(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_paint4.jpg)
This is just a teaser. I'll soon post further info. This thing is for real.
To be able to finally complete something I've took the decision to limit things I've explored during the last five years to the features listed below.
Input selector:
2 GK Inputs
1 Regular High impedance input (possible in conjunction with a GK guitar or as a third input).
* All string levels individual programmable.
* In-built Ultra low-noise, high current internal GK power supply.
* 2xMIDI OUT for automatically selecting Roland/BOSS Synth GK Settings for each unique GK input upon switching (require MIDI cable). For GP-10 a MIDX-20 is required in between GX-2 and GP-10.
2 GK Outputs
Supports activation/deactivation of two synth units. It's an all 13-pin signal switcher.
Modulation/Semi-Arpeggiator.
The unit has a patch mode for storing and using a number of patches with various volume modulators and arpeggiators.
BPM control (and most other things) possible by MIDI IN. Patches may modulate volumes also between GK outputs.
Patches may also be of static type to distribute/split some strings to one GK and some other to the other GK Out.
4 Foot switches
To operate the pedal and settings
Two CTRL inputs
Connect expression pedals or foot switches. Functionality programmable by Assigns. This also apply to the GKVol knob and the S1/S2 switches.
LCD display
Firmware updates
USB cable to PC.
This is awesome ;D
This sounds like it is going to be a WINNER !!!
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 05, 2020, 02:12:53 PM
To be able to finally complete something I've took the decision to limit things I've explored during the last five years to the features listed below.
sounds just like a quote that would come from Roland/Boss R&D ;D
Oh, defininely interested!
Oh yes. 8)
Rolloq
I'm in!
Some samples of GK hex volume modulation sounding through GP-10 factory patch "30-NICE NYLON"
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_NYLON.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_NYLON.mp3)
The unit has two user modes. To instantly toggle between the two modes, you step on two dedicated foot switches simultaneously.
GK CONTROL MODE
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_lcd1.jpg)
In this mode the foot switches allow you to select guitar (one of two GK or a regular) and also control if synth A and/or B should sound.
Contrary to a US-20 all separate hex signals will be gracefully muted (a US-20 only brings the GKVOL signal down to 0V). Any patch modulation will still be running even when in this mode.
If going into SETUP screen while in this mode, you configure the SYSTEM settings.
PATCH MODE
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_lcd2.jpg)
In this mode you select one of the 99 modulation/arpeggiation patches, turns the patch ON/OFF and use the TAP TEMPO. The display shows the patch number, name, actual BPM, actual modulation DEPTH and ON/OFF state.
If going into SETUP screen while in this mode, you configure the PATCH settings.
More info in due time. Writing a lot of code right now. :P
That sounds awesome, something I would definitely be interested in!
A flow chart to illustrate the basic functionality.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_flow1.jpg)
MIDI Guru questions:
I'm adding commands for automatic GK SET selection within the synth units when switch between the two GK Guitars.
* SY-1000 Guitar mode GK SET using SysEx (require MIDI cable)
* SY-1000 Bass mode GK SET using SysEx (require MIDI cable)
* GP-10 GK SET using SysEx (require MIDI cable to USB Host device (i.e. MIDX-20) -> USB to GP-10)
* GR-55 Guitar GK SET using SysEx (require MIDI cable)
* VG-99 GK SET using SysEx (require MIDI cable)
Questions:
Q1: Will VG-99B accept the VG-99 SysEx?
Q2: Are there any other devices on the market allowing selection of GK SET via MIDI I should add?
Q3: I'm changing the SYSTEM COMMON GK SET using hardcoded "GK SET 1" for GK input 1 and "GK SET 2" for GK Input 2.
This means a user may have to move their GK settings to location 1 and 2 on their devices if they want to to have the automatic GK SET selection operating correctly.
This is a limitation but simplifies configuration setups and is straight forward. Do you find this limitation good enough?
GR-55 Bass mode is at the same address as GR-55 Guitar mode, but each mode has its unique settings.
VB-99 uses different sysx unit model identifier from the VG-99, but (if i recall) the system data is identical and in the same address locations.
unchecked information, but i'm sure i am correct according to my fuzzy memory.
Quote from: gumtown on August 11, 2020, 03:03:55 AM
GR-55 Bass mode is at the same address as GR-55 Guitar mode, but each mode has its unique settings.
VB-99 uses different sysx unit model identifier from the VG-99, but (if i recall) the system data is identical and in the same address locations.
unchecked information, but i'm sure i am correct according to my fuzzy memory.
Thanks Gummie, GK SET change on SY-1000, GP-10 (/w MIDX-20), GR-55, VG-99 confirmed working now on both MIDI outputs.
Tip: Found a great web based tool for creating graphic images of LCD displays. Useful when writing manuals.
http://avtanski.net/projects/lcd/ (http://avtanski.net/projects/lcd/)
Example of using the images:
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_bitmap_sample.jpg)
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 13, 2020, 02:27:33 PM
Tip: Found a great web based tool for creating graphic images of LCD displays. Useful when writing manuals.
http://avtanski.net/projects/lcd/ (http://avtanski.net/projects/lcd/)
Example of using the images:
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_bitmap_sample.jpg)
Very cool, Robert! Thanks for sharing!
Very interesting. I am in!
Q: What is the practical application of two GK Inputs? Two guitarists playing over the same synth?
Quote from: Piing on August 13, 2020, 06:20:22 PM
Very interesting. I am in!
Q: What is the practical application of two GK Inputs? Two guitarists playing over the same synth?
No. Only guitar sound at a time.
A) To have a spare guitar immediately available if string breaks. Grab it, hit a button and continue playing.
B) Using different type of guitars for different songs. Either different in visual aspects, natural sounding or playing feel.
C) One could be a GK Ukulele, Violin or Bass.
Greetings,
Awesome project Robert! Keep up the great work, wishing you much success!
Regards, Jim
Finally got my lost BeatBuddy MIDI cable in the mail. Had to buy a new one.
With that I manage to finalize the MIDI sync thing. 'CLOCK' sets the BPM (by measurement) and 'START' triggers the synchronization.
Here's an example with the Beat Buddy and me jerking around with a Marshall type of sound (GP-10). You can hear the Arpeppiation going on all the time as I play and it keeps in sync with the Beat Buddy.
I had to tweak my timer interrupt routine as it started to drift but now it appears to keep in synch at least for a normal length song. I maybe need to do some more long term measurement to check the drift and do further adjustments to it. We'll see.
LISTEN TO THIS:
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_BEATBUDDYSYNC.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_BEATBUDDYSYNC.mp3)
(https://singularsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-packaging-1.png)
Here's the other sample file I did earlier with various modulations in case you missed it.
LISTEN TO THIS:
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_NYLON.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_NYLON.mp3)
Sounds great !
Pretty darned cool, Robert!
Would it be possible to add a poly-slow-gear? That feature was at the VG-99 but is missing at the SY-1000 and GP-10. The mono slow gear is lame.
Quote from: Piing on August 15, 2020, 12:55:40 AM
Would it be possible to add a poly-slow-gear? That feature was at the VG-99 but is missing at the SY-1000 and GP-10. The mono slow gear is lame.
Not without adding more hardware and hoping I can scan another 6 or 7 A/D inputs fast enough to capture the attacks. Unit today does not sample inputs.
Also other things could be done if measuring hex string attack. Modulation depth/speed or delayed introduction could be play sensitive.
But plan was to keep things simple this time.... :P
It's so easy to get carried away an never complete the thing.
Quote from: Piing on August 15, 2020, 12:55:40 AM
Would it be possible to add a poly-slow-gear? That feature was at the VG-99 but is missing at the SY-1000 and GP-10. The mono slow gear is lame.
But... the board has a 20-pin connector for an extra hex processing board hosting own Controller and serial link to the main board controller.
So there IS a possible way of expanding the unit in the future. This slot is also compatible with existing subsonic filter board I use for GKPX-14F.
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 15, 2020, 05:43:01 AM
But... the board has a 20-pin connector for an extra hex processing board hosting own Controller and serial link to the main board controller.
So there IS a possible way of expanding the unit in the future. This slot is also compatible with existing subsonic filter board I use for GKPX-14F.
Wow! that expansion possibility is a great thing.
Do you have some picture of the prototype?
Keep that expansion connector in the design, then, because I am definitely going to want that poly slow gear. Honestly, I think that would be way more useful than the arpeggiation, impressive though it is.
Quote from: mooncaine on August 15, 2020, 06:10:33 PM
Keep that expansion connector in the design, then, because I am definitely going to want that poly slow gear. Honestly, I think that would be way more useful than the arpeggiation, impressive though it is.
Ok, you've got me convinced.
I'll try to fit another $5 worth of components to the next board iteration to read the separate string voltages.
Each board iteration is at least $200 plus 10+ hours painful hand soldering under magnification glass. Thanks guys ;D
This time I use my THUMB only!
GKA is connect to a GP-10 play Factory 93-Naturl Synth patch, GKB is connected to a GR-55 with a String Pad and a Piano.
First round only GP-10 original
Second round GP-10 and adding GX-2 Inter-String Modulation.
Third round I enable the GR-55 and the piano starts with a GX-2 simple Semi-Arpeggiation pattern.
Fourth time I bust my thumb ;D
(When arpeggiating the string volumes on-off, the BOSS Guitar-To-MIDI picks it up as a pattern played by the fingers)
Listen to this:
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_2XSYNTH.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_2XSYNTH.mp3)
And here's the prototype thing...
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_2synth.jpg)
(Edit: Believe it or not, but I'm actually capable of playing faster than this, and with all fingers ;D )
Looks and sounds great and flexible. Could it/will it be able to apply drive/sustain to each individual string (like a polydrive)? For me this is one thing that what is missing in the SY1000 and VG99 for the synths. Just a thought, no worries if not!
Looking forward to it whichever way it turns out!
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 17, 2020, 10:55:16 AM
This time I use my THUMB only!
GKA is connect to a GP-10 play Factory 93-Naturl Synth patch, GKB is connected to a GR-55 with a String Pad and a Piano.
First round only GP-10 original
Second round GP-10 and adding GX-2 Inter-String Modulation.
Third round I enable the GR-55 and the piano starts with a GX-2 simple Semi-Arpeggiation pattern.
Fourth time I bust my thumb ;D
(When arpeggiating the string volumes on-off, the BOSS Guitar-To-MIDI picks it up as a pattern played by the fingers)
Listen to this:
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_2XSYNTH.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_2XSYNTH.mp3)
And here's the prototype thing...
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_2synth.jpg)
(Edit: Believe it or not, but I'm actually capable of playing faster than this, and with all fingers ;D )
The carton box looks cool. I use binders (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/diy-axe-fx-foot-controller-for-50-open-project.119882/) :)
(https://i.ibb.co/bb521D2/DIY.jpg)
Wow, that's pretty amazing
Quote from: Piing on August 17, 2020, 05:53:36 PM
The carton box looks cool. I use binders (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/diy-axe-fx-foot-controller-for-50-open-project.119882/) :)
Using a binder is a better idea. Thanks for the tip :D
Quote from: Nobulusprime on August 17, 2020, 01:42:09 PM
Looks and sounds great and flexible. Could it/will it be able to apply drive/sustain to each individual string (like a polydrive)? For me this is one thing that what is missing in the SY1000 and VG99 for the synths. Just a thought, no worries if not!
Looking forward to it whichever way it turns out!
I'm working on the next board layout and it will hopefully be able to measure hex string attack and level. This theoretically opens up possibility for increasing gain while string fades out. Already today the amp section may amplify string levels up to 35 times input level, that's quite a lot. The uncertainty is A/D performance and processing power to capture the dynamics of the strings, and remember the gain steps are discrete so steps may be heard with increased gain. Don't know without trying.
Yesterday I tried to implement Ring Modulation but I couldn't swing the volumes fast enough. So that idea is discarded.
New Possibilities:
- Slow gear
- Sustainer
- Attack/Decay controlled volume modulation
Sounds perfect for the SY1000 or the VG99. Some form of sustainer with the arpeggiator function would be awesome!
All Attack/Sustain/Decay/Release types of control sound very appealing to me! Seems to me that would be a Poly Slow Gear as well.
It can be very liberating, btw, to be able to set a short Decay on a VG-99 WAVE synth patch. You can play 'Popcorn' very freely without worrying about how long you hold down the strings.
That's more like the feeling of 'synth parity' I've been looking for from guitar synths, that freedom to truncate the envelopes, reverse their slopes, and all o' them other subtractive synth tropes.
I'm almost ready with the new board layout, but before I send it in I had two do some tests.
First do I need a X-tal to do the time keeping? My concern was that the BPM would drift too much within a song after MIDI START was received.
It appears after using the OSCTUN register to slow down the clock a tad
(Probably because my PCB gets hotter than than the microcontroller factory calibration at 25degC @ 3.3V)
Now I have less than +0.2 seconds drift in an hour at room temperature (abt 23C)
When running it in a fridge at 4degC for an hour the drift is around -2 seconds.
I guess having the box on stage in direct sunlight could result in +2 seconds drift per hour.
Trying to do the math it appear we may drift a quarter note at 100BPM if the song is longer then 4.5 minutes @ +4C [39F] or +44C [111F]
Is this acceptable?
The second question was how fast I could sample the A/D channels. Would it be enough to capture the envelope of string attack and decay?
I'm using 13 A/D channels in total (after adding the hex and regular pickup signals). It appears the fastest I'll get is 22.5kHz sampling on all 13 A/D inputs. However at that speed a I'm sure the A/D interrupts are eating up a lot of horse powers from other tasks I have to do at the same time. I'm hoping a few kHz will be enough to capture samples, rectify them and pop-up the volume peak register if greater. The peak value register will be slowly decremented by a time constant. As time pass the peak register will form the envelope of the string attack and decay, ready to be used by FX section.
You engineers/musicians, any comments on above before producing the PCB?
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 22, 2020, 07:42:39 AM
I'm almost ready with the new board layout, but before I send it in I had two do some tests.
First do I need a X-tal to do the time keeping? My concern was that the BPM would drift too much within a song after MIDI START was received.
It appears after using the OSCTUN register to slow down the clock a tad
(Probably because my PCB gets hotter than than the microcontroller factory calibration at 25degC @ 3.3V)
Now I have less than +0.2 seconds drift in an hour at room temperature (abt 23C)
When running it in a fridge at 4degC for an hour the drift is around -2 seconds.
I guess having the box on stage in direct sunlight could result in +2 seconds drift per hour.
Trying to do the math it appear we may drift a quarter note at 100BPM if the song is longer then 4.5 minutes @ +4C [39F] or +44C [111F]
Is this acceptable?
The second question was how fast I could sample the A/D channels. Would it be enough to capture the envelope of string attack and decay?
I'm using 13 A/D channels in total (after adding the hex and regular pickup signals). It appears the fastest I'll get is 22.5kHz sampling on all 13 A/D inputs. However at that speed a I'm sure the A/D interrupts are eating up a lot of horse powers from other tasks I have to do at the same time. I'm hoping a few kHz will be enough to capture samples, rectify them and pop-up the volume peak register if greater. The peak value register will be slowly decremented by a time constant. As time pass the peak register will form the envelope of the string attack and decay, ready to be used by FX section.
