Roland CM-500

[moturimi1]

I'm just trying to record game music from "Legend of Kyrandia" using the CM-500. I want to use it in mode1 so I can use the MT-32 and SC-55 (MT-32 emulation mode) sounds together. This works because you don't find any special user instruments for the music in this game.
The only problem for me is that the sound-level of the SC-55 part is louder than the one of the MT-32, although the manual says that both parts have the same sound level.
So the only chance to achieve a better balance is to use SYSEX messages, but I don't know if both module parts react on changing the master level. I only want to change the master level of one module part and not both. (SC-55 or MT-32) I'm not very familiar with SYSEX. Maybe someone can help me.

If someone is interested, here you find 3 MP3 files of MIDI music found in the game:

http://service.gmx.net/mc/QU1PSBxi5ZnIhUbloZh0yHYIi4yK8r

[Alistair]

This works because you don't find any special user instruments for the music in this game.

Weeeelll, there's one. 'Funk Bass' or something (I forget exactly what.)

I'm supposed to be recording the 'unofficial CD' for Frank Klepacki himself, actually. He liked some betas I sent him..
Kyrandia has a lot of problems with MIDI, though.

Keep us posted.. I'm not sure what the relevant SysEx would be.

- Alistair

[Tom]

Your problem is easily solved.  Create the MIDI file.  Duplicate all the tracks, and place all the tracks you want output to the SC-55 on channels 11-16, and all the tracks you want output to the CM-32 on channels 2-9.  Then use each track's volume controllers to adjust the balance the way you want it.

The SC-55 and CM-32L use different methods of creating sound.  I don't see how they'd be equally balanced in overall volume based on the differences of their qualities.

But....how can the way you're doing it work?  The SC-55 and CM-32L have different patch maps. The instruments will be different on each part of the CM-500.  I'm confused. :shock:

[Zemus]

I'm confused too. In mode 1, the MT-32 and SC-55 will share channels 2-9 so you need to send sysex to disable and enable the synths you want to use on each channel.

[Tom]

He could do it by creating the MIDI file I mentioned; but just playing the game through the CM-500 in mode 1 without disabling the SC portion would seem to produce...a mess of sounds.  

If you're a bit timid in using SysEx, you'll find a simple solution on my Utilities page:

http://www.queststudios.com/utilities/cm500sysex.zip  


You use PARTSOFF.MID files just like any other MIDI file -- you play it, and the file will automatically send the necessary SysEx to the CM-500 that will shut off the SC-55 portion of the module...leaving you in true MT-32 emulation mode.

[moturimi1]

But....how can the way you're doing it work?  The SC-55 and CM-32L have different patch maps. The instruments will be different on each part of the CM-500.  I'm confused. :shock:

Both synths are enabled in mode1. But I used a sysex message to set the SC-55 to MT-32 emulation mode. That's how I do it at the moment!
Let's see if there are other solutions for my probem.
I will keep you informed.

[Tom]

Oh, now I understand where you're coming from -- you're using the SC-55's bank #127.  Got it.

[moturimi1]

Yes, SC-55's bank 127.
Good that someone understands me  

[Tom]

Then my original solution will work...

Create the MIDI file.  Duplicate all the tracks, and place all the tracks you want output to the SC-55 on channels 11-16, and all the tracks you want output to the CM-32 on channels 2-9.  Then use each track's volume controllers to adjust the balance the way you want it.