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Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:09 pm
by death by audio
Hello Fellas!
I have a Roland TR-626 that I am trying to use to trigger my Akai AX-60 synth's arp.
The problem is the Drum machine puts out a +5 voltage and the AX60 needs a -5 voltage to trigger the arpeggiator.
Is there a simple adapter that I can use to "invert" the signal?
I have been all over the web trying to find the proper name for this adapter.
Any ideas would be so very appreciated.
For you guys that have been able to get this to work, do you have to have the midi cable hooked up, also?

The kids at the local music stores look at me like I should be in a nursing home for requesting this outdated stuff!!
Thanks in advance for any help!!
Bob

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:30 pm
by Z
I used the EXACT SAME rig back in '88 without any issues. I ran the trigger out of the 626 right into the AX-60's arp trigger in. You'll just need a cable with phone plug on one end and mini plug on the other.

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:04 pm
by death by audio
Thanks for the quick reply.
Maybe I dont have one machine configured correctly. Let me double check it.
Thanx again!

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:32 pm
by death by audio
I tried it again. The voices dont sound on the split that is assigned to Arpeggiate when the plug is plugged in from the 626.

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 10:18 pm
by Z
Do you have the rim shot programmed to output the trigger pulse?

Remember "SEEK" (actually CCCEq) when troubleshooting: Controls, Connections, Cables, Equipment.

If you do indeed have the rim shot programmed, then check your connections. If that's correct, try swapping cables. If that still doesn't work, see if you can trigger the AX from another device or trigger another synth from the 626.

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:42 am
by Computer Controlled
Does it state in the manual, or on the synth that it takes a - trigger? I haven't had one in over 10 years, but i had a 606 at the same time. Though i don't remember using it to trigger the arp ever. Though if it DOES indeed take a - trigger, then there is no box that you can buy (that i know of). One needs to be built. However, just use the MIDI Notes from the 626 to sequence the AX. =o]

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:12 am
by death by audio
Yes, It does specify that a negative voltage is req'd to activate the arp.
I will have to finagle a midi setup to get it to sound different unless I can find some kind of inverter plug to flip flop the signal.
Many thanks for your help, Fellas!
Bob

Re: Akai AX60 trigger problem

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:04 am
by Z
Computer Controlled wrote:However, just use the MIDI Notes from the 626 to sequence the AX. =o]
I used to do that, too.

As I said before, I used to have that exact rig 20 years ago and never had any issues with what he's trying to do.

DBA, do you have the rim shot programmed in your pattern?