PART 2: Simon Millward completes the construction of a Cubase Mixer Map for Yamaha's popular SY85 synth.
In the June issue we discussed the background to and completed two groups of objects for the SY85 Multi Edit Mixer Map. Before tackling the creation of the remaining objects, let's take a look at the finished product we are aiming for.
Remembering that the Mixer Map was originally prepared for Bad Apple Sound Studios, note that I have fulfilled part of the original brief — namely, that the Mixer Map should be a single screen affair. Cubase provides a total of 128 objects for any one Map and this SY85 Map uses them all. Hence, some things had to be omitted; there are only eight channels of Tune objects and there are no Dry Output or Effects Send switches. Also, squeezing 128 objects onto one screen is not an easy task — things have to be carefully sized and positioned. To see all the objects at once, you must select 'Hide Transport' in Cubase's Windows menu.
So this is the layout we are aiming for. Let's move straight on to creating our next group of objects, the Tune dials.
Creating Tune Dials
Go into the Mixer window by double‑clicking on a Mixer part and use Setup Mixer Maps to load in the first two groups of objects we created in Part One [SOS June 1995]. The file should have been saved as 'SY85M116.MIX'.
Create a new object with the New Tool to open up a fresh Object Definition box. Name the object as 'TUNE', enter 'MIN 1' and 'MAX 127' in the VALUE section, then deselect all boxes in the SHOW section, select the 'dial' OBJECT TYPE and select SysEx from the MIDI MESSAGE Status pop‑up menu. Edit the message to read: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 01, 00, 03, 00, XX, F7.
As explained in the first instalment, this corresponds to Parameter number 3 (8th byte) of Instrument number 1 (6th byte). The XX is the variable in the message which will change according to the movements of the object. The limits of the variable are specified in the 'MIN' and 'MAX' of the VALUE section. (Refer to Multi Parameter Change table 2 on page 7 of the SY85 MIDI Data Format manual for details of all Parameters.) When satisfied with the entries return to the Mixer window by clicking on OK. If all is well, you will find a new Tune control on your screen.
Remember that the Device number of the SY85 (in MIDI 1 of the Synth Setup menu) should be set to 'ALL'. Verify that the Tune object has the desired effect on the SY85 and then proceed to copy the object for Instruments 2 to 8. Due to limitations in the total number of objects available, only channels 1 to 8 will be equipped with a Tune control. Each time copy from the previously created object, update the object Name to Tune 2 to 8 and update the 6th byte (Sub Group number) of each SysEx message to consecutive Hexadecimal numbers, from $02 to $08. Finally, go back into the Tune object created for Instrument 1 and tick 'Name' in the SHOW section of the Object Definition box. Go back to the Mixer Map window and, if necessary, line up and size the eight new Tune objects. Remember that you need the Edit Tool (pointing arrow) to select and move the objects, either individually or en masse, using a stretch box.
Note Shift Objects
Next in line are the Note Shift objects. These are created in a similar way to the Tune objects. Once again, use the New Tool to open up a fresh Object Definition box. Proceed as above except that the OBJECT TYPE should be a Numerical Display box and the SysEx message should read: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 01, 00, 04, 00, XX, F7. Copy the object for the other 15 Instruments, updating the Names and SysEx message Sub Group numbers for each object. Note that the numbered values shown in these objects will not match the display values on the SY85. The central position (ie. no Note Shift) will be represented by a value of 64 on the Map objects, +12 semitones will be 76, ‑12 will be 52, and so on...
Effects Sends
Next up are the Effects Send levels. Open a new Object Definition box using the New Tool. Name the object as 'FX SEND', enter 'MIN 0' and 'MAX 127' in the VALUE section, deselect Name in the SHOW section, select a 'dial' OBJECT TYPE, and enter the following SysEx message on the MIDI MESSAGE line: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 01, 00, 07, 00, XX, F7. Click OK and verify that the object addresses the SY85 in the desired fashion. Copy the object for Instruments 2 to 16, updating NAME and MIDI MESSAGE (Sub Group Number) for each object. Finally, tick Name in the SHOW section of the left‑most object.
Bank & Program Change
The creation of the Bank and Program Change objects requires a little more thought. Bank Change is usually specified as MIDI Controller 0 and Program Change has a MIDI Status of its own. However, for the purposes of the SY85 Multi Mixer Map, I decided that it would be better to continue to use System Exclusive. This would mean that all data sent out of the Map would be directed only to the SY85 and there would be no interference with other units in the MIDI system, even if they were on a common MIDI Out.