You engineers/musicians, any comments on above before producing the PCB?
The first point seems quite acceptable to me, particularly when you consider that a lot of pedals rely on a TAP TEMPO footswitch, which isn't nearly as accurate.
The second point is worrisome IMHO. Given that this circuit is directly in line with the guitar signals, any degradation will affect the processing downstream, be it a GK guitar synth or Eurorack single-string processor. The sampling rate you mention is well below acceptable recording levels. Granted, those who send the GK signal into a Roland/BOSS synth may not notice any degradation because of the modeling and mixing that takes place, although it should be tested! I would be particularly interested in what happens when a 22.5kHz sampled signal is re-sampled a second time - will there be digital artifacts? For the Eurorack single-string processor case, the 22.5kHz sample rate would be quite detrimental - the focus there is not on driving synths, but rather obtaining innovative sounds by processing the guitar signals themselves in analog modules. The incoming string signals need to be as clean as possible.
I don't recall your A/D resolution - is it 16-bit?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on August 22, 2020, 08:27:12 AM
The second point is worrisome IMHO. Given that this circuit is directly in line with the guitar signals, any degradation will affect the processing downstream, be it a GK guitar synth or Eurorack single-string processor. The sampling rate you mention is well below acceptable recording levels. Granted, those who send the GK signal into a Roland/BOSS synth may not notice any degradation because of the modeling and mixing that takes place, although it should be tested! I would be particularly interested in what happens when a 22.5kHz sampled signal is re-sampled a second time - will there be digital artifacts? For the Eurorack single-string processor case, the 22.5kHz sample rate would be quite detrimental - the focus there is not on driving synths, but rather obtaining innovative sounds by processing the guitar signals themselves in analog modules. The incoming string signals need to be as clean as possible.
I don't recall your A/D resolution - is it 16-bit?
Thanks, but you have misunderstood ;) All analog signals passes through the circuit untouched. It's simply a multi-channel volume control. THD and noise is extremely low using Hi-Fi circuits. The A/D discussed will only tap the signals into the controller to be able to modify the volumes more intelligently (knowing how you play each string).
How much would it help if you could pare down the number of inputs that actually need to have their input level sampled *quickly*?
I mean, you don't need to sample level on an input that's *not* sending guitar string audio, like a wire that's carrying the vol knob or the S1/S2 signals.
I reckon you've probably thought about it; no need to reply soon if it's a silly question. I freely confess that what you're doing is sorcery and arcane magic to me, and I am so happy when I see another post from you about your process.
Quote from: mooncaine on August 22, 2020, 12:39:21 PM
How much would it help if you could pare down the number of inputs that actually need to have their input level sampled *quickly*?
I mean, you don't need to sample level on an input that's *not* sending guitar string audio, like a wire that's carrying the vol knob or the S1/S2 signals.
I reckon you've probably thought about it; no need to reply soon if it's a silly question. I freely confess that what you're doing is sorcery and arcane magic to me, and I am so happy when I see another post from you about your process.
There's a lot of helper hardware inside the controller to do 'batch' A/D readings. Basically (little simplified) you tell which inputs you want to have scanned and how fast it should be done. Upon completion you get an hardware interrupt and may then store the results in a safe place before the next cycle kicks in. I don't think it's possible to have this party going on at a fast rate and poll other channels more slower (manually). I appears to be all or nothing.
The readings I do is 4 channels for expression pedals, GK VOL, Pin9 (actually not used), 6 GK strings + regular pickup. That's 13. Maybe Pin9 and regular pickup could be eliminated. If doing a GK hex compressor/expander/slow gear etc., I'm not sure what to do with the regular pickup. Just added it in case ever needed sensing.
S1/S2 is sampled using digital I/O pins.
Thanks for thinking.
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 22, 2020, 09:07:59 AM
Thanks, but you have misunderstood ;) All analog signals passes through the circuit untouched. It's simply a multi-channel volume control. THD and noise is extremely low using Hi-Fi circuits. The A/D discussed will only tap the signals into the controller to be able to modify the volumes more intelligently (knowing how you play each string).
Ah, I stand corrected!
The estetics is the fun part and involves things anyone can have an opinion about ;D
The choosen aluminum enclosure is 5.72″X4.77″X1.39″(145*121*39.5mm)
Could have choosen a larger enclosure but still the two CTRL jacks would not fit the back side, so it needs to have 3 sides of connectivity anyway.
Also small size=smaller cost, less foot print.
Any ideas appreciated on the below. PM me or post it here.
Name: GX-2 Gear Shifter?
Red metallic color with white print?
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift1.png)
Blue metallic color with white print?
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift2.png)
Internal view to verify everything fits:
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift3.png)
Finalized the new board with added hex and guitar signal sensing and sending it for PCB production tomorrow.
While adding things I've also re-factored it to reduce components/cost and complexity.
Hope it works as planned.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift4.png)
I like the 3rd option, "Internal View"
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 23, 2020, 01:47:06 PM
The estetics is the fun part and involves things anyone can have an opinion about ;D
The choosen aluminum enclosure is 5.72″X4.77″X1.39″(145*121*39.5mm)
Could have choosen a larger enclosure but still the two CTRL jacks would not fit the back side, so it needs to have 3 sides of connectivity anyway.
Also small size=smaller cost, less foot print.
Any ideas appreciated on the below. PM me or post it here.
Name: GX-2 Gear Shifter?
Red metallic color with white print?
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift1.png)
Blue metallic color with white print?
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift2.png)
Internal view to verify everything fits:
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gearshift3.png)
Quote from: gumtown on August 23, 2020, 02:09:50 PM
I like the 3rd option, "Internal View"
Yes that would be unusual ;D
I think I like the blue the best
Blue, to match my SY1000!
Blue, but a clear case internal view would actually be pretty cool. :)
Quote from: gumtown on August 23, 2020, 02:09:50 PM
I like the 3rd option, "Internal View"
Add internal RGB LEDs and it looks like a gaming PC. ;)
Gear Shifter is a cool name. Anything car related works for me.
Quote from: kevorkian on August 24, 2020, 10:43:17 AM
Blue, but a clear case internal view would actually be pretty cool. :)
I would love it too. That design deserves to be exposed. But that would also expose it to electromagnetic interference
I was thinking rather than a clear see-through top, a picture printed on the metal top that looks like the insides view.
One of those 'lenticular' 3D type of stickers.
QuoteI would love it too. That design deserves to be exposed. But that would also expose it to electromagnetic interference
Well said Piing 8) EMI is always a concern when choosing an enclosure with critical audio. A plastic case in the wrong place, might make a difference between +/- 5dB psu ripple and other parasitic audio artifacts. It must be a solid diecast enclosure >:(
Concerning the case decal labels, perhaps a Swedish royal family photo or a royal symbol on the front - royal collectors will go mad for it :D
Give me a signal flow diagram - like on the top of older Roland/ Yamaha rack gear is more functional and transcends language
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/e1IAAOSwyAdcoh2h/s-l1600.jpg)
Use this
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_flow1.jpg)
We haven't been playing in the band since Corona :'(. Drummer has some risky issues. So I needed to stretch the stiff old fingers.
This simply the Beast Buddy and me using GP-10 factory patch 32 with the GX-2 doing some arp tricks on the lowest strings.
One take with mistakes etc. I use an expression pedal to control the Arp depth.
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_speed.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_speed.mp3)
Quote from: gumtown on August 25, 2020, 05:06:53 AM
I was thinking rather than a clear see-through top, a picture printed on the metal top that looks like the insides view.
One of those 'lenticular' 3D type of stickers.
Hear , hear !
I agree , go for it!
Quote from: admin on August 25, 2020, 09:32:03 AM
Give me a signal flow diagram - like on the top of older Roland/ Yamaha rack gear is more functional and transcends language
Now that's a great idea, makes perfect sense
Apart from its main purpose, can it be used as a hex compression?
The SY-1000 needs one for the dynamic (and other ) synths.
(I'm guessing that will never be implemented in a SY firmware upgrade.)
Quote from: Brak(E)man on August 27, 2020, 02:42:43 AM
Apart from its main purpose, can it be used as a hex compression?
The SY-1000 needs one for the dynamic (and other ) synths.
(I'm guessing that will never be implemented in a SY firmware upgrade.)
I'm sitting here waiting for the new PCB (doing normal boring day job).
When received it and getting it populated, I hope to be able to sense all string envelops in real-time and modify string levels at will.
If that works, it may be possible to do:
- Hex Compression
- Hex Noise Gate
- Hex Slow Gear
- Hex Sustainer
- Hex Attack/Decay controlled volume modulation/arpeggiation.
and things like that...but still it's just "maybe" things.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope_detector
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope_(music)
Received a new shiny red 4-layer PCB today and just ordered some additional components.
Hope to find hours soon in my busy life to populate it and verify if the new hex play-aware features can be achieved.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2pcb_v25.bmp)
Did you get my PM?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on August 31, 2020, 03:26:53 PM
Did you get my PM?
yes but I need to crack this nut first.
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 31, 2020, 04:22:57 PM
yes but I need to crack this nut first.
Sounds fine! Best of luck with the soldering task!
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gkx2_v5_1.jpg)
Today I got some time for soldering. Now the voltage supply section is in place and working.
I'll complete the rest of the things another day.
The power generation section has costed my a lot of efforts to develop during the past years.
The 9V input has a common-mode filter and fool-proof reverse voltage and over-voltage protection.
+Digital 3.3V @ max rating 0.1A (enough for Microcontroller, LEDS, LCD)
+Digital 5.0V (internal use and MIDI)
+Analog 3.3V (internal use)
For GK +/- 7V generation expensive components are used.
They are the true key of success to noiseless GK signals and ability to power multiple GK guitars and the integrated analog circuitry.
Ultra Low Noise +7.0V. Max output current abt. 1.0A (from input 9V)
Ultra Low Noise -7.0V. Max output current abt. 0.8A (generated via 12.6MHz SEPIC converter from input 9V)
(The yellow wire emulates the Microcontroller signal turning the +/-7V converters on/off at will)
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 23, 2020, 01:47:06 PM
The estetics is the fun part and involves things anyone can have an opinion about ;D
....................
Any ideas appreciated on the below. PM me or post it here.
Hallo !
Your project is an amazing and a great job ! Following you indication I try to give my opinions about the box layout (if this don't crash with the PCB layout) :
It is not difficult to act the 2 pedal buttons one above the other ? May should be useful to put all the buttons on the same line.
Display seems to lay into the foot action area. Maybe display can be positioned in the top of the box.
Do you have a raw idea about the final cost of the unit ? It seem to be a little bit expensive. Should be possible to do a "light version" having only full GK switch (no midi or other effetct) if this don't double your GKPX-14 product.
Good wishes for your work!
Would this go in front of an existing Roland/Boss hex device or could be used as a completely different device?
Quote from: aliensporebomb on September 06, 2020, 09:05:28 AM
Would this go in front of an existing Roland/Boss hex device or could be used as a completely different device?
It will go in front of an existing device...
Any chance it has a splitter to allow to more than one GK unit or just one?
Quote from: aliensporebomb on September 06, 2020, 02:19:45 PM
Any chance it has a splitter to allow to more than one GK unit or just one?
It is already a splitter. 2 GK Inputs, 2 GK Outputs
Last night I managed to get all important connections working on the new board so I could start playing wit it
To save component cost I've dropped a DAC chip and instead us my volume chips also for 2xGKVOL control and LCD Backlight DC voltages.
Works ok after some software tweaking.
The new feature of capturing the separate string envelopes appear to work, however I've had no time to put it in use other than looking at numbers on the LCD.
One pit-fall might be the onboard A/D converter is only 10 bits and after rectifying for peak detection (both done in software) it's down to half resolution which is poor. So, I''m speculating I might have to use per-string active gain switching. I.e. when the string fades out and the envelope falls below a certain threshold I increase the input gain by X to get better resolution in that low range, and samewise when envelope is high (string strummed) I revert back to the reduced gain. We'll see.
Currently scanning all strings at 3kHz. Appears ok enough for peak/envelope detection. Highest 24 bar E fundamental frequency is abt. 1.2kHz on a guitar.
Interesting times.
You Are Amazing
Weekend warrior. Some kind of HEX SUSTAINER is in place.
It kicks in when the string starts to fade away and is turned off immediately if the string is played again or if maximum time is reached (see ramp time settings below). Each individual string has its own 'engine'.
NOTE: When the string is dead and has stopped vibrating there's noting to do about it. This is not a real sustainer that can keep on forever due to magnetic feedback. It's just an amplification thing increasing volume as string fades. However it has some nice features.
Settings:
SUSTAINER_ARM - Note detection threshold (0-100%). Turns off Sustainer and Arms it for use when SUSTAINER_START threshold is reached. (currently 17% appears to be a good number.
SUSTAINER_START - Threshold for string fade-out/Sustainer start (0-100%).
Currently 5% appears to be a good number. Value must be lower than SUSTAINER_ARM setting.
RAMP_UP_TIME - Time in ms from SUSTAINER_START trigger point to reaching max gain. (3sec is nice)
(currently the ramp is linear, but other envelops could be investigated).
HOLD_TIME - Time in ms the maximum gain is kept after ramp up. (10sec is nice)
RAMP_DOWN_TIME - Time in ms after hold position until Gain is turned back down to Gain=1.0 (1sec is ok)
MAX_GAIN - The Maximum Gain to reach. (between Gain=1.0-36.0 [i.e. 0 to +31.5 dB])
Here we should never over-do it because noise and other crap is also amplified. (Gain abt 6.0 (+16dB) is what I find usable).
The SUSTAINER block may be used in conjunction with existing Arp/Modulation effects or by itself.
If possible the next task is a HEX SLOW GEAR (or something swelling that smoothly takes away the pick string attack).
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 13, 2020, 02:22:18 PM
Weekend warrior. Some kind of HEX SUSTAINER is in place.
It kicks in when the string starts to fade away and is turned off immediately if the string is played again or if maximum time is reached (see ramp time settings below). Each individual string has its own 'engine'.
NOTE: When the string is dead and has stopped vibrating there's noting to do about it. This is not a real sustainer that can keep on forever due to magnetic feedback. It's just an amplification thing increasing volume as string fades. However it has some nice features.
Settings:
SUSTAINER_ARM - Note detection threshold (0-100%). Turns off Sustainer and Arms it for use when SUSTAINER_START threshold is reached. (currently 17% appears to be a good number.
SUSTAINER_START - Threshold for string fade-out/Sustainer start (0-100%).
Currently 5% appears to be a good number. Value must be lower than SUSTAINER_ARM setting.
RAMP_UP_TIME - Time in ms from SUSTAINER_START trigger point to reaching max gain. (3sec is nice)
(currently the ramp is linear, but other envelops could be investigated).
