Sorry.. another Hex Mode Question

[CairnsFella]

Hi again,

 

Another of my outstanding questions:-

 

Hex Layers. I know these are a P1 only element and I am 99.9% sure the G1 is a best fit for my needs, but it would be foolish to dismiss that last 0.1 percent without understanding one of the 'main' features of the P1 and one that many many people seem to talk about. I guess that I dont really see what these Hex Layers offer over and above conventional velocity layering. I believe there are additional parameters that can be controlled via hex layers that you would not be able to access otherwise, but then this limitation may only be specific to this keyboard anyway, might'n it. What I am saying is what is the difference between Hex Layers on the Casio, and theoretically Velocity Layers on a different synth that may well offer more control over each layer. I guess I feel I am missing a fundamental point that must exist for this feature to be worthy of it's own 'Name' and such avid discussion.

 

Note:- This question is one from an original list in post:-

 

http://www.casiomusicforums.com/index.php?/topic/8029-a-list-of-g1-questions/

 

but as that thread ulrtimately focused upon a sampling question I have seperated these out

[Brad Saucier]

Study the section on hex tone editing to get an idea of what they are.   

 

http://support.casio.com/storage/en/manual/pdf/EN/008/XWP1_1B_EN.pdf#page=32

[CairnsFella]

Sorry if I sound a bit dumb BradMZ, but I have read that (and indeed have read it again following your post in case I missed something), but I am still not seeing what it is that makes this anything different to a standard layering / velocity switching type setup.

 

To give my understanding some context, I have only really owned one decent hardware synth... my quirky old Technics WSA1 (Though I have a yamaha sampler rack unit, and have used many soft synths) so my understanding is obviously based upon my own experiences. As such I realise there is no 100% match between the XW (in the context of HEX tones) and my WSA1 for example. But I am struggling to see how the results I could achieve through multiple driver tones, or combination tones in my WSA1 would be much different 'in principle' to these HEX tones.

 

I havent got a problem if there isnt much of a difference (as I have noted, I am more inclined toward the G1 in any case) however, it just bugs me that I feel am missing something.

 

If there is a 'new thing' going on here, I am unsure why the standout elements cant be described in a few words.

 

Perhaps I should run a "25 words or less" competition...

 

"The HEX layer tones in the Casio XW represent an innovation in synthesis because........................................""

 

LOL

 

.. anyway, thanks for trying to assist me there BradMZ.

[Null]

The thing that differentiates the Hex Tones on the P1 and PX-5S is that they are  pretty much the only synths in their price class that offer 6 layers in a single zone.

 

Sure a Kurzweil PC3K can do up to 32 layers in a zone but that's a $4000 USD instrument.

 

Otherwise compared to most instruments in the $500 to $1000 range the most you can hope for is two zones with two layers each.

 

If your rack contains multiple synths then it becomes less of a must have feature.

 

If you're starting out on a budget though,  it's quite an attractive feature to have.

 

Gary

[CairnsFella]

Gary,

 

I believe your response answers what I am asking albeit 'slightly' indirectly. So whilst I am not quoting you verbatim, I think it is safe to conclude that there is nothing significantly different between HEX tones on the Casio and tone layers by any other name on other synths that can perform such functions.

 

That's all I wanted to know.  

 

As I say, I thought there was some fundamental difference because in all the references I read and hear about hex tones, there seems to be little or no reference to conventional layering so I was convinced I wasnt understanding some whole new concept whose underlying premis appeared to be some massive secret.

 

By the same token I do not wish to belittle the usefulness of this on the P1 at all. It's obviously massively beneficial to have that tone layering facility. In fact, I feel more positive toward the P1 now I am more comfortable with what HEX actually is.

 

Thanks again. 

[Null]

You're very welcome.

 

Personally I own a P1 and haven't had much to offer you about the G1 but personally I find the Hex Layer sounds to be very sonically lush and rich in timbres with which other, pricier synths are unable to compete.

 

Gary