From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Wed Apr 05 17:11:49 2006
Subject:Re: XM2 and XMc-2

Yes, and it probably gets worse than that.

For most clones, mapping the drawbars is all done -- albeit, clumsily -- in the CC domain. Mapping percussion, vibrato, etc. requires converting CC messages into NRPN messages. This can certainly be done, but be prepared to add a MIDI translator box like the Event Processor Plus to whatever the module costs. I suspect that H-S is not going to risk the XM-2 being incompatible with their other gear, so the innards are likely to be modeled after the XK-3, which was itself modeled after the earlier H-S products.

It's kind of a shame; I'll use my own situation as an example: I own a (new) Korg BX-3. It's a great clone, but as time marches on the bar gets set higher, and there may come a day when I consider updating the rig. However, the ergonomics of the BX-3 are excellent -- why would I really want to sell it (at a big loss, probably), and upgrade to say, an XK System (XK-3 + XLK-3)? The XK System costs way more than I paid for my BX, so I'd have to justify making the switch based on other things. Having the Hammond name on my organ would be cool, but not compelling enough to spend the serious extra cash; plus, I actually dislike -- and have always disliked -- the "classic" black preset keys. (I put up with them for years on a C-3, and was always accidentally cancelling the current preset on wayward palm glisses!) So, I'd much sooner prefer to upgrade the sound of the BX-3, since for organ purposes, it's a terrific master keyboard. If the XM-2 (sans drawbars) was say, $700-800, I'
d be tempted, but only if I could get ALL of the BX-3's buttons, drawbars, and knobs to port over. I think that it can be done with one -- or possibly two -- Event Processor Plus box(es), but that adds to the cost of the XM-2.

Regards,

-BW

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

At 11:48 PM 4/5/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>Unless, (as is likely) HS uses their screwy proprietary drawbar to
>midi cc# mapping scheme, which is incompatible with everyone elses
>without using a 3rd party midi re-mapper.
>
>--- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "Barry" wrote:
>>
>> The rack unit wouldn't need the drawbars if you already had a
>controller
>> with drawbars. It went through my mind that the XM2 would be awesome
>> controlled by my VK7

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