Sound update in Roland fr1xb

[Jorpe]

A while ago I embarked on the adventure trying to learn how to play accordion. I bought a Roland fr1xb, which i love. Before this new adventure, I have tried keyboard arrangers (with mixed success..). That experience have made me a little bit spoiled with sounds.

A couple of days ago, I saw a video with Dale Mathis, demonstrating updated sounds on a Roland fr1. These sounds sounded a lot better to my ears. I understand that the sounds cannot be bought unless you buy an accordion.

I have tried to find some alternative sound downloads without success. (I am aware of the sound expansions available on the Roland site).

Do you know if there is any sound update (or extensions) that gives enhanced sounds? (I find the existing ones a little bit squeaky.)

 

[John M]

I think Richard Noel has sound sets for the fr1xb. His sound programs for the 8X are great! Here's the link: http://www.noelaccordion.com/roland.html

John M.

 

[JerryPH]

One can also download the V-accordion editor and edit/create your own sounds.

 

[Jorpe]

One can also download the V-accordion editor and edit/create your own sounds.

Yes, I have considered that, but I assume you do not get any feedback on how it will sound unless you upload it to the accordion. I assume the software does not provide any sound feedback during the edit?

 

[John M]

Yes, I have considered that, but I assume you do not get any feedback on how it will sound unless you upload it to the accordion. I assume the software does not provide any sound feedback during the edit?

The sound changes immediately on the accordion when you make the change in the editor. At at least that is the way it works on the 8X.

John M.

 

[JerryPH]

Yes, I have considered that, but I assume you do not get any feedback on how it will sound unless you upload it to the accordion. I assume the software does not provide any sound feedback during the edit?

You can be wearing the accordion as you make the changes live on the computer. Once you find the combo that you like, you can save it.

 

[Jorpe]

Based on the documentation and on previous discussions in this forum I doubt that the live editing works on fr1x. I tried to install the Roland arranger driver, that I suppose would make the USB connection possible, but it did not work in Windows 11 and that is confirmed on a Roland web page.

 

[Jorpe]

Before giving up, I would like an answer from Roland, regarding the maintenance of their driver software for Roland accordions and specifically the FR1x. But, navigating to the Roland web site, it seems impossible to se a single working link to a contact form or Facebook group. For me, that is a statement of a company without any interest of surviving on the market. Does anyone in this forum have a link to a proper contact at Roland?

 

[John M]

Here's the link:

https://www.roland.com/us/support/by_product/fr-1x/updates_drivers/

John M.

 

[Jorpe]

Here's the link:

https://www.roland.com/us/support/by_product/fr-1x/updates_drivers/

John M.

I appreciate your help John. I am aware of that page and it confirms that Roland does not provide any driver for Windows 11. Windows 8 went out of support 2016, so I would like to ask them if there is any work whatsoever to update the driver or, at least, let the software free to let anyone do the work making it available as a freeware. But, as I tried to say above, it seems impossible to find any mail-address or form to get in touch with the company.

 

[Ventura]

it is much easier to build yourself (or acquire) a windows 7 / 8 computer

support for the OS is irrelevant if you never connect it to the internet
and just use it in your music studio

i still use a Windows for Workgroups computer for all my
MIDI sequencing, lyrics, and setlists because i prefer using
the Cakewalk and Word perfect Software i am accustomed to

 

[JerryPH]

Roland(and other companies) have a penchant for trying to protect themselves. The 8X editor driver driver is not supposed to work on a MAC (it does). Windows 10 isn't supported by the Bluetooth on my 2012 MSI laptop. The Windows 8.1 32-bit driver actually does. My Mackie 1640i Firewire driver is not supposed to work on my Windows 11 machine (it does). I can site a few more examples where someone says something doesn't work, yet it does.

It's not a guarantee that it won't but more often than not, one can find a work around.

I've tried to the the FR-1X editor app running on a Win10 machine before (pics are here on the board somewhere), and I've just now got it up and running on a Win11 machine:







It can be done.

 

[Jorpe]

Roland(and other companies) have a penchant for trying to protect themselves. The 8X editor driver driver is not supposed to work on a MAC (it does). Windows 10 isn't supported by the Bluetooth on my 2012 MSI laptop. The Windows 8.1 32-bit driver actually does. My Mackie 1640i Firewire driver is not supposed to work on my Windows 11 machine (it does). I can site a few more examples where someone says something doesn't work, yet it does.

