IMO the MatrixBrute could do well with losing the dependency on the MIDI Control Center for basic operations like preset naming and changing MIDI settings and other system parameters. Using the MCC isn't always an option, and some day we may even find ourselves without the ability to run it unless we maintain vintage computers. For the synth to have true stand alone operation and longevity as an instrument, the MCC dependency must go away. I'd think every paying customer recognizes this.
There is also a problem with requests for extended patch parameters, like e.g. envelope looping, since the UI has no provision for specific things like that.
Here's a scheme that would make all of patch naming, system parameter editing and extended patch parameter editing simple and consistent.
Naming presets on the synth
- Hold Save then press PRESET to enter naming mode
- The PRESET button blinks to indicate that naming mode is active
- Preset display shows "NAM", matrix is disabled
- Sequencer display shows first 4 letters of the name, first letter (cursor) blinks
- Translate lower to upper -case if the original has lower case chars, replace unavailable special chars with e.g. "-"
- Use preset Left and Right arrow buttons to move the cursor, blinking char indicates cursor position, for blanks, blink a special cursor symbol, e.g. top and bottom segment
- Use Mod Amount to select character (A-Z, 0-9, space, _, -, [, ] is an adequate character set) - could also use the matrix as a 'keyboard'
- Hold Save then press PRESET to save the name and exit naming mode (or rely on patch saving as usual?)
- During naming mode, e.g. pressing Save PRESET, SEQ, or MOD exits naming mode
Editing system parameters
- Hold Save then press SEQ to enter system parameter editing mode
- The SEQ button blinks to indicate that system parameter editing is active
- Preset display shows "ICH" (Input MIDI Channel), matrix is disabled
- Sequencer display shows the parameter value, e.g. 1
- Use preset Left and Right arrow buttons to select the parameter
- Use Mod Amount to adjust the value
- During system parameter editing mode, e.g. pressing Save, PRESET, SEQ, or MOD exits system parameter editing mode
The parameter names and values could be something like:
ICH,OCH,LCH => Input, Output and Lower Part MIDI Channel, values: ALL, NONE, 1-16
MCK => MIDI clock source, values: ALL, USB, MIDI, SYNC
SCK => Sync Clock In/Out Settings, values: 1S, 1P, 24PQ, 48PQ
MPS, MPR => MIDI param send/receive, values: OFF, ON
MOS => MIDI out select, values: OFF, USB, MIDI, U+M
LOC => Local control, values: OFF, ON
PCR => Program Change Receive, values: OFF, ON
P1P, P2P => Pedal 1/2 polarity, values: NORM, INV
FSP => Footswitch polarity, values: NORM, INV
VEC, ATC[1] => Velocity/Aftertouch curve, values: LIN, LOG, EXP
SAS => Sequencer/Arp Sends Note, values: OFF, ON
SLT => Load Sequence Tempo, values: ALW, PAUS
E14 => Enable 14 bit automation: values. OFF, ON
ATS => Aftertouch Sensitivity, values: 0%-100%
O1N, O2N => VCO 1/2 Pitch 0V MIDI note, values: C2-G8
[1] Hoping for Aftertouch curve as an addition. Aftertouch is universally deemed too abrupt, requiring a lot of pressure before suddenly skyrocketing (an issue with many AT implementations), so let's assume that the current response is EXP.
Editing extended patch parameters
- Hold Save then press MOD to enter extended patch parameter editing mode
- The MOD button blinks to indicate that extended patch parameter editing is active
- Preset display shows "E1L" (Envelope 1 Loop), matrix is disabled
- Sequencer display shows the parameter value, e.g. OFF
- Use preset Left and Right arrow buttons to select the parameter
- Use Mod Amount to adjust the value
- During extended patch parameter editing mode, e.g. pressing Save, PRESET, SEQ, or MOD exits extended patch parameters editing mode
The parameter names and values could be something like:
E1L, E2L, E3L => Envelope 1/2/3 Loop, values: OFF, AD, ADSR
ExA, ExD, ExR => Envelope 1/2/3 attack, decay and release curves, values: LIN, EXP1, EXP2, EXP3, LOG1, LOG2, LOG3
EFS => External input envelope follower speed, values: 1-N
SER, AER => Sequencer/Arp end step repeat, values: OFF, ON
etc. depending on which extended patch parameters might be implemented - the basic method would in any case open up for such extensions
IMO, describing this in the manual would be adequate, but a sticker or magnetic label for the front panel, with instructions on how to enter these modes and which controls does what, would be better.
Please discuss, and if you want to see something like this, be sure to submit a tech support ticket, weighing in to increase the chance of something like it being implemented.