User Manual v1.

www.directsynth.com

Introduction
Thank you for choosing our product, we wish you lot of fun using it.

What is EMX ?
The EMX, also known as Electribe MX is a hardware audio workstation designed by Korg. It can generate synthesizer and drum sounds, and can record patterns and songs. Go to Korg web site for more information.

What is DirectEMX for?

DirectEMX is a VSTi MIDI plug-in that allows you to control in real-time every sound shaping parameters of the Korg EMX in your DAW. As a benefit of the host integration, DirectEMX provides an incredible feature set including total recall and parameters automation, combined with the power, stability and punchy sound of the EMX.

You must own the Korg EMX to use DirectEMX.

DirectEMX Features
Full parameters control and automation from a VST host software (5 Synth parts and 9 drum parts) A clean and helpful interface specially designed for the EMX Total recall : The whole state of the EMX is saved in the DAW project and can be loaded back. System-Exclusive dumps : Get all the patterns of your EMX in the DirectEMX interface, then modify and reverse-engineer existing patches easily.

Installation & Requirements

Installation
To install DirectEMX on your system, simply copy the DirectEMX.dll file in your VSTPlugins directory (default path for windows is C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins ; For Mac : /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST)

Requirements
PC minimum requirements: - Pentium III 800 Mhz - 512 MB RAM - Windows XP/Vista/7 - MIDI interface - VST 2.4 compliant host MAC: - OS X 10.5 or 10.6 - Intel Core Duo - 1 GB RAM - MIDI interface - VST 2.4 compliant host

MIDI Mode
DirectEMX features 2 midi modes: Host and DirectMidi

Host mode:
In host mode the MIDI messages are going through the host software (ie Cubase, Live). Advantage: The MIDI device is shared between the host and DirectEMX. Disavantages: It requires to setup host tracks correctly ; All the MIDI messages may not not be transmitted (host filtering), making it incompatible with DirectEMX on some cases. Sysex are not supported.

DirectMidi mode:
In DirectMidi mode the MIDI messages are directly exchanged between DirectEMX and the MIDI device (ie sound card). Advantage: No setup is needed in the host software, all MIDI messages are exchanged including sysex, giving expanded possibilities (Pattern name, full dumps), and this is independant of the host. Disavantages: The MIDI device is dedicated to DirectEMX, but notes and midi messages that are not used by the EMX are forwarded to the host. Some MIDI interfaces may not be compatible as they dont manage sysex correctly, however DirectEMX has a recover mechanism that is sometimes efficient.

Setup tab
Knob mode determines the way you use the mouse to control the knobs. Dumps of the current pattern or Banks (DirectMIDI only)

This indicates if an EMX hardware has been detected (DirectMIDI only)

Indicates whether the device could be opened

In DirectMIDI mode you have to select the MIDI device where your EMX is connected.

Host compatibility
DirectMIDI mode:
In DirectMIDI mode, the transmission of MIDI messages is not dependant of the Host. The only compability issue may come from the MIDI device used.

Host mode:
DirectEMX mostly rely on MIDI message. You may encounter some compatibility issues with some hosts that does not manage MIDI messages properly. Here is our non-exhaustive compatibility chart, you may get the last updated version at www.directsynth.com (support section). Host\Feature Cubase SX v3~6 FL Studio v8 v9 Sonar v8 Live v8 Acid pro v7 - Integration : DirectEMX is fully functional to control, automate and recall all the parameters of the EMX. - Controller : The Korg EMX can be used as a midi controller and DirectEMX interface is automatically updated when a parameter value changes. Also EMX internal motion sequences can be seen on DirectEMX interface. - Dumps : It is possible to dump pattern banks (or just current pattern) from the EMX by receiving MIDI Sys-Ex message in DirectEMX.
Needs manual mapping

Integration

Controller

Dumps

EMX Configuration
As DirectEMX relies on MIDI communication, your EMX must be properly connected and configured:
Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT connector of your sound card to the EMXs MIDI IN connector. Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI IN connector of your sound card to the EMXs MIDI OUT connector.

Make sure the MIDI configuration of your EMX is set to the factory settings: (Refer to the MIDI mode section of your EMX manual)
Parts Synth1 Synth2 Synth3 Synth4 Synth5 Drums Channels 1 2 3 4 5 10 Synth Parameter Osc type Osc Edit1 OscEdit2 Glide Filter type Filter cutoff Filter resonance Filter Eg int Filter drive Level Pan MIDI Filter PCEN Value oooo Eg Time Amp Eg CC CC#70 CC#14 CC#15 CC#5 CC#83 CC#74 CC#71 CC#79 CC#84 CC#7 CC#10 CC#75 CC#86 Global Parameter FX Chain CC CC#23 Synth Parameter Roll Fx send Fx select Mod type Mod depth Mod speed Mod dest Mod bpm sync Motion seq sw CC CC#85 CC#91 CC#81 CC#87 CC#90 CC#89 CC#88 CC#82 CC#80 FX1 Parameter FX Type FX Edit1 FX Edit2 FX Motion Seq sw FX2 Parameter FX Type FX Edit1 FX Edit2 FX Motion Seq sw FX3 Parameter FX Type FX Edit1 FX Edit2 FX Motion Seq sw CC CC#12 CC#92 CC#93 CC#20 CC CC#13 CC#94 CC#95 CC#21 CC CC#24 CC#25 CC#26 CC#22

DirectEMX Interface

How to use in hosts: general rules

DirectMIDI mode:
This mode is enabled as default in DirectEMX Make sure the MIDI device where you have connected your EMX is not used by the host software. You will have to disable it from a setting menu. To send notes from the host to the EMX, create a midi track and select input/output to DirectEMX plugin. Then use 1~5 channels for Synth parts, and 10 for drums. For automation, it works the same way than in host mode, you may refer to host mode configuration pages.

