New MPE synths...

[killmaster]

I've added it to the Recommended Sounds page.

I don't see Tone2 Icarus 2 on the Recommended Sounds page.

[t-IB]

The micromonsta 2 now has mpe - bitimbral MPE too!

[Rimwolf]

Now I wonder what it means that y-axis (cc74 is hardwired to filter cut-off): can we change that routing to other destinations?

cc74 is classically mapped to "Brightness" or "Filter Cutoff" -- I've always been puzzled that MPE chose a controller with an already established conventional use for Y. I guess with this firmware at least, mapping Y to CC1 is probably the most flexible thing to do.

[minorAfno]

Now I wonder what it means that y-axis (cc74 is hardwired to filter cut-off): can we change that routing to other destinations?

cc74 is classically mapped to "Brightness" or "Filter Cutoff" -- I've always been puzzled that MPE chose a controller with an already established conventional use for Y. I guess with this firmware at least, mapping Y to CC1 is probably the most flexible thing to do.

But, does it mean it can't be wired to other things? And is CC1 also per note or global?

[Rimwolf]

The MPE implementation looks to be the same (except for the dual zones) as in the MicroMonsta 1: Y is either CC74 fixed to cutoff, or CC1 which is a source in the mod matrix. I never saw anyone complaining that CC1 wasn't per note for MM1, so I'd be astonished if it were otherwise in MM2. (I assume he didn't add CC74 as a source in the mod matrix because it was already established as the MM's CC for filter cutoff.)

[minorAfno]

The MPE implementation looks to be the same (except for the dual zones) as in the MicroMonsta 1: Y is either CC74 fixed to cutoff, or CC1 which is a source in the mod matrix. I never saw anyone complaining that CC1 wasn't per note for MM1, so I'd be astonished if it were otherwise in MM2. (I assume he didn't add CC74 as a source in the mod matrix because it was already established as the MM's CC for filter cutoff.)

Ok. The mod wheel being global is just something I believe I've read somewhere but I will not stand by it (I'm midi ignorant). Still I don't understand why locking a modulation source and not exposing it in the mod matrix. But if CC1 works as expected I'm ok with that too.

[t-IB]

Unfortunately it seems there is no way to get the MM2 in the UK*.

Edit: * at this point - seems that may change in the future when customs issues are ironed out.

[jemmons]

But, does it mean it can't be wired to other things? And is CC1 also per note or global?

The Micromonsta 2 understands CC74, mapping it to its filter cutoff. But “CC74” is not a source in its mod matrix so that mapping cannot be adjusted.

In practice this is not a problem, though, because the Linnstrument makes it so easy to send CC1 instead. This is a source in the Micromonsta 2’s mod matrix (called “modwheel”) and is per note.

You’re right that, in classic MIDI terms, CC1 is per-channel, not per-note. But that’s exactly why MPE (and the Linnstrument) sends each consecutive note on a different channel. That way classically “per-channel” messages like CC1 can act per-note without any changes to the protocol. It can get a little technical, but The important part is that the Micromonsta 2 fully supports this with the new firmware

Literally all I did to set mine up was put the Micromonsta 2 into MPE mode with a pitchbend of +-48, set both splits of my Linnstrument to “default MPE” settings by holding down the ChPerNote button, and then optionally setting Timbre/Y to CC1 as discussed above. That gets me up and controlling each layer of the Micromonsta 2 with a split, simultaneously and with per-note expression. It’s really great!

I’ve got a ton of hardware synths and the Micromonsta 2 is definitely my favorite right now, so if you have questions, let me know.

[minorAfno]

Thanks for your reply, jemmons. I've been thinking about getting a hardware synth for a while now. MM2 could be it but I want to be sure before I make the move. I may come with more questions though

[Rimwolf]

I’ve got a ton of hardware synths and the Micromonsta 2 is definitely my favorite right now, so if you have questions, let me know.

Is there a way of saving a 2-zone setup, or do you have to select the 2 patches each time? Can you set the patch and volume of a zone from the LinnStrument?

[jemmons]

Is there a way of saving a 2-zone setup

Yup. The MM2 has slots for 300 normal (single layer) presets and 100 "combi" (dual layer) presets. These "combi" presets hold the sounds of each layer as well as the particulars of how they are combined:

• Play both layers at once, on top of each other
• Play one layer on one "side" the keyboard below a given MIDI note, and the other on the other.
• Play one layer on one channel (or group of channels, in the case of MPE), and the other on the other. This corresponds with the Linnstrument’s "split" mode playing one layer with the left split and the other with the right.

So it's easy to call up a mutitimbral patch, whether you're combining them or want to play one sound on each split.

Can you set the patch and volume of a zone from the LinnStrument?

CC7 is ignored by the MM2, and I've never found a way to change the CC sent by the Linnstrument's "Volume" panel button, so that's a “No,” I think.

Setting the patch may also be an issue of me not knowing the depths Linnstrument? I think you'd need bank select messages to get this to work with the MM2 and I've never figured out how to get the Linnstrument to send them (which seems strange, so I'm probably overlooking something). But a provisional “No,” unless someone can enlighten me?

[t-IB]

I mentioned this before but can't remember where...

The brilliant divisionbyzero's 'instrument designer', a software version if the Buchla 700 with MPE integration, gets a release next week: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1482698043

[Roger_Linn]

I've added the ID700 synth to the Recommended Sounds page under the heading "Jonathan Schatz: ID700".

[Tj Shredder]

I mentioned this before but can't remember where...

The brilliant divisionbyzero's 'instrument designer', a software version of the Buchla 700 with MPE integration, gets a release next week: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1482698043

What a nice gem... Thanks for pointing to it...

[jreineke]

The Modal Cobalt 8 supports MPE and I don’t see it on the list. A new “enhanced” VA synth. Thinking about picking up the module version.

I believe their previous synth, the Argon 8, now supports MPE as well. Its a wavetable synth.

https://www.modalelectronics.com/cobalt8/