Adopting a one-size-fits-all approach gives this new synth editor the potential of universal appeal - but there is SysEx to contend with.

The trouble with modern synths is that they can be so difficult to edit. Even if you've managed to get to grips with the hierarchical form of architectural synthesis it uses, you usually find yourself pouring over a small LCD screen for hours to alter the parameters. Which is why third-party off-the-shelf sounds are such as good idea. Er... sorry, wrong review. Which is why computer-based synth editors are such a good idea. Assuming you do want to create your own sounds, you can't beat having a graphic representation of the parameters and seeing several at once on a monitor makes life immeasurably easier.

The trouble with modern synths (stop me if I'm repeating myself) is that they are all different. So much so that you usually need a separate editor for each one you own. Expensive. Which is why universal editors are such a good idea; editors like CP-Cen from GRI-Soft for example...

CP-Gen - or Control Panel Generator - to give it it's full title, needs an ST with a high-res mono monitor and 1 Mb of RAM. The program uses a key disk for copy-protection: the files are copyable but the program asks to 'see' the master disk before it will save a file or load a file saved by another version of the program. Clever, eh?

The program has several devices which are used to transmit and receive MIDI messages. These are large and quite attractive designs selected from a menu and dragged around the screen in order to create your own control panel layout. This is fun. You can create up to 10 screens or pages using these devices. Let's say you want to create an editor for a synth with eight tones, elements, parts, partials - or whatever. You'd hive off to the Devices menu and select those devices which represent the parameters used by the said partials.

For example, in the case of the Roland D-110, you might select some slider devices to control the level, velocity, filters and so on. You'd want an envelope device for the envelopes, some more sliders for the LFO control and perhaps a few digital displays for settings such as key follow and PCM wave selection. Throw in a couple of button switches for parameters such as the bender and you're well on your way towards a customised partial editor.

Of course, there is a little more to it than that. You have to program the devices with SysEx messages which will transmit when activated. For these you must refer to the manuals supplied with your gear. Of course, if you find yourself struggling to read a MIC (MIDI Implementation Chart) you're not going to get to first base with the SysEx section. In fact, those little bytes of hex and binary have been known to make grown men cry (ever wondered why most computer technicians are usually thin on top?).

There are various internal variables for parameters such as MIDI channels and the program supports mathematical and logical operators. You can connect devices with pipes which let the value of one device alter the value of another. You'd need to do this to create a Roland-style program change device, for example, which selects sounds with bank and number values instead of a single numeric value.

The manual is well laid out and explains the program's functions, but lacks a tutorial. If you're conversant with SysEx messages then you'll have fun with CP-Gen. If you're not then you'll struggle. GRI-Soft are currently considering a step-by-step tutorial which is definitely needed if the program is to appeal to the less experienced user.

The program is currently version 1 (v1.04 to be exact) and there are several additions which would be rather nice if they found their way into an update. For example, there is no way to actually get a voice from a synth into the editor. A name device would be useful - one which could actually show parameters by name such as a list of waveforms or reverb types. It would also be useful if the program could run as a desk accessory so you could edit and tweak while within your sequencer.

A handful of instrument profiles are supplied with the program including some for the Roland D-110 and Yamaha TX81Z. There is also a MIDI mixer and a MIDI monitor which reports incoming MIDI messages. The nice thing about CP-Cen is that it can be used to control virtually any MIDI device, even something well outside the mainstream like a MIDI lighting system; it isn't restricted to use simply as a voice editor.

Apparently, GRI-Soft are currently working on new profiles, and the company hopes competent programmers will develop profiles for their own instruments and release them into the public domain, too.

The major drawback with CP-Gen at the moment is that you need a degree of expertise to edit it. People who simply want a tool and who are not prepared to get involved with programming (and I suspect that accounts for the vast majority of musicians) will be relying on profiles for their instruments to come on line. But if the idea interests you then I can definitely recommend that you spend £3 (refundable if you order the program) on a demo disk.

There are not a lot of universal editor-type programs out there; certainly none at this price and definitely none which promise free profiles. CP-Gen has a lot going for it and could be the opportunity you've been waiting for to finally get to grips with MIDI System Exclusive.

THE LAST WORD