this thread informs you about the latest MIDIbox SID release, and it gives you the possibility to write down your feedback (bug reports, questions about existing features, suggestions for new features, etc…)
I’ve already written a v1_to_v2 patch converter script, but the resulting sounds need some finetuning, as the scaling of some parameters like LFO rate and depth is not identical between the two MIDIbox versions.
I’m planning to release an overworked “vintage bank” soon.
1.if i wanna update my old 4xSID for a new stereo MBSIDV2 i can remove 2 of my 4 Coreboards out of that box and connect each second SID board on J14, right?
2.MIDI-Connection: i have to connect MIDI LINK like in description of changelog?
3.CAN-BUS: i have to connect D0, D1, D2, D3 of LCD to VSS? Is this LCD correct working without D0-D3 connection from Core?
Is there really only 1 single line for CanBUS (so i have to connect D2+1N4148 and D3 together on 1 line)?
Beta2 is now available for download (see first posting of this thread).
Please don’t report errors of older versions - they could be obsolete.
Please always include the version number in your posting for easier tracking.
Beside of the new .hex files, beta2 contains 128 “vintage patches” which have been converted from the v1 preset library.
I’ve improved most of the sounds by adding stereo effects.
A small number of patches does not work properly due to compatibility reasons - they will be replaced by new patches in future.
For those who haven’t noticed it yet: MIDIbox SID V2 provides a cloning mechanism, which allows an firmware update via MBNet.
Once you’ve uploaded a new version to the master core, press the MENU button during boot until the “Cloning Slaves” message appears on the LCD. I hope that this special button function is working with your CS, as I’ve only tested it with my button matrix based hardware.
To all beta testers: please let me know if cloning was working successfully. My hope is, that the usage is easier than an update via MIDI.
Beside of obligatory minor bugfixes and improvements (e.g. portamento disabled on initial note, bugfix in CS handler, MOD->LFO Depth modulation now even working when static LFO depth of target is 0), I added a new feature for the Modulation Matrix.
There is now a “S&H” (Sample & Hold) operator, which samples the value of SRC1 whenever SRC2 changes from a negative to a positive value. The direct integration into the MOD matrix is an unusual, but very powerful solution, as in difference to common synths it not only allows you to capture values periodically (e.g. by using a LFO), but with any pattern. E.g., you could trigger the capturing from the wavetable sequencer, or with a certain modwheel or velocity level (requires a second MOD path which is doing a comparison 1>2)
S&H is especially useful with analog signal sources, so I finally implemented a dedicated AIN handler for MBSID V2, which is officially supported from my side. In addition some other improvements (as usual)…
From the ChangeLog of beta4:
o an incoming patch or bank change request doesn't update the
the patch anymore if it was already selected before. This is to avoid
"glitches" when a sequencer sends a program change shortly before
a note is played.
o the "Knobs" are sending CC values now when the CC function is
activated (press SHIFT + Page Up/CC Button to toggle this mode)
Other parameters are still not sending CCs over MIDI, as NRPNs
are not implemented yet (low priority)
The CC numbers are 1 for Knob #1 (Modulation wheel), and 16/17/18/19
for Knob #2-#5 (GP values)
In addition, Knob #P sends Pitchwheel Events in CC mode
o support for analog inputs (J5:A0..A4)
This feature has to be enabled in the setup_*.asm file by setting DEFAULT_J5_FUNCTION to 1
Conversion results of the analog inputs are directly passed to the knob handler.
This generic approach has the advantage, that it is possible to control 5*2 parameters
within a specified Min/Max range, and that in addition the analog values are available
as modulation source within the modulation matrix (K#1..K#5)
The feature behaves differently on master and slaves:
Master: analog inputs are forwarded to the selected SIDs - use this
option as replacement for rotary encoders, or for adding
analog control elements like pots/faders/joysticks to your CS
Slave: analog inputs are only handled internally - use this option
for modulation with analog signal generators
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Best Regards, Thorsten.