Using and impakt lx 88 plus via midi in to the modx8, how can I use control knobs and faders on the lx 88 to control parameters on the modx8 such as reverb, chorus, flanger etc. The goal is to be able to quickly change parameters without jumping in and out of menus.

I would recommend first, learning to use the Control Knobs and faders on the MODX to do what you describe, then it will be an easier matter to understand how to assign the controllers of your external device to the MODX. (You may discover you can accomplish your goal extremely well right on board the MODX8 front panel).

For example, the Assignable Control Knobs of the MODX can be setup to control more than 100 parameters... each Part can have 16 Source/Destination CONTROL SETs. The Faders are dedicated to Part Volume or Oscillator output level... depending on what you have selected on the MODX front panel.

By contrast your external device will be limited to the usual CC messages MIDI provides. The internal MODX allows direct assignment to some 250+ possible parameter destinations. I highly recommend that you start by studying how, on the factory MODX Performances, the programmers give you exactly what you are seeking — a way to quickly change parameters without jumping in and out of menus. You setup your controllers in advance so that what the MW does is known, what the Assign Switches are doing is known, what your FC7 pedal is set to control, there are 8 Part Assign Knobs per Part (16 Parts) and 8 Common Assign Knobs that can link to the Super Knob ...

Then, after you have studied a bit how it’s done onboard the MODX, you’ll be better prepared for getting the most out of your external device (if you feel you still need it).

Where to begin?
We have found in introducing the massive controller matrix to new users that it is best to start slowly. If you dive into a factory Preset, it maybe far to advanced to figure out exactly what the programmer is doing, or how they got there. We have prepared a series of articles, that take you through learning to program basic functions to your Assignable Knobs, starting with the Super Knob.

Yes, it is initially digging through menus, (the articles expect you to follow along screen-by-screen) but the whole purpose is so that when you are performing, a single control gesture can adjust the controlled parameters exactly as you require. One Knob movement does two things — later you will begin to understand how that same one gesture could change scores of parameters.

In short, the Super Knob is a macro controller. This means it can do multiple things simultaneously, to multiple Parts. It can adjust parameters deep within the Parts linked by KBD CTRL, and parameters that affect all 16 Parts through the master effects and overall system effects. The important thing that makes this possible is how you can scale the parameter response to exacting amounts within each Control Set.

Instead of cc74 opening all filters, you can assign a direct control message to do unique changes to each filter you are controlling. This means turning a knob on your external controller can probably open or close all the filters together, the Control matrix onboard the MODX, will allow you to open the filters on the pad sound, while closing the filters on your e.piano, will moving the filter on the drums slightly, and changing the filters on the bass by a lot... macro control means individualized, per Part responses. (It’s an entirely new experience).

We start by showing how you can turn up the Speed of a modulation source, while at the same time turn down the Depth of application. The simple gesture of turn up a single Knob will increase the Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) controlling the speed of movement, and you can after a certain speed is reached, attenuate (turn down) how much is applied. This simple example opens the door to understanding how a macro control (like the Super Knob) can be tasked with simultaneous control of these two parameters with a single gesture.

When you realize that this can be expanded to scores and scores of parameters, you’ll begin to see the advantage to learning how to make assignments within the synth itself. Once you understand how the inside the MODX works, then and only then will most of assigning external controller make sense to you.

This tutorial takes you through the basics of Control Assignments in a very simple program - designed so you can see, hear, and experiment with these functions without running into tons of other parameters that tend to confuse. The minimalist nature of the programs is designed so you can focus on exactly what is being assigned and how it is changing the resulting sound output. There are 13 articles in the series... each is about a 10-20 minute study... take your time. As you go through them you will pick up Navigation tips, programming skills, and a comfort zone between COMMON and PART assignments. If you get stuck post back here...

Mastering MODX: Super Knob Common

Extra Credit:
Here is a handy link to the MODX Tutorials:

Mastering MODX Article Series