BILLBAX_UK - mini GK 13 breakout cable.

Started by Elantric, July 16, 2014, 09:43:25 AM

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Elantric

http://www.separate-strings.co.uk

Latest mini breakout cable. 16 inches length.

mbenigni

Would be fun to have one of these to do some KPA profiling of GR55 COSM.  The cost is a tough pill, however.  Not to say it isn't a fair price - even acquiring a spare GK cable to cut up and break out myself is cost-prohibitive.

billbax

#2
Hi mbenigni,

The cable is my most cost-effective separate strings solution to date.  Priced at £80.00GB, plus trackable shipping of £15.00GB. 3 years guarantee included.  Thanks for the comments anyway.

MINI BREAKOUT CABLE

1  13-Pin line-socket. GK pickup input for recording separate strings. V-synth input with re-amping, re-guitar and re-synth etc.
2  13-Pin GK pre-amp power cable (3M).  Connects to a v-synth (power) or an optional dual 7-9vdc PSU.
3  Separate string output/input jacks (including Pin-7 normal guitar).  XLR and phonos are an option.
4  Extremely durable oxygen-free-copper cable for separate string signals. Fully shielded. Very low cable resistance. 40cms / 16" length. 
5  Pin-8 'Phantom power' with internal in-line socket resistors. Pin-8 allows access to a Roland GR-55 synth voices. Thanks to Elantric.

Price: £80.00GB plus track & signed shipping.  3 years warranty with RTB.

Regards,

Bill Bax
http://www.separate-strings.co.uk

mbenigni

Thanks, Bill.  I hope I was clear in saying that I do recognize that your price is fair - and it looks like a great product.  At this point, any GK cable is a big expense for me.

Elantric

#4
For Re-Guitaring - Its typically best to have access to a Audio Interface that features at least 6 Analog Inputs and 6 Analog outputs

Since many folks no longer use a computer with a PCI slot
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1320272

- i get similar functionality with a USB Audio interface that supports Isochronous data transfer  = low latency.
http://www.edn.com/design/consumer/4376143/Fundamentals-of-USB-Audio

Scarlett 18i20
https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i20




Or MOTU 828 Mk3
http://www.motu.com/newsitems/828mk3-wins-most-badass-interface-award
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828mk3




Then you can take advantage of advanced Gk13 techniques like Re-Guitar-ing / Re-amping with GR-55 or VG-99



http://www.separate-strings.co.uk/






admin


http://www.separate-strings.co.uk
Short preview. GR-55 Re-Amping, Re-Guitar and Re-Synth.
Minimum requirements: V-guitar breakout cable. Alternatively, use a re-amping breakout box with an 8 I/O DAW interface - assuming you already have a v-guitar setup.

SEPARATE STRING PROCESSING: DC-Offset / Normalize / Noise Gating / String Inverting.

SEPARATE STRING SOFTWARE EDITING: Split / Copy / Paste / Move / Delete / Volume / Re-Tune / Reverse / the universe...AND the perfect take etc.

Cheesy tune, but thanks for listening,

Bill Bax
http://www.separate-strings.co.uk
Category
Music

billbax

#6
Hi All,

Here's a movie demo on my affordable GK Mini Breakout cable and Hex Poly Distortion.

The movie features six Auto-Tune guitar plugins, Hex Poly-Distortion, & -12 Octave Pitch-Shifting plugin effects. A DAW software sequencer has endless possibilities.

Thanks for viewing.

Bill

www.separate-strings.co.uk


billbax

Hi Everyone,

Here's a look at the latest Mini Breakout Cable for 2020.





What's new:

1. Separate string cable length is now 20 inches, compared to the previous 16".

2. No more pin-8 phantom-power resistor network. Most users are not interested in re-amping v-synth voices using a breakout cable.

3. Extra layer of heatshrink added to each separate string cable, giving the cable a more robust feel. Think 'butch' car battery jumper-cables, and you get the picture.

