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Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

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Thread

Step Sequencing

Step Sequencing

2010-05-19 by sumguy231

So hi, I'm new around here.

I picked up a VFX-SD from Craigslist recently as my first hardware synthesizer and I love it but I have a couple questions:

I noticed this ad here mentions an "advanced Step-Entry mode":
http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/EDjzS2_dHK3XHN4I_993YoGjbFfk2cTeCCDNQtw-DIZpZbhlJpZmqLi3cVlDg146PMQEOM0xOebFs4vI1S0LfiJIithJPw/Brochures%20and%20specs/vfxbrochure3.jpg
However, I can't seem to find anything on step sequencing on the interface or the manual. I'm hardly a precise player so it would help quite a bit for writing rhythm tracks and whatnot even if I'm just going to replace those in software later. Does anyone know anything about that?

Oh, and while I'm here some older postings mentioned a VFX-SDii. Is this just a hardware version of the VFX-SD? How do I know if I have one? Mine was made in January 1991 if that helps. (Wow, the dang thing is roughly the same age as me, a couple months younger though.)

Step Sequencing

2010-05-19 by Claus

Hi!
To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3 it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording, the track will be on the first bar and tick
and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step. If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
STEP, and the event will be empty.

Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until then, feel free to ask :)

Best, AudioSaucer, DK
Claus

Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by sumguy231

Thanks! I believe that answers my question.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Claus <clauzii@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
>  Hi!
> To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3 it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording, the track will be on the first bar and tick
> and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step. If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
> STEP, and the event will be empty.
> 
> Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until then, feel free to ask :)
> 
> Best, AudioSaucer, DK
> Claus
>

Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by rrsw_ccs

Don't have that option on my VFX-SD. :(

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Claus <clauzii@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
>  Hi!
> To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3 it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording, the track will be on the first bar and tick
> and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step. If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
> STEP, and the event will be empty.
> 
> Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until then, feel free to ask :)
> 
> Best, AudioSaucer, DK
> Claus
>

Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by sumguy231

Bummer, but on the other hand that may help answer my question about hardware versions. When was yours made?

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "rrsw_ccs" <79flh@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Don't have that option on my VFX-SD. :(
> 
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Claus <clauzii@> wrote:
> >
> > 
> >  Hi!
> > To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3 it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording, the track will be on the first bar and tick
> > and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step. If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
> > STEP, and the event will be empty.
> > 
> > Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until then, feel free to ask :)
> > 
> > Best, AudioSaucer, DK
> > Claus
> >
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by Rish

Chances are that is not a hardware issue as the seq was updated all  
the time in the OS and the firmware.
What versions do you have?
Rish

Sent from my iPod
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On May 20, 2010, at 1:15 AM, "sumguy231" <abc4e@...> wrote:

> Bummer, but on the other hand that may help answer my question about  
> hardware versions. When was yours made?
>
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "rrsw_ccs" <79flh@...> wrote:
> >
> > Don't have that option on my VFX-SD. :(
> >
> > --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Claus <clauzii@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi!
> > > To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3  
> it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording,  
> the track will be on the first bar and tick
> > > and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with  
> the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step.  
> If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
> > > STEP, and the event will be empty.
> > >
> > > Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until  
> then, feel free to ask :)
> > >
> > > Best, AudioSaucer, DK
> > > Claus
> > >
> >
>
>

Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by az_spunky

There is step recording on the VFX-SD.  Check the manual, page 12-15 "Event Edit"

http://www.soundprogramming.net/manuals/Ensoniq_VFX-SD_Manual.pdf

You step through the event list for an individual track in a sequence or song.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Rish <rish@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Chances are that is not a hardware issue as the seq was updated all  
> the time in the OS and the firmware.
> What versions do you have?
> Rish
> 
> Sent from my iPod
> 
> On May 20, 2010, at 1:15 AM, "sumguy231" <abc4e@...> wrote:
> 
> > Bummer, but on the other hand that may help answer my question about  
> > hardware versions. When was yours made?
> >
> > --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "rrsw_ccs" <79flh@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Don't have that option on my VFX-SD. :(
> > >
> > > --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@...m, Claus <clauzii@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hi!
> > > > To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3  
> > it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording,  
> > the track will be on the first bar and tick
> > > > and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with  
> > the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step.  
> > If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
> > > > STEP, and the event will be empty.
> > > >
> > > > Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until  
> > then, feel free to ask :)
> > > >
> > > > Best, AudioSaucer, DK
> > > > Claus
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by Will Robinson

Software Version 2.0 added Step Entry Recording. Make sure you have OS 2 or higher. One of the features added was Temporary Record Bypass; holding down the REC button while in step entry mode. This gives you a moment to noodle around before committing to recording. 
Info from the manual supplement P/N 9311 0026 01 - B.




