50
7.
Enhanced Program Change functionality
The manner in which the SX-1 handles MIDI program changes has been enhanced significantly. Many
sequencers allow you to define a program change number that is to be sent to connected synths at the
loading of the mix, making a complete recall of the entire project much easier.
On the right side of the MIDI Track tab, three controls have been added:
The three boxes are labeled Initial Program Change , Initial Bank Number 1 , and Initial Bank
Number 2 , and each has an enable button directly next to the box.
The automation system stores a value (called the Initial Condition) for every parameter that can be
automated that describes at what point it starts. The three controls for program changes have a similar
purpose. When a mix is loaded, the values entered in these three boxes are sent to the connected synths
—
recalling the patches or sounds that you designate. These boxes are always live, so you can change
values at any time and the synths will respond.
The box labeled Initial Program Change sends MIDI program change messages once enabled.
Messages can be any value from 1-128, and usually relate to the recalling of sounds or patches in a
synthesizer (external effects units often use MIDI to recall patches also).
The problem is that many synths on the market have many more than 128 internal sounds or patches
(some synths have as many as 50 or 60
banks
of 127 sounds). As the Program Change value can only
be between 1-128, another method must be used to select the other sounds onboard.
The MIDI protocol allows for controller number 0 and controller number 32 to be used as additional
bank select values. Controller 0 values are sent from the box labeled Initial Bank Number 1, while
controller 32 values are sent from the box labeled Initial Bank Number 2 .
As in many things in the world of MIDI, manufacturers often choose to implement the same
specification differently. As such, different manufacturers often use different controllers to change
banks.
The easiest way to find out which manner your synth uses to switch banks is to consult the
documentation that came with it. If these documents are unavailable, you can try this process of
elimination:
1.
Make sure your synth is connected to the SX-1 as normal, and that the MIDI track in question is
being sent to the synth.
2.
Enable all three boxes.
3.
Set program number to 1, bank 1 to 0, and bank 2 to 0.
4.
Increment the program change number, and then play the synth to confirm that it is receiving the
program changes. Incrementing this value should cause the synth to change patches.
5.
Set the program number back to 1.
6.
Increment Bank 2. If the synth doesn t change sounds, it probably doesn t use this MIDI message.
If your synth doesn t change sounds, you can disable Bank 2.