4. Mini breakout cable fitted with XLRs is now strongly recommended.
Raw GK separate string signal ouputs are about -6dB/400mV (depending on playing strength), and generally insufficient for use with line inputs. However, mic preamps offer a more comfortable +10-15dB of gain, compared to a near 'maxed out' line-input gain of +10dB. GK separate strings with mic preamps sound loud 'n' proud and organic, in comparison to the artifical sounding Boss GP10 usb separate strings.

5. New custom separate string labels underneath clear durable heatshrink.

6. Black and white cable options, and no more multi-coloured separate string cables.

7. Supplied with a free bag of 13-pin plug and socket dust covers (24 covers in total).

8. Mini Breakout Cable price held @ £80.00GBP & £90.00GBP with XLR mic plugs.

Thanks for viewing.

Bill
www.separate-strings.co.uk

Mini Breakout Cable movie again.



billbax

#8
Hi Everyone,

Here's the latest on my ever evolving GK Mini Breakout Cable.

"It's a GK breakout box and cable set equivalent in one package, AND the most cost-effective solution for accessing hex separate strings".

WHAT YOU GET:
* Mono string access with six separate strings + pin-7 normal guitar.
* Separate strings access with a standalone mixer or daw interface.
* Output connector options with: XLRs, T/S 1/4 jacks, D-Sub, or even phonos.
* Length - 20 inches.
* Heavy duty cable construction that's built to last.
* 3-year warranty with return to base.
* Free 20-pack of BillBax dust covers, protecting the mini breakout cable AND your existing 13-pin connectors etc.
* Priced at £90.00GBP with XLR connectors, and £80.00GBP with T/S jacks. Track and signed shipping is £20.00GBP to £25.00GBP depending on country destination.

STATS FOR AUDIOPHILES
* Heavy duty hi-end oxygen-free-copper cable @ 20 inch / 51cm length.
* 100% wraparound foil ground shielding for each string cable = Electro magnetic interference is kept to a minimum.
* Low cable resistance @ 0.04 Ohms per separate string core.
* Low capacitance from core to screen @ 216pF = no audible cable colouration.

Thanks for viewing,

Bill

www.separate-strings.co.uk

BREAKOUT CABLE 2020


CABLE CONSTRUCTION


BREAKOUT CABLE WITH POLY-DISTORTION EFFECTS - not again ::)


guyperrin

g'day bill, just received the latest break-out cable (BOC) with XLR's and battery cable(s).  21 day trip from UK to OZ - not bad in these days of Covid.
can't get over the manufacturing quality, real bespoke audio gear. great low noise in the audio chain.
using the BOC with GK-B3 on a four string Yamaha RBX 170 into a Universal Audio Apollo (Silverface with T2 i/f) and into Reaper.
the piezo PUP(s) produce a clear signal which I process in Melodyne to create MIDI - relatively easy workflow using ARA.
separating the strings allowed me some different (UA Plug-In based) processing.
apart from the obvious channel strip choices, i tried out the UAD Sound Machine Wood Works plugin to see if I could 'fake' an upright bass sound.  nearly got there on the D & G strings.  the A string not so much, and the E just couldn't get there.
i imagine the results i got were due to the fact that plugin's IR settings are targeted towards a 'tenor' six string acoustic piezo setup.

BTW - for anyone considering the relative cost of the BOC in terms of ROI, I cannot imagine myself putting in the time required and getting as good a result as Bill has produced.  I love DIY (produce my own basses from neck and body blanks) but this BOC is studio quality at home DIY prices - and I could not have produced the same quality setup in the 21 days shipping time.

thanks bill, keep up the great work.


gumbo

...and Bill makes great Dust Covers too !... ;D ;D
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

billbax

#11
Hi Everyone,

Here's the latest on my GK mini breakout cable. Sorry about all the photos and gifs - sometimes you just have to get into detail :D

A raw GK > DAW > AMP/CAB/SIM easily beats up a v-synth hex fuzz patch, And the level of individual string DAW effects control is limitless.  Raw GK audio is organic and detailed, while usb v-synth separate strings sound artificial in comparison.


