The Independent l _. NewsletterNewslefter for Ensoniq Users

r T You Don'tDoor Know vvhorWhat You've In This Issue .. . Got Till It's Gone: Got Till l’r's Gone: Articles:Articles. : The MRD-lMRD-101 a1 MR Disk from Ensoniq ZRZR-76-76 Specifications Pat FFinniganinnigan Ensoniq ...... 3

~14-f-1'1-I-' :1.‘-:1.’-:i":!.'-2117:‘. :» ~ ~ _ _ August. Mac owners need Stuffitt to unun-binhex-binhex NNAMMAMM News: Ensoniq Makes Keyboards! ~¢. the file; PC’ersPC'ers need WinZip or other unZIP Sam Mims ...... 5 app to decompress these filesfiles.. Go to w3.en-w3.en­ soniq.com,soniq.corn, click on the "Download"“Download” link, The X Sounds select the "Musical“Musical Instrument Files"Files” link, and Garth HHjeltejelte ...... 6 select the "MR61171"“MR6l/71” link. Click on the 1 MRDMRD-101-IOI link and specify a folder to save it'it in. Once you'veyou’ve pulled it down, decodeldecode/ decompress it, copy to a 1.4 Mb floppy, stuffsniff ReviewsRGVIGWSZ: it into your MR-61176MR-61/76 and press that load buttonbutton...... Ensoniq MRDMRD-101-IO 1 For: MR-6I,MR-61, MRMR-76,-76, MR Rack. Pat FFinniganinnigan ...... cover Product: MRDMRD--l101 0 I Sound & Sequence Disk. The Roses Price: FreeFree.. This is Pelle Piano stuff. I could be wrong, but From: Ensoniq Corporation, 155 Great This is Pelle Piano stuff. I could be wrong, but Ensoniq CDR-12: Drums Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA 19055, I doubt it: sure sounds like his work. If you Tom Shear ...... 7 don't know who this is, he's largely respons­ http://www.ensoniq.comlhtml/http://www.ensoniq.com/html/down- down­ - don’t know who this is, he’s largely respons- loads.htm]oads.htm (Mac and PC versions). ible for most of the Ensoniq factory demos you'veyou’ve ever heard, at least if you'reyou’re an ASR'erASR’er or an MR'MR’er. er. Remember the "Someone'“S0me0ne’s s Got"Got” Regular Stuff: Wouldn’tWouldn't you know it? As soon as Ensoniq demo of CDR-4? Or the "Atomic“Atomic Dance”Dance" discontinues a keyboard people rail about it demo built into the MR-61 and MR-76?MR-76? This Transoniq-Net ...... 2 and get nonlinear aboaboutut nobody supporting the is the guy, and lemme tell you something here. Random Notes ...... 3 instrument. There'sThere’s a mad rush of people I'mI’m a pretty proficient Ensoniq guy, bubutt this The Interface...... Interface ...... 9 dumping their perfectly good gear and bagging guy is WAY over the top with an MRMR.. And I something newer or current in the product line. mean like no one I'veI’ve ever heard on an MR. I Classifieds ...... 13 There'reThere’re also guys like me who are waiting to feel like Wilford Brimley telling Paul Neuman Hacker Booteeq ...... 14 bag this heavily discounted "obsolete"“obsolete” En­En- "Don't“Don’t get too smart: pretty smart myself'myself” soniq gear at a fraction of its price (still look-look­ from "Absence“Absence Of Malice”Malice" but that'sthat’s how ; J ing for a TS-lO,TS-10, gang)gang)...... sterling this guy'sguy’s work is. That'sThat’s edification for you readers who weren'tweren’t impressed with only affects notes above the 2nd G below This month we review the MRD-lOlMRD-101 disk from.from his factory demo work. middle C: this programmingprogramming habit follows all Ensoniq’sEnsoniq's "NEW"“NEW” web page. Michael Chen'sChen’s of the representative organ sounds on this pastels are gone, and Gary Houk'sHouk’s creations His organ sounds (not to mention the sequence diskdisk.. You get an organ bass splisplitt to F and are now resident at w3.ensoniq.com. And al­al- work yet) deserve an II:ll: the 8 organ patches comp/lead organ above the F. Ingenious AND though not as colorful, they certainly load are nailsnails.. Starting with the "Clicky“Clicky B3,"B3,” the flexible.flexible. "Soft“Soft B3"B3” is the same thing with ononlyly faster, are clear and concise, and organization­organization- key contact noise is a pure lift from a B3: roll­roll- the first and last drawdrawbars bars (800000008)(80000O008) and ally, it’sit's a lot more ffriendlyriendly to navigate. It was ing the mod wheel forward is like pulling the the same split point. "PP“PP Solo B3"B3” is very up there that I ddiscoverediscovered the MRD-IOIMRD-101 I'1' drawdrawbar bar on top of the first 3 drawbars similar to "Clicky“Clicky B3"B3” but not as bright; more image, and ininitiallyitially glglossedossed over it, thinking it (888000008(8880000O8 in B3 registration) ww/0/o 2nd har­har- subdued in texture and harmonic content. "PP“PP was the MRMR-100-lOO disk I downloaded last monic percussion. To top it off, the I'1' drawbar B3 Full"Full” is the standard all-out (888888888)

[ ISSUEISSUENUMBER NUMBER 153,l53,$2.5U $2.50 I In W WI I W I I I I I I I til I MARCH,1998MARCPI, I998 e * i •

Hammond sound with the mod wheel adding velocities make the sax'ssax’s "bite"“bite” harder, soft 2nd harmonic percussion, just the thing for velocities give a round and warm tenor. Ulti-Ulti­ your "Green-Eyed“Green-Eyed Lady"Lady” sequence genre. mately convincing. "Tenor“Tenor Squeak"Squeak” is one of Transoniq-NetTransoni%Net "Nasal“Nasal B3”B3" is 2nd harmonic percussion on those clever patches that sounds absolutely HELP WITH QUESTIONSQUE TIONS top of just the 8' drawbar (008000000); I convincing in the mix and absurd by itself. All "ofof the individuals listed below are volun-volun­ don'tdon’t find it very useful in my repertoire, but Aftertouch brings in a flattedflatted 5th, which, by teers! Please take that into consideration when it’sit's not only a convincing sound, it'sit’s credit to itself, seems silly until you listen to this sax calling. If you get a recording and leave a ines-mes­ Pelle that he could do this sound on an MR. I in the context of its parent sequence "Sax“Sax sage, let ’em'em know if it’sit's okay to call back col­col- won'twon’t get into a great detail on "PP“PP Old B3”B3" Squeek"Squeek” (or SONG#0007).SONG#OOO7). Pure geniusgenius...... lect (this will greatly increase your chances of getting a returnretum call). but suffice to say this is a VERY novel use of the mod wheel and velocity. Let'sLet’s just say it The Thorns All Ensoniq Gear - Ensoniq Customer Serv­Serv- took half an hour poking around to figure out ice. 9:30 am to noon, I:1:15 15 pm to 6:00 pm just how in the hell he did it... I couldn'tcouldn’t get a number of the sequences to EST Monday to Friday. 610-647-3930. En-En­ play. Sequences like "Drop“Drop It”It" and "Fac­“Fac- soniq'ssoniq’s Fax On Demand line, (1-800-257-(l-800-2S7- . 1439)I439) can also be used to retrieve specs, OS Hey, there'sthere’s more than the best organ patches tory"tory” would load, I'dI_’d press play and get no info, hard-drive info, and the like. for an MR here as well. The "PP“PP Upright"Upright” sound while the counter whizzed alongalong.. I'dI’d has the best amp envelope for sequencing press a track button and get a "Sound“Sound Not All Ensoniq Gear - Electric Factory (En­(En- I'veI’ve ever heard: none of this initial "thump"“thump” Available!"Available!” message, so either I scrambled soniq'ssoniq’s Australia distributor). E-mailE-mail ad­ad- followed by about a 112 second of string: this some data pulling this down from the w3 or I dress: elfa@ ozemail.com.au; their web site followed by about a 1/2 second of string: this some data pulling this down from the w3 or I at http://www.ozemail.com.au/-elfa;http://www.ozemail.com.au/~elfa; or doghouse swells like a Roland GM Fretless literally didn'tdidn’t know what I was doing. e-mail their resident clinician, Michael sample, except it swells is the BASS register, Allen, at [email protected]@geko.com.au. Phone calls, not the midrange. Not exactly accurate, but And since this is freeware, Pelle doesn'tdoesn’t get Business hours - Victoria. (03) 480-5988. when mixed with the crisp drum sounds of any money for thisthis...... the Song Edit Kit supplied, it works very All Ensoniq Gear - The Electric Factory in the Song Edit Kit supplied, it works very New Zealand, phone (64) 9-443-5916, fax well. Most convincing stuff I'veI’ve heard, and The Deal (64) 9-443-5893, or e-mail geoffm@ coming from an ASR'erASR’er like me, that'sthat’s as elfa.co.nz (Geoff Mason). high a praise as can be given. Come on, a Duh?Duh‘? Hey, it’sit's free! I'mI’m gonna pull a Bill & wavetable synth sounding more convincing Ted here and say "Bogus"?“Bogus"? Not in this TS Questions - Pat Esslinger, Internet: pate @execpc.com, Compuserve: 74240,1562,74240,l562, or than a sampler? Only when it'sit’s an Ensoniq lifetime. I can't begin to illustrate or describe AOL: ESSLIP. wavetable synth, where the wavetable comes how convincing the organ sounds are, and from the ASR library. Obviously Pelle'sPelle’s done with some FX tweaks, what unbelievable TS, VFX, and SD-lSD-1 Questions - Stuart some jazz quartet gigging. The drum sounds organ sounds are possible ·‘here.here. The two Hosking, [email protected]. (and kits) are the most realistic I'veI’ve heard. drum kits are astounding, even if one is only SD-lSD-I Questions - Philip Magnotta, I'veI’ve always said the drum sounds of an MR a 3-piece trap kit. The upright is way cool, 401-467-4357,4401-467-4357, 4 pm - 12:30 EST. were the best, and you can really tell it in the the' Wurlitzer EP is nails...nails ... context and arrangement of these sequences. VFX, SD32, and EPS-16+ Questions - Dara And the sequences/songs will simply amaze Jones, Internet: [email protected] or call 214-361-0829. And just to show he'she’s just as bent as the rest youyou.. It'sIt’s one thing to be a virtuoso on an in-in­ of us, the first sequence file is called “3"3 by strument; it'sit’s a completely different thing to SD-l,SD-1, DPI4,DP/4, ASR-I0ASR-10 Questions - John Cox, Pelle"Pelle” when in fact it'sit’s just two. What you be a virtuoso at programmingprogramming.. And it'sit’s an ex­ex- 609-888-5519,609-888-5519. (NJ) 5pm - 8 pm EST week­week- might gloss over?over‘? GoG0 to the "Load“Load from Disk tremely rare thing to find both these abilities days. Any time weekends. --- 1 Song"Song” page: there'sthere’s 16 more tunesnines there in one individual. I can only assume these SQ-80, VFX Questions - Robert Romano, as well. sounds represent a small fraction of what Pel­Pel- 607-898-4868. Any ol’01' time (within reason) le'sle’s done with this instrument: now that it’sit's EST. - The "PP“PP Rhodes"Rhodes” is the best I'veI’ve ever heard: discontinued maybe he’she's just putting into the wonder why the ASR samples aren'taren’t THIS public domain what Ensoniq planned to sell Hard Drives & Drive Systems, Studios, & Hard Drives & Drive Systems, Studios, & good?good‘? The keys even thump when lifted: for this instrument...instrument ... Computers - Rob Feiner, Cinetunes. 914-963-5818. llarn-—3pmIlam-3pm EST. Com­Com- finally a patch besides a harpsichord that uses puserve: 71024,7 1024,1255.1255. release velocity. Kudos here. Every key At any rate, a must-havemust-have for any MR owner. played on the "PP“PP Wurlie”Wurlie" tremelo starts at Given, rack owners can'tcan’t enjoy the sequences EPS, EPS-16 PLUS, 8:& ASR-10ASR-IO Questions the top of the LFO sine wave modulator: if the way keyboard-types can, but the sounds - Garth Hjelte. Rubber Chicken Software. - Garth Hjelte. Rubber Chicken Software. will certainly find a home in even the most Call anytime. If message, 24-hour callback. you play two notes simultaneously it'sit’s (320) 235-9798. Email: chickenEPS@will­chickenEPS@will- tremolo, if you play them a fraction apart it'sit’s elemental of MR-Rack users. The definitive mar.com. . a trill. This guy is the Sam Mims of the MRMR...... obscure Hammond registrations are collected here in this set, and NO MR’erMR'er should be EPSIMIRAGElESQ/SQ-80EPSIMIRAGFJESQISQ-80 M.U.G. 24- And you'reyou’re absolutely gonna love the saxessaxes.. without these, especially at this price...price ... Hour Hotline - 212-465-3430. Leave name, number, address. 24-hr Callback. Email: The "PP“PP Soprano"Soprano” breath noise is after­after- [email protected]. touch-routed as well as randomly phased: Now if Creative Labs would introduce their what'swhat’s novel is how Pelle routed this. Press­Press- new MIDI-controlled diaper changer I’dI' d find SQ-l,SQ-1, KS-32, SD-l,SD-1, SCSI, MR & hard ing harder on the key doesn'tdoesn’t increase the enough time in the day (and night!) to get drive Questions - Pat Finnigan, 317- breath noise, but softens the sax wave, so the those other sequences working...working ... —_ 462-8446.462-8446.8:008:00 am to 10:00 pm EST. breath level is consistent with that of a real ESQ-1,ESQ-l, MIDI & Computers -— Joe Slater, sax: same breath noise at all levels, but only Bio: Pat claims Bill Clinton'sClint0n’s defense hinges (404) 925-8881. EST. noticeable as a real component of a lyrical on the word "Sechial"“Sechial” which can legally be sax emulation at pp levels. Well done. "Tenor“Tenor misconstrued to mean (and sound like) Lead2"Lead2” is dead on the money: harder "sexual"“sexual”......

