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Re: [chromapolaris] Playing a Link Patch through midi keyboard

2017-06-19 by David Clarke

> ... I have created two separate midi outs in Logic X and I am sending
> midi data to channel 1 + channel 2 on the Polaris and it only play out 
> one
>  of the instruments.

I can't speak to the Logic side of things - but as long as you end up 
wtih two different MIDI streams, each on different MIDI channels (with 
appropriate Program Change messages on each) - then the Polaris is 
capable of playing them at the same time (this is a common configuration 
for the Polaris - and so if you're not hearing the desired behaviour 
then something isn't quite as expected.

It may have already been done - but if not, the first quick test is to 
actually set up to 'record' the Polaris.

After you have started the 'record' on Logic, manually select the 
'linked' patch on the Polaris front panel - and then play a few notes. 
You can now stop the sequencer and attempt to 'play back' to the Polaris 
what was just recorded.  If it plays back fine - with both patches 
sounding (link and main) - then the Polaris is set up OK and focus is on 
Logic.

If during playback you only hear one patch - then after you review what 
events were actually recorded (e.g., to confirm you see two MIDI 
channels and two program changes + notes) review of the Polaris settings 
would be appropriate.  Feel free to jot down and share here what buttons 
are on/off in the main setup menus (e.g., LF + cassette, LF + interface, 
LF + MIDI Channel)

> I have also tried sending an ALL channels message which should make 
> the
> Polaris play on midi channel 1 and 2 but this is not working.

I don't know how an 'all channels' mode setting works for Logic, but 
some care will be needed if that not only sends note data but also sends 
program change data - as unless there's a dedicated Program Change sent 
on a unique MIDI channel, the Polaris end up doing what it is being 
told - just not what you want (e.g., if it sends 'Program Change X' to 
all channels, then sends Program Change Y to all channels - then 'Y' 
will be the instrument defined for any/all channels that are active).

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