No, you cannot Set MIDI channels.

The MODX does not layer sounds by placing them on the same MIDI Channel. If that is what you’ve heard, it is true! The MODX does not address itself via MIDI. It can generate a MIDI command for each movement and gesture you use controlling it. But it does not address itself via MIDI.

It is not clear from your post whether you address one Tone Generator from two sets of keys for a reason - or is it just in case “one has an issue”.

The MODX does not address itself via MIDI. So the channel setting is only an issue when playing back MIDI data, or attempting to control the MODX from an external controller. (What are you going to be doing?) are you going to play the MODX or trigger it via MIDI? NOT at all clear in your question.

When you want to layer another Part you simply activate KBD CTRL (Keyboard Control) for that new Part slot. You can activate KBD CTRL and play as many as eight Parts simultaneously. The other eight Parts (or all that you are not playing together) are available for individual play by selecting them directly, or available to be played by an external Controller.

KBD CTRL can be one Part through to eight Parts. All non-KBD CTRL Parts are available as separate entities. Each being the equivalent to a eight Element Motif XF program or an eight Operator FM synth.

Most synths layer by stacking on one channel... and then use principally standard controller messages to control all Parts together. CC74 changes filter cutoff for all Parts together in exactly the same way. You can either opt in or out, but everybody moves together or not at all. Either/or.

Yamaha synths over the past two decades have introduced via Master mode a method of transmitting on 4 or 8 Channels a real thing.

The MODX lets you address each Part with the bandwidth of its own channel. You and your eight possible Arpeggiators, literally, can generate data on multiple MIDI channels simultaneously. You can immediately understand why Arpeggio data requires its own full channel... Parameter change messages are interpreted by the Part via a massive Control Matrix which allows you to address each individual filter and its cutoff directly, if you wish. This can be literally scores of filters. You can design the movement so that some open, while others close, some change a lot, others move just a little,... you design the control over the sound in a more direct, detailed way. You can hear it in the complexity of the MODX sounds.

Multi-dimensional Control... a single gesture changes scores of parameters across multiple MIDI channels. And the extent to which you can customize and scale each controlled parameter is staggering.

The Super Knob and its Assignable Knob system allows the kind of detailed control over nuance that simply is not available in other systems.

Hi, Thank you for your detailed response. You say I was not clear in my original post. I felt that I was, but I will try to clarify even more.

It is not clear from your post whether you address one Tone Generator from two sets of keys for a reason - or is it just in case “one has an issue”.

Due to the complexity of some of our songs, I need access to two keybeds at any time. However, since I can control one keyboard with the other, I only need the audio from one keyboard. We run in stereo. Therefore, I only need to run two cables to the mixer rather than four. This process works great, however, I'm having issues with audio dropping out on the Krome units. That is why I'm looking for a different brand than Korg.

The MODX does not address itself via MIDI. So the channel setting is only an issue when playing back MIDI data, or attempting to control the MODX from an external controller. (What are you going to be doing?) are you going to play the MODX or trigger it via MIDI? NOT at all clear in your question.

I want the MODX to generate audio. I want to use another MIDI controller to also generate audio via MIDI through the MODX. I only want the MODX to be the sound generator.

Using my prior example this is how I need to be able to use a dual-keybed, single audio source configuration:

Part 1: Piano (to be played on the lower half of the MODX keybed)
Part 2: Organ (to be played on the upper half of the MODX keybed)
Part 3: Sax (to be played on any part of the external MIDI controller on CH 2)
Part 4: Brass (to be played on any part of the external MIDI controller on CH 2)

Currently, I am able to do this by setting the audio-generating Krome to CH 1, and the external, controlling Krome to CH 2. Then, on the audio-generating Krome, I can allow any of the 16 sounds, within a single preset, to be triggered by the Krome on CH 2. In other words, although the Krome's Combis allow 16 different voices to be layered/split, I can assign any MIDI channel to trigger them.

I hope this clarifies my needs. I read through all the documentation and it appears the MODX is not capable of this and each "Part" is assigned an unchanging MIDI channel number.

Thank you for your assistance.

If your second Keyboard is a just a controller then get a good one! To make the move to MODX and all of its power you’ll need a *real* MIDI Controller — one that transmits on 4 or even 8 MIDI channels simultaneously. It really only comes down to buying gear that is capable of doing what you require.

Surely, you will instantly hear, feel and understand the difference between each Part having its own channel. Playing multiple Parts via MIDI means simply selecting a controller that has the capabilities you need. Simple... from what you state even two channels would work... but I recommend expecting more from the external controller you select. Get one that can transmit on multiple channels (you’ll thank yourself!)

For example, if you replaced your two instruments with two MODX’s there would absolutely no issue setting up your setup, as each MODX transmits via an eight Zone Master Keyboard setup!

Stay where you are or move forward. Multiple channel control is the wave of the future (you can say you heard it here first)!