Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

From: "primatetom2003" <baltimorescience@...>

> ok)
> i'm not saavy re: midi.
> sysex is a language that is used in certain midi modules/controllers,
> including evolver?

it's a message format, SysEx stands for "SYStem EXclusive"

Most MIDI messages you use (eg note on, for instance) will work with any
MIDI device on the right MIDI channel (provided it responds to note on
messages).

sysex is designed to specifically send information to one type of device. So
as a result it is a lot less general, requires special means to generate it,
and the messages are longer, so take up more MIDI bandwidth for the same
amount of control.

Synth parameters on modern synths tend to get assigned to things called midi
control change parameters (CC).

You can do anything with the evolver using SysEx that you could do with a
synth that had all its parameters on CCs, but SysEx 1) requires something
that can generate the messages specifically, and 2) will clog your MIDI
chain if you go too crazy with the amount of messages you send. (though in
my experience you can get pretty heavy with SysEx parameter changes and not
suffer any clogging)

> what is an interesting or particularly effective controller that
> people have used with evolver?
>
I have a Peavey PC1600x. I use it for driving my waldorf microwave1, and
cubase audio mixer.

There is already a set of PC1600 presets available for the evolver, but I
haven't bothered to load them in, because, well, I never really felt the
need. I have another email in response to paul nagle's last one, about the
usefulness (or lack of usefulness) with full parameter automation  that I
have yet to compose and send off.... maybe after work today..

You could also get a kenton control freak. they are almost identical in
design and features, but are better supported by their manufacturer, and are
cheaper (though not nearly as nicely built as the PC1600)



julian


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