Using external controller to play drum kits

[joecandy]

I have connected a roland v drum kit to the midi in of the mzx 500 and can play a drum kit through its speakers. My question is how do i change the drum kit to hear different sounds. I can only hear the standard kit. What midi settings do i need to change?

[Brad Saucier]

You can use the MZ-X mixer to select other drum kits.  Choose the mixer port that matches your MIDI input port setting and you should be set.  The MZX series has a 48 part sound engine.  MIDI can only address 16 channels at a time so MIDI IN has A, B and C port selections.  The mixer also has port selection.  

[joecandy]

Yes thanks thats got it working.

Ive tried to send the midi data on to an ipad. I can trigger the ipad from the mzx500 keyboard but not from whats coming in from the external vdrums. Im not using the midi thru but just the usb. Is there any way of controlling what midi goes out on the usb? Maybe i need a midi interface for the ipad and im expecting too much from the keyboard.

Im on firmware 1.21.

By the way, is the speaker supposed to make a lot of electrical type noise when the usb at the back is connected? I have to turn the speaker off when im not using the internal sounds.

[Brad Saucier]

That is likely USB ground loop noise. It is a common issue on many products, not just keyboards, when an analog audio connection is used along with a USB connection.  Do an internet search for "usb ground loop noise" and you'll find more information.  

 

As far as MIDI IN to USB MIDI OUT, you'll need other gear for that.  Casio's XW synths and PX-5S could do that.  The MZX models can't.