.::novation X Station::help Needed::.

[RCUBED2006]

If someone owns an X-Station, help would be greatly appreciated.

Here is what I am running:

CUBASE SL 3
FAST COMPUTER
EMULATOR X STUDIO (SOUND CARD)
ALLEN-HEATH WZ3 MIXER
ALESIS MICRON SYNTH
NOVATION X STATION 25 - with all current updates
NUMEROUS VST

PROBLEM -

I can't seem to figure out how to designate all (not even two) of my MIDI channels in the X-Station to respond to my MIDI tracks (assigned to the appropriate channels in my sequencer) on Cubase. I know how to make the Alesis synth have up to 16 different channels, each one a different sample and CUBASE sequencing each seperate channel. I CANNOT GET THE X STATION TO DO THE SAME AND I AM READY TO THROW THE DAMN SHIT OUT THE WINDOW . Sorry bout that... I've spent countless hours trying to figure this out and I can't seem to do it. If someone can explain to me how to get designate channel ONE to play, let's say a pad, and channel TWO to play, let's say a lead, you will be really helping me out. BTW - I do know that in CUBASE, I have to designate each track's MIDI out to the X-Station and to designate it a specific channel (in CUBASE) that will match up to the channel I have designated to my "sound" on the X-Station. The main problem seems to be that I cannot figure out how to assign the channels to the samples in the x-station. I know I am doing that right because I do this with the Alesis and other VST's. I have read the X-station manual from beginning to end numerous times and I come up with no more than to make sure that I set the local control to OFF when trying to route midi channels into my sequencer.

BTW- Novation tech support sucks. There is one person for me here on the east coast of the US and she never calls back. I'm about to mail this shit in pieces to them.

Anyway, I hope you guys sense my frustration and someone will step up and help me out... PLEASE.....

 

[RCUBED2006]

I almost forgot but I don't know if this will matter.

I am running USB to the comp. from the x station. The Alesis Micron is MIDI I/O through the EMU Audio dock. L/R out for the Alesis and the X-Station run into the audio dock as well. I have no need to have the X-Station hook up to the Alesis or vice versa.

I don't know if that is relevant to helping me find a solution to my problem.

 

[altitude909]

Ok,

#1: They are not samples, they are patches
#2: The X station is not multitimberal like your alesis so it can only play one patch at a time. From novation:

Synth Architecture
Voices: 8
Modes: Program (monotimbral)
Memories: 200 memory locations programmed with the KS factory presets

Novation is a British company so don't expect that much support stateside (call them in the UK)

If u want mutiple patches to play at once, u will need to bounce them to audio one at a time

 

[RCUBED2006]

Really pissed off now...

I appreciate the help. Patches... Got it.

This really pisses me off because the distributor I bought it at told me that I could use up to 16 different patches at once as long as I assign them properly in my sequencer and the XStation. This is a guy that I thought knew his shit and he owns one too. I guess he was smoking something that day...

Anyway, so can you give me an example as to why they have an option to select up to 16 MIDI channels?

Why can I select a specific MIDI channel per instrument (patch) when I go through them?

I am not up to par as far as specs on units like this (analog synthesis) but when something is MONOTIMBRAL, this means that only one sound can be created/played at any time. But when it is MULTITIMBRAL, you can play multiple patches at one time, correct?

Now, another question... Does anyone know about KS-4/KS-5 or KS Rack? The KS Rack specs are as follows:

16-voice polyphony, 4-part multi-timbral with 4 individual outs

Does the 16-Voice Polyphony mean I can get 16 different channels at once? OR, does the 4-Part Multi-Timbral mean that I can only get 4 channels out??? I guess I need a quicky on what VOICE POLYPHONY is.

I appreciate the help.

 

[altitude909]

I am not up to par as far as specs on units like this (analog synthesis) but when something is MONOTIMBRAL, this means that only one sound can be created/played at any time. But when it is MULTITIMBRAL, you can play multiple patches at one time, correct?

Neither of your synths are analog but that is right. Multitimberal analogs would be way to expensive to make.

Why can I select a specific MIDI channel per instrument (patch) when I go through them?

No clue. Maybe for various midi setups, i would check your manual

Does anyone know about KS-4/KS-5 or KS Rack? The KS Rack specs are as follows:

16-voice polyphony, 4-part multi-timbral with 4 individual outs

You have the KS built into the Xstation but the rack is 4 part multi (meaning 4 patches at once)

Polyphony only refers to the amount of "voices", meaning individual sounds the synth can play at once. My guess is the KS rack has 16 voices total over 4 different patches so you have 4, 4 voice synth engines to work with if running a multi

 

[MartinHines]

Anyway, so can you give me an example as to why they have an option to select up to 16 MIDI channels?

I downloaded and briefly breezed through it (primarily via the Table of Contents), and the X-Station does appear to be monotimbral (can play only one instrument at a time).

When talking about any midi keyboard, you need to make a distinction between midi transmission (what midi data the unit can send) versus what midi data it can receive (e.g. midi data sent to it from Cubase).

There are many keyboard controllers that only transmit on one midi channel. The X-station is one of them. There IS a Global parameter which allows you to set which midi channel the X-station transmits on, and this may also drive which midi channel the X-station receives data (so the synth can be sounded from an external midi source).