So let's create the Bank Change objects. Open up a fresh Object Definition box using the New Tool. Name the Object appropriately ('BC1' for example), enter 'MIN 112' and 'MAX 119' in the VALUE section. Deselect the SHOW section, select a Numerical Display OBJECT TYPE, select SysEx in the MIDI MESSAGE Status pop‑up menu and then select Proportional mode (Prop.) Group 1 in the MASTER section. Edit the MIDI message to read: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 01, 00, 00, 01, XX, F7. Click on OK to return to the Mixer Map window and then size and position the object appropriately. Copy the object for Instruments 2 to 16. Update the Sub Group number (the 6th byte) to read consecutive numbers between $02 and $10. The MASTER section Group Number should also read consecutively from 2 to 16 for each object. The Master function allows the chosen object to control any other objects which have the same Group number. The reason for this becomes clear later on. Finally, rename the left‑most object as 'BNKPRG' and tick 'Name' in the SHOW section. This will serve to label both the Bank and Program Change objects.
To create the Program Change objects for the Mixer Map proceed as follows: open up a new Object Definition box using the New Tool. Name the object as 'PRG1', enter 'MIN 0' and 'MAX 127' in the VALUE section, deselect Name in the SHOW section, select a Numerical Display OBJECT TYPE, select SysEx from the MIDI MESSAGE Status pop‑up menu and select Group 1 in the MASTER section. Edit the MIDI message to read: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 01, 00, 01, 01, XX, F7. Verify that the object is working correctly and, as with the Bank Change objects, copy the object for Instruments 2 to 16 updating the Names, SysEx Sub Group numbers, and the MASTER section Group numbers accordingly.
Test these last two groups of objects by moving all the Bank Change objects with the Play Tool. As it is moved, each Bank Change object should act as a master to its corresponding Program Change object, which should be seen to move in proportion to it. The reason behind this was to correct the fact that when a Bank Change alone was sent to the SY85, the display changed to the chosen Bank number but the current buffer remained on the previously selected Bank and Voice. The new arrangement was considered to be better than having a Bank Change which, in an audio sense, appeared to have no effect.
Note also that numbers 112 — 115 displayed on the Bank Change objects actually select SY85 Internal Voice Banks I — IV, while 116 — 119 select SY85 Card Banks I — IV. If you are not using an SY85 memory card, you could change your Bank Change object range to 112 — 115.
Other Parameters
Before tackling the Instrument 'OFF' objects of the Map, there remain a few other important parameters of the SY85 which we need to include. These are the Effect Type selectors, the Wet/Dry Mix controls, the Local On/Off switch and a Master Tune.
To create the Effects 1 Type Selector, open a new Object Definition box using the New Tool. Name the object appropriately, enter 'MIN 0' and 'MAX 90' in the VALUE section, tick Name in the SHOW section, select a Horizontal Fader OBJECT TYPE and enter the following SysEx message on the MIDI MESSAGE line: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 00, 00, 02, 00, XX, F7. Note that the Sub Group number (the 6th byte) is $00 in accordance with the settings found in table 1 on page 6 of the SY85's MIDI Data Format manual. Sub Group $00 is for functions 'common' to all 16 Instrument channels.
Click on OK to go back to the Mixer window. The new object needs to be squeezed into the gap to the right of the eight Tune Objects.
The Effects 2 Type selector is created similarly, except that the OBJECT TYPE should be a Vertical Fader and the SysEx message should read as follows: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 00, 00, 03, 00, XX, F7. This object is slotted in at the extreme top right corner of the screen, as shown in the finished Mixer Map.
The Wet/Dry Balance objects for Effects 1 and 2 are listed in table 1 as Parameter numbers 31 and 32. The objects for these should be created similarly to the above Effects Type selectors, except that the object ranges will be 'MIN 0' and 'MAX 100' and the SysEx messages should read as follows: for 'WetDry 1', F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 00, 00, 1F, 00, XX, F7 and for 'WetDry 2', F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 00, 00, 20, 00, XX, F7. Position the new objects as appropriate.
