FTP - Third Party Direct connect Synths/Samplers with built in USB Host

Started by admin, February 18, 2016, 10:49:07 PM

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admin

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17360.0
RHCole wrote>

Before I get into WHY I am reviewing this product, let me tell you the reasons why almost everyone in the known universe will overlook the PianoBox mini synthesizer:
* It is a General MIDI module, just like on almost every computer soundcard since the 90's
* You can't edit the voices; no ADSR, not even pitch or octave shift
* Some of the voices such as choirs and doo-wahs are downright chee-z

Still reading? Here's the payoff. It's as small as a compact pedal, runs on battery power for hours, and it receives MIDI and sends power over USB.
Hello Fishman Triple Play! If you have an FTP rig, for less than $200 you can have a synth module on your pedal board that is no larger than a pack of cigarettes. Or for that matter, any MIDI guitar can drive it, because they also include an adapter for standard MIDI in.
While some of the voices aren't good, many are; the pianos, celeste, etc. are of good quality and I like the synth patches very much. The horns and reeds aren't SampleTank quality but very workable.
For me, here is the extra payoff: I can run both it and guitar through the SY-300 and create a Monsterzilla sound in a pretty compact space. The photo included illustrates. The SY gives me the ability to add octaves and other FX, and the PianoBox GM voices can act as the raw material for SY-300 Osc voices. I can blend guitar and the PianoBox in the SY-300 using the Boss LS-2 shown and it is a very powerful combination. In the picture, I have the Digitech EX-7 included in the loop which adds the unique Space Station strings for which the Digitech Space Station was famous.

I checked out other tiny synth modules, but reviews were not confident about the USB compatibility on some products. The PianoBox fired up with the FTP instantly.

Check it out.


http://www.miditech.de/download.php?file=userfiles/manuals/Pianobox_Mini_Anleitung_deutsch_english_010315.pdf
http://www.midiplus.com/html/MINIENGINE.html

the MidiPlus Mini Engine version @ $82 here
http://www.midiplus.com/products/other/54.html?lang=en











http://www.midiplus.com/products/other/54.html?lang=en
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHKM190/ref=dra_a_cs_mr_hn_xx_P1250_1000

The MIDIPLUS MiniEngine USB is a compact Midi sound module. The MiniEngine provides 128-high quality GM sounds and built in reverb/chorus effects so you can enhance and brighten its sounds with ease, while composing or playing.

The MiniEngine comes with a 2500mAh lithium battery which allows you to continue playing in the absence of external power supply situation. Now that's mobility at its finest!

The MiniEngine has a USB HOST unique design, so you can discard tedious MIDI cable to connect directly using a USB cable to the MiniEngine connection with your MIDI devices.

Its advanced development allows integration with many MIDI controller devices with both USB and MIDI functionality.
· The MiniEngine provides 128 standard GM tones, up to 64 polyphony output.
· 16bit/48KHz sampling frequency, 24dB sound digital filtering.
· Supports most MIDI devices MIDI OUT or USB output.
· Large illuminated digital display and clever layout of controls.
· Either MIDI or USB connection.
· Support USB HOST MIDI IN and simultaneous devices.
· Built-in 2500mAh rechargeable lithium battery **

** Built-in 2500mAh rechargeable lithium battery can power your MIDI device (USB output current ≤ 500mA)

Read more about MIDIPLUS product


==

Miditech PianoBox Mini  - General MIDI Synth Module
http://kellysmusicandcomputers.com/pianobox-mini-general-midi-sound-module?

http://www.miditech.de/260-produkte-pianoboxmini






PIANOBOX mini

General MIDI Soundmodul with smallest size!
The Pianobox mini adds Sounds to each MIDI
and USB Masterkeyboard.

FEATURES

General MIDI soundmodul with 128 General MIDI sounds
3 buttons and wheel for quick access to Program, Volume and Reverb
MIDI Input adaptor
USB MIDI Input port
LINE / headphone OUT 3,5 mm
USB Host to power USB keyboards
Integrated rechargeable battery with 2500mAh
Dimensions: 8 cm x 10,5 cm x 2 cm


Miditech PianoBox Mini Owners Manual
http://www.miditech.de/userfiles/manuals/Pianobox_Mini_Anleitung_deutsch_english_010315.pdf

http://www.miditech.de/260-produkte-pianoboxmini


Check out Miditech PianoBox USB too.

http://www.miditech.de/271-Pianobox_USB

2015 Miditech Product Catalog
http://www.miditech.de/userfiles/Katalog/Katalog_2015_100315_web6.pdf

More options here
http://kellysmusicandcomputers.com/music-technology-hardware/sound-cards/midi-sound-module/

Elantric


Hans N

Nice, thanks for the tip.

How do you change patches on the Pianobox mini? Have you connected it to a midi floorboard?

admin

It uses the now common 3.5mm TRS jack for a supplied TRS to 5 pin MIDI cable for MIDI IN ( same as Arturia, IK Multimedia)



thebrushwithin

Was wondering if anyone using this with an FTP, directly in the USB port, could also send patch changes via midi jack and foot controller, simultaneously?

JiveTurkey

MiniEngine gets here today. Thanks @RHCole as I stumbled across this device from one of your posts!

