polyphony used

[jerberson12]

i have a synthesizer keyboard connected to external module via MIDI ports. if i play the sound, polyphony is used by what device? is it the synthesizer or the external device

[jake-owa]

The device that is outputting the sound...the module.

[LAZI]

Well the sending device (keyboard/sequencer) will only be able to send so many notes and the receiver (sound source) will only be able to use so many notes. Usually 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128...... If the keyboard can only send 32 midi notes but your module can receive 128 then all you'll get is 32. Vicea versa...

32 notes goes fast as hell...

Since we're on the topic... What is the polophony for most computer software sequencers? Does it usually depend on the software or hardware?

[TexRoadkill]

Also remember that polyphony depends on the type of patch. Most synths have patches split up into Single/Program type patches that only use one voice per note and then they also have Combi/Performance type patches that can use several voices per note. Some combis might use up to 8 or 16 voices per note. Also remember as you are doing multi tracking through midi that each part will also be taking up more voices. Polyphony gets eaten up quickly on a dense arrangement.

The polyphony of a controller is a minor issue since you only have 10 fingers but it uses up more when you press the sustain pedal.

[dafduc]

A lot of soft synths let you set the polyphony...

[69ShadesofRed]

Originally posted by LAZI
Since we're on the topic... What is the polophony for most computer software sequencers? Does it usually depend on the software or hardware?

The sequencers themselves don't have any polyphony as they just record and playback MIDI and audio event data. They might have limitations with the number of tracks and such, but that's different from polyphony.

For soft synths, it depends on the program. Some have artificial limitations imposed, some don't. With some as dafduc noted you can set the polyphony. This is because the more polyphony use the more CPU utilization will go up. So, there may be a point where your computer hardware will impose it's own limits, so generally a faster processor with more memory will allow you to have more polyphony. Also note that with soft synths that have limited polyphony, you can run several instances thus increasing polyphony and number of voices (multitimbrality), provided that you have enough memory and your CPU can handle the increased load.

[LAZI]

sequencers themselves don't have any polyphony as they just record and playback MIDI and audio event data.They might have limitations with the number of tracks and such, but that's different from polyphony.

Ya know that's what I always thought until I saw this comment in the manual for my RM1X that said it has a polophony of 32 notes for the internal sounds and 32 external. Maybe I read it wrong... But I guess we all know how much garbage infromation can be found in a owners manual but for some reason that bit stuck with me. Since it was somethning I had never considered I think I took it as fact. It's probably wrong or maybe just for that piece of equipment. That does sound correct so i won't say that sequncer limit crap any more.

I might have to do a search or ask over in the midi forum just to clear it up in my head for good. Until then...Sorry if i'm giving out incorrect info....

Peace....

[69ShadesofRed]

Originally posted by LAZI
Ya know that's what I always thought until I saw this comment in the manual for my RM1X that said it has a polophony of 32 notes for the internal sounds and 32 external.

The 32 voice polyphony refers to the internal sound engine (i.e. the synthesizer), not the sequencer. Think of it as two separate devices in one. The tone generator and sequencer are actually separate entities and communicate with each other via MIDI. Not sure about that "32 external" comment, as it doesn't quite sound right... the RM1X tone generator is 32 voice polyphonic and 16 part multitimbral.

Hope you don't feel like I am busting your balls or anything. Just want to clarify any misconseptions

[dafduc]

Here's a possibility...

some sound modules have an "overflow" capability. My Yam TQ-5 was like this. Feed them more notes than they can handle, and they will shunt the "extra" notes to midi out (rather than thru) - so you can hook up a second box and double your polyphony.

OR they could be full of crap...

Daf

[LAZI]

It's cool... I was wrong...

I understand a good deal about midi and polophony and the whole thing cuz that's what my setup revolves around. I just saw that one statement and for whatever reasons it seemed to make enough sense at the time to stick with me. That was the first and only time I ever saw that information and nothing else I have ever seen supports that so I was wrong for posting it. Hell I even posted it like I really knew what I was talking about to ...Hey, live and learn the hard way... Thanks for correcting that and my apologies....

Now get off my back ...