The data for the Local On/Off is found on page 14 of the MIDI Data Format manual. This is an SY85 System function. For those readers not already familiar with this function, Local Off disconnects the keyboard from the sound‑making part of the instrument. This part of the instrument will still respond to all data it receives at the MIDI In and the keyboard itself still outputs MIDI data. The Local Off would normally be used when the MIDI note data from the keyboard is being directed back to the synth via the MIDI Thru of a sequencer.
The Local On/Off function can often be addressed with MIDI Controller number 123 but, for the purposes of this Map, I have chosen to use a SysEx message which performs the same function. The Local On/Off is Parameter number 4 in the System table. As usual, open a fresh Object Definition box using the New Tool, Name the object appropriately, enter 'MIN 0' and 'MAX 1' in the Value section, tick Name in the SHOW section, select a switch OBJECT TYPE and enter the following SysEx message on the MIDI MESSAGE line: F0, 43, 10, 29, 04, 00, 00, 04, 00, XX, F7. Click on OK and test the object.
The Master Tune function is also found in the System Setup table on page 14 of the SY85 MIDI Data Format manual. Open a fresh Object Definition box using the New Tool, name the object appropriately, enter 'MIN 1' and 'MAX 127' in the VALUE section, tick Name in the SHOW section, select a Numerical Display OBJECT TYPE and enter the following SysEx message on the MIDI MESSAGE line: F0, 43, 10, 29, 04, 00, 00, 01, 00, XX, F7. Click on OK and test the object. The latter two objects should be positioned in the lower right corner of the now rather full Mixer Map window.
Creating The Switches
And now for the creation of the 16 'OFF' switches. As usual, open a fresh Object Definition box using the New Tool. Name the object appropriately, enter 'MIN 0' and 'MAX 1' in the VALUE section, deselect Name and Instrument in the SHOW section, select a Numerical Display OBJECT TYPE and enter the following SysEx message on the MIDI MESSAGE line: F0, 43, 10, 29, 00, 01, XX, 01, 00, 00, F7.
These switches will have two positions but will only send out a meaningful message when in the 'off' or '0' position. The 'off' position will correctly address Parameter 1 in the 7th and 8th bytes. The 'on' or '1' position will have no effect, since the 7th and 8th bytes will read $01 (MSB) and $01 (LSB), a Parameter number which does not exist. The Bank and Program objects will switch the Instrument back on as soon as either is moved. In fact, the Program objects should be viewed as the 'on' part of the 'on/off' arrangement.
The Map was intended to provide a quick way to set up the SY85's Multi Edit parameters and to have an improved overview of the current status.
There are two reasons for adopting this arrangement. Firstly, as mentioned in the first part of this series, Parameter 1 is multi‑functional (see table 2 on page 7 of the SY85 MIDI Data Format manual). We cannot address the 'on' function in bit 7 without also affecting the Voice number in bits 0 to 6. This would result in the fact that each time we switched on an Instrument it would also transmit a single unchanging Voice number. The Map would quickly become awkward to use.
The second reason is to retain the operational logic of the Mixer Map when using Snapshots. The 'OFF' switches will be sent out last of all when a Snapshot of the whole Map is recalled (since Cubase sends out data from the objects in the order in which they were created). During the data transfer, if the switches are in the 'off' position then the SY85 Instrument will finally be switched off, after having first been switched on by the Program object. If they are in the 'on' position (when they will send out a dummy SysEx message), then the Instrument will remain on the Voice selected by the Program object. If you're confused after reading this, don't worry; I was even more confused trying to work that one out in the first place! The logic of the affair will become apparent when you start using the Map. All you have to remember is that all 'OFF' switches must be manually put to their 'on' position after the Instrument has been switched on using the Program objects.
Next, test the first 'OFF' switch and then copy as usual for the other 15 Instruments. Position the 16 new objects just above the Volume faders.
After all that mind‑bending I'm sure there are readers asking why we needed the 'OFF' switches in the first place. The answer is quite simple. If you are using the SY85 on a common MIDI Out with other instruments, then MIDI note data sent to a drum machine on MIDI channel 10, say, will also be received on Instrument 10 of the SY85. One solution would have been to simply turn down the Volume on the offending SY85 Instrument. The problem is that the polyphony of the SY85 would still be taken up by the incoming data. The only solution is to switch the Instrument off.
