New DIY MBLoopA Voxelspace MIDI Looper Vs Alesis Andromeda

[techdemo] DIY MBLoopA Voxelspace MIDI Looper Vs Alesis Andromeda

Published on Jul 1, 2015 Maelstroem3

"First test run of the Voxelspace MIDI Recorder and Looper, that i developed in 06/2015 based on the MIDIbox platform.

The loopa is a small USB-powered device, that records live loops (non quantized, no step recording) of up to eight MIDI clips onto SD card.
Notes (and quarternote beat lines) are visualized in 'Voxel Space'. The clips are looped and beatsynchronized.

The hardware is based on a STM32F4, with a whopping 192KB (yes, kilobytes) of RAM :). The OLED is a Newhaven 256x64x16 bluescale display.

Official build thread:
http://midibox.org/forums/topic/19585...

Hope you enjoyed the demo, it was not musical, just a tech test! :)
More features like session switching, loop length configuration and synced mutes/unmutes should be added, once there is more time :). Yes, I know, there are still a few bugs, especially regarding the position display, that is glitching around a bit, but hey, it has character... :-)

Thanks for watching!
Hawkeye/Maelstroem Records"

via the MIDIbox Forum:

"we recently had some very rainy days in southern Germany and MIDIbox-build-fever struck again, so I had to do something... my project build stack is very large, and even some started projects are not complete yet (MBProgramma), but this one has been on the wishlist for even longer than the Programma, so I just had to start it this year... otherwise it would probably never happen :-).

I have to say, that the MIDIbox platform is phenomenal and addictive! It would be so nice to work on something of this quality on a daily job basis... results can be reached very quickly, the documentation and code base is great. Thanks a lot for everything, TK.!

Let's start...

Motivation
* DAW hate
Turning on the computer and loading a DAW as complex as Ableton or Cubase makes sure any of my already limited inspiration will be gone by the time it is able to record MIDI. I'd like to sit down and "just jam". I felt, very often, that what i played was lost in time, because, of course, the computer was off. So I wanted a simple MIDI recorder, that "just records" automatically a few seconds after turning it on, without any major interaction. If what was just played sounded nice, it would be automatically stored on SD card in compatible .MID format for later playback or even some DAW-based post-processing. If not, well, one could just jam on, or delete the track (called clip in this app).

* Hardware minimalism
Building the unit should be quick and cheap. There should only be a minimum number of buttons and encoders. I managed to build everything including the control surface (yes, i know, it looks cheap, but it also was cheap :-)) on one long weekend - and so can you. We just use standard hardware (STM32F4 core, one DINx4, out DOUTx4 and a nice display). Because there are few components, it is very viable to do it on vector board, no immediate need for PCBs...

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OWOW - A New Breed of Instruments on Kickstarter

Published on Jun 6, 2015
Smartly built, stupidly simple in use, the OWOW musical instruments empower everybody to make digital music in a fun and intuitive way. They work as MIDI controllers and connect with every software that we know. They empower you to create music with your computer with the same intuition, passion and fun as traditional instruments, but the benefits of working with a computer.

All instruments will be available on Kickstarter from June 8 till July 8.

For more info:
www.owow.io"

RIBOSOMAL 16S first look

Published on Jun 5, 2015 littlem4tt

"What ya gunna do with those MFOS sequencer boards?
Build a eurorack version?"

Analogue Solutions Megacity Step Sequencer Teaser

Published on Jun 4, 2015 Analogue Solutions

Analogue Solutions Megacity sequencer - live jam by Rezfilter


"Analogue Solutions Megacity Step Sequencer
The steps run down like tears in the rain.
Up to 64 steps, or split into 2 x 32 steps.
Fill in patterns, portamento, quantiser, and much more!
Ideal for use with Eurorack.
More videos online, and full details at
http://synth.toys"

SoundForce SFC-60 - New step sequencer function

Published on May 27, 2015 SoundForce

"The SoundForce SFC-60, dedicated MIDI controller for the TAL U-NO-LX synth plugin (Roland Juno-60 model), has now new a built step sequencer function. The step sequencer function can be used with the TAL plugin as well as any other plugin instrument as it simply streams MIDI notes via USB-MIDI.

All users can upgrade their SFC-60 to the latest version of the firmware using the Arduino IDE and the teensy software-add-on. Please visit the support page on the SoundForce website : http://sound-force.nl/?page_id=1151. More detailed update toturial coming soon."

Kenton MIDI THRU-25 - 1 MIDI in, 25 MIDI Through Outs

via Kenton:

"Receives MIDI data from a single MIDI OUT (e.g. sequencer or master keyboard) and produces identical copies at the 25 MIDI THRU sockets. These can then be connected to the MIDI INs of sound modules or other devices which require MIDI signals sent to them.