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751 ROM drum elements . Front Panel •- Up to 256 RAM sounds possible (70 sounds shipped from factory) •- Installed EXP-4 Piano Expander with RNRND(¢u) D ( J')J' ) issue. Spring is in the air! Steinway Grand and 2 Electric Pianos •~ 52 ROM Presets Ensoniq'sEnsoniq’s new keyboard was announced at We'reWe’re still adjusting to our new printer and NAMM this year. You'llYou’ll find the specs bindery schedulesschedules.. Publication dates may be Wave Memory reproduced below. There'sThere’s also a NAMM a little more...more ... "irregular"“irregular” than in the past. •- 112 Megabits (14 MB) of 16-bit internal report from Sam Mims elsewhere in this Hang in there. wave ROM, and 16 MB EXP piano expander installed for a total of 30 MB wave ROM. Up to 4 MB additional flashflash memory for leading ..WAV W A V and .AIF sound files ZR-76 Specifications •- Over 5000 variations possible from the 424 waveform selections, including 28 Megabits (3.5 MB) of acoustic piano, multi-sampled Over 1200 Sounds - From realistic instru­instru- ESP-2 digital signal processor. You also get acoustic instruments and synthesizers, ment sounds to our unique second-generation 6 stereo busses, including 3 global reverb second-generation TranswavesTranswavesm‘tm (created UTI TransWavesTransWaves"“,, from analog emulations to busses, a chorus bus, a dry stereo bus, and an through digital synthesis and resynthesis evocative digital timbres, plus over 70 drum insert effect bus with 40 great algorithms. technologies), sustained synth wave-forms kits, made up from more than 750 fully with harmonic and inharmonic structures programmed drum elements. Keyboard •~ Modulatable start point, forward or backward •- 76 key (E-G) weighted-action keyboakeyboardrd with playback, and multi-sample key shift (4 Perfect Piano -— The ZR-76 comes with our programmable velocity, release velocity, and modes) for most waves new EXP-4 ROM Expander installed. This channel pressure sensitivity ~• Pitched/non-pitched playback of all waves 16 meg expander features William Coakley'sCoakley’s •~ 3 programmable keyboard zones for splits possible acclaimed "The“The Perfect Piano UTI,""“,” along and layers with two practically perfect electric pianos. Expansion Memory Controllers ' •- 3 expansion slots, for a total of up to 688 Idea PadPadm‘tm -— Whenever you sit down and •- Programmable Pitch and Mod Wheels Megabits (86 MB) of ROM wave data play, the ZR is' recording your performance. •- Up to 4 programmable foot switches (SW(SW-2,-2, •- A Wave Expansion board holds up to 192 If you like an idea you can send it to the 16 SW-6, optional SW-IO)SW-10) Megabits (24 MB) wave data, multiple banks Track Recorder for further development. •- Programmable ModfMod/VolumeVolume Pedal (optional of sounds (up to 128 per bank), and demos CVP-l)CVP-1) •- A FLASH sample memory board provides 4 Drum Machine -— Our innovative drum MB of rere-writable-writable FLASH ROM memory for machine is the perfect accompa-nist, with 8 Output loading .WA.WAV, V, or .AIF sampled sounds fills and 8 variations per rhythm, extensive •~ 44.1 kHz sample playback rate •- Expansion boards are user-installable rhythm and drumkit editing, and seamless •- 18-bit DD/A/ A conversion with 108 dB dynamic integration with the 16 Track Recorder. range Performance Features •- 103 dB signal-to-noise ratio •- 12 "Favorites"“Favorites” buttons for instant access to tm SoundFinderSoundFinder"“ -— Makes locating sounds a •- 2 Hz -— 20 kHz frequency range 18 user programmable sounds breeze. The left knob selects the sound •~ Any footswitch can be programmed to select category, the right knob selects the Inputs/OutputsInputslOutputs "next"“next” or "previous"“previous” favorite sound, for individual sound. You can even use the ZR'sZR’s •- Left/MonoLeft/Mono and Right Main and Aux outputs hands-free sound selection live performance keyboard to type in the first few characters (balanced TRS) •- Dedicated Split and Layer buttons, with the of the sound name to instantly locate it. •- Stereo headphone output ability to save up to 3 sound combinations as •- lI Mod/Volume Pedal input, 2 single/dual a new single sound (for sequencing split or 16 Track Recorder - A powerful 16 track foot switch inputs layered sounds on a single track), or as a sequencer with advanced quantization •- MIDI IniOutiThruIn/Out/Thru performance preset options (featuring our exclusive Delta •- Each of the 3 zones can play local sounds or tm QuantizationQuantization“),), Song Editor, dedicated FX Display/InterfaceDisplayllnterface external MIDI sources and Mixdown sections, MS-DOS-based disk •~ 12 "Favorites"“Favorites” buttons giving instant access •- Extensive sound "tweaking"“tweaking” (global editing) format, and support for Standard MIDI Files. to the 18 sounds most used 40 (2 x 20) large including: character LCD display -— VolumeVolume,, Volume Polarity - Amp Envelope 24-Bit Effects -— Featuring our powerful 24-bit ·4- 4 knobs, 89 buttons (46 with LEDs),LEOs), volume - Mix (Expression) - Attack, Decay,Decay, Release slider - Pan - Filter Cutoff tm •- SoundFindertm/RhythmFinderSoundFinder"“/RhythmFinderm‘ interface - - Effects Bus -— Filter Envelope , eTH -— A Faster, one knob selects soundsoundl/, rhythm type, another -— Pitch Bend Up/Down -— Attack, Decay, Cheaper Hacker knob selects specific soundsound/rhythm./rhythm. Release SoundsSounds/rhythms/rhythms can be searched for - Envelope Velocity —- Pitch Table If you can receive e-mail via the Internet, alphabetically within musical categories, - Key Range LoLo//Hi - Glide Mode, Glide 1 you can take advantage of avoiding the post numerically withinwithin‘' bank locations (ROM(ROM,, Time office and get a faster, cheaper, e-mail ver­ver- RAM, Expansion Board, GM, User, Demo), -— Velocity Range LolHiLo/Hi - LFOLFO//Noise Tempo sion of the Hacker. The e-mail Transoniq or with keyboard spelling Sync Hacker contains all of the same information •- Onboard Help function —- Velocity Mode -— LFO Rate as the printed version, but it'sit’s only $20/ - Pressure Mode - LFO Depth, Delay year. Interested? Just send a message to us Internal Sound Memory I at [email protected] and we'llwe’ll e-mail -— Controller Filtering back complete information. •- 468 ROM sounds (2 banks of 128, 79 drum —- Tuning (Octave, Amp & Filter Semitone, kits, 128 GM sounds, II1 1 GM/GS drum kits), Fine) 3 ' '

-— Voice Architecture (accessible via •~ Effects can be routed to Main or Aux outputs •- Tap Tempo control (25-350) computer) •~ Song PlaylistPlay list allows creation of a song form •- 64 dynamically assigned voices Idea PadPad"“tm quickly from the dedicated front-panel •- Dynamically sized voice architecture (up to •- FreeFree-running-running sequencer that is always controls 16I6 layers), with the following parameters recording in the background, capturing •- Dedicated Pan and Mix knobs, Track Mute (per layer): whatever you play on the keyboard and Solo buttons - Independent wavefonnwaveform selection •- Divides up recordings into phrases based on •- Final Mixdown of all tracks records -— Volume and Pan selection of new sounds or pauses in your continuous volume and tempo changes -— Layer delay up to 10 secs or by key-up playing •~ Step Entry Record with Auto Step, Gate trtriggerigger •~ Any phrase can be sent to the onboard 16 Time and Gate Percentage -— 2 independent multi-mode dynamic digital Track Recorder for further development •- MIDI-In Record to the sequencer filters (low-pass, high-pass, variable •' Also records the Drum Machine playback, to •- 32 ROM Performance Presets bandwidth band-pass) with key tracking (33 capture rhythm choice and FilllFill/VariationVariation settings, including fractional scaling) events, synchronized with keyboard MIDI —- 3 five-stage envelope generators (time and performances •~ Supports Bank Select and Program Change level) with level and attack time modulatable •- Adjustable buffer size (16(I6 or 31 Kbytes) reception/transmission by velocity (8 possible curves), key scaling, •- Able to respond in Multi Mode on up to 16I6 and response to release velocity Drum Machine polyphonic channels - 22 modulation sources, 8 modulation •- 119I19 onboard rhythms with 8 Variations and 8 -• Responds to polyphonic pressure destinations Fills per rhythm, adjustable tempo (25-350), ·4- 4 system controllers (any of 120I20 MIDI -— Il LFO (7 waveform choices), can sync to volume, and part muting controllers) can be used for voice or effects 16 Track Recorder, DrumDl'lIIIl Machine, or •~ Drum Kit zones (Kick, Snare, Hats, Cymbal, modulation, or transmitted via MIDI external MIDI clock (12 subdivisions) Toms, Percll2/3)Percl/2/3) can be edited to adjust •- General MIDI compatible -— Variable rate noise generator, can sync to Sound, Volume, Pan, FX Bus, Tuning 16I6 Track Recorder, Drum Machine, or •- New drum or percussion kits can be selected Disk external MIDI clock (12 subdivisions) from ROM, RAM, or •- 1.4 MB High Density (HD) 3.5" floppy,floppy, - Octave, semi-tone and fine tuning i MS-DOS compatible - Pitch tracking (33 settings, including Wave Expansion boards •- Loads and edits Standard MIDI Files Type 0 fractional scaling) •- Each Variation and Fill can be set to use and Type I; Saves Type I -— 45 ROM Pitch Tables (256 steps per I pattern data from any other Rhythm •- Save All-Session (all FLASH & RAM), semitone resolution) (selectable per Zone) All-RAM (all songs, RAM sound bank, - I1 RAM location for receiving a pitch table •~ Rhythms can be sent to Track lOinI0 in the 16l6 rhythm bank), I-Song,1-Song, All-Songs, sent from any device that supports the MIDI Track Recorder for synchronization with I-MIDIFile,1-MIDIFile, Rhythm-Bank (l(loadableoadable to Tuning Standard (Bulk Tuning Dump and sequence data (links Drum Machine FLASH orRAM),or RAM), I-Rhythm (load(loadable able to Single Note Tuning Change) operations) FLASH or RAMRAM),), SSound-Bankound-Bank (loadable to - Key and velocity ranges •- New rhythms can be loaded from disk FLASH ororRAMRAM),), II-Sound-Sound (l(loadableoadable to - Voice trigger options (key-up or down, FLASH orRAMor RAM),), Preset-Bank,Preset-Bank, I-Presetl-Preset MIDI controller enable) 16 Track Recorder -— Glide mode, glide time •- 16I6 tracks, each with a complete set of track Standard Accessories - Mono/poly playback parameters (same as performance presets) •- ZRD-ZRD-II00 00 System DDiskisk ((containscontains sounds, -— Pitch Bend on/off, Held Pitch Bend mode •- Up to 64 internal voices per track, rhythms, demdemos)os) (range is programmable for both positive and dynamically assigned (no limit on MIDI •- Musician’sMusician 's ManualManual negative wheel directions) voices per track) •- Detachable powerpower cord -Sustain— Sustain on/off •- Exclusive ENSONIQ Delta quantize will •- SW-6 SingSinglele Damper Foot Switch - Key group assignmassignmentent re-clock any performance to regular time so •- Drum Kit architecture offers 64 keys it can be used in a sequence Optional Accessories (B(BI-D7):I-D7): each key points to a •~ 24 sequence per song structure (3 banks of 8 •- EXP SSerieseries Wave Expansion boards fully-developed sound (up to 16 layers per each, A-H) •- FLASH Sample Memory Board (.WAV and key), plus effects bus, volume, pan, and •- 231kBytes23 IkBytes memory (Recorder and Idea Pad) .AIF fifiles)les) tuning overrides. •- 384 PPQ, synchronized to internalintemal or MIDI •- SW-IO Dual Damper Foot Switch - 2 pedal clock source piano-type for sustain, sostenuto, sequencer Effects •~ 5 real time record modes -— Replace, Add, control and other funcfunctionstions •- New VLSI 24-bit digital signal processor Step-Entry, Track Mix, and •- CVP-I (CV Pedal) -— for voice/FX (ESP-2) with 26 MIPS of DSP power, 52-bit modulation, volume control, or MIDI accumulation Final Mix controller transmission •- New UMTE (Universal Multi-Timbral •- Automated punch/editlauto-Iocatepunch/edit/auto-locate regions •- Detachable MS-1MS - I music stand Effects) architecture with 6 stereo busses: remembered for each sequence - 3 stereo busses with independent sends into •- Quantize from whole note to 11641/64 triplet, Physical global reverb normal or Delta quantization, strength, •- Dimensions: 50 1/2"I/2" (128.27 cm) wide x 5" - Il stereo bus with a wet/dry mix into global swing, random, sshift,hift, key rangerange,, window, (12.7 cm) high x 155/8"15 5/8" (39.69 cm) deep chorus and a send into global reverb quantize Note Offs, move Note Offs, user­user- •- Weight: 51 pounds (23.13 kilograms) - I stereo bus with a wet/dry mix into an definable templates unboxed, 63.9 pounds (29 kilograms) boxed insert effect, a wet/dry mix into global •- Copy (with/without data), Erase (all, within chorus, and a send into global reverb region, data only) Track Limited Warranty -— I dedicated stereo dry bus •- Copy (with(with/without/without data), Erase (all, outside •- One year, parts and labor •~ Dedicated buttons for global reverb, global region) Sequence Prices and specifications subject to change chorus, insert effect, and FX bus routing •- ClicklCountoffClick/Countoff with selectable sound (click, without notice.notice. •- 40 insert effect choices (dynamically vocal, both, stick), volume, pan, FX bus, modulatable by MIDI controllers) timing (112(I/2 note to 1I/32T),/32T), # of bars (c) 1998 ENSONIQ Corp ™TM 4 I — -

