Message
Re: [disklavier] A Couple of Basic questions with the XG module
2004-11-05 by PianoBench@aol.com
In a message dated 11/2/04 10:27:14 AM, Jerry writes:
I'm starting to explore the capabilities of the XG tone generator on my Mk3 Disklavier, and am wondering if anyone knows the answer to a couple of basic questions:
1. Is it possible to use an expression pedal to control the tone generator volume? The only use I could find for such a pedal in the manual is to control playback start/stop/tempo. This is such a basic function that I can't believe the capability isn't there.
2. Is it possible to split the keyboard for purposes of playing different XG voices simultaneously?
There is no way to do this according to the intended design of the instrument. However, you can:
--set the To Host switch to MIDI
--connect MIDI Out to MIDI In with a short MIDI cable
--set the Piano's Receive Channel to ## (so that all incoming data is played by the tone generator)
--set MIDI Out to Keyboard Out (so that you are sending MIDI data when you play)
If you do those things, you can access the MIDI Out screens and set a split point, set the MIDI Out channel(s), send patch messages, and set volume levels and transpositions. The result is that when you play on the keys, you will hear that same MIDI data played with your settings on the tone generator. With the split feature engaged, you can have both a treble voice and a bass voice layered on top of the piano. In addition, if you engage the Voice button, you can add another voice over the length of the entire keyboard.
With some cleverness, you can add a volume pedal to this scenario. Go to:
http://www.midisolutions.com/
and purchase the Dual Footswitch Controller. Alternatively, try to find an Anatek Pocket Pedal (a similar device from a company that went out of business). With either device, you can insert a volume pedal into the MIDI data stream between the Disklavier's MIDI Out and MIDI In jacks.
Regards,
PianoBench