The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

--- In AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com, NYMO <nymo@t...> wrote:
> on 11/8/2003 6:40 PM, AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com at AN1x-
list@yahoogroups.com
> wrote:
> 
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2003 12:18:50 -0000
> > From: "janhenkspeelmans" <jhspeelmans@h...>
> > Subject: After Touch
> > 
> > Hello all, am I wrong in this? You can set AT in the Control Matrix
> > to parameters Off.
> > Greetings, Jan Henk.
> > 

As already stated elsewhere in this thread - the Ctrl Matrix is used to assign a 
modulation 'Source' to a destination 'Param' and the 'Depth' value serves as an offset 
to the original value programed for the destination 'Param' under the Knob Parameter 
Groups. The Ctrl Matrix settings affect only the internal tone generator and do not 
appear at the MIDI Out port for the MIDI Tx channel. So, it's not so much a case of 
disbaling aftertouch to internal sounds but rather enabling aftertouch.

Under UTILITY/SETUP you are simply assinging MIDI CC's to the physical controllers 
(knobs 1-8, mod wheel, foot pedals, ribbon controller) on the AN1x. Aftertouch is 
part of the MIDI specification (just as Velocity, Note On, Note Off, etc.) and can be 
considered related to MIDI CCs - although it's not a MIDI CC in itself. AT cannot be 
disabled on the AN1x but it can be assigned to a 2nd controller using the Ctrl Device 
and Ctrl No. parameters but still there is no provision for scaling the amount. 
Assignments made under Ctrl Device and Ctrl No. appear at the MIDI Out port for the 
MIDI Tx channel AND also affect the internal tone generator if that controller is 
mapped under the Ctrl Matrix. This is beneficial for any number of uses. Example: 
assign 'Data Entry' to Knob 1 - when editing Delay settings this makes short work of 
scrolling through the large data range as opposed to using the rocker button. The 
data also appears at the MIDI Out port so you can make use of the same function to 
edit values on your MIDI sound modules or DAW software or whatever.

> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> Hi there,
> 
> As a reasonably newbie to the AN1x (but playing synths for 25 years)..this
> aftertouch is definitely a problem.
> 
> The keyboard is FAR too sensitive (and I only have a very light touch!).
> 

This is entirely subjective but many agree with you.

> This is definitely a design fault... it maybe OK with a midi filter into a
> software seq... but plugging into my MC 505 is a nightmare...all I do is
> thin data all day and watch my memory get chewed :-(
> 
> Any suggestions greatly appreciated !
> 

Back in the late eighties/early nineties MIDI Patchbays were fairly common but are 
now less popular - replaced by multiport MIDI Interfaces for many users. There were 
models from Digital Music Corp (MX8) subsequently bought by Ensoniq (KMX8 and 
KMX16) and models from Kawai (MAV8) and probably others that I've overlooked. 
Many of these patchbays allowed for filtering of specific MIDI CCs - including AT - by 
MIDI port/ch. You can often find these items for auction on eBay at relatively low 
prices. Some of the early mulitport MIDI Interfaces from the likes of Opcode (Studio 4 
and Studio 5 for example) allowed for filtering to be programmed from your 
computer and retained in FlashROM for the MIDI Interface after power down - making 
it a portable solution akin to a MIDI Patchbay. Similar features appeared on later 
models such as the Studio 64x and 128x that were cross platform. Unfortunately, 
support for these models has long since disappeared now that Opcode is defunct so 
drivers may not be available for current OS'.

Another solution would be hardware filters placed onto the MIDI chain inbetween your 
MIDI In and Out ports of your controller and sound module. Some examples:

http://www.midisolutions.com/products.htm -> MIDI Solutions Router
http://www.logiq-electronics.com/ -> Micro MIDI Filter
http://www.forefront.freeserve.co.uk/products.htm -> FT4 MIDI Filter

also, Anatek (now out of business?) made many such devices - again, check eBay for 
cheap 2nd hand prices.

Hope this helps.

Jon