Paul 

just purchased an old tx81z, wishing to use max to control the envelopes/output levels, whats the easiest way to do this?

hi, 
just purchased an old tx81z, wishing to use max to control the envelopes/output levels, whats the easiest way to do this?
cheers!
P

tx81z-envout-midi

To check TX81z midi implementation chart, and if it does not

respond to midi cc messages for parameters of Your interest,

then You will have to use system exclusive .

To check TX81z midi implementation chart, and if it does not
respond to midi cc messages for parameters of Your interest,
then You will have to use system exclusive .


sadly being a newbie to Max i've been looking for some very basic help to get me started on the syses procedure :-/

I see, so the stuff You'd like to control would need sysex.

In max it will be easy to send sysex strings via midiout object.

A very handy way to detect sysex string for parameters is to

use some editor which allready has all the stuff ready, and insert Max

as midi through in between, and then capture the midi stream.

I see, so the stuff You'd like to control would need sysex.
That should not be a big deal.
Did You have a look in the sysex chart ?
In max it will be easy to send sysex strings via midiout object.
A very handy way to detect sysex string for parameters is to
use some editor which allready has all the stuff ready, and insert Max
as midi through in between, and then capture the midi stream.
I'll be glad to help You to get further.



if u have a spare moment that would be fabulous

yep located sysex chart in manual.
am familiar with midi in Max

Sure, just post whatever questions or patches which need assistance.

I am on tour and so can't log in very frequently,

but as soon I get time I tend to do so...

There are many capable people here on the forums which

Sure, just post whatever questions or patches which need assistance.
I am on tour and so can't log in very frequently,
but as soon I get time I tend to do so...
There are many capable people here on the forums which
can help You as well.


just need a very basic outline of how to send a sysex message to the TX18Z to change the attack values of Operator 1, from that i can work out the rest for the other parameters.

I don't have the TX manual, so I can't give You the string.

Usually You start with Sysex Start (F0), Manufacturer ID ,Device ID, parameter ID, Value 

end whatever is needed and end with Sysex End (F7).

In Max easiest way is to create a message containing decimal numbers

for example 240 instead of f0 and so on and insert $1 for parameter value.

Connect that to iter, followed by midiout, and of course a slider or whatever

I am sorry to be somewhat short, I just have to leave in a short time.

Maybe You could provide download link for TX manual. or upload a page of it here.

I don't have the TX manual, so I can't give You the string.
Usually You start with Sysex Start (F0), Manufacturer ID ,Device ID, parameter ID, Value 
end whatever is needed and end with Sysex End (F7).
In Max easiest way is to create a message containing decimal numbers
for example 240 instead of f0 and so on and insert $1 for parameter value.
Connect that to iter, followed by midiout, and of course a slider or whatever
to change parameters...
I am sorry to be somewhat short, I just have to leave in a short time.
Maybe You could provide  download link for TX manual. or upload a page of it here.
I 'll be back tomorrow.

a copy of the manual attached to this message

chat when u have more time, very much appreciated!!!

Yamaha TX81Z.pdf

okay, thats helpful
am slowly understanding in good time 
a copy of the manual attached to this message
chat when u have more time, very much appreciated!!! 

https://cycling74.com/forums/any-maxmsp-people-out-there-using-a-yamaha-tx81z

envelopes and gain should be controllable by CCs very easily.

I can understand that it is a bit confusing, on some places one gets

But it is not that complicated, once You get their logic 

Here is a patch with 2 parameters that You wanted for OP1, and few words of explanation.

Had a look into Yamaha manual.
I can understand that it is a bit confusing, on some places one gets
binary, on the other hex, than decimal.
But it is not that complicated, once You get their logic 
Here is a patch with 2 parameters that You wanted  for OP1, and few words of explanation.



A bit unrelated, but have you looked into the stereoping controller? It's a LOT of fun to control the TX81Z with it, and also it will accept midi CC for each parameter (it takes care of the sysex thing).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK7G6ILFwsI

Here is a patch with 2 parameters that You wanted  for OP1, and few words of explanation.

okay, I've tried setting this up without much joy

Max has been set to the correct MIDI channel

it must be something to do with the sysex settings on the TX81Z?

okay, I've tried setting this up without much joy

Max has been set to the correct MIDI channel
it must be something to do with the sysex settings on the TX81Z?

the other issue I've come across is the program change message in 'Performance Mode'

currently got a pgmout object successfully changing 'Single Mode' presets but not able to do the same in 'Performance Mode' :- /

currently got a pgmout object successfully changing 'Single Mode' presets but not able to do the same in 'Performance Mode'  :- / 

i've not had much joy setting up the patch

the Max midi out object is set to the usb connected to the tx81z (as per screenshot)

nothing happening yet on the tx81z when checking the relevant parameters

look forward to your reply when u have a moment

Screen Shot 2017-08-26 at 14.00.47.png

sorry to bother u again!
i've not had much joy setting up the patch
the tx81z unit is set to midi ch 1
the Max midi out object is set to the usb connected to the tx81z (as per screenshot)
nothing happening yet on the tx81z when checking the relevant parameters

Are You sure that USB midi interface You use supports sysex ?

Most of the cheap so called midi cables don't

Are You sure that USB midi interface You use supports sysex ?
Most of the cheap so called midi cables don't
Could that be the problem ?


yeah i thought about that, could be the issue with old kit vs usb midi

any recommendations as to how to solve the problem?

