Does the Synth Controller allow to hold more than on edition at a time? Can i switch between multiple editions somehow? Can the Controller used universally with multiple synths?
No, the hardware of the Synth Controllers offers room for exactly one edition at a time. It is not an universal controller for multiple synths at the same time.
Can i dump the 1016r-edition firmware into my Synth Controller in Microwave edition?
Sure. The hardware of the Synth Controller is compatible with all firmwares. It also does not matter whether it’s the DIY-kit or the assembled version. Btw, if you jump over to ‘Manuals’ you can download PDFs for printout of all faceplates.
Can i make editions or templates on my own?
Not for target devices using SysEx. But since 2020/02 we offer an edition called “UniCC” in combination with an online editor. You can configure up to 48 Control Change-numbers for your knobs. Please visit the “UniCC EDITOR” tab for more details. This allows e.g. controlling most VST instruments with your Synth Controller.
How can i dump another edition into the Synth Controller?
The steps for the firmware update are described in the manual.
My Matrix-6/6R does not react to knob fiddling – only Volume and Portamento are working?
The Matrix 6/6R ignores external parameter change commands unless it’s in QUICK EDIT Mode.
My Alpha Juno / Yamaha TX81Z does not react to knob fiddling – only Volume and Portamento are working?
There is a parameter in s the Juno’s Prefs: MIDI – EXCLUSIVE … set this to ON, otherwize the Juno will ignore incoming parameter change commands. For the TX81Z you find the parameter in the menu UTILITY/MIDI.
What about an edition for Korg DW-6000, Yamaha FB01, Siel DK-700, Cheetah MS-6?
On these synths it is unfortunately not possible to change individual parameters over Midi. Existing software editors solve this by sending the complete program back and forth which is not possible with the hardware of the Synth Controller.
Does the Matrix-Edition allow tweaking all parameters of the Matrix 1000/6 including the modulations matrix?
No, the Synth Controller just offers the 40 most important parameters, including ‘Unison Detune’ introduced in the Matrix1000 OS Version 1.16. For modulation matrix edits to make sense, the controller would (among others) need a display. Take a look on our Synth Programmer offering convenient access to all parameters , including the mod matrix.
Does the 81Z edition also work with the Yamaha DX-11 / DX-21 / DX-100 / TQ-5?
Yes, the 81Z edition works well with the DX11, DX21 and also DX100. There might be parameters on the DX-100 which the 81Z does not offer. These wont be supported then. The same for the TQ-5 which we tested ourselved. It does NOT work with the FB01 which is cimpletely different sysex-wise.
No edition for the Yamaha DX-7?
No, for a reason. FM-Synthesis is so complex – a simple controllerbox with 16 pots would not do the job. A focused editing would not be possible, it would be more kind of gambling.
Does the K1-Edition support the Kawai K1 II?
Yes, the synth section is compatible throughout the whole K1 family. The K1 II's Drum- and Effects-sektion are not supported though.
Is there an edition for the Ensoniq Mirage sampler?
Yes, although it goes a quite unusual way. We checked all three operating systems: OS3.2, MASOS and SOUNDPROCESS. None allows the direct changing of parameter values with midi commands.
- The OS3.2 does not offer any interface for midi remoted parameter changes at all :-(
- MASOS does offer the SENDING of individual parameter changes from the Mirage but not RECEIVING them from an external controller/Computer (we tried nevertheless in the hope the documentation is incomplete, but nothing). There is only a command for receiving a complete set of PROGRAM parameters. For proper operation it would be necessary to connect Controller & Mirage in a Midi loop for transfering the complete Program from Mirage into the Controller, changing the desired para values and sending the complete Program back to the Mirage. This could work – but the MIDI IN of the Controller would be occupied by the Mirage – blocking the possibility to connect it to the Sequencer/DAW for receiving notes and let it play some music :-(
- SOUNDPROCESS – the alternative OS making the Mirage a 4 oscillator Synth without sampling capabilities. This OS offers the widest SysEx interface, theoretically it should have worked. According to the documentation the Mirage should display “CC” and respond to individual SysEx parameter changes after sending the “Computer Control” command (0xF0, 0x0F, 0xF7, 0x02, 0xF7) to the Mirage. But it simply does not respond. If it’s only the Mirage i have here or the docuentation is wrong or the OS was not finished 32 years ago … no idea, it simply does not do what it should :-(
- Last chance: remoting of frontpanel knobs. MASOS offers a possibility for virtually pressing frontpanel knobs with midi commands, that’s the way the Synth Controller edition goes. The Mirage will jump directly into parameter numbers by touching a knob. By the amount of turning you set the speed to increase or decrease the value. Still not perfect but much quicker than doing it by hand. For further details please check the addendum for the Mirage edition.
Is it right the keyboard of the Crumar Bit One stops working when being used with a Synth Controller?
Yes, but the reason is a quite unusual behaviour of the Bit ONE itself and has nothing to do with the Synth Controller in special. The keyboard will be detached from the internal sound engine as soon as a cable is plugged to the Bit ONE’s MIDI IN, it still sends to MIDI OUT though. A solution would be to plug the Bit’s MIDI OUT to a Midi Merger which merges this keyboard data with incoming notes/data from the DAW’s MIDI OUT. The merger’s OUT goes back into the Bit – optionally with the Synth Controller in between. The Controller forwards all Midi Note and mixes them with it’s own parameter change data.
How long will it take to assemble the Synth-Controller DIY kit?
About 60 Minuten – depending on your skils and how much time you take.