Host mode:
As the default mode is DirectMIDI you will have to select Host In DirectEMX. Make sure the MIDI device where you have connected your EMX is enabled the host software. To send notes from the host to the EMX, create a midi track and select output to the MIDI interface where your EMX is connected. Then use 1~5 channels for Synth parts, and 10 for drums.

How to use with CubaseDIRECT MIDI MODE

1. Add DirectEMX VST by using the Devices->VST Instruments menu (or F11 key).

2.

In DirectEMX select the MIDI interface where your EMX is connected. If the devices could be opened and that the EMX hardware had been detected then you should be able to control the EMX from DirectEMX and vice versa.

3.

To send notes to the EMX, create a MIDI track, then send Input and output to DirectEMX . Then use 1~5 channels for Synth parts, and 10 for drums.

4.

For automation expand the VST Intruments and DirectEMX tracks and select one or more parameters to automate.

10

How to use with Cubase (1/2) HOST MODE

1. Add DirectEMX VST by using the Devices->VST Instruments menu (or F11 key). In DirecEMX click on Host to change midi mode

2.

Add a MIDI Track and set IN to DirectEMX , and OUT to your midi interface where the EMX is connected ( Multiface Midi in our case). Also set Channel to ANY .

This midi track will send midi from DirectEMX to the EMX. We have renamed this midi track to EMX Send . 3. You should now be able to control the EMX from DirectEMX. Confirm the Sync now? question from DirectEMX interface. This will transmit the current pattern to the EMX.

On your EMX select the first synth part. Now change the filter type of the first synth part from DirectEMX. You should see that it is also changing on the EMX. If not, check your midi interface and cables. Also the midi track has to be selected with the record button enabled (red).

11

How to use with Cubase (2/2) HOST MODE

4. Now we are going to enable the control of DirectEMX from the EMX. Add another MIDI track. Set In to the MIDI interface where the EMX is connected ( Multiface Midi in our case). Set Out to DirectEMX . Set Channel to ANY . Rename this track to EMX Receive

5.

Now enable the record buttons for both midi tracks.

IMPORTANT : Always make sure these 2 buttons are enabled, else the midi sync with the EMX will not work.

Turn a knob on the EMX, it moves in the DirectEMX interface! (make sure you are working on the same part between the EMX and DirectEMX, else you wont see the visual feedback).
Now you should normally be able to control the EMX from DirectEMX and vice-versa. 6. For automation expand the VST Intruments and DirectEMX tracks and select one or more parameters to automate.

12

How to use with Live (1/2) DIRECT MIDI MODE

1. In Options->Preferences->MIDI make sure your midi interface is set to OFF for tracks Input/Output. In our case, the midi interface where the EMX is connected is Multiface Midi

2.

Create a midi track and rename it to DirectEMX , then set Midi from to No input
In the left browser select the Plug-in tab and drag&drop DirectEMX to the MIDI track.

3.

4.

In DirectEMX select the MIDI interface where your EMX is connected. If the devices could be opened and that the EMX hardware had been detected then you should be able to control the EMX from DirectEMX and vice versa.

13

How to use with Live (2/2) DIRECT MIDI MODE

5. To send notes to the EMX, create another MIDI track, rename it to Synth1 Set MIDI from and MIDI To to DirectEMX. Select Track-In to 1-DirectEMX (Note: select 1~5 for synth parts, 10 for the drums) Set Monitor to Auto when you want to send notes from Live sequencer Set Monitor to In when you want to send notes from a MIDI keyboard 6.

7.

For parameters automation, first move the desired parameter in DirectEMX interface, then it will appear in the parameters list.

14

How to use with Live (1/2)

1.

HOST MODE

In Options->Preferences->MIDI make sure your midi interface is set to ON for tracks Input/Output. In our case, the midi interface where the EMX is connected is Multiface Midi

2.

Create 2 midi tracks. Rename the first one to DirectEMX and the other one to EMX Send .

3.

In the left browser select the Plug-in tab and drag&drop DirectEMX to the first MIDI track. In DirecEMX click on Host to change midi mode In the DirectEMX track, set Midi from to No input In The EMX Send track, set Midi from to DirectEMX , Monitor IN and MIDI to to your midi interface (multiface in our case). You should now be able to control the EMX from DirectEMX. Note that on Live the channel is set in the midi track, not in DirectEMX. To control drum parts select channel 10. You can try to change the Synth 1 part filter type from DirectEMX, it should change on the EMX. (Select channel 1 in Live and select the synth 1 part in the EMX).

