Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

I have the DTXpressIII SP, and it can do some strange things.  Here is 
my setup:

DTXPressIIISP -->MOTU MTP AV--->To Keyboards/Tone Modules/LapTop with 
Sonar3/Patch Editors/Etc,Etc.

Now in straight out of the box or freshly rebooted the DTXpress puts 
out a lot of stuff -- major broadcast across all the channels.  It 
lights up the MOTU like X-Mas Tree.

In this "default Mode"  I have been able to play MIDI Files OK and I 
THINK Record a MIDI Track.  But the kicker is that you cannot use the 
DTX onboard Sequencer.  It will go waaaaay slow and trigger voices 
randomly.

I assume that the MOTO passes Clock to all cables/channels.  So my 
initial solution to debug was to unplug the In or the Out cable from 
the DTX and record or play back.

Subsequently, I set the DTX to EXT clock.  This cures the problem, but 
then you can't use the internal Sequencer for Jamming along with.  It 
needs a clock.  If I recall, the DTX has AUTO and EXT, no INT setting 
for clock.  When plugged into the MOTU I think it creates a "Clock 
Loop" when the DTX is set to "AUTO".  This may be true with software 
that has a "THRU" Setting for MIDI, although this doesn't occure until 
you actually start the Soft Sequencer or Player, then things get really 
messed up and anything can trigger.

So in reality, I would set the DTX clock to EXT and leave it at that, 
but one of the Guy's I Jam with wants to practice with the internal 
sessions and messes it all up when I leave it that way.  So, the next 
solution was to set the MOTU to block "Real Time Messages" on the MIDI 
out of the DTX.  Problem cured.

So, I would suggest you try to debug that way.  Start with just a MIDI 
out from the computer to MIDI in on the DTX and play a MIDI file -- One 
last note here.  Some MIDI files and some Programs, ie. SONAR can and 
will send a setup file to config everything for GM, XG, etc, and select 
voices before the actual MIDI file plays.  Some will tell you and let 
you say DON'T.  If possible set all your drum voices to "XG" and not 
GM.  This will get better playback and reduce the possability of some 
strange thing being sent.

If playback works, connect the Out from the DTX to the In on the 
Computer and record a track, swap the cables again and play it back.

If all works, then hook it all up.  Set the DTX clock to EXT, and give 
her a go.  Look for a "MIDI THRU" in your software and turn OFF/ON and 
try.

If you can get to at least one state where it works doing one thing, 
youe well on your way.

Hum!  Don't ever overlook the possabilty of a bad cable, 
interface/port.  Also, if you have a DTX III SP, set the module for a 
SP.  I don't have my Kit/Manual anywhere near, but if you set the DTX 
to GM, I think a bunch of functionality is lost --or-- it may be the 
otherway around.....

Anyway, start with one cable in one cable out.

Good luck and report back.  For something as simple a few little things 
can drive you up a tree.

Regards;

Peter







> Let me be clear. I have initialized, I have followed
> pages 42,92,110 and 118 in the manual. Even followed
> the MIDI section starting on page 129. I am no
> stranger to Midi and the Computer. I am not too savy
> with the DTX and what proceedures I have to do from
> initialization to have it play in sinq. Currently I am
> using my Roland Keyboard or an old AKAI GM sound
> module for the drum beats I have programmed and fed
> into my DAW (digital work station). I love the tones
> the DTX has and would like to use them.