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Sunday, February 21, 2021

Roland JX-10: Super JX Flash Module with Vecoven 3.22 Firmware and Soundboard ROM Install


video by thesrabbit

"This video documents my own experience with installing the Super JX Flash Module with Vecoven 3.22 firmware in my Roland JX-10. While there are other great videos about the Vecoven firmware, I wanted to make a video that showed the physical removal of all the old chips and installation of the new ones. Let me first say that I am a total amateur at DIY anything, as the video clearly demonstrates. I am not responsible if you try this and break your gear, hurt yourself, or die. For what it's worth, I did all but the latter. Fortunately the thing that I broke was the thing that I was replacing. That said, I'm hoping that the video gives you a clear understanding of what needs to be done if you decide to do this yourself. As for the actual tools and techniques, that's up for discussion. But this is the way. Or at least it's a way.

Background:
Shortly after purchasing the JX-10, I knew I needed to get the Vecoven firmware, just to have a proper MIDI implementation. I didn't realize there was a flash module option that allows future firmware updates over MIDI and provides an internal memory of 16 banks of patch storage. That's the equivalent of 16 M-64C cartridges, for a total of 1024 sounds. I contacted Fred Vecoven to inquire about my options and he recommend that I get the flash module with firmware 3.x and also the 2 optional sound board roms, so that's exactly what I did. Note: I don't have the PWM hardware mod, nor do I intend to get it in the future, so it's firmware version 3.x for me.

The idea of removing IC's from sockets and replacing them with new ones seemed on the surface to be a trivial task. But after watching one video, I was a bit intimidated, especially by the need to disconnect the flat white ribbon cable that obscures the firmware chip. This is not your average ribbon cable that is simply plugged into a socket. In fact, I don't even know if it is a ribbon cable at all, though that's what I call it in the video.

As it turns out, disconnecting the flat white cable wasn't too bad, though it was very scary when it came time to do it. I found that the best way was to gently wiggle it side to side while pulling (gently) backward. It came out pretty easy.

Far worse than anything was the removal of the IC's. Maybe the removal tool I have is not the appropriate size. It's possible that the one I have is made for small IC's only. It just feels like I couldn't get a grip on the chip at all. Like there was not enough tension. Looking back, I think a better technique would be to gently loosen the IC on each end from underneath with a small flathead screwdriver, and then use the IC removal tool to grab a hold of it and pull it out. But I'm not confident enough to actually recommend that approach. I would love to know if anyone knows the proper technique!

MIDI Mod: The Open MIDI RTC Schema didn't support the way in which the Vecoven firmware reads MIDI CC sequences. I made changes to the schema to support that and bumped its version up to 0.1.1, where it currently is at the time of this publication. I then just needed to make a couple small tweaks to MIDI Mod to support the new schema. MIDI Mod version 1.5.1 does that and therefore works with a JX-10 or MKS-70 that has the Vecoven 3.x or 4.x firmware installed.

Vecoven Super JX Flash Module: https://www.vecoven.com/superjx/flash...

A JX-10 Vecoven 3.x firmware and soundboard rom installation video that I used for reference:"

Roland JX-10 firmware upgrade

video by Simo Sainio

Here's a video that features the physical installation of the flash module in an MKS-70:

DIY INSTALL Vecoven 3.x SuperJX Flash Module for the Roland MKS-70/JX-10

video by #hardwareonly The MIDI Maniac

See the Vecoven label below for more.

ARP 2600 Sequence Jam


video by O.Z. Hall

"ARP 2600 provides the lead.
Z506 Swiss Daisy DSP provides the 'pluck'.
Intellijel Metropolis sequencer drives the Swiss Daisy DSP.
Frequency Central MethAmp provides overdrive as well as a voltage controlled tone with "regen"eration (resonance/Q).
ES FV-1 modules provide digital delay and reverb.
This module is based on the Electro-Smith.com FV-1 submodule. RecklessExperimentationAudio.com provided the prototype PCBs and panels. Thanks Mikhail!

I hope you enjoy this jam."

See additional posts below, here.

Multivox MX-3000

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.


via this auction, also on Reverb

Note the larger keys in the bass section.

"MX3000 partially working but that needs servicing. Check the video here or on Youtube to see what's working, it covers pretty much everything.
But basically this is the state:
Channel 1 / Bass: everything is working properly
Channel 2 / Polyphonic:
All the preset sounds are working, as long as the "ensemble" fx and the "full rotor" fx. Filter, enveloppe and LFO mainly also. Velocity too.
What is not working correctly: all keys are working but a few notes (3 or 4) have a distorded sound. Lfo delay, glide and release are not working.
Channel 3 / Mono: oscillator is not sounding. From what I can tell VCF, VCA, LFO and noise generator are working.

In the mixer the Ch 2 direct is not working (but it's basically the Ch2 dry sound so it's probably nothing).
Overall condition is quite good: the panel is very clean. Case has some wear but still in good shape and complete with lid. Keyboard is not so great, lower part (bass part) keys are different from upper part, this is not original.

There may be some other minor things I forgot to mention but again check the video and you'll have a good idea of what you get."

Tiracon 6V + Vermona Synthesizer + Vermona SK 86


video by Najvrtson

"Three wonders from East Germany, three keyboard instruments unique in their era: The only monophonic synthesizer, the only polyphonic synthesizer and the only arranger keyboard made in GDR together in one a little bit strange composition! This composition has been already used in my older video, but then I played it on Electronica EM-25, Delicia HT-61-BD and Vermona SK-86 (you can watch and listen here:)"

1984 Microcar Bonny Drive and Description

video by Najvrtson

"Here you can see my Microcar Bonny (by Jeanneau, France, 1984) in detail. Enjoy!"

Hec Est Mater: Trope de Benedicamus (Vermona '14)


video by Kris Lennox

"From the Engelberg Codex. Wonderful piece - and a wonderful tone from the Vermona. OSC 2 on the Vermona is locked, hence the (distant) low drone. Very poignant piece when heard in the upper register; very Scottish with the addition of grace notes.

Best
Kris"

Source of Uncetain Beat


video by Todd Barton

"Do Not Listen This without Headphones or Speaker with Sub!!!
I'm always amazed at the punch and power of the Buchla 200.
Modules in play: The Source of Uncertainty, Triple Envelope Follower, MARF, LPG . . ."

multi arp


video by zack dagoba

"For some reason I have never set up my ARP Odyssey and matching 1601 sequencer alongside the ARP2500, until now

They are very different sounding beasts. The 2500 is much sharper and more precise than the Odyssey, which feels noticeably soft and squidgy in comparison. Good combo though, especially with additional 16 step sequencer (which has quantised outputs). There is much to explore combining all the sequencing and gating options in the two systems"

Oberheim Matrix-12 Demos by Tim Mantle / Psalm37patches


Oberheim Matrix 12 - My sounds...So far. video by Tim Mantle / Psalm37patches

"I've had just over two weeks with this thing, here's a few of the unpolished sounds I've come up with so far."

Oberheim Matrix 12 - Lyle Mays / Pat Metheny "It's for you"


"My attempt at 'THE' sound, using the Oberheim Matrix 12."

Moog, Nord and Oberheim Noodle


video by 100 Things I Do

"Recorded live, no edits!

A quick one this week! It's been a while since I did a music only clip so here one is! :D"

VAI 13. Siel Cruise


video by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Siel Cruise mono synth and divide down string machine in action again. The tremolo pedal chops up the poly section and the Roland Space Echo adds the swing."
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