EXplorEX Synth Explorer

Have you got hundreds of Voice files for your EX and want that killer lead for your latest creation but just can't remember where it is? Are you searching for just the right pad but have so many files the thought of hunting for one is just too daunting? Here might be a solution...

ExplorEX is designed to allow you to browse EX5/5R/7 voice files on your computer and send them via MIDI to the edit buffer of the EX5, EX5R or EX7 where you can audition, further edit and save them at your leisure. It is not a librarian (you should use Derek Cook's very excellent ex.factory for that) nor is it a voice editor.

Current limitations: Voice (S1V) files only, drum voices are not supported and if any user samples are required you will need to have them loaded first. Future versions may add support for S1A , S1Y files and drum voices.

To install, download and unzip 'ExplorEX.msi' into any temporary location then either double-click it or right-click and select Install . It can be un-installed through Control Panel->Add/Remove Programs. You can get ExplorEX by clicking here.

To use, follow the steps below:

Select suitable MIDI in and out ports. Ensure you choose a pair both connected to the EX!

If you have set a Device ID for your EX set it here (the EX default is ‘all’ so it is not usually necessary).

ExplorEX will try to identify your instrument. It will time out if nothing is found in about 30 seconds.

If nothing is found check and reset your MIDI in and out channels and click the 'ID' button.

The identified type of EX will be shown in the 'Instrument' box.

Once identification has taken place the file system on the computer will be shown in the left hand window.

As you navigate the file system and click on folders any qualifying S1V (voice) files will be shown in the middle window.

If you click a voice file the voices it contains will be shown in the right window. Double-click a voice to send that voice via MIDI to the EX.

Once a voice is sent these will be enabled. Click one of these for a note, chord or trill. Hold the mouse button down to audition, release it to stop the note or chord.

Check 'On Top?' to keep ExplorEX on top of all other windows.

Check ‘Cat Order’ to sort into EX voice categories i.e. all Pads together, all Leads together and so forth.

Check ‘Show Inits’ to display ‘Init Voice’ patches. These are marked with ‘xx’ as a Voice Category rather than the EX standard of '--' to force them to the end of the sorted list.

Adjust delays if required. ‘SysEx Delay’ is the pause in mS between Sysex messages, ‘MIDI Delay’ is the time in mS after the voice patch is sent and the MIDI ports are closed. The latter is designed to prevent badly written MIDI drivers from flushing the output buffers prematurely and sending a premature ‘finished’ signal. This can cause the MIDI ports to be closed prematurely with adverse effects. These should not normally need to be changed.

Above all else - Enjoy!

EXplorEX - a voice explorer for Yamaha EX5/EX5R/EX7 Synthesisers