I think Jason knows a lot about this, most of what's possible to know.Īt the top end, with MIDI and Sysex "Learn", and multi-mode operation, and generally amazingly wonderful:Īn alternative you might be able to pick up second hand for a reasonable price, that is the "extra panel of sliders and knobs" approach:ĮDIT: Should add: with any software on a PC that can do Sysex and MIDI routing, ANY kind of controller (including another synth) can be used as a "Learning" controller for MODX/Montage.Īnd there's Lemur on iPad and other Controller-like apps for the iPad that can do this sort of thing. many things in MODX/Montage aren't sending or receiving either of these. You'll need both MIDI Learn _and_ Sysex Learn - and here's the bad news. Not least, my eyes! Exhausted from looking at that overly bright, un-dimmable bloody screen!! However there are "Mixer Type" MIDI Controllers (I think intended for hands on DAW Control). I have searched the web, but found nothing particular to FM. It's a bit of a "Wish List" but if implemented, you can see the Control layout would be similar to a Hardware Mixer (8 Sliders with a Column of knobs above each), and a panel of "Universal" controls to the side.
Ideally a Hardware Programmer would have at least 8 (1 "knob per operator" controls for each of:-Ī set of Amplitude Envelope Controls (Time and Level) that can be switched per Operator This can lead to some frustration putting it mildly. It is so very easy to "edit" a value by mistake and without realising, if you have forgotten to switch 1-4 vs 5-8. Remembering to switch to is a head exploding experience. The problem is the MODX only has 4 Sliders, 4 Knobs and No Ribbon. I have implemented and used the onboard Slider, Assign Knob and Controller functions he designed. I am familiar with Manny's FM Explorations and FM Expert tutorials. * By "Real Time" I mean you DO NOT have to be in the Operator Edit Screen for the parameter(s) you wish to change (which would defeat the object). Q2 - Are there any generic, "off the shelf" MIDI Controllers that can be connected to the MODX and Serve to alter FM-X Parameters, simultaneously, in "Real Time"*? Q1 - Are there any Yamaha or 3rd Party Programming Controllers designed specifically for use with FM/FM-X? Per Function controls, that also change colour depending on the Algorithm, to show whether the Operator is a Carrier or Modulator. #3 The Korg OpSix has a built in FM Programming Controller. It was only mentioned in passing, but there (may be) problems using off the shelf MIDI controllers that send values 1-127, while FM (and presumably FM-X) use values 0-99. I also assume it was DX7 compatible only. In the same video I also learned it was a short lived product and is now very rare. Multiple Sliders, Knobs, Selectors etc that could used to speed up programming. #1 There used to be an external hardware "Programmer" you could buy for the DX7.