terntem required). It'sIt’s like a Moog modular sys­sys- NAMM Ne\Ns:News: Ensoniq tem, all in softwaresoftware.. But in addition to sub­sub- tractive (i.e. classic analog) synthesis, you can also do FM, wavetable, physical model-model­ Makes|\/lakes KeyboardslKeyboards! ing, and "modal"“modal” synthesissynthesis.. Modal synthesis uses "a“a bank of eight resonating filters (the frequencies of which can be exactly defined) Sam Mims coupled in a unique feedback structure that is ideal for creating percussive and clangorous For months, rumors have been flyingflying right 18 staffers, to be exact —- and they were sounds and effects.”effects." The sounds didn'tdidn’t floor and left about the health of Ensoniq Corp. clearly excited to be at the show, to be ex­ex- me -— though they were pretty good -— but Will the company switch from making musi-musi­ hibiting great new products, and to get such a the potential of this thing is wicked. In the cal instruments to become solely a manufac­manufac- good response from attendantsattendants.. The 20 x hands of a good sound designer, Reality turer of computer sound cards and digital 4O-foot40-foot booth was always abuzz with in­in- should rock your socks off! recording setups? What will become of the dustry types test driving the ZR-76, the company, now that Creative Technologies ASR-X, and the PARIS systems. Some years Other cool items were IIio'sIlio’s Vocal Planet has bought it? Why is the MR series ap­ap- ago, Ensoniq decided to quit exhibiting at sampling CD (with an excellent demo by parently being discontinued? More to the NAMM, and though they finally returned last creator Eric Persing, who traveled the world point, will there ever again be a new Ensoniq year with a small booth to preview the sampling everything from Zulu children to keyboard?! PARIS system, this year'syear’s substantial ap­ap- Alpine yodelers) and Mackie’sMackie's Digital 8-Bus pearance left no doubts that they are a con­con- console, which gets software upgrades not by The NAMM show answered these questions tender in the music industryindustry.. EPROM replacements, but by phoning with a flourishflourish.. Amidst the 70,000 attendants, EE-mu’s-mu 's web site via its own 33.6 kb modem the hundreds and hundreds of exhibitors, and So, how did the Ensoniq news stack up to the and automatically downloading the latest OS the squillsquillions ions of new products, the most ex-ex­ rest of the show? I set out across the huge at the single push of a button. citing thing I saw at the show was an Ensoniq noisy expanse to see what else would excite booth, featuring not only Paris and the me. In the keyboard department, I can'tcan’t really The general vibe of the whole NAMM show ASRASR-X,-X, but a new keyboard as well! The say that anything totally knocked me out, has changed in the last few years. Everything snappy-looking ZR-76 ($2795 list price) though several things did grab my attention. seems to be "groove"-oriented“groove”-oriented now -— phrase didndidn’t't sport any fancy new technology -— it is KorgKorg’s's ZIZ1 synth is a really cool board, with sampsamplers,lers, software that automatically merges basically an upgraded MR-76 featuring a new its piles of analog-type knobsknobs,, and the sampled loops of two different tempos,tempos, soft­soft- 16-Meg piano and "Favorites"“Favorites” buttons that TR-Rack packs over a thousand very nice ware that melds one sampled sound into the allow quicker access to the 1200 sounds on Trinity sounds into one rack space (I helped overall sound of a loop,loop, groove boxes from board -— but its mere existenceexistence stomped, flat­flat- program themthem,, so I gotta like 'em!).’em!). Roland with theremin-Iiketheremin-like controls that tened, squished, and kicked-in-the-netherkicked-in-the-nether-­ manipulate the loop in different ways regions any rumors that Ensoniq was no Yamaha is back in the sampler busbusiness,iness, after depending on how you wave your hand, etc. longer in the keyboard business. And with the a dismal first attempt, with the A3000 samp­samp- And the other noticeable difference: Much new improvements, the ZR will sell for $200 ler, a two-rack-space unit which sells for fewer posers. It used to feel like every rocker less than the MR-76 it replaces. $1995. It sounded very good, and with 64 in L.A. was making an appearance in full voices, built-in SCSI, and 4-Meg sample stage garb, trying to make folks wonder if What’sWhat's more, there are more keyboards com­com- RAM expandable to 128 Meg, it'sit’s likely to thetheyy were someone famousfamous.. This year, it felt ing down the pike. No one could (or would) stir up some excitement. E-mu’sE-mu's ESI-4000 like only half of L.A.'sL.A.’s rockers were there. say exactly what was to follow, but everyone sampler will be going head-to-head with it, Maybe the other half cut their hair and wore I asked confirmedconfinned that the new ZR was not with a price tag $500 cheaper. normal clothesclothes...... - going to be flyingflying solo for longlong.. I keep trying to like Roland products, but I For me, the most excltmgexciting item was that With the Creative acquisition so fresh, there spent 10 minutes on one of their workstations single Ensoniq ZR-76, laying to rest lots of will be a period where Ensoniq, new sibling just trying to figure out how to change from nasty rumors, and laying the foundation for E-mu Systems, and the parent company will one sound to another. I never figured iitt ouout, t, future keyboards rolling down the Pennsyl­Pennsyl- be working out a strategy where the two key-key ­ and left their booth with a renewed apprecia­apprecia- vania Turnpike. —_ board manufacturers aren'taren’t butting heads tion of the Ensoniq user interfaceinterface.. with new products. It wouldn’twouldn't make sense, for exampleexample,, for both E-companies to come One new synth I really got excited about was out with products that are competing head-head­ E-mu'sE-mu’s Audity 2000, which features 12th­12th- toto-head-head in the same market. Ensoniq, there­there- order resonant modeling filters. FinallyFinally,, some Bio:Bio: Sam Mims is fore, probably won'twon’t come out with a $5,000 new technology at work? Alas, my excite-excite­ a professional sampler that competes with E-muE-mu’s's E4E4,, nor ment ebbed when the single-rack unit on dis­dis- keyboardist and will EE-mu-mu likely release a digital recording play was nothing more than a pretty picture.picture. programmer, and system that competes with Paris. In the words of the EE-mu-mu staffer I queriedqueried,, "“ItIt the owner of Syn­Syn- doesn'tdoesn’t work yet."yet.” Oh wellwell,, may as well taur Productions The good news is that with the shared tech­tech- show off the pretty blue box. in Houston. He nologies and shared R&D expenses of the currently works companies, future products will be built bet-bet­ The synth that got me the most excited was with Malaysian ter for cheaper. I think we'rewe’re all in favor of a only a virtual synth -— Seer Systems'Systems’ Reality, pop star Zainal better keyboard for less dinero. a software package that allows you to build Abidin, and tours your own synthesizer and hear the output throughout the The Ensoniq folks were there in numbers —- through your 1616-bit-bit sound card (pentium(Pentium sys- world.

5 1 in i -it n

sample yourself.yourself. ROM and EXP sounds don'tdon’t The X Sounds have full edieditingting capability from the front panel.paneL Garth HHjeltejelte BASIC SOUNDS -— KIT SOUNDS

This sound-type is a keymap of 60 STAN­STAN- I'mI’m excited about the ASR-X. I'veI’ve been pressing PAD-EDIT, you can change them DARD sounds. Go back to Figure 1. This is using it steadily for several months, and it too (we'll(we’ll get to that in a second)second).. ththee most versatile type of sound -—— you have has tons of flexibility,flexibility, and it sounds great! To fullfull concontroltrol of what sound each Pad plays, those who have followed my writings and my TakeToke Sound-ings aandnd assassociatedociated parameters. For me, the term company, I like to dig deep into my gear and "“KIT”KIT' is somewsomewhathat confusing -—- I'dI’d rather understand what it can do. If you are like ObviouslyObviously,, the most basic umtunit Inin a ssoundound think "“KEYMAP”KEYMAP" when I see the term "KIT“KIT”" that, this article is for you! module is the SOUND itselfitself.. AlasAlas,, the sscribecribe -— becausbecausee the ASR-XASR-X is more than a drum, says, many a manufacturer has tried aandnd percpercussion,ussion, oorr "“gruv”gruv" machine —- ssoo matter I refuse to believe that the majority of people failed to develop an intuitive and simple howhow EEnsoniqns oniq marketsmarkets it. would rather play the presets on any musical sound structurestructure.. (The scribe probablprobablyy has a machine —- even if it is true. Especially with Wavestation.)Wavestation.) SpeciaSpecialtylty Sounds a ssampler,ampler, the musical instrument is waiting for yyouou to dinker with it, to fiddle, and make Personally, I think the EPS/EPS/ASR ASR sound struc­struc- OkaOkay,y, this is a ttermerm I made up.up. But I have a newnew ssounds.ounds. That'sThat’s what the features are ture was the easiest and best of them. Maybe googoodd reasonreason —- ththereere areare a couple of ttherehere ffor.or. I'mI’m biased, being around it so long, but upon sousound-typesnd-types that dondon’t' t fitfit the BASIC soundssounds’' studying other brandsbrands,, I think you might mold.mold. ThThisis was perhapsperhaps the mostmost confusing ThThisis aarticlerticle will talk about the ASR-X sound agree. thing about the AASR-XSR-X to me. sstructure,tructure, the ASR-X Editing ability, and ssomeome clean-up miscellaneous topics. The ASR-X builds upon ththatat structure, con­con- SPECSPECIALTYIALTY SSOUNDSOUNDS -— FFACTORYACfORY KIT fusing it a little, adding better flexibilityflexibility -— KiKing,ng, Queen, Prince, Princess still easy to understand. Figure 2 shows the RReseteset youryour ASASR-X.R-X, and sscrollcroll to ananyy drum kit different type of I-SOUND1-SOUNDS.s. From my count, —- let'let’ss take Gizmo KKit,it, the demo soundsound.. TToo eveverythingerything there is a hierarchyhierarchy;; a way of there are two types of BASIC soundssounds,, and PrPressess PAD-SOUND.PAD-SOUND, and press severalseveral Pads.Pads. ororganization.ganization. Musical instruments are made two types of SPECIALTY sounds. They are YouYou can see the differdifferentent STANDARD up that way too. A well designed sampler has what is represented in the Il-SOUND-SOUND direc­direc- ssoundsounds asassociatedsociated with eeachach key -— so ththisis cleclearlyarly defdefinedined units that are broken down tory category. mumustst be a RRAM-KIT,AM-K1T, riright?ght? WWrong!rong! Press iintonto ssmallermaller units. EEDIT-PAD.DIT-PAD, and you ggetet thethe familiarfami liar prompt Basic Sounds "“MakeMake a RRAMAM kit...kit..."" All ththee RROMOM and EXP FFigureigure 1l shows the hierarchy of the ASR-X. ssoundsounds that araree listed uundernder DRDRUM-KITUM-KIT and YYouou have 16I6 Tracks that can play audio Ensoniq defines the BASIC sounds in the DDRMKITGMRMKITGM are sspecialpecial STSTANDARD ANDARD ssimultaneously.imultaneously. In each Track you can place manual -— STANDARD ssoundsounds and KIT soundssounds I ccallall FFACTORYACfORY KIKITs.Ts. That means a SoSoundund on each of the 60 Pads (or Keys,Keys, or soundssounds.. theythey contcontrolrol different STANSTANDARDDARD sounds MMIDI-Notes,IDI-Notes, whatever you want to call it). without beingbeing tetechnicallychnically RAM-KITs.RAM-KITs. So ThatThat’s's a lot of control! Every Pad has (at BASIC SOUNDS -—— STANDARD SOUNDS once youyou presspress PPAD-EDIT,AD-EDIT, and make them lleast)east) a Volume, Pan, FX Bus, and Tuning RAM-KITs,RAM-KITs, they they kind kind ooff becomebecome a sort of parameterparameter easily accessible with the PPAD- AD­ This is easy. This is a sound which has one "“preset”preset" RAMRAM-KIT-KIT for you.you. EDIT button. mono or stereo wavesample with a set of parameters associated with it. No multi-multi­ SPECIALTY SOUNDS -— For example, look at Gizmo Kit, the demo samples, no keymapkeymap,, no nothing. Standard EPSEPS/ASR/ ASR TRANSLATED sound on the X. Press PAD-SOUND. By sounds can be the ROM or EXP sounds that pressing on each Pad,Pad, you can see what sound come in the X, or they can be AIFF or ..WAVWAV Hang on -— this is where it really gets is programmed for that particular Pad.Pad. By files that you load in, or sounds that youyou "“funky.”funky." LetLet’s's consider Figure I again. Where in the hierarchy is it Figure I Figure 2. Four types of sounds. where you can layer two dif­dif- ferent sounds in one track? each ASRASR-X -X has What if you have a bell,bell, and STANDARD RAM-KIT 16 TRACKS mono or stereo wavesample you want to layer it on the 16 TRACKS user-created keymap where B with a set of parameters - Has master parameters for each track, BASIC NORNORMALMAL sounds are same Pad with a string sound? Can be a ROM sound, uuser-ser- and override parameters rorfor the sound programmed fforor each ppadad You’reYou 're right -— there is none.none. sampled, or a sound that is programmed on that track SOUNDS and severaseverall parameters sampled or created from an assosiated withwith it AIFAIFfilefile When I observed the X when it each Track has waswas released lastlast June 1997, I 60 PADS (C2-C7) wonderedwondered the ssameame thing -— Has edit parameters for each pad FACTORY KIT EPS/ASR where are the LaLayers?yers? Where Specials 'al ROM souodsnd that are the Patch SelectsSelects?? Ensoniq SPECIALTY pointpsi: to manymanyslS:)R;IAL NORMAL TRANSLATED each Pad has a ROM sounds to make an had promised EPS/ASREPS/ ASR sound SOUNDSSQUNDS RPM $°""d§ *° "‘""° a" Similar to FACTORY xrrKIT - SOUND entire keymapkey map -these- these are all contains an internalintemal keymapkey map reading -—- how were they the soundssouods under DRUM- that points to AIF files Has master parameters for each pad that points to AIF files Has master parameters for each pad KIT and DRMKITGM going to do it?it? Or were they 156256 available RAM slots going to back out of it, like they did with the MR series?series‘? 6 -