HOLD_TIME - Time in ms the maximum gain is kept after ramp up. (10sec is nice)
RAMP_DOWN_TIME - Time in ms after hold position until Gain is turned back down to Gain=1.0 (1sec is ok)
MAX_GAIN - The Maximum Gain to reach. (between Gain=1.0-36.0 [i.e. 0 to +31.5 dB])
Here we should never over-do it because noise and other crap is also amplified. (Gain abt 6.0 (+16dB) is what I find usable).
The SUSTAINER block may be used in conjunction with existing Arp/Modulation effects or by itself.
If possible the next task is a HEX SLOW GEAR (or something swelling that smoothly takes away the pick string attack).
Sounds great! The Sustainer and the Arp will be a really good combo!
Sounds wonderful, you are definitely on to something with this one!
Quote from: Nobulusprime on September 13, 2020, 02:43:34 PM
Sounds great! The Sustainer and the Arp will be a really good combo!
yes to some degree but small noise induced by the arp doing dramatic volume changes (remember it's digitally controlled and has discrete steps) will also be amplified as gain is turned up. It's not a ideal situation, but still not useless. Tweaking NS and high freq EQ can improve situation.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 14, 2020, 01:05:58 AM
yes to some degree but small noise induced by the arp doing dramatic volume changes (remember it's digitally controlled and has discrete steps) will also be amplified as gain is turned up. It's not a ideal situation, but still not useless. Tweaking NS and high freq EQ can improve situation.
Ah ok, I was thinking more of the Sustainer before the Arp and not the other way around, can it be done that way? i.e. serially NS - Sustainer - Arp - EQ etc
Thanks! amazing work.
Quote from: Nobulusprime on September 14, 2020, 02:42:19 AM
Ah ok, I was thinking more of the Sustainer before the Arp and not the other way around, can it be done that way? i.e. serially NS - Sustainer - Arp - EQ etc
Thanks! amazing work.
Including NS in my box won't help as a fading string is down to just a few mV. If you want to hear it and amplify x10 you also amplify any mV noise x10. It's simple math and law of physics.
A NS is just a mute thing. But if muting there's no sound at all.
This is a cool project, Robert. Lots of great uses, and an eye open for keeping the hardware from becoming prohibitively expensive.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 14, 2020, 06:25:58 AM
Including NS in my box won't help as a fading string is down to just a few mV. If you want to hear it and amplify x10 you also amplify any mV noise x10. It's simple math and law of physics.
A NS is just a mute thing. But if muting there's no sound at all.
Sorry, the NS was a side issue. What I meant was if the sustainer/amplifier In front of arpeggiator wouldn't the arpeggiated notes have less decay. I can see the issue if it was the other way around, as every artefact from the arpeggiator would be amplified through the sustainer.
Quote from: Nobulusprime on September 14, 2020, 10:48:25 AM
Sorry, the NS was a side issue. What I meant was if the sustainer/amplifier In front of arpeggiator wouldn't the arpeggiated notes have less decay. I can see the issue if it was the other way around, as every artefact from the arpeggiator would be amplified through the sustainer.
Actually there's nothing in front of anything in this box. Hard to explain. Every string has just One (1) volume control. That's it. The rest is created by multiplying volumes from various sources down to one master knob turn per string.
Example: The sustainer wants to amplify by 4.0, the arp is on (= 1.0 ) and in that moment also a modulation wants to vary with 0.9. The master knob turn is in that case (4x1x0.9) = 3.9
I another scenario, if the arp is off, its contribution is '0.0', so then we have The formula 4x0.0x0.9 = 0.0 (mute)
So it's all about a number of multiplications before turning a master knob per string. The difference with this knob compared to a physical real-life knob is that it may be turned within a few microseconds.
The knobs are not fully analog as they have certain fixed steps (actually only 256 discrete steps). Each step is about 0.5 dB. In an ideal world you would only change step exactly at a zero-crossing (of the analog waveform) to avoid so called 'zipper noise', but that did not work out properly with small signals, so instead when I have to do large knob turns, I have to turn it gradually through the steps. The result is not perfect but reasonably ok.
So to also answer Carlb, No I won't add any more circuits to make this box more expensive. I just try to use software to utilize this pretty limited hardware to the maximum extents possible. Everything of this came out as an side effect of wanting to silently turn string volumes on/off for it to work as an superior GK Switcher.
Hope you got an idea of how it works :)
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 14, 2020, 02:37:40 PM
Actually there's nothing in front of anything in this box. Hard to explain. Every string has just One (1) volume control. That's it. The rest is created by multiplying volumes from various sources down to one master knob turn per string.
Example: The sustainer wants to amplify by 4.0, the arp is on (= 1.0 ) and in that moment also a modulation wants to vary with 0.9. The master knob turn is in that case (4x1x0.9) = 3.9
I another scenario, if the arp is off, its contribution is '0.0', so then we have The formula 4x0.0x0.9 = 0.0 (mute)
So it's all about a number of multiplications before turning a master knob per string. The difference with this knob compared to a physical real-life knob is that it may be turned within a few microseconds.
The knobs are not fully analog as they have certain fixed steps (actually only 256 discrete steps). Each step is about 0.5 dB. In an ideal world you would only change step exactly at a zero-crossing (of the analog waveform) to avoid so called 'zipper noise', but that did not work out properly with small signals, so instead when I have to do large knob turns, I have to turn it gradually through the steps. The result is not perfect but reasonably ok.
So to also answer Carlb, No I won't add any more circuits to make this box more expensive. I just try to use software to utilize this pretty limited hardware to the maximum extents possible. Everything of this came out as an side effect of wanting to silently turn string volumes on/off for it to work as an superior GK Switcher.
Hope you got an idea of how it works :)
Makes total sense now! Looking forward to the fruits of your labour!
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 14, 2020, 02:37:40 PM
Every string has just One (1) volume control.
I apologize if this was mentioned elsewhere, but how are you controlling individual string volume? Is it a circuit in the box or are you sending commands to the GK synth?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on September 15, 2020, 09:41:04 AM
I apologize if this was mentioned elsewhere, but how are you controlling individual string volume? Is it a circuit in the box or are you sending commands to the GK synth?
Circuits in the box.
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on September 16, 2020, 08:53:31 AM
Is it analog or digital?
Both.The analog hex signals are switched and their levels are changed by a digital circuit. Codesmart can correct me if I am wrong.
Quote from: sixeight on September 16, 2020, 10:01:00 AM
Both.The analog hex signals are switched and their levels are changed by a digital circuit. Codesmart can correct me if I am wrong.
So there's A/D and D/A?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on September 16, 2020, 11:27:13 AM
So there's A/D and D/A?
No D/A, only A/D. The signals are made digital to measure their level, so the CPU can calculate the signal levels of the digital controlled analog amplifiers. At least that is my understanding of it.
A poly 'Slow Gear' is close, however I need to give it some more time. Triggering and re-triggering effectively if playing fast is tricky business. Playing slow works great.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 17, 2020, 02:45:34 PM
A poly 'Slow Gear' is close, however I need to give it some more time. Triggering and re-triggering effectively if playing fast is tricky business. Playing slow works great.
Yep! Re-triggering in particular has been a real challenge; darn near impossible with analog circuitry. Needs very clever logic in digital detection, like what Axon and FTP have done.
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on September 23, 2020, 11:15:01 AM
Yep! Re-triggering in particular has been a real challenge; darn near impossible with analog circuitry. Needs very clever logic in digital detection, like what Axon and FTP have done.
I've tried looking at the rate of change dV/dt for triggering and the same for finding the decline of the decay. Finally there's a NS threshold for finding the end of the pick cycle. I've given up on that. The result is not useless but not good enough for the masses. I will do one final attempt using absolute V triggering soon. If that fails I give up on the Slow Gear.
To be more academic I'm sampling the envelopes (many) and download them to the PC Using my USB port for analysis and plotting in Excel. I developed low pass filtering etc. to see if improving. Yes a little bit. But as said still not yet good enough. Also we need something that is not so pickup dependent. I'm using three individuals guitars for testing.
This is difficult and frankly my math skills are not on M.S. level. The warbling of a string hit very hard is cumbersome for example. It's not a simple ADSR envelope.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 23, 2020, 01:59:49 PM
I've tried looking at the rate of change dV/dt for triggering and the same for finding the decline of the decay. Finally there's a NS threshold for finding the end of the pick cycle. I've given up on that. The result is not useless but not good enough for the masses. I will do one final attempt using absolute V triggering soon. If that fails I give up on the Slow Gear.
To be more academic I'm sampling the envelopes (many) and download them to the PC Using my USB port for analysis and plotting in Excel. I developed low pass filtering etc. to see if improving. Yes a little bit. But as said still not yet good enough. Also we need something that is not so pickup dependent. I'm using three individuals guitars for testing.
This is difficult and frankly my math skills are not on M.S. level. The warbling of a string hit very hard is cumbersome for example. It's not a simple ADSR envelope.
This is a real rabbit hole, Robert! I agree that it would be quite hard to make it acceptable to the masses. You would almost have to do a constant detection of the onset of a new (or same but out of phase) frequency on each string, perhaps through storing the actual audio that is decaying and comparing it in real time with the incoming audio?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on September 23, 2020, 03:12:34 PM
perhaps through storing the actual audio that is decaying and comparing it in real time with the incoming audio?
Great tip, thanks, did some reading. I'll try it before giving up. Sliding window comparison (off by a few ms) appears to be useful for many things like making tuners as well as string attack detection. We'll see.
When either giving up on this or succeeding I will move on to finalizing enclosure details.
Of course everyone (including myself) want this as cheap as possible but still there are six-seven chips in this box they charge a lot for, and I don't blame them as they are quite unique (Microcontroller, Voltage regulators, Volume controls, EEPROM and USB) also there are a few expensive high density capacitors in there.
Regarding the enclosure I have two Aluminium candidates, one smaller and one larger. Everyone wants small footprint but still not footswitches too close. And a larger enclosure comes at higher cost... ???
Also maybe I need a separate board(higher cost) for the two CTRL jacks or how ugly will it be to make downward slots from holes so the top may be lifted off? Lower cost versus beaty.
Furthermore I need a PC Software and a 'boot loader' (the code that flashes a new firmware)
The unit is a USB serial device requiring no specially installed driver in PC operating system. It will be 'plug-and-pray'.
The first batch will be only abt. 20 units as investment cost and risk is high (making 25 but learnt from experience maybe 5 of them will not yield).
As you see there's a lot of things to think about before investing in board and enclosure production...
Final price unknown at this point.
Hi Robert...
I think the final price will have to take into account the cost of the necessary sedatives to keep you standing up through all of this !
...remember to breathe !!
Well done for just getting this far into it!
Cheers,
Peter
Today I had time time to do some drilling on my prototype (nothing close to production) enclosure.
It proved that the layout I was working on considering a minimal cost and real estate would work.
Regarding the footswitches they are no closer apart then on the GP-10
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_gp10.jpg)
(Below) Looking at the right side, you note that the upper footshwitches are elevated, for easy access.
The CTRL jacks accepts expression pedals (like EV-5) or BOSS FS-6, FS-7 units for additional control (setup dependant)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_ctrl_side.jpg)
(Below) Looking at the left side there's the MIDI connectors and the USB device connector. The USB connector is used to program the unit (or update firmware) using a PC-software.
The MIDI IN allow you to remotely control the device. The MIDI OUT 1 and 2 allow you to automatically change GK setup of VG-99, GR-55, GP10 and SY-1000 when switching input GK guitar on the GX-2.
(SysEx commands are sent to allow this to happend)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_midi_side.jpg)
Looking at the front side there is the GK input and the GK outputs and the 9V DC BOSS standard power connector.
The IN3 is a standard (non-GK) guitar input.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_in_out.jpg)
Inside looking (this will not be the last board layout):
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_inside_1.jpg)
Underside looking:
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_inside2.jpg)
The whole thing (front need some editing):
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_all1.jpg)
Factory Patch #10 : Hot Pipe (Hex Sustainer at max) sample: http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_Sustainer.mp3
(no volume or foot control touched, just playing the Blues, only touching the strings, GP-10 straight into Ableton.
Just wondering what my stack will do with this at high volume with the guitar in front of the speaker
amplifying stuff from gain=1.0 to up to gain=63 times when holding the notes , yikes... :o)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_hotpipe.jpg)
Factory Patch #12: Soft Clutch (Hex Slow Gear) sample: http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_Slow.mp3
(tricky suff in firmware, but not entirely useless, here with some folk'ish tones from the North)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_softclutch.jpg)
Here's the previous samples I've posted using this upcoming device:
Separate string Volume Arpegiation: http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_BEATBUDDYSYNC.mp3
Separate string Volume Arpegiation: http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_NYLON.mp3
Separate string Volume Arpegiation: http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_speed.mp3
Separate string Volume Modulation and Arpeggiation: http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_2XSYNTH.mp3
Fantastic!
Amazing stuff,
The sustainer is super cool, especially for guitar tones! It will probably send the current iteration of the dynamic synth on the SY into apoplexy ;D
Slow gear will great for pads, and I love the arpeggiator!
Not only are you a brilliant electrical engineer, but an excellent player as well
Fantastic work!!! Ballpark price? ETA? Can't wait for this one!
Is the signal chain: guitar with gk to gk cable to primova to gp-10 to mixer/amps?
Pretty cool device! I like that there's a GP-10-like display so you can tell what's going on.
Great !
You are going to be a real Roland competitor !!!!
And compliment for your performance.
;)
Excellent looking unit there Robert!
Is the top panel artwork an inkjet/colour laserjet laminate? Looks great all the same :)
Bill
Quote from: billbax on October 13, 2020, 07:36:00 AM
Excellent looking unit there Robert!
Is the top panel artwork an inkjet/colour laserjet laminate? Looks great all the same :)
Bill
No it's just a simple prototype. Printed on office paper and covered by my packing tape. The real thing will be done professionally in paint-shop with two component color and printed by industrial printer, finally covered by a clear coat.
This is just work in progress.
Quote from: maan108 on October 13, 2020, 07:14:53 AM
Great !
You are going to be a real Roland competitor !!!!
And compliment for your performance.
;)
Nah...I wish I had a proper masters education in electronics, math and signal processing. Have not, and this is just a hobby, as well as my playing. Thanks for the kind words.
Quote from: aliensporebomb on October 13, 2020, 06:42:54 AM
Is the signal chain: guitar with gk to gk cable to primova to gp-10 to mixer/amps?
Yes, GP-10 Left+Right jacks into Focusrite Scarlet and to Ableton Lite. And I'm pretty useless with the DAW. Happy to record anything at all.
Quote from: thebrushwithin on October 13, 2020, 06:06:28 AM
Fantastic work!!! Ballpark price? ETA? Can't wait for this one!
Pricewise I need to send away RFQ for a batch of PCB and PC Assembly to know. Haven't done that yet. Gut feeling says $300-$400. ETA don't know, a lot of firmware work do to yet, writing manuals, PC Software etc. and time is very limited.
Quote from: CodeSmart on October 13, 2020, 09:11:57 AM
Pricewise I need to send away RFQ for a batch of PCB and PC Assembly to know. Haven't done that yet. Gut feeling says $300-$400. ETA don't know, a lot of firmware work do to yet, writing manuals, PC Software etc. and time is very limited.
That is not a bad price. I figured it would be a lot more. Great work!
