Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

Hello,
I just got the mono Evolver Desktop.  I plan to use it for live performance, controlling it via a Korg ESX-1.  Right out of the box, the Korg automatically triggers the evolver's envolopes and sequences when connected by midi.  It also changes programs when I scroll through the ESX patterns in "pattern mode". 

However, when I am in "Song" mode on the ESX, which I use a lot to automate patterns changes  when I play live, the evolver's programs don't change along with the ESX's patterns queued up in the songs.  I am well aware that Evolver is an analog synth that doesn't have Song mode.  But I have been through both manuals and I know that the ESX-1 has the ability to transmit Song position pointer  data.  And I'm pretty sure that the Evolver has the ability to receive song position pointer data.  I just don't know how to enable this.  Admittedly, I also don't really understand how the Song Position Pointer parameter works.  
Thanks, 'm way psyched to get my evolver up and running.!!
z

OK, there's a few things to discuss.

--Song Position Pointer
These msgs contain info on the current bar and beat within a song. If you have one sequencer slaved to another sequencer, when you FF or REW the master, the slave will jump to the same location.

The Evolver interprets SPP by wrapping the currently running sequence to the appropriate point. For instance let's say the Evo sequencer is set up with a 16-step pattern lasting one bar. Assuming 4/4, if you advance the master sequencer to beat 3 of ANY bar, the Evo will jump to the 9th step. Advance to beat 4 of ANY bar and the Evo will jump to the 12th step. Etc.

--Electribe Songs
A Tribe song is just a chain of patterns. Switching patterns manually on a Tribe sends out a program change msg. Check the Tribe manual to see if these are also sent when patterns switch inside a song (this is needed if you want to the Evo to switch programs).

Does this answer your question?

CAVES

Buy a yamaha mep4 and program it to convert a midi note m3ssage to a program change message !  Thats a hardware aproach if you don't want to use a computer to send program changes - BTW do you have any tips for smooth programs changes - i just got a desktop and want do something similar live - but i plan on using a beringer FC 100 foot pedal - I won't sych to midi but you can progam it to send up to 4 (i believe) progam changes on different channels - and some controller messages when you hit a foot switch . I also has 2 nice pedals that can be programmed w controller #'s and ranges .  Plus ther'e cheap !  

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "Zak" <zenanbach@...> wrote:

>
> Hey. Thanks for the response. 
> I used a free midi utility to check exactly what info electribe was sending in song mode when patterns change. It turned out to be a song position pointer message accompanied by a two digit number. But, after emailing with dsi support, I learned that the evo will only respond to standard program and bank change (to change prgms).  
> So, to work around it, I have to switch programs on the evolver manually. Mid song its a problem, as I also play guitar. 
> Does anyone know of a fix for this?
> Maybe this setup isn't ideal for live performance. Can anyone suggest a good sequencer to use with the evolver? I'm slightly addicted to it now. 
> Thanks, 
> Zach 
> CAVES 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "meatballfulton" <hubcapbrian@...>
> Sender: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:17:41 
> To: <DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com>
> Reply-To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: evolver and song position pointer data
> 
> 
> 
> 
> OK, there's a few things to discuss.
> 
> --Song Position Pointer
> These msgs contain info on the current bar and beat within a song. If you have one sequencer slaved to another sequencer, when you FF or REW the master, the slave will jump to the same location.
> 
> The Evolver interprets SPP by wrapping the currently running sequence to the appropriate point. For instance let's say the Evo sequencer is set up with a 16-step pattern lasting one bar. Assuming 4/4, if you advance the master sequencer to beat 3 of ANY bar, the Evo will jump to the 9th step. Advance to beat 4 of ANY bar and the Evo will jump to the 12th step. Etc.
> 
> --Electribe Songs
> A Tribe song is just a chain of patterns. Switching patterns manually on a Tribe sends out a program change msg. Check the Tribe manual to see if these are also sent when patterns switch inside a song (this is needed if you want to the Evo to switch programs).
> 
> Does this answer your question?
>