Well, Ensop.iqEnsoniq did jtit -— by creating a "Super“Super What's Missing? stops the ASR-X cold, as it should -—- it RAM-KIT"RAM-KIT” within a single I-SOUNDl-SOUND file. doesn'tdoesn’t write anything.anything. ItIt's' ~ like the.FACTQRYFACTORY· KIT in that it'sit’s not Effects, thatthat’s's what. So far in ASR-X history, defined as a RAM-KJTRAM-KIT - but it holds practi-pra<;ti­ Ensoniq has not programmed in the ability to The bigger issue is whether EnsoniqEns9niq should! cally all the mmagic,agic that the original.original EPS/EPS/ASR ASR save an individual effect for an individual inin-­ could incorporate the simplicity of editing a Instrument had,had. All the Patch Selects are strQment.strument. For comparison purposes, it’sit's like sound'ssound’s parameters only and not rewriting the there, all the Layers, etc. And with the latest this -— the X is always in Multi-Mode, and wavedata to the disk every time. The benefits OS (2(2.53.53 as of this writing), most sounds are there is no FX=INST, only a FXFX=BANK.=BANK. In are 1) much faster resaves, 2) less defragmendefragmen-­ translated pretty good, under critical AA-B-B lis-lis­ other words, there is no Effects information tation to the disk. There are parameters that tening tests. Although one person commented attached to a particular sound. This is a sig­sig- are saved onto the .AIF file itself, but it this way --—- "The“The translations seem to favor nificant omission, as it forces you to usually would seem to me that they could be stored the Pad response rather than externalextemal key­key- work within the context of whole SESSIONs, on the .SOU file -— isn'tisn’t that what it’sit's for? board responseresponse.”." I'dI’d have to agree. rather than particular SOUNDS. There has alal-­ ways been the argument that "sounds“sounds More blahs —- I think it has been a major Editing shouldn'tshouldn’t rely on their effectseffects”" -— but how mistake for Ensoniq to forgo PlayPlay-While--While­ truetnie is that?that‘? Effects are still the best way to Load. This single feature stood Ensoniq apart Let me be Frank.Frank, (No, I’mI'm Garth!) I had a add "real“real-time-time performance"performance” to a sound -— from the rest of the sampler pack. Too bad heart attack when I got the ASR-X. I was 'so such as the speeding/slowingspeedinglslowing of a rotary it'sit’s gone -— please bring it back! excited about a new sampler from Ensoniq speaker, or touch-wah of a filter. The capa­capa- that would fulfill the prompromiseise of the larger­larger- bility is there -— certain ROM effects have a The FutureFuture...... than-life EPS/EPS/ASR. ASR. Then -— I trtriedied to edit a Effect structurestructure attached (see CLANGECLANGE-­ sound directly. NOT. ROUS or SNOOT GUIT), that change the In-In­ I'llI’ll be back in fufuture ture issues with more sert Effect when it'sit’s selected. Simply put, X-NewsX-News -— this critter'scritter’s a moving target...target..._— Ensoniq has chosen to not supply full direct every instrument/sound needs the ability to editing from the ASR-X front panel. That'sThat’s change the Insert Effect unto its own liking. I too bad —- but I do admit that Ensoniq has urge Ensoniq to add this feature,feature. Bio:8io: Garth made a very good tradetrade-off.-off. Full direct edit­edit- HHjeltejelte is owner ing can be available from a computer (cur­(cur- Lastly, a question was raised in the Hacker of Rubber rently Ensoniq ASRASR-X-X Tools, from my Interface recently about "Why“Why do all a Chicken Soft­Soft- company, Rubber Chicken Software, is the sound'ssound’s ..AIFAIF files had to be rewritten every ware Co., an only program (albeit Windows) available for time an edit is made to the sound?"sound?” Ensoniq Ensoniq-only this purpose -—- there is no profile available made a response that an "“...answer .. . answer [of] 3rd party for Unisyn available as of this writing). En­En- Exit-No to that question ((“Overwrite‘?”),"Overwrite?"), the developer sincesince soniq has sacrificed full editing, instead im­im- X will write the new sound and continue to the last millenmillen-­ plementingplemcnting a different clever schemescheme.. address the old samplesamples.”s." This is incorrect -— nium. He wawass whether we are speaking of a new renamed not on the Have you ever had to make many copies of sound filefile or a edited one.one. Pressing NO just Titanic. one particuparticular lar sound, just becausebecau se of one par­par- ticu
articular edit to accommodate one particular sound? Ensoniq addresses this -— remember Figure I?1? You can place one SOUND per Ensoniq CDR-12: Drums , tracktrack.. With each Track you have a set of , OVERRIDE parameters, that affect the OVERRIDE parameters, that affect the Tom Shear SOUND you have selectedselected for that Track. TheseThese, parameters are saved as part of the SESSIONSESSION'.files'fiIes thatarethat are saved. There are a litlit-­ Product: Ensoniq CDR-12: Drums. the kits as all mapped in essentially the same way, so if you ware working on a track and tle under 50 importantimportant? parameters that can be For: EPS-16+/ASRITSEPS-16+/ASR/TS compatible ' altered. Thus, you can.can program slight (or samplers. need to find the perfect kit, all you need to do drastic)drastic)“ variations. to .(aa ,_particular particular sound, I Price: $99$99.95..95. is load in a new kit and press play on your sese-­ quencer. Very nice.nice. eliminating thegt-he need- to‘t

L--i__ which range from acoustic kits with barely ' whenwhim a SOUND is generated from the , aanyny ambience at all, to more electronic/ Pat!. ]Jlep. all the sound parameters i Scr5i~hScr§tc‘hlPadi..-.Then all the sound parameters‘ Ll!§ttimeLast,_timiefaijound:~I~u'nd we had a look at Ensoniq'sEnsoniq’s processed sounding kits with gated ambience. - are--av 'fi ilaDle -ftojfnl1ePA:D~ EDIT butfOn--'- are‘"av'ail’ab1e afrom“ th*e"PAD-EDIT button "-— CD-ROM collection of Orchestral sounds for Each consists of a kick, a rimshot, a snare hit, all pitchpitchi,;" ,env,elope_,‘;eny.eI Qpe" rfilJer.,filter;:~ amp,’a,nip: ,eJcetc.. parapara-~ '!'(:' theiithpeirflineof" nne: ' ~ f samplers. That set covered every open, closedclosed,, and mid hats, and a selection of meters. ~?<")L -I !.-".; /":::'!4 ,-'1 u_-. ,I ,,'r'. )')" basel5a; e and the sounds were impeccably createdcreated.. toms,toms. All the kits have a range of empty keys So it was with eager ears and hungry sampler in the middle where various cymbals found (From RCS'sRCS’s Ensoniq ASR-X" Tools ededitor,itor, _'" ~thath ~ t {I loaded up CDRCDR-I2,-12, a colleccollectiontion of later on the CD can be loaded in,in. Patch edits can beIJqn,ademadejtoianyi,tQ any: soundsound-typ'e,.;jinclud--type, .. inCIud­ -: 'drUtil-_riu_rrt%(sounds,m sounds put together by the same team. selects allow for very realistic flams,fiams , up/up/ ing Patch Selects,'Sel§cts,“§all‘ ~an pai"ame’te'rs‘,pa;ame'ters': RRAM-KITAM-KIT down key triggering, and more.more, The information, and SESS10NSESSION.filefiIe wfQrmation,information. AsA.s with the Orchestral set, all the instruments dynamics are well done, glvmggiving you a nice ASR-X Instrumentslnstnimentszi-canibe,can,be QhUt>_uut?rmm‘s¢rat¢ii,§i' froin scratch.;, here are helpfully and logically organized range without being difficult to control. The and entire EPS/EPS/ASR ASR SCSI Drives and CD- into separate categories which makes finding only problem I.I noticed with these sounds ROM can be converted with a couple of butbut-- the sound you need in this enormous colleccollec-- from the start is that quite a few of them have t°n_G1li.cl5'$'.f)@- "=i.J ii" __ f :- _ ' tiongdead easy. Another helpful feature is that a very loud click at the end of the sample. It ton , ~l~c f~, ~_ ~'\'·aa~t~it.:" *_ .‘:p " \f.~; ' "~~::ia-. t! on,,~e.ad ;,~ ~st,~rother

-. '''-". 0 . --.----...._.yr~4 Q .. ~ -_ ..... , ,-._ -- ,.__.,_ 7 n

didn'tdidn’t happen on every single hit, but it was sounds, so I suppose I shouldn’tshouldn't complain. open hat is provided where you can actuallyact~ally enough to be highly annoying.atmoying. I was using an The only sounds that really jump out as being hear the hats rattling together as the note EPS-16+ to listen to these, so that might have electronic were the Rap Kit, which features fades out. It'sIt’s nice little touches like this that had something to do with it. I am sure a little heavily compressed 808 style sounds that will make your tracks sound more profes-profes­ tweaking of the sample end or the filters really punch through (again with the excep­excep- sional, and with some careful sequencing, could alleviate this problem, but when I buy tion of the cymbals), and the Synth Kit, might even fool a couple people into thinking sounds, I expect them to be complete and which has some nice classic Simmons-style you are one booty-kickingbooty-kicking drummer. ready to go from the start... no tweaking re-re­ syndrums. I would have really preferred that quired. all the electronic kits were in this old beatbox In the unlikely event that all these sounds style, but I guess I can let it slide. (Next time aren'taren’t enough for you, Ensoniq rounds out Next up is a smaller variety of completely though, you guys are in big troubletrouble...) ... ) the collection with 16 additional instruments dry kits, including two jazz kits. These are that cover the entire range of the keyboard great, very acoustic sounding kits played, as So what better to match with the thumping with, variously, Assort Kicks, Assorted yyouou might expect, with brushes for the most kicks and snappy snares than a whole variety Snares, Drum Effects (special effects type part. I really liked the presence of these of cymbals? You have your choice of 7 col­col- dealies), lots more Assorted Cymbals, and soundssounds.-. ... you can hear lots of detail in them; lections of rides and crashes. Again I noticed finally, some Assort Hi-hats. This is a nice the rattle of tthehe snaresnare...... the ring of the drum some of the sounds were a bit dull, but I dis­dis- quick way to find that specific drum sound body itself. These kits actually include rides covered why. Instead of providing multiple you are hearing in your head without having and crashes, but you'dyou’d be better off just samples, some of these sounds are simply ttoo load up kit after kit. deldeletingeting them and loading in some of the shifted in pitch in an attempt to provide a others... they sound muffledmuffled and lack the wider variety of sounds. This is disappointing So there you go. Aside from a few minor bandwidth they really needed to live up to the because in the correct range, the sounds are sonic problems, mentioned above, the folks at quality of the rest of the soundssounds.. The very nice and sparkly. Careful sampling Invision and Ensoniq have another winner on WavesWavesampleample Information says they are all at could'vecould’ve fit multisamples in the same space their hands. A mind-bending variety of 44.lk, but they sure don'tdon’t sound it. and would'vewould’ve spared the trouble of trying to sounds here ensures that you will probably find the root key of the samplesample.. find what it is you need here, and the logical The dry kits are followed by a selection of set-up of kits and instruments means you "electronic kits.”kits." This is a very misleading And no drum kit can be complete without won'twon’t have to spend 3 days looking for it. name, aass most of these sounds don'tdon’t sound some hihats to drive the beat along, so move Now if you’llyou'll excuse me, I have to go figure electronic, but are apparently from drum on to the next directory which has 6 varieties out how to remove that drum stick from my machimachinesnes like the HR-16, D4, and others that of hihi-hats-hats for you to tryout.try out. These are nicely disk drivedrive...... _— are known more for their acoustic-sounding done, with the dynamics programmed just samplsampleses than for their weird electronic right, making it easy as pie to lay down a Bio: Tom Shear just wants to bang on the sosounds.unds. Why the developers would do this is convincing hi-hat line. In addition to the drum all day, but the neighbors got a bit beyobeyondnd me, but you get still more nice regular open hat, an extended version of the upsetupset..

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- The Interface

Letters for The Interface may be sent to any of the following addresses: U.S-U.S. MailMail-- The Interface, Transoniq Hacker, 1402I402 SW Upland Dr., Portland, OR 97221 Electronic mail - Internet: [email protected]. In many cases a quick answer can be obtained by posting to our interactive, on-line Interface at our Web site (http://www.transoniq.com/interl‘ace.html)(http://www.transoniq.com/interface.htrnl)orcallingEnsoniqor calling Ensoniq CS at 610-647-3930. This is probably one of the most open forums in the music industryindustry.. Letter writers are asked to please keep the vitriol to a minimum. Readers are reminded to take everything with a grain of salt. Resident answer-mananswer‘-man is Pat Finnigan (PF). Letter publication in the printed version of TH is subject to space considerations.

