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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

The PATCHMAN TURBO VL chip is a user-installable EPROM chip that contains 256 new state-of-the-art wind controller patches. These new upgraded patches replace the 256 factory sounds found in the Pr1 and Pr2 banks. A TURBO-ized VL70-m is considered by many to be the ultimate wind controller sound module. The 256 new TURBO VL Voices have been meticulously edited by expert wind controller programmer Matt Traum.

The VL70-m has 4 banks: Pr1, Pr2 (the two Preset banks which each have 128 permanent patches), Cst (Custom bank- contains 6 slots that you can put 6 complete original patches into), and Int (Internal bank- contains 64 slots where you can save any front panel edits you do to any of the patches). The Cst bank allows you to store your own sounds using one of the free downloadable patch editors on your PC or Mac and then save them to the VL70-m.

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.

No. I'm very happily married. I've been with Lisa for over 17 years. I can't imagine life without her. Back to index

First, make sure you are actually changing the MIDI Channel and NOT the Device ID Number. These are two very different things and it is a little confusing by looking at the front panel of the VL70-m. The Device ID Number (not the MIDI channel number) is accessed from Play mode by repeatedly pushing the Left SELECT button in Play mode.) From Play mode, press BOTH PART buttons at the same time. The display will change. Push the left SELECT button two times to get to the Receive Channel parameter.

It is easy to confuse a dual voice coil sub as a better subwoofer, but that’s not the case. You will get the same output from either sub when used in the right application. Both sets of terminals must be wired up when using a dual voice coil subwoofer. Your amp and the number of subs will determine which subwoofer you would want. For example, if you had a TA5601 amplifier and wanted to run a pair of 12s, you would want single voice coil 4Ω woofers.

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.

To send AND STORE a Voice to the VL70-m using the Expert Editor (the program is named "VLEDITOR.EXE" on your PC), simply open a .LIB file, highlight the desired Voice, click on the "Send" menu, select "Custom", then select a number from 1 to 6 from the pop-down menu. This will send the data out to the VL70-m and store it in one of the 6 CUSTOM bank slots in the VL70-m.

There is an issue regarding the VL70-m legato when a VL70-m is being controlled by an Akai EWI3000m, EWI3020m, EWI3030m, or MIDI EVI. The following information will explain the situation and what can be done about it. WX players and players of other wind controllers can ignore this. It doesn't occur with those controllers. The MIDI EVI, all of the later Akai EWIs, as well as an EVI from EWI conversion by Nyle Steiner all send MIDI Controller #65 (Portamento Switch).

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.