The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

I've read reivews on the AN1x where the lack of knobs was considered
a sticking point. I find, when fronting a band, between singing and
all the other madness that the ribbon controller and the mod wheels
are more than enough to keep track of and using the knobs at all gets
hairy. More practice I guess.

Rainbow Jimmy
http://www.spaceanimals.com
http://www.mp3.com/spaceanimals

> I've read reivews on the AN1x where the lack of knobs was

considered

> a sticking point. I find, when fronting a band, between singing and
> all the other madness that the ribbon controller and the mod wheels
> are more than enough to keep track of and using the knobs at all

gets

> hairy. More practice I guess.

I think it's partly a question of pre-arranged variation (where you
know beforehand which parameters you are going to tweak) versus
exploration (where you really are on a fishing expedition). I think
that if you know what timbral change you are going for it's actually
beneficial to have the type of programmable knob the AN1X has, where
you can be changing two or more things with the twist of one knob.

I'd love to hear what owners of 1 knob per function synths (nord
lead, JP8000) think of this issue.

Cheers,

Jerry

All,

I think it's a given that the lack of knobs is a sticking point when programming -- I'd be ripping my hair out without AN1xEdit. During performance, though, there's something to be said for "less is more." I do use the knobs a bit, but I find that I tend to group similar functions under the same knobs; i.e., Knob 1 always modifies the attack of a sound, whether it be VCF, VCA, PEG, etc.; Knob 6 always adjusts the "treble-ness" of the sound, though VCF, pulse width, HPF, or whatever; Knob 8 always adds in more delay and/or more reverb; and so on. That way, when I reach for a knob, there may be a surprise, but it's usually not a BIG surprise!

At 08:58 PM 9/5/2002 +0000, you wrote:

>> I've read reivews on the AN1x where the lack of knobs was
>considered
>> a sticking point. I find, when fronting a band, between singing and
>> all the other madness that the ribbon controller and the mod wheels
>> are more than enough to keep track of and using the knobs at all
>gets
>> hairy. More practice I guess.
>
>
>I think it's partly a question of pre-arranged variation (where you
>know beforehand which parameters you are going to tweak) versus
>exploration (where you really are on a fishing expedition). I think
>that if you know what timbral change you are going for it's actually
>beneficial to have the type of programmable knob the AN1X has, where
>you can be changing two or more things with the twist of one knob.
>
>I'd love to hear what owners of 1 knob per function synths (nord
>lead, JP8000) think of this issue.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group and HiNote moderator
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@...

This is a really interesting thread. I would love to hear the different
schemes that people use for assigning knobs on the AN1X.

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.

This list has been picking up lately, that's really cool.

Jim

=============================================================
Please check out my original music at my site http://home.online.no/~jacker
Or at http://www.soundclick.com/bands/jacker_music.htm
-James R. Acker-

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Wahler" <bruce@...>
To: <AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2002 11:45 PM
Subject: Re: [AN1x] Re: knobs


> All,
>
> I think it's a given that the lack of knobs is a sticking point when
programming -- I'd be ripping my hair out without AN1xEdit. During
performance, though, there's something to be said for "less is more." I do
use the knobs a bit, but I find that I tend to group similar functions under
the same knobs; i.e., Knob 1 always modifies the attack of a sound, whether
it be VCF, VCA, PEG, etc.; Knob 6 always adjusts the "treble-ness" of the
sound, though VCF, pulse width, HPF, or whatever; Knob 8 always adds in more
delay and/or more reverb; and so on. That way, when I reach for a knob,
there may be a surprise, but it's usually not a BIG surprise!
>
> At 08:58 PM 9/5/2002 +0000, you wrote:
> >> I've read reivews on the AN1x where the lack of knobs was
> >considered
> >> a sticking point. I find, when fronting a band, between singing and
> >> all the other madness that the ribbon controller and the mod wheels
> >> are more than enough to keep track of and using the knobs at all
> >gets
> >> hairy. More practice I guess.
> >
> >
> >I think it's partly a question of pre-arranged variation (where you
> >know beforehand which parameters you are going to tweak) versus
> >exploration (where you really are on a fishing expedition). I think
> >that if you know what timbral change you are going for it's actually
> >beneficial to have the type of programmable knob the AN1X has, where
> >you can be changing two or more things with the twist of one knob.
> >
> >I'd love to hear what owners of 1 knob per function synths (nord
> >lead, JP8000) think of this issue.
>
> Regards,
>
> -BW
>
> --
> Bruce Wahler
> Design Consultant
> Ashby SolutionsT http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
> CloneWheel Support Group and HiNote moderator
> 978.386.7389 voice/fax
> bruce@...
>
>
>
>
> Community email addresses:
> Post message: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe: AN1x-list-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe: AN1x-list-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner: AN1x-list-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AN1x-list
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

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

Thanks very much Jon!

