SynthModules

Brice -

Can you tell us a little about the MIDI module... both IN and OUT?  I'm
not exactly sure what to ask here, but some description and maybe a
couple example uses would be helpful...?

Can any of the MIDI data be used?  Clock, song pointers, cc data, etc? 
I have reduced my MIDI used by about 80% lately, but having a PSIM with
MIDI would open a lot of doors...

Andrew


I used to be so big and strong
I used to know my right from wrong
I used to never be afraid

>>> SynthModules@yahoogroups.com  04/07/04 9:59 AM >>>

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the 
SynthModules group:

Which SynthModules PSIM add-on module 
would you like to see first? 

  o SpeakJet Module 
  o MIDI Module 


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SynthModules/surveys?id=11723102  

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are 
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups 
web site listed above.

Thanks!

 





Be sure to check out the primary Web site at:
http://www.SynthModules.com
  
Yahoo! Groups Links

The question is who is going to write the MIDI interface software.

A MIDI in port isn't much good without an interupt driven parser 
and realtime message handler.

Development of that is around two man weeks of work.

Any volunteers?

--- In SynthModules@yahoogroups.com, "john mahoney" 
<jmahoney@g...> wrote:
> Good questions.
> 
> I assumed that a MIDI input would allow the use of MIDI 
controllers (knob
> boxes). This would be a *major* advance in the PSIM user 
interface, in my
> opinion.
> 
> 2 quick examples:
> 1) Analog-style sequencer with knobs or sliders for each step. 
Pitch,
> Velocity, Gate time and Duration for each step, if you want, with 
master
> knobs controlling tempo, playback mode/pattern, direction, etc. 
Gimme knobs!
> 2) A function generator program producing 2 multi-stage 
envelopes and 2 LFOs
> (um... one sync'd, one free-running), while a MIDI knob box 
provides
> real-time control over all parameters. Gimme knobs!
> 
> I'm throwing those ideas out there for a reality check. If I'm 
expecting too
> much then I hope somebody will say so.
> 
> Gimme knobs! Gimme MIDI! (And then give me the SpeakJet 
interface, since I'm
> already holding a SpeakJet chip. ;-)
> --
> john
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Andrew Scheidler" <xpandrew@p...>
> To: <SynthModules@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 12:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [SynthModules] New poll for SynthModules
> 
> 
> > Brice -
> >
> > Can you tell us a little about the MIDI module... both IN and 
OUT?  I'm
> > not exactly sure what to ask here, but some description and 
maybe a
> > couple example uses would be helpful...?
> >
> > Can any of the MIDI data be used?  Clock, song pointers, cc 
data, etc?
> > I have reduced my MIDI used by about 80% lately, but having 
a PSIM with

> > MIDI would open a lot of doors...
> >
> > Andrew

Good questions.

I assumed that a MIDI input would allow the use of MIDI controllers (knob
boxes). This would be a *major* advance in the PSIM user interface, in my
opinion.

2 quick examples:
1) Analog-style sequencer with knobs or sliders for each step. Pitch,
Velocity, Gate time and Duration for each step, if you want, with master
knobs controlling tempo, playback mode/pattern, direction, etc. Gimme knobs!
2) A function generator program producing 2 multi-stage envelopes and 2 LFOs
(um... one sync'd, one free-running), while a MIDI knob box provides
real-time control over all parameters. Gimme knobs!

I'm throwing those ideas out there for a reality check. If I'm expecting too
much then I hope somebody will say so.

Gimme knobs! Gimme MIDI! (And then give me the SpeakJet interface, since I'm
already holding a SpeakJet chip. ;-)
--
john


----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Andrew Scheidler" <xpandrew@ph.k12.in.us>
To: <SynthModules@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: [SynthModules] New poll for SynthModules


> Brice -
>
> Can you tell us a little about the MIDI module... both IN and OUT?  I'm
> not exactly sure what to ask here, but some description and maybe a
> couple example uses would be helpful...?
>
> Can any of the MIDI data be used?  Clock, song pointers, cc data, etc?
> I have reduced my MIDI used by about 80% lately, but having a PSIM with
> MIDI would open a lot of doors...
>
> Andrew

I think the big thing with this module is CV-to-MIDI, meaning that 
you can control MIDI gear with your modular.  And you can do MIDI IN 
stuff, too.

