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After hearing many praises about the Commodore 64 SID Synthesizers, I thought I would build one for myself. I decided to build it in a compact 1U rackmount case.
Here is a link to my Build Blog which includes more pictures:
http://technomf.com/viewtopic.php?t=136
If you have any questions about this project, feel free to post on TechnoMF.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
MIDIbox SID is a non-commercial & "DIY-only" project. Beside of the common SID functions (three oscillators, triangle/saw/pulse/noise and mixed waveforms, independent envelope generators for the amplitudes, sync & ring modulation, 12db multistate low/band/highpass/notch filter) it features:
- 2 additional envelopes with optional non-linear curve which can be assigned to Pitch, Pulsewidth and Filters
- 6 additional LFO's with different waveforms which can be assigned to Pitch, Pulsewidth and Filters
- Fine Tuning
- Pitch Bender
- Portamento/Glide function
- Delays
- optional Oscillator Synchronization
- Arpeggiator (a SID *must* have an arpeggiator ;-)
- Poly, Mono and Legato Mode
- separate keyboard zones for each voice (key splitting) allows to play voices separately
- Free controller assignments to Modulation Wheel, Velocity and Aftertouch
- wave and CC sequences which allow more percussive sounds (Wavetables)
- the wavetable sequencer can be combined with the arpeggiator in order to realize complex textures
- LFOs, Envelopes, Wavetables, Arpeggios optionally syncable via external MIDI clock
- LFOs can be combined for Sample&Hold effect
- up to 6 CV ins with 8 bit resolution which are forwarded to the LFOs (6th waveform) and can control the OSC frequency, pulsewidth and filter
- up to 8 CV outs with 12 bit resolution - MBHP_AOUT_LC and MBHP_AOUT are supported
- OS independent SysEx editor based on JSynthLib
- BankStick support (128 sound patches per stick, up to 8 can be connected)
- Bassline (303) Mode
- optional filter CutOff frequency interpolation
- optional "Constant Time Slide"
- can be used as .sid file player
- optional minimal control unit
- the possibility to control up to 4 SIDs
- a complete control surface
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I have recently finished building a custom MIDI controller using the UMC32 from Hale Microsystems LLC. I have wanted to do this for some time now, but did not want to create a custom Microcontroller and the code to go along with it in order to complete the project. Kenneth Graham, from Hale Microsystems (www.halemicro.com), has created a controller interface for projects like this. The UMC32 is a small PCB microcontroller that will allow you to connect up to 32 components (pots, faders, switches, etc.) and will connect directly through your computers USB port. This little device will install as a MIDI controller and show up in any program that has MIDI input capability. For my case, I plan to use it with Ableton Live. Below is a list of Pro's and Con's regarding the UMC32
Very easy to use
USB Connectivity
Well documented (halemicro.com)
Installs on Windows XP without the need for external drivers
Firmware updatable via USB
Capability for up to 32 electromechanical inputs
Very small (can fit into an Altoids tin)
Uses MicroUSB port to be consistent for smaller applications
No Vista support as of yet
Unable to handle external power source for more power demanding applications
On board LED should have a connection for an external monitoring LED
Overall, the UMC32 is an amazing device. If you are in the market for building a MIDI controller, the UMC32 is by far your smallest, most simple, and dependable option. Definitely worth the price. The UCM32 also comes with a manufacturers warranty to guarantee against defects.
Since the UMC32 allows 32 analog inputs, I chose to use 16 potentiometers and 16 switches for my design. By choosing the Analog option, my controller will send CC changes to my computer. I created a custom enclosure out of wood for the controller since I could not find a prebuilt one that looked like an old synthesizer. More pictures here: http://technomf.com/viewtopic.php?t=491 |
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