How do I set different voices to respond on different midi channels in a Performance with 4 parts from an external midi controller please?

Like Piano on ch 1, organ on ch 2, rhodes ch3 and horns on ch4 midi ?

Hi,

Performance mode on the Motif-Rack ES only layers/splits voices on a single MIDI channel. To play different voices on multiple channels, you need to be in Multi mode instead. Voices can then be selected for each of the 16 parts by sending Bank Select and Program Number messages on each of the corresponding 16 MIDI channels.

- H -

That’s really helpful to know. Thank you so much. We are interested in running two keyboards on different MIDI channels into the motif ES to control separate patches and it seems like it might be a very good solution for us. We have used a midi y cable before that ended up combining two keyboards one on channel 1 and the other keyboard on channel 2 to a single MIDI stream to allow both keyboards to control different patches. Thanks for the ideas and help

You’re very welcome!

Yes, you would need a MIDI merger or similar to “join” the two MIDI outputs, but those are relatively straightforward devices. You basically only have to set each keyboard up to send on different channels, as you described. As long as they do, the Motif-Rack ES shouldn’t have ny problems. If both keyboards can also send Bank Select and Program Number messages, you should be able to select voices remotely and individually.

- H -

With the Multimode, can I have multiple voices on midi channel 1 with different keyboard split points and also multiple voices on midi channel 2 with different keyboard split points too ?

Multi Mode ?

keyboard 1
ch1 piano C-2 - C-1
ch1 organ D-1 - C0
ch1 strings D0 - C2

keyboard 2
ch1 synth C-2 - C-1
ch1 horns D-1 - C0
ch1 fx D0 - C2

coachz123 - 30 November 2023 08:11 AM

With the Multimode, can I have multiple voices on midi channel 1 with different keyboard split points and also multiple voices on midi channel 2 with different keyboard split points too ?

Yes, it is possible to have two or more parts - with a different voice for each part - respond to the same MIDI channel in Multi mode. You simply change the “RcvCh” (Receive Channel) parameter for the parts in question. They are normally set so that parts 1-16 correspond to MIDI cnannels 1-16. You then create your splits/layers by adjusting each part’s note range ("NtLmtL/H", Low and High Note Limit). All of these options are found in the Part Edit submode, and the settings you make - including voice, effect or mixing edits - can be stored as a Multi program.

PS: I wouldn’t have both keyboards send on the same channel, as indicated by your table. A typo, obviously, but that would cause both to play (and interrupt) notes and controllers on the same parts/voices.

While the described setup will work with any MIDI keyboard, there are a couple of things to be mindful of: A hold/sustain pedal message on Ch1 will affect all parts receiving on Ch1. This is probably not desirable, so you may want to deactivate Sustain for the parts you don’t want it applied to. The same goes for other MIDI controllers, such as Pitch Bend or Modulation. You can sort this out in the “RcvSw” (Receive Switch) menu in Part Edit submode (hopefully, these part parameters do not override each other when on the same channel; I’ll have to check for myself to be sure). Unfortunately, Volume is not among the controller messages that can be individually filtered out here, so you’ll only be able to adjust volume remotely for all same-channel parts as if they were one. If you need to alter their mutual balance, you’ll have to reach for the Motif-Rack ES front panel.

Alternatively, or just for food of though:

Not all types of keyboards have this zone function, and some can only split their keyboard using internal sounds. For reference, my Yamaha S90 ES, which has a dedicated Master mode, can handle four external zones. My USB-powered Edirol PCR-800 is limited to two (upper and lower), but has more assignable knobs and faders to play with. My old Korg DW8000, on the other hand, has no idea of either concept!

You’ll have to dig into your instrument manuals to know how far you can take what you already have, but your idea is basically a sound one. :)

- H -

Thanks so much for the awesome reply.  I get it and you explained perfectly.  You are a great credit to this forum and this information helps us move forward to rock stardom !

thank you.

- Henry - - 29 November 2023 06:55 AM

Hi,

Performance mode on the Motif-Rack ES only layers/splits voices on a single MIDI channel. To play different voices on multiple channels, you need to be in Multi mode instead. Voices can then be selected for each of the 16 parts by sending Bank Select and Program Number messages on each of the corresponding 16 MIDI channels.

- H -

Dear,
There are any way to control the individual volume on each voice using performance mode (as we can do using “volume button) on S90ES or Motif Es)?
I’m using a novation sl mk3 as a midi keyboard

Hi,

rs.felicio - 31 March 2024 04:18 PM

Dear,
There are any way to control the individual volume on each voice using performance mode (as we can do using “volume button) on S90ES or Motif Es)? I’m using a novation sl mk3 as a midi keyboard

With a Motif ES or S90ES in Performance mode, the individual part volumes are changed using the CS1-CS4 control sliders. On the Motif-Rack ES, the same parameters can be changed via MIDI using System Exclusive messages (see Motif-Rack ES Data List, p.62).

I don’t think that the Novation SL Mk3 can be configured to send SysEx directly from its faders, so you may need to use some kind of software that takes MIDI Control Change data as input and turns it into SysEx messages.

- H -