stefanovic

Thank you all for your explanation. I'll try the MIDImerger then, and see if I can make it powered by midi.

what do you mean? In which way it is different? if it's about my skills: I know how to code, but I'm really bad at electronics, I can build an ambika, but sometimes I ask dummy questions (see my remark about the diodes :-/) well this requires a deeper explanation. The Ambika is a multi-timbral synthesizer. I'd like to configure the BCR2000 so that a preset corresponds to one 'timber', which means that each time I change the preset on the BCR2000 (say I want to control timbre #2 instead of timber #1), then the BCR asks to the Ambika the values for that timber (#2), the Ambika answers and updates the new preset on the BCR accordingly...

Well actually I want the BCR2000 to control the Ambika, but also the Ambika to refresh value on the BCR2000. My setup is: BCR2000 out -> in Ambika Ambika out -> in BCR2000 with BCR2000 set to S4 mode to avoid midi loops. I have tweaked the Ambika firmware to receive an 'all controllers request' sysex, and the Ambika sends all current CCs value to the BCR2000. Of course there is no midi in plug left, hence the need for a merger (keyboard + bcr2000 out) to send note on/off to the Ambika and actually play something with it instead of just control it :-P

Yes, it's a good idea, I will consider it. Looking at the MIDImerger page, I see that many components can be left out (power supply of course, but also leds and optocouplers). Even for the simplest circuit, I guess it would be safer though to leave the diodes at the output of the midi in plugs? Another question: there is a small circuit with two caps (C1 & C2) on this schematic: http://ucapps.de/midimerger/midimerger_pic16f88.pdf. What are they used for? Maybe those questions are not appropriate to this forum, as they seem related to basics in electronics, do not feel obligated to answer them...

@ilmenator @mono: Thanks for you answers. My plan would be to merge the input coming from a Behringer BCR2000 and a keyboard (GEM promega 3) to output into a Mutable Instruments Ambika... If I just pick the power from midi instead of an external power, what would be the risk? That it just does not work with that particular devices? Or it would not work for whatever other reasons? Cheers!

Hi all, I'm interested in building a MIDImerger. I can build some electronics, but I am not _that_ knowledgeable in electronics. AFAIU, the MIDImerger needs an external power supply. I was wondering if this was really necessary. Wouldn't it be possible to get the power from MIDI? As in this product: http://www.midisolutions.com/prodmrg.htm http://www.midisolutions.com/faqs.htm#Power Cheers !