Simply plug midi cable in it's in/out, send some sysex to it

If not, than You need a working interface

As first I would check that interface.
Simply plug midi cable in it's in/out, send some sysex to it
and check in Max if anything gets back.
If not, than You need a working interface


Miditech MidiLink Mini interface MIDI/USB - apparently not very reliable!

at the moment i'm running a cable directly into the tx81z

I've been using one of these:
Miditech MidiLink Mini interface MIDI/USB  - apparently not very reliable!

have been recommended the following:
Roland UM-One USB to MIDI Interface

at the moment i'm running a cable directly into the tx81z


sysex might also be turned off / filtered in the midi manager of the OS.

sysex  might also be turned off / filtered in the midi manager of the OS.

Search no longer, that midi interface is not capable of sysex data

Same Chip has been used in numerous midi cable interfaces,

they even can't send and receive polyphonic notes reliably.

Search no longer, that midi interface is not capable of sysex data
communication.
Same Chip has been used in numerous midi cable interfaces,
they even can't send and receive polyphonic notes reliably.



didnt i recently posted that little input helper for hex strings to the forums... i cant find it back.

yeah that cable is rubbish, howabout the 'Roland UM-One MKII'?

I've setup the TX81Z in midi manager on my Mac OS 10.11, there's a blank box for System Exclusive ID would that assist?

i could splash out on 'MOTU MIDI interface micro lite' to solve the problem?

yeah the 'Roland UM-One MKII' looks okay 

Motu USB interfaces will work, fastlane having 2 In/out ports

works fine, and is small enough if You need a portable solution.

Motu USB interfaces will work, fastlane having 2 In/out ports
works fine, and is small enough if You need a portable solution.
One can get one second hand for 20 -30 $


The easiest way to control a TX81Z with Max is to hack into the Kat.Opfour max for live emulation, pretty sure it has full sysex control tucked away in the patch, plus the interface is already built for you. I did it that way for a while, but now I just use Kat.Opfour, which sounds almost identical to the hardware...

https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/classic-synths/

how much does ableton cost with that synth pack then?

Pack is free. Maybe you can extract a patch from it without Live, not sure.

think u still need to install max for live into albeton so thats double costly?

if you don't have Live, you could use this. just open the amxd in Max

http://maxforlive.com/library/device/2202/tx81z-editor

if you don't have Live, you could use this.  just open the amxd in Max
http://maxforlive.com/library/device/2202/tx81z-editor 

that looks promising and something to get stuck into

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire/Thunderbolt Audio Interface

currently on sale, has plenty of functionality for IN/OUT plus MIDI connection and Thunderbolt!

would one these be sufficient:
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire/Thunderbolt Audio Interface

I would say that it will certainly be ok, that problem with sysex

is happening only on cheap midi cable interfaces which have shity chinese chip

and not enough buffer on it to do sysex or any other serious data transfer.

I would say that it will certainly be ok, that problem with sysex
is happening only on cheap midi cable interfaces which have shity chinese chip
and not enough buffer on it to do sysex or any other serious data transfer.



right then, am getting to grips with this slowly, a quick query...

in reference to the following on page 67 of the tx81z manual:

I've attempted to setup a new message box in Max with this:

(19 being the decimal PCED group and 8 being the Vol parameter output for INST1)

however, this message ends up changing the waveform of operator 2 in play single mode..????

hope u can advise if not to much trouble (fingers crossed)

in reference to the following on page 67 of the tx81z manual:
PCED (Performance parameters)
ggggg = 00100 (4),  hh= 11 (3)

240 67 16 19 8 $1 247 
(19 being the decimal PCED group and 8 being the Vol parameter output for INST1)

I guess it is due to bin - hex -dec conversion.

I don't have TX manual to look into at the moment

I guess it is due to bin - hex -dec conversion.
Here is a simple converter



Could it be that Yamaha manual has mistake in Sysex description ?

They state same value for ACED and PCED, which can't be correct.

The string You posted 240 67 16 19 8 $1 247 shoud affect operator 3 and not 2

Could it be that Yamaha manual has mistake in Sysex  description ?
They state same value for ACED and PCED, which can't be correct.
The string You posted 240 67 16 19 8 $1 247 shoud affect operator 3 and not 2

Would You try this one :
240 67 16 26 8 $1 247
That is TX802 PCED that works.


Not sure how PCED works, I use single mode and use VCED and ACED

you can change try changing volume of Operator 1 with VCED message

Not sure how PCED works, I use single mode and use VCED and ACED   

you can change try changing volume of Operator 1 with VCED message 

exactly, i'll try what you mentioned later today, thanks again mate!

 Could it be that Yamaha manual has mistake in Sysex  description ? They state same value for ACED and PCED, which can't be correct. 

> Could it be that Yamaha manual has mistake in Sysex description ?

If what I was told (by someone who worked for Yamaha) is correct they made a complete blunder with note-off messages. And because the DX7 was so popular the rest of the world had to follow 'em.

So I'd say YES - they're absolutely capable of making mistakes.

> Could it be that Yamaha manual has mistake in Sysex  description ?
They state same value for ACED and PCED, which can't be correct.

anyone familiar with Sysex messaging for the Nord Rack 2?

TX81Z env/out midi