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MONTAGE Series Synthesizers
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Topic starter
I've noticed some strange behavior of the mod wheel on various performances on my Montage 8 and I wonder if it's a problem with my particular keyboard or an anomaly with the performance.
In particular, while using the "Seattle Sections" performance, the mod wheel can throw the whole keyboard out of tune by a half-step or so. To recreate what it does, I can play any note and roll the mod wheel up and down. Many times it doesn't affect the pitch (I'm actually not entirely sure if it's affecting anything, maybe vibrato?). But then, as I roll the wheel suddenly the pitch will 'glitch' and slide down or up a small amount (around a half-step).
Can someone else recreate this on their board? Or, does it sound like it's a problem with my mod wheel?
This being said, many performances that have an obvious use for the mod wheel seem to work just fine.
Thanks for your help!
Posted : 18/12/2016 5:23 am
While the MW is assigned to very slightly Fine Tune the 1st violins (Part 1), 2nd violins (Part 2), violas (Part 3), cellos (Part 4), and contrabasses (Part 5) different amount -which gives a very real feel to the full string Orchestral sound- there is no major change in pitch assigned to the Mod Wheel.
But what is likely happening to you is you are unwittingly touching the RIBBON controller which is programmed to a severe pitch change - to be used for a special bowed string articulation.
Recommendation: Do not rest your hand on the Ribbon when attempting to engage the Mod or Pitch Bend Wheels. Particularly when the Ribbon is live doing "Pitch"
How to use the Ribbon on strings: place you finger dead Center, with a small back-and-forth rolling motion, as if adding vibrato to any string instrument, you can apply 'real' vibrato. The 1:1 relationship to actually applying vibrato is preferred by many players. Try it!
Now that you know this, you will hear that the MW's influence pitch change is very, very slight (just enough detuning to make the strings found like an acoustic section), while the Ribbon is responsible for what you identified in your post. How you use the Ribbon is up to you, but it is one of many String articulations you can coax from this Performance.
As the Super Knob reaches maximum, (you've morphed to the solo violin/viola/cello) try using the Ribbon to add vibrato...
Hope that helps clear up the mystery.
Posted : 18/12/2016 5:56 am
Topic starter
Thanks, Bad Mister. You are exactly right and I didn't even realize I had been brushing the ribbon controller with my hand. I think the proper response is "Duh." 🙂
Posted : 20/12/2016 6:00 am
No worries, but the proper term is "D'oh!" - H. Simpson 🙂
Posted : 20/12/2016 10:40 am