Hello staff! sequence tracks and 8 sosongng tracks. Unless you chain se-se­ workstations CAN sample .wav and ..aifaif sounds via an quences together in song mode you cannot access the 8 optional flashflash RAM soundboard (user installable and I’mI'm a Japanese user of ASRASR-10.-IO. This is my first mail for song trackstracks...... under $300).]$300)] you. I have some questions about making drum sounds. I love the ASR-I0.ASR-IO. But the issue here is what other tone modules you're [PF - ANAYV: Yes and No - the MR-Series can READ usingusing.. If you're using an outboard tone module, you *.*.wav wav and **.aif .aif filesfiles on floppyfloppy disk and load them into l On the web there are many MIDI files of various music. simply chain the sequences togethertogether,. then you can assign the optional Expansion Board. The MR-Series do NOT I try to convert these fifilesles into ASR-ASR-IO.I0. Most MIDI filesfiles the other 8 song tracks to MIDI status and play other in­in- sample. But yes, the Expansion Board is user installable. I are made by GM sounds and SMF. So I can convert se­se- struments on your outboard modules. Pricing is more an issue with your dealerdealer...... ]} quence data into ASR-IOASR-10 by MIDI interface and most GM sounds are chosen from many sample sounds CD­CD- IfIfyol/'reyou're NOT using an outboard tone module.module, there are ROM for ASR-IO.ASR-10. But I don'tdon’t have the GM mapped a number of ways to "fool"“fool” the ASR into more sounds. Hi, Transoniq Geniuses! drum soundsounds.s. Could you please tell me how to make GM You cal!can create multiple instruments that change under Cone:Conc: Relaunch of the Hacker mapped drum sounds? patch select control. Layer 1I of anon instrument could be acoustic piano, layer 2 could be an electric piano, layer The recent relaunch of the Hacker made me very un­un- There are three drum files. I would like to get the bass 3 could be a e/avinet,clavinet, layer 4 could be a rhodes. You lucky, because I cannot read •’emem any more, i.e.i.e. only drum from the A file,file, the snare from the B file, hi-hat create this kind of "multiple"“multiple” instrument by copying with big problems. Why? from C the file, etc. Then I make a new instrument for other instrument samples into layers of the same instru­instru- GM-mapped drums which consist of the selected sounds. ment.meni. See the Musician’sMusician's Manual for the detailsdetails...... You use now, maybe for reason of economy, such tiny letters that, having strong glasses, I nearly cannot read I think that it is impossible to resample or copy, because And another trick is to split the keyboard into halves and this source of information any more, and especially The this function is not available in my instrument. assign one instrument to the upper half and another to Interface Section is out of my reach. So please think of the lower half. Example: the lower half of the keyboard all the millions of people having eye problems (in my If possible, could you please send me information about could be assigned a bass sample while the upper half ccountryountry every third person has glasses or lens) and make ASR-IOASR-10 tips, sample CD and Video? Especially I want could be assigned a string sample. Utilizing this proce-proce­ the type bigger. Thank you very much! to know how to make sequence data in detail. dure with the multiple "patch“patch select"select” instrument ex­ex- ample above, you can get 64 instruments resident in Even what I could read didn'tdidn’t make me too enthusiastic: Best regards, your ASR (4 instruments per patch select times 8 tracks Tom Shear presents the CDRCDR-8-8 Orchestral -— well, this Taro mori, [email protected] times 2 instruments per keyboard half)half).. I did an artie/earticle CDR was produced 1994I994,, and even if he wants to focus in the early years of the Hacker on how to do this on the again on this product, he should mention this.this. Are there [PF - Taro: The easiest way to do this is to simply load EPS Classic: check the back issues for details. Enjoy!}Enjoy!] no important new CDRs ? a GM drumset into your ASR-JOASR-10 and set it to respond to MIDI channel #10. You could sample a GM-compatible [VonKrogh@aol[[email protected]— There'sThere’s even one more (but a lit­lit- Finally: A happy and peaceful 1998; instrument and map drums across the keyboard, but tle tricky) thing you can do -— If you want to have as Herbert Lacina that'sthat’s a pretty laborious process. It'dIt’d be a lot simpler to many sounds as possible at the samesome time (sayan(say an instru­instru- [email protected] just locate a GM drumset on the factory CD and load it. ment that'sthat’s 8 times mullitimbral),multitimbral), you can split the layers with the different sounds (see above) via velocity -[TH -— Well, if we had "millions“millions of people”people" reading our Yes, there are 9 differentdiflerent drum kits in the GM spec, but range. Then you’llyou'll just have to fixfix the velocity of each little mag, rest assured that the type would be bigger. selecting them is a GS command, ii.e.,.e., changing from the track to the right range. (You can'tcan’t do this in the ASR’sASR's The type is smaller than our tired ol’at' eyes would like as "S“Standard”tandard" kit to the "Room"“Room” or "Power,"“Power,” "Brush,"“Brush,” internal sequencer, though.) This won'twon’! sound too good well, but we’rewe're in a situation where we have 10to cram a "E“Electronic,"lectronic," "TR-808,"“TR-808,” etc. I'd visit sites such as for dynamic sounds like a piano, but it'sit’s finefine with any lot of info in a small space. The type is a "little'*little* bigger www.synthzone.com and www.soundcentral.com, etc., kind ofsynth sound!}sound!] in this month's Interface. One of the problems lalelylately has and download any of their drumkits that suit your fancy. been a floodflood of letters to the Interface from folks who [PF - Gang: Yeah, and you could set keyup layers to visit Ensoniq'sEnsoniq’s web site and get the mistaken impression I sampled a DllOD110 drumkit for my trusty old EPS Classic. trigger differentdifierent samples, too, but letlet's's be practical...practicaL}] that we'rewe’re Customer Service. This has been fixedfixed (final­(final- IttookIt took 3 days to get all the drum samples to fitfit into a 4X lyly...) ... ) and maybe--thingsthings will settle down a lillie.little. IIff our let­let- expander. Ensure you have enough memory in your ASR ters get back to normal, the firstfirst thing on our list is to to do all of these things. Hi! bump up the type size a bit. Meanwhile, all these letters are also available on our easy-to-read web site and our For instructional materials as well as excellent sousoundnd I know that the ASR-IOASR-10 reads EPS stuff, but can an ccheap-and-fastheap-and-fast e-Hacker. And, yes, this is for reasons of sasamples,mples, I highly recommend Rubber Chicken Software. EPSIEPS·16116+EPS/EPS-l6ll6+ read instruments created on an ASR- economy -— if Ensoniq starts shipping more instruments, Enjoy!}Enjoy!] 1O?l0? What about the KTIMR series? Do they read we'llwe’ll start adding pages. ASR-IOASR-10 instruments? Sorry about the date on the CDR -— didn'tdidn’t notice and it Hola! (My English will not be good, sorrysorry...) ... ) Christian WeldeWeide was new to us! Wasn't Tom's fault. Sometimes it'sit’s a lit­lit- [email protected] tle while (or a big while) before we get a review disk and Hi, my name is Carlos Martinez from Argentina and I'mI’m get it out to ao reviewer - doesn'tdoesn’t mean the sounds get all an ASR-IOASR-10 owner. GreaiGreat’ keyboard, sounds are cleanclean,, but [PF - Christian: Yes and no. Some instruments are wrinkly and gnarly.}gnarly.] it has some limitations:limit~tions: 8 tracks are insufficient. transportable if they're saved on low density (800k)(800k) flop-flop ­ i pies, but there are other parameters (e.g., Vol Boost, FX To repair this limitation, I load an instrument into an un-un­ and stuff)stufifi that are not backwards-compatible with the TH- used track while another instrument/trackinstrument/track is playing, original EPS. But given the above, most instruments simulating more than 8 instruments. I can only do this ARE transportabletransportable given the memory limitations and ar­ar- I have a question I hope someone can help me with be-be­ through an external sequencer: Cakewalk, Power TrackTrack...... chitecture of the earlier samplers...samplers ... cause I'veI’ve been racking my brains on it. I need do it from the internal sequencer. How can I‘?I? Alas, the KT and MR series instruments are synthesizers I downloaded some files from Sound Central on lineline.. I appreciate your help. Gracias!!Gracias! ! !! with no sample RAMRAM,, consequently you can'tcan’t load any Some I was able to convert to my TS·IOTS-10 format using Carlos, [email protected]@mbasystems.com.ar.ar samples into them.}them.] the EDE Conversion Program available on line also. But I'mI’m not able to convert files like "The“The Three Stooges," [PF - Carlos: The sequencer in the ASR is 16-trackI6-track - 8 [[email protected] - I thought that the MR-Series "F"Flintstones,"lintstones," "Star“Star Trek," or other files like these

9 p '1

whichwhi_c_h_ play,play, I guess, some sonsortof of sampled or wayway‘ fifes.files. those pesky model #s#s.. ,I should clarify what I meant by Also, I triedtried. to convertconven otherothebsounds'sounds from the same page “connector”"connector" as some EPS Classic expanders didn'tdidn’t have 2. A rackmount TS. rmI’m nottalkingnot talking about justajusr'a sound like "MI“Ml A-ngels"Angels” and "MI“M1 Sa)(secSaxsec,”," which are said to be the 9-pin ((actuallyactually "“wire”wire")) connector that the SP-ISP-/ module, but also the sequencersequencer,, disk drive, and all the ESP files but in-both cases I'veI’ve had no ssuccess.uccess. ' "'Snapped"“snapped” on toto.. Obviously since these are the genuine front panel buttons on the regularregulat'TSs. It could be handy aarticlesrticles thetheyy have itit...... J] for those whowno already have a controller keyb.oard,keyboard, or for Any help from someone would make my day. those like me who would 'likeIike moremore of a smaller se­se- {Jam[Jameses HonchingHanching ([email protected])([email protected]) -Hey— Hey guys, quence playbackpJ~yback module.module . . Q Thankx from Ohio. my EPEPS S has a Maartist 4x expanderexpander.. It doesn'tdoesn’t look like [email protected] i!it has a SCSI connector on itit.. Is my expander unscuzzi­unscuzzi- And my questions: able?Jable?] {PF[PF —- Razzman: The 3 Stooges and FFlintstonelintstone filesfiles were I.l. What exactly is the function of the step-entry re­re- SD-lSD-1 sequences (at least thaJ'sthat’s what I thought) and {PF[PF -— James: The DB-25 (SCSI) connector is part of the corder? I'veI’ve had my TS for almost two years,years, and I don'tdon’t won't load into a MalvernMalvem samplersampler.. As far as the MI SCSI interfaceinterface,, NOT the memory expansion. You'llYou’ll see find the manual explains it clearly enough.enough. files,files, I don'tdon’t know what an ESP filefile is, so I’mI'm no help what'what I mean if you order a SCSI interface kit, as it in­in- here. Readers?Readers ?] J cludes the SCSI connector to replace the blanking plate 2.There seems to be a bug that occurs when I'mI’m that sticks out of the back of your memory expanderexpander...... ]} programming patches in the user banks. occasionally, {PF[PF (followup) - Razzman: There's also another pos-pos­ voice five of whatever sound in bank UO-IU0-I will change sibility —- the sounds might be Mirage, sounds, in which to 'UNKNOWN'.*UNKNOWN*. This renders the wave unchangeable Ct.Isecase you need an EPSII6+IASR-JOEPS/16+/ASR-10 to xlate them into TH-TH _ to my knowledge. Why does this happen, and is there their format. Spaced this on my previous reply...replY ... ]J any way to reverse the damagedamage,, aside from being for-for­ SUbject:Subject: General info tunate enough to have an uncorrupted copy of the sounds {[email protected][[email protected] - In regards to my last lellerletter handy? about converting files,files, when I try to open them up it SINGAPORE, Jan. 9 Newswire - Creative Technology calls for program "2PAT.EXE"“2PAT.EXE" to play the files.files. ButButI'veI’ve Ltd (Nasdaq: CREAF), the world'sworld’s leading provider of Sincerely, searched for this program with no luck. I tried in WinWin-­ multimedia technology for the personal computer, today C.S. Graves dows 95 also but it'sit’s nowhere for me to find.find. Anyone announced that it has completed its acquisition of En­En- [email protected] t familiar with this program? Thanks to my previous soniq Corp. callecallerr for your help and concern.concern.]J [PF -— CS: Answers, in order: "“WeWe believe Creative is now in our best position ever to {PF[PF -— Razzman: I might be full of metlfanemethane on this one, significantly grow our OEM business. This acquisition (1)(I) That'sThat’s the nature of continuous controcontrollerller messages but I'dI’d bet 2Pat.exe is some kind of an unstufferiunstuflerl was a key step in Creative'sCreative’s comprehensive strategy to (CC#xx)(CC#xx)...... decompression program like WinZip or the like. Might expand our presence into each segment of the OEM be you have to decompress them to be recognized.Jrecognized.] market, including the fastest growing sub-US$I,OOOsub-US$l,O00 PC (2) Thought of that myselfmyselfl Ensoniq won't get any closer segmentsegment,”," said Sim Wong Hoo,Hoo, chairman and chief ex­ex- 10to doing that than the ASR-X.ASR-X. {Michael[Michael Hyman ([email protected]) - 2PATZPAT was an Audio ecutive officer of CreativeCreative.. "We“We are very excited about and Wavetable Instrument File Format Converter, the inclusion of Ensoniq'sEnsoniq’s PCI audio solution in the (2a) Step entry is a concept that allows people to insert Editor and Player for WindowsWindows.. In 1996,I 996, it was renamed just-announced subsub-US$l,000-US$I,OOO Hewlett Packard Pavilion. notes into a limelinetimeline in an offlineoflline nonlinear fashion t /0to AWAVE. The latest version of Awave is available for We expect ongoing design wins in the OEM market and (kinda like PARIS audio editing) without recording them download on the internet @URL: "hIlP:llhem.pas­“http://hem.pas- we expect to leaveleave our competition in the dust!"dust!” in real time. UsefulUsefitl for humanly impossible keyboard sagen.selfmjlfmjsoft.html."sagen.se/_finj/finjsoft.html.” Close the door and light a cchordshords and passages...passages ... match, Pat.JPat.] In its acquisition of privately-held Ensoniq, Creative paid approximately US$77 million in cash which carnecame (2b) Never seen this one before. l'dI’d call Ensoniq directly {PF[PF —- Mike: BOOM! "Aaaaaiiiieeee!"“Aaaaaiiiieeee."’ Thanx for the out of Creative'sCreative’s existing cash resourcesresources.. and report a bugbug.. If they send Tommy Lee Jones or Will heads up. Duly notednoted...... J] Smith knocking on your door, reinitialize your TS and Creative Technology Ltd develops, manufactures and see if you can reproduce the problem before looking into markets a wide array of advanced multimedia solutions the neuralizerneuralizer...] ... J TH-TI-I- for the PC, entertainment, educationeducation,, music and produc-produc­ tivity tools markets. Creative'sCreative’s corporate headquarters [Eric Montgomery (Ensoniq Technical Support) - All Fritz Uhle asked, in the January issue, if the 4x ex­ex- and primary manufacturing are based in Singapore, with good answers. Also be sure that you have the most cur­cur- panders were still available for the EPS sampler, and Pat sales, distribution and development being carried out rent OSforOSfor your TS. The current OS is 3.103.10.. responded that they have been unavailable for some through an extensive, global network of subsidiariessubsidiaries.. time. SySyntaurntaur does indeed have these expanders, for TS-/OTS-I0 i/ TS-12 $299.95. They are usually -— but not always - in stbck.stock. [email protected]@equity builders.com We also sell the EPS-16 Plus 2x expander for $189.95. I.I . While holding the (PRESETS) button, {PI'[PF - ...... yada-yada-yada: yada-yada-yada: what about the keyboard 2. Press the(SYSTEM)the(SYSTEM) bUllonbutton WitbWith 3D-pin30-pin SIMMs getting harder and harder to find, division?Jdivision ?] 3. Display = SOFTWARE - ROM=X.XXROM=X.xX KPC=X.XXKPC=X.xX we are now.now. also offering our ASR/TSASRITS 8-Meg Expander 4. Release both bul/ons.Jbuttons.] Kit, containing two 4-Meg SlMMsSIMMs and complete instal-instal­ {Eric[Eric Montgomery (Ensoniq Technical SuppoSupport)rt) -— I have lation instructions, for $74$74.95..95 . You can get more details said and will say again, I am very positive about the ac­ac- [L.Van[L.Yan den Berg, [email protected] -— As an Qnon these prod\lctsproducts at, our web site (wwwAatsnake.comi(www.fatsnake.comJ quisition of Ensoniq to Creative. It is a wonderful owner of every high-end workstationworkslation keyboard Ensoniq syntaur), or call (800) 334-1288334-1288. .. move!Jmove!] has ever produced, fiomfrom the ESQ, to the MR-76, I’dI'd like to comment on the numerouS'numerous calls forfor a TS re-issue I Sam Mims '.~ have seen in these pages. The TS was the last iteration of Syntaur Productions Dear TH peoplepeople,, the classic Ensoniq interface, which was the best in the syntaur@[email protected]., - .- . . " _ industry. The largiaisplay.large display, providingprovTding much information l " ! J :! A few comments and a few questions. simultaneously,simultaneously. , with $selectorelector -bUl/ons,buttons, !a reaireal usable· se-se [ff,[PF H_;-giSam:-', Sam'" GulyDuly , !iQted"nocted.--(A)'{/l,)' Are-these.Ai.e" these, ,newnew Ensoniq quencer, the many excellent and usable factory presets, ME4X’sIrfE4:)(' s:(lTJd,(B)..do.and~(B). do .-theythey -sporMheSportilhe connector for the SCSI In TH #151, I was glad to see others wish for the return as well a~as' an: extensive synthesissynthiisis '~potentialpotenil'al with greatgre1ft ef­ef- expa';der,expander, and finallyfinally (C) if (B) is" ttue,true, "which seSISCSI of,of the '£,S-.JO/12TS".-.10/12 syntlis.synths. As a TS owner I think it’dit'd be fects. The'Thereal real plus with tMthe‘ instrumenOninstrument ‘in the ihtegintegrationi-'ation adapters are compatible?Jcompatible?] great tliat'that othersothers-may' may 'havehave the opportunity to, acquire a into the platform of --samplesample' playback.playbai:k. '1I '-stillstill 'use· my brand new wor.kstationworkstation 'suchsuch"' as thesethese.. lt’dIt'd also be"be' good TS-l2TS-12 nearly every dayday.. {Sam[Sam MMims,ims, Syntaur Productions -— These are the official news"news' for .tbosethoseof. of us who’d-who ',d .-likelike to ' be able ·‘toto buy Ensoniq expanders. (Syntaur is working with Ensoniq to replacements ,shouldshould"' our current, models be irreparably' DeDespiteipile .allall of thisthis,,','I-Pcancannotno/'support ththei re-introductionre' inlrod'ud'tiiJ'n t(jtake.ke i oover».ver ,,·-distribution;di$tribuJion :·,o/:of: , the accessoriesacces-sor-ies,. forfor,- .all all damaged somehow (horror!1(horrorl).. ,i- ,e r I - of the"instrilmenl.the instrument. 'ItIt would' be-‘unwise-and/);!'iimivise'an'a 'imcoinfjelitveuncompet-itve out-of-production ,keyboards.)ke¥bollrds.) rrh~The~EPS r- 4x expander ·-isis. '-'~1 in ·theihe currencurrentmarketplace.t'}na;ketplace. I'n1ia"critical=studio-recording"ffl' f[erilical·<.r!l!..JM)".}-, »_ ' ' LJ::.IUJ-''" ~_i'".?Y 1.I. Effects LFO and Envelope modulation. Inmow-know rveI’ve ments. The sample' 'Pplayba'ck"is'laybtick'' is ' limitlimiteded"f6" to 33-2·2 liHkHzi ··--­ {}~-'~(. ~ '"- ': ~ I:._,_...., ~ 'If Yj .q'.J .. ')1. ~(i:-;.‘.-'-Z jt"),l FJ 1 used up a lot of sequencer memory changing the VCF usable, but not great. The ROM waveforms are similarly [PI"-[PF '— Sam: .1lIlanxThanx for the heads' upup. and cocorrectionrrection"onon Env amount with themedtbe'mad wheel!wheell», ,to'. -<;) .•'-' !.- T limif~dlimited."'" TRThey",W Itlacki'c'l< · "bir"“air” -— a sense"senSe ', 'OofJ ''recilism,'relilism, - w[iflwith

