Hello,

I currently use vArranger2 with an Edirol PCR800 MIDI Controller, a Novation Zero SL Mkii and a 17inch touch screen monitor. These work fine but the control surfaces don't have enough buttons, sliders, etc for vArranger.

I have been thinking about constructing a hardware control surface for use with vArranger and I have looked at various manufacturer's arranger layouts such as Yamaha's Tyros5, Korg's Pa4X and Roland's BK9 to get an idea of what should go where.

It appears that most have the arranger controls (start/stop/intro/variation/fills/endings) on the left lower section of the control surface.
The style select is generally to the left and above the arranger controls
Most have the voice group (piano, EP, Strings, brass etc) and part select/mute (upper 1,2,3 & lower) buttons on the right lower section of the control surface.
Most voice selection is via touch screen or buttons alongside the right side of the screen.
Some have the track faders in the front centre and some have them to the upper left.
Song players are generally to the upper left but on some they are front and centre.
The displays/screen are to the upper centre.



My questions are:

1. what are the most commonly accessed controls by you, and

2. if you had your choice, where on the control surface (left, centre or right / upper, middle or lower) would you put the following:

a. Arranger Controls
b. Style Group Select
c. Tempo controls
d. Voice Group Select
e. Part Voice Select (including part mute)
f. Track faders
g. Song Player controls
h. Transpose/Octave controls
i. Chord sequencer controls
j. Other controls

Here is the layout of the Yamaha, Korg and Roland boards.