Quote from: sixeight on October 13, 2020, 11:08:13 AM
That is not a bad price. I figured it would be a lot more. Great work!
I tried to get rid of as much components but a few of them are costly. In every iteration (abt. 5) I've spent about $250 in PCB and components, but when doing a series things get cheaper. However I have no clue about the assembly cost in production for something of this magnitude.
Board is populated with:
50 Resistors
19 Resistor nets
112 caps
13 inductors
7 diodes
5 transistors
19 IC
10 (abt.) connectors.
Everything except connectors is surface mount (mostly 0603 and TSSOP,TQFP and VQFN)
Maybe someone here (Elantric) has a gut feeling for PC assembly cost on let's say 50 units?
You have to calculate something for the development costs as well. You have already spent a fortune in failed prototypes.
If you were to calculate developement costs at a reasonable hourly rate built into the production cost, I do not think anyone would be able to afford it ;D
Quote from: gumtown on October 13, 2020, 12:52:04 PM
If you were to calculate developement costs at a reasonable hourly rate built into the production cost, I do not think anyone would be able to afford it ;D
I guess that kind of math could also be applied to the Floorboards and the V-Controllers ;D
Quote from: CodeSmart on October 13, 2020, 02:17:15 PM
I guess that kind of math could also be applied to the Floorboards and the V-Controllers ;D
I do want something for the hours I spend building for others. But development hours are at a lousy rate. But I do manage to break even on costs for parts, including parts for prototypes.
I had the dream of buying a lot of gear from what I earned with the VControllers and VC-mini's, but so far it is small stuff that I can afford from that budget.
Quote from: CodeSmart on October 13, 2020, 02:17:15 PM
I guess that kind of math could also be applied to the Floorboards and the V-Controllers ;D
....and also 13-pin jacks.... ;D
You could also consider outsourcing all the parts supply, PCB assembly and full manufacturing to China, like most companies do. There are many suppliers that can deal with small batches, at ridiculous prices. You would just have to download the firmware.
https://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/PCB_Assembly.html
Quote from: Piing on October 13, 2020, 05:12:19 PM
You could also consider outsourcing all the parts supply, PCB assembly and full manufacturing to China, like most companies do. There are many suppliers that can deal with small batches, at ridiculous prices. You would just have to download the firmware.
https://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/PCB_Assembly.html
next thing you will see "MOOER GX-2 2x2 Hex Switcher" on sale at special price at WISH.com
......more likely a Behringer unit.
Have to leave the computer for some days but started working with a manual.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gs2_chart.png)
Looks awesome
These were my personal guidelines when designing the unit:
Building a GK Guitar switcher may at first glance appear a simple task, however for 13-pin devices (Piezo and GK pickups) with seven audio signals, three control lines and dual rail power supply things get more complex. The pickup may be mounted "upside-down" on one guitar and with normal orientation on the other. To complicate things even more, each guitar is a unique individual with certain characteristics that will have to be programmed into the synth GK Settings (GK SET) for optimal performance.
When another guitar is selected an ideal switcher should be able to send out MIDI commands and reprogram the synth unit(s) to use another GK SET.
Even in the simplest scenario having two "similar" guitars and skipping the process of swapping GK SET, there's still a basic requirement of normalizing the separate string volumes between the two guitars.
From an electrical perspective we also need to take into account the current distributed out to the two guitars and potential other GK-pedals in the chain. A safe switcher should have doubled current capability compared to a device designed for one connected guitar.
On the Synth switcher side (the GK outputs) a reliable synth switcher should be able to mute all strings, not only bringing a control signal down (GK VOL knob) in cases where this control is used for other purpose than volume. Also it would be favorable to be able to control the behavior of the regular pickup and the S1/S2 control lines individually with each synth.
Lastly, all switching should be done silently without any 'pop' or 'clicks' and without adding audible noise or distortion.
The PRIMOVA GS-2 Gear Shifter provide a solution for and fullfills all of the above concerns.
( hit me with grammar/spelling errors or additional concerns, writing in English is difficult :P )
It's difficult not to explore possibilities when you have the hardware and code in front of you.
Today I tried to make the modulators and arps envelope sensitive (string playing volume affects the DEPTH) and it works great.
This means when the strings starts to fade out (or playing softly) the modulators/arps either smothly starts or stops, depending on how you set thing up. I'll sure as donkey will add this feature. It sounds great.
The next thing I just have to try is to moderate the SPEED. So the string playing envelope affects the SPEED of the modulation. I'm thinking when the string starts to fade out the modulation starts to slow doooown to minimum BPM (or increase to a maximum BPM) away from base BPM.
Thinking both of these "touch sensitive" controls (SPEED and DEPTH) may be used at the same time individually to the effects.
Are these features available somwehere else? I guess at least not in a hex preprocessing analog device... ;D
Quote from: CodeSmart on October 20, 2020, 09:42:02 AM
Are these features available somewhere else? I guess at least not in a hex preprocessing analog device... ;D
Not in a single box, no; however, this is well within the capabilities of the SynQuaNon Eurorack hex processing modules. Different form factor!
Input Signal Level is used as a CONTROLLER for variable Drive - started with the Cube80XL DYNA-AMP COSM MODELS
for any gear under consideration, search in the MIDI Implementation Specification under Assignable Controllers for INPUT SENSITIVIY Level (INPUT SENS) which can be used as a SOURCE CONTROLLER to feed Target effects - often on a patch where the Phasor speed slows down on peak input signal level, then speeds up on lower input thresholds
For example
SY-1000 MIDI Implementation Doc - Page 17
https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/SY-1000_MIDI_Implementation.pdf
00 44 | 0aaa aaaa | CONTROL/ASSIGN:INPUT SENS (0 - 100)
Using multiple Control Assigns - a common Source Controller (INPUT SENS), could be used for Multiple FX Targets ( Modulation Speed, Reverb Depth, Amp GAIN, etc.
A few VG-99 patches used this as "Velocity Crossover" controller,
pick soft = COSM CHAIN A
pick Harder = COSM CHAIN B
Hi I live in Scotland UK.
I want to buy one of these,is it available, how much is it, where can I get one?
Thanks
That makes two of us ;D
I don't think it will be ready for a while, price has been mooted around $400 dollars. So it depends whether Codesmart is doing a straight conversion to £GBP, or if it's the usual $1 = £1 gear scenario.
It won't cover all the work and time he's put into it though, but if I have the loot at the time I'll be having one
Now each Arp FX (x2) and Modulation FX(x2) has their own Touch Controller within a patch:
Settings:
- Sensitivity (0-100)
- Attack ( 1ms - 10s)
- FX Depth = {OFF, Fade In, Fade Out}
- FX Speed = {OFF, 10% - 500% of "base BPM" }
Base BPM = BPM is initially programmed, Tap tempo'ed or overriden by MIDI CLOCK)
For example a tremolo or something similar may slow down smoothly to 10 % of speed as the strings are decaying, or a weird Arp my kick in and go to Warp speed as soon as you stop playing for a second or so. The more I use the pedal, I discover new fun things.
Soon I will move on to programming the code to flashing the device remotely via USB from a PC program.
Also have started gather costs for production. Probably I buy "hard" hardware (enclosure, switches and LCD) for 100 units.
Wise from earlier projects I know I will eventually get rid of them. For the PCB's I might be a little bit more careful in the first round.
Actually I have to make a "last" iteration on the board since I moved the CTRL - jacks to a small separate board to simplify box assembly.
Sometimes it's hard to focus on my main day job actually ;D
I'll start saving up now then!
I will almost give away a pedal for people helping me translating the upcoming manual into French, German, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese. If any of you members or lurkers have sufficient writing skills in your language and are interested in being part of localizing the manual and get a pedal cheap, email me at sound@primova.se
When possible I will provide a English and one localized (using Google Translate) for human editing using Microsoft Word in your native language. Google Translate will do the initial work, it's actually pretty good for many languages as a starting point. I've been working with software localizations for many years.
There will be two types of manual, a short quick start guide (printed), and one more lengthy/detailed for download, hopefully in several languages.
Thanks
Robert
I can do bad language...no ?
I'll get my coat ;)
No Wuckin' Furries!!
Oy can do der Sdrayan one fer yuz... ;D
Been busy rearranging menus and enhancing the user/footswitch experience, implementing the MIDI Assigns, optimizing code etc.
A few weeks ago my son in law presented me an idea of adding the opposite to the sustainer, to produce hex staccato envelops. Normal attack followed by very rapid decay/mute (per separate string). At the time I found the idea a bit useless but now I'm wondering about it.
Is it possible to do it already with the Roland/Hex processors?
Currently not possible, and I was pondering on the same thoughts last night,
thinking why the Noise Suppressor couldn't be made to have a higher threshold, and have more aggressive gating.
You could market it as "Auto Palm muting"
Quote from: gumtown on November 10, 2020, 02:47:00 PM
Currently not possible, and I was pondering on the same thoughts last night,
thinking why the Noise Suppressor couldn't be made to have a higher threshold, and have more aggressive gating.
You could market it as "Auto Palm muting"
...and everyone with piezo saddles will buy one ! ;D
Didn't the Moog guitar do something similar.
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 10, 2020, 02:05:31 PM
Been busy rearranging menus and enhancing the user/footswitch experience, implementing the MIDI Assigns, optimizing code etc.
A few weeks ago my son in law presented me an idea of adding the opposite to the sustainer, to produce hex staccato envelops. Normal attack followed by very rapid decay/mute (per separate string). At the time I found the idea a bit useless but now I'm wondering about it.
Is it possible to do it already with the Roland/Hex processors?
External MIDI synced 6 way tremolo / panner / gatter / chopper / pseudo string arpeggiator individual module per string
- Johnny Marr "smiths how soon is now" x 6
Gated mutes for each string , (respond to external note on/off messages? MIDI Clock synced doted triplets
Quote from: admin on November 10, 2020, 04:53:09 PM
External MIDI synced 6 way tremolo / panner / gatter / chopper / pseudo string arpeggiator individual module per string
- Johnny Marr "smiths how soon is now" x 6
Gated mutes for each string , (respond to external note on/off messages? MIDI Clock synced doted triplets
Covered today:
*External MIDI sync (incl doted triplets and all the others) - Check
*External MIDI control Assigns - Check
*Hex Tremolo(s)/chopper(s) (sine, triangle, saw, square - normal/reversed) - Check
*Hex String panner (sine, triangle, saw, square - normal/reversed) - Check
*Hex GK A/B panner (sine, triangle, saw, square - normal/reversed) - Check
*Hex Slow Gear - Check
*Hex Sustainer (<=+31.5 dB!) - Check
*Hex Psuedo Arpeggiator(s) - Check
*Hex static pan/split string GK A/B - Check
*99 Programmable patches - Check
We'll see about a Gater/pseudo palm muter - thanks for input
We'll see about Note on, Note off - thanks for input
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 10, 2020, 02:05:31 PM
Been busy rearranging menus and enhancing the user/footswitch experience, implementing the MIDI Assigns, optimizing code etc.
A few weeks ago my son in law presented me an idea of adding the opposite to the sustainer, to produce hex staccato envelops. Normal attack followed by very rapid decay/mute (per separate string). At the time I found the idea a bit useless but now I'm wondering about it.
Is it possible to do it already with the Roland/Hex processors?
The virtual banjo does this. But you have no control over the length of the sustain. So to have it as a separate effect would be useful.
The WAVE model in the VG-99 definitely offers short decay sounds. You can dial it in with the, wait for it, Decay setting!
QuoteDidn't the Moog guitar do something similar.
Yes it does, and in all of the years I've owned one, I have never used it at all, and never will. What would you use it for? I palm mute on all of my piezo equipped guitars.
Quote from: thebrushwithin on November 11, 2020, 07:09:55 AM
Yes it does, and in all of the years I've owned one, I have never used it at all, and never will. What would you use it for? I palm mute on all of my piezo equipped guitars.
Exactly that was the reason why I was reluctant to the idea in the first place. Palm muting you do at will at the exact moment you want it to. However, until I've heard how it sounds done by the chips my mind keeps on wondering. The difference to palm muting would be that the attack has all the initial overtones of "free" strings, un-damped on attack. Probably not worth the work ... maybe ::)
Quote from: thebrushwithin on November 11, 2020, 07:09:55 AM
Yes it does, and in all of the years I've owned one, I have never used it at all, and never will. What would you use it for? I palm mute on all of my piezo equipped guitars.
I can see a number of interesting ways to use it when applied to different strings at different "levels"
(Especially if it was possible to have sustain on certain strings and "muting" on others.)
Since some of us are talking about new macOS versions, and some of us keep old versions running to maintain the software editors for our VGs, I just realized I will want this feature: please remember to make software for it that works on OSX Sierra.
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 10, 2020, 02:05:31 PM
Been busy rearranging menus and enhancing the user/footswitch experience, implementing the MIDI Assigns, optimizing code etc.
A few weeks ago my son in law presented me an idea of adding the opposite to the sustainer, to produce hex staccato envelops. Normal attack followed by very rapid decay/mute (per separate string). At the time I found the idea a bit useless but now I'm wondering about it.
Is it possible to do it already with the Roland/Hex processors?
First post from long time lurker.
What would make this a real game changer would be to implement a full hex ADSR envelope per string. Clearly this would interact with the natural envelope of the source instrument but would really open up some interesting sound shaping possibilities with VG instruments. Currently this is implemented inconsistently across different models/units and in many cases there is no useful user control over envelope.
Quote from: mooncaine on November 11, 2020, 04:06:54 PM
Since some of us are talking about new macOS versions, and some of us keep old versions running to maintain the software editors for our VGs, I just realized I will want this feature: please remember to make software for it that works on OSX Sierra.
I soon have to approach that topic. I've never written anything for Mac. I visualize a Gumtown Floorboard style layout would fit perfectly 8)
An editor may have to wait. Everything is programmable by the buttons (menus similar to GP-10).
First priority is to have a simple software to be able to Flash new firmware, that's the most basic need.
Quote from: IMH1234 on November 12, 2020, 03:27:48 AM
First post from long time lurker.
What would make this a real game changer would be to implement a full hex ADSR envelope per string. Clearly this would interact with the natural envelope of the source instrument but would really open up some interesting sound shaping possibilities with VG instruments. Currently this is implemented inconsistently across different models/units and in many cases there is no useful user control over envelope.
Yes like having the EHX Attack Decay for each string but even more powerful - Hopefully the Gater/pseudo palm muter will make it into the unit - if not at release later on in a firmware upgrade! :)
Om currently deep down in implementing Assigns. Took much more time than estimated. I want one global/base set of system Assigns and also possibility for optional individual Patch Assigns. With this comes target min/max and pedal curve for analog controllers and momentary/toggling settings for digital controllers. Controllers are GKVOL,S1,S2,CTRL1,CTRL2 (each 2xFS or EXP) and up to 8 MIDI Assigns. Sorry to say I know I have a tendency of overworking things :P I wish I was a team of people doing this as a daytime job.
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 19, 2020, 02:03:25 PM
:P I wish I was a team of people doing this as a daytime job.
Cloning is the solution.