to1.70 ? 1 __J.l l 7 ——

natural harmonics and dynamic range. The quality of Giebler VFX-SMF conversion utility. This'll allow you 10to had been giving me fitsfits when polling SCSI devices er­er- "air"“air” can be heard in the MR series, in Kurzweil, in make SMFsSMFs out of all those VFXsd sequences and edit ratically.ratically. Sometimes it would boot fi'omfrom a SCSI drive Korg, and in other highhigh-end-end products by quality them on any PCPC-compatible-compatible sequencing/scoring applica­applica- fine,fine, other times it would "nack"“nack" and the drive light manufacturers. This can clearly be heard in a direct tion. The most popular apps (IMHO) are Cakewalk (for wouwouldld stay lit and just hang. Replaced the cap with a l comparison of the TS and MR within a studio context. sequencing) and Encore and Finale (for notation). All 25V, .33 ufd electrolytic and bingo: mounts every timetime...... I'mI‘m not saying that the TS is obsolete, or unusable - far are pretty stiff in the learning curve department, but Mine was labeled Cl. Be VERY sure you observe fiomfrom it. I still use it and the ESQ and SD-I.SD-1. They're all you'll findfind that'sthat’s pretty much the case with all the polarity when replacing ANY electrolytic cap —- they very musical, with some great sounds. They just don'tdon’t premiere apps out therethere.. WILL explode if wired backwards. represent the state of the art technicallytechnically.. I don'tdon’! think a new battery is going to fixfix the TS. It’s/t's Excellent tip fromfrom Robert! I now have. another fully What would be desirable: update the TS concept with a there 10to preserve volatvolatileile EEPROM data when the in­in- operational EPS.]EPS.} u modern platform. This already exists somewhat in the strument is unplugged. If you wanna do a hard reset, ASR-X. A workstation based on this platform could offer clip one of the leadsleads of the battery while the instrument [Eric Montgomery (Ensoniq Technical Support) - You the MR synthesis engine (with a large ROM memory isn'tisn’t plugged in - that'llthat’ll forceforce your TS into amnesia. boys are good! All I do is make music and think En-En­ complement), with the sampling of the ASR. Improve-Improve­ While it'sit’s disconnected in this manner, load test the bat-bat­ soniq.]soniq.} ments in RAM capacity, operational interface, display, tery to ensure itit really IS dead. After around a half an l and sequencer would be wise, ifnotifnot obligatory. hour, your TS will have forgotten its own name; then you can resresolder older the clipped battery lead,lead. plug it into the YEEEEHAAAA!, This is a dodo-able-able natural evolution of the Ensoniq wall and reinitialize. If that doesn'tdoesn’t do it, time to swap product line that would be very competitive at the right the logic board out. I remember switching the power on Never thought I'dI’d get so excited over paper, but I like E‘ w price point.]point.} and off 7 times in rapid succession 10to hard reset the the new heavy paper you guys are printing on. As a new VFXsd but I don'tdon’t know if that’sthat's the procedure for the subscriber, but old Ensoniq fan (bought an ESQ-IESQ-l [John Seboldt, [email protected] —- Long TS. It's a relatively new board, and I really doubt the waaaay back when they first hit the streets, ’86'86 I think it time since I'veI’ve been here, and 10lo and behold someone battery has gone south this soonsoon...... was), I had received a few copies of the Hacker on that agrees with me on the power of that TS interface! I old newsprint style paper and I must say that the new woulwouldd add the many, very smooth and slick ways you can But IIlYouldwould still defer to your tech, as he gegetsts privy info stuff is a pleasure to hold in my hands and flipflip the pages.

4 splitl/ayer.split/layer. And the smooth way you can have one half of from Malvern that we mere mortals do notnot...] ... } Hope you keep with the new paper.paper. I noticed that most a split constant, while merrily clicking between several of the sounds available for Ensoniq are for various other patches in the other half (in sequencer mode). [Eric Montgomery (Ensoniq Technical Support) -— These samplerssamplers...any ... any idea where I can get my hands on some AFAIK, in the current Ensoniq line, only the E-Prime are all good suggestions. I hope you are not attempting patch sheets for SQIKSIKTIE-Prime?SQIKS/KTIE-Prime‘? I just bought an will operate in this manner. Yes, Ensoniq, a natural to work on this unit on your own. I always suggest that a E-Prime and I’dI'd like to mess around with making evolution of this slick interface!}interface!] qualifiedqualified Ensoniq service center works on the unit. In sounds, it would be helpful to get some examples (other some cases there may be tricky situations to avoid and than the few you provide in Hacker). [PF - John: Megadittos on the double-clickdouble-click...] ... } the qualifiedqualified tech has the extra info needed to avoid the falls.falls. If you andlorand/or your tech are in the dark on this Thanks a Bunch, [Eri[Ericc Montgomery (Ensoniq Technical Support) - I repair then please call Ensoniq at 610-647-3930 and ask David LaPorte would like to be one of the people who jumps on the TS for customer service so they can set up a situation for [email protected] band wagon also with its wonderfullywonderfitlly easy to understand repair back at the factory.factory.}] interface. I also agree with the comments about air, [PF - David: The best way to get up to speed on the which the TS lacks. I have mentioned for a long time that SQ/KS/KT/ESQIKSIKTIE series is to poke around at parameters: if you own a TS and like the TS user interface and need Hey Gals and Guys, point your browser to http://www.synthzone.comlen­http://www.synthzone.com/en- to upgrade, then go to the MR Rack. Now you have the soniq.htm and siphon offojf some of the patches for inspec­inspec- killer sounds flomfrom the TS and MR and you have the in­in- I bet if you have an EPS with a 4X expander and you tion. Trust me: Ensoniq Musician's Manuals are the terface you like. Also keep in mind that though the MR open the expander up you'llyou’l1 find a 3.3 16-volt capacitor friendliestfriendliest books out there.}there.] cannot do all that the TS can do, the MR does what it labeled C9 burned up. Don't know why yet but I would does well. Sounds, sounds, sounds! Also take a look at suspect without getting out the meter the voltage rating [TH -— And thanks for the YEEEEHAAAA!]YEEEEHAAAAI] the article on the TS versus the MR. It will give you some on these babies was set too low and they burnbum up. more insight on the why they are great alone and great together.]together.} It surprised me but by chance I opened up my 4X ex-ex­ TH- pander a few months ago. Lo and behold I found the capacitor mentioned burned up. Now I just purchased a Is it possible to create a multiplemUltiple disk instrument? I am TH-TI-I- used EPS and was cheCkingchecking out the SCSI interface in it using the EPS·MEPS-M as my sampler. I am having difficulty and again I noticed the same component burned up in locating or understanding the procedure necessarynece§sary to I own both an SD-lSD-1 and a TS-I0TS-10 which came as part of a this unit. I bet they all do it. It seems to function okay create a multiple disk instrument. studio "package“package deal"deal” with some recording gear, etcetc.. but it bothers me enough to fix it. Another tell-tale sign I The TS-IOTS-10 died with a nasty buzz and wouldn'twouldn’t resus-resus­ noticed was that the plastic case on the enclosed 4X badhad I am using the EPSDISK program to load a single EFE citate at all (no sign of life at powerup). It’sIt's in the shop. a sort of a heat deformed spot on the top, near the edge file, on a single DD disk, onto my EPS module. I am The tech has tested the power supply and other usual connector. The unit with the SCSI has the cover removed having no problems doing this procedure. suspects but can'tcan’t find the problem. Presently waiting to allow the SCSI board to plug in. for a new battery -— thinking that maybe the current one Can you give me any assistance or suggestions? is so dead that it can'tcan’t supply enough power to initialize I bet a 25-volt cap would be more ideal. Maybe Ensoniq a hard reset. Maybe you'veyou’ve seen such a problem? has addressed this maybe not. But it'sit’s not coincidence. Thank you, What do you think? Dan I am somewhat comfortabcomfortablele with sequencing/MIDI and a [email protected]@remc8.k l2.mi.us complete novice to interfacing the keyboards with my Robert G.Kachur computer (new). I’veI've gigged a few years off and on with jinglejinglel@[email protected] [PF -— Dan: As I understand it, the EPSEP S looks at a disk

V‘ a guy who sequenced all our rythym tracks on a VFX­VFX- when you save an instrument to floppy.floppy. If there'sthere’s not SD (worked well except for the occasional freeze-uplfreeze-up/ [PF -— Bob: Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt: enougenoughh room it returns a "Not“Not Enough Disk Space”Space" meltdown/whatever - "w“we’lle'll take a short breakbreak...... ")“).. I that 6V cap burned up on mine too when it was con­con- prompt. If it senses a blank disk and there'sthere’s not enough have a Creative Labs Soundblaster AAWE32, WE32, Pentium nected 10to a hard drive that supplied termination power room to storeslOre the instrument and all the samples it'sit’s 200MMX, and QuickScore Elite II, v7.0. My intent is to back to the expander. I think they ggiveive their life so that comcomposedposed oj,ofi the EPS returns the "Use“Use Multiple Disks?Disks?"” improve compositional skill and scoring, etc. I could use the SCSI expander may live when incorrectly connected prompt... advice on essential software. It appears I need standard to non-approvenon-approvedd SCSI devicesdevices...... ]} MIDI to/from Ensoniq MIDI, aka Giebler or what? The issue here isn'tisn’t how to create a multiple disk instru­instru- \ [Robert G.Kachur --II ccheckedhecked on the 4X I repaired some ment; it'sit’s more a question of WHY the EPS does this. Thanks, time ago and the 3.3mf rated at 25 volts is hanging EPSDISK is an image program: it takes a PC image of Mark Beaulieu tough. I originally found one on a 4X without the SCSI an Ensoniq filefile and makes an Ensoniq-readable disk out [email protected]@micron.net option. Should you encounter this, up it to 25 volts mini­mini- of it. mum and do watch polarity.polarity.]} [PF - Mark: If you've got access to all the sequences As farfor as creating a multiple disk instrument, you just done on the VFXsd, yes, you DEFINITELY want the [PF - Bob: Been so long I opened up an old EPS that need to make an instrument larger than 1585 blocks (the