________________________________
From: az_spunky <danrue@...>
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, May 20, 2010 1:47:30 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Step Sequencing

  
There is step recording on the VFX-SD.  Check the manual, page 12-15 "Event Edit"

http://www.soundprogramming.net/manuals/Ensoniq_VFX-SD_Manual.pdf

You step through the event list for an individual track in a sequence or song.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Rish <rish@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Chances are that is not a hardware issue as the seq was updated all 
> the time in the OS and the firmware.
> What versions do you have?
> Rish
> 
> Sent from my iPod
> 
> On May 20, 2010, at 1:15 AM, "sumguy231" <abc4e@...> wrote:
> 
> > Bummer, but on the other hand that may help answer my question about 
> > hardware versions. When was yours made?
> >
> > --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "rrsw_ccs" <79flh@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Don't have that option on my VFX-SD. :(
> > >
> > > --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Claus <clauzii@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hi!
> > > > To enter STEP recording, press the SEQ-CONTROL button. On page 3 
> > it says STEP-ENTRY-OFF. Set this to on. When You enter recording, 
> > the track will be on the first bar and tick
> > > > and You can select the step size accordingly. Press a key with 
> > the velocity You want, and the sequencer advances to the next step. 
> > If You don't need a note on a specific step, press
> > > > STEP, and the event will be empty.
> > > >
> > > > Hope this helps. I might write a DOC on steprecording. Until 
> > then, feel free to ask :)
> > > >
> > > > Best, AudioSaucer, DK
> > > > Claus
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-20 by rrsw_ccs

I've got 1.37. Where do I get a copy of 2.0 or better? Will that need new ROMs?

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Will Robinson <dangerdangerwill@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Software Version 2.0 added Step Entry Recording. Make sure you have OS 2 or higher. One of the features added was Temporary Record Bypass; holding down the REC button while in step entry mode. This gives you a moment to noodle around before committing to recording. 
> Info from the manual supplement P/N 9311 0026 01 - B.
> 
> 
> 
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-21 by Claus

Hi!

Yes. You can get them at Route66Studios.

Best, AudioSaucer
Claus

 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: rrsw_ccs <79flh@...>
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Fri, May 21, 2010 1:09 am
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Step Sequencing


  
    
                  

I've got 1.37. Where do I get a copy of 2.0 or better? Will that need new ROMs?

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Will Robinson <dangerdangerwill@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Software Version 2.0 added Step Entry Recording. Make sure you have OS 2 or higher. One of the features added was Temporary Record Bypass; holding down the REC button while in step entry mode. This gives you a moment to noodle around before committing to recording. 
> Info from the manual supplement P/N 9311 0026 01 - B.
> 
> 
> 
>

Re: Step Sequencing

2010-05-21 by mm9745

Yeah your going to have to change the eproms

http://www.route66studios.com/

VFXSD EPROM Update - Version 2.00............ $26.00  




--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "rrsw_ccs" <79flh@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> I've got 1.37. Where do I get a copy of 2.0 or better? Will that need new ROMs?
> 
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Will Robinson <dangerdangerwill@> wrote:
> >
> > Software Version 2.0 added Step Entry Recording. Make sure you have OS 2 or higher. One of the features added was Temporary Record Bypass; holding down the REC button while in step entry mode. This gives you a moment to noodle around before committing to recording. 
> > Info from the manual supplement P/N 9311 0026 01 - B.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >
>

Tuning Drifting

2010-05-25 by James R. Pardonek

Hi,

 

I still use my VFX-SD in live performances on a weekly basis.  I’ve noticed lately that from gig to gig it goes out of tune and have also noticed that the tuning will change over the course of the night.  I don’t think that this keyboard is subject to the old problem of varying input voltage from our local power company but it may be possible.  I’ve also noticed that some aftertouch “features” are stuck on such as vibrato on the alto sax sound.  I’ve worked around it by setting up a program that doesn’t have vibrato enabled, but as I find more patches that have this problem it becomes a mess trying to “fix” them all.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks,

 

James R. Pardonek, CISSP

Senior Network Administrator

Purdue University Calumet Data Network

Information Services

Purdue University Calumet

Hammond, Indiana

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

2010-05-25 by Will Robinson

The Mod wheel is the cause for the Alto Sax plunge on my unit. It does become annoying but that is a drastic use of pitch modulating, I usually do not notice it when the LFO is modulating other sounds. Aftertouch on my board requires a bit more force these days, it may be my finger strength. .