QuoteI visualize a Gumtown Floorboard style layout would fit perfectly 8)
I think we can work on something ;)
Quote from: gumtown on November 19, 2020, 03:07:50 PM
Cloning is the solution.
I think we can work on something ;)
Thanks for accepting the invite. Yes a Gummie Floorboard would be sooo nice :D. The only difference with what you've done earlier is that this thing is a whole less complex and that you need to connect using a standard Serial port (virtual UART/COM port (RS-232) instead of a MIDI port) at a baudrate we decide. I use a MCP2221A in my end in order to not having to pay any USB device license fees. Also this time you wouldn't need to do any reverse engineering.
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/20005565C.pdf
The communication protocol however could still be old good SysEx with Roland checksums etc. The full image with System and Patch area is today 22k but may grow when adding Patch Assigns. My EEPROM is 64k so that's my physical limit, it will never get to more than that. I would be happy to talk more about this later.
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 10, 2020, 02:05:31 PM
Been busy rearranging menus and enhancing the user/footswitch experience, implementing the MIDI Assigns, optimizing code etc.
A few weeks ago my son in law presented me an idea of adding the opposite to the sustainer, to produce hex staccato envelops. Normal attack followed by very rapid decay/mute (per separate string). At the time I found the idea a bit useless but now I'm wondering about it.
Is it possible to do it already with the Roland/Hex processors?
Not Roland, but SynQuaNon, yes! Doing all that and a lot more.
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 10, 2020, 11:12:56 PM
Covered today:
*External MIDI sync (incl doted triplets and all the others) - Check
*External MIDI control Assigns - Check
*Hex Tremolo(s)/chopper(s) (sine, triangle, saw, square - normal/reversed) - Check
*Hex String panner (sine, triangle, saw, square - normal/reversed) - Check
*Hex GK A/B panner (sine, triangle, saw, square - normal/reversed) - Check
*Hex Slow Gear - Check
*Hex Sustainer (<=+31.5 dB!) - Check
*Hex Psuedo Arpeggiator(s) - Check
*Hex static pan/split string GK A/B - Check
*99 Programmable patches - Check
We'll see about a Gater/pseudo palm muter - thanks for input
We'll see about Note on, Note off - thanks for input
The problem is that if you keep soliciting ideas and go down deeper into the rabbit hole you will not release this unit any time soon. I'm ready to buy one now and implement new features with firmware updates.
Quote from: Brak(E)man on November 11, 2020, 09:13:59 AM
I can see a number of interesting ways to use it when applied to different strings at different "levels"
(Especially if it was possible to have sustain on certain strings and "muting" on others.)
Oh I use this feature pretty frequently. It sounds quite different from palm muting and is really brilliant when you are emulating Banjo or creating "imginary insturments".
I'm going to want one of these hex modulation devices. Yep. For sure.
The Assigns sections are now in place. And the LCD menus are nice. It's been many hours :P
Now started with the remote flash tool.
A small PC software tool needs to read and decode the compiler/linker output Intel Hex file and communicate via serial link (I'm using the SysEx MIDI protocol) with my tiny 'boot loader' software in the box (flashed using hardware tools) that will do the upper memory flash erase/write/read/compare procedure to plant the much larger user application code.
In the future a specific foot switch held done during power-on will prevent the user code from starting, instead keeping the processor within the the boot loader, blinking the LEDS, hungrily waiting for a new flash image to emerge from the USB device port.
We need all this for customers to be able to upgrade new firmware.
Sounds easy, but it is not. This is really bare bone. No operating system, no device drivers...nothing, just about a kilobyte or so of tight hardware instructions plus the PC software to develop. Heya! Here we go.
Many hours again, I haven't slept much in a while and someone here tells me to take a break. I'll try to do that.
But thanks to my efforts I now have the "the field upgrade thing" working ;D
Continue reading at own risk...
Of some unknown reason (It's really been a headache) the method I use with the MIDX is not working here. When I flash the boot loader the linker just refuses me to put customized addresses to a pre-decided, ever-lasting jump table into the interrupt vector table. The dreaded thing (the linker) only writes real addresses to existing interrupt routines into it. No warnings given. They (the interrupt routines) of course does not exist in the boot loader, they are in the firmware code we like to plant at a later time. I can't figure out why. Might be a bug in the tools. I've upgraded them a month ago. One day I'll have to downgrade and try.
Plan B to flash these (I.e. the int. vector table) later by the boot loader at will from the PC program worked, however I needed to move the boot loader a bit away from the interrupt vectors since otherwise the memory-page-erase command will wipe out the boot loader itself....suicide.
To flash a memory portion you first need to Erase it so all bits get set (1) then it's possible to Write to it and clear some bits (0). Unfortunately in this case the Erase command operates on a full page of 8 rows while the Write command operates on a single row.
With plan B I lost some kilobytes memory but instead won a few instruction cycles at each interrupt as the interrupt vector now points directly to the interrupt service routine instead of to a jump table.
You see how simple things are? ::)
Now I just need to do some code clean up and as said....take a few days off this project.
I have seen those errors before with a PIC assembly compiler, when I used to dabble in programming PIC in assembly language.
You had to manage your own memory allocations, and the error occurred from using a lookup table which extended over a page boundary.
Quote from: gumtown on November 29, 2020, 10:43:49 PM
I have seen those errors before with a PIC assembly compiler, when I used to dabble in programming PIC in assembly language.
You had to manage your own memory allocations, and the error occurred from using a lookup table which extended over a page boundary.
I'll have to live with whatever the problem is. It's working fine with plan B. However the MCP2221A USB thing is slow, it worries me. I've set the baudrate to 115200 but still it takes 5 mins to plant the flash image. Ok, I'm using the 7 bit SysEx protocol so theoretically I could cut it by half by using a 8 bit STX...ETX protocol but still... it's a bit slow. Note I only send bulk data downstream with a quick CRC16 sent back for integrity check.
I'm not so worried having to wait minutes to do an upgrade but more concerned about the interaction time with some kind of future Floorboard/BTS application.
The current Roland/Boss firmware seems to use a type of data compression, sending the data in 16bit bytes,
and assuming it is then decompressed inside the device.
That would save on the transport 'bottle neck'.
Also the PIC write to EEPROM process takes some time to process and confirm each 1 byte at a time, unless there was some way to bypass the default write method and maybe confirm a checksum for every 2kb block.
Flash and EEPROM, two completely different things. Regarding the flash memory the write process should be comparable with that of the PICKit3 (15-20s), instead I get 5 mins. Realized every program code fourth byte is a 'ghost' byte (part of the 16-bit PIC architecture) and can be removed to save 25% speed, and as said could do a 8 bit protocol to cut it by half again. Still a couple minutes could be expected. Every write instruction I send contain 256 program bytes (a PIC flash memory row).
For the EEPROM (where system settings and patch settings are stored) I use is a small 64k (serial) 24LC512 chip.Yes Colin, agree the write time is slow, but the read time is ok. For instance when booting up I scan through through and verify it within a couple of seconds.
Because the EEPROM is so slow writing to, I did a Read/Compare/Write mechanism that only writes actual modified bytes. That saves a lot of time. A majority of bytes are normally the same even if some parameters or settings have been tweaked by user.
I'll soon add commands for writing/reading System and Patch settings. I'm curious to see what throughput we'll get to a PC software. I'm afraid the serial link will be tedious. Hum....agree some kind of compression could be useful, just need to get it transferred first, to have look at it. Maybe RLE or something simple would do fine.
The more I look into it and find data sheets, the more it looks (on paper) like it should work at full speed,
with the exception of the MCP2221A USB chip's 64byte buffer,
maybe a 256byte buffer would be nice to pass a full size sysx message through. :)
I have not played with PIC's for a while, the last one I used was the PIC32MX range & MPLAB Harmony to try an multiplex 8 channels of audio.
The preparation stage for production is tedious. Working on it a lot. Raw enclosures, foot switches and guitar jacks worth $1200 ordered. Probably just a tenth of the whole thing. Scary stuff :P
...will it include the "Piezo Subsonic Filter" function? ;)
Quote from: JMG on December 14, 2020, 09:38:09 AM
...will it include the "Piezo Subsonic Filter" function? ;)
Nooooo !!!!!
Just kidding but if there is a Filter , please consider us , bass players !
So lowest string filter = 25 hz
Quote from: fokof on December 14, 2020, 02:20:59 PM
Nooooo !!!!!
Just kidding but if there is a Filter , please consider us , bass players !
So lowest string filter = 25 hz
Yes it has a 2x10 pin 2mm header connector and screw terminals for a piggy-back board. The expansion is compatible with the analog GKPX-14 filter board but is prepared also for something more intelligent with a fast serial link to the main guy on the mother board. There's limitations in physical space of course.
I have a design for a programmable high-pass filter board more or less ready that will fit physically, however right now I have my full focus on getting the main thing into production.
I got in contact with a senior Swedish PCB maker some weeks ago and he has been very helpful. Most of us think when the schematics is done and the thingy works as expected it's just to press a button. Noooo, to make him satesfied I've really learned a lot regarding PCB's. I'll produce a last round of a few boards with him to verify everything. I don't care if he is more expensive than the Chines guys, he's worth it as we can talk and discuss things and I've learn a lot. He's also connected me to another company working with PCB Assembly (here in Sweden) for producing the final boards.
Today also received two huge boxes of enclosures, switches and jacks. I'm starting to realise what magnitude I've gotten myself into with this project.
At the same time I've started working on the PC-Device communication with coding and documentation for the future PC application.
Happy Holidays!
//Robert
It is definitely a massive project for you but also it is also shaping up to be an incredibly cool device for us end-users, so thank you for all your hard work on this!
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas, everyone!
Awesome, to hear you are making good progress
can't wait!
While waiting for the last board round I'm developing the PC/GX-2 communication protocol. It's 8-bit serial. Dropped the MIDI protocol. I urgently need it to be able to store a few nice patches on the hard drive for the future factory preset pack. As it is now, if I change the internal structure even the slightest, the internal EEPROM will be formatted and all work is lost.
I have 100 enclosures, 400 switches and 300 jacks plus other mechanical items in my basement. 100 Blue LCD's and various cabling is incoming.
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 02, 2021, 01:35:59 PM
While waiting for the last board round I'm developing the PC/GX-2 communication protocol. It's 8-bit serial. Dropped the MIDI protocol. I urgently need it to be able to store a few nice patches on the hard drive for the future factory preset pack. As it is now, if I change the internal structure even the slightest, the internal EEPROM will be formatted and all work is lost.
I have 100 enclosures, 400 switches and 300 jacks plus other mechanical items in my basement. 100 Blue LCD's and various cabling is incoming.
Can I get on the wait list for one?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on January 02, 2021, 03:36:37 PM
Can I get on the wait list for one?
Ok, time to start one.
If anyone wish to get on the waiting list, e-mail sound@primova.se. Put "
GX-2 Waiting list" in topic.
I'll put these mails in a dedicated folder for the first available units (spring I hope).
No obligations. Price unknown.
... email sent! ;D
The combined strength of these three Blue Boxes are INCREDIBLE :o
Just got my Rolls MX41s passive mixer delivered combining SY-1000 Main stereo out with GR-55 stereo out to P.A./stereo speakers.
SY-1000 Mono Sub out goes to Guitar Amp (Katana or Marshall) in 4CM.
I'm going to mount these things into my two tier stage pedal board later.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8009.bmp)
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 04, 2021, 07:54:08 AM
The combined strength of these three Blue Boxes are INCREDIBLE :o
Just got my Rolls MX41s passive mixer delivered combining SY-1000 Main stereo out with GR-55 stereo out to P.A./stereo speakers.
SY-1000 Mono Sub out goes to Guitar Amp (Katana or Marshall) in 4CM.
I'm going to mount these things into my two tier stage pedal board later.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8009.bmp)
I hope to be able to leave the enclosures for milling next week. Got everything here now (basement full of stuff) except the boards. I won't start that production of them until I've hand soldered up the last board version (got it yesterday) to verify a couple of changes.
First change is to use a PWM output to set LCD contrast (saves me a trimmer pot). The second one is a couple of additional resistors to be able to get a finer resolution of the regular guitar volume (0.25dB). Appears that signal is more sensitive to zipper noise than the hex signals even though the circuitry is virtually the same in my end. That extra resolution will cost extra timing and I'm not sure about the outcome without testing.
Communication wise I can now download system and patch settings to the PC and write it back again. Transfer time is OK, abt. 15 secs. No real-time communication from box up to PC yet required for a live PC Editor that "feels" what is happening to the settings in the box.
I 'll probable revisit the "assigns" again. Additional to CTRL, GKVOL and S1/S2 configurations there's 8 Assigns, but today they are only sourced to MIDI. I'll probably add the other hardware sources to them also, in order to allow multiple functions on a control. May also add a few targets I missed.
There's one set of configs/assigns at the system/global level and also one set in each patch, allowing the patch to override the global settings. If a parameter is not used by a particular patch, the global setting rules.
So there's plenty of job in here for one-man band.
I now got 15 people in the waiting list now for the GX-2
There will be abt. 90 units in total (actually 100 units but a few I want to keep and as always with production something will go wrong with a few of them)
If you wish to have a first hand reservation with no obligations (price unknown), send an e-mail to sound@primova.se
What is it, in short?
- Intelligent guitar switcher 2 GK In + 1 regular
- Intelligent synth switcher 2 GK Out
- 99 possible patches with Volume control effects: Hex Sustainer/Hex SlowGear/Hex Modulators/Hex Semi-Arpeggiators/Hex String splitter/ (+maybe more)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8009.bmp)
Panel graphics look great on that prototype!
Quote from: mooncaine on January 13, 2021, 08:43:49 PM
Panel graphics look great on that prototype!
Yeah, but it's not final yet. The arrow up/din is misaligned and I'm going to add a small C and D to the upper switches. It's easier to reference the buttons that way. Small layout adjustments to follow NC enclosure milling. It's a four-step process: Milling, painting, printing, clear-coat. The blue metallic paint and clear-coat will be two-component automobile grade. Also there may perhaps be, if not too expensive, a piece of plexiglass covering the display area to make sure fluid can't penetrate from the top around the display.
My Dream rig @ 300W finally came through.
SY-1000+GR-55 with two 13-pin guitars of different style. Instant switchable with the GX-2.
I send guitar sounds using 4CM through Marshall amp and combine GR-55+SY-1000 synth voices to Katanas in Stereo to a dual Palmer speaker.
(When the drummer with issues gets a couple of vaccine shoots I'll replace the Katanas with the P.A. system)
Maybe just go for two expression pedals. It got a bit crowded. Currently have Wah, GR-55 volume and GX-2 modulation/arp effects assign to them.
Now's the time to tweak the sound to perfection.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzynpmDx/gx2rig-2.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRRdp1KW/gx2rig-1.jpg)
Q: Do we want a power switch on the backside or not?
I removed it to save cost, now I kind of miss it. Added unit cost abt. $6 with material and additional work.
This unit should preferable be turned on prior to the synths units.
What do you say?
A power switch would be great!
Can't believe I missed this thread (haven't been visiting much of late).
I'm definitely interested in one.
