I don't think that can be done. It defaults to All I guess as the assumption would be that you can choose first of all from every available performance to merge - and then filter it down if need be (it is only 3 screen presses afterall - 1 to 2 seconds max).

Thanks Phil - that's a pity though. As you say, I can audition each in turn, but only at the pre-set settings, in particular volume, and volume can make all the difference in the world. To change the volume I must go to Performance Control - and the damage is done! Just thought - the Part I just added would automatically be selected - so would the faders/knobs work only on that? Maybe I could adjust the volume without going to PC?

Another question (I have lots!) - when in PC Mixer mode there are options called 'Rev Send' and 'Var Send' (and at the far right are corresponding 'Rev Return' and 'Var Return') but twiddling these has no discernible effect on the sound in question. Should they have? Or should I have done something else first?

On the bandstand, efficiency improvements are a big help. There's little time between one tune and another with instrument swapping, music shuffling, and last-minute set list changes.

Even knowing the shortcuts (like press category search selects between "all, preset," and "user" lists - it took too long to switch between my pre-saved performances and voices.

I have since added all of my performances to a user live set and have added "live drums" as a live set entry as well in order to cover some aux percussion.

There are a few spots where the function of the buttons are state based (meaning - they depend on how things are selected at the moment and act differently depending on the current setting). At times I'd like to have a way to force an action that is not state based but absolute. Holding down a button is not a bad way to force something to happen.

I also noticed that the filters are sticky - so the last time I selected filters - they carry though. I'd rather the filters be forgotten so when I do another search - it's based off of "all".

Indeed - live sets are really the only practical way to access performances quickly and easily. Because of this I hoped that the firmware update might have added more functionality (like inserting a performance into an existing list) but no such luck. Indeed Bad Misters recent blog on live sets suggests that this might not be on their radar at all:

'The MONTAGE's current system does not have an "insert" function where subsequent assignments are pushed back, nor a "delete" function where assignments close rank, therefore, you will need to rely on an external application to assist you in instant realignment of programs. Since MONTAGE Performances are small bulk data packets, such an external application is not impossible, in the future."

With no mention of what this external application might be - some pc program? A shame if a laptop also has to be brought to a gig in order to insert one performance into a list!

Live Sets I tend to use for finished 'voices' (I know it should be Performance, but to me a Performance is a piece of music, not a single voice), and very handy for instant transition. I do use the 'Swap' function to change the order of things, but that doesn't work as well as an insert or delete function - strange oversight. Still haven't got to the Montage to try the faders/sliders without going to PC (Performance Control in this context!). I didn't know about pressing 'Category Search' while already in it for selecting which Bank (I think that's what you said, Jason) - I use a stylus on the screen, so clicking a button avoids picking it up and putting it down. Thanks for the tip!

Incidentally you can alter the volume of parts as you are merging performances before you press enter by using the faders that are matched to each part as long as the indicators to the left of these are showing Part 1-8 (or Part 9-16), as opposed to Element/Operator.

Thank you Jason and Phil - both tips work well. So much easier than interrupting the flow to use the stylus - the same with the faders rather than the data wheel too. May I ask how does one change the status indicator lights to the left of the faders, please? Must be selectable, but pushing buttons doesn't seem to have any effect - so it has to be a specific push or sequence of pushes. I notice also that the fader status indicators (red bars beside the faders) are dictated by the data wheel.

The red leds can be changed by the data wheel or the sliders. By default the indicators should be Part but would show element if the merging performance uses the faders for element levels (as some of the tonewheel organs do). It can be changed by the part control button but at that stage you will be back at the performance home screen.

When not already in "Category Search", pressing [CATEGORY SEARCH] will bring you to a list of performances with the "All" bank selected. Pressing [CATEGORY SEARCH] while showing the category search screen will alter the bank and cycle through All, Preset, and User.

The slight annoyance is that I have to keep track of how many times I press [CATEGORY SEARCH] on the stage instead of something like defaulting to "User" when I press [CATEGORY SEARCH] from any other screen -- or maybe a long press to jump straight to user - or some more deterministic way to get to the area I'm interested in.

As far as the LEDs to the left of the sliders:

To select "Element/Operator" green LED to left of faders:
===========================================

1) Press [PERFORMANCE] (HOME)
2) Press [PERFORMANCE CONTROL]
3) Press Number A [1] --> Which is the "1/1" button under the silkscreen "PART SELECT"

... from the manual I'm writing for myself:

"An aside to clear up a less intuitive marketing term:

I was initially confused by the terms “Number A [1]-[16]”, “Number B [1]-[8]”, and “Number C [1]-[8]”. The confusing part is the “A”, “B”, and “C” part. Take a look at the Owner’s Manual page 7 right/top of keyboard control surface. Circled numbers 43-45. Page 10 has the details."

4) The ELEMENT/OPERATOR LED should be lit. Also: instead of pressing Number A [1] (for part 1) - you can press any of the Number A [1]-[8] buttons to select parts 1-8. At this point, the faders should affect elements 1-8 within the selected part.

To select Part 1-8 for green LED to left of faders
=======================================

1) Press [PERFORMANCE] (HOME)

That's it. I wish pressing this button didn't reset the LED back to part 1-8. Certainly for those patches that use the sliders in element mode to affect the performance like "All 9!" (organ).

To select Part 9-16 for green LED to left of faders
=======================================

1) Press [PERFORMANCE] (HOME) button
2) Press [PART CONTROL] buton
3) Press Number A [9] (which is labeled "1/9" under the "PART MUTE" silkscreen

Note: in "PART CONTROL" mode, the right-most number applies to the button. Follow the dotted line from the [PART CONTROL] button and see this group of buttons is for "PART SELECT 1-16".

Of course, any of the buttons Number A [9]-[16] will make the green LED to the left of the faders change to "Part 9-16". In this mode, it doesn't matter which part (9, or 10, or .. 16) you have selected - the faders will be the same - meaning fader 1 will control the level of part 9, fader 2 will control the level of part 10, and so on...

Thanks Jason - things do get a bit muddled, but your system is clear - I will write my own guide as you have. So far, I have avoided 'Elements' but I can't for much longer! No doubt a whole slew of new probs await! But I am feeling happier with the Montage than I was to begin with, thanks to this Forum. Long may it continue!

I have a PERFORMANCE with 8 PARTS, I want to add more PART to that PERFORMANCE by press PART CONTROL and Press button 1/9 to add the number 9 PART to my PERFORMANCE, after adding the PART number 9 into that PERFORMANCE, the first 8 PARTS has no sounds. Dont have any clues why?

Thanks

Hello Tho - are all the 'Kbd Ctrl' icons lit green?

Rod,
I am not sure because I am away from home now... But when you press the PART 9, and the first 8 PARTS will be hiding ..so at this point I will need to check...
But if you can kindly provide me the setup steps

Thanks
Tho

Sorry Tho - I know I read somewhere that a 9th Part could be added, and I've been searching for that. I cannot find it - this happens a lot! It so happens that I want to add a 9th: Part to something - or at least try it out - and have landed in the same boat as you. As I don't use a DAW or a sequencer, Parts 9 -16 are useless to me, though to be fair, 8 Parts are enough 99% of the time. Keep trying ...