Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

> 
> I have trouble setting up my connections. I want to use the sequencer
> from VFX-SD, recording notes from a MIDI keyboard-controller which
> controll a  sampler which is connected after the VFX. 
> How could I set up this to work? 
> I've tried connecting the external controller to the MIDI IN, and the
> sampler to the MIDI OUT of VFX-SD. When I connect the sampler to the
> THRU output, I can control the sampler with the external controller,
> but I cannot record that in the sequencer. My MIDI controller has just
> MIDI OUT, the sampler IN, OUT, THRU.

I've had a similar problem trying to record an external drum
controller playing notes on a module external to the vfx.  It's really
the exact same problem, recording an external midi source that
triggers an external midi destination.

One method will work if you have only one track that plays back on the
external device:  Use a different cabling for recording than durring
playback.

   When recording, Controller OUT goes to Sampler IN, Sampler THRU
   goes to VFX-SD IN.

   For playback, VFX OUT goes to Sampler IN.

Obviously this is messed up if you are trying playback some tracks to
the Sampler while recording other tracks that should also trigger the
sampler.  It works, but you don't hear any of the previously recorded
tracks that should trigger the sampler.

I think the only way to do this "right" is with a MIDI Merge device
(which I don't have).  Wiring would be Controller OUT to VFX IN, VFX
OUT and VFX THRU to Merge Box INs, Merge Box OUT to Sampler IN.

In some cases you might be able to work around the problem by
triggering sounds in the VFX while recording, then editing the track
to trigger external sounds instead upon playback.  

The only other alternative that I know of is to use a computer
sequencer which can handle this, then transfer the resulting sequence
to the VFX-SD when you're done.

--> Steve