Getting the Most from... MONO MODE

Only one drum machine has so far been given an implementation of MIDI's multi-timbral Mode 4 - the Sequential Tom. Paul Wiffen reveals how it can be used.

Getting the Most from Mono Mode

You may have your heart set on a specific MIDI guitar controller, but do you know which kind of synth voice unit to combine it with? Rick Davies offers some interactive advice.

In the third part of this series on the growing uses of multiple MIDI channelisation, Paul Wiffen looks at the advantage of using separate audio outputs on the Akai S900.

You thought multi-timbral MIDI was only for synthesisers and samplers? You thought wrong, as Paul Wiffen proves with his analysis of Mode 4 on the Yamaha SPX90 effects processor.

You may have what seems like the perfect combination of MIDI voice module and guitar controller, but without some kind of interface unit, you may not get the best out of them. Rick Davies points you in the right direction.

Fancy turning your Prophet 2000 into a 128-voice sampler? Paul Wiffen shows you can use MIDI Mode 4 to give the impression you're doing just that.

Part 1: The Casio CZ Series

Baffled by MIDI Mode 4 on the Casio CZ synths? Paul Wiffen plots a path through one of modern technology's minefields, and explains how to get the best from it.

Ensoniq SQ80 & ESQ1 Synthesizers

Frustrated by the limitations of sequencing with MIDI mono mode 4? Simon Trask discusses the benefits of multi mode and investigates its implementation on Ensoniq's SQ80 and ESQ1 synths.

The MIDI 1.0 specification, reprinted in full.

Chris Meyer attempts to unravel the mysteries of MIDI's various operating modes, and dispels the myth that some recent instruments have new ones built into them.

The second part

Twin Function Equaliser

The latest addition to the company's family of 12-bit samplers offers many of the features of their top-of-the-line S50 in a less expensive, rack-mount format. Aaron Hallas reports.

Offering 240 FM sounds, with up to 8-voice polyphony, and control via MIDI mono mode, the FB-01 takes the crown as the cheapest expander on the market today. Martin Russ casts his vote.

A synth is only as good as its sounds - and that goes for any synth controller too - sax, violin, guitar... Ollie Crooke And Simon Thomas look at sound programming for MIDI controllers.

FM Sound Generator

Yamaha's preset synth expander offers a multitude of FM sounds for reasonable money, and also boasts MIDI Mono Mode for multi-timbral recording. David Ellis gives his verdict.

Craig Anderton reveals how you can use your sequencer as a MIDI system analyser.

Plus MIDI MKS-30 and MKS-10