I'm having a hard time getting my hookup correct.

I have an Ensoniq EPS-16 Plus I want to use as a master, and an Alesis Micron to use as a slave.

I cannot get the Micron to play, using the EPS-16 Plus keyboard. I can get the EPS to play using the Micron keyboard.

Help this MIDI dork out please!

Thanks, and I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

Keep in mind that it takes more than just connecting two MIDi devices to get them to communicate. They both have to be setup to do that. If one transmits (or is set to transmit) on a certain MIDI channel another (slave) has to be also set to that MIDI Channel. Also, there are multiple MIDI options and modes.

You can always stop being a MIDi dork and simply Google for basics on MIDI connections and setups. It's no rocket science. what you are trying to do is way way way more difficult then simply reading instructions on how it all should be done.

Tell me exactly what you are doing.

-ED_

------------------
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

I have it to where I can use the EPS keys to play the Micron.

In the EPS-16 Plus manual it talks about assigning an iinstrument "slot" or key to the external source (such as the Micron) and then being able to select it while playing the EPS samples.

That part I'm having trouble doing.

Ah!
This makes it way way way more challenging then. Since I do not have a manual (and I'm going to sleep now so will continue tomorrow) I can't say if I can be much help. At least based on what you just told me this definitely goes beyond your basic MIDi connections. Most KBs automatically transmit on so called Global MIDI channel (although some have different options for MIDI TX and RX channels) so normally it's just a matter of connecting things right and making sure that the MIDi channels match.

However, if on this particular model MIDI control of external devices has to be setup per program or zone I can't tell you what the exact procedure is since I haven't got access to the manual.

If you don't mind could you may be throw a brief description of what the manual says (not as brief as you so far have) my way I'll try to figure this one out. usually it isn't that hard.

BTW we're all MIDi dorks when it comes to new gear and unfamiliar synths.

Will continue tomorrow.

-ED-

------------------
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

Its on page 3-8 and its a whole page of stuff.

It sounds like I should be able to make the external source assignable to a preset. It's pretty long and involved. I think I will give it another try in the morning, with a clearer head...it's starting to give me a headache.

thanks

Were you successful?

-ED-

------------------
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

Yes sir, I was!

There was a lot of head scratching, and frustration, but I actually had it and didn't know it.

It required me to have each keyboard hooked into its own amplifier. There was no EPS-16 sounds because the audio wasn't going anywhere. I had the audio cables plugged into just the Micron. After hooking up another amp, it worked perfectly. I had it right after all!

I will be purchasing a mixer, so I can have true stereo, and not just the Micron from one amp, and the EPS from the other. That will require some research to find a good one that won't break the bank. I'm thinking of the Mackie Onyx 1220.

It really does work well.....I boot up the EPS-15 Plus, then stick in the MICRON disk that I made, that contains the instructions, assign it to a button, load in some other samples for the EPS to play....AND THAT'S IT! With the push of a button, I can play the Micron on the EPS keyboard, switch back to the EPS samples, and I can even play both at the same time, allowing for some pretty interesting "combination sounds".

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by rdnzl (edited 01-09-2006).]

Congrats ,

I'm glad it is something simple.
Hey, smart move on thinking about a mixer. Also consider getting a pair of speakers. If you're using guitar amps you're not really getting the right quality and it actually warps the sound a fare bit. Even connecting your mixer to a home hi-fi is a better alternative than using guitar amps. There are quite a few posts around here describing different affordable self powered and passive speakers so feel freee to search or ask.

Have fun with all that stuff and always dive in there to program something of your own. That's what synths are for.

-ED-

------------------
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde