New Fairlight CMI Lightpen USB Mouse Interface

Overview video upload by DeftAudio

"The Fairlight CMI USB Lightpen Interface replaces (or complements) the original lightpen with a standard USB mouse, making navigation faster, easier, and far more accessible. Designed specifically for Fairlight Series I/II/IIx, this compact interface bridges vintage hardware with modern usability."

https://deftaudio.com/store/tproduct/...



The Fairlight CMI USB Lightpen Interface replaces (or complements) the original lightpen with a standard USB mouse, making navigation faster, easier, and far more accessible. Designed specifically for Fairlight Series I/II/IIx, this compact interface bridges vintage hardware with modern usability.

Originally designed in 2010 by Joe Britt, in 2026 Joe and Deftaudio have redesigned it for better look and feel, added an extra cursor mode, aluminum enclosure and powder coated side panels with silkscreen.

KEY FEATURES:

USB Mouse Control
Navigate your Fairlight interface using a standard USB class-compliant mouse
No drivers, no setup, plug and play
Designed for simple, reliable mice (no special features required)

Works Alongside Original Light Pen
Keep your existing light pen connected
Seamlessly switch between light pen and mouse—or use both simultaneously

Dual Cursor Modes (NEW)
Mode A: Small, precise cursor for detailed work
Mode B: Large, highly visible cursor for navigation
Switch instantly via front-panel toggle, no reboot required

Buffered Video Output
Additional RCA composite video output on the rear panel
Drive a second monitor simultaneously with the original display
Ideal for expanded viewing, demonstrations, or studio setups

Premium Build Quality
Custom-designed PCB with fully assembled components
Rugged metal enclosure matching Deftaudio’s Luma One production standards
High-quality silkscreened front and rear panels
Built for durability and long-term use in professional environments

Simple Setup
Connect the interface between your Fairlight system and monitor
Plug in a USB mouse
Power on—LED confirms device recognition
Start navigating instantly
Optional: connect a second monitor via composite output for dual-screen operation.

Compatibility Notes
Supports USB class-compliant mice only
Not compatible with advanced gaming or feature-heavy mice
Requires monitor(s) with composite video input for video output feature

You'll receive:
1. Lightpen USB Mouse Interface
2. Video Cable
3. USB-B power cable
4. Power adapter

Fairlight CMI Series III - Fully Restored - Owned by Brad Fiedel, Terminator II

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by DeftAudio

"The story of working on getting back to live CMI Series III that was used on the truly masterpiece T2 score."

via this auction

"Here is your unique chance to buy a fully restored Fairlight CMI Series III that used on Terminator II: Judgement Day by Brad Fiedel.

"Hello. My name is Andrei Kudryavtsev. If you've been tracking Fairlight sales, you probably saw my other restoration work. All systems that I sell are completely restored and refurbished to the original condition, as much as possible. They are also upgraded to modern standards providing better reliability and usability. This system is not the exception. It's the legendary Fairlight owned by Brad Fiedel and used on T2 score. It took me over a year to finish this build. It arrived to me with a mess of previous repair over last 35 years. Failed parts were replaced by other boards not following versioning and compatibility. It required extensive work to get it up to date to Rev 9 standards which means the final CMI functionality. It's running OS9.34 with all required hardware changes, with 16 voices 32MB sample memory, with SCSI2SD replacing original hard drive, USB2CMI replacing original Preh keyboard, and a VGA monitor. It has fully repainted the CMI mainframe, music keyboard.

Power supply section is brand new. Old switching PSU has been replaced with three modern PSUs, driving clear power rails and dedicated power rail for fans. Cooling section is brand new, replaced all fans with server grade fans and new fan speed controller with a separate zone management and thermal sensors.

All work is carefully documented and available in my Instagram with all dates it was performed.

instagram.com/deftaudio/

This system needs a new home, a person who will be using it to make the music and not being distracted by common failures. All of those have been addressed to make your life easier and bring new life into this wonderful machine. I should say a disclaimer anyway, that as is a vintage gear....it may fail any moment...and obviously no return offered. However, I'm offering you my help in learning this great machine, and so you get 10 hours of my time at no charge. You can use it for whatever you want - set up and install online, learning session, tutorials, technical support etc...

CLICK FOR MORE »

Brad Fiedel (Terminator 2) Fairlight Restoration announced

video by DeftAudio

"For a very special time I'm announcing Fairlight Series III restoration that was owned by Brad Fiedel and used for scoring Terminator 2 Judgment Day. Importantly there are two systems used which were synced together to produce the original soundtrack. Watch till the end you'll find the easter egg."

Larry Klein's (Peter Gabriel) Fairlight CMI Series III For Sale

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Fairlight CMI Series III - the last restoration in 2020! - DeftAudio

via this auction

"Yes, this is the real deal and your chance to jump onto a completely restored Fairlight CMI Series III system.

