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Hello,

I have a Roland XP-30, without a manual.
I'm trying hard to understand how the program and bank changes work in order to sequence headache-free. I'm almost there, as someone sent me the MSB and LSN numbers on a different UBB. That was great, except that now, I'm getting contradicting opinions on how to set up the XP-30.

I was under the impression that you assign each 'patch' a bank and program change from within the sequencer, and assign them each a channel.
On channel 10, I tried to select an actual drum kit from the Roland's "RHYTHM" button/category, but it doesn't seem to work. When I do it this way, the actual patches I had selected play the wrong sounds, which now come from the PERFORMANCE MODE. Basically, everything gets all screwed up.
On the other hand, I've heard that to make this work, you have to select your sounds from, and only from the PERFORMANCE MODE, which baffles me but, oh well, if that's what it takes to make it work, that's how it'll be.
So now, being that this is a Roland-specific category, can anyone out there help me clear the fog on this issue?
I use Pro Tools LE as a sequencer. Do I even need to enter MSB/LSB numbers from there, or can I simply navigate through the XP-30 to select my sounds (which, if so, I would need a little guidance and re-assurance that THIS is the way to go).

Thanks to all!

pk

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Curve Dominant Mon, 07/16/2001 - 11:01

I've heard that to make this work, you have to select your sounds from, and only from the PERFORMANCE MODE, which baffles me but, oh well, if that's what it takes to make it work, that's how it'll be.

Exactly. In performance mode, you have "parts." You match the MIDI channel to the "part" that you want it to play. If piano is on MIDI channel 1, you set "part" 1 on the keyboard to the piano patch, and so forth.

On channel 10, I tried to select an actual drum kit from the Roland's "RHYTHM" button/category, but it doesn't seem to work. When I do it this way, the actual patches I had selected play the wrong sounds, which now come from the PERFORMANCE MODE.

Drum sets are on channel 10, that is correct, and you use the value buttons to select that actual set that you want to use, but the keyboard has to be set to that drum set.

I use ProTools LE as a sequencer. Do I even need to enter MSB/LSB numbers from there, or can I simply navigate through the XP-30 to select my sounds (which, if so, I would need a little guidance and re-assurance that THIS is the way to go)....

I'm not in possession of ProTools just yet, so I can't answer that specifically, but just knowing what I know about MIDI: if you set the parts up on the keyboard, and assign the proper MIDI channels to those parts from your sequencer, you should be good to go. In otherwords, yes, navigate through the XP-30 to select your sounds.

I hope this helps, and don't hesitate to ask for any clarification.

Krou Mon, 07/16/2001 - 19:57

Eric, thank you for your reply. It turns out that it's exacly what I've been working on all night, just going through the paces in Performance mode, doing what is mentionned above. I finally got it to work although it's nice to get a reply only to reaffirm you're doing it the right way.

a comment on the XP-30; hands down the best value for the money in a $1000 synth, period.

thanks again

pk

Curve Dominant Tue, 07/17/2001 - 20:53

Eric, thank you for your reply. It turns out that it's exacly what I've been working on all night, just going through the paces in Performance mode, doing what is mentionned above. I finally got it to work although it's nice to get a reply only to reaffirm you're doing it the right way.
a comment on the XP-30; hands down the best value for the money in a $1000 synth, period.
thanks again
pk

PK, I'm just glad to know that you're stylin' now; thank you for participating on this forum, which hopefully you'll become a regular contributor to. I'm no expert at anything, and I luv the team approach to web forum moderation, so consider yourself deputized!