Finishing Touches
It is now just a question of creating a Text object with which to title the Mixer Map. Open an Object Definition box using the New Tool and select Text in the OBJECT TYPE menu. The actual text of the object will be whatever is entered into the NAME section. I have named mine simply as 'SY85'. Note that when a Text Type object is chosen, the 'MIN' and 'MAX' of the VALUE section become 'FILL' and 'BORDER'. The pop‑up menus found therein specify the background colour for the text and the style of the border which surrounds it. This is worth experimenting with, since a good looking Mixer Map makes it a pleasure to use. My own title, for which I chose a black background, ended up in the top right corner of the Map.
If you have not already done so, all the objects must now be squeezed and sized onto a single screen. In order to make this possible on a standard size monitor screen, I had to remove the Transport Bar, as already mentioned. I also used 'Options' and 'Align' from the Local menu to add the final touches to the Map. I chose a 'Grey Background' and 'Framed Text' from the Options menu and, when I was sure of the positions of the objects, I 'locked' them so that they could not be moved accidentally. I would suggest that you do the same. When you are fully satisfied with the final result, resave the map under the same name, 'SY85M116.MIX'.
Using The Mixer Map
After all that effort a few hints and tips on using the SY85 Mixer Map would seem appropriate. Firstly, as a matter of routine, initialise the Map by moving all the objects to the settings of your choice and then take a 'Snapshot'. A Snapshot stores the current settings of the objects and is taken simply by clicking on the camera icon next to the Local menu. Name the Snapshot as 'INIT' and recall the Snapshot each time you load in the Map for the first time. The 'INIT' Snapshot ensures that the settings on the screen match those within the SY85 before editing commences. At this stage it is a good idea to ensure that you understand the 'OFF' switch arrangement with Snapshots, as explained earlier.
The Map was intended to provide a quick way to set up the SY85's Multi Edit parameters and to have an improved overview of the current status. It is important to understand the Mixer module to get the best out of the Map so, if you haven't already done so, read the Mixer Module chapter of the Cubase manual thoroughly. Although the Map is reasonably adaptable to the various ways of working with the Mixer Module, please bear in mind the following: System Exclusive data takes priority over all other MIDI data, so the SY85 Multi Edit Mixer Map is best used for static mixes. Large amounts of SysEx sent out as part of a dynamic mix could easily lead to delays in the note data. In addition, if you record a static mix into the Mixer part using a Snapshot with the 'Write' function, there will be a short delay on most Cubase setups while the data is being written to memory.
No doubt you will have already noticed that the values of the Bank and Program Change objects displayed on the screen do not reflect the way they are displayed on the SY85. This was, of course, impossible given the design and multi‑purpose possibilities of the Mixer Module. A cross‑referenced chart of some kind would be useful for finding Voices. This could be achieved in some kind of printed format but it could equally be entered into Cubase's own Notepad.
The Map itself could be used effectively in several working modes. For example, to set up the SY85 Multi Instruments to various working Voices, Levels, and Pans prior to commencing the session. Equally useful would be the building of an arrangement little by little using Cubase, with the Arrange and Mixer Map windows both open on screen. To achieve this, simply size the Arrange window to fill half the screen vertically, then open up the Mixer Map window with the SY85 Multi Mixer Map loaded, and size and position this to fit alongside. You may then switch from window to window with one click of the mouse without closing the Mixer Map. The current MIDI channels may be chosen and parts played in on the Arrange page, while the choice of Bank, Program, Volume etc may be selected on the Mixer Map window.
Finally, the SY85 Multi Mixer Map could be used to fine tune all the details of an SY85 Multi Edit setup after the arrangement has been recorded. Snapshots could be used to compare (or safeguard) different settings as they are created. For example, I set up a mix of a MIDI File version of 'Sledgehammer' in the space of about 10 minutes. By naming each track in the Instrument Column of the Arrange page after I had loaded the MIDI File, I was then able to go to the SY85 Multi Mixer Map with the various Instruments suitably labelled on each channel of the virtual mixing desk. This made the search for sounds a whole lot easier and ensured a clearer overview of just what was happening with the entire mix. A bass sound at the wrong octave was quickly adjusted using the Note Shift control, a stereo muted guitar effect was quickly panned on the appropriate pair of channels, and the Volume settings of most of the Instruments were adjusted in a matter of seconds.
Those readers who make time to create the Mixer Map should find the creative potential of the SY85 in Multi mode considerably heightened. In addition, you will have probably greatly enhanced your expertise and understanding of Cubase's Mixer Module.