From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Sat Mar 10 05:42:58 2007
Subject:Re: XK-1 MIDI problem

Hi Jan,

>One more thing - can
>the Doepfer drawbars be programmed to work with XK1?

[Sorry for the tech-y explanation, but there is no simple way to explain it!]

You are back to the same problem. There is no true standard for how the controls of a B-3 are mapped in MIDI. The majority of the "first tier" clone manufacturers -- Korg, Clavia, Voce, NI -- use nine CCs to control the drawbars. Some of the clones (Korg, NI B4-II) also allow the CC number to change on their end, to better match other devices.

Two of the manufacturers, Hammond-Suzuki and Roland, use their own approaches. H-S maps all nine drawbars to one CC, while Roland uses SysEx. To convert between the majority method and either of these methods generally takes a 'MIDI mapper,' which can either be a piece of hardware; or if there is a computer in the setup, a software application.

As far as I can tell, the d3c only supports the NI standard controller scheme at this time. They imply (in the user manual) that there might be other setups in the future, but I didn't find any when I checked. The drawbars of the NI method (but not the other knobs and switches) are also compatible with the Voce method. Korg products can be 100% re-configured to use the NI standard. With the XK-1, though, you are going to need outside help.

If you are using a laptop (or desktop) then I have been told that MidiOx (or MidiYoke?) can re-configure the standard approach to H-S style. I don't use VST instruments, so I can't tell you exactly how they work, or how well.

If you need a hardware fix, the best one that I know of is the MIDI Solutions Event Processor (or the Event Processor Plus). In addition to the re-mapping that is needed, all MIDI Solutions devices automatically filter out Running Status (your other problem). I sell these devices on my website; please contact me offline if you are interested.

A third alternative is to get another device that can be reprogrammed to the necessary method, such as Peavey's PC-1600X. This box has 16 sliders + 16 buttons, as well as foot pedal inputs. The Peavey product has been discontinued, but you might still find one on eBay.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Online Music Sales
AshbySolutions.com™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com

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