1111

capacicapacityty of a DSDD floppy).floppy). but several minutes later without any input from me, the Hello everyone. sequence suddenly starts playing again. -.*.efeefe iiss a GGiebleriebler formatformat writtenwrinen by our old friendfriend Dr. I’mI'm a current Hacker subscriber, MR-76 and PARIS GGaryary GieblGieblerer toto taketake aann EnsoniqEnsoniq filefile format and convert I'veI’ve called Ensoniq Tech Support, and they suggested owner, so the "On“On-Line-Line InterfaceInterface”" seemeseemedd like the logi­logi- it into a PC-PC-storablestorable file.file. *.efe- .efe filesfiles can be multiple disk that I call my dealer. My dealer has never heard of this cal place to post thisthis.. instrumentsinstruments,, but oonene "‘.efe- .efe filefile equals one diskdisk.. FoForr a problem. I live in Mississippi but ordered the MR in twotwo-disk-disk insinstrumentlrument youyou should have two •*.efe .efe files,files.jorfor a April from a store in Virginia. My local dealer is trying I and two other PARIS owners are trying to establish a 4-di4-disksk instrumentinstrument youyou should have four *.efe-.efefiles,files, and so to help. They hope that by replacing the main board my PARIS user’suser's group for Connecticut. We’reWe're currently forth.forth. problem will be solved. However, their problem is that meeting in the Danbury/Waterbury area, but are flexible.flexible. they cannot get the board from Ensoniq. If any fellow Nutmeg state PARIS owners are interested Again, the "Multiple“Multiple Disk"Disk” issue is an Ensoniq-native in joining us, please e-mail memeat:[email protected]: [email protected] OS call that simply allows you 10to store Ensoniq-native I have several keyboards -— Yamaha, RolandRoland,, and I'veI’ve format filesfiles (or "instruments")“instruments”) that exceed a blank never had any problem with service. This was my first We'dWe’d also like to establish a mailing list for everyone'severyone’s DSDD formattedformalfed floppy’sfloppy's block count of 1585.I585. If you Ensoniq purchase and most probably will be my last. daily PARIS questions, but haven't done it yet...l'dyet...I’d be sampled a sound that occupied the entire 4096-block interested in e-mail about that as well. memmemoryory pool of the EPSEP S you’dyou'd have to feed it 3 blank I need help. If anyone has ever had this problem,problem, I need floppiesfloppies ttoo ssaveave itit...]. .. } to know how to solve it. Call me collect. Best to all, Jamie Haynes [[GarthGarth Hjeltejelte (RCRCS)S) -— Some clariflcationclarification is needed here. [email protected]@aol.com [email protected] FFirst,irsl. forfor a fitllfull explanation of File Images and Disk Im-Im­ Glenn Carlisle agesages,•. .EFE, EFE, .EDE,.EDE, .GKH.GKH,, etcetc.. go to this link at our RCS 601-653-3673 [P[PFF - Jamie:Jamie: Excellent. I don’tdon't own a PARIS but I have Tips page: a nnumberumber of questions to address your group concerning [PF[PF —- Glenn: Ensure you'reyou're using O.S. V. 22.1.1 whiwhichch iiss this product.product. If you dondon’t't mind, I’dI'd like 10to ping in on the http:http:.".’www.soundcentral.com/-chickeneps/rcs_tips#En-//www.soundcentral.com/- chickeneps/rcs_tips#En­ the most recent OS fi"omfrom Ensoniq.Ensoniq. You may have an oldolderer discdiscussionsussions and report your findingsfindings to the Hacker. soniqPCsoniql’CFileileTypesTypes version causing the problem, so before you conviconvictct En­En- eMail anytanytime.ime.}] soniq and your local dealer of some diabolical plotplot to More speciflcaspecifically,lly, although it is possible to have a ..efeefe steam you (you ARE yellingyelling at us in capital lettletters),ers ), [[THTH [TH[TH - And...And... CraCraigig AndertonAnderton had the firstfirst installment of (which(which is a FileFile Image) which is any Part of a Multiple —- The original letter was ALL CAPS. We alalwaysways cchangehange what will likely be aann oongoingngoing series on his adventures Disk File, iitt really isnisn’t'l a good idea. BolhBoth programs that that before postingposting as a spespecialcial serviceservice to nenewbies...]wbies ... } in PARISPARIS in tthehe FebruaryFebru ary THTH..]} supposupportrt multmulti-parti-part Files (Giebler's(Giebler’s EDM and our Tools check a few things first.first. ItIt’s's possiblepossible that the lologicgic bboardoard programs) usually (not all the time) merge the multi-part may need replacement, but ccheckheck youryour OS veversionrsion to seesee onU)onto an alalreadyready existing .efe file,flle, so a lone .efe filefile that if it'sit’s 2.1 (the most recent version), check the librarian HHi.i. rqJresmrepresentsts one part of a multi-part instrument usually to ensure you’veyou've allocated more than Ok0k to the sequen-sequen­ shoushouldn’t/dn 't eexist.xist. cercer,, and reinitialize the unit. I am an ASR-10ASR-IO owner and am thinking of purchasing the new ASR-X. IfIfyou you wawantnt to save individual parts of a mUlti-partmulti-part in­in- These things are more computer than piano and are s'TIlmestrument,nt, savesave them in separate Disk Images (.EDE or VERY sensitive to line voltage fluctuationsfluctuations as well. En-En­ However, I would liklikee to be sure that the ASR-X does .EDA).EDA).. ThaThatt way you preserve the mUlti-partmulti-part conlentscontents sure all of the above before picking up the red phone not suffer from the following idiosyncrasies of my ASR- »IOUmore accuraccuratelyately without confusing .efe that have the and going nonlinearnonlinear...... 10,IO, namely: same name. This is one of the primary reasons you should buy from a * Extreme overheating (I can easily cook breakfastbreakfast on Regarding rreadingeading multi-part filesflies into the the Original local dealer: support. Not that your local ddealerealer can'tcan’t my ASR-IO).ASR-10). EPSEPS., it reareadsds them differently than the 16-Plus/ASR. help you, but you don'tdon’t have the luxury of returning the * Overdriven processor (that cursed "Shuffling“Shuffling DataData”" WimWith theIhe 1616-Plus/ASR,-Plus/ASR, they are smart enough to prompt keyboard to Virginia for an exchange or othotherer satisfac-satisfac­ message and the assocassociatediated delays). you for PartPart2 2 (or other)other).. The Original EPS simply loads tion. A mail order company will alwaalwaysys match or beat /hethe firstfirst filefile ((let’slet's say named BRASS .1.1),), and stops. If your local dealerdealer's's price,price, but there’sthere's N0NO wawayy theythey’re're Furthermore,Furthermore, can ththee ASR-X read ASR-10ASR-IO files from you play that sound on the keyboard, you are likely to gonna even come close to matching (or beating) YOllryour SCSI storage devices ((thethe Ensoniq web-site brochure is crash. To lloadoad the entire instrument, insert the disk that local dealer's SERVICE.SERVICE... .. unclear)unclear)?? contains BRASS .2, and load it into the same slot that BBRASSRASS .1 iiss inin.. Then you'll have it. Confusing?Confitsing? Sure is. I dondon’t' t know what problems your local dealer has in oob-b­ I wowoulduld greatgreatlyly appreciateappreciate any info you may have. That'sThat’s why Ensoniq changed itit..]} taining a replacement logic board from Ensoniq. My local dealer has been very goodgood and EnsoniqEnsoniq has bebeenen RRegards,egards, [PF - WWhilehile we'rewe’re splilfingsplitting red hairs Ihethe issue still very prompt in service through them (IRC Music). SSoo RobertRobert F. Pisano remains that Dan’sDan's got a problem with EPSDISK (not before you flameflame Ensoniq and vow never to do businessbusiness rfp@[email protected] Disk TooToolsls or EDM) copying multi-disk files.files. This is a with them again just becaubecausese of your uniquuniquee situation, situation, known bugbug that the program'sprogram's author (Michael Chen) consider their unique situation: ThThey’veey' ve justjust bbeeneen pur-pur­ [PF - Robert:Robert: The overtaxed CPU on the ASR-I0ASR-IO and 88 mentions he'she’s had some reports onon,, and is noted in the chased by Creative Labs, they're cecertainlyrtainly going was probably one of the reasons ththeyey werewere disdiscontinued.continued. Read Me file.file. Does anyone out there have Michael through some reorganizational grogrowthwth painspains wwhilehile You'dYou’d get a 180bpmI80bpm sequence going witwithh ATRKsATRKs spool-spool­ Chen's ccurrenturrent eMail address? The address noted in delineating keyboard and soundcard linlines,es, ththey’reey're trtryingying ing and there weren't eenoughnough CPU cycles llefleft over to EPSDlSKEPSDlSK’s's ReadMe filefile is invalid {it's(it’s a 1994I994 URL)URL)...... to develop new product while balancingbalancing serviceservice aandnd sup-sup­ scan the keyboard and follow/playbackfollow/playback key events timely port of other products in their line. Remember,Remember, ththey’reey're enough. YYou’dou'd think uuppingpping lhethe CPU from a 16-MHzI 6-MHz ReadeReadersrs ccanan also findfind info on the various fileflle formatsformats in nnotot some global giant like Yamaha ththatat growsgrows their own 68000 to a 16I6-MHZ-MHz '’3030 or '’4040 would be a bolt-up swap, IssueIssue #1#14444..}] trees forfor their pianos - they'rethey’re a small ddedicatededicated groupgroup but as a Mac hardhardwareware guy,guy. trustfTIlSt meme,, it just ain'tain’t so.so. of guys (and ggals)als) who offerojfer us the bebestst tetechnologychnology at ththee [Garth[Garth Hjelte (RCS) - I wouldn'twouldn’t expect EPSDisk to be best price. The ASR-X readreadss and ..writesTires iISits filesfiles in PC-formattedPC-formal/ed ssupportedupported anymore -— the last revision was four years SCSI devidevices.ces. As the ASR-10ASR-IO wwritesrites its own filefile system,system, agago,o, aandnd it'sit’s simply DOS command line. How many And I’mI'm sure your MR-76 will bbee just finefine after this visit an ASR-I0ASR -10 drdriveive cannaIcannot ~be reareadd if conneclconnecteded to an DOS-DOS-onlyonly users are out Ihere?there? I was surprised that it with your lolocalcal doctordoctor...] ... } ASR-X. You'You'veve got /0to formatfonnm drethe ddriverive fromfrom ththee ASR-X,ASR-X, eevenven supportedsupported multi-disk reading or writing.}writing.] load ASR floppiesfloppies and save U)to the ASR-X's connectedconnected [Eric MontgomeryMontgomery (Ensoniq TeTechnicalchnical Support) -— Good SCSI ddevice(s).evice(s). Bummerm]BummeL.] [PF - Garth: Everybody using Gary Giebler'sGiebler’s Utilities answer. Here iiss how you checheckck ththee OS on ththee MRs: is wworkingorking in a DOS windowwindow...] ... } [Garth HjelteHje/te ((RC5)ReS) -— Nope.ope.. The ASR-XASR-X can read the 1. While holding the (SAVE) buttonbUl/on in Ihthee SoundSoundfinderfinder EPS/ASREPS/ASR disk format and import EPS/ASREPS/ASR filesfiles fi'ontfrom section, any/mostany/most SCSI ddevices.evices. ((II thought this wwasas really ob­ob- TH-T]-I_ 2. Press the (SYSTEM) button in the Disk/GlobalDisk/Global section.section. vious in the ASR-XASR-X manual.)]I] 3. Release both buttons. I'mI’m having a problem that'sthat’s driving me crazycrazy.. My MR- [PF - GangGang:: I was not aware tthehe ASR-XASR-X could read 76 will not play my sequences all the way through. Also, the service center should check for a stuck play Mac-formatted,Mac-formal/ed, PC-formatted,PC-formatted, andand AASR-I0SR-IO formatted Sometimes after playing 2 or 3 bars, the play light turns button.]button.} SCSI disksdisks.. An An eaearlierrlier tthreadhread iinn lalastst month'smonth's column off by iitselftself and the sequence restarts again without any threw me off. (A(Actually,ctually, oonene ofyours, yours, Garth -— could have input to me. Sometimes it does not start immediately, been read two differdlfféfélllent waysways...) ... ) My apologies.}apologies.]

12 _ _ __ Q i

6. Press "enter/yes"“enter/yes” bul/onbutton - Looping on a sampler that can be played without hold­hold- TH—-TH- Mission Accomplishedl...almost.Accomplished! ... almost. ing the key.

Subject: MR-76 To change sounds in a specificspecific track, you should send it - Possible Looping/sequencing of input/audio sequenc­sequenc- Just a few questions/comments about my 'board:’board: from "Sound“.S'oundfinder”finder" "select“select sound”sound" button. Select the ing as opposed to Delay effects and more advanced. I sound, then send it to the specificspecific track. Press the guess similar to Robert Fripp'sFripp’s modern Soundscapes 1.I. Any 3rd party/user sounds yet?yet‘? "send"“send” button (red arrow). Hope this helps! material. Could work well in hard disk recording.

2. When "erase“erase outside region"region” (set to 3.384) sometimes P.S. When you send sounds from the "Sound“Soundfinder,”finder," you - Possible upgrade in future samplers to have more than leaves 4.1 on! (I have latest ver2.1.)ver2.l.) also have the choice to send the effect (or nol).not). Some 16 sequencer tracks. More audio recording tracks. sounds are in part made with the insert effects.]effects.] 3. "Final“Final Mix" mode should work for a song. - One thing I have noticed about sampling is after choos­choos- [PF - Although this isn'isn’t tthethe same thing as being able to ing the root key for your sampler if you play a higher 4. Can't get my Roland VS-880x to Song position point do it via MIDI, it looks like it'sit’s as close as you can get. key it plays faster and if you play lower key it plays my MR-76. The only issue to address here is to ensure any other slower. It has its place but can be difficult if you want to sounds that are using the insert FX bus sound okay with create a new synthesizer sound. It’sIt's a wonder how all 5. When load "all“all-songs,”-songs," can'tcan’t view song titles (appear the new effect,ejfect, because they'llthey’ll be routed through the notes on a synth sound the same. Logic and, I think, as "songOO“song00 I,l, ....002” 002" etcetc.).) until "load“load song"!!?song”! !? newly selected insert effect. A "Transporter"“Transporter” acoustic Cubase have the Time Machine in Audio versions to piano sounds pretty foolish...]foolish ... ] make other keys the same character as root key sample 6. Can'tCan’t insert/delete sequences into "play“play list”list" (can only when transposing. Perhaps this problem should be change). So,So, I have to start from scratch if I make any looked at in creation of new sampling devices. additions/deletions. Also, can'tcan’t make sequences repeat, Hi,I-Ii, transpose, etc. at a given step. - Possible higher sampling rates than 44.14-4.1 kHzkl-Iz to choose I am a subscriber of Transoniq Hacker and an ASR-I0ASR-10 from. Choice of 16 bit, 32 bit and 8 bit (if people are 7. Can'tCan’t "“EventEvent Edit"Edit” (I miss my EPS) to change/delete owner. I have quite a number of synthesis suggestions searching for the classic Fairlight sound). individual notes, velocity, durations, etc. for future Ensoniq products or future synthesis products in general. Does Transoniq have links with Ensoniq and - ASR-ASR-10s\Os currently in Australia cost about $5000. I was If anyone out there can answer/help/point I'dI’d appreciate Rubber Chicken where feedback notes automatically get lucky to have got mine half priced, brand new and with it. Please contact me, all you "extensive“extensive MR-76MR-76 users.”users." sent to those above mentioned companies? warranty.

