rockstar_not

The key component of the synth solo in the Cars "Let's Go" is the filter envelope changing for each note, with the envelope being reset for each note. This doesn't need a hex layer - it's a solo synth. It absolutely DOES need the filter envelope to be triggered on each note event, and the envelope needs to be programmed to give the right resonance and change through each note. I found a couple other sites with the same question - one of them goes into quite a bit of detail about needing oscilator sync capability and how to set the sync. http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2132225/synth_sound_for_the_Cars_quot_ This article claims it was a preset from the Prophet 5, 'Sync II' patch. Which again points to oscillator sync - which is not going to be in chapter 1 of a synth programming tutorial. Here's Jordan Rudess demoing and describing oscillator sync on the Moog Sub Phatty: Note that this is topic 8 of Rudess' explanations. Note what he says (It's one of the most advanced functions.....) at about 1:50 - 2:15 or so he says this. I can't determine if the XW-P1 had oscillator sync or not at present, but it's pretty fundamental to the sound of that lead.

I've actually used a Digitech RP500 and a Zoom G5 for a much improved rotary simulation over the built-in simulation in the P1. I have the Zoom G5 that I normally use with my electric guitars. The RP500 works pretty well as well. It's REALLY too bad Casio can't do a better job of this and the overdrive for the drawbar organ mode of this model. It sort of defeats the whole purpose of having the drawbar mode. I do have the tip posted above by David for footswitch activated switching between fast and slow modes. This still leaves the overdrive lacking. It's my #1 complaint of the weakness of the P1. I was hoping that pressure from others would have raised this to the point that a software update would fix it well enough to gig with. At present, you need to buy a pedal that costs nearly as much as the XW-P1 itself to make the drawbar organ mode acceptable for any rock usage. The GSi burn is $429. The Ventilator NEO mini is $349. Is the DSP just not capable of a less aggressive distortion?

I will have to try this midi expression pedal trick - if it works I'll be overjoyed. I have an old-school midi expression pedal from way back in my Ensoniq days, but it's just a potentiometer in a pedal with a 1/4" plug on the end of it. I'm gonna have to give it a try.

Mike, I find the Leslie rotation to be fine, it's simply the zener diode sounding distortion! What about the distortion in the PX5S - that sounds pretty good - can we get a software update to swap out the distortion for a partially tube distorted sound? Please? Without this on-board, one has to go external (doubling the cost of the keyboard) to get a good distorted organ sound.

Polarity isn't the answer. You need a normally open switch pedal (very common) for the XW. The normally closed pedals won't work no matter if you switch polarity or not.

It looks like there is a better distortion effect on the Privia PX-5S, I wonder if it could be implemented in the XW-P1. it's the only disappointment I have with buying the XW-P1. Mike's claim that all nord users are usint the Ventilator is not true. The distortion on the Electro is just fine for live performance. On the XW P1 it's way too crunchy.