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