Alesis QS8: no aftertouch

[alexisq]

Hi,

I cannot get the aftertouch on my Alesis QS8 (not 8.x) to do anything audible.

What I mean with "not do anything": no audible change (e.g. map pitch to aftertouch and using different pressure), but also no aftertouch in MIDI out at all.

What I tried so far:
- I checked that aftertouch itself is enabled.
- I tried using aftertouch as input for different filters that should change a sound. Using another input (e.g, mod-wheel) does give clear responses.
- I have all midi messages printed: I can see all kinds of messages, but no aftertouch
- I started the QS8 in test mode (0 + 00) and see changes using "test pots" for aftertouch within the range of about 140 (normal) to 0 (hard press). This works for both white and black keys (both aftertouch strips)
- I reset the QS8 (0 + 3)
- Before I knew the QS8 has the test mode, I had it open and measured resistance on both aftertouch strips. Although the one for the white keys only gives a signal for high pressure, both work. After putting it together again, the "test pots" self-test shows signal changes for both for different pressure, so the analog-digital convertion seems to work.

I am out of ideas now. With the synth registering aftertouch pot changes in diagnose mode, and apparently aftertouch enabled in the menu: why isn't it doing anything when I connect an effect to it and why isn't aftertouch sent on MIDI out? Is there anything else I can do to diagnose the problem?

Something interesting maybe on the side: if you happen to have a QS8, what is the range shown for the aftertouch pots in test mode (start the unit holding 0 + 00)? The manual mentiones 0-300, but I see about 140 or less (when pressed hard).

thanks a lot!