Jaicen

Ok, I just read throught the MF documentation and I have another question. Is it possible to cut build part of the MF module to just support one module, or would that require the firmware to be modified?? My project only really needs the one motor-fader at this stage, and I am trying to keep things pretty simple!

Hehe, that's good then! It's the programming customisation that's giving me cold feet about building my MBSID ;)

I had actually thought of that. If I had a bank up/down and a row of eight buttons, that would work right?? I want to keep this version pretty simple and small to be honest. If it works out as well as I'd like, i'll then go for something with 16-odd faders like a baby mackie or something.

This. Is. Brilliant! I'm totally stoked about this, I can't wait to get into building it! Am I right in thinking that I just need a core, DINx4 and AINx4 to get this thing up and running in its most basic form?? Where do I look for info regarding adding a motorfader?? Do I need a CV out for that?? Can I add a shuttle control using an encoder connected to the DIN?? I may have to economise on the buttons, but it would be worth it.

Ok, I think this could be a winner! Can anyone point me in the direction of the information I need to integrate a motorfader into the design?? Will that track the automated levels in the sequencer??

I thought that it would be possible, but I couldn't figure out how to assign the stuff to only the selected channel. Am I right in thinking that I just assign Fader1 in the control name to selected, then set the action to Output, that will do what i'm asking?? I don't actually want any automation, although if there was a simple way to add just one motorfader i'd do it. All I really want is for the onscreen control to jump to the settings of the controller when one of the pots is moved. When I mentioned automation, I meant for writing automation into the DAW. Is there anywhere I can find the relevant documentation for customising GR's ??

I've made up a quick sketch of what I have in mind. I know that Cubase will give me access to these parameters, but i'm not sure if it will let me jump them to whichever channel is active or not, that's really what i'd like to know. Since I've got 12 buttons, I'll need two DIN's, so i'll probably add some nice big transport buttons to that surface too (Start, Stop, Record Arm).

I actually wasn't planning on having any LED displays so it's not really a big deal. It would have been nice yeah, but I can live without it. Basically you hit the nail on the head: The rest of the GR implementation seems to work well for what you're after. If you assign a common channel strip to the "selected" channel in Cubase, all the correct messages will go out as you change the selected channel onscreen. I'd be working off the screen anyway, so I wouldn't need feedback on things like Solo etc. I just want something I can put my hands on!

I have read up on the existing designs quite thoroughly, but they're not really what I need to be honest. For me the purpose of DIY is to make something that fits my needs exactly, rather than adapting other things. Stuff like the Mackie control is ok, but it's not really what i'm after. I just want hands on control of all the track parameters because I hate having to make eq adjustments with a mouse! I want to be able to automate level changes too, so a real fader would be perfect.

I wonder if anyone here can help me. I want to build myself a control surface which will allow me to work the way I like in Cubase/Nuendo SX2. Basically, I'd like a complete channel strip comprising: Master volume Pan EQ (Freq, Q, Boost/cut) Mute Solo Record Arm Send 1 Level Send 2 Level The way i'd like this to work is that i'd be able to select a channel in the software, and when I turn one of the controls, the screen value will jump to that value. It's a bit like the way the center channel works on the Neve Capricorn really. Does anyone know if this is possible??

I'm afraid I don't sorry! I just didn't see the input for the DCB on your photo. From what I hear, the Kenton interface works pretty well, and it's just £125 so it won't break the bank ;)

Damn right there are! The DX27 does a fair imitation, but it's a bit cold and sterile. Running it through a nice analogue chorus pedal does wonders. I'm sure a leslie sim would too. Another fairly nice hammond type sound can be got from the Korg Poly800, and you can pick them up pretty cheaply. This allows you to mix footage harmonics for it's dual DCO's from 16' to 4' so you can get a pretty good approximation. Add to that the pretty nice LP VCF it does a pretty good job in my eyes. However, as has been said before you don't get the cabinet resonance or the dirt from tube amps like you would from a real leslie equipped B, so you can only get so far.

Does your Juno have the DCB input??

As it happens they're also very similar to the TR-808 (well, some like the hats anyway). The real difference lies in the noise generator sections. The DR110 uses digital noise, and the 808 uses discrete transistors. The CR8000 uses the same noise generator as the 606 and CR78 I think.

If you get a working voice board clone going, i'd be very interested! I've pretty much given up on my DR-110 modules, they all ended up being so large that I figured it would be easier to just build an 808 clone ;) I did add sync in to my DR-110 though, which is nice. The transistors I used in my prototypes were BC548C's which are the same as in the original if I remember correctly. You can get them from Maplins.co.uk and RSwww.com, so i'd use them if possible.

AFAIK, Smash has never provided a kit with SID's included. If he were to stock a PCB kit with the chips, caps and resistors (minus SID) all the better, but it's the PCB's that are the 'killer app' in my view. It vastly simplifies construction, and eliminates a great deal of possible wiring errors. Even if it was running MBSID V1.75 or whatever, i'd buy it today!

Why don't you get a 40106 hex schmitt trigger and build a couple of square wave oscillators. This has the advantage not only of outrageously low parts count, but also extremely low current, (You can get PWM using just two inverters if you're so inclined).

If you're going to go ahead and make a kit with the CS and the cores then can I be the first to put my name on the waiting list?? I need a 6xSID to use with my new guitar synth ;)

Agreed!! I wonder if Smash would be interested in having a batch of PCB's made up?? I could live with sourcing the components myself if I could just get the PCB's.

Wilba, that is a truly magnificent piece of work! If you intend to sell a run of these PCB's, then you can definitely 100% put me down for a set! Just one question though. When you say that the 4x cores are stereo SID modules, does that mean that you can have 8x poly with this design?? I'd love to hear what that sounds like playing a massive sawtooth chord!

That's a simple one, you've got the regulator the wrong way around! We've all done it (some of us more than once ;D

I tend to agree to be honest, although if I was using a scan matrix, any old keyboard would do. I've wanted to build a two/three octave controller to house my SID in for some time, I just haven't got round to it, like most things.

Actually, I was considering buying an MKS50 (rack Alpha Juno) so i'd want a programmer for that too.... I don't have a data logger i'm afraid I'm thinking about buying an oscilloscope from my local surplus place. Apparently it only works on one channel, so it's slightly limited, but it is pretty cheap (£25). I can't claim to have any skills whatsoever with regards to reverse engineering the PG200 i'm afraid. I'd certainly not want to be desoldering stuff or whatever.

Yeah, I understand that, because I own both a Jx3p and a PG200!! The PG200 looks like it would be pretty easy to homebrew, though I'm not sure if it houses a custom IC. I'm actually wanting a PG300 workalike, because i've just got myself a JX8 minus the programmer.

Thanks Stryd, that looks like an interesting one to add to the collection ;)