Mike

--- In SynthModules@yahoogroups.com, "john mahoney" <jmahoney@g...> 
wrote:
> Good questions.
> 
> I assumed that a MIDI input would allow the use of MIDI controllers 
(knob
> boxes). This would be a *major* advance in the PSIM user interface, 
in my
> opinion.
> 
> 2 quick examples:
> 1) Analog-style sequencer with knobs or sliders for each step. 
Pitch,
> Velocity, Gate time and Duration for each step, if you want, with 
master
> knobs controlling tempo, playback mode/pattern, direction, etc. 
Gimme knobs!
> 2) A function generator program producing 2 multi-stage envelopes 
and 2 LFOs
> (um... one sync'd, one free-running), while a MIDI knob box provides
> real-time control over all parameters. Gimme knobs!
> 
> I'm throwing those ideas out there for a reality check. If I'm 
expecting too
> much then I hope somebody will say so.
> 
> Gimme knobs! Gimme MIDI! (And then give me the SpeakJet interface, 
since I'm
> already holding a SpeakJet chip. ;-)
> --
> john
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Andrew Scheidler" <xpandrew@p...>
> To: <SynthModules@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 12:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [SynthModules] New poll for SynthModules
> 
> 
> > Brice -
> >
> > Can you tell us a little about the MIDI module... both IN and 
OUT?  I'm
> > not exactly sure what to ask here, but some description and maybe 
a
> > couple example uses would be helpful...?
> >
> > Can any of the MIDI data be used?  Clock, song pointers, cc data, 
etc?
> > I have reduced my MIDI used by about 80% lately, but having a 
PSIM with

> > MIDI would open a lot of doors...
> >
> > Andrew

Let me clarify that. Maybe we can make a group effort and crack 
this nut.

The MIDI basic stamp page at:

http://www.audiomulch.com/midipic/

says somewhere there is a problem doing MIDI with the Parallax 
Basic Stamp because it is not buffered.

The Atom Pro is set up MUCH better with a buffered hardware 
UART. It is at least theoretically possible to handle incoming 
MIDI data under BASIC language control.

The software needed consists of two parts:

1. An asynchronous interupt service routine that services the 
incoming MIDI data stream and makes sure no bytes are lost. 
The routine needs to identify message types and maintain a 
buffer of messages needing to be acted on. It must be able to 
tell the difference between 1,2 and 3 byte mesage types and 
buffer the data bytes correctly. It also needs to shut itself off for 
system exclusive strings and turn itself back on at the end of a 
sysex string.

2. A message handler that services the buffer maintained by the 
interupt service routine. It needs to be part of the mainline 
program and translates the buffered MIDI data into actions with 
the data bytes routed correctly.

Both of these are "non-trivial" development tasks. Perhaps a 
group effort could get the work done, or at least help Brice get it 
done.

--- In SynthModules@yahoogroups.com, "john mahoney" 
<jmahoney@g...> wrote:
> Good questions.
> 
> I assumed that a MIDI input would allow the use of MIDI 
controllers (knob
> boxes). This would be a *major* advance in the PSIM user 
interface, in my
> opinion.
> 
> 2 quick examples:
> 1) Analog-style sequencer with knobs or sliders for each step. 
Pitch,
> Velocity, Gate time and Duration for each step, if you want, with 
master
> knobs controlling tempo, playback mode/pattern, direction, etc. 
Gimme knobs!
> 2) A function generator program producing 2 multi-stage 
envelopes and 2 LFOs
> (um... one sync'd, one free-running), while a MIDI knob box 
provides
> real-time control over all parameters. Gimme knobs!
> 
> I'm throwing those ideas out there for a reality check. If I'm 
expecting too
> much then I hope somebody will say so.
> 
> Gimme knobs! Gimme MIDI! (And then give me the SpeakJet 
interface, since I'm
> already holding a SpeakJet chip. ;-)
> --
> john
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Andrew Scheidler" <xpandrew@p...>
> To: <SynthModules@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 12:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [SynthModules] New poll for SynthModules
> 
> 
> > Brice -
> >
> > Can you tell us a little about the MIDI module... both IN and 
OUT?  I'm
> > not exactly sure what to ask here, but some description and 
maybe a
> > couple example uses would be helpful...?
> >
> > Can any of the MIDI data be used?  Clock, song pointers, cc 
data, etc?
> > I have reduced my MIDI used by about 80% lately, but having 
a PSIM with

> > MIDI would open a lot of doors...
> >
> > Andrew

Andrew,

Currently, there are already examples of code and MP3's on the site that
demonstrate CV to MIDI.... MIDI Out.  That's what I had at AHMW 2004 was a
simple interface (the schematic is in the files section of the group site)
to a DIN connector that was connecting my analog modular (via PSIM-1) to my
Alesis SR-16 MIDI Drum Machine and now also my Roland SC-7 GM Sound Module.
I recently uploaded a breath/wind controller to MIDI Piano MP3 to the
synthmodules.com Web site.  MIDI Out is incredible.  I've also done Wiard
Noise Ring to Piano.  That is VERY cool!  Want to play the piano with a
joystick controller?  No problem.  Any CV into the PSIM-1 can produce MIDI
notes out.  The programs online right now are very basic (that's why piano
only right now) but watch for more advance CV to MIDI programs in the near
future that take advantage of more advanced MIDI capabilities.  (Remember...
I am supposed to be building PSIM-1 modules... not playing or writing code.)
I do have to take breaks sometimes and have been having fun with my PSIM-1
and a few other projects in between building modules just so I stay sane.
Anyone who has taken a module from concept to production in this market
knows exactly what I'm talking about.  ;-)

