Exploring the Roland MKS-70 and JX-10 with Vecoven Mod: A Max4Live Control Device Overview

Firstly, let's address the prerequisites necessary to operate this device. You need either the Roland MKS-70 Synthesizer or JX-10 synthesizer with a Vecoven Mod version 4.x. While version 3.x might work, it hasn't been officially tested by the device's developer. Additionally, an Ableton Live Suite 11 is required, though there is a possibility it could function with Ableton Live 10 as well. The device might also be compatible with a PWM Daughterboard.

This Max4Live device is designed to give you total control over all parameters of the Roland MKS-70 and JX-10 synthesizers from Ableton Live. The control is separate for UPPER and LOWER, resulting in a wide control panel due to the sheer volume of parameters involved. This means, users who enjoy in-depth sound design will appreciate the granularity afforded by this device.

Currently, the device operates in a unidirectional manner. This implies two things - firstly, the values appearing on the device controls won't necessarily reflect actual values on the synthesizer unless each parameter is altered through the Max4Live device. Secondly, clicking on a control will result in an immediate jump to the selected value.

One potential pitfall of the device in its current state is that it doesn't support on-device patch/preset storage. In order to save your sounds, you'll need to store them directly on the MKS-70 or JX-10.

Despite this being the first public release (with its internal version being 21), expect some potential bugs which could be fixed overtime. The device author encourages any users who identify a bug to report it on GitHub.

From a development perspective, two major plans have been laid out for the device’s evolution. In the future, the author aspires to make this control device bidirectional with patch parsing, to aid in mirroring the actual sound values on the control interface. The aesthetic aspect of the device has not been ignored; plans to enhance the device's appearance and potentially create a popup version are underway.

Although in its current form, the device might not be perfect, ambitious sound explorers and fans of the MKS-70 and JX-10 will undoubtedly find utility in its ability to control every parameter from Ableton Live. Given its nature as a beta project, the device's true potential will only be unlocked as it's developed further and refined based on user feedback.

The device is available for non-commercial use under attribution licensing. Aspiring users can download it from GitHub via the URL provided under ‘Device Details’.

Example Usage

To get started with the Roland MKS-70 and JX-10 with Vecoven Mod control device, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have the necessary prerequisites: a MKS-70 or JX10 synthesizer and the Vecoven Mod v4.x (3.x might work as well, but it's not tested).
  2. Install Ableton Live Suite 11 (this device was tested with Live 11, but it might work with Live 10 as well).
  3. Download the device from the following link: [Device Download Link](https://github.com/markusschloesser/M4L_MKS-70).
  4. Open Ableton Live and add the Max4Live device to a MIDI track.
  5. Connect your MKS-70 or JX10 synthesizer to your computer using MIDI cables or a MIDI interface.
  6. In Ableton Live, assign the MIDI input and output of the track containing the device to the MIDI ports that are connected to your synthesizer.
  7. Start exploring! This Max4Live device allows you to control and edit all parameters of the Roland MKS-70 and JX10 directly from Ableton Live. Remember that the device is divided into separate sections for UPPER and LOWER, so you'll find an extensive range of parameters to tweak.
  8. Note that the current version of the device is unidirectional, meaning that the displayed values might not match the actual values on the synth unless you manually adjust each parameter on the Max4Live device. Clicking on a value will cause it to jump to the selected value.
  9. Remember to save any changes you like directly on the MKS-70 or JX10 synthesizer itself, as the Max4Live device does not have patch/preset storage at the moment.
  10. If you encounter any bugs or issues, feel free to report them to the device's author by opening an "Issue" on the GitHub page.

Happy exploring and creating with the Roland MKS-70 and JX-10 with Vecoven Mod control device in Ableton Live!

One way to use the Roland MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device in Ableton Live Suite 11 is to create dynamic filter sweeps on the JX-10 synth.

Here's how you can do it: 1. Connect your JX-10 synth to your computer via MIDI. 2. Add the Roland MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device to a MIDI track in Ableton Live. 3. On the Max4Live device, locate the "Filter Cutoff" parameter for the JX-10 synth. 4. Create an automation envelope in Ableton Live for the "Filter Cutoff" parameter. 5. Draw a curved line in the automation envelope to create a filter sweep effect. 6. Play your MIDI track in Ableton Live and listen to the filter sweep effect being applied to the JX-10 synth.

Experiment with different shapes and lengths of the automation envelope to create unique and interesting filter sweep effects. Make sure to adjust the filter cutoff range on the JX-10 synth itself to achieve the desired sound.

With the Roland MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device, you have full control over the parameters of the JX-10 synth from within Ableton Live, opening up endless possibilities for creative sound manipulation.

Further Thoughts

To demonstrate the powerful capabilities of the Roland MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device, let's explore a usage example that showcases its ability to control and edit parameters of the Roland MKS-70 and JX10 from Ableton Live.

Imagine you have a project in Ableton Live that requires a rich and evolving pad sound. With the MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device, you can easily shape and mold the sound of your Roland MKS-70 or JX10 directly within Live.

Begin by adding the Max4Live device to a MIDI track in your Live session. Connect your Roland MKS-70 or JX10, equipped with the Vecoven mod, to your computer.

Once everything is set up, you'll notice the extensive parameter control offered by the device. Take a moment to explore the vast range of parameters available for the UPPER and LOWER sections of your synthesizer. From oscillator settings to filter parameters, envelope controls to modulation sources, you have full access to all the sonic potential these iconic synths have to offer.

Let's say you want to create a morphing pad sound over time. Begin by adjusting the oscillator parameters to create a lush foundation. Experiment with detuning and waveform shapes to add depth and character. Use the filter controls to sculpt the tonal characteristics of your pad, applying gentle resonance to emphasize certain frequencies.

To add movement, leverage the built-in modulation sources. Assign an LFO to control the filter cutoff frequency and subtly modulate it over time. Experiment with different modulation waveforms and rates to find the desired amount of movement.

Furthermore, take advantage of the envelope controls to shape the dynamics of your pad sound. Adjust the attack, decay, sustain, and release parameters to craft the desired envelope response, allowing the sound to evolve naturally.

While experimenting with the parameters, remember that the MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device is currently unidirectional. This means that the values displayed on the device might not match the actual values on your synthesizer. To overcome this limitation, make sure to manually change each parameter on the Max4Live device to ensure accurate representation.

Once you've crafted a pad sound that fits your composition, make sure to save it directly onto your MKS-70 or JX10 synth itself. While the Max4Live device doesn't offer patch/preset storage at the moment, leveraging the memory capabilities of your hardware synth ensures that you can quickly recall your sound in future live performances or studio sessions.

In conclusion, the MKS-70 - JX10 - Vecoven mod hw control 21.0 Max4Live device is a valuable tool for unlocking the full potential of your Roland MKS-70 or JX10 synthesizer within Ableton Live. Its extensive parameter control and seamless integration provide a new level of flexibility and creativity for your electronic music productions. Stay tuned for future updates that will enhance the device's functionality, including bi-directional communication with patch parsing and a more visually appealing interface. Download the device and start exploring the sonic possibilities today!

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