Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Hello Jim,

--- In AN1x-list@y..., "James R. Acker" <jacker@o...> wrote:
> This is a really interesting thread. I would love to hear the
different
> schemes that people use for assigning knobs on the AN1X.
>

If you download some of the recent 'jdlx' banks (Bass, Strings, E
Piano) you'll find examples of how I typically use the Assign
Knobs. I often use Knobs 1-3 for parameters that I feel are
relevant to that particular sound type, i.e., Env Attack, Dec, Rel
parameters for a String sound vs. VCO Edge, Ring Mod and
Pitch Depth for Piano type sounds. I'll use Knobs 4, 7 & 8 for
Common Parameters and VariEF D:W settings - sometime I like
to be able to control the Vari Parameter and VairEF D:W and
sometimes just one or the other. I'll typically use Knobs 5 & 6 for
VCF Cutoff and Reosnance as these are often useful in
subtractive synthesis. I like to use the Ribbon Control X & Z to
offsett the FC and Rez but not so much for direct control - I prefer
the Knobs for that. Occasionaly I'll use the Mod Wheel for FC or
Volume in addition to or instead of Mod parameters - otherwise I
still to Mod Depth parameters or LFO Speed (AT is good for Mod
Depth too.) On Bass sounds I really like to use off the wall depth
setting for the Pitch Wheel. As I mentioned, download some of
my voices to see examples of all the above. You might download
some of the alternative voice banks provided by Yamaha as
there are many more examples of Assin Knobs contollers in
those banks.

As you may have gathered from the other responses in this
thread the AN1x really requires a duel mindset - one for
programming and the other for performance. The limited number
of Assign Knobs dictates that you pre-plan your controller
assignments - which is fine in itself but it kind of inhibits freeform
expression. I've always admired the Nord Lead series for their
intuitive and well designed controller mechanisms. IMO it lends
itself far more to adhoc sound design than the AN1x. However, it
does come at a price and the AN1x excels asa cost effective
controller AND sound module so you must take this trade off into
consideration (especially given the difference in cost or
ownership.)

> I don't even play synth live (I play guitar live), so it isn't an issue,
but
> I would love to have some more control over the sound
shaping without having
> to get SO into the myriad of buttons and parameters.
>
> Like this scheme, sounds logical....sounds like I can be in my
home studio
> and devide a sound needs a little more bite and be able to
approximate where
> to get it.
>
> Another thing....I am on the verge of thinking about possibly
trying some
> rainy day (there...that ought to be enough qualifiers to actually
say "I'll
> never do this, but if someone else did it would be great!") to at
least make
> a list of parameters that are NOT appropriate for the control
wheel, and
> another of patches that are not appropriate for the ribbon.
>
> Paramters that once changed....you lose the basic sound. THat
kind of thing.
>

Hhhmm, this is kind of an interesting idea but I would suggest
you alter your approach somewhat. Do you have a copy of the
AN1x Data List pamphlet from Yamaha? If not, you can download
a PDF version from the Files section here at Yahoo! Groups. On
page 10 you will find a table 'Control Matrix List and Free EG
Track Parameter List.' Take note of the Columns for Ctrl Matrix:
Param, Calc, and Source. As you make Ctrl Matrix assignments
for your own sounds (or tweak sounds that you've downloaded)
you'll find the AN1x restricts certain assignments. Example: Go to
Voice 13 in my E Piano bank and pull up Voice 13 'Saw EP1.'
See how Knob 2 is used for SyncPit Dp. Now go to the Ctrl Matrix
and change the Depth value to anything other than Direct - the
Knob no longer has any effect on the sound :-( Now double
check the table on page 10 and see the Ctrl Matrix: Calc value for
SyncPit DP is limited to Multiply not Add. This prevents you from
increasing or decreasing the amount by a scaled amount
therefore limiting the usefulness of certain controller
assignments.

> This list has been picking up lately, that's really cool.
>
> Jim

regards,

Jon