The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Hello AN1x'ers,
Noticed a user review of the CS6x at Harmony Central yesterday and
emailed the author in regards to his comments on the Arp/Seq
timing/synchronization delay many other have commented on - myself included.

Thought you'd enjoy this reply from Yamaha.  I'll post this on my page
as well.  BTW - he's returning the CS6x in protest.  I don't disagree
with that decision.  What do YOU think?

Enjoy.

Jon

Kevan Staples wrote:
> 
> jondl@... writes:
> >Read the update to your CS6r review posted at Harmony Central.  FYI -
> >the AN1x suffers from the same timing problem with the Arp/Seq.  The
> >problem also occurs when triggering an external MIDI sound module.
> >*sigh* Very unmusical.
> >
> >Regards,
> >Jon Levinson
> 
> Jon..thanks..you want a good larf. I just received this email from Yamaha explaining the virtues of
> this delay and why it was implemented. He almost makes it sound useful.
> 
> Dear Kevan,
> As product manager for Digital Musical Instruments here at Yamaha, I am very concerned with issues
> like you mention. There has been considerable confusion in regard to the arpeggiator synchronizing
> function of our most recent line of synthesizers. I have performed extensive testing of the
> arpeggiators sync capability and can assure you that it does synchronize with external MIDI clock.
> I hope the following information will adequately explain how you can achieve the results you desire.
> 
> Because there are several categories (types) of arpeggiator patterns intended for different musical
> purposes (guitar strums, drum patterns etc.), the triggering implementation (both internal and
> through MIDI) is a little different from previous instruments. But it does synchronize perfectly
> with external MIDI clock messages recieved by the MIDI in of the CS6x(R), S80 and S30.
> 
> The reason that it doesn't seem to sync properly is that the actual arpeggio pattern is offset
> (delayed) by a 32nd note (independant of tempo as it must be, to be in sync). This is a predictable
> musical value that represents a "window" of opportunity that the arpeggiator gives you in order to
> determine how many and which notes you wish to arpeggiate.
> 
> When you are aware of this 32nd note offset, it is possible to trigger manually (by anticipation of
> a 32nd note) to achieve the desired result, and through MIDI by offsetting the arp trigger note[s]
> by a 32nd note.
> When these methods are used it is possible to achieve perfect synchronization with any and all
> arpeggiator patterns in the CS6x(R), S80 and S30.
> 
> Thank you for your support of Yamaha synthesizers and if I can be of further assistance feel free
> to contact me.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Avery Burdette
> Product Manager
> Digital Musical Instruments
> Yamaha Corporation of America
> aburdette@...
> 714)522-9819 phone
> 714)739-2680 fax

-- 
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