A power switch would be really great.
Quote from: Frank on January 15, 2021, 02:54:18 AM
I'm definitely interested in one.
Send an e-mail to get on the list sound@primova.se
Yes, I'd pay the 6 bucks for the power switch. I'd prefer to have a power switch that I can feel, to tell me if it's turned on or off, but whatever you think is best is probably best.
I'm sold how can I get one.
Quote from: mooncaine on January 15, 2021, 06:36:28 PM
Yes, I'd pay the 6 bucks for the power switch. I'd prefer to have a power switch that I can feel, to tell me if it's turned on or off, but whatever you think is best is probably best.
I'll be using the same short lever switch I used before. I kind of like this one. You can feel it and see it but not in an intrusive way. It will probably be located so lever goes left-right seen from above.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/short_lever_switch.jpg)
Quote from: Jim Williams on January 16, 2021, 03:02:51 AM
I'm sold how can I get one.
E-mail me at sound@primova.se to get on the waiting list.
Quote from: CodeSmart on November 24, 2020, 03:52:08 PM
blinking the LEDS, hungrily waiting for a new flash image to emerge from the USB device port.
Sounds like erotic fiction for androids. :-*
00 00 0 0 0
00001 1 1 111111111111111111
Jeeeezzzz, trust me, this was really,really boring work. My hair is even grayer now (and thinner) ::)
Here's the first DRAFT of a GX-2 Reference Manual according to the current firmware.
If you of some strange reason get through the pages and stumble on something weird in there, please let me know.
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf (http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/GX2_Ref_Manual1.bmp)
I just skimmed the manual and everything about this product looks incredible. Amazing job!
Quote from: kevorkian on January 19, 2021, 07:53:12 PM
I just skimmed the manual and everything about this product looks incredible. Amazing job!
Agreed, just emailed to be added to the waiting list – hoping this can end my quest for arpeggiated guitar and guitar synth.
You are so Freakin Awesome
Excellent product work there CodeSmart and a very good manual 8)
The note on page 26 could use a bit of correction?
"Volume settings for GKA str2,3,4,5,6 and GKB 6,5,4,3,2,1 will
appear after this setting. "
Perhaps, "Individual volume settings for GKA strings and GKB strings appear after this setting." ?
Thank you Carl. Much appreciated. Writing manuals are though. First the language barrier but also technically with the use of MS-Word at a higher level. Swedish and English are related by history but I find certain differences compelling. Of some reason I often find myself hesitating in choosing between the prepositions 'for'/'of' or 'by'/'with'.
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 20, 2021, 10:21:00 PM
Thank you Carl. Much appreciated. Writing manuals are though. First the language barrier but also technically with the use of MS-Word at a higher level. Swedish and English are related by history but I find certain differences compelling. Of some reason I often find myself hesitating in choosing between the prepositions 'for'/'of' or 'by'/'with'.
Don't feel bad, Robert! Most Americans can't get that right either!
their, there, they're .....
This explains the English language better. https://vimeo.com/16601055 (https://vimeo.com/16601055)
The same people who brought us English brought us Cricket. For the love of idiosyncratic complexity, bless them.
Handing over a prototype now with instructions to my milling guy Patrik at the local company SIKAB.
He just have to do my holes times x 100 pcs, happy him :D but with 100% perfection, as he's always done before.
As you can see my hand-made holes are a mess. This will not happen to my friend Patrik, the "King of Holes".
The outcome precision will be 100% perfect. I know it.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8042.jpg)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8044.jpg)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8045.jpg)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8046.jpg)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/IMG_8047.jpg)
Chrome browser users - use a different browser to see the pics above
The square holes are the most difficult to drill if doing it yourself.
Is the on off switch a 1MD1T1B1M1QE?
If so, I just broke one. They seem kind of fragile.
Otherwise, great work Robert.
Quote from: chrish on January 21, 2021, 07:32:51 PM
Is the on off switch a 1MD1T1B1M1QE?
If so, I just broke one. They seem kind of fragile.
Otherwise, great work Robert.
No it's not Multicomp. This lever is thicker and very short. Have it in GKFX-1 and had it also in MIDX-10, never heard of any problem.
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 21, 2021, 10:32:55 PM
No it's not Multicomp. This lever is thicker and very short. Have it in GKFX-1 and had it also in MIDX-10, never heard of any problem.
nice. Once again, awesome work. Looks like you solved the loading problem associated with the roland US-20 plus a whole lot more.
Just looked at the manual, looks awesome!
Quick question which I may have missed in the thread or manual. I can see the variations in arpeggiator in terms of steps (up to 16) but what are the options for variations in arpeggios e.g. up, down, up and down, random etc?
Thanks!
Quote from: Nobulusprime on January 27, 2021, 12:19:49 AM
Just looked at the manual, looks awesome!
Quick question which I may have missed in the thread or manual. I can see the variations in arpeggiator in terms of steps (up to 16) but what are the options for variations in arpeggios e.g. up, down, up and down, random etc?
Thanks!
Yes, You make the patterns with the up to 16 steps. For each step you decide What string(s) to sound or not and it keeps looping. Variations into that pattern? Well suggest something...firmware is not cemented yet.
Poly Compressor
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 27, 2021, 04:30:11 PM
Yes, You make the patterns with the up to 16 steps. For each step you decide What string(s) to sound or not and it keeps looping. Variations into that pattern? Well suggest something...firmware is not cemented yet.
It sounds like you've got it covered. I liked the options I used to have with the GR30 but that had a kind of step time sequencer function. So you could have any order of strings and blank steps.
Quote from: Nobulusprime on January 27, 2021, 11:30:13 PM
It sounds like you've got it covered. I liked the options I used to have with the GR30 but that had a kind of step time sequencer function. So you could have any order of strings and blank steps.
Here you have two individual arps that operates simultaneously at individual depth at individual speeds and steps. Each step affect individual string(s) and GK output(s).
A new setting would maybe be to run them in alternate mode instead of at the same time?
There's also two modulation engines on top of the arps.
It's hard to describe in words the possibilities.
Right now I have to focus on soldering up the final board for final testing before ordering the costly board production.
It sounds super, super flexible and totally unique (which I love!). All power to your energy and perseverance with this!
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 28, 2021, 03:48:34 AM
Here you have two individual arps that operates simultaneously at individual depth at individual speeds and steps. Each step affect individual string(s) and GK output(s).
A new setting would maybe be to run them in alternate mode instead of at the same time?
There's also two modulation engines on top of the arps.
It's hard to describe in words the possibilities.
Right now I have to focus on soldering up the final board for final testing before ordering the costly board production.
So great that you also have Tap Tempo (with tap averaging) AND MIDI clock available as well. Just an amazing job you are doing here. Can't wait!
Lovin' that Tap Tempo option. I have toyed a bit with my new Beat Buddy, and I gotta say, my favorite feature so far is that I can now tap the aux switch for tempo, any time I want, whether I'm using the BB or not, and the VG and Ableton Live and the H9 sync up their tempos via MIDI. I actually haven't felt like jamming to the robot drummer, but I smack that tempo button all the time now. I'm changing all my delay times to subdivisions like dotted eighths, etc. and the tempo button now has some meaning in my life.
Went up 05:30 this morning to complete the final soldering during the day but ended up looking for a set of lost chips EVERYWHERE. Had to order new ones @ $75. I know I put them somewhere safe. The size is less then a fingernail, somewhere in my 3-level house. I'll probably find them when the replacements have arrived.
However did find a lot of other crap...
...but now I also wonder where I've put my wedding ring ::)
I hope this have never happen to you.
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 31, 2021, 02:15:04 PM
Went up 05:30 this morning to complete the final soldering during the day but ended up looking for a set of lost chips EVERYWHERE. Had to order new ones @ $75. I know I put them somewhere safe. The size is less then a fingernail, somewhere in my 3-level house. I'll probably find them when the replacements have arrived.
However did find a lot of other crap...
...but now I also wonder where I've put my wedding ring ::)
I hope this have never happen to you.
I dropped a surface mount regulator on the carpet a while back. Even allowing for a generous bounce, it had to be within a one metre radius of me. Never saw it again. I'm at the age where you put things down, knowing that you ought to put them where they belong, even knowing that you've got zero chance in five minutes time of remembering where you put them. I spend an increasing proportion of my time cursing myself and hunting for things. I have adopted a policy when trying to find things of trying to imagine the most inappropriate and stupid place for them. It works quite well.
Yes indeed !!
When you drop those things, before they hit the floor, they tend to be whisked away into an inter-dimensional time travel vortex, travelling half way across the Universe, usually passing by some weird planet that is full of every one's lost left sock,
and then zooming back to our own time and space,
then finally continuing its journey to falling on the floor in the same place about some 3 hours later.
Its just the left-foot socks that don't make it back.
Have you ever had this happen, when you drop something but it never seems to make it to the floor?
Quote from: gumtown on January 31, 2021, 04:14:27 PM
.....
Have you ever had this happen, when you drop something but it never seems to make it to the floor?
Don't get me started on spanner pixies.....
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 31, 2021, 02:15:04 PM... I know I put them somewhere safe.
Oh, those are famous last words. If I had a dime for every time I've lost track of something I just
know I have I'd be wealthy. Just went through this with an AMP connector punch down tool. I've had one for 20+ years but tore the shop apart and couldn't find it. Grrrr. Spent $42 for another one from DigiKey and, of course, found the bloody thing two days later. Now I have 2.
Just changed the outside lights above my front and side doors. The front door's been dark for months because I didn't have a ladder. Point is, I dropped one of the 2 screws that hold the cover in place. Never found it, even with a magnet.
So I sighed and moved on to the side door's light.
And dropped its screw.
So what might happen if you looked for the front door light screw at the side of the house, and looked for the side door light screw at the front of the house? ???
Quote from: vtgearhead on January 31, 2021, 06:48:41 PM
...., found the bloody thing two days later. Now I have 2.
Does this make it twice as likely you'll lose both of them or half as likely you'll lose neither?
Quote from: admin on January 21, 2021, 03:49:58 PM
Chrome browser users - use a different browser to see the pics above
I'm using chrome, and all you need to do is right click on image and choose "open image in new tab" and it'll work :D
Quote from: philjynx on February 01, 2021, 02:25:34 AM
Does this make it twice as likely you'll lose both of them or half as likely you'll lose neither?
Not to worry! I stored both of them in
different safe places.
Got my "final" production candidate board running. The new software-controlled LCD CONTRAST appears to work fine after some software mods. The intention was to use the in-built PWM (Pulse-Width-Modulation) hardware operation operating at 50kHz+ but due to my stupid fault I've elected a pin that does not support it. Instead I had to put a manual PWM operation into my 2.5kHz audio sampling interrupt routine. The challenge was to develop an algorithm that always produce best spread (highest frequency possible) out of any number of given "1"'s put into a map of 100 bits, ranging from zero turned on bits to all 100 bits turned-on bits.
Normal PWM 0-100% duty cycle approach was not good enough when operating at this low frequency, as it made the LCD flicker. My new "best spread" algorithm works fine so I've now added "contrast control" to the SYSTEM settings. This saves me a hardware trimmer pot and manual screwdriver calibration on every board. So now both LCD intensity and contrast is user programmable.
I'also tested the frequency response and as expected the frequency response is flat between 20-20.000Hz. There's a little drop at 10Hz but better than -3dB. On the high side I could not test above 20kHz as the my iPad Tone Generator app does not go higher than that. I'm safe to say this unit will operate perfectly also with an electric bass as the lowest note on a bass is around 40Hz. And if you can hear notes above 20kHz (you can't) this thing won't stop them.
I still have one last thing to look at before "mass production", but it's close now :)
Quote from: CodeSmart on February 06, 2021, 04:33:55 PM
Got my "final" production candidate board running. The new software-controlled LCD CONTRAST appears to work fine after some software mods. The intention was to use the in-built PWM (Pulse-Width-Modulation) hardware operation operating at 50kHz+ but due to my stupid fault I've elected a pin that does not support it. Instead I had to put a manual PWM operation into my 2.5kHz audio sampling interrupt routine. The challenge was to develop an algorithm that always produce best spread (highest frequency possible) out of any number of given "1"'s put into a map of 100 bits, ranging from zero turned on bits to all 100 bits turned-on bits.
Normal PWM 0-100% duty cycle approach was not good enough when operating at this low frequency, as it made the LCD flicker. My new "best spread" algorithm works fine so I've now added "contrast control" to the SYSTEM settings. This saves me a hardware trimmer pot and manual screwdriver calibration on every board. So now both LCD intensity and contrast is user programmable.
I'also tested the frequency response and as expected the frequency response is flat between 20-20.000Hz. There's a little drop at 10Hz but better than -3dB. On the high side I could not test above 20kHz as the my iPad Tone Generator app does not go higher than that. I'm safe to say this unit will operate perfectly also with an electric bass as the lowest note on a bass is around 40Hz. And if you can hear notes above 20kHz (you can't) this thing won't stop them.
I still have one last thing to look at before "mass production", but it's close now :)
Amazing!
Enclosures milled and sent to paint shop. Now I need to order the boards, just need to do a little PCB adjustment. I wish me daytime work was not so demanding. :P
Production is ongoin but slow due to pressure from regular work. Meanwhile please listen to some patterns I've programmed into the GX-2. I'm using a GP-10 with the patch "NATURL SYNTH". In the first part you hear the unmodified sound and then I fool around with a few minor chords and step through a few of the GX-2 patches. As they hack into the separate string volumes some interesting patterns can be heard.
Click here:
http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_patterns.mp3 (http://www.primovasound.com/mp3/GX2_patterns.mp3)
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/GX2_patterns.jpg)
I've decided the metallic paint some weeks ago and skipped the Roland/Boss color.
Decided for my childhood favorite moped color, the German Zündapp 50cc color of the 70's.
While waiting for things I've done a couple of days on the firmware.
I'm adding two individual "Envelopers" to the unit, each consisting of a 4-stage ADSR separate string envelope variation effect.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope_(music) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope_(music))
This has been discussed earlier in this thread.
The reason I add two individual blocks is that you might want to treat lower strings differently from upper strings (as Brak(E)man suggested), or treat GKA and GKB outputs differently.
For example you may want to have looong smooth swell tones on the E and A string and pizzicato/staccato on the lighter strings.
Even if each "Enveloper" has four stages you may elect to just use 1,2,3 or all of them (each stage with duration set to 0 will not be used).
Each stage of the enveloper allow you to keep volume flat, or ramp-up or ramp-down freely from the previous stage during a given time.
The dynamic range variation within each step can be set anywhere between mute and +31dB.
It's sounds pretty cool and more useful than I initially anticipated. Even with a clean Strat modelled guitar sound, the thing does not sound like a guitar anymore when the natural envelope is reshaped to something else.
Finally, a 13 pin processor i can use in series with my 6Appeal! All analog too.
