The Yamaha MFC10 does NOT have a transpose feature. If you wish to transpose "on the fly", you might look into a MIDI transpose pedal such as from Midi Solutions or try to find an out of production Anatek Pocket Transpose box. If you are using a VL70-m, note that you can transpose individual patches on this synth and easily save them to the Int bank. Info on transposing the VL70-m globally and on a per-patch basis is explained elsewhere in this FAQ.

Make sure it is set to "VOICE" Mode (not "VL-XG" Mode) (Use the MODE and VALUE- and VALUE+ buttons to change this if needed) Use the VALUE- and VALUE+ buttons to set the desired transpose in half steps. Note that the KEY parameter in the lower right hand corner of the VL's display conveniently indicates this transpose value at all times.

Make sure it is set to "VOICE" Mode (not "VL-XG" Mode) (Use the MODE and VALUE- and VALUE+ buttons to change this if needed) There is no Master setting on the VL70-m, but it is possible to control the level of the effects in the VL70-m as well as several other aspects of the VL70-m sounds via MIDI continuous controller messages. These controllers offer a LOT of really expressive sound design possibilites.

You can not transpose songs that are presented in plain text format. Like this one. Transposing only works when the Chordie engine recognizes a song. Here is an example of a working song. Use the dropdown menu on the right to transpose it. Generally songs with tablatures can't be transposed.

The WX5 is the latest and current model wind controller from Yamaha. It was released in 1998. It is the first Yamaha wind controller to feature a MIDI OUT connector directly on the body of the instrument and optional internal battery power (which makes going wireless a possibility). It also has the most MIDI features of all the Yamaha wind controllers. The standard color is black and gray. Early on, the WX5 was available in blue marble and pearl white by special order.

The WX7 was the first wind controller offered by Yamaha. It was released in 1987 and is now out of production. The WX7 was an excellent MIDI wind controller. Some people prefer it over later offerings from Yamaha- some don't. It includes a set of pots to adjust the feel of the instrument, and a set of DIP switches for various configurations. These make it highly customizable, but it can be difficult to set up if you are new to this.

To program the MFC10 to change the banks on the VL70-m: Set the Status to C0 (MIDI Channel 1), set the Data/Ctrl to the Voice # that you want to use, Set the Bank MSB to 33, set the LSB as follows:

The VL series synthesizers from Yamaha are superb for use with wind/breath controllers. All of the Yamaha VL series synths are physical modeling type synths. No samples or preset waveforms are used in these synths. Their sound is derived from complex mathematical models of real instruments. These models are computed in realtime in the VL synth and thus interact with the player unlike any other synth.

Just use the major key designations. For example, to transpose a song from the key of Am to Em, select "A" for the Old Key, and "E" for the New Key.

To transpose the ep-75, simultaneously press the two tempo buttons then press the key on the ep-75 you wish to play in.

The TRANSPOSE feature allows you to play a song in any key without changing your fingering. You can easily accompany another singer or musician in any key of their choosing. Use the following steps to transpose a song's key: Press the TRANSPOSE < button to transpose the song's pitch downward by as many as six semi-tones. Each press of the button lowers the song's key one semi-tone or half-step. Press the TRANSPOSE > button to transpose the song's pitch upwards by as much as five semi-tones.

In MIDI change the Rootkey of the Slot. The rootkey sets the middle C for each range and thus can be used to transpose.

The display now contains a "Mode" parameter that allows you to specify which sections are affected by the Transpose setting: Use the VALUE dial to set the transposition interval in semi-tone steps. Save your settings to a User Program. Select that User Program, then start playing back your Standard MIDI Files.

Since both of these 1/2 rack sized modules are very popular with wind controller players, we will directly compare these units. Neither is "better" than the other. It's a matter of YOUR needs and what pleases YOUR ears. As far as sound goes, there are numerous demos of these modules being played with a wind controller at the Patchman Music website. The XV-2020 audio demo is here. If buying a VL70-m, we strongly recommend the Patchman Music TURBO VL upgrade chip for it.

There are a few settings that can easily be changed by hitting a few wrong buttons accidentally which can cause the VL70-m to stop responding. If this happens check the following: Check the switch on the rear of the VL70-m is set properly. It should be on MIDI when using the MIDI IN or WX IN connectors. Also push the BREATH button and use the SELECT and VALUE buttons to make sure the Breath Mode is set to "BC/WX", and Breath Control is set to "BC".

The VL1 keyboard and rackmount VL1-m were the original VL synths. There were very expensive when they were released in 1994 ($4-5,000). These synths are the only VL series hardware synths with 2 note polyphony. All the other hardware synths are one note polyphonic (monophonic). The later VL7, VL70-m, PLG150-VL, PLG100-VL card, and synths such as the MU100-R, EX5, and EX5R also have one note VL polyphony.

Serial Port to MIDI Cable -- this adaptor cable will connect your PC's serial port (RS-232C) to any Roland instrument that has a "computer port." Item: 362CP6 Buying a pre-made one is far easier than making your own. If you don't want to use MIDI cables, this is the way to go. You will have to install a serial/MIDI driver for it to work. Be sure to download the most recent driver for your system. Additional info on cable requirements is here.

The RaXXess UNS-1 Universal Shelf works well and is available from many dealers. It is usually under $20. You need to remove the four rubber feet from the bottom of the synth module. You can remove and use the two innermost screws that are on the VL70-m to mount it to the tray.

If you ask three people their preference you could get three different answers. In this answer, we'll leave out the Yamaha WindJamm'r for now since it was more of a student-oriented system lacking various keys and, most importantly, a reed bend sensor. Models: Thus far there have been three "pro" wind controller models from Yamaha- the WX7, WX11, and WX5. The current model is the WX5. Some strongly prefer the WX5, others, including some leading wind controller players, prefer the WX7.