The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Phil wrote:
> 
> Hi Ash,
> 
> hmmm, just 4 notes on the "MS2000" only - pretty strange, isn't it? I
> think the retro-styling makes up for it (well, sort of) - assuming
> you've got the room. How does the "R"ackmount version compare? Is it
> of true rack-width, or does it require special extension rack-ears (in
> similar fashion to the baby Novation Nova).

It is a standard 19" affair with Rack Ears molded to the chassis, i.e.,
it CAN be used as a table top unit
like the Nova but it's not strictly a table top unit.  At least with a
table topunit it's much easier to get at the knobs then having to
s-t-r-e-t-c-h over other gear to your rack ;-) ha haha

> 
> Also, with regards to "Aftertouch",
> 
> What do you apply it to? I've never used it for any of my AN1x patches
> and have only found it awkward when playing other sounds from other
> modules. In particular, when it was controlling pitch (by default),
> but also when set-up to tweak a filter for example. I find it
> difficult when trying to play the keyboard normally - and then only
> hit the keys that little bit harder to activate the aftertouch mode
> when I want to.

Try routing AT to control the mix level, or balance, of OSC1 and OSC2. 
Tune OSC2 a few octaves higher than OSC1 and adjust the fine tuning to
taste  - then use AT to adjust the balance, i.e., make OSC2 louder, this
will introduce a series of overtones into your sound in a dynamic
fashion.  This is one of my favorite programming tips.

You could also route AT to the depth control of a Rotary Speaker effect
and speed up (or slow down) the mod depth/rate with AT.  Lots of voices
benefit from AT routed to LFO Mod Depth as an alternative to the Mod
Wheel. 


Another cool
> 
> Is it the keyboard-feel that adds to this problem? I was at a shop
> pressing keys on a Waldorph synth and noticed a definate 'click' as
> the aftertouch is activated. Is this better?

It's simply a matter of taste.  I prefer the over sensitive AT action of
the AN1x to that of some keyboards which require you to lean into them
for the AT to trigger.  I simply scale the depth amount of the mod
source back to make the effect less drastic.  Another alternative is to
'scale' (or even filter) the AT MIDI CC after it has been recorded to
your Sequencer.  A third alternative is use a hardware MIDI filter to
reduce the value amount of the AT MIDI CC on it's way to a slave MIDI
Module.  Of course with the AN1x, you have that lovely Ribbon Controller
so you can skip the AT altogether and use the RC instead! 

> 
> When I was first shopping around, I thought "Aftertouch" GREAT! But in
> practice i'm finding it to be more trouble than it's worth.

It's absolutely worth it in my opinion!  Omitting AT from a modern
keyboard is unforgivable (a BIG reason why I chose the AN1x over the
Nord or JP8K).  Again, this is a matter of what suits your playing
style.  Personally, I'm disappointed that *polyphonic
AT* was never widely adopted by any manufacturer other than Ensoniq.
Guess the cost of producing a reliable poly-AT keyboard was too much of
a deterrent :-(
 
> 
FWIW - there is an Electribe forum here at eGroups.  I peaked in on them
today and they too are having the MS2000 discussion :-)  I'm still
hoping to pick up an ER1 myself by years end...

regards,
Jon

-- 
http://www.jdlx-musique.com/

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