In a message dated 8/10/00 9:53:06 PM,
elhardt@... writes:
<< I still have a possible future interest in the Kurzweil, so can anybody
confirm that it can actually pitch bend without glissando? >>
Yes, I bought a Kurzweil Expressionmate, then sold it a month later. Here's
the facts about MIDI, folks (and why I don't use it to control analog
synths): MIDI only outputs NOTE information, not continuous pitch
information. The Kurzweil Expressionmate can output not information as you
slide your finger along the ribbon, but it comes out as a glissando. That
is, individual "key" notes are played. Yes, you can program it for different
scales, and you can even use part of the ribbon to play notes and another
part of it for pitch bend. But any MIDI controller like this, including the
Tactex, will still only play notes, not a everything in between the notes.
This is the reason that the Big Briar MIDI theremin and the Rosedene theremin
MIDI converter (
http://www.fullerton.demon.co.uk/midicv.htm) are so expensive.
They are using MIDI note, pitch bend, and portamento to SIMULATE a real
continuous controller. To quote the Rosedene info, "The pitch bend
controller (1-48 semitones definable) is used in conjunction with RPN (54H)
portamento control to follow the pitch of the Theremin."
This is why, in my not so humble opinion, I think that MIDI sucks. It really
pisses me off that I can't play continuous pitches on my SidStation, for
example. I'm contemplating buying a Rosedene unit, but it is a lot of money
for a specialized piece of equipment (I believe around $600+). It is also
why I don't think that MIDI has much of a place with analog synths. A whole
facet to the beauty of analog synths is that they are continuously variable
instruments. I do use MIDI for its sequencing capabilities but I look
forward to having a MIDI-syncable analog sequencer (DoMOAS/MOAS).
Ok, I would guess that I've irritated enough people for one night... back to
your regularly scheduled programming.
Ivan