A lot of good information and ideas there...

Excellent idea that I simply check out other peoples patches, which I
wouldn't have the patience for if I didn't have the AN1X-Edit. I LOVE that
software interface!

Jim

=============================================================
Please check out my original music at my site http://home.online.no/~jacker
Or at http://www.soundclick.com/bands/jacker_music.htm
-James R. Acker-

----- Original Message -----
From: "jondl_2000" <jondl_2000@...>
To: <AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 8:29 AM
Subject: [AN1x] Re: knobs


> 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
>
>
>
> Community email addresses:
> Post message: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe: AN1x-list-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe: AN1x-list-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner: AN1x-list-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AN1x-list
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

> Excellent idea that I simply check out other peoples patches, which

I

> wouldn't have the patience for if I didn't have the AN1X-Edit.

For what it's worth heres what I use on leads and bass (and the
rationale):

- Ribbon X ...... +- 3 pitch bend

I really prefer the ribbon to the wheel cause you can do trills and
morph from bends to vibrato

- Pitch wheel ..... +- 12 pitch bend

Pretty much for dive bombs and swoop-ups. Also extends the range of
the keyboard in a pinch

- Ribbon Z ..... a patch dependent modulation that is usually
attack based. Could be a pitch envelope thing or a filter cutoff
thing or a sync sweep thing.

- Mod wheel .... LFO modulation of pitch with concurrent mod of LFO
speed up to where the sidebands come in.

- Knob 5 .... Filter cutoff or something similar that helps me
generall adjust the brightness of the patch so it sits in the mix.

- Knob 6 ... Resonance if applicable

- Knob 7 .... Delay return

- Knob 8 ..... Reverb return

- Knobs 1-4 ..... depends on the patch. Often not used. If used it's
something either envelope based (mimicking the VCA and VCF envelope
controls) Or something completely unique.

- Foot pedal ..... is either routed to modulation to control patch
morphs or to volume.

- Aftertouch .... is something that adds expressiveness to the
sustaining sound like a little filter cutoff, or filter modulation by
LFO, or a slight increase in osc sync pitch or a combination of all
three.

Cheers,

Jerry

Ecellent! Great advice, and I am going to try it out...
Could you give a couple of concrete examples for aftertouch settings you
have used?

----- Original Message -----
From: "tuskermusic" <tuskerfort@...>
To: <AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 11:02 PM
Subject: [AN1x] Re: knobs


> > Excellent idea that I simply check out other peoples patches, which
> I
> > wouldn't have the patience for if I didn't have the AN1X-Edit.
>
> For what it's worth heres what I use on leads and bass (and the
> rationale):
>
> - Ribbon X ...... +- 3 pitch bend
>
> I really prefer the ribbon to the wheel cause you can do trills and
> morph from bends to vibrato
>
> - Pitch wheel ..... +- 12 pitch bend
>
> Pretty much for dive bombs and swoop-ups. Also extends the range of
> the keyboard in a pinch
>
> - Ribbon Z ..... a patch dependent modulation that is usually
> attack based. Could be a pitch envelope thing or a filter cutoff
> thing or a sync sweep thing.
>
> - Mod wheel .... LFO modulation of pitch with concurrent mod of LFO
> speed up to where the sidebands come in.
>
> - Knob 5 .... Filter cutoff or something similar that helps me
> generall adjust the brightness of the patch so it sits in the mix.
>
> - Knob 6 ... Resonance if applicable
>
> - Knob 7 .... Delay return
>
> - Knob 8 ..... Reverb return
>
> - Knobs 1-4 ..... depends on the patch. Often not used. If used it's
> something either envelope based (mimicking the VCA and VCF envelope
> controls) Or something completely unique.
>
> - Foot pedal ..... is either routed to modulation to control patch
> morphs or to volume.
>
> - Aftertouch .... is something that adds expressiveness to the
> sustaining sound like a little filter cutoff, or filter modulation by
> LFO, or a slight increase in osc sync pitch or a combination of all
> three.

