Let me try to sort your thoughts and provide hopefully helpful comments.
the DX7s volume is NOT a midi channel
We do not call a slider a "midi channel". It's just a slider which does not send MIDI.
both Pitch and Modulation wheels show Ch. 16 when touching them 1~127
You forgot to tell the type of message and the controller number. However, I can tell you what these wheels usually send:
A Modulation wheel sends CC1 (= Control Change number 1)
A Pitch Wheel sends Pitch Bend messages.
If you don't know what to look for, the MIDI input field in Logic tells you very little. The tiny symbols are hard to differntiate, some symbols are used for different message types and some readouts are definitely wrong. For example, Pitchbend shows controller number 7 in the Logic transport field, but Pitchbend does not have a controller number. Just a channel and a value.
Confusing, not?
This is where Midi Monitor comes into the game. You can clearly identify the message types:
...and CS 1 and CS2 sliders show the same.
You did not tell us the message type and controller number. If the two sliders really send the same messages as the wheels, you cannot use them as they are. I don't believe that.
Clear the display of Midi Monitor, move each fader just a little and copy/paste the lines of Midi Monitor here in the forum.
the only other DX7s button that shows any sign of movement are the Data Entry "Yes" and "No" buttons, which when pressed show "X 1 0 0". In the Transport Bar Midi connection area. Which I don't understand means.
And again
The Logic MIDI input shows you an X as message type and does not provide further information. In Midi Monitor you would see which message it actually is:
If it is a "real" SysEx message, then it can probably control another DX7 unit but you can hardly use it in Logic.
If it is a MMC message, it might control the transport of Logic. Then, from the Logic main menu, select File -> Project Settings -> Synchronization/MIDI and activate this checkbox:
Then tap on the buttons of the DX7 and look if Logic does anything like play, record, stop, etc. If it does nothing, disable the checkbox. If it does something you like, leave the checkbox on.
I am NOT using my DX7s to play Midi (from my DX7s). I just use it as a controller.
What means not to "play Midi"?
MIDI is just a data stream.
Concerning "Midi Monitor" it works fine as far as a large list of things happening. Other than that I'm at loss.
But you have seen the "Clear" button to erase the display. And you have seen the "Remember up to xxx events" field. Type the number 20 into this field and you will only see the last 20 lines.
Honestly, MIDI monitor is an invaluable tool for everyone who deals with MIDI. Learn to use it and your live will be a lot easier whenever you connect keyboards, controllers, MIDI interfaces, MIDI software etc.
Hey what can an old "Woodstock '69" veteran do...who first started using Amiga computers in the late 80's.
C'mon boy!
I was 17 years old at Woodstock. And if you really feel too old you can still play Jazz
I'd just like to use a basic Mainstage set-up. But, (for example) when I assigned my CS1 slider to Volume (#9) and hit "Learn" once I touch the slider it changes to "Pan". I kept going back to the Mainstage Edit to scroll to the learn (Screen Control Inspector) Hardware...the Modulation Wheel can be assigned. But, the CS1 & CS2 can't be assigned.
First, Volume is #7, not number #9.
Second, Pan is #10.
So why should Mainstage switch number 7 or 9 to number 10? There is something else wrong.
Are there any basic tutorials that you might know of that can show me (or a list of exact steps) which I just can assign the two wheels & two sliders and the On/Off to what I'd like?
No. Impossible without exact information. Move your sliders CS1 & CS2, post the lines of Midi Monitor here as text and we can tell you what you can do with these sliders and what not.
Furthermore, if we exactly know what your sliders do, we can simulate them and work if we were on your DX7.
I'd like to use the On/Off to turn on the Loopback or Playback.
Normally you use a button to switch something. You can use a slider as well but you may want to keep the slider for something else ...
=====
You plan to work with Mainstage? The controllers of the DX7 do
NOT fit for such a task. Don't you want to buy a dedicated controller?
The
Korg nanoKONTROL is very small, you can even mount it on top of the DX7 with velcro tape. It costs just $60 and gives you 9 sliders, 9 knobs, 18 buttons and a transport section. You connect it via USB to your Mac and get a software editor too.
If your hands are not free you could get a
Behringer FCB1010. This is a foot controller with 10 switches and two buttons. A software editor is also available (
iFCB).