I’ll probably not do this when I create the mainboard for the clone.
As soon as funding permits, I’ll have the boards professionally fabricated.
Toner transfer isn’t too bad for quick one offs. Sometimes the traces don’t come out after a transfer attempt, but I easily clean them up with a fine point Sharpie marker.
Forget about just remaking existing clones - the analog TB303-like hardware can be controlled via AOUT module with the MBSID V2 firmware. Think about the powerful possibilities (modulation and trigger matrix, arpeggiator, wavetables, etc…).
It’s even possible to sequence an additional SID in parallel to a TB303 from a single core and from the same CS. Or add more cores to sequence even more SIDs or external synth hardware…
So, the basics already exist, new software doesn’t need to be developed, just start with the experiments…
At least it is possible to forward Key->CV within the modulation matrix.
It shouldn’t be so complicated to add a K2A (Key-to-AOUT) option as well (ca. 10 lines of code). It could also forward the gate, e.g. of the first oscillator, and the glide flag. The only reason why I haven’t added this yet is, that I want to collect the requirements before adding such a feature. This should ensure that the implementation is universal enough… however, your requirements are still more simple than expected. Any other functions required?
i found this rather raw comment in another forum section but it perfectly covers the stuff here so i decided to give it a go, hope it hits a funny nerve cause its my only intention ;D
dude why u intend to steal the design so hard???
there is tons of posible ways to make midi controllers
and if u plan to give chinese to adupt MB for 196 a-ins (i realy dont know what for and how do u want any soft to identify any ch’ above 128 but anyway… its ur problem) u can ask the chinese to desing ya the whole thing aswell
maybe better proccesor???
faster plexers???
lower latency???
more midi ins/outs + midi routing ???
better software/interface???
and then publish the desing over here!!!
and then some ass will come over and will try to make it comertial product ;D
At least it is possible to forward Key->CV within the modulation matrix.
It shouldn’t be so complicated to add a K2A (Key-to-AOUT) option as well (ca. 10 lines of code). It could also forward the gate, e.g. of the first oscillator, and the glide flag. The only reason why I haven’t added this yet is, that I want to collect the requirements before adding such a feature. This should ensure that the implementation is universal enough… however, your requirements are still more simple than expected. Any other functions required?
Just a thought… On my “to try” list is an MB-SID v2 controlled dual VCO moog-based synth… The 8 pre-set CVs could be the basepoint for the two pitch CVs, two pulse width controls, vcf cutoff and res, vca, and vc-balance control… BUT… They are definitely exponential circuits… I don’t quite know what acreage is left in the MB-SID v2 memory banks, but a lookup table for exponential key follow would eliminate the need for a separate MB-CV…
I think this is a little more than you might want to tackle seeing as though you’ve already done so many incredible things with the code for v2, but thought I’d chuck it out there…
. BUT… They are definitely exponential circuits… I don’t quite know what acreage is left in the MB-SID v2 memory banks, but a lookup table for exponential key follow would eliminate the need for a separate MB-CV…
…
if they are v/oct inputs, then this is already done by the circuit.
I can’t really think of any other functions that would be needed.
Although a simple sequencer would be nice. After giving it some thought, that could be already covered by the WT editor, however I could probably throw on a couple of DIN modules, modify the app source and use the buttons for the note keys on the sequencer.
jimp:
The original 303 uses a V/Hz scale for note tracking. Still wondering if I should attempt either that or 1v/Oct scaling. Gonna go which has better tracking. And to keep the VCO circuit simple, It will only have Saw and Square waveform generation implemented.
Thanks for all your comments guys. I though I was just having a case of insane wishful thinking, but seeing how many people are starting to get all over this, then I figure this should be a fairly worthwhile project to offer up to the community.
I’ll prolly not post for the next 2 weeks since I’m heading off the continent to an island in the middle of the pacific (goin’ to hawaii) for a Christmas pineapple.
In the meantime, I’ll be researching more on modern component replacements to use.
After these are done, I’ll start building a board layout.
I give props to the creators of the ML-303 and the x0xb0x and Ultra303 (CPU Replacement project) as an inspiration to even think of starting this.
if they are v/oct inputs, then this is already done by the circuit.
Hiya Jim and all!
I actually haven’t played with the 303 circuit that much - thought it was v/oct as well…
My only interest in weeding in the v/oct support was that so far the best VCO circuits I’ve found (sounding, not accuracy - v/hz tends to be a bit more stable) are v/oct. Also, I’ve already got a few really nice moog-clone vco’s built and looking for duty!!
I think this is likely far too much coding to include these lookup tables anyway… But in the best of all possible worlds…
Sorry! My bad… Just me making things too complicated for myself again! :-X
Linear out into CV in feeding the expo converter should do the job… I like the idea of the equivalent of a Moog Source, plus all the mod goodies in the SID V2, in a nice single rack space… Will sit nicely next to the Wilba Beast…
hahahahahaha funny you guys talk bout powerful oscillator & stuff … in 303 topic.. just think it over… in the end , you might end up bass compensate the cranked resonance (& call me interested oh well )… :
In my opinion it would be more interesting to build a standalone 303-style sequencer to trigger my pulse or bass-station.A-outs could be added as well for non midi gear.
What about a standalone sid303? Put in a pt10 with a x0x/ML-like user interface.
Or a mbfm303? Using the opl3 as a kind of (powerful) osc with aditional analog filter+vca section.
A simple mbhp based synth that doesn’t require desoldering any OPL3 chips from soundcards, or raping a C64 for its SID.
An alternative to currently available 303 clones that uses “rare/obsolete” parts. I cannot find one available that has complete documentation that uses modern hardware.
Currently available clones have a very long wait list because of the rarity of some components are becoming harder to source.
