Re: four-channel output/surround reverb

[Hawkeye255@aol.com]

Good Topic!!  My venerable old Korg T3 makes makes four channel reverbs 
and 
delays fairly easy to accomplish, since it has four individual outs.  In 
addition I use two Korg modules, one an X5DR (front) , the other an NS5R 
(rear or vice versa).  In most small spaces where I play, I use two Altec 
Lansing computer speaker systems (both with subs).  I think the more 
expensive of the two cost me $120.  They put out all of 80 watts each.
    When I setup a 4-channel looping sequence, I simply program the two 
outs 
of one layerd sound (usually a pad) to pan left to right, when it reaches 
far 
right the other layered pad (different timbre) starts its pan from far 
left, 
etc. etc. etc.  I also raise and drop the volume accordingly.  With the 
two 
sound modules, I do the same thing, but in the opposite direction, with 
brighter timbres having more attack.  And of course, I change direction 
occassionally, for variety.  Easier to do than explain.  Really easy if a 
sequence "template" has already been created; something I firmly believe 
in 
and use all the time.  And never do the "pieces" ever come out sounding 
anywhere the same, twice, even when using the same "template".  The timbre 
I 
choose for the melody and solo improvs over the top of this "swirl" really 
set the piece for me and the audience. 
    I've spent several man-hours creating these templates on my little 
Roland 
PMA-5--some of the best time I've ever spent.  When I go "live" I use 
different sounds than I've used before and vary the tempo live as well.  
And 
it makes me a very busy guy for that couple of hours.  I usually do the 
melody with the Prophecy and my voice (setup down front, center stage away 
from the other gear).  Occassionally I'll pick up a guitar, but only if I 
feel comfortable with that KEY for that particular number.  (I'm not the 
most 
accomplished of string pickers ;-) ).  My audio loopers can be placed 
anywhere in the output lines, since I have them connected as AUX send and 
returns to the mixer.  I try to vary that alot.  Having a midi-controlled 
mixer helps a lot too.  I usually reserve channel 16 for the mixer and 
write 
it to the template last, if I use that feature at all.  Most times I don't 
feel the need to.  All that moving sound is easily accomplishd without a 
midi 
mixer by the way.

    Hope this helps a little,
                    hawkeye