Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    
    The only way to do what you propose is to do a hardware mod to the
    unit.
    
    I have seen such a mod for the Mirage, I would assume the ESQ-M
    is similar but without a good set of schematics for the unit, it
    would be hard to say.
    
    Note that this mod separates the *voices* so you may find that due
    to the dynamic voice allocation of the ESQ, your patches may "jump"
    from one output to another.
    
    If you are multi-tracking, using a sequencer and tape-sync will
    let you set down pairs of patches independently (pan one patch left,
    one patch right) which may help somewhat.
    
    Hey, db, you do this don't you???
    
    
	
    

    > If you are multi-tracking, using a sequencer and tape-sync will
    > let you set down pairs of patches independently (pan one patch left,
    > one patch right) which may help somewhat.
    
    > Hey, db, you do this don't you???
    
    I have done that, but don't generally need to.  I'd only do that if I
    knew it would save me a bounce.  Otherwise, I just record it on
    separate passes using the built-in tape sync.
    
    I consider this to be perhaps the ONLY useful application of the
    "stereo" feature of the ESQ-1.  All it allows you to do is do a
    modulated pan of the mix of the individual voices.  Big deal!  I find 
    that effect more "annoying" than "enhancing".
    
    It would be much more useful if you could pan the output of each
    voice.   In fact, you sorta can by layering two patches.   I've
    made some successful experiments doing that but of course it costs
    you HALF your voices, which is a pretty high price to pay.
    
    	db

    
    Are there any multi-timbral synths that DO have seperate outs for
    each channel?
    
    I really like my ESQ-M sounds (I also have a D50) and was hoping
    I could mix directly onto 2 track. It seems like I'm limited to
    having control only over each synth, which is extremely limiting,
    so it looks like I might have to purchase a multi track unit.
    
    I'm not sure, but I remember reading something about there being
    volume control in my Personal Composer user manual. This may be
    only for the synth if it has it, but maybe this has some kind of
    control that would help.
    
    Bill
    

    If all you want to do is mix the volume levels you can control them
    (and the patch changes) of each individual channel from an external
    sequencer. Just select the sequence number (we always use 10) and
    manually set each 'track' to a different MIDI channel (8-16 is what we
    use). Then each track will respond to patch changes and volume
    controller changes received on that channel.
    
    If, on the other hand, you want to do individual effects and/or
    EQ for each sound, you'd need the kind of hardware mod from the
    previous replies.
    
    Rob

    Most of the high end stuff has multiple outputs (not necessarily
    exactly one per channel though).
    
    I think that the TX802 and the Roland S-550 (a sampler) have eight
    or so.
    
    But .4 asks a pertinent question which is what are you trying to do
    that requires this?
    
    	db

    RE .1
    
          Brian, 
                Where did you see this mod for the Mirage? I wouild
    LOVE to be able to do this since I use the Mirage as my drum
    machine! Is there a local music store that will do this? Maybe
    It is not that tough and can be done at home. Any info greatly
    appreciated.
    
          Thanks
                  Frank

    Keyboard magazine ran a feature on how to get "stereo" out of your
    Mirage a little over a year ago.
    
    Beware, it disables the on-board volume slider, forcing you to
    track your levels from a board.
    
    Edd           

    I'd like to get as much control as possible. In the absence of
    having seperate outs, I'd settle, at least for now, for volume
    control, and fiddle with the patches to get the right sound,
    in the absence of being able to "fix it in the mix". My sequencer
    does have some sort of panning capability which I'll have to check
    out.
    
    I also own a DEP-5, which I wonder if I can get to respond to only
    the specified channels for effects, and let the rest through
    untouched? If so, I could at least have effects on some channels
    while not having it on others.
    
    The D50 has built in effects, which may help alleviate the effects
    problem somewhat.
    
    I'll check out the specs on this tonight.

    Thanks for your help! Bill

    RE: .8
    
    >I also own a DEP-5, which I wonder if I can get to respond to only
    >the specified channels for effects, and let the rest through
    >untouched? If so, I could at least have effects on some channels
    >while not having it on others.
    
    Sounds like you're still missing the difference here between audio
    signal/channels and MIDI channels. The sound coming out of the ESQ is
    already mixed and you can't do anything with it (although stereo does
    give you two possible separate sound sources). You *can* control patch
    changes and volume levels thru MIDI, because the ESQ knows how to do
    that internally. 
    
    Rob

    
    re: panning an ESQ
    
       Transoniq Hacker had an article with a quick hack, paraphrased
    like this:
    
      You can get two voices to pan left/right by calling up one and
    putting it in the edit buffer and panning it, and calling up the
    other, having previously edited it for pan to the other channel.
    
    
    re: multi-outputs
    
      Ensoniq EPS has an "optional" 8-out box that fits into the supplied
    9-pin D connector on the back. Haven't got the expander yet so no
    review.
    
    /pjh

    Thanks for the advice - I'll give the panning a try!
    

    Bill