SIMPLE CONNECTIONS: Daw, Mixer, Multitracker.



DAW I/O AND PIN-7!



PLUGIN EFFECTS:  Even a basic bog standard dual-core computer can handle multiple effect inserts on individual string channels.



The latest Mini Breakout Cable price is held at £80.00GBP or about 112.00USD.

Thanks for viewing,

Bill

https://separate-strings.co.uk

billbax

Hi Everyone,

I have a customer who wants to use a mini breakout cable with separate strings, into a Poly Effects Hector.  Will this work, and does the Hector unit accept unbalanced audio signals?  I'm also concerned about CV voltages etc and NO DC hex preamp protection.

Knowledge and pointers much appreciated.

Bill

https://separate-strings.co.uk/breakout%20cables%20and%20more.html

https://www.polyeffects.com/polyeffects/p/hector

Mini Breakout cable 2021.


Gsnorgathon

I've got a Poly Effects Beebo, which does accept unbalanced inputs. Hector is based on Beebo, so I assume it does likewise. As for the other details, I don't know. You could always try contacting Loki at Poly Effects. I think he'd be totally chuffed about using Hector as a hex processor. Sounds like a really cool idea.

billbax

Thank you Gsnorgathon for your excellent advice!  I'm sure there are other forum members who have thoughts on this. 

Sadly, today is a bad day to ask the forum anything, as we lost a popular senior member carlb. His posts were always thought provoking, and he will be missed by everyone.

GuitarBuilder

Quote from: billbax on September 04, 2021, 02:59:30 AM
Hi Everyone,

I have a customer who wants to use a mini breakout cable with separate strings, into a Poly Effects Hector.  Will this work, and does the Hector unit accept unbalanced audio signals?  I'm also concerned about CV voltages etc and NO DC hex preamp protection.

Knowledge and pointers much appreciated.

Bill

https://separate-strings.co.uk/breakout%20cables%20and%20more.html

https://www.polyeffects.com/polyeffects/p/hector

Mini Breakout cable 2021.


I just got a Hector; the 6 inputs are designed for Eurorack levels (all I/O is +/-5V), not guitar level signals.  While one could in principle connect a GK guitar directly, the signal to noise ratio could be adversely affected.  Regardless, the Hector outputs would have to be amplified in order to be compatible with other Eurorack modules.  For example, I find that GK signals need 30-40dB of boost using the SynQuaNon 13-Pin Input module in order to compete with the rest of my Eurorack system.

Another issue is that Hector only has 6 inputs - if all 6 are used for guitar signals one cannot introduce CV control, because that requires an input!  The only option is MIDI control, which necessitates an external MIDI controller.  This defeats the whole idea of using the rest of your Eurorack modules for modulation, etc.  Bummer!
"There's no-one left alive, it must be a draw"  Peter Gabriel 1973

billbax

#16
I ain't saying a thing...the latest GR-55 re-amping movie :D


admin

#17
Quote from: billbax on September 13, 2021, 05:45:17 PM
I ain't saying a thing...the latest GR-55 re-amping movie :D


http://www.separate-strings.co.uk/
Sadly many see words " Reamp with your GR-55" , then auto react with "that's well known to be impossible"

Sadly 80% of the world still thinks the GK 13 interface is 100% MIDI -and can not comprehend how any GK13 break out cables could function, as they remain firmly tied to their misbelief system that GK 13 is a MIDI Cable

Anytime I repost Bilbax Separate String Videos, there is always the errant reply from someone who insists this will never work.

billbax

Thanks again admin for stating GK isn't MIDI, and for your support and postings.  It seems some v-guitar users and commentators are stuck in an ignorant mindset like a broken record.  As you've said before, the GK/MIDI misconception has done long lasting harm to our GK 13-pin world.

