Joel,

I agree with you that the Z1 is a fantastic synth and, I too, have
found programming it a bit easier than I had thought I would. I have
a similar set up where I am running my Z1 and other syths though a
MOTU Micro Express into a PC. I'm also using a free Z1 editor (I'm
not in front of it at the moment) as well as other editing programs
for my other synths. I also see that the Z1 editor is receiving a
MIDI signal and looks like it should operate correctly. When using
Sonar, I can record and play back MIDI data, so I know my comptuer
and synth are communicating correctly.

The issue that you are experiencing between the PC and the Z1 I see
as well. Some of my older synths (Kawai K5 in particular) require
both the MIDI IN and OUT cables to be connected to my PC through
the Micro Express so a 'handshaking' session can be established. Th
IN/OUT type Midi connection does not need to be established with my
newer equipment (Roland JV-90/XP-80), and I am going to guess is the
same with the Z1.

What I've read on the web (and I think Keyboard Magazine), however,
is that there can be a timing issue when connecting some synths to a
computer. I'm still not completely clear on this, but it appears
that the data from the computer is moving too quickly and, to
correct this, the user needs to include a timing delay in the MIDI
signal (from the PC to the synth). When I connect an older serial
MIDI connector to my comptuer and then plug the In/Out ports to my
various machines, I do not expreince this problem.. When I use this
older connector, I can easily upload and move patches between my
computer and synth. I believe in the MOTU Micro Express manual there
is a section that describes the time adjustments (time delay) when
sending patch information. The need then to 'slow up' the MIDI data
may be the issue. While I have not yet found a solution, I've tried
multiple times to correct this and have not had any luck. In the
end, it is easier for me to simply connect my serial MIDI cable
connector, transfer my patches and move on. Since you've brought
this up, I am going to try again in the next couple of days to try
and correct this issue by adjusting the MIDI delay timing and see if
I'm able to transfer data.

As for programing the synth, I've been very happy with the types of
sounds/patches I am able to create. I primarily use the Z1 in
conjunction with my JD-800 and have found both to work nicely
together. I'm not as familar with soft synths (the only one I use is
NI's B4 organ) and like the organ tones the B4 produces. The rest
are a bit over my head, so I'm sticking with the hardware synths for
now.

If I find a work around or read about one, I'll be sure to email you
back.

Best,

sf_user

sf_user@...







--- In korgz1@yahoogroups.com, "joel_cameron33"
<joel_cameron33@y...> wrote:
>
> Well a few things I've noticed in particular.
> There is one key that sounds like loud plastic on plastic every
time
> it is struck. The sound comes throug the output normally though
so I
> am not too worried. Maybe the padding came loose under the key??
>
> From what I saw in the manual, you cannot control every parameter
on
> the Z1 with MIDI CC#'s. Only the ones that have designated
controls
> already. Is this true? It would have been nice to hook my MIDI
> knob-box up to the Z1 and have it controlling all of the parameters
> that do not have controls. Did I miss something or is this true?
>
> I can't figure out what all of the rumours about this being a hard
> synth to program were all about. I find programming this beast
> similar to cutting through butter.
>
> I am not so hot on assigning the knobs though but I am sure I will
get
> used to it once I really dig in to the manual and have some time
for
> it all to fully settle in.
>
> I can't believe I ever lived without this synth!
> Best purchase ever except maybe my V-synth. But at a fraction of
the
> cost of the V-synth, I'm thinking the value for $$ is #1.
>