High quality Kenton MIDI Thru box with opto-isolated MIDI In and separate drive for each MIDI Out. Powered from a mains adaptor (wall wart) so you can fit and forget.

1 MIDI In & 25 MIDI Thrus
Works for ALL MIDI messages including Clock, SysEx, MTC etc.
Includes schmitt trigger logic for signal quality restoration
Less than one microsecond latency
DC power input jack 2.1mm (centre +ve)
Power/Data indicator light
Housed in a metal box so it can withstand the knocks
Attractively finished in brushed aluminium with black screen print

9V switch mode power supply included. Products bought directly from Kenton are supplied with the appropriate power supply for the delivery address. Four types are available, UK / EU / USA / Australia."

Freeing up the Roland JX-3P - MIDI to JX-3P Protocol Converter from Xonik Devices

The Roland JX-3P does not support editing of its parameters over MIDI by default. If you look at the back of the JX-3P, you will see MIDI ports and a Programmer port. The Programmer port was meant for the optional PG-200 programmer. Until now you either needed a PG-200, Mode Machines DT-200 clone of the PG-200, or an upgrade from Kiwitechnics to edit the JX-3P externally.

Xonik Devices wrote in to let us know they have documented the Roland PG-200 protocol and created a MIDI translator/converter for it.  You can find the documentation here.  They have also created a hardware device, the MPG-200, that handles the translation. This means you will be able to control the internal parameters on a stock JX-3P with MIDI.

via A to Synth (Xonik Devices blog):

"Around three years ago, in april 2012, I decoded the PG-200 protocol. Using a Saleae logic probe I took a closer look at what happened while using the PG-200, and built a device that converts MIDI CC messages into PG-200 commands. This device, the MPG-200, also receives and transmits MIDI note messages, making it possible to completely control the JX-3P using MIDI.

To my knowledge, at the time I started the project only two other devices existed that could do this - the KiwiTechnics JX-3P upgrade and Patch Editor and the Organix Midi upgrade kit. These both require extensive modification of the JX-3P. Later, Mode machines made a PG-200 clone called the DT-200. I have yet to see the PG-200 protocol fully documented, but I may have missed something as I have not searched the web lately.

As a tiny gift to the synth community in honor of my daughter's birth, I now release all the information I have gathered. This document is based on the data found in the JX-3P/PG-200 service manual as well as a lot of work done by myself. Feel free to use it in any way you see fit, but I would be really happy if you acknowledged my contribution."

The Audiothingies Midibro - Compact DIY MIDI Event Processor

via Audiothingies
via @FlavioB

"Built upon the acclaimed and now discontinued MIDIpal by Mutable Instruments, the Midibro is a smart and small MIDI processor available as a DIY kit.
Insert it between a MIDI keyboard (or sequencer) and a MIDI sound module to unleash powerful compositional tools and effects.

The most versatile MIDI event processor

Compositional tools

Arpeggiator: Arpeggiate your chords. 4 modes (up, down, up&down, random), 15 rhythmic patterns, adjustable tempo, rhythmical division, gate and groove, syncable to MIDI clock.
Step sequencer: Record step-by-step a sequence of up to 128 notes (with ties, rests, slides and accents), and play it back with transposition. As simple and elegant as the classic SH-101 sequencer!
Randomizer: Randomize note values, velocity, and send random CC at each key press.
Keyboard-controlled drums sequencer. Control a drum module from a keyboard by triggering and combining patterns — one for each key of a 49 keys keyboard. Create mesmerizing Euclidean drum patterns.
Chord memory: Enjoy the classic *chord memory* feature of early 80s synths.
Delay. Up to 32 echo notes added after each note, transposition and velocity adjustment for creating feedback arpeggio effects, syncable to MIDI clock.
Scale processor. Never miss a note in a solo… The scale mapper replaces each note you play by its nearest neighbour in one of the 25 preset scales. It can also transpose and add voicing/random harmonies.
MIDI message generation

Clock: Make your MIDI setup groove! MIDI clock source with adjustable tempo and adjustable groove/shuffle/humanization patterns, from super-tight to funky.
CC-LFO: Generate up to 4 tempo-synced LFOs and cyclic automation movements for any MIDI Control Change (CC) message.
CC knob: Use the Midibro as a knob to send any CC or NRPN message.
MIDI setup plumbing

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'Clap Clock', Volca Bass and Volca Beats Jam- 'Clock House'

Published on May 12, 2015 ChrisLody

"https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SymetriC...

Fun with a Volca Beats, Volca Bass, a mixer and a clock with a contact mic and interference mic taped on it acting as a clap :)

No Prizes for guessing the BPM of this track!"

Trackformer XW-PD1 Introduction

Published on May 5, 2015 Casio Music Gear

"A brief introduction of the XW-PD1 Groove Center by Casio. The first in a series of videos on the Trackformer series."