Hello. My name is Andrei Kudryavtsev. If you've been tracking Fairlight sales, you probably saw my other restoration work. All systems that I sell are completely restored and refurbished to the original condition, as much as possible. They are also upgraded to modern standards providing better reliability and usability. This system is not the exception. It used to belong to Larry Klein. It was one of the cleanest Fairlight I've ever received, however it required extensive work to get it up to date to Rev 9 standards. It's running OS9.34 with all required hardware changes, with 16 voices 32MB sample memory, with SCSI2SD replacing original hard drive, USB2CMI replacing original Preh keyboard, and a VGA monitor. It has fully repainted the CMI mainframe, music keyboard.

Power supply section is brand new. Old switching PSU has been replaced with three modern PSUs, driving clear power rails and dedicated power rail for fans. Cooling section is brand new, replaced all fans with server grade fans and new fan speed controller with a separate zone management and thermal sensors.

All work is carefully documented and available in my Instagram with all dates it was performed. It took me over 5 months to bring it to the condition you currently see. instagram.com/deftaudio/

This system needs a new home, a person who will be using it to make the music and not being distracted by common failures. All of those have been addressed to make your life easier and bring new life into this wonderful machine. I should say a disclaimer anyway, that as is a vintage gear....it may fail any moment...and obviously no return offered. However, I'm offering you my help in learning this great machine, and so you get 10 hours of my time at no charge. You can use it for whatever you want - set up and install online, learning session, tutorials, technical support etc... I want to make you happy.

What's included into the package:

1. Fairlight CMI Series III mainframe: Rev9.34, 16 voices, 32MB, 100kHz sampling input, SCSI2SD, cooling and PSU upgrades.

2. Fairlight CMI Series III music keyboard

3. USB2CMI keyboard adapter with Apple keyboard and mouse.

4. VGA Monitor, Video scaler, Green color adapter(if you want your fonts to be green)

5. Original Preh alphanumeric keyboard (touchpad doesn't function)

6. Fairlight CMI Series III original green phosphor monitor (faded CRT)

7. All necessary cables.

8. Larry Klein flight cases."

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Fairlight CMI Series III - July 2020 Restoration report out

DeftAudio

"Yet another Series III restoration finished. This is MFX2 version with the final hardware. No music playing, just speaking. Enjoy :)"

Fairlight story #03: Modern DAW integration

Published on Apr 19, 2020 DeftAudio

"This episode I'm explaining how Fairlight is controlled and integrated into the main DAW."

DeftAudio Fairlight posts

Fairlight story #02: Emulating original Alpha and Preh keyboards with USB2CMI designed by Joe Britt

Published on Apr 18, 2020 DeftAudio
"In this video I'm sharing details of USB2CMI interface: https://github.com/joebritt/usb2cmi"

DeftAudio Fairlight posts

DeftAudio's Fairlight story: Introduction to His Setup

Published on Apr 16, 2020 DeftAudio

"In this episode I'm sharing the details of my Fairlight Setup. No play, no music, just clear technical facts."

Fairlight CMI Series III and Chicken Systems Translation introduction

Published on Jun 14, 2019 DeftAudio

"Brief overview of my Fairlight setup and integration with Translator app for the sample transfer."

Jean-Michel Jarre Fairlight Series III Overview

Published on Dec 30, 2018 DeftAudio

"Quick overview of ex-Jean-Michel Jarre's Fairlight Series III."

Restored Fairlight CMI Series III for Sale

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Fairlight CMI Series III - Demonstration Video

Published on Nov 21, 2016 DeftAudio

"Demo video to support the eBay listing
Unique restoration project explained in every detail, what's included with the system, condition, function tests and so on... read more inside the item description."

via this auction

Details captured for the archives:

"Here is the exact list what is included into the listing:
Fairlight CMI-III Rev 9.34 mainframe, fully populated with 16 channels (8 * CMI-31) and max 32MB of memory (3 * 8MB + 4* 2MB cards), CMI-337 input card, CMI-32, CMI-41, CMI-28, Q356, Q133, Q209, QFC9, Q777, ESP-CG3 VGA card, SCSI2SD scsi adapter with 16GB SD Card.
Weighted musical keyboard with a sustain pedal and a soft case.
Alphanumeric Preh keyboard with touchpad and stylus
NEC LCD VGA monitor
MiniPC with preinstalled CMI-Control SW, custom serial cable and PSU, touchpad and new keyboard
Musical keyboard uplift adjustable motor-driven stand with LCD mount
Mainframe stand on wheels
Power distribution unit
Documentation: user manuals, tutorials, CMI-III Service Guide, some prints
Connection cables: 3x power cables, serial to musical keyboard (10 feet), power to musical keyboard (10 feet), VGA cable (6 feet), DVI cable (6 feet), VGA cable (10 feet).

Condition and Restoration Details

Saying that the condition is awesome, actually, is saying nothing. Let me get you introduced to the whole restoration process, what has been done in order to make it so amazing. Every system component was restored, returned back to a factory specs or replaced. Having just about 200s Series III ever produced that’s a bit tricky.

Music keyboard belonged to Stewart Copeland (famous The Police drummer). That’s very rare weighted version which Fairlight put on a special order.

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Fairlight CMI-III /MFX Demostration

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Sep 13, 2015 DeftAudio

Note seeing this one currently listed: Fairlight CMIs on eBay