The Korg NTS-1 has 29 CC#s assigned to different parameters that get modified to define a patch. There are patch editor and librarians for the PC but none for the Atari 8. I feel the need for a patch editor that will adjust, save, load and transmit the CC# values to the NTS-1. It would also be nice to be able to save them into MIDI MUSIC SYSTEM voice files for importing them into MMS music projects.
There is one missing thing on the MTS-1 that the Atari MIDI interface needs to make this so much easier, a 5-pin DIN - MIDI OUT port. Or, a USB MIDI interface. Or maybe I could read the USB midi data from the NTS-1 on the PC and then retransmit it to the Atari MIDI interface through a USB to MIDI interface with the 5-pin DIN. Where's the fun in that.
Below is some information I've picked up while pondering the project specifications. Some of it is useful, even if you own an NTS-1 and don't have any plans to hook it up to your Atari.
A "MIDI to 3.5mm Cable - TYPE A" will need to be purchased or built. A 3.5mm stereo cable and an inline 5 pin DIN Male connector (left over from making monitor cables) found within my spare parts Inventory has allowed the connection to be made directly into the computer's MIDI interface.
3.5mm TRS jack ---------- 5pin DIN
Tip<---------------------------->Pin 5
Ring<-------------------------->Pin 4
Sleeve------------------------->Pin 2
Chris Lody has made avalible 50 interesting custom sounds and nicely designed patch worksheets. All the information on the sheet can be found on the owner's manual if an explanation is needed. These sheets are worth having when designing patches. A link to the files is in the video description.
Korg NTS-1 - 50 Custom Patches with Downloads - Megademo
"Korg NTS-1 Patch Sheet A-Main" has the controls grouped by function. Which button to push, what knob to turn, the CC# for the control, and space for the meta data are all provided. If you write down the knob settings, you are well on the way to reproducing the sounds the next time the NTS-1 is turned on.
"Korg NTS-1 Patch Sheet B - Custom Oscillator and Effects Details" are to document settings for custom oscillator and effects. I haven't worked much with any custom types, but I do know that adding them with Korg's NTS-1 digital librarian will change the control change (CC) data ranges that set the TYPE.
Now the problem becomes converting the NTS-1 display data and/or sheet data to CC data values. The values for each of the CC# will need to be converted from the display data. The CC value to make the desired change is never directly displayed on the NTS-1. Some settings are never displayed, and some displays need to be scaled to a range of 0-127.
The settings can be estimated by using the USB port and MIDI monitor software. MidiView is a free bare bones app from the Windows Store. It seems to be a little unstable at times but if you keep it running then you can view the CC# commands as they are changed. Finding a better option might be to your advantage.
The NTS-1 outputs a MIDI timing command 24 times/quarter note. MidiView does not have a way of filtering out data so, 24X/quarter note you will see a $F8(248). The way around watching your CC values scroll off the screen is to put a TS 3.5mm jack (mono) into the sync in. This automatically switches off the clock output and only the CC values will be listed to the screen.
I will make a quick attempt to translate one of Chris Lody's patches into CC values and then use the MIDI MUSIC SYSTEM to program a series of CC commands (P(cc#),value) to set the patch. "Massive Monks" looks like an easy one.
All of the readings on the worksheet marked "-" have no effect when set.
|
CC |
sheet value |
CC# |
value |
Determination |
|
OSC type |
VPN |
53 |
75 |
Monitor |
|
Shape |
30% |
54 |
38 |
127*.3 |
|
Alt. |
1/20(n/20) |
55 |
0 |
(127/20)*(n-1) |
|
LFO: Depth |
0 |
26 |
63 |
center |
|
Filter:type |
LP2 |
42 |
0 |
Monitor |
|
Cutoff |
100% |
43 |
127 |
127*1.00 |
|
Reso. |
0% |
44 |
0 |
127*0.00 |
|
Sweep:Depth |
0 |
45 |
63 |
center |
|
Envelope:type |
ADSR |
14 |
0 |
Monitor |
|
Attack |
100% |
16 |
127 |
127*1.00 |
|
Release |
100% |
19 |
127 |
127*1.00 |
|
Tremolo: Depth |
0 |
21 |
0 |
(127/100)*n |
|
Mod Effect:type |
Ens |
88 |
50 |
Monitor |
|
Time |
50% |
28 |
63 |
127*0.50 |
|
Depth |
100% |
29 |
127 |
127*1.00 |
|
Delay:type |
Off |
89 |
0 |
Monitor |
|
Reverb:type |
Riser |
90 |
84 |
Monitor |
|
Time |
50% |
34 |
63 |
127*0.50 |
|
Depth |
100% |
35 |
127 |
127*1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
All type values will change when custom oscillators and Effects are downloaded to the NTS-1.
There are slots for 16 OSCs, 16 MODs, 8 DELAYs, and 8 REVERBs.
Two hours later -
The CC settings were programed into MIDI MUSIC SYSTEM software. They were then played into the NTS-1 to set up the patch. I was surprised that the sound was very close to the one on the video when using my monitor speakers. The disk has the MASMONK.MUS and MASMONK.V01 files, if you want to see the MMS data or try out your NTS-1.
Bonus Program - CCADJUST.BAS. This program will send out data to any CC# using a joystick to adjust the value. Bootup with the M: device autorun file and run CCADJUST.BAS. Enter the Channel number 1-16 and then the CC#. Move the joystick up or down to change the controller data. Press the trigger to increase the rate of change.
Now, on to writing the NTS-1 patch editor from this humble beginning.
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