New From Analogue Solutions: MEGACITY Tear Drop Step Sequencer

Published on Apr 20, 2015 rezfilter

"Here's a little teaser video for the Analogue Solutions advanced MEGACITY Tear Drop Step Sequencer!"

MESSE 2015: Kenton Electronics

Published on Apr 19, 2015 sonicstate

"MESSE 2015: Kenton Electronics MIDI Thru, D-Sync and prototype to add swing"

Spektro Audio CV Toolkit 2.0 – Deluxe Pack Overview

Published on Apr 16, 2015 Spektro Audio

"This is an overview of the new Deluxe Pack available for CV Toolkit 2.0.

The Deluxe Pack includes 9 modules: Biased Switcher, Shift Register, Euclidean Sequence, Logic, Matrix Sequencer, MIDI Control, Trigger Burst, VC Switch and VCA."

Roland AIRA Modular Customizer Allows You to Load Additional Modules to Digital Aira Modular Line

MESSE 2015: AIRA Modular Customizer Apr 16, 2015 sonicstate

"MESSE 2015: AIRA Modular Customizer More in the software editor"

When the first teasers of the new Aira modules went up I speculated that there might be one module that morphed into whatever you loaded into it much like the System-1. It turned out there are four distinct modules, the Demora, Scooper, Torcido, and Bitrazer. Well, it now appears that you will be able customize each module by loading additional modules into them.  According to this presentation, you will be able load up to 6 modules into each Aira module. There are currently 15 module types to chose from, and more will follow.  If you look closely you will see modules for the following: Sample & Hold, Ring Mod, Filter 6db, Filter 12db, Tone, Amp, Mixer, Stereo Mixer, Curve Conv, Gate Divider, Trig to Delay Time CV, and MIDI Clock to Gate.  You can also save patch routing.

Update: new video added below.


Musikmesse 2015 Introducing the Roland AIRA Modular Customizer Published on Apr 16, 2015 Analogue Zone Showroom / Hangszer

E-RM Multiclock at Musikmesse 2015 #TTNM

Published on Apr 15, 2015 The Tuesday Night Machines

"The creative folks at E-RM Erfindungsbüro in Berlin came out with a new box, promising to fix jittery clocks from a DAW or other standalone devices once and for all."

"The one-stop sync shop!

4 ultra precise output channels, derived from DAW audio clock, MIDI or DIN sync. Ultra low jitter design.
All separately shiftable and swingable in realtime to compensate start lag and adjust groove.

Hot-plug support for MIDI, DIN, Modular Clock & analog LFO. Built-in MIDI Router, MIDI Controller and optionally USB MIDI."

The Multiclock made it's first appearance here and here.

The official press release:

"As a young company from Berlin, E-RM has been very successful on the market of Audio- Synchronization since 2012 with the product midiclock+.

Hence we are very proud to announce you today in the context of Musikmesse 2015 our latest product, the multiclock, a universal time machine that packs a punch!

The E-RM multiclock is a Multi-Format Audio-Sychronizer. It takes care of a high-precision sync between Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), sequencers, drumcomputers, synthesizers, arpeggiators and modular systems of all kind.

As opposed to other products on the market which use MIDI or USB-MIDI to sync external gear to a DAW, multiclock uses a dedicated audio channel of the computer’s sound card to hook up with. This avoids unintended clock jitter which is inherently available with MIDI Clock and ensures tight sync on a sample-to-sample basis. A specially tailored plugin is used to generate the nescessary signals. The emitted audio clock is received by the multiclock’s audio processor and provided for external gear on four separate output channels in the formats of MIDI, DIN sync, modular clock und analog LFO. This keeps total control over the playback of all outbound gear within the master DAW.

Nevertheless, multiclock may of course also sync to incoming MIDI, DIN sync, modular clock signals or optionally USB-MIDI if nescessary - or even simply be the masterclock itself!

To cope with the delays and start latencies of connected slaves, a calibration by positive or negative time shift is possible separately for each channel. Moreover, every channel has two knobs to shift it further around in realtime and set the amount of shuffle. This ensures the right groove for every pattern.

In order not to constrain the musical capabilities of the connected slaves by simply offering syncronization, multiclock features additionally a MIDI Map&Merge Matrix. This enables the user to route and merge MIDI notes and other controll messages that are received on the MIDI input or the four optionally available USB-MIDI ports to specific outputs. Furthermore, unused clock channels may be used as a MIDI controller.

multiclock will be available from May 2015.

The MRSP is 449 e for the standard version, 519 e with USB.

A matching power supply is naturally included. Colorful caps for all knobs are available on request.

