MicroKorg Arpeggiator & EMX problem

[jacques]

First off, I just wanna say I've been reading this forum for a while and I'm happy to finally be a member I've learned a lot from poking around here.

I know the MK's arpeggiator doesn't do a lot more than the MX's, but I like having the keyboard (that is, a real one) sometimes when I'm putting arp patterns together.

Here's the problem- every time I play a note from the MK to have it trigger via MIDI channel 1-5 some synth on the MX, it doesn't just send the notes. It also turns the modulation depth to the maximum negative value, and continues to do so while the arpeggiator is playing. It doesn't change the type or speed, so I can adjust it to something less annoying or noticeable, but I can't make it go away.

I've looked all over- google, here, and the MK forum without any success. I've also spent a lot of time tweaking with the MK to see if I can make it stop.

Any ideas?

[Setsonics]

I am kind of interested in this, I own a Microkorg but have never MIDI'd my ESX and it together!

[jacques]

I finally figured it out after deeply scouring the manual AGAIN.

The solution is to disable MIDI program change messages on the MicroKorg.

How to do this:

- Press SHIFT + 4
- Turn KNOB 2 (labeled "2/RESONANCE") until it reads "C-d"
- Press SHIFT again.



And that's it! I'm now able to arpeggiate from the MK easily. A few tips I learned along the way:

- To disable the MK's output of the notes, turn the MIDI->LOCAL setting to OFF.

- To disable the keyboard's velocity curve (hence giving all notes equal velocity), set GLOBAL->VELOCITY CURVE from "CrU" to 0-127.

- To ensure the arpegiatted notes are sent, turn GLOBAL->POSITION to "PoS"


I literally figured this out 5 minutes ago, now I'm gonna go use it finally!


EDIT:

I forgot to mention that I disabled the program change (SHIFT+4 then knob 1 to "P-d") on my MicroKorg so that changing the pattern or preset doesn't change the other as well.

Also, when saving the global settings on my MK, I noticed pressing write on the MicroKorg actually enabled the record on my MX. I disabled this by disabling "System Exclusive" messages, which I believe is SHIFT+4 then knob 4.

This is all in the MIDI FILTER section on page 60 of you MicroKorg manual, FYI.

[Setsonics]

Could you help me midi my ESX-1 & Microkorg?

I am not even sure of what MIDI cords to buy, I am such a damn greenhorn when it comes to MIDI, I would love to start integrating it!

Thanks for any help you can give, I already have your explanation on how to activate the arpeg correctly and I am going to read the manual about that part as well so I will be ready.

^_^

-Clive Sinclair

[jacques]

Well, I am by no means an expert, but I can help you get as far as I have at least.

First off, you'll need two midi cables (either separate or attached to each other). This way you can attach the midi inputs & outputs of each device. They send each other note and tempo data.

From there it's *mostly* straightforward and you'll be able to jam out some awesome arpeggios that you wouldn't otherwise be able to get with just the ribbon and slider.

I made an update to my last post with more info, check it out.

ALSO:

To sync the tempos, make sure the MK's MIDI->CLOCK setting is set to "ExT". When the electribe is playing, it will send the clock signals to the MK.