TX81Z

[MAL]

My dad recently gave me his old Yamaha TX81Z. I've figured it out, mostly, but I still haven't demystified the MIDI implementation on it yet. Is there anyone who can tell me how to assign the parameters to knobs on an external controller? I have a Roland MC307 connected to it right now, and I can sequence things with it just fine. But I would like to be able to use the knobs on the 307 to control parameters on the TX81Z. Is this possible, with these two devices? If not, would it be possible to use some other controller, instead of the 307, in this way? Or maybe even a software interface?

If anyone can clue me in, it would be much appreciated.

[masstronaut]

I think it uses System Exclusive messages for most of the voice parameters. You'll need a controller capable of sending customised SYSEX, not all of them can. The Roland probably won't be much use for this.

You could use a Behringer BCR2000, I've seen some TX81Z maps available for that and you can make your own with the BCManager software if you have a Windows PC.

Others like the CME Bitstream 3x would also do the trick. Bear in mind you might need to get your fingers dirty with a bit of configuring.

Actual details on the MIDI spec are in the TX81Z manual, there's a link on the wikipedia page.

[nathanscribe]

Yep, it's Sysex you'll need. I had a Kenton Spin Doctor for a while that I programmed a TX81Z template for - the one on their website was incorrect. You need to be careful to get the codes right, but once you've cracked it, it's easy and it works. Real-time control instead of menu-diving.

To be honest, I didn't find the controller that useful, so have gone back to panel editing. I'd recommend trying a controller with a display for what the controls do - Novation still do one I think, but it's not cheap.

You can also use editor/librarian software. Try these: http://the-all.org/tx81z/

[MAL]

Thanks a lot; I'm going to have to figure out some of this software, I guess.

[gmeredith]

The Behringer BCR2000 is the best budget controller, bang for buck. Lotsa knobs. I'm planning on getting one very soon.
The Doepfer Drehbank is the ants-pants for this but they are no longer made and go for lots on ebay (DX7 users snap them up), the CME bitstream is absolutely wonderful but over twice the price of the BCR2000.

Make sure you join the Yahoo Black Boxes TX forum:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/yamahablackboxes/

They have a wealth of info happening there, and this subject was being discussed there for a while (I brought it up about my TX81z also). Check which OS ROM version you have (it's displayed on the startup screen) - early versions (v1.0) have a horrific MIDI bug that corrupts your patches if you dump your sounds to disk or computer, then reload them later. One of the guys there, Fran (username Nadafarms), burned me a set of the latest v1.6 OS version ROMS which are bug free. You just pull your old ones out of the sockets and plug in the new ones.

Masstronaut:

Behringer BCR2000, I've seen some TX81Z maps available

Where did you see these? I've been looking for some for a while in the hope someone made some.


Cheers, graham

[masstronaut]

In the BCx2000 yahoo group. The Files / Presets section.

I haven't tried it yet. If it's no good I might get around to making my own. It's not too painful if you use BCManager.

[gmeredith]

The BCx2000 group

You're a legend man! Thanks for that!

Even if the template isn't completely correct, it will save me work getting the initial sysex string parameters figured out. So much gear, so little time....

Cheers and thanks, Graham