It's not a guarantee that it won't but more often than not, one can find a work around.

I've tried to the the FR-1X editor app running on a Win10 machine before (pics are here on the board somewhere), and I've just now got it up and running on a Win11 machine:







It can be done.

Thank you for the encouragement Jerry !

I also installed the editor on Windows 11. That is not the problem. It is apparently a simple Java application. My hope was/is that the application would interact directly with my accordion via a USB cable between the accordion and the computer (I.e. the USB type B in the bottom of the accordion). Thus, giving immediate feedback to my changes.

From earlier discussions in the matter, it might not be possible at all on an FR1x, but I tried anyway. First connecting the accordion without any installation, to see if Windows would identify a new equipment connected and install a suitable driver. Then, I tried to install the Roland Arranger Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows 8. Still, no sign that the editor would recognize any accordion connected. Furthermore, I do not understand how such a connection would be displayed in the user interface above.

Regarding the suggestion from Ventura getting an old Windows 8 machine, it is of course possible, but I do not know if I want to invest in an old computer without any support, neither do I have any music studio, just a corner in a room with my laptop. ;-)

But, once again. Thank's for all help!

 

[Chris Laarman]

Thank you for the encouragement Jerry !

I also installed the editor on Windows 11. That is not the problem. It is apparently a simple Java application. My hope was/is that the application would interact directly with my accordion via a USB cable between the accordion and the computer (I.e. the USB type B in the bottom of the accordion). Thus, giving immediate feedback to my changes.

From earlier discussions in the matter, it might not be possible at all on an FR1x, but I tried anyway. First connecting the accordion without any installation, to see if Windows would identify a new equipment connected and install a suitable driver. Then, I tried to install the Roland Arranger Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows 8. Still, no sign that the editor would recognize any accordion connected. Furthermore, I do not understand how such a connection would be displayed in the user interface above.

Regarding the suggestion from Ventura getting an old Windows 8 machine, it is of course possible, but I do not know if I want to invest in an old computer without any support, neither do I have any music studio, just a corner in a room with my laptop. ;-)

But, once again. Thank's for all help!

Just coming to think of it: there might be a difference between "any" USB-cable and an On The Go cable (USB-OTG).
(Well, there obviously is a difference, and this might make your plan succeed or fail. I may eventually try this myself, but don't hold your breath!)

 

[swingbozo]

They really should just open source their drivers/programs if they are going to abandon the things.

I'm a computer programmer for a living, so if someone can find the code I can put it up on GitHub.

 

[Jorpe]

They really should just open source their drivers/programs if they are going to abandon the things.

I'm a computer programmer for a living, so if someone can find the code I can put it up on GitHub.

I have been a software developer as well, and I would like to see it posted on GitHub. I am sure we could make it work.

 

[JerryPH]

They really should just open source their drivers/programs if they are going to abandon the things.

I'm a computer programmer for a living, so if someone can find the code I can put it up on GitHub.

Someone already did that, in fact if you search around, you will find someone that figured it out and posted a rudimentary 8X programmer before the Roland one was released.

 

[swingbozo]

Time for a search! Now, of course, I just need an extra $3000 to blow on a midi accordion

What I found on a quick search of github, written in "factor" of all things:

GitHub - hyphz/fr8x-editor: A PC based editor for data files from the Roland FR-8x V-Accordion.

A PC based editor for data files from the Roland FR-8x V-Accordion. - hyphz/fr8x-editor

github.com

Some V-Accordion stuff:

GitHub - Luv-Accordion/V-AccordionViewer: Viewer for V-Accordion using Web MIDI API

Viewer for V-Accordion using Web MIDI API. Contribute to Luv-Accordion/V-AccordionViewer development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

GitHub - Luv-Accordion/km001: This repository is related to WEB MIDI API and V-Accordion.

This repository is related to WEB MIDI API and V-Accordion. - Luv-Accordion/km001

github.com

 

[dunlustin]

Although the OP seems happy with where the chat is going, I'm bit surprised nobody has put up details of the Richard Noel.
See here:

http://www.noelaccordion.com/documents/1xsetinfo.pdf

At $75 it seems fairly priced not least as there is also support on offer.

 

[Jorpe]

Just a follow up on this: I got in contact with Roland and they confirmed that it is not possible to edit the sounds directly. You need to use the import/export procedure.