Between this, 6Appeal and Synquanon's Eurorack modules theres starting to be a very nice variety of devices in this category. And all seem to be fully compatible with each other, each bringing its own unique functionality to the table that compliments the others
At least got the blue paint work done. Now got houndred blue enclosures in the hallway. Time to add some some white print.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_paint1.jpg)
The color not so far off from the bigger guys. The metallic paint make them look diffent depending on the viewing/light angle.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_paint2.jpg)
Lot of holes, I'm glad I didn't have to do all of them 100 times ;D
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_paint3.jpg)
Some production pics. Now time for a final layer of two-component clear coat.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_paint5.png)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_paint4.jpg)
Looks good. 8)
Rolloq
Is that A shop where you have those done, or is the YOUR shop where you do those?
It's very cool to see these things being made!
Quote from: HecticArt on March 23, 2021, 06:37:24 PM
Is that A shop where you have those done, or is the YOUR shop where you do those?
It's very cool to see these things being made!
The shop is not mine. A printer like that costs $120,000 or more ::)
Looking great! Getting closer ... :D
Quote from: CodeSmart on March 24, 2021, 02:43:40 AM
The shop is not mine. A printer like that costs $120,000 or more ::)
That's really cool. I always wonder how independent guys like you make these things that look like they were made by the big companies. Very nice!
Unfortunately there's no free, dirt cheap lunch when it comes to production of small series products. Even if I disregard uncountable development hours during several years I still need to get compensation for outsourced production cost and assembly, testing, flashing firmware, possibly fault finding, packing, shipping and paperwork.
After finally getting all the numbers available, the outcome price (including shipping) is doomed to be somewhere between $450 and $500 USD.
Enclosures received, looking fantastic and expect boards to arrive in a month or so. Meanwhile I'm still working on the software to squeeze in as much great things as possible.
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_display.jpg)
Thinking about adding a custom laser cut plastic protection to the display ($1.9)
Worth it? Or just ugly. I was thinking of making it more "splash proof" in case beer is involved.
Without it various kind of fluid may creep down to the interior.
What do you say?
It does take sone getting used to! Can you not seal the display with a rubber gasket below the case?
My experience with the VController and 13 displays:
* My old VController version 2 had no protective plexiglass. Two of the displays have been damaged now and need replacing, as the plastic protecting the displays is very thin.
* The production model has never had a display damaged because of the laser cut plexiglass.
If you use a larger piece that covers the entire top, that may look better.
The displays get damaged easily when using a grimy finger to wipe the dust off, and it gets more scratched each time.
I think the cover looks good too.
I have no experience to offer either way, but it may be worth thinking about this from your personal point of view.
Would there be any warranty of sorts offered on the units; will you feel morally bound to provide after-sales support? I'm not suggesting you need to offer such support, after all you are a private individual developing a product and offering it to the community, just as a benefit to the community, at great cost to yourself. But if you did feel bound to offer some form of support, then, to protect yourself a bit, it may be in your interest to install the cover and so reduce your own exposure to the need for such support due to failed screens (whether it results in cost or time impacts to you).
That's one sharp looking unit!
Protection good. Aesthetics rank far lower, for me, than durability. If you're laser cutting, could you round the corners? I think that would improve impact resistance, but I don't really know. It would be more comfortable to our fingertips if the corners were rounded, but it's not worth extra cost to round the corners. I think the function of protection is worth the cost, even with sharp corners.
A better view of the box...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CW5NDTAviE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CW5NDTAviE)
Will the GX-2 work with Boss FS-5U?
Rolloq
Awesome unit and very cool video
Quote from: HecticArt on March 23, 2021, 06:37:24 PM
Is that A shop where you have those done, or is the YOUR shop where you do those?
Don't know what technology that printer uses but I stumbled across this the other day - Tayda can print on enclosures using a Roland UV printer.
https://www.taydaelectronics.com/hardware/enclosures/enclosure-uv-printing-service.html (https://www.taydaelectronics.com/hardware/enclosures/enclosure-uv-printing-service.html)
When will you start taking orders, Robert?
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on April 16, 2021, 07:31:37 AM
When will you start taking orders, Robert?
A: When I have received functional boards + some slack. Still can be anywhere between end of May 2021 to sometime 2022. The boards are the key. If they all ok-fine. If they can be fixed by hand-also fine. If they are really screwed up I can't afford a new batch this year.
Quote from: Dunny Daw on April 15, 2021, 02:18:41 PM
I have no experience to offer either way, but it may be worth thinking about this from your personal point of view.
Would there be any warranty of sorts offered on the units; will you feel morally bound to provide after-sales support? I'm not suggesting you need to offer such support, after all you are a private individual developing a product and offering it to the community, just as a benefit to the community, at great cost to yourself. But if you did feel bound to offer some form of support, then, to protect yourself a bit, it may be in your interest to install the cover and so reduce your own exposure to the need for such support due to failed screens (whether it results in cost or time impacts to you).
A:
Warranty is one year outside EU and two years inside EU (governed by EU law for everything sold commercially).
Warranty starts same day as you receive the product. I have 30 day full refund policy (shipping back cost not included) should the customer not want the product. In this case product must be in mint condition. I have used these policy's since 2013. Most people find me ok and fair to deal with.
Yes, having a plexiglass protection makes it a safer product for both seller and buyer. If I use proper screws etc and hot glue the display onto the enclosure internally, it should be easy to remove or replace the plexiglass glass from the outside without opening the unit should it be needed/wanted.
If I go for it will have replacement plexiglass available in stock as a spare part.
Quote from: CodeSmart on April 15, 2021, 12:13:39 PM
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_display.jpg)
Thinking about adding a custom laser cut plastic protection to the display ($1.9)
Worth it? Or just ugly. I was thinking of making it more "splash proof" in case beer is involved.
Without it various kind of fluid may creep down to the interior.
What do you say?
I'd say anything that involves beer or ale I'd fine by me.. count me in man!
QuoteI don't drink anymore , I don't drink any less either...
Quote from: Brak(E)man on April 16, 2021, 09:47:55 AM
I'd say anything that involves beer or ale I'd fine by me.. count me in man!
Which translates into Every venue I have ever played
Ok, so I want to play Thunderstruck by AC/DC....how hard can it be?
On the GX-2....spent countless evening, weeks and months now.
The problem is the TRACKING!
I look at my hands an here is what I see:
High resolution A/D converter: No, only 10 lousy bits
Anti-Aliasing filters on the inputs: Of course not, idiot tried to save some hardware.
DSP:No, ha-ha!
Support for floating point calcs (assisted by hardware): No way amigo
Even a little time to do 32-bit integer arithmetics (let's say some decent high order filters): Of course not sucker!
I have a lousy 16-bit thing operating at 16-MHz that I'm trying to instruct to follow perfect my playing style (simultaneously on 7 audio inputs) and and capture all hammer-on and hammer-offs without doubled or lost triggers...but it's virtually impossible.
So what's the problem?
Capture the first "note-on" is easy as we're going from mute to "anything", according to the "envelope" we have captured. The "envelope" is the rectified and filtered image of the alternating AC voltages measure by the A/D converter. TRIGGERING is the way of somehow detecting CHANGES in the envelope over time.
Now it gets tricky, when you fire-off ANOTHER note somewhere in this already existing burst of voltages, the envelope will expand because more magnitude(or energy) is added to it. However this change of magnitude/energy added is very little for a hammer on/off, and what I have witnessed is that it's hard as hell to distinguish this from the normal alteration of signals around 100+ Hz. If applying a too much Low Pass filter we also nuke the derivative of the magnitude (the spike) added.
If I filter out High frequency information to gather more "burst"-knowledge I also experience what lack of hardware anti-aliasing filter does to reality.
What you thought was hi-frequency turns out low-frequency and vice versa.
So, probably haven't got the tools (or brain) to do this perfect, good knows I've tried.
Anyways it's still usable (but not with Thunderstruck).
Update 1: To see what's happening I've developed a Windows program to capture the sampled data with envelope and triggering info from the GX-2 and display it in on nice time-plot chart.
Update 2: What I'm discussing above is just the triggering engine for the two new envelope effects, nothing else. For everything else, what you play is what you hear.
I have had "next" plans all the time to improve my "note-on" tracking, so far with "various" success. The next thing will be to first compress the incoming data. Maybe it helps. We'll see.
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/audio-compression-basics/
I actually have little bit more headroom than 10-bit A/D as I change the input gain "on-the-fly" with a programmable pre-amp gain in real-time by sensing the envelope of signal. This gives my almost 12 bit A/D for input signal "sniffing".
Sampling at 2.7kHz, if above won't help, maybe higher sample rate will...You see, there's always a new plan :D
Eventually hammer-on/off will be greatly triggered.
(Playing with a pick is easy to sense as the "energy added" in each swirl is a lot)
You need more sophisticated onset detection that doesn't rely on the amplitude envelope:
https://www.cycfi.com/2021/03/onset-detection-dsp-adventures/ (https://www.cycfi.com/2021/03/onset-detection-dsp-adventures/)
This may be a rabbit hole you don't want to crawl into for the GX-2!
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on April 24, 2021, 04:40:32 PM
You need more sophisticated onset detection that doesn't rely on the amplitude envelope:
https://www.cycfi.com/2021/03/onset-detection-dsp-adventures/ (https://www.cycfi.com/2021/03/onset-detection-dsp-adventures/)
This may be a rabbit hole you don't want to crawl into for the GX-2!
Thank you, now it's clear why I have such problems with slight hammer-on/offs. Very good and thoughtful article.
Given my lack of horse powers and no DSP (I.e. no high order filters, no FFT), maybe have to leave it as is.
Unless I can find out a poor mans way of detecting abrupt frequency changes, which is what I think he's suggesting in his article.
Yes, keeping things simple and cost effective is always a winning strategy. I look forward to getting my GX-2!
It's like when writing a song , sometimes , you have to let them go.
Here too , can't wait for it !
Quote from: fokof on April 25, 2021, 07:13:51 AM
It's like when writing a song , sometimes , you have to let them go.
Here too , can't wait for it !
As written in many Martial Arts Dojo's:
"
Quitters never win and Winners never quit!"
...that's my problem, I'm not a quitter ::)
Before I throw this idea out I want to try a poor-mans FFT. Four LP filters based on Boxcar filter (i.e. cheap dirty rolling average filters) with 2,4,8,16 samples depth.Together building a set of band-pass filters with about one octave in between. Capture the MAX in each bin (no time for RMS), collecting the "change of differencies" between the bins, sum them up and see if that's a sign for hammer on/off..or something like that. Just need to give it a try before I lay down and bite the sour bullet. Can't be impossible. I hate to believe that the Sonus midi converters have a big macho brain computer inside their little dongle (or even the FTP for that matter).
Regarding the waiting time. I haven't seen my 100 PCB boards yet...
Here's some light reading while you wait for your boards......
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on April 25, 2021, 01:39:09 PM
Here's some light reading while you wait for your boards......
Yes very light :) Thanks you for the help GuitarBuilder. Really appretiate your help. All input eventually boils down to some compiled stew in the end.
Right now into the "spectral difference" mode, thanks to you.
The Spicetone 6appeal users a midi note on to trigger its EG. Is that what you are trying to do, ie trigger an EG?
Quote from: chrish on April 25, 2021, 05:20:55 PM
The Spicetone 6appeal users a midi note on to trigger its EG. Is that what you are trying to do, ie trigger an EG?
Chrish, the triggering is used to re-shaping the signal envelope by applying variable amplification back to the original signal. The re-shaping may consist of up to 4 stages, call it ADSR if you wish, but each stage is configurable. The outcome can be a lot of things, staccato notes, cello sounding notes, slow gear sounds, notes that bounces back after a while, notes that has tremolo trail, etc. It works well with a pick or finger playing but so far I failed the hammer-on/off because they are much harder to detect.
The GX-2 have two of these "envelopers ' in the "effect chain" meaning they could each work on different strings or different GK outputs.
Thanks for that explanation Robert. I've been following along reading the technical stuff trying to stimulate at least one brain cell?
Hammer ons is one area that always would produce false notes for me using PCM based Roland guitar synths.With my new Atlantis guitar hammer-ons and pull-offs are no problem.
Nice to have you all technical Geniuses out there making it work.
Quote from: CodeSmart on April 22, 2021, 02:09:40 PM
Ok, so I want to play Thunderstruck by AC/DC....how hard can it be?
On the GX-2....spent countless evening, weeks and months now.
The problem is the TRACKING!
.....
So, probably haven't got the tools (or brain) to do this perfect, good knows I've tried.
Anyways it's still usable (but not with Thunderstruck).
.....
Update 2: What I'm discussing above is just the triggering engine for the two new envelope effects, nothing else. For everything else, what you play is what you hear.
A question more for my interest than any thoughts of a way forward.
If you plugged direct into the SY-1000, and played Thunderstruck (or anything else), it would sound how it sounds.
When you then connect the GX-2 into the signal chain, it has the impact you describe in your post above. But is it possible to effectively bypass or mute the GX-2, and pass the dry signal to the SY-1000, and so only hear it? Then "turn the GX-2 back on" for the next song to play?
Quote from: Dunny Daw on April 26, 2021, 03:32:02 PM
A question more for my interest than any thoughts of a way forward.
If you plugged direct into the SY-1000, and played Thunderstruck (or anything else), it would sound how it sounds.
When you then connect the GX-2 into the signal chain, it has the impact you describe in your post above. But is it possible to effectively bypass or mute the GX-2, and pass the dry signal to the SY-1000, and so only hear it? Then "turn the GX-2 back on" for the next song to play?
Of course there will be no alteration to the string signals (everything is as is) unless you choose to enable a patch in the GX-2 that modulates string signal volumes. There's no added SOUND coming out of the GX-2.
Just look at it as having a set of "volume knobs". If the knobs are not moving the output sound is same as the input sound (the normal case).
What I'm trying to do here is to have an OPTION of turning the knobs automatically in high speed as you play along to change the dynamics of the signals, the attack, decay etc in real-time by sensing note-on, which has proven not so easy.
And this might be a stupid idea but if you find it's not possible to
detect all the note on depending on the playing technique.
Could you not have the option of using the unit it's connected to.
If the unit sends midi note on , back to the gear shifter to trigger the adsr when the note on isn't detected in the gearshifter? As a complement or ...
I'm sorry if I'm completely off maybe it doesn't work or the units are worse on detecting the same note on hammer on pull off legato gliss etc.
I'm in wrong I'm blaming the weather and my bike.
Edit
I realized that it might lead the very weird behavior since the signal already passed through the gearshift.
But it might be fun ( very unpredictable and unstable , like the weather and my bike )
Quote from: Brak(E)man on April 27, 2021, 01:53:30 AM
And this might be a stupid idea but if you find it's not possible to
detect all the note on depending on the playing technique.
Could you not have the option of using the unit it's connected to.
If the unit sends midi note on , back to the gear shifter to trigger the adsr when the note on isn't detected in the gearshifter? As a complement or ...
I'm sorry if I'm completely off maybe it doesn't work or the units are worse on detecting the same note on hammer on pull off legato gliss etc.
I'm in wrong I'm blaming the weather and my bike.
Edit
I realized that it might lead the very weird behavior since the signal already passed through the gearshift.
But it might be fun ( very unpredictable and unstable , like the weather and my bike )
that's what I was thinking also when I posted the above Spicetone post and the weather here is great and my bike is getting me up to the skiing or wild flower display.
