DeeJay Image
7:40 PM - 1 February, 2010
Just an FYI from my emails back and forth with Allen & Heath on the crossfader dilemma:
Further to your inquiry:
When the Xone:D Series cross-faders are used as a MIDI device control, the full range of CC data (0-127) must be transmitted so that the software application recognises the correct position of the fader, relative to the MIDI data sent (i.e. 0 = Xfader @ X position/ 127 = Xfader @ Y position / 63 = Xfader centred).
In order for the response of the fader to be able to send a signal as correct MIDI data, the curve has to be set to >< (or XFADE switched OFF); once the curve control is adjusted away from this setting, the analogue response of the potentiometer is changed and the signal cannot be translated as a full range MIDI CC signal.
At the >< curve setting, because the curve from X to Y (or vica versa) is linear, the cross-fader response reduces the signal levels approximately 3/4dB at the centre point by design.
Under use with audio applications the cross-fader would be used, either as an analogue control (offering adjustment to the 'cut' setting, and giving you the kind of response you're looking for for your audio signals) OR as a MIDI controller for the virtual cross-fader of the DAW application. It would not be anticipated that it be used for both, simultaneously.
As you're using the mixer for both analogue X-Fader mixing and digital video control, I can see this may present a problem, but because of the response characteristic of the fader, this would not represent a fault with the unit, or it's function.
As far as a solution to your own issues goes, however, it may be possible to fit an after-market fader (such as the innofader, or pro-x fader) in place of the standard part to achieve the curve response you're looking for, and that will also give a liner signal for the MIDI control.
Alternatively, perhaps your VDJ software settings can be adjusted for different types of MIDI control data, or you could use another MIDI-only fader on the 4D to control the VDJ parameter instead?
I hope this helps.
Best Regards
Allen & Heath Technical Support
Zach from Rane responded on the Help forum here:
It sounds like the problem is with the contour of the fader.
The 57 used to act the same way... when you put the fader in the middle the sound would dip out a little.
We did a firmware update that changed it to how it currently works.
It sounds like Allen and Heath would have to do the same thing in order for this to work the way your wanting it to.
Not the solutions I was hoping for after spending that much money.....