I also picked this up to use as a host with other synths/sound modules. Probably the GR33 if I don't end up fully gelling with general midi sounds on the miniEngine  ;D Much cheaper than most options and with christmas amazon gift cards; practically free  :) I am crossing my fingers that it will work with the FTP but I am thinking it should  :P


admin

Quote from: thebrushwithin on October 04, 2017, 10:14:23 PM
Was wondering if anyone using this with an FTP, directly in the USB port, could also send patch changes via midi jack and foot controller, simultaneously?

The 3.5mm MIDI input ( with the 5 pin DIN adapter ) supports MIDI Foot controllers for receiving MIDI patch change

I just use the the FTP Dpad's  UP/Down buttons  to change patches

shawnb

Quote from: admsustainiac on December 27, 2017, 09:27:32 AM
The 3.5mm MIDI input ( with the 5 pin DIN adapter ) supports MIDI Foot controllers for receiving MIDI patch change

Oh my...  I never noticed a 3.5mm MIDI jack before...  Is this a new standard?   Is it intended to support the full MIDI set of messages (PCs, CCs, sysex, etc.) or only a subset (PCs, hold)?   
Address the process rather than the outcome.  Then, the outcome becomes more likely.   - Fripp

admin

Quote from: shawnb on December 27, 2017, 10:40:32 AM
Oh my...  I never noticed a 3.5mm MIDI jack before...  Is this a new standard?   Is it intended to support the full MIDI set of messages (PCs, CCs, sysex, etc.) or only a subset (PCs, hold)?

3.5 mm jacks for MIDI I/O have been around a while and gaining ground. Its used on products from Arturia, and  IK Multimedia)

It saves PCB space and the smaller hole in the chassis means easier to pass FCC emissions tests

http://cdm.link/2015/08/used-stereo-minijack-cables-midi/


https://www.midi.org/articles/updated-how-to-make-your-own-3-5mm-mini-stereo-trs-to-midi-5-pin-din-cables

JiveTurkey

Super, super dumb question. I have the FTP receiver plugged in and the unit is working to the extent it is playing whatever I am playing using the first sound on the general sounds list. When I press the program button and turn the data wheel; the number changes but the tone does not. What obvious thing am I missing?  :-[


JiveTurkey

Yeah first thing I did. Nothing sticking out at me. Just plugged my ftp receiver into my pc to see if there was something obvious configuration wise there to no avail. Maybe I got a bad unit? not sure as it is switching sounds from what I can tell visually but no changes in the actual sounds are being reflected.

JiveTurkey

Just sent RHCole a message. And after I removed the reciever from from my PC, there is no sound coming from the miniEngine after reconnecting to it. Yes!  :-X I'll post again once I figure it out (hopefully with the aid of Mr. Cole)

JeffTronics

Hopefully you'll figure it out. These are cheap but fun boxes. I notice too the control knob on the miniengine can't keep up some times. I power off/on. I also use the FTP Dpad to navigate and it works fine. I also own the pianobox mini. I know this is subjective since both boxes seem to have the same specs,  but I feel the pianobox works a little better. It could be my ear and playing at any given moment, but the tracking seems slightly better on the pianobox (piano patch). It's fun to have these around because I use the miniengine for a keyboard.

Worth mentioning; when I got my miniengine and turned it On, it was blinking. Make sure the box has plenty of juice - charge it up.

Rhcole

JT,

I don't always receive notifications of emails from here for some reason. Just saw this. Honestly, I didn't have any of the problems you have had. It's a quirky module, but it worked right away with the FTP.

JiveTurkey

Quote from: JeffTronics on January 10, 2018, 05:41:09 PM
Hopefully you'll figure it out. These are cheap but fun boxes. I notice too the control knob on the miniengine can't keep up some times. I power off/on. I also use the FTP Dpad to navigate and it works fine. I also own the pianobox mini. I know this is subjective since both boxes seem to have the same specs,  but I feel the pianobox works a little better. It could be my ear and playing at any given moment, but the tracking seems slightly better on the pianobox (piano patch). It's fun to have these around because I use the miniengine for a keyboard.

Worth mentioning; when I got my miniengine and turned it On, it was blinking. Make sure the box has plenty of juice - charge it up.
The power button was fairly flaky imo. Sometimes it would work and sometimes it didn't I could never get it it go from patch to patch using the onboard dial. I had to manually program my foot controller to go to the ones I was interested in trying out. My FTP controls wouldn't cycle through them either. Kind of an odd box. I saw the PianoBox but my mind (perhaps erroneously) focused on the name and decided against it. I got an S-Engine as a replacement. It had the EMU8030(?) voices and sounded a little better but still not quite up to where I would like.
Quote from: Rhcole on January 10, 2018, 11:26:22 PM
JT,

I don't always receive notifications of emails from here for some reason. Just saw this. Honestly, I didn't have any of the problems you have had. It's a quirky module, but it worked right away with the FTP.
No worries my friend. You replied in your thread and I appreciate it

I got my GR33 a few days ago. I think the power cord from Sweetwater finally gets here today (I knew I should have ordered it off Amazon  >:(   )
FTP/33 combo will be my final attempt at wireless synthing. Then back to GK land I go  8) :-X

admin