[A6] bugs and features

[analoguediehard at att.net]

> Can you describe the current problems and what you think should be 
> happening?

The A6 does not receive polyphonic aftertouch over MIDI from an external
controller.  This has been one of the most popular requests for new A6 features.
 PolyAT is gorgeous for strings and choirs.  Imagine using it to sweep analog
filters in real time.

> Why can't the A6 keyboard do PolyAT?  I guess I do remember 
> somebody saying something about it being patented.

Ensoniq (hence Creative Labs, having acquired their IP) owns a patent on a cheap
way to implement polyAT, and AFAIK I don't know if they won't license it or if
their license fees are prohibitive.  My guess is that the patent is pretty
broad, as it has been a LONG time since anyone has made a MIDI keyboard with
polyAT.  My Kurzweil MIDIBoard has it, but none of the Kurzweil since then have
polyAT.

MC