How to restore the polyphony (PC-200 mkII MIDI controller)

[K8ch]

Hello,

I've tried restoring to factory settings, but that didn't work.
The "manual" refers to "Mode 1 (Omni on; Poly On) -which sounds what I'm looking for -but there's no mention of how to switch "modes".

Can anyone provide some direction, here?

I thought CC 127 might switch it on/off but that didn't seem to work (unless I'm doing it wrong, which is very likely.
Can anyone offer any suggestions?

Thank you...and stay safe!

K8ch

 

[SeaGtGruff]

On page 12 of the manual the MIDI Implementation Chart says the controller uses Mode 3 (Omni Off, Poly) and does not recognize any messages for changing the mode, so there is no way you can switch it to Mode 1, Mode 2, or Mode 4.

Basically, it will send its MIDI messages on only one channel at a time. You can select which channel you want it to transmit on, but you cannot transmit on multiple channels at the same time.

If you want to create splits, layers, or zones such that the notes within a given range will control a given device or patch, allowing you to control two or more devices or patches at the same time, you will need to use some sort of go-between software or hardware which will change the channel number for the Note On events based on the values of those notes, or (if you want to use layers) which will duplicate the events on additional channels.

This is often easy to do with a DAW or other "MIDI event processor" app, but if a software solution isn't suitable for your situation you can also do it with a hardware interface that you've programmed to process the MIDI according to your desires.

 

[anotherscott]

K8ch, what exactly is the issue you're having with polyphony? Polyphony limitations should be related to what it is you're controlling, not the controller.

 

[K8ch]

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me with this matter.
Much appreciated!!

I cannot get the keyboard to be anything but, monophonic.
I restart w/factory settings, and it's still monophonic.

I've owned it for many years, and this anomaly only recently started to happen.


K8ch

 

[anotherscott]

I cannot get the keyboard to be anything but, monophonic.
...
I've owned it for many years, and this anomaly only recently started to happen.

What is the sound source you are controlling (VST, app, sound module, whatever)? Most likely it has been set to monophonic, and you need to change that setting or patch, rather than there being something to change in your controller. (Some sound sources are always monophonic, but if you're using something that used to be polyphonic, then it should be something you can change back to the way it was.)

 

[K8ch]

Thanks...
I'm connected with my DAW and trying to trigger piano chords...but the keyboard is only sending monophonic.
So, it's the controller.

 

[anotherscott]

Thanks...
I'm connected with my DAW and trying to trigger piano chords...but the keyboard is only sending monophonic.
So, it's the controller.

Being more specific might provide clues. For example, what DAW is it? What piano are you triggering within the DAW?

You might try a simple MIDI Monitor app so you can see what's coming out of the controller even before it hits the DAW. (I believe there are free ones for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.)

Looking at the controller's manual, there is no mono mode, so there's no relevant setting to restore/enable/disable. If the problem is not in any of your attached hardware or software, then I'd say the controller is probably in need of repair.

 

[K8ch]

Yes, I agree. The unit needs to be retired/replaced. Ugh...
Thank you for your time.

Peace,
Keith

 

[Robert080]

Hello, i found this topic, I hope can be helped.
I'm starting creating some music with Ableton and using my OLD Roland PC-200 MKII.
I'm experiencing problem to use it.
I have Windows 11 and Ableton 11 and the Keybord is connected through a (cheap) midi to usb adapter. Ableton receive the midi signal and plays the notes, but something it's going wrong. Often (always) the note freezes and keeps the sound on. Sometimes it seems like pushing a taste the note plays the first time, a second time when releasing the taste.
Actually I have a Focusrite 2i2 without a Midi input. In ome other four I've found something like tha the midi signal is sended without the "note off" output so the problem.
I would like to save moneyn and use my Pc-200 MKII.
p.s. Is it correct that aren'nt avaiable Driver for this Keyboard for Win 10/11?
Thank you in advance.

 

[SeaGtGruff]

From looking at an old manual, it's difficult to tell whether Note Off messages are transmitted, or whether the controller uses Note On messages with a velocity of 0 to indicate Note Off (which is a very common practice). If you need to see what's being transmitted, you could look at the MIDI output in a MIDI monitor, such as MIDI-OX. (It hasn't been updated for the newest versions of Windows, but I think it should still work.)

The PC-200 doesn't have a USB port, just a 5-pin MIDI DIN port, so it doesn't require any drivers. If you need to use a USB-MIDI driver, it would have to be the driver for whatever MIDI-to-USB interface you're using. As far as I know, most MIDI-to-USB interfaces don't require a driver, because they're able to work with the drivers that come with your computer's operating system.

What virtual instruments in Ableton Live 11 are you controlling with the PC-200? I'm wondering if there might be a setting in the virtual instrument to select which type of Note Off message it looks for?

Many of the "dirt cheap" MIDI-to-USB cables which are sold online can be problematic for one reason or another. If you want to try a different one that's got a good reputation for working correctly and being of good quality, consider using the MIO from iConnectivity.

 

[Robert080]

Thank you for your support. Some update.
The VST is xFer Serum, Ableton 11, Windows 11.
I tested the midi signal using MidiOx, I attach the result:

The note on and note off seems to be correctly sended. Maybe the "Active sending" message the problem. The Roland Pc-200 MKII manual says: "
- System Realtime Message -
= Active sensing
Status
FEH
Active sense is always transmitted every 300 milli-seconds."

Maybe this old-school message the problem?
Is there a way to filter it?
Thanks in advance.

 

[SeaGtGruff]

I've never heard of Active Sensing being a problem except for cases where it was needed but wasn't being sent/received.

 

[Robert080]

I don't Know if this is the problem. But I don't know wich other elements should.