Anyway... back to the MIDI module... it will have MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and DIN
Sync.  Right now... only the code for MIDI OUT has been written.  I'll
probably have the module done before *I* get a chance to write additional
code for it.  That won't stop someone else from writing the code.  :-)
Actually, I highly encourage anyone who knows MBasic and MIDI to help us all
out and work with me on the code for the module.

Consider *all* the PSIM series modules (including the PSIM-1) a development
platform.  I'll provide the hardware... we can all work on the software
together.  As many of you have noticed... everyone who touches a PSIM-1
comes up with new ideas on how to put it to use.  I couldn't possibly think
of every possible use and write every possible program.  The same will be tr
ue of the add-on modules.  They will simply add-on to the capabilities of
the PSIM-1 increasing the possibilities of its use even further.

As far as the SpeakJet modules goes... you've all probably heard the samples
online.  I've been putting more MP3 samples on the primary Web site because
Yahoo kept hitting download limits.  All the SpeakJet code that is currently
available at the time the module is released will be uploaded to the site
for download.  Again, with the SpeakJet... if you've read the specs... not
only can it produce allophones and speak (or babble)... it is a full-blown
synthesizer all on its own.  All we have to do is write the code for it.
:-)

Take care,
Brice
http://www.SynthModules.com

"We are the music makers...and we are the dreamers of the dreams."
- Willy Wonka, 1971

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Andrew Scheidler" <xpandrew@ph.k12.in.us>
To: <SynthModules@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: [SynthModules] New poll for SynthModules


> Brice -
>
> Can you tell us a little about the MIDI module... both IN and OUT?  I'm
> not exactly sure what to ask here, but some description and maybe a
> couple example uses would be helpful...?
>
> Can any of the MIDI data be used?  Clock, song pointers, cc data, etc?
> I have reduced my MIDI used by about 80% lately, but having a PSIM with
> MIDI would open a lot of doors...
>
> Andrew
>
>
> I used to be so big and strong
> I used to know my right from wrong
> I used to never be afraid
>
> >>> SynthModules@yahoogroups.com  04/07/04 9:59 AM >>>
>
> Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
> SynthModules group:
>
> Which SynthModules PSIM add-on module
> would you like to see first?
>
>   o SpeakJet Module
>   o MIDI Module
>
>
> To vote, please visit the following web page:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SynthModules/surveys?id=11723102
>
> Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
> not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
> web site listed above.
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to check out the primary Web site at:
> http://www.SynthModules.com
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to check out the primary Web site at:
> http://www.SynthModules.com
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Mike Marsh" <mmarsh@websense.com>


> I think the big thing with this module is CV-to-MIDI, meaning that
> you can control MIDI gear with your modular.  And you can do MIDI IN
> stuff, too.

Mike,
MIDI control isn't *so* interesting, to me. The PSIM's CV outputs are my
favorite feature (and in the Great American Tradition, more would be
better), followed by the CV inputs.

I'd like more than 4 control inputs, though, which is where the MIDI input
comes into play, for me.
--
john

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "grantrichter2001" <grichter@asapnet.net>


> The question is who is going to write the MIDI interface software.
>
> A MIDI in port isn't much good without an interupt driven parser
> and realtime message handler.
>
> Development of that is around two man weeks of work.
>
> Any volunteers?

I'll volunteer if it's not there when I need it. However, since I've never
done anything quite like that, I can't guarantee the results. But, I will
try if there's a need.

Can somebody point me in the right direction to get started? (Following step
1, which is "Add MIDI to my PSIM.")
--
john

grantrichter2001 (01:39 PM 4/7/2004) wrote:

 >The software needed consists of two parts:

Damn this is intriguing!

Before I start babbling about writing buffered I/O in BASIC, lemme ask a 
clarifier...

If the PSIM is running in MIDI<->CV mode, then would it be true that no 
other program could be running at the same time?

Or, is there a "system" section of the FLASH that can be written to on top 
of the "user" section?

Or, if one were to want to run MIDI<->CV _and_ a 2 channel sequencer, then 
would they have to merge the code by hand, or treat them as subroutines and 
write a multitasker of sorts?


Mark