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Hay guys was wondering if someone could help me with my problem!

Ok so basically with my band I use a keyboard plugged up to the EMX-1 to get more sounds. Though when i plug my keyboard in to the EMX-1 via midi I can only seem to use synth part one (even if i have another synth part selected -2,3 and so on)
I don't know if its my keyboard or if the EMX-1 cant do it? They keybaord i am using is a Yamaha PSR-170

Any help would be nice! Thanks

It sounds like you need to change the MIDI channel in the EMX.

Your Yamaha sends MIDI data out on MIDI channel 1. The EMX has different parts on different MIDI channels.

Press the MIDI key, scroll to MIDI ch, press the key for the part you want to sound, change the channel to 1.

I don't have the EMX, but I believe you'll find that every synth part set to channel 1 will sound at the same time.

This was really helpful info thanks! What you said is right if i set them all to channel 1 they all do play at the same which is a shame! Still thanks for the help

Hi Kinyo,

you actually need to change the channel on your midi keyboard. I use a MicroX to do this and it's quite simple. By default channel 1 controls synth1 on the EMX but if you change it to channel 2 it will control synth2 and so on.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Matt

I would highly recommend that you upgrade to something more powerful than a PSR-170, which is basically the cheapest consumer keyboard intended more for kids than for grownups in bands. If you can't afford more, then start saving now and start researching the used keyboards that are available in your area so that you'll be ready to buy something more powerful when you have enough money saved up. There's a lot of older keyboards that are available at reasonable prices, but you've got to do the research to know which ones are gems and which are dogs. I recommend used workstation keyboards that range in price from $400-$1,000, like the Triton Extreme or Studio, older Fantoms, or Motifs. Newer ROMplers like the X50 or MicroX can also be found at value prices. The MicroX is a great combination with the EMX because they're both oriented towards dance/electro. The MicroX is a fully programmable Triton in a mini package.

zululord wrote:Hi Kinyo,

you actually need to change the channel on your midi keyboard. I use a MicroX to do this and it's quite simple. By default channel 1 controls synth1 on the EMX but if you change it to channel 2 it will control synth2 and so on.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Matt

You might be right, it would be a much better solution, but I thought I remembered those Yamaha keyboards only transmit on MIDI channel 1.

I did a quick search for the PSR-170 manual and it says this:

On the PSR-172/170, the following channels (eight total) are enabled for MIDI reception: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10. The MIDI transmit channels are fixed to the following data:
Ch. 1 : Keyboard, harmony
Ch. 2 : Bass
Ch. 3 : Chord
Ch. 4 - 7 : Other
Ch. 10 : Rhythm

I'm not familiar with the keyboard so am not sure what that means in a practical sense, but it transmits on 1-7 and 10. EMX receives on 1-5 and 10 for the different parts (iirc) so if you can figure out how to change channels on the PSR it should do what you want.

If not, you'll need to invest in a new midi keyboard. The ability to write bass lines and melody on the EMX via a keyboard is well worth it though!

Oh good news. That is a much better approach. I apologize, Kinyo, if I caused confusion.

Seems when i change the channels on the keyboard it actually changes to the saved patterns on the EMX...

Also i have a few more questions relating this subject.
I was wonder is it possible to play say an F key and C key at the same time on the keyboard when playing on the EMX? It seems i can only really play one note...?

And also dose the korg micro complement the EMX-1 well? as I am looking to be getting myself one.

Any help would be nice thanks

Kinyo wrote:I was wonder is it possible to play say an F key and C key at the same time on the keyboard when playing on the EMX? It seems i can only really play one note...?

Nope, each synth part can only play one note at a time.
If you want to play chords, you're going to have to use different synth parts for each note in the chord.

Kinyo wrote:Seems when i change the channels on the keyboard it actually changes to the saved patterns on the EMX...

You will need to clear the synth parts of their pre-programmed info first.

To do this:
1. hold SHIFT + 7
2. press the synth parts you want cleared so they are all lit up
3. press 7

Now you'll have the synth sounds but not their patterns. (Does that make sense?)

Good luck