Synthesis Editing

Many MC-303 specific editing parameters are accessible using NRPNs. Eight of these controllers change basic synthesis functions, and five are for editing individual instruments within a Rhythm kit. Listed below are the synth editing NRPNs, their corresponding controller numbers and value ranges. A value of 64 is the default setting. You can raise or lower any of the values ±50. Values above 64 will increase the effect, and values below 64 will decrease it. Some sounds may not respond as you might expect because the current value may already be at its maximum. For instance, if a sound’s factory default for filter cutoff is already wide open (114), adding 50 to it will have no effect. In this case, lowering the cutoff by 50 should produce a noticeable effect.

TIP: The affect of the NRPN functions will be more dramatic if you change the values in real time. You can do this by assigning a slider (on a keyboard or in your sequencer) or a foot controller to transmit CC6. Now when you send the first two CC messages, you can sweep the CC6 value manually. Keep in mind that you can only affect one parameter at a time per MIDI channel.

Description CC99 CC98 CC6
Vibrato Rate 01 08 14-114
Vibrato Depth 01 09 14-114
Vibrato Delay 01 10 14-114
TVF Cutoff Freq 01 32 14-114
TVF Resonance 01 33 14-114
TVA & TVF Env. Attack Time 01 99 14-114
TVA & TVF Env. Decay Time 01 100 14-114
TVA & TVF Env. Release Time 01 102 14-114

Here are some examples:

To change the filter cutoff setting of a particular part, use the following messages:
Controller Value
CC99 01 Selects NRPN function.
CC98 32 Selects filter cutoff.
CC06 74 Settings of 70-114 will open up the filter for a brighter sound.

To slow the attack time of a particular part, try these settings:
Controller Value
CC99 01 Selects NRPN function.
CC98 99 Selects TVF & TVA attack time.
CC06 87 Higher values = slower attack times.

You can also edit vibrato settings:
Controller Value
CC99 01 Selects NRPN function.
CC98 08 Selects vibrato rate.
CC6 81 Higher values = faster vibrato.
CC99 01 Selects NRPN function.
CC98 09 Selects vibrato depth.
CC6 33 Higher values = more vibrato.
CC99 01 Selects NRPN function.
CC98 10 Selects vibrato delay.
CC6 21 Higher values = more delay time before vibrato starts.

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