For the record and in gold leaf letters, GK Pins 1-7 are ac analog audio.  If anyone wants a fight over this, it can be arranged ;D

Bill

gumtown

Quote from: billbax on September 14, 2021, 05:18:16 PM
For the record and in gold leaf letters, GK Pins 1-7 are ac analog audio.  If anyone wants a fight over this, it can be arranged ;D

I will back you up on that (as I push you into the middle of the boxing ring)  ;D
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

billbax

#20
Hi all,

A 13-pin GK cable is NOT MIDI
  >:(



Some people still think a 13-Pin GK cable is MIDI, when it is not!
Cable pins 1-7 are analog audio string signals, and can be easily accessed with a GK breakout cable or a suitable breakout box.

There is no trickery with hidden cables off-camera or underneath the GR-55 - it's only a simple raw camcorder recording.
Most v-guitar players know cable pins 1-7 are analog audio, but some do not!

Bill

https://separate-strings.co.uk

Latest Roland GR-55 separate strings re-amping movie.


billbax

Hi everyone,

Here's the latest mini breakout cable demo, by British guitarist/artist 'Man of Arun'.
The demo movie shows multiple insert effects on four separate strings EBGD, and creative use of MIDI Guitar 2 with bottom E/A using an arpeggiator – impressive!

Keeping it short and sweet, I'd say that's a lot of possibilities from a cable costing £95.00GBP/110.00USD, especially as some folks are spending mega £££$$$ bucks on entry-level analog GK breakout boxes. ???

Thanks for viewing, And thanks to 'Man of Arun' for the youtube demo 8)

Bill Bax
https://separate-strings.co.uk

Man of Arun.
Separate Strings Hex Pickup Individual Output XLR Breakout Cable (2022-10-21)

Purple XLR mini breakout cable.


Optional white breakout cable with ¼ inch separate string output jacks. £80.00GBP and still holding :)


Classic black breakout cable with connector IDs.

billbax

Hi Everyone,
My latest breakout cable demo - Monster GK Hex Distortion.
Gear used: Roland GK3 Hex pickup. GK Mini Breakout cable. DAW interface eight I/O. Cubase with distortion, pitch-shifting, flange, limiter & noise-gate plugins. Raw analog separate strings sound organic :)
Thanks for viewing. 
Bill Bax
https://separate-strings.co.uk


ronaldmulero

Best equipment investment ever!

I've been using Bill's "XLR GK Mini Breakout Cable 2020" since August 2023 to route the output of my GraphTech Ghost Hexpander into a Focusrite Scarlett-18i20, then out through usb into GigPerformer. For GK power, I started out with a GP10, but I have since upgraded to this little https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GKCAD--boss-gkc-ad-analog-digital-converter

Everything works flawlessly! Simply setting a dedicated track for each string and panning each to different places of the stereo mix was amazing! Then it hit me that a "6-track guitar" can do so much more...!

As others have already posted, Bill's craftsmanship is world class, and the extra dust-covers are a nice bonus (I really don't know how I ever got by without them). Ordering from Bill by email is a breeze, and he is very responsive by email to discuss your exact needs.

To sum up: You need a BillBax GK Mini Breakout Cable.
 
Thanks again Bill!

Elantric

QuoteFor GK power, I started out with a GP10, but I have since upgraded to this little https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GKCAD--boss-gkc-ad-analog-digital-converter

Everything works flawlessly! Simply setting a dedicated track for each string and panning each to different places of the stereo mix was amazing! Then it hit me that a "6-track guitar" can do so much more...!

As others have already posted, Bill's craftsmanship is world class, and the extra dust-covers are a nice bonus (I really don't know how I ever got by without them). Ordering from Bill by email is a breeze, and he is very responsive by email to discuss your exact needs.

To sum up: You need a BillBax GK Mini Breakout Cable.

Thanks again Bill!


In 2023, the Boss GKC-AD has one purpose- to provide a TRS SERIAL GK digital signal to a Boss GM-800.

Its not clear from your post you are employing a GM-800