________________________________
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: James R. Pardonek <pardonjr@calumet.purdue.edu>
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, May 25, 2010 10:54:40 AM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

 
Hi,
 
I still use my VFX-SD in live performances on a weekly basis.  I’ve
noticed lately that from gig to gig it goes out of tune and have also noticed
that the tuning will change over the course of the night.  I don’t think that
this keyboard is subject to the old problem of varying input voltage from our
local power company but it may be possible.  I’ve also noticed that some
aftertouch “features” are stuck on such as vibrato on the alto sax sound.  I’ve
worked around it by setting up a program that doesn’t have vibrato enabled, but
as I find more patches that have this problem it becomes a mess trying to “fix”
them all.
 
Any suggestions?
 
Thanks,
 
James R. Pardonek, CISSP
Senior Network Administrator
Purdue University Calumet Data Network
Information Services
Purdue University Calumet
Hammond, Indiana

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

2010-05-26 by Jon Carroll

Try cleaning the aftertouch contacts on the keys... ( and the keyboard in 
general)
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James R. Pardonek" <pardonjr@...>
To: <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 7:54 AM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting


Hi,



I still use my VFX-SD in live performances on a weekly basis.  I\u2019ve noticed 
lately that from gig to gig it goes out of tune and have also noticed that 
the tuning will change over the course of the night.  I don\u2019t think that 
this keyboard is subject to the old problem of varying input voltage from 
our local power company but it may be possible.  I\u2019ve also noticed that some 
aftertouch \u201cfeatures\u201d are stuck on such as vibrato on the alto sax sound.  I\u2019ve 
worked around it by setting up a program that doesn\u2019t have vibrato enabled, 
but as I find more patches that have this problem it becomes a mess trying 
to \u201cfix\u201d them all.



Any suggestions?



Thanks,



James R. Pardonek, CISSP

Senior Network Administrator

Purdue University Calumet Data Network

Information Services

Purdue University Calumet

Hammond, Indiana

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

2010-05-26 by James R. Pardonek

Thanks for the great information. Something I never thought of. Is there a document somewhere explaining how to do this?

James Pardonek CISSP
Senior Network Administrator
Purdue University Calumet

Show quoted textHide quoted text

From: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tue May 25 19:02:20 2010
Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

Try cleaning the aftertouch contacts on the keys... ( and the keyboard in
general)

----- Original Message -----
From: "James R. Pardonek" <pardonjr@calumet.purdue.edu>
To: <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 7:54 AM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

Hi,

I still use my VFX-SD in live performances on a weekly basis. I’ve noticed
lately that from gig to gig it goes out of tune and have also noticed that
the tuning will change over the course of the night. I don’t think that
this keyboard is subject to the old problem of varying input voltage from
our local power company but it may be possible. I’ve also noticed that some
aftertouch “features” are stuck on such as vibrato on the alto sax sound. I’ve
worked around it by setting up a program that doesn’t have vibrato enabled,
but as I find more patches that have this problem it becomes a mess trying
to “fix” them all.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

James R. Pardonek, CISSP

Senior Network Administrator

Purdue University Calumet Data Network

Information Services

Purdue University Calumet

Hammond, Indiana

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

2010-05-26 by Jon Carroll

Not really... there could be i guess...

