Hi!

The steep learning curve of the XP has been discussed here before. I see the problem; these synths take a lot of time to really master, and even then there will be lots of functions that you have never used.

The advice I would give is to try to understand what I would call the LOGIC of the XP.

All PCM synths like the XP are basically the same. If you know how they work and what they actually do, it all gets much clearer, and you can even move from one synth to another relatively easy.

The problem is that many XP-users do not know of the basics of the instrument. One such example is the question in the start of this thread, about patches, waveforms, what is stored where, what consumes processing power. If you know how all this works, you will notice that it works in the same way in a Technics, Yamaha or Korg as it does in your Roland. And Tracey, I am not trying to make fun of you! Really!

So, my advice is to try to figure out the fundamental basics of the instrument, in addition to reading the manual and trying to create music. It worked well for me.. I have focused on understanding how the synth actually works instead of trying to memorize procedures and stepping through them like a checklist.

Just my opinions!

Stig

Hi, just got back from earning a little money doing what I love, music.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that some of the sounds on the expansion boards are made with internal waves, though not many. So if you download sounds that claim to be from expansion boards, they very well could be. Example, the flutes on the orchestra board are made using internal waves. The orchestra II board has new flute waves, but not the Orchestra I board. Those flutes are just re-tweaked from the original built-in waves of the XP.

For my short bio, I'm a musician by trade, but not full-time yet. I perform live, as well as hire as a session player, producer, and arranger for other local projects. Go to: www.roryhoffman.com
for more info about me.

You're right, Stigf. The only way I really learn something is to KNOW how it works and why. The only problem I have with that is that it seems like everytime I sit down and try to read the manual and learn how the XP works...I almost fall asleep! That's why I'm wondering if the video you can buy for the XP is any good. You got any news on this? Oh, and another thing...I'm not very easily offended (unless you tell me I'm ugly or my music sucks... ) and I didn't take your advice as offensive at all. I rather appreciate all the advice everyone on here is giving me.

Questions:

What does PCM stand for? And when you say "understand how the synth works"...how would you define that? Where in the manual would I figure all this out? By reading the whole thing front to back, or is there a specific area I should look for? Last but not least - do I ask enough questions?

Tracey

PCM = Pulse Code Modulation; if I understand correctly, it's the technical designation for how audio is encoded as the kind of ROM samples that synths such as the XP then "play back," which is why such synths are called "sample playback" synths. In the older series (JV80/880/90/1000) and the JV1080/2080, the optional "PCM Card" contains waveforms you can use to form new patches (the cards also contained patches).

I have the video and have learned a great deal from it, including a lot of tips that are in the manual but don't seem as useful at first as they are in the video (like navigating around the keyboard). It's most useful if your video player and keyboard are together so you can hit pause and perform the functions on your own XP the dude in the video is performing on his.

Hi

dnarkosis is right about PCM. A PCM-synth works with digital recorded samples from Read Only Memory (ROM). These are recordings of audio (samples) that can be triggered from the keyboard. The samples are then processed digitally by filters, envelopes, LFOs etc.. The samples, however, stay the same always.

What I mean by "understanding" the synth is to know these things. If you know the basic principles of synthesizers, it all starts to make sense, and you suddenly realize that a synth actually is logical.. And you don't need a degree in electronics or anything!

A good source for learning about synths in general is the SoundOnSound article-archive. They have several informative article-series. www.sospubs.co.uk

Stig