I am enhancing a general midi file to more suitable sounds using just my jv 2080.If I play the file in GM format, I can alter the volume or pan in cubase ( version 4.5.2. ) and see the alterations in the 2080's screen. However, if I now assign various patches in Performance mode, and do likewise to the vol / pan settings in cubase, the settings don't appear to change in the jv 2080's screen ! Is this normal or am I doing something wrong
Ye olde JV-2080 sire.
I have such a beast.
t'is witchcraft, minstrels are trapped inside, how else could such sounds be created without them.
Enough of that:
I assume you are using the 'info' button to monitor the volume, and pan changes on the screen.
I have tried it out on my 2080, and all appears to work as it should.
Be it in a 'Performance mode', or in it's GM mode.
Can you check something, press, 'System', and then the hot button F3 (MIDI) to take you to "MIDI Param 2" page and check to see if all Rx (receives) are on.
On the main 'Performance' page, there is another MIDI button (F4), this too can be set to receive (Rx), or ignore some MIDI messages, volume is one (but not pan).
When you send the data from Cubase, is the 2080 altering the pan, and volume? (is only the screen incorrect in other words)
Is the 2080's MIDI receive LED flashing when the data is being sent from Cubase, as I'm wondering if Cubase is filtering the data?
Ah my Son, yes you may indeed call me Norman.........if fact we'll go the whole hog and, well er, well just call me Norm, all my friends do.
Now down to the nitty gritty. Everything is happening as it should do apart from there is no evidence whatsoever on the screen ( in part palette mode ) that anything has changed. Yes the volume does alter and the sound moves with the pan setting but I can't see these changes visually as I could in GM mode.The midi message indicator flashes away like a good un. Perhaps the visual changing only takes place in GM mode......... I'm baffled !!! ..........but not beaten.
Thanks for your input...anymore tips please pass em on.
Well I've followed your lead, and entered the palette mode, and you're quite correct. Part levels, and pan positions don't change on screen when MIDI data is sent, in performance mode.
So it does appear to be 'normal'.
However, I did notice something else:
The part levels, and pan positions are in fact "set". The MIDI data only varies the amount within that setting.
If you set the part volume at 80, the MIDI volume commands still act on the level, but sending CC 7 at 127 only gives you the max level of that part = 80.
If you pan L to 64 (full over), even if the MIDI CC 10 is sent at 64 (middle), the pan is still hard left, it's only when the pan goes towards the right (CC 10 above 64) that the stereo image starts to change.
Bug or feature? You decide, I suspect feature, but I guess only the Roland design team of the 2080 really have the answer.
Could it have anything to do with performances are programmable, and the data is saved, but the GM mode is simplistic (and keeping to the GM spec), and is not storable? Possibly.
Strangely, MIDI control of the reverb, and chorus levels do change on screen in real time.
Set the Part volumes to 127, and Pan each part to the centre. Use MIDI to control your levels does like it does in GM mode.
I might be tempted to drop them all parts down to 100, but leave the rhythm part's (MIDI ch 10) level at 127. I always find MIDI files drum tracks lost in the mix, unless the you have a lazy programmer who sets kick and snare to 127 note velocities.
Any more tips:
Be careful how you apply effects:
Reverb can make things mushy, especially on bass heavy instruments. I would avoid any reverb on bass, perhaps even drop some, if not all, of the chorus too. Perhaps a little less cutoff frequency. I find the guitar bass sounds 'too clean', dulling the tone helps it blend more.
Do acoustic pianos have chorus units on board? Think it's a no.
Rules are there to be broken.. there is nothing to stop you putting verb, and chorus on instruments, but sometimes less is more.
There's always the 3 MFX inserts to mess around with too.
Use your ears, not your eyes.. if it sounds right, it is right.
Post # 770 - yet another sampler in the S series. the S-770
My dear boy,
Me thinks ye may have hit upon the solution 'ere.I've experimented about a bit( based on your info )and by god it works.On the screen in performance mode I've set all the volumes at maximum 127 and sending volume data from cubase I have the full 0-127 range ( but not on screen,as we have agreed )
I suspect it is a feature thanks to our friends at Roland but........better the devil you know.
With regard to your tips on effects, I prefer to record everything dry on the midi front then when I'm satisfied with the track(s) I'll record it as audio and add the effect to that.Not everyones ideal but it works for me !
Many thanks for sticking with me on this topic, I appreciate and respect your input very much indeed.
