Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

sjr41 said:
> I did a google search to see what I could find out, but i
> couldnt find a single reference to that model

Hmmm weird, I did a search and found the online site that sells/supports
the keyboard here:

http://studiologic.net/fatar-menu.htm

and they have a link to PDF versions of the FATAR manuals here:

http://www.musicindustries.com/manuals/#studiologicfatarmanuals

However, it appears that you are correct on the limits of the FB49 since
the "manual" (I hardly consider one sheet of paper that says "this is the
power jack" to be a manual!) does not show any way to change the MIDI
transmit channel. Yet they have the juevos to call this thing "The finest
master keyboard controller in the world". Yeaaaah. Right. :P

Anyway, it looks like it does give you some basic MIDI capability, and
the price was perfect! :)

> all i was hoping for is to use it as a basic synth (with piano,
> organ, & other MIDI sounds) as a songwriting/recording tool.
--snip--
>(i have the free version of ProTools & an analog 4-
> track cassette recorder).

Well, you can use it as a *very* basic MIDI source, and then use some
MIDI tools to associate an instrument with the MIDI notes. For example,
you could have ProTools accept the MIDI input on Channel 1 and then have
it retransmit it to channel 10. There are many featuers you can take
advantage of by using software to overcome the limits of this keybaord.

> i discovered
> that selecting CERTAIN songs actually changed the sounds produced by
> the keyboard (even if the song wasn't playing).

This is normal since certain songs assign a different patch to respond to
MIID channel 1. This is what you *should* be able to do from your
keyboard.

> also, i couldnt figure out how to
> alter or adjust the properties of the new sounds, which would have
> been useful & fun if possible.

In actuality, you might be better server finding a *real* MIDI controller
keybaord since some of the basic models are very inexpensive now. I use
this one:

http://www.m-audio.net/support/manuals/pdf/Key49_Manual.pdf

It can be had for about US $100.00 and sometimes cheaper used on Ebay. It
has velocity sensitivity and just about every MIDI command can be sent
from it. It also comes bundled with some decent software and has a USB
connection allowing it to double as a USB MIDI interface for other gear
if you don't have a MIDI interface for your PC/MAC already.

> sorry for the long post -- i hope this makes it easier for you (&
> anyone else in the group) to help me make noise!

No problem, we're all here because we all have a common interest in Music
and we hope to make everyone feel welcome. :)

Vern

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