From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Thu Oct 20 21:43:02 2005
Subject:Re: Why Doepfer

Hi Tony,

Isn't that overstating the problem, though? Even without memory -- or knobs, for that matter -- if the controller has the ability to call up Program Change messages, one can still call a new performance remotely. The performance parameters (channel, zones, etc.) have to be programmed into the modules, but most multitimbral modules already do that. When I don't want a particular module active in a certain program, I save a "blank" program with all the volumes set to zero at that program location.

As an example, I use the zones, knobs, and switches of my Keystation, but I don't use the performance memories -- or specifically, I only use *one* of them. I program the same settings into all ten memory locations, but that's just one part paranoia, two parts what-else-am-I-going-to-do-with-them. In my case, I already had all the zones and splits programmed into the synth modules (from the AN1x days), and the memories in the master controller were unnecessary. Maybe I could program one to adjust the sounds of each module, but I find that a set of general purpose knobs don't map well into specific devices. I'd rather deal with the menus. The one exception is my Virus C, but it already has a bunch of knobs.

I'm probably more methodical (anal?) than most, but I like my knobs and switches to do pretty much the same thing on every preset. If I program say, reverb as Knob 5 in a piano patch, I'd prefer to have it call up reverb on every other patch -- one less thing to remember. I'll probably even put a "Reverb" label on Knob 5 to help me remember. So for me, performance memories are unnecessary, as long as the keyboard remembers the settings for each knob and switch between power-ups. (All of the latest round of controllers seem to do so.) What I used to hate was my old Fatar 88, which couldn't even remember to stay in split mode when power dropped!

As far as remote control goes, let's assume that Controller X has only four sliders, like the Yamaha KX series did. Program the sliders to CC21, CC22, CC23, and CC24. Now map the global controllers of all your modules to those four CC values, and the knobs work on any patch. Then use either channel selection, or a combination of enabled and blank patches to call up the right set of modules for each program. (PG1-10 --> Synth A, PG11-20 --> Synth B, PG 21-30 --> Synth A + Synth B layered, etc.) It's not as elegant as setting up zones in a master controller, but it accomplishes the same thing.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com

At 08:35 PM 10/20/2005 -0700, you wrote:
>But do you play one sound all nite long? The idea of
>a controller, even if you're using it rudimentally, is
>to give you "remote" control over your midi device.
>With no memory, you'll have to reach over and change
>programs on the module itself.
>
>--- Kevin Anker wrote:
>
>> --- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, tonysounds
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > That's just insane. Great for project studio
>> applications, unusable for gigging.
>> > T
>> >
>> > Josh Lawrence wrote:
>> > Yes, that is accurate - you cannot save patches on
>> the CME series. It will,
>> > however, remember your last setting on power
>> down/power up.
>>
>> Depends on what you're trying to achieve.
>> Personally, I have no use for splits, layers, or any
>>
>> of the other advanced controller functions that
>> would necessitate creating a patch. I play one
>> sound per keyboard, per song, and frequently roll
>> with just one keyboard. That hasn't kept
>> me from gigging 5-6 nights a week for the last 15
>> years. Were I to get a Doepfer for
>> example, the entry level 88 would be sufficient, and
>> if I really felt passionately about having
>> pitch and mod controls, then the next step up would
>> be more than enough.
>>
>
>
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