--- In
AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com, "Jerry Aiyathurai"
<tuskerfort@h...> wrote:
> Anyone use the An1X as a controller as well as a synth?
>
> I'm curious about your experiences. For example, how do you
handle
> knob and controller asignments? How do you handle
multi-timbrality
> issues and mixing (volume) issues.
>
> Thx,
>
> Jerry
Jerry,
I use the AN1x as a controller and tone generator along side my
multitimbral hardware sampler (ASR-X Pro) and Plug-in
softsynths (Emagic, NI, and some freeware) with an Opcode
Studio 128x (multi-port MIDI Interface.)
I typically leave the AN1x set to LOCAL OFF and use
preprogrammed patches on the Studio 128x to toggle between
configurations. This allows be to choose between the AN1x,
ASR-X, both, or my host computer:
Power Mac G3 -> Opcode Studio 128x
AN1x -> Opcode Studio 128x port 1
ASR-X Pro -> Opcode Studio 128x port 2
Early on in this set-up I programmed the Assign Knobs and
Ribbon Controller using UTILITY/SETUP to transmit MIDI CC's to
affect the ASR-X. Here's an example:
Knob 1 = 073: AEG Atk (this controls the Amplitude Env
Generator Attack level on the ASR-X)
Knob 2 = 076: ------- (this controls the Amplitude Env Generator
Decay level on the ASR-X)
Knob 3 = 072: AEG Rel (this controls the Amplitude Env
Generator Release level on the ASR-X)
Knob 4 = 011: Express (this controls the Expression Controller
on the ASR-X)
Knob 5 = 074: VCF Cut (this controls the Filter Cutoff on the
ASR-X)
Knob 6 = 077: ------- (this controls the Filter Resonance on the
ASR-X)
Knob 7 = 075: AEG Dcy (this controls the Normal LFO Rate on
the ASR-X)
Knob 8 = 091: RevSend (this controls the FX Bus Select on the
ASR-X)
If you're interested in reading more in regards to the above
set-up see ASRXCITE at
http://www.geocities.com/asrxcite/asrx/tips_tricks.htm This worked okay until I started to introduce more Plug-in synths
and effects. I found myself frequently reprogramming the AN1x
ASSIGN KNOBS to match whatever softsynth I was using,
ReBirth for example. My first solution was to create individual
SysEx dumps for the AN1x System configuration and load them
individually to quickly reprogram the ASSIGN knobs. While it
effectively solved the problem it was tedious to set-up and
manage - and the number one reason I've always bemoaned the
inability of the AN1x to accommodate multiple System
configurations.
Once I became familiar with Environment layers in LOGIC AUDIO
I abandoned the above in favor of customized layers in the
Environment. I reset the AN1x controller assignments to the
factory defaults and preprogrammed the MIDI CC assignments
in Environment layers for my Plug-in synths. There's a terrific
resource for Logic Environments at Swiftkick
http://www.swiftkick.com/ I found a couple of Environments for
some Shareware synths that I deconstructed - asked a couple
questions online - an voila! I was up and running.
And while we're on the subject, another missing feature on the
AN1x - you cannot assign individual MIDI Transmit channels to
the individual Scenes in a Voice set to SPLIT mode. It makes
sense to me that Yamaha accommodated individual Receive
channels but I've never understood the omission of individual
Transmit channels.
One more thing to be aware of - the ASSIGN KNOB settings
under UTILITY/SETUP appear at the MIDI Out port and also
affect the AN1x internal sounds if there is a corresponding MIDI
CC assignment in the Ctrl Matrix. (Please see the diagram and
explanation on p. 75 of the AN1x Owner's Manual.) This could
cause unpredictable results ∗IF∗ you were layering sounds from
an external tone generator on top of AN1x sounds.
I've recently begun to pay attention to other possible solutions
but to be honest with you I've yet to find a more compelling
solution (keyboard controller, control surface, etc.) in the same
cost bracket. If I were to make a change it would be to ∗upgrade∗
to a dedicated control surface for my DAW and perhaps a
non-synth, 76 or 88 key, keyboard controller.
Hope this helps.
Jon