Tubbutec Introduces UniPulse Universal MIDI Interface for Vintage Drum Machines

Rhythm Ace FR-3 midi (Tubbutec UniPulse demo)

Published on Apr 5, 2016 tubbutec

"Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-3 midi triggered with full velocity control via Tubbutec UniPulse. UniPulse is an universal midi interface for drum machines."

"uniPulse – universal drum machine midi interface

Main features

Highly customizable, compatible to almost any drum machine
16 pulse outputs
Full velocity sensitivity
5 different pulse shapes
Outputs positive and/or negative pulses up to 12V/-12V
Voltage and length can be mapped to velocity, controller or CV-input
4 Digital outputs for gates and clocks
Up to 21 simultaneous clock outputs with different midi dividers
Analog output with various functions
Potentiometer / CV input to control length or voltage of pulses
Internal clock multiplier for DIN sync
Easy to use configuration app with preset database for common drum machines
Very small, fits in most drum machines
Various midi socket configurations
Runs off a single supply voltage between +15 and +25V, generates negative voltage internally

Some features in more detail

PULSE SHAPES
Various pulse shapes can be selected for each output: Rectangular, Triangular, Decay, Gaussian and Open Rect. The latter is similar to the rectangular pulse, with the exception, that instead of returning to zero volts, it goes into a high impedance state. This allows it to make use of the characteristics of an existing pulse shaping network, such as an RC network built into the drum machine.
The pulse shapes have different sonic characteristics, experimenting which suits best is recommended. The Gaussian pulse for example contains less higher harmonics and can be used to simulate drums hit by a felt headed mallet.pulseshapes

CLOCK AND SYNC GATES
The analogue output and the four digital outputs can be configured to act as sync clocks and gates. This allows it to sync the drum machine to the midi clock. Clock dividers and polarity are adjustable in order to achieve compatibility with all drum machines. Clocks speeds between 48PPQN (din-sync 48) and 1PPQN (one pulse per quarter note) are possible.
By using the 16 pulse outputs, the uniPulse can output up to 21 different clocks simultaneously.tempo-small

CONFIGURATION PROGRAM
The uniPulse configuration program, available for windows and OSX, uses midi sysex to configure the uniPulse. We are constantly working on expanding a database of presets for common drum machines.
For each channel, you can select pulse shapes, polarity, length, midi channels, note numbers and mappings. For sync outputs clock dividers can be chosen.

A velocity sensitive test button an be used to instantly listen and refine your configuration, and thus choose what sounds best for your particular drum machine and taste."

You'll find additional details at https://tubbutec.de/unipulse.