SynthAnthony

I has been a while since I used my sammichSID for anything other than just messing around, but I decided to record a small 8bit SFX library. I never noticed a noise issues before, but after some recording and editing, I can say that it is at unacceptable levels. I get around -45dB FS of noise when, while most samples reach peak -10db FS. Surely it can do better than that. What might be the issue? It has 2x 6852 chips. I'm using RME UCX for recording.

I'm trying to hook up sammichSID to a Behringer BCF2000 for more hands on control. It should be straightforwards: all BCF2000 needs is some kind of an incoming MIDI message and it can then assign the corresponding message to a fader, encoder or button. But it seems like sammichSID doesn't send any MIDI data, when I tweak the parameters (only when I do a MIDI dump). Is it possible to configure it, so it can send MIDI messages when I change values in the menus? I went through the manual, but I can't find anything. Thank you,

I installed the missing networks and remaining components, and everything seems to function as it should now! I'm glad I finally finished it. Thank you for your input.

I must be retarted. I forgot the resistor networks and now I can't find them in my stash. I thought these holes were for testing Well, off to a local electronics shop I go.

I think I figured out what I did wrong. It probably has something to do with grounding unused analog inputs of the core.

I was at the end of the assembly manual, the part when you install the microprocessor + additionals ICs. I quadruple checked all the voltages, as stated in the manual and they were correct. Uploader worked, and it stated that the MIOS was uploaded successfully. But when I turn on the sammichSID, it goes completely insane. It looks like MIOS is working properly, the screen shows coherent messages - but it jumps from screen to screen, tries dumping patches, LEDs blink, all values change etc. Seems like it gets false control messages. Anyone a suggestion how to solve this issue? Also, I noticed it gets worse if I touch the controls - maybe it just doesn't like me?

Yes, the prices for comparable commercial products are just insane. Anyway, I bought the DAC - worst case scenario I'll just buy an other one for 30 euro. :ahappy: I'll need 8 CVs for my modular anyway.

Yes, I bet VCOs would be less stable than a 12bit DAC (I'm building YUsynth VCOs btw). Makes it hard to decide... I do want the best, but don't want to pay extra for an overkill either.

I found a MAX525 for less than half of the usual price, but the just one (BCPP+ version). My question was - would it be enough to make a 4-channel AOUT, or does it only work with 2? Can the 2 dacs be different versions? The ucapps page says you need 2... While we at it - is AOUT still worth building, or is AOUT_NG the way to go? Yes, I do want the best precision for VCOs - but does AOUT really outperform NG in real world?

I removed the heat sinks and some components around it, removed all thermal compound - then temporarily surface mounted the two regulators, without heat sinks. Unfortunately, I forgot to put back the jumper near J20. Some magic smoke came out of one of the trimpots, when I connected the PSU. I'm afraid it's dead now... But, it seems like it solved the problem. Voltage readings on the base PCB are now correct! (I've put the jumper back). I'm a bit curious about what caused this problem - apparently it had something to do with the thermal compound, but why? (I used non-conductive compound).

About that - I already tried cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, but it only made it worse (residue went all over the pcb). What would be the best way to do so? Should I just remove the heatsink, clean it, and attach it again? And by "low voltages" I mean no voltages at all :no:

Thank you for a quick reply, I've uploaded the pics in high res (link: http://we.tl/QLBJ3Fqa5A ). This should be enough for a close inspection. You should notice it right away, but there is a bridge connection near one of the jacks (pad was destroyed, applied too much heat/pressure). Continuity test tells it's connected directly to the ground, not sure if it's supposed to be like that (even though I doubt audio path would cause problems in power supply voltages).

Hi there, I still had a sammichSID kit lying around. Didn't finish it when it arrived, because couldn't do a proper testing (my cheapo multimeter was broken). Anyway, my Amprobe 37xr-a arrived, so the first thing I did is to test the assembly. It passed continuity test, but I don't get correct voltages from the voltage test - voltage readings are way too low. (I checked the power switch, it's ok - I also get 12.11V from the PSU). Personally, I have a feeling that it has something to do with my crappy soldering (I might have burned some components, although there is no visible damage). I use unregulated 12v 1250 mA PSU. Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you for your reply: Well, I do realise that midibox sid is a very sophisticated synth, probably the most sophisticated analog/digital hybrid synth there is, and is by far better than Elektron SidStation (if you look at the spec list) so wishing for dedicated encoder for each parameter is unrealistic. What I really ment, is most common parameters - for example, shared ecoders, for all LFOs is fine by me. I'm thinking about 40-50 encoders. Don't really know which parameters I will need, so I don't want to take the standard "analog" knob set - I think Sid can be something different, so it's fair that it deserve an other set of parameter knobs. I was thinking about making custom 3-4 unit rack/desktop enclosure. Will probably be white, with '80 style font, blue LEDs/screen and wooden sidepanels :) I'll look around the forum, for more info.

Hello I bought 4 chips from Wilba, and now that I have some time to spare, I want start making my MidiBox Sid. But first I have one question - I've red walktrough, doesn't look too easy, but I think everything will be fine, when I do everything step by step. One thing is not very clear to me: can you customize the control panel as you like? What I really want, is encoder for each parameter. I like 'tons of knobs', and the complete setup is not enough for me - I would like dedicated set of knobs for every oscillator and envelope. So, can you customize the control panel, to meet your needs? Is it hard? Otherwise, I think I'll just buy Behringer BCR2000 and will make a minimal control panel - would be more logical solution for me. Btw - is there any way to make LED endicators around the econders? Probably not, but still, would be nice. In other news - I had some money to spare, wanted to buy Moog Little Phatty, but then decided that I could build MidiBox Sid instead and I don't have a drum synth, so I bought Jomox Xbase 888 - should arrive tomorrow. I also have Prophet 08 and the bass station. Had some other stuff, but I sold it.