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Name: Dave Barnes
Category: Sequencing
I've noticed a kind of odd occurrence when lstening to a couple of my sequences on equipment other than the SC-55mkII that I sequence with...
I sometimes will use RPN (Registered Parameter Numbers) to vary some standard parameters that all (or most) soundcards and sound modules will recognize, because they are standardized. One of these is the pitch bend range. When this parameter is used, it allows the pitch bend range to vary from its default 2 semitones to up to 24 semitomes (a full octave) up and down. This is cool, but can cause problems if not reset either at the end of one sequence or the beginning of the next sequence played...
Soundcards and modules keep the last settings that were made. I never noticed this on my equipment because I use a Sysex (system Exclusive) to reset the SC-55 and all GS modules and synths to the default settings -- wiping out any odd RPN's and NRPN's (Non Registered Parameter Number) settings -- the NRPN's only work for the GS line as does the Sysex GS Reset...
If you have a non-GS synth, the reset is ignored by your equipment, so the last settings remain in the soundcard -- that's the rub... If I set a pitch bend range for a full octave and the next sequence you play has the pitches with the normal 2 semi-tones, it will sound REALLY screwy.
Rebooting the computer will reset the internal soundcard to its defaults, but will do nothing if you use an external module or synth to play these. PLUS, I think the need to reboot the computer before you play another sequence is a bit.... bizarre.... ;-)
I will make an effort to reset all non-standard parameters I twiddle in the course of sequencing back to normal at the end of the song, as I do with the GS Reset. I'll also go back into the files that are here already and take a look for the problem and fix 'em as I find 'em.
Dave