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Subject: RE: [chromapolaris] librarian/sysex support

From: Ryan Freer <ryanfreer77@...>
Date: 2012-12-01

Hmm... I'll go back and give it a shot. I happen to have an old copy of Emagic's SoundDiver for Windows, and can certainly reinstall it on XP. :)

The main issue I had with system exclusive was properly setting up the Polaris to transmit and receive bulk data dumps, and getting SoundDiver to do the same. I'm almost certain that it was something I wasn't doing right. These days I mostly use MIDI-OX for all my sysex backups (except the Polaris.)

For mfaitkenjr@... further down, who was having problems dumping patches back into the Polaris: I've had similar problems with other synthesizers using sysex. Reloading backed-up patch libraries can definitely be hit-or-miss. Often you get patches loaded back in, but they don't sound the same as when you originally saved them. Other patches may not load; leaving an empty slot or a scratch program. This all has to do with how sysex is setup to work with your synth, and there's often more than a few variables you'll have to play with before everything works as it should. Sometimes adjusting the speed of a data dump can solve your problems. But then again, things are different with every setup.

Since I've had no luck backing up or loading through sysex on the Polaris, I just use quarter-inch Sync/Cassette In & Out connected directly to my audio interface and save the program data as audio files.


~Ryan

To: chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com
From: adam@...
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:58:41 -0600
Subject: Re: [chromapolaris] librarian/sysex support

 
I use Emagic SoundDiver on a Mac.  Long gone program now.  There was a Windows version too.  It works with the Polaris.  

I still have the original data tapes that came with the polaris and I did save those to SoundDiver format I recall.  Thought I posted to this group a few years back.  Anyway, those factory patches are on the website.


On Nov 28, 2012, at 10:13 PM, Ryan Freer wrote:

 

Personally, I've never had success with sysex dumps on the Polaris. I still use the cassette output jack by connecting it directly into a channel on my audio interface and recording the data signal. This consistently works well for me, but I know some people have issues with this type of backup. In the past, I only had problems loading and saving programs to actual cassettes, because of slight variations in speed or in the tape itself, noise, and even the volume level. But now with digital recordings, this has almost entirely disappeared. Hope this works for you. And if you do find a reliable way to backup and restore Polaris patches with MIDI sysex, please let me know. :)

To: chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com
From: mfaitkenjr@...
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:09:50 -0800
Subject: Re: [chromapolaris] librarian/sysex support

 

When I perform a dump to the polaris, the patches sound different than what I programmed.  I have to click send a couple times before the patches sound as they should.  It not a sysex dump, but instead sending the saved "Set" to the polaris.  I think it has something to do with the polaris having  several "instruments" channels, but I swear I have it set to  respond to one channel only.  I haven't tried a sysex request/dump yet, mainly because I'm afraid of losing everything.  I'm going to make sure I also have it saved to tape before I try it. 

From: Harvey Peekar <audaciouspen@...>
To: chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 5:38 PM
Subject: Re: [chromapolaris] librarian/sysex support

 
ive looked into midiquest because i have a pc and for some reason librarians are hard to find for windows.   i've read nothing but horrendous experiences with this program (especially considering the price), but none specifically with the polaris in mind.  When you say that it acts strangely, can you still load/dump sysex files of settings you previously saved back onto the polaris?  that's mainly what i need it for as im not sure how old the internal batteries are and if i lost the presets i've made thus far my band would be out for months...  the panel emulator would be a very welcome addition though!

thanks for the info

ianb

--- On Wed, 11/28/12, F Aitken <mfaitkenjr@...> wrote:

From: F Aitken <mfaitkenjr@...>
Subject: Re: [chromapolaris] librarian/sysex support
To: "chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com" <chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 12:38 PM

 
I use Midiquest 10 XL and it works OK. The only reason I use it really is because it has a front panel emulator, which I absolutely need since the left side buttons don't work on mine.  My polaris responds strangely when receiving patch dumps from midiquest, and I've tried every setting possible on the polaris.

From: Harvey Peekar <audaciouspen@...>
To: chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 11:51 PM
Subject: [chromapolaris] librarian/sysex support
 
hello group,

i was wondering if anyone on here knows of a librarian that supports the chroma polaris.  most of what i've found online seems to be either defunct or inappropriately expensive.  i dont need the program to do alot, as i really just want a way to save my bank without the use of a cassette deck.  program editing would be nice though..

ianb





Adam Brinkmann
612-710-2544