You open the synth, remove the keys holding the keybed in place, disconnect 
the keybed

http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/Draven32/VFX/?action=view�t=VFX_Keybed.jpg

then remove the keys (i usually do this a few at a tome) by first pulling 
upward on the spring at the back o f the key and unseating the spring from 
the key, then take a screwdriver and CAREFULLY push down in the rectangular 
slot where the tab is. If you do it too hard or wiggle the screwdriver too 
much you WILL break off the plastic tab on the key *pointing to the plastic 
tabs on the shelf of keyboard stuff*

One the tab is disconnected slide the key forward and off. You'll see why it 
has to be slid forward as soon as you do it- in the above image link you can 
see where there is a part that hags off the front that the keys hook under.

http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/Draven32/VFX/?action=view�t=VFX_aftertouch_strip.jpg

this is the bottom of a white key. Make sure *every* key has the little 
metal strip attached to it. From your problem description, some of these may 
have come off, just pop them back on. (literally, i had the same problem on 
a few keys because the aftertouch strip had popped off of two keys and was 
making contact whenever the keys were played...)

Wipe off the key with rubbing alcohol, and wipe the aftertouch strip with 
wither rubbing alcohol or DeOxit.

If you look again at the keybed image, you can see the rectangular induction 
loop for each key. Wipe that down as well, mostly because of the little 
silver contact at the bottom.

(and for anyone that goes looking around on my photobucket, yes i realize my 
VFX has not had the keybed fix done. Yes it works. I'll do the keybed fix 
soon.)


----- Original Message -----
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "James R. Pardonek" <pardonjr@...>
To: <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 6:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting


> Thanks for the great information. Something I never thought of. Is there a 
> document somewhere explaining how to do this?
>
> James Pardonek CISSP
> Senior Network Administrator
> Purdue University Calumet
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
> To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tue May 25 19:02:20 2010
> Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting
>
>
>
>
> Try cleaning the aftertouch contacts on the keys... ( and the keyboard in
> general)
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "James R. Pardonek" <pardonjr@... 
> <mailto:pardonjr%40calumet.purdue.edu> >
> To: <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com 
> <mailto:Ensoniq-VFX-SD%40yahoogroups.com> >
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 7:54 AM
> Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting
>
> Hi,
>
> I still use my VFX-SD in live performances on a weekly basis. I\u2019ve noticed
> lately that from gig to gig it goes out of tune and have also noticed that
> the tuning will change over the course of the night. I don\u2019t think that
> this keyboard is subject to the old problem of varying input voltage from
> our local power company but it may be possible. I\u2019ve also noticed that 
> some
> aftertouch \u201cfeatures\u201d are stuck on such as vibrato on the alto sax sound. 
> I\u2019ve
> worked around it by setting up a program that doesn\u2019t have vibrato 
> enabled,
> but as I find more patches that have this problem it becomes a mess trying
> to \u201cfix\u201d them all.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
>
> James R. Pardonek, CISSP
>
> Senior Network Administrator
>
> Purdue University Calumet Data Network
>
> Information Services
>
> Purdue University Calumet
>
> Hammond, Indiana
>
>
>
>
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting

2010-05-26 by jammie

the voltages are from the 5v supply check this supply your 5v regulator might be suffering from ac from the cap filter circuit due to low charging of the caps time for a cap change 

all voltage control circuits for the vfx come from the 5v supply

there output is sampled by the 4051 sample and hold mux and changed into a digital signal for the cpu to access

this is the pitch wheel /the mod wheel the foot control /the aftertouch /and the volume control
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Will Robinson 
  To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 5:20 PM
  Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting


    

  The Mod wheel is the cause for the Alto Sax plunge on my unit. It does become annoying but that is a drastic use of pitch modulating, I usually do not notice it when the LFO is modulating other sounds. Aftertouch on my board requires a bit more force these days, it may be my finger strength. .




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: James R. Pardonek <pardonjr@...>
  To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Tue, May 25, 2010 10:54:40 AM
  Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Tuning Drifting


  Hi,



  I still use my VFX-SD in live performances on a weekly basis.  I’ve noticed lately that from gig to gig it goes out of tune and have also noticed that the tuning will change over the course of the night.  I don’t think that this keyboard is subject to the old problem of varying input voltage from our local power company but it may be possible.  I’ve also noticed that some aftertouch “features” are stuck on such as vibrato on the alto sax sound.  I’ve worked around it by setting up a program that doesn’t have vibrato enabled, but as I find more patches that have this problem it becomes a mess trying to “fix” them all.



  Any suggestions?



  Thanks,



  James R. Pardonek, CISSP

  Senior Network Administrator

  Purdue University Calumet Data Network

  Information Services

  Purdue University Calumet

  Hammond, Indiana




  


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