Calling MIDI techies

I've been searching for an answer to this for about 8 hours now but can't find it -.-

The midi implimentation chart for my expander module says that by default it does not recognise Breath Controller messages but it does transmit them.

This is exactly what is happening, I record BC messages OK but the module does not react to them when they are played back.

The midi implementation chart says that the transmission/reception of these controller messages is selectable but does not mention 'how' to select....there is nothing I can find on the synths menu's to enable it.

I've come to the conclusion that I might have to send it a sysex message to enable the reception but have no idea what to send.

I know it's a long shot, but does anyone have a clue how to do it?

This may contain some info: (seek for "control")
http://commonmusic.sourceforge.net/doc/dict/midi-topic.html

http://www.patchmanmusic.com/WindControllerFAQ.html

This one has specific examples, although problably Oberheim system exclusive:
http://www.youngmonkey.ca/nose/audio_tech/synth/Oberheim-Matrix1000.html

When I was programming Midi Apps, everything was so easy! (around 1990)

What is the module?

Alternatively, record the breath controller messages, then transmit them back as another controller (an unused one). Set the module to 'patch' controller #xyz to the breath control (if possible).

BTW, you could try holding down one of the buttons on the module when you power up / holding down combinations of buttons to get to some kind of 'system menu', but it might take a while to figure out which button(s)! ;)

Thanks for the info guys but still no joy.

The module is a Roland V-Synth XT, when I get home I will try transmitting on a different controller...trouble is that the midi implementation shows controllers 1-31 and 64-95 are mostly off by default as far as receiving goes.

Will try controller 11 (expression) or 66 (sostenuto) as they are on by default...may end up transmitting the messages out of the synth on controller 2 then send them back on controller 11 lol

Will give it a go when I get home this morning.

Maybe try fiddling with the keyboard's key velocity/touch response controls incase the breathe isn't getting any expression from how hard you 'hit' the key.

IPete2.

Press Mode and the V-Synth XT Mode Menu window appears.
Touch System and the System Com Master screen appears.
In this screen touch Controller, localised on the bottom of the screen.
The controller-setting screen opens.
Now you can directly select "TX" (Transmit), "KBD" (Keyboard), "TT Pad" (Time-Trip Pad) and "E1-E8 ExtCC" (Knobs).


Does that help?

Fraid not Skitchy, there is nothing there to select the reception of breath messages.

Looks like nobody knows how to do this, I have left the question on about 4 roland/cubase forums and so far no replies except from one guy who didn't know either lol

It's strange how something that should be simple isn't ( thats life ), Roland say just make sure the XT has its receive filters on and it should work.

These are in MIDI/USB and ReceivePC ReceiveBANK Receive SYS-Ex are all on.

Looks like I'll have to keep delving, after the one Reply from Roland I have sent 2 more emails to clarify what I want 'Turn on midi breath messages recognition since by default it is switched off' but have had no more replies from them.