Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

    From: jontu <pakana@...>
Subject: Re: Mono/MEK?

Hi,

(and sorry for not being Simon :-) )

If you already have controller keyboard, the use of MIDI CC's pretty
much overcomes any (minor, the layout is _very_ well though and gets
comfortable to use in no time, in my opinion) shortcomings of the
programming matrix on the desktop Evolver.  I have my keyboard's
faders and knobs routed to stuff like envelopes, cutoffs and
oscillator levels, turning the litte blue box into a very playable
instrument with a configurable interface.

As what comes to the sequencer, the Evolvers have four 16-step
sequencers. The desktop model matrix is 8 x 8, meaning that every
sequence is divided on two rows, and the single row of 8
column-indicator LEDs make two runs per sequence. The MEK seems to
have two rows of 8 knobs and LEDs above both them. This does probably
make it easier to follow a sequence, especially when examing a patch
someone else made.

But in practice, when working with your own sequences it is very
difficult to get "row-confused", as you always hear what you are
doing. And many use the Soundtower editor, which (supposedly, I prefer
working the real thing :-) ) has nice graphical representations of the
sequences and whatnots.

That said, the MEK surely is a great looking synth that surely has
more hands-on control than the desktop model by itself.

sunny days,

.jon

>  Many thanks Jon for your helpful response. Do you mind me asking just
>  what keyboard you are using with the Evolver?
>
>  Thanks again -
>
>  Christopher
>