an allergy to the many idiosyncracies of various sequencer manufacturers. Although I doubt the launchpad (at least the mini version) can do this natively and internally store a midi map suitable to my purposes, I would stand happily corrected on this front! Launchpad needs a USB host, so cv.ocd is out.
Solutions/Ideas?
I've not yet found a way to have the full grid display be a bank of 64 discrete notes that can be pressed at arbitrary moments. There are a billion possible use cases or combinations, of course, but this is the basic functionality I'm looking for.
I suspect many others here will have a launchpad laying around somewhere, and this could provide another way cost-effective way of providing an additional powerful tool in modular sequencing and meta-sequencing that many might already have access to.
Would appreciate any ideas! I am trying to keep costs down and to work with what I already have or to find elegant solutions to a problem to be solved. Not looking for answers in the way of 'just buy module X', although if optimal solutions and suggestions happen to converge on a particular module I will of course consider it.
Don't believe the hype.
