34 replies to this topic

[randy909]

I completely disagree. First, regarding size, the 909 is as big as it is because of the component count, and the thru-hole style of circuit board. Have a look at the pics at http://hackaday.com/...r-909-teardown/ which pretty clearly show why the machine is so big.

As for the grouping of the controls: I have used the 909 extensively, on stage (live programming on-the-fly) and in the studio. I find the spacing of the controls to be very comfortable (most mixing boards are more cramped than the 909), while the extra "white space" at the top of the machine is a great place to rest another small device, or my headphones, or my glasses. And it looks so BITCHIN!

IMHO The TR-909 has a tasteful, minimalist look that doesn't detract from its usability.

My point was, either use that space or get rid of it. Putting a big blank space up top just to make it look like a real 909 makes no sense if the pcb's don't require the extra space. Just make the box smaller if you don't want to space out the interface. That'll be cool in its own way.

I think the knobs are cramped, see Jomox for proper knob spacing. Agree that it looks cool. I think a properly-spaced design could also look cool, depends on the artwork.

[Altitude]

My point was, either use that space or get rid of it. Putting a big blank space up top just to make it look like a real 909 makes no sense if the pcb's don't require the extra space. Just make the box smaller if you don't want to space out the interface. That'll be cool in its own way.

I agree with this statement. Function > Fashion

[pcbatterij]

Hey all,

I have tried to make my version look like the 909, but......everything does have a function (to me) including the space above the potmeters.

The case is so big (same size as TR909) because it houses:
1 all the potmeters
2 mains transformer
3 9090 PCB's
4 MB909 control surface for the
5 LPC17 core board
6 all the audio outputs of the 9090
7 MIDI IN's & OUT's USB, OSC,SD card of the LPC17 core
8 space for expansion with gate/CV output(s) and MIDI IN/OUT 3 and 4

It is correct that I might cut off a few centimeters at the top of the case, but that would not make a big difference I think. And I do not know what kind of mains transformer people want to use.

The firmware is based on the Seq V4, it is mainly the user interface that is different. I am still programming a lot and maybe I'll have to change the structure of tracks, groups, patterns and songs to make it more like the MB808.

I'll make sure that I have a working firmware for the betaversion, but it will (hopefully) be the people using the betaversion that will give me their tips, requests and suggestions for the final firmware.

The PCB's for the beta version are ordered and within the next few days I'm expecting a prototype for the frontpanel.

Cheers,

Jef

[gslug]

Great news Jef. I'm looking forward to seeing the first pics of a completed, cased MB-9090. And I agree about the size - there are a lot of boards to accomodate, plus the transformer, etc.

Kevin

Edited by gslug, 20 April 2012 - 21:07.

[Brathering]

I'll make sure that I have a working firmware for the betaversion, but it will (hopefully) be the people using the betaversion that will give me their tips, requests and suggestions for the final firmware.

As I said before, absolutly willing to help! :-)

[pcbatterij]

Thx Brathering,

As soon as I have a price for the beta version kit, I'll post that price here and on the synthage.com site.
People that are on the list can than decide if they are still interested in a beta version with an unfinished firmware.

I have ordered the boards and I'll put them in the kit for 27 Euro's (I have paid more as I only ordered a few pieces, but I know I can't ask the full price).


cheers,

Jef

[Brathering]

news!?

[pcbatterij]

Brathering,

I am still waiting for the PCB's but I know they have been produced, so not that long anymore until I have them at home.

Concerning the programming:

I have added the following to the hwcfg file:

##################################################
# settings for the MB909 control surface
##################################################

MB909_ENABLED 1
MB909_MULTIMACHINE 1

If the MB909 is enabled a few things are different on the display, a few buttons different and some settings for tracks will be set automatically to drum mode (still to program).
The Multimachine setting is there because some people would like to use the MB909 control surface/Seq V4 to control more than one drummachine. The sequencer will then keep using the 4 tracks of the patterns (for example 4 different drummachines). If I am not mistaking, I can leave song mode (more or less) like it is.

On the other hand if multimachine is set to 0 then, and this is the part that I am programming right now, the MB909 control surface will use the 4 tracks more like 4 patterns and the groups could be called the banks (more or less) like on the original 909. Nothing special up until now, but in song mode the sequencer will play track after track.
Of course in the pattern screen, you'll be able to load the Seq4 type patterns into the groups, nothing changed there.


I am also waiting for new keycaps, because the last ones did not work perfectly fine on the prototype frontpanel.

I hope with the two above settings, most people will be able to choose the mode they like using the most.

Brathering, like I said, your help will be most appreciated, because the programming is time consuming for me as I am not a C++ programmer at all.


Cheers,

Jef

[Brathering]

Nowadays a bite my own ass that I've don't realy listen to the c(++) lecture at university!
But together we're strong I promise, a good team with enthusiasted people and the shit should work! :-)

[pcbatterij]

bit more info:

http://www.midibox.o...ku.php?id=mb909

http://midibox.org/f...lbum/152-mb909/

cheers,

Jef

[pcbatterij]

Hey all,

I am almost ready to send out the BETA version kits/PCB for the test group. If you have not yet received a PM or an email, please PM me your email address.


Cheers,

Jef

[rosch]

damn i already thought i missed out on the official run!
your whole design looks awesome.
are there plans to offer the (desktop) case? (you, or Julian?)
and CS components? i know i know spoiled by Wilba projects, but just to have an idea what's possible.

happy beta testing, guys!

[pcbatterij]

Rosch,

If and when the beta test is positive, I'll organize a bulkorder for the CS boards. If people want I can also organize a bulkorder for the components.

And yes I have been very busy designing the frontpanel and case. I hope to have the prototypes of both not later then mid September.
Lets hope that they are affordable and look nice. as soon as I have pics, I'll post them on my website.

Cheers,

Jef

Oh yes,

yesterday I was busy with the "multi drummachine" mode, using my 9090 and reason soft drummachines on my PC. I just could not stop playing with the sequencer. Again with a big thanks to Thorsten for the Seq V4 work!!

Cheers,

Jef

[Johey]

Cool thing! Approximately, if you decide to make a complete kit with case, panels, boards and components, how much would it be?

[sonicwarrior]

I'll organize a bulkorder for the CS boards.

Will this be a one-off thing?

Because I'm interested but I need a few years to work through my backlog and I won't like to blow it up again (the more things I have on my backlog the less I'll work on it).