Questions about Program Changes

Two part question here:

1) Ok, I've got this midi sequence I've recorded on a midi track for an external synth. So far so good. I've even got it to do the program change I want...BUT! For some reason the program change data automatically gets put below the first note if there is a note event on 001.01.00.
The workaround is to copy and paste the first note below the program change data.

Is there a way to automatically make the program change data the first line?
Does it even matter if both the program change and the first note are 001.01.00? Does one actually occur first if it is higher up on the list?

2) How do you guys approach your program changes with regards to timing. If I put the PC at 001.01.00, there is a slight delay before the patch actually changes. I suppose I could put the PC in a the previous sequence in the song, but I don't want to have that PC "attached" to that sequence if I don't have to because I'd have to make copies of the previous sequences for times I didn't want the program to change or if I wanted no program change at all. I suppose it's not the biggest deal in the world, but it's sort of a work-flow stopper if you know what I'm saying.

Thanks for replies.!!

Does anyone have any program change lag when the sequence other synths?

It seems like it would be a huge issue. It takes a second before my electribe ea-1 will change over.

Are we to assume you have RTFM and found no solution?

RTFM?

Actually I figured out the first part of my question. It turns out that as long as all the messages are at the 001.01.00 mark, it doesn't matter the order they're in because they're happening simultaneously.

The second part I'm still struggling with. I've even figured out where the put the PC so it changes exactly on the downbeat of the next sequence, but if there's any notes after the program change on this previous pattern, they get messed up a little in the transition.

I'm assuming no one here uses external synths with their mpc, because I've searched the f@$^ out of this topic and have found pretty much nothing.

Lots of our members use external synths, but if I had to guess I'd say most are able to manage without using midi program change commands.

Different synth = different track = simplicity.

Be patient and Im sure others will contribute to this thread.

It's the weekend!

I don't understand "different synth=different track"

So you're saying if you have 2 synths, each capable of producing 2 sounds simultaneously..your songs will have a total of 4 possible synth sounds?? This simply isn't enough for me. I would want to have 4 happening simultaneously for just one song section! Next song section, have a different 4 sounds. My style is heavy on the synths. This type of thing wasn't an issue when I was software only..but I don't ever want to go down that route again.

It's standard practice to record each sound to it's own track. If you use program changes on a synth track and record it that way it could become difficult to mix later on.

What Im getting at is this. Instead of using one track with a program change part way through, why not just use two tracks with one being for each of the two sounds?

Dare I call it multi-track sequencing?

Fung45 wrote:Research the constraints of the gear before purchasing

Sounds like someone's been trying to do the impossible.

We usually get this question about MicroKorgs.

Always check for multi-timbral operation before you buy, if thats what you want!

one work aorund is to sample your synth patterns.

clint246clint wrote:It's standard practice to record each sound to it's own track. If you use program changes on a synth track and record it that way it could become difficult to mix later on.

What Im getting at is this. Instead of using one track with a program change part way through, why not just use two tracks with one being for each of the two sounds?

Dare I call it multi-track sequencing?

But either way the EA-1 is still only capable of 2 sounds at the same time! If you want more, you have to change the patch!

Maybe there's some mis-communication on the term "program change". I'm not talking about a "program" as it's known in the MPC, I'm talking about a patch or preset in my synth. You would have to change this at some point to get more than 2 sounds from a synth that only allows 2 sounds at once.

clint246clint wrote:

Fung45 wrote:Research the constraints of the gear before purchasing

Sounds like someone's been trying to do the impossible.

We usually get this question about MicroKorgs.

Always check for multi-timbral operation before you buy, if thats what you want!

I've actually had this synth since the year 2000. It's the MPC that I've had for a week!

I think if worse came to worse, limiting myself to 2 sounds per song wouldn't be the worse thing in the world. It's these type of limitations that I put on myself when chosing a hardware-only setup. There's too many damn options in the world of software.