4.

15

How to use with Live (2/2)

5.

HOST MODE

If you want to control DirectEMX from the EMX, add a third MIDI track, rename it EMX Receive Set MIDI from to your midi interface (Multiface midi in our case), Set Monitor to IN and MIDI To to DirectEMX. Turn the Cutoff knob of the Synth 1 part from the EMX, it should move in the DirectEMX interface.

Note: In the EMX Receive track, change the Track In parameter to select the channel you want to use.

6.

For parameters automation, first move the desired parameter in DirectEMX interface, then it will appear in the parameters list.

Known bugs due to Live wrong MIDI NRPN management: - When sending Mutes from the EMX, sometimes a part mute will not have the right value on DirectEMX. - If a Drum wave send by the EMX is not received by DirectEMX, try sending the Drum 6A wave then the Drum1 wave . Then it should work.

16

How to use with FL Studio (1/2) MODE HOST

1. Add DirectEMX VST by using the Channels->Add one menu. If DirectEMX is not in the list, use the More item to add new VST instruments. (refer to your FL Studio manual). In DirecEMX click on Host to change midi mode

2.

In Options->MIDI settings, associate a port number to the midi interface where the EMX is connected. Multiface Midi in our case, and we have selected port 0 .

3.

In DirectEMX left menu, select Show MIDI output port , then on the right select port 0

Now DirectEMX should be able to control the EMX. Change the filter type of the first synth part in DirectEMX, it should also change on the EMX (make sure the first synth part is also selected on the EMX).

17

How to use with FL Studio (2/2) MODE HOST

4. You can also use the EMX to control DirectEMX but this has to be configured manually. This is due to FL Studio midi parameters management. For example: Move the Synth 1 part Cutoff knob on DirectEMX On DirectEMX left menu, select Last tweaked parameter then Link to controller . Now turn the cutoff know on your EMX You should see it moving on the DirectEMX interface.

5.

For parameter automation use DirectEMX left menu, then select Browse parameters . All the parameters will show up on the left list.

6.

If you want to send notes to each part, we suggest not to use the Midi out plugin provided with fl studio because it will send level and pan midi messages. Instead you can find on the web free vst midi out plugins for that.

18

How to use with Reaper (1/2) HOST MODE

1. In Options->Preferences, then in MIDI Devices, check that the device connected to the EMX ("multiface" in my case) is "Enabled+Control" (for midi in) and "Enabled" (for midi out). Track->Insert virtual Instrument on new track. Then select DirectEMX. In DirecEMX click on Host to change midi mode 2.

19

How to use with Reaper (2/2) HOST MODE

3. 4. In the new track click on the small "io" button, then select your midi device in "Hardware output" Select Synth1 part on both the EMX and DirectEMX, if you turn a knob on the EMX you should see it moving in DirectEMX. Then in DirectEMX change the filter type, you should see the led changing on the EMX

20

How to use with Sonar

1. 2. Create a new blank project In Options->Global->VST Plug-ins, make sure that a folder points to a location where you have copied DirectEMX.dll Insert->Soft Synths->DirectEMX ; make sure that "Simple instrument track" and "Enable MIDI output" are checked. In DirecEMX click on Host to change midi mode On the created track, set the INPUT to the midi interface that is connected to the EMX, select omni channel. From this point you should be able to control DirectEMX from the EMX. For example, move the cutoff knob of Synth1, you should see it moving on DirectEMX. Insert->MIDI track ; Set INPUT to "DirectEMX 1 - Omni" ; Set OUTPUT to the midi interface where is connected the EMX. You should now be able to control the EMX from DirectEMX. For example, change the filter type of Synth1 in DirectEMX, you should see the led changing on the EMX. Make sure you have enabled the Input echo button on both tracks

HOST MODE

3.

4.

5.

6.

21

MIDI Dumps (1/2)

HOST MODE

MIDI Dump is a feature that makes it possible to get the whole EMX content in DirectEMX. The 256 patterns can be dumped by banks of 64 (A, B, C, D). Once dumped, the content of the patterns are available in DirectEMX. This enables the user to analyze or modify them easily. Also the patterns can be saved and retransmitted to the EMX. This feature is not available on every host software. You can refer to the host compatibility chart for more information. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Open your host software and configure a track so that MIDI is sent to DirectEMX On the EMX, press the MIDI Key (the key will light) Hold down the shift key and press step key 12 (MIDI utility) The value display will indicate Filter . Turn the dial to change this to Dump , and press key 12 Turn the dial to select the data you want to transmit (PtBnkA, PtBnkB, PtBnkC or PtBnkD) Press key 12 once again to transmit the data. Wait about 2 minutes, then you should see the Accept pattern bank question on DirectEMX

8.

Once accepted you will have access to the patterns from the patch list of the plugin.

22

MIDI Dumps (2/2)

To use the Dumps in Cubase check the following: Go in Preferences -> MIDI -> MIDI Filter Make sure that Sysex is unchecked.

HOST MODE

23

Contact

For any news or updates : www.directsynth.com For any questions or support : [email protected]

24