ms2kmk_manager

Advanced patch generator and librarian for KORG MS2000 and microKorg on Norns.

Does not work at all, don't install it.

MS2000/MicroKorg Manager

A Monome Norns script for managing, generating, and controlling Korg MS2000 and MicroKorg synthesizers. Features mood-based patch generation, pattern sequencing, and real-time MIDI CC control.

Requirements

• Monome Norns (latest version recommended)
• Korg MS2000 or MicroKorg synthesizer
• MIDI interface/cables

Installation

From Maiden:

;install https://github.com/LudfisterSound/ms2kmk_manager

Manual installation:

1. Clone this repository
2. Copy contents to ~/dust/code/ms2kmk_manager/
3. Restart Norns

Hardware Setup

1. Connect your MS2000 or MicroKorg to Norns via MIDI
2. Set your synth to receive MIDI on channel 1 (default)
3. Enable SysEx reception on your synth

Controls

Global Controls

• E1: Navigate menus
• E2: Change values
• E3: Fine tune/select
• K1: Back/menu
• K2: Save/load
• K3: Generate/send

Page-Specific Controls

Main Page

• E1: Change page
• E2: Select program
• E3: Select bank
• K2: Load program
• K3: Send program

Generate Page

• E2: Select category
• E3: Select mood
• K2: Generate new patch
• K3: Save generated patch

Modulation Page

• E2: Select modulation slot
• E3: Adjust amount
• K2: Enable/disable route
• K3: Send changes

Features

Patch Generation

Generate new patches based on:

• Sound categories (Bass, Lead, Pad, Percussion, Arpeggio, SFX)
• Mood settings (Aggressive, Mellow, Ethereal, Dark, Bright, Weird, Classic)
• Sub-categories for detailed sound design

Mood System

Complex mood interactions featuring:

• Base moods and modifiers
• Time-based evolution
• Probability-based effects
• Smooth transitions

MIDI Control

Real-time MIDI CC control with:

• Parameter smoothing
• Synth-specific CC mapping
• Clock-synchronized evolution
• Automatic synth detection

Pattern Generation

Generate patterns with:

• Category-specific templates
• Rhythmic constraints
• Scale-aware note generation
• Mood-influenced variations

Parameters

Synthesis

• Oscillator settings
• Filter parameters
• Envelope controls
• LFO settings
• Effects parameters

Modulation

• Multiple modulation routes
• Depth control
• Time-based modulation
• Complex routing options

Pattern

• Step sequencer
• Rhythm patterns
• Note probability
• Gate time

Tips & Tricks

1. Mood Evolution

• Combine different moods and modifiers for complex evolution
• Use slower evolution rates for subtle changes
• Experiment with probability settings

2. Pattern Generation

• Start with basic categories and gradually add complexity
• Use constraints for more musical results
• Combine different rhythm patterns

3. MIDI Control

• Enable parameter smoothing for gradual changes
• Use modulation for dynamic sound design
• Sync to external clock for rhythmic evolution

Saving & Loading

• Programs are saved in ~/dust/data/ms2kmk_manager/
• Bank information is preserved between sessions
• Pattern data is saved with patches
• Mood settings can be saved as presets

Troubleshooting

1. No MIDI Communication

• Check MIDI cables and connections
• Verify MIDI channel settings
• Ensure SysEx is enabled on your synth

2. Parameter Issues

• Reset to default settings
• Check synth model selection
• Verify CC mappings

3. Pattern Sync

• Check MIDI clock settings
• Reset pattern position
• Verify tempo settings

Quick Start Guide

1. First Time Setup

1. Connect MIDI
   - Connect MIDI OUT from Norns to MIDI IN on your synth
   - Connect MIDI IN on Norns to MIDI OUT on your synth

2. Power Up
   - Turn on your synth first
   - Start your Norns
   - Launch the script from the Norns menu

3. Initial Configuration
   - Select your synth model (MS2000 or MicroKorg)
   - Set MIDI channel (default: 1)

2. Generate Your First Patch

1. From the main screen:
   - Press K1 to access menu
   - Turn E1 to select "GENERATE"
   - Press K1 to enter generate mode

2. Select sound type:
   - Turn E2 to choose category (e.g., "Bass")
   - Turn E3 to select mood (e.g., "Aggressive")

3. Generate and send:
   - Press K2 to generate patch
   - Press K3 to send to synth

3. Real-time Control

1. Access MIDI control:
   - Press K1 twice to return to main page
   - Turn E1 to select "CONTROL"

2. Control parameters:
   - E2 selects parameter
   - E3 adjusts value
   - Changes are sent in real-time

4. Save Your Work

1. Store current patch:
   - From any page, hold K2
   - Select save slot with E2
   - Press K3 to confirm save

2. Name your patch (optional):
   - After saving, press K1
   - Use E2/E3 to enter name
   - Press K3 to confirm

Common Operations

Quick Pattern Generation

Generate > Select Category > Press K2 twice

Fast Sound Design

1. Start with a category (E2)
2. Select a mood (E3)
3. Generate (K2)
4. If you like it: Save (hold K2)
5. If not: Generate again (K2)

Mood Evolution

1. Select base mood (E2)
2. Add modifier (E3)
3. Evolution starts automatically
4. Adjust depth with E3

Tips for Best Results

1. Sound Design

   • Start with basic categories before experimenting
   • Use mood modifiers to add complexity
   • Save variations you like immediately

2. Performance

   • Keep evolution depth low for subtle changes
   • Use pattern sync for rhythmic patches
   • Combine moods for complex sounds

3. Troubleshooting

   • No sound? Check MIDI channel
   • Weird patterns? Reset clock sync
   • Lost patch? Check last saved slot

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please read our contributing guidelines and submit pull requests to our GitHub repository.

Credits

Created by LudfisterSound Special thanks to the Monome community

License

MIT License - see LICENSE.md for details