Thanks for a great mag/forummag!forum!! - Anyway I will start here: Well, I could go on and on until I collapse into oblivion Keith but there'rethere’re the suggestions you may want to consider in [email protected]@maila.harris.com - Is it likely that in the future that Ensoniq samplers and order to keep rum-tingrunning in the big technological change. I Ensoniq related computer programs will involve output don'tdon’t know if I'mI’m speaking too futuristically or there are [PF -— Keith: Answers, in order: waveform alteration (like that of Roland JX3P and other similar things being incorporated into various new and analogs) or waveform redrawing (like many new developing machines and programs, but could you keep (l)(1) Point your browser to hllp:llwww.rain.org/http://www.rain.org/ sample-edit programs and the Fairlights of course)? me posted on Ensoniq’sEnsoniq's new arrivals and Rubber Chick­Chick- ~msavard/.-msavard/. You'llYou’ll findfind a 10llalotta sounds AND sequences en as well? Would Synthzone and company have there. Check out "MIB"“MIB” while you’reyou're therethere...... - I also own a JX3P which uses parameters utilizing suitable programs similar to what I'veI’ve mentioned? DCOs, Ring Modulation, ENV/GATE signal-VCA, (2) Sounds like bug alert; have you spoken with Ensoniq VCF, Resonant Filter, etc. I don'tdon’t know if these would Thanks, about this? be possible in samplers or maybe it’sit's my ignorance on Alex synthesis technology -— excuse me! Could these para-para­ [email protected] (3(3)) Perhaps in afutureafitture O.SO.S...... meters be used on a sampled sound? [PF - Alex: Answers, in order: (4) Ensure SPP is enabled on the MR. You might ensure - Would it be likely that sampling devices be able to ob­ob- the VS-880 is sending SPP (my only experience is on the tain optional realtime Analogue ControlJControl/Analogue Analogue synth (1) Most waveform editors currently available (Alchemy, earlier version Roland box)box).. parameters/filters to be used on a sampled sound? Could Sound Forge, etc.) allow waveform manipulation as you they reintroduce external signal-ins for synth treatments describe. (5) See (3) above. and gating external sounds onto samplers/computerssamplers!computers (6) See (5) above. similar to Korg MS20s and the like? (2)(2) Your ASR-I0ASR-JO will invoke many of these operations on (7) See (6) above.]above.) a sample right out of the box: check the edit pages. - Similar to Roland VG-8 Guitar synths I gather it would Waveboy Industries sells a number of specialty FX disks [[email protected][[email protected] —- One more questionquestion...... be un-thought-ofun-thought-of to have special optional guitar/instru­guitar/instru- (like their Resonant Filter Disk, for example) that allow ment inin-jacks-jacks in samplers. The triggered guitar sound the FFXX processor ofyour ASR-IOASR-JO to do MUCH more. Does anyone else have trouble opening ..midmid filesfiles on the (live not recorded) could be transformed into a sampled MR? When I open xxx.mid, align midi tracks, then assign sound of your choice rather than a midi guitar synth con­con- (3)(3) Your ASR-I0ASR-JO already has this type of an input jack.jaGk. sounds, the new sound switches back to "stereo“stereo piano”piano" trolling a midi device like another keyboard. More like a Just connect a MIDI guitar controller to the MIDI in of after the firstfirst bar! This happens with any sound on any new effect or synth treatment. your ASR-I0ASR-IO and the guitar will play any sample you track. Thanks again, Keith] load in and select.

[PF -— Keith: What you want to do is to open the SMF file,file, massage the sounds you want on each track, and Clossifieds THEN save in MR-format.MR-format. Remember, the MR-seriesMR-series keyboards ONLY READS SMF'sSMF’s -— it won’twon't let you make direct changes to them or edit them in SMF format.format. This was included as a convenience feature but it does not let HARDWARE/SOFTWAREHARDWAREISOFTWARE FREE CLASSIFIEDS! the MR-series directly edit SMF'sSMF’s...] ... ] 2-year-old TSTS-I2.-12. (No upgrades other than O.S. VerVet 2.x.) Gladstone Wade. 901-375-6749 (days) or 901- Well - within limits. We're offering free classified ad­ [[email protected] -— Keith, been therethere,, done that!thatl...... got 2.x.) Gladstone Wade. 901-375-6749 (days) or 901- Well — within limits. We’re offering free classified ad- fi'ustratedl!...frustrated! ! ... called Ensoniq...Ensoniq ... got help. There IS a way 327327-7787-7787 (evenings and night). vertising (up to 40 words) for your sampled sounds or to change sounds after a SMF has been loaded (and patches. Additional words, or ads for other products or MIDI tracks have been aligned). Here's how you do it: EPSEPS-16+-16+ Turbo keyboard. 2 Meg RAM, 1I Meg ROM, services, are $0.25/ word per issue (BOLD type:type: SCSI, and sound disks. Asking $900. Phone: $0.45/word). Unless renewed, freebie ads are removed I1.. Select track 330-928330-928-5711,-5711, ext. 507, 330-699330-699-0368-0368 after 7 pm EST. afteafterr 2 issues. While you'reyou’re welcome to resell copycopy-­ 2. Press "erase"“erase” (in II6-track6-track recorder section) Ask for Rocky Lowther or leave message. righted sounds and programs that you no longer have 3. Turn "value"“value” knob until display reads "Scope“Scope=Trk=Trk any use for, ads for copies of copyrighted material will Data Only"Only” MR Rack. Home use only, $800. Contact JonathanJonathan.. not be accepted. Sorry -— we cancan’t't (we won’t!)won't!) take ad 4.4. Press "enter/yes"“enter/yes” button Daytime: 208-962-3271, Eve:208-983Eve:208-983-2876.-2876. dictation over the phone! 55.. Turn "value“value”" knob until display reads "Event“Event== Bank&Program”Bank&Program"

13 7 7 T4!-l W — —7 —— ‘iii

(4)(4) Depress the Sustain pedal that came with your fer into Cubase every instrument part contains a large has been great. I bought an Alesis QSR two weeks ago ASR-IOASR-JO after you press a noW:note: il'llit’ll play until you lift the system exclusive message. I can delete all these mes-mes­ and have had only one problem: the MR won’twon't change pedal.pedal. You can edit the sample to continuously play after sages from all sequences in Cubase and it seems to make the QSR'sQSR’s banks. the key is depressed, but how would you SlOpstop it?iI? no difference. When the QSR is set to accept program changes, I know (5) Precisely why Audio Tracks (ATRKS) was introduced If I DON'T delete them they cause timing problems —- it is hearing something. It always goes back "user"“user” if I to the ASR in O.S. 3.0 (current is 3.5.3).3.5_.3). particularly if a lot of instruments are playing at the manually change the bank from the QSR panel and then same time. The performance "chokes"“chokes” at the point all change the program number on the MR. I know bank (6) Possible: Ensoniq'sEnsoniq’s unbelievably innovativeinnovative...... these messages hit the midi network. changes use "controller“controller 0"0” and I tried to use that. No luck. rI have tried several other adjustments but have (7)(7) Sample the instrument in more than one rangerange:: the My question isis:: can I prevent the MR-6lMR-61 saving these found no leads to the problem. I'veI’ve been using them in­in- ASR-JOASR-10 allows 128I28 multisamples per instrument. messages in the midi files? dependently (sound changes) 'til’til I can fix this problem. All the other communications and changes work fine. I (8) Just convert the sample rate down on any samplesample.. Thanks and regardsregards,, did read in the Ensoniq manual, on page 133, that it Also, Waveboy'sWaveboy’s Sonic Demolition granulizer will do Martin Long transmits/receivestransmits/receives program and bank changes. I also this as well. [email protected] read, page 474 (Midi Controllers Reception Behavior), that bank changes are controlled by "controller“controller 0”0" and (9) Sorry about the different economies involved between [PF -— Martin: As well it should. That sysex message at that it is remarked as “always"always 0.”0." Is this a contradiction? F us, mate, but sounds like you got a killer deal, anyway...anyway... the head of every SMF tells the sound module.-module: Any leadsieads to a sosolutioniution would be great.

(10) Always use your web browser: there’sthere's a LOT OUIout (a)fa) What sound (or program #) goes on which track,track, Also, wwhathat about more expansion boards? I have the there. As a Hacker subscriber, you know this alreadyalready...... ]} (b)Tb) Which effectefiect algorithm is selected, World Card and Urban Dance. As Tony would say, (c)fc) What tracks are routed through what effects, "'“They’reThey ' re Great!" [Eric Montgomery (Ensoniq Technical Support) -— Keep (d)fd) What volume each track is to be set to,/0, in mind that the ASR-X has resonant filtersfilters built in. As (e)(e) What each track effecteflect send/return level is, ThanksThanks,, technology changes there are more chances for some of (j)ff) IftheIf the SMF is a Type I or a Type 22,, Mark Becker the features you like or didn’tdidn't know were possible to [email protected]@ix.netcom.com.com happen in a reasonable price range. The ASR-IO,ASR-I0, TS-IOTS-10 (g) other pertinent tempo/timing/song position pointer and ASR-X are examples of that technology here IOday.}today.] data, [PF - Mark: Bank selectselect is CC#OOCC#00,, not CC#OCC#0 - thithiss ex­ex- plains why the QSR jumpsjumps back to its user bank upon [TH - And, yes - lots offolks folks at Ensoniq and all the 3rd (h) other system common, system exclusive, active sens­sens- receptionreception of CC#O.CC#0. The confusingconfitsing thing about bank party people read what shows up here in the Hacker.Hacker.}] ing, GM reset messages, select messages is the procedure. First, you have to send the bank selectselect message (CC#OO(CC#00 or CC#32CC#32,, although (i) in short, a tonIOn of messages we Ensoniq users take for only a fewfew keyboards/modules comprehend CC#32), con-con­ TH- granted...granted... firmfirm that with a button press, THEN select the patch #. It'sIt’s exactly backwards from what you’dyou'd expect; then I’veI've answered many questions here on this site and now I And yes, you can delete them, but if the next SMF you again, it'sit’s a GS General MIDI command, so whatd'yawhatd’ya would like to ask one myself. load happens to have the bass track assigned to the expect? MIDI channel the previous Siringstring pad was assigned to,10, A friend is using a Mirage to score music into a notationotationn your bass soundsound will be so thick wilhwith chorus and reverb You'dYou’d think you send a program change,followedchange, followed by the program on his Mac. Whenever he plays back his scorescore,, as to be unlistenable.un listenable. I see way too much of this stuff "bank"“bank” or "variation"“variation” program change to select the there are random weird notes that plaplay.y. This doesndoesn’t't using computecomputerr sequencesequencersrs and modules, as whatever sound. No, that'sthat’s too logical. Ya gallagotta send the "“bank”bank" even happen at the same location in the score. The starestate you leave a Umetone module in is the state it will return select command followed by the "“program”program" cchangehange #. I glitched notes are very annoying. He can play some to -— including (a) thru ((h)h) above. THAT'S why SMF'sSMF’s pulled my hair out over ilthisit this past week. My wife gotgal me scores with no random twangs and yet others are more hal'ehave lhalthat heady sysasysex header aatt the start ofplayback. a Roland PMA-5 little balterybattery-powered-powered sousoundnd thingee, prone to playing the random notes. and I justjust discodiscoveredvered how to do this after three days of On a complllercomputer sequencer,seqllenar, you ...wantant to insert some space @#$@#$%'\&-ing%,,&-ing and &"4$#@-ing&"%$#@(-ing...].. .} I ran into this same problem with my SDP-lSDP-1 piano. It got between lirethe sysasysez message and the firstfirst nnoteote datadata,, as fixed by upgrading the ROM chip in the keyboard. this alitM'sallowssanetillefizrthe :wrrJe riae for dJe toiletonentodule module totospin spin up to [Jamie Haynes butting in here — I have an MR-76 and an lhosethose settillgJsettings without roto play at !hethe samesome lime_time. Alesis QSR and also cannot change QSR patches from Any suggestions or solutions? TThesehese things MDtaren't ,266266 JaaMIX _tone aad.hsnodules yet.-.)eL_l the MR-76- Several letters bad andforth over at the MR James Rosand nailing list with higher programming authorities than [email protected]@olympus.net By own seijf cundaded it was fitulty MIDI spec im- Hi people.people, fiaeiaia an lie part of the QSR. Several folks sug- [PF -— Jim: DifficultDifficult to say. Ensure the Mirage is set 10to gesld buying an qt’ those pocket MIDI switchers. If Omni Off (Param #81) and no MIDI loops exists b/w the My problemissi1nsple.!Il1I|ena&itlilkyiI3t saenfigtlfi tuurh- by all meats please let me know...] computer and the Mirage. Busy passages that approach grasp.Ihavel'tadanMR-6lh'&on$isnli the'8-voice limit of the Mirage will choke it and sporadic notes WILL ensure, but you can usually tell when this is happening as the display will blank out momentarily. HACKER BOOTBOOTEEQEEQ Another Iricktrick rI ’dd recommend is to bag a copy of SoundProcess: this OS decouples each of the sample os­os- cillators from its loop oscillator, allowing twice the Allwll polyphony. The Visual Editor for SoundSoundprocessprocess is avail-avail­ I-ookinef0r— EPSIASRITS ~ able from hIlPhttp://www.voicenet.com/~bkirsch/SPVE.html;://www.voicenet.com/-bkirsch/SPVE.html; EPS/ASR/TS SQ/pies check it out just to get a feel of what iIit does. If this looks _ AcousticAcousdc Piano Series interesting enough to pursue, the SoundProcess OS Disk Aiatnpteoonflnofinnofl E EJecD.-JcElectric Piano Series forfor the Mirage is available fromfrom Syntaur Productions at http://www.fatsnakehttp://www.fatsnake.com/syntaur/..com/syntaur/. I even think it allows New !!ll Druzn Series 7 --DiskDisk set "Looltnofwfier" l .o..-u... 1 the Mirage /0to become multitimbral... saysSays the "Transonlq“Transoniq Hackel",Hacker’, "The“The AcousticAcous1ic PianoPlano5enesSeries from ~Audlowrx may be the ONLY EFFECTIVE ALTALTERNATJYE to the facIDryfactory planopiano samples."samples.” (Feb.98(Feb.9B Issue)iue) The Mirage, as a sample-based instrument, loads its en­en- tire OS via disk on bootup, where the SDP-ISDP-I,, being a Per $.4'995 + S 2.00 I 7-Diskset7 - set "t. !!' shipping ROM-based instrument with no disk drivedrive,, boots from ROM. Ensure the Mirage is running OS V. 3.2; if so, New!!z2 Guit-.arGuitar $29.93!!ll you're running the most current versionforversionfor it.}it.] 3 - Disk set Series ---“'_' |"lI|ohaea!or$ouIIfi1dIIIIIewfi15!" 1-800-687-0048 Hi, can anyone help? wm Memoryl\/iernory consciouscorsciots ntnlcisarnplesrn.tlrisarnples Audio Demos @ wwwwww.audiowrx.com.audiowrx.com Whenever I save my MR sequences as midifiles to trans-

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TRANSONIQ HACKER 1402 SW UPLANUPLANDD DR.,DFi., PORTLAND, OROFi 9797221221 P()Fm_AND, QR PEFll!Ti'D.i1

KIl IATEHIAL ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED DATED IATERIAL- THE VALUE

PostmaPostmaster:ster: Please retureturnrn ForFormm 33547547 as sosoonon as posspossibleible so we can change our rrecords.ecords. This is a mmonthlyonthly ppublication.ubl ication.

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