But you're right, seems like there would be a delay using the same device to generate that note one message that is being fed by the modulator box.
With the spicetone 6appeal ADSR, I just used a VG99 to generate that note on message sent to the six appeal via midi cable of course.
Just thinking out aloud (without having heard how the triggering works with legato playing in practice) but I am wondering if this is actually a problem at all for most playing situations. There were a couple of reasons I thought this:
1) Given that one of the key reasons for using legato techniques is to actively reduce note attack perhaps triggering the envelope would often be unhelpful. There would still be a degree of natural dynamics just with the point in time level of the envelope, right? If so then clearly at some point the player would need to sound a note from silence to restart the envelope but I would expect that this would be part of adjusting playing style to the sound/envelope anyway.
2) The current functionality seems quite similar to the way that an envelope generator usually works on a traditional monosynth in legato mode - i.e. after the initial note triggering the envelope, subsequent overlapping notes sound without triggering a new envelope with the sound dying to silence, even if new notes are played until a new envelope is triggered.
I could see how what you are trying to do might be useful in some situations (for example where a part can only practically be played using tapping and each note needs a separate envelope) although my initial thought is that this may not be such an issue if it cannot be accomplished relatively easily and anyway it might need some sort of sensitivity adjustment to reduce or eliminate these 'extra' triggers. Of course I may be missing something and of course others might want to use this feature in ways I have not thought of :)
I agree IMH1234. It's really useful anyhow. Gave up last night at 04:00 am
Just destroying a beatiful spring with this so I keep it as-is for now. I have now tried everything. Every morning a new fresh idea, and every night giving it up.
On a side track (or not?) I started looking at pitch detection. It's really a mess when the pick hits the string. I'm using some basic LP and HP filters to clean up the signals and then doing both ways zero-crossing detection. (Peak-to-peak detection not tried). Consensus is good filtering is required. I got one microsecond resolution using timers. Probably more educational than useful as I don't need a tuner and pitch-to-MIDI would probably a too painful journey.
Quote from: CodeSmart on April 28, 2021, 09:46:31 AM
I agree IMH1234. It's really useful anyhow. Gave up last night at 04:00 am
Just destroying a beatiful spring with this so I keep it as-is for now. I have now tried everything. Every morning a new fresh idea, and every night giving it up.
On a side track (or not?) I started looking at pitch detection. It's really a mess when the pick hits the string. I'm using some basic LP and HP filters to clean up the signals and then doing both ways zero-crossing detection. (Peak-to-peak detection not tried). Consensus is good filtering is required. I got one microsecond resolution using timers. Probably more educational than useful as I don't need a tuner and pitch-to-MIDI would probably a too painful journey.
And so goes the journey down the rabbit hole! I think you've got a great product already, Robert! Please don't try to make it do everything on the planet! I strongly suggest you abandon the onset and pitch detection nightmare before you drive yourself crazy. Besides, this box feeds a guitar synth that also has these functions; why duplicate it on the input? At this rate, you'll end up reinventing the SY-1000. No need for that!
Here in the US there's a famous children's story called "If you give a mouse a cookie". Look it up and you'll get a good laugh!
Robert, I'd be happy with the "imperfect" functionality that you've already developed. No worries about including it as is, or any need to remove it, as long as you list the caveats in the documentation. Maybe you'll come across a way to improve it further in time but there is no sense in killing yourself to get there now.
None of these products are perfect. Music is all about working around these kinds of limitations. Sometimes they create happy accidents, too.
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on April 28, 2021, 10:12:52 AM
And so goes the journey down the rabbit hole! I think you've got a great product already, Robert! Please don't try to make it do everything on the planet! I strongly suggest you abandon the onset and pitch detection nightmare before you drive yourself crazy. Besides, this box feeds a guitar synth that also has these functions; why duplicate it on the input? At this rate, you'll end up reinventing the SY-1000. No need for that!
Here in the US there's a famous children's story called "If you give a mouse a cookie". Look it up and you'll get a good laugh!
As you know there are currently two eurorack modular companies that have gone down that rabbit hole recently.
Both had ambitious release dates.
One has the hardware in production and soon to arrive without the firmware fully functional.
Translating accurate glitch free Guitar Pitch detection (or pitch to midi) ain't easy.
Ok, I'll be focusing on polishing up the thing from now on. The hardware capacity was never chosen for big endeavors.
Still no boards. But they are in production now. Meanwhile trying to learn PHP to make a new homepage ::)
It is shifting up a gear !! ;D
YEEEES!!!
I have just received my 100 boards, two big boxes in the hallway. A substantial financial investment and I've been seriously nervous.
Picked one of them by random, did the required things with it and injected the software and placed it in an enclosure . . .
and every single freakin' detail works right away! Amazing!!! Processor, Audio, Noise levels, USB, MIDI, CTRL's, etc :o
I can now happily surprise the War Department that I may spend the summer vacation building 100 units!!! Ha-Ha!!! :D :D :D
Maybe this picture does not show up in all browsers (some https-thing again) IOS works but not Edge and Chrome, but that does not matter. I'm a relieved guy right now.
I hope the rest of the boards works as well as this random board, we'll see in a few weeks.
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_boards.jpg)
Great news, Robert! Such a relief to know the design, layout, and assembly on a complex build has no major (or so far minor!) issues. That speaks to a lot of focus and sweat to be sure that everything is correct. A level of attention to detail that I find difficult, for sure.
Congrats and kudos! 🍾🎉🎈
Looks fantastic !!
But it will look a lot better in my setup ! ;D
Congratulations on your success, if I was younger, I would buy one for sure
Looking forward to this, seems like it is in reach now! ;D
Quote from: whippinpost91850 on June 15, 2021, 06:58:18 AM
Congratulations on your success, if I was younger, I would buy one for sure
Don't worry too much...I notice he hasn't mentioned building a left-hand one yet.. ::)
Quote from: gumbo on June 15, 2021, 05:00:39 PM
Don't worry too much...I notice he hasn't mentioned building a left-hand one yet.. ::)
Yuk yuk yuk
After 57 yrs of playin. I just make do
Quote from: whippinpost91850 on June 15, 2021, 06:17:20 PM
After 57 yrs of playin. I just make do
ha. I posted an add on reverb for an 8 string guitar. In the ad I wrote after 55 years of playing guitar I just couldn't get used to two extra strings.
Quote from: chrish on June 15, 2021, 06:20:52 PM
ha. I posted an add on reverb for an 8 string guitar. In the ad I wrote after 55 years of playing guitar I just couldn't get used to two extra strings.
Now that's hilarious 😆 😆😆😆😆😆
Just spent two evenings cleaning out four years of dev stuff from my secret basement room so I have a secret place to build 100 units of secret things so war department will never find out!!! ;D ;D ;D
I've found a lot of things, parts and tools I haven't seen for a while.
Q: What is it with screwdrivers? How many screwdrivers do I need?
Instead of looking for a screwdriver I tend to buy a new one instead. Now when tidy up the place I have a plenty lot. Recognize?
Assembly of units started but have a little problem with the boards. I've been using the internal Microcontroller oscillator on my prototypes and it works ok if each unit is calibrated against a reliable clock source. If not calibrated the MIDI clock will drift away slightly in some 10 minutes. To eliminate this calibration step I added an external accurate 32MHz Crystal and two caps at 12pF to the production boards, however now I can't get the external oscillator to swing. Either I need to replace 100 Crystals or replace 200 capacitors by hand or stay with the internal clock source....not so fun actually. :P
Some designs require a Clock Oscillator
I recall you use Microchip PIC, there should be a clock oscillator /xtal type recommendation appendix for your specific microcontroller.
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/457011/problem-with-4-smd-crystal-pic16f1575
I checked the datasheet of the so called "Crystal" and found I have made a mistake. It's not a simple crystal at all, it's a buffered oscillator, requiring both GND and VDD. Need to replace it with a true Crystal with the same form factor (3.2mm × 2.5mm).
I've been using Crystals with PIC's many times before without problems. Had some issues with the Abracon brand on the MIDX-20 though. I'll order a couple from different manufacturers and try it out. Sh** happens, but I think this problem is manageable.
Out of curiosity, is the USB port just for firmware updates or is there some form of editor in the pipeline?
how many people on the waitlist now Robert?
This box of tricks looks awesome :-)
Headless
Quote from: Unlimbo on July 02, 2021, 08:27:51 AM
Out of curiosity, is the USB port just for firmware updates or is there some form of editor in the pipeline?
It may be used for both purposes and the protocols are there. Unfortunately I haven't had time to write a full PC Editor, only a small backup/restore thing (storing in XML files) for system settings and patch areas.
The serial protocol, virtual memory map etc will be handed out if someone is interested, however firmware is still a subject to changes.
Quote from: Headless68 on July 02, 2021, 09:16:09 AM
how many people on the waitlist now Robert?
This box of tricks looks awesome :-)
Headless
I'm in a boat and can't check but I'd guess around 20-30. I figure I'll get rid of the whole batch sooner or later. I have no rush. I'm happy if I can gather time to build them physically this summer. Right now a 4 year old grandkid has taken over things.
I think the poly slow gear will be really interesting with the SY-1000 because I think that is where it looses over the VG99 for creating really nice pads - one of the main reasons I went back to the VG99 from the SY1000
Got new crystals at 32Mhz. And they work.
Shame I have to replace them on all 100 boards by hand but that's what you get for making mistakes :P
I've got some minor software tweaking to do but after that THIS PEDAL WILL ALSO BE GREAT MIDI CLOCK SOURCE with two MIDI outputs. In my case I will use it to sync the tempo of my GR-55 and SY-1000 using the GX-2 as a common clock source. One of the footswitches of the GX-2 is always accessible as TAP TEMPO. A single or the first tap in a series fires off a START command.
If two taps are done the CLOCK will change and then for every tap the output rate will be a an aggregated average over the number of taps done. This means if tapping like 4 or 8 times etc the clock will be rock solid to the song (and a sober drummer).
If not touching the TAP TEMP for 2.5 seconds it will be ready for a new single or sequence of taps.
If the GX-2 is connected to an external CLOCK source like the Beat Buddy it will automatically switch-over from the internal MIDI CLOCK and will forward the incoming START, STOP and CLOCK rate to the two MIDI OUT as-is.
Quote from: CodeSmart on July 05, 2021, 01:13:21 PM... (and a sober drummer)....
Good luck with that one .. ::)
Quote: "In my case I will use it to sync the tempo of my GR-55 and SY-1000 using the GX-2 as a common clock source."
That's a great feature.
Reading this thread makes me realize how much hard work goes into creating any one of these type processers including Roland guitar synths and13 pin hex eurorack modules such as those created by member Guitarbuilder.
Knowing the dedication and passion of the people who create and produce our high tech gear also makes one realize that only appreciation should be shown for their work.
Well done Robert.
Having a master MIDI clock sounds pretty cool. Can you make its screen flash to the beat?
Quote from: mooncaine on July 06, 2021, 09:58:29 PM
Having a master MIDI clock sounds pretty cool. Can you make its screen flash to the beat?
No, not for now. Hmm.. maybe can turn on/off the backlight, but not sure how it would look actually.
Have to give it a try when I get a chance.
But what I've done already: The two unused colored input selection LED's will flash to the beat (LED1 - Main beat, LED2-Subdivision(sort of)
And if a GX-2 Patch is ON using BPM also the output GK Leds will flash (Main beat + subdivision(sort of).
So yes, the beat it's visible.
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=28998.0;attach=22941;image)
Don't know what you're doing on your vacation. This guy just mounted 100 LCD, 1000 nuts, 400 washers, 800 distance sleeves and 800 screws into 100 enclosures. I guess there's some letter combination for a guy like me ::)
Phase one in production completed. Next is foot-switch soldering. 800 soldering points. :P
Phase one was 22 hours
Good work. 8)
Rolloq
OK...own up, all those disbelievers who actually counted how many blue boxes were in the picture..... ::)
Quote from: gumbo on July 12, 2021, 06:20:28 AM
OK...own up, all those disbelievers who actually counted how many blue boxes were in the picture..... ::)
All I know is one of them has my name on it;)
I counted twice!! ;D
But question to CodeSmart:-
Can the GX-2 be used with something like the GKPX-14? I've recently set up a bunch of pedals in the bedroom, using a furniture stand I built, and I'm using the GKPX-14 (or an early version of it) to feed four different synth pedals. Then I have a separate selector switch to select which output feeds into the guitar amp I use. Could I place the GX-2 in front of the GKPX-14 and then feed all four synths with one of the GX-2 outputs?
Here's the latest version of the GX-2 manual reflecting the current state of the firmware.
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf (http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf)
Frankly I don't know what's most boring, soldering 400 footswitches (my average speed appears to be abt. 80 footswitches/hour) or writing manuals ;D
Quote from: Dunny Daw on July 12, 2021, 03:49:44 PM
Could I place the GX-2 in front of the GKPX-14 and then feed all four synths with one of the GX-2 outputs?
I can't see any reason why the GKPX-14 can't be placed either after or before the GX-2.
The user manual looks good, and explains everything.
I had to do a bit of a word search on "patch" to find how it works and how many it does,
perhaps a specification summary list for those that don't want to read the whole user manual ;D
Phase 2 completed after been on vacation last week.
All internal cable material is now produced x 100 pcs:
- 2-jack board to 5-pin cable.
- 4 footswitches to 8 pin cable
- Power switch to 2-pin cable
- Ribbon cable for LCD
It took some 20+ hours.
Starting Phase 3 now to change the bad SMT X-tal and assemble the units and flash the boot loader in a slow but steady pace.
Don't know the yield out of the boards yet. Probably some will backfire with problems.
Unfortunately I'll have to be away next week also.
They'll be ready when they'll be ready.
Phase 3 Assembly 80% Done.
Guys, I need ideas on some more factory patches. Sure it's difficult for you to figure something out not knowing the device.
Easiest to imagine is arp string picking sequences or modulations by themselves or in combination.
Is there any place on the Internet to get ideas? Do you have an idea? Just let me know. Thanks.
Ideas for bass:
- Brickwall compressed
- Brickwall compressed w / 80ms attack
- Sidechain from other strings ( Kinda portamento )
Jeeez, I have no idea on how this thing reacts to a GK Bass.
I have a Bass but no GK pickup for it.
Quote from: fokof on August 09, 2021, 07:06:32 AM
Ideas for bass:
- Brickwall compressed
- Brickwall compressed w / 80ms attack
- Sidechain from other strings ( Kinda portamento )
Just make sure that the HPF can be set to be used with a Bass
Low B > 30hz
Low E > 40hz
A > 55hz
D > 70hz
G > 90hz
High C > 120hz
I don't mind beta testing
;)
Pivot tone/point arpeggios are useful - where one string becomes the a pivot tone e.g. a Cmaj7 could be arpeggiated C - E - C - G - C - B etc - any string/note could be the pivot point low or high.
I'm guessing from your response a few months back that the chain of effects (as per the manual diagram) is academic. If the order of that chain can be changed that would be interesting too.
Quote from: Nobulusprime on August 09, 2021, 02:11:05 PM