Technical Information:
tempo range: 30-300 BPM max. shift range: ± 250ms
Connectors:
1 x Audio-Sync input
1 x MIDI/DIN Sync/Modular Clock input 4 x MIDI/DIN Sync/Modular Clock output 1 x LFO output (0-5 V)
1 x power jack (9 V-15 V)
4 x USB MIDI input (optional) 1 x USB MIDI output (optional)"

littleBits & KORG Synth Modules CV, MIDI, and USB I/O

Published on Mar 31, 2015 littleBits Electronics

littleBits on eBay

"The CV module developed in partnership with Korg, a pioneer of electronic musical equipment, enables amateur and professional musicians to easily explore the iconic synthesizer instrument, allowing you to make exciting new sounds and build their own infinitely customizable and expandable analog modular instrument and put on your own performances - all with little to no engineering or musical knowledge.

More about the latest Synth Kit Modules at
http://littlebits.cc/new-synth-modules"

Playlist:
Introducing: littleBits New Synth Modules - MIDI, CV and USB I/O
Getting started with littleBits & Korg MIDI module Pt. 1 MIDI IN
Getting started with the littleBits & Korg MIDI Moldule Pt. 2 MIDI IN (USB Controller)
Getting started with the littleBits & Korg USB I/O Module
Getting started with the littleBits & Korg MIDI Module Pt. 3 MIDI Out
Getting started with the littleBits & Korg CV Module
littleBits + Korg and Cycling '74 Max Introduction
Sequencing the littleBits Synth Kit with the Korg Volca Keys

CV Toolkit 2.0 – Overview Video + littleBits USB i/o – Intro Video

Published on Mar 31, 2015 Spektro Audio

"CV Toolkit is a software that lets you many different virtual modules to control, modulate and sequence your synthesizers via control voltage (CV). These virtual modules can work independently or can bet set to influence and modulate each other via the Routing Matrix.
With CV Toolkit 2, you can create anything from multi-channel rhythmic sequences to complete polyphonic patches.

In order you CV Toolkit with your synth, you'll need a DC-coupled audio interface or an Expert Sleeper's ES-3, ES-4, ES-40, ESX-4CV, and ESX-8CV modules*.

The new 2.0 version was to design to be both easy for beginners and extremely flexible for more advanced users. We want the users to feel comfortable while taking their first steps with the program but also have enough different tools to help to go further and deeper as they get more familiar with CV Toolkit.

If you'd like to know more about this new version, visit http://spektroaudio.com/blog/2015/3/3..."

CV Toolkit 2.0 + littleBits USB i/o – Intro Video

Published on Mar 31, 2015

"This video focuses on introducing CV Toolkit to littleBits users as well as demonstrating how you could use CV Toolkit together with one littleBits USB i/o module to create a simple sequenced patch."

Drum Machine - XOXX Composer

Drum Machine - XOXX Composer from Axel Bluhme on Vimeo.

"http://axelbluhme.se

A drum machine that is fun and easy to use

This project started with a curiosity to understand when, why and how people take their first steps into producing music. The goal is to inspire and allow this exploration even though there might be lack of confidence or knowledge.

A tangible sound arranger that uses magnets to activate sound samples and that is very easy to engage with. Capture sounds from your surroundings or sample records, simply let curiosity and creativity lead the way to quickly create unique beats.

The physical interface is made up from eight rotating discs allowing the user to layer up to eight different sounds.

Each set of eight discs are colour coded and each individual disc in the set has its own pattern so as to allow the user to create their own mental system and means of organising their sounds.

Every disc is quantised into four bars, which is indicated by the coloured lines on their faces, and each bar is divided into four steps. That means every disc has sixteen steps which allows the user to explore a variety of different music styles and degrees of complexity."

New Dwarfcraft ARF: Attack/Release/Filter

Published on Mar 11, 2015

"Dwarfcraft's second filter... this one with a foot switch to engage an envelope on the cutoff frequency, AND CV in and out!
Art by Foie Gras https://foie.bandcamp.com/"


ARF meets Eurorack! Published on Mar 11, 2015 theonetrueaen

"A THRILLING encounter between the Dwarfcraft ARF and Eurorack synthesizer. Thanks again to Pittsburgh Modular, Synthrotek, and 4MS."

And:

Vidinterview5: Scandalous Industry Dirt

Published on Mar 11, 2015

"Your Old Pal Aen spills all the secrets of the pedal building industry. Such as: Who is humping who? Who stole designs? Who drinks the bathwater? Who is a werewolf?
The FINAL segment of the vidinterview series!"

Tubbutec Universal MIDI Interface For Drum Machines

Vermona ER9 Midi - Test of Tubbutec interface

Published on Mar 10, 2015 tubbutec

"Testing the upcoming universal midi interface for drum machines on the Vermona ER9.
The interface offers 16 velocity sensitive trigger outputs with adjustable voltage, shape and length. Additionally there is a CV out and several gates and sync options.
The interface is the board on top of the Vermona, not much larger then the included midi socket.
http://tubbutec.de for more infos"