>
> Cheers,
>
> Jerry
>
>
>
> Community email addresses:
> Post message: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe: AN1x-list-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe: AN1x-list-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner: AN1x-list-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AN1x-list
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

Hello,

one of my favorite ever is to assign a slow delayed LFO to the VCA
to have a delayed tremolo effect on sustained sounds triggered by AT
works great on organ/pad/drones like sounds
u can do it with mod wheel but of course when u play
with 2 hands massive chords is better to use AT to trigger it

i use it a lot on my JD800 where the lfos are extremely flexible
and a neat trick is to use perfect multiples lfo speed per TONE
2/4/8/16, or to trigger AT +15 -30 +30 -15

what a pity lfos on the AN1X are so poor in comparison and no
multiple tones or multi :-( but we can use the free EGs to move the
sound

on the other hand i think the strength of the AN1X are the lovely
VCOs FMing and SYNCHing capabilities

on knobs related issues
i truly adore my jd800 even if it is a 1 knob per function
u can hardly get lost in sub menus and u know what u change when u
move something, instant endless pleasure !

the AN1X is a good compromise but 8 knobs and matrix panel are
the "so-trendy-cheap for them to make-not cheap for u to buy" UI
solution

Regards
-------------------------------------ENV1-----ENV2---ENV3------------
Andrea TONI VCO1 \ | |
Science Operation and Data VCO2-->--VCF--->VCA-->DUCATI 996
Systems Division (SCI-SD) VCO3 / | |
-------------------------------------LFO1-----LFO2---LFO3------------
email: Andrea.Toni@... web: www.rssd.esa.int

----- Original Message -----
From: "James R. Acker" <jacker@...>
To: <AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 3:30 PM
Subject: Re: [AN1x] Re: knobs



> Ecellent! Great advice, and I am going to try it out...
> Could you give a couple of concrete examples for aftertouch
settings you
> have used?

--- In AN1x-list@y..., "James R. Acker" <jacker@o...> wrote:

> Ecellent! Great advice, and I am going to try it out...
> Could you give a couple of concrete examples for aftertouch

settings you

> have used?
>
>

Jerry's Pitch Bend -> Ribbon Controller tip is a good one!

In regards to AT, you might try assigning Fmod Depth or Amod
Depth for a start. It's might be easier to cotrol if you set the Depth
parameter in the Ctrl Matrix to a value other than dirct.

Another idea is to assign VCOx Level to AT bring in some
overtones on the second Oscillator.

Jon

One knob on my AN1X is too loose--the slightest bump sets it off.

How hard (expensive) is it to fix? I know a good tech. Should he tighten all the knobs even if only one is out of whack? Is there some type of preventative maintenance that can help?


Jimmy

Hello Jimmy !
what do you mean by "loose" ?
It turns endlessly ? It does nothing at all ? Or is there a bad contact
that makes the parameter jump between random values ?
I don't think it could be expensive, at worst you'll have to change the
pot and it is not an expensive part. If there is only a "dry" solder
joint (and IMHO that's the case..) you'll only have to pay for the work.
But the main problem would be to find the right replacement pot outside
Yamaha service and spare parts, our beloved instrument being 12 years
old and out of production.
Cheers !
J.F.

spaceanimals a écrit :

>
> One knob on my AN1X is too loose--the slightest bump sets it off.
>
> How hard (expensive) is it to fix? I know a good tech. Should he
> tighten all the knobs even if only one is out of whack? Is there some
> type of preventative maintenance that can help?
>
> Jimmy
>
>

it should not be a problem with the pot as most pots in yam products are the
burr and brown and they still make the originals or equivelent but it sounds
more like the nut has come loose on the pot on the internal holding plate
just use some locktight onthe thread and tighten the nut leave to dry before
turning

this is a job for your self rather than paying a tech

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff" <jf.serviere@...>
To: <AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 7:03 AM
Subject: Re: [AN1x] knobs


> Hello Jimmy !
> what do you mean by "loose" ?
> It turns endlessly ? It does nothing at all ? Or is there a bad contact
> that makes the parameter jump between random values ?
> I don't think it could be expensive, at worst you'll have to change the
> pot and it is not an expensive part. If there is only a "dry" solder
> joint (and IMHO that's the case..) you'll only have to pay for the work.
> But the main problem would be to find the right replacement pot outside
> Yamaha service and spare parts, our beloved instrument being 12 years
> old and out of production.
> Cheers !
> J.F.
>
> spaceanimals a écrit :
>>
>> One knob on my AN1X is too loose--the slightest bump sets it off.
>>
>> How hard (expensive) is it to fix? I know a good tech. Should he
>> tighten all the knobs even if only one is out of whack? Is there some
>> type of preventative maintenance that can help?
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Community email addresses:
> Post message: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe: AN1x-list-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe: AN1x-list-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner: AN1x-list-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AN1x-list
>
> The AN1x Control Synthesizer FAQ::
> http://www.geocities.com/jondl_2000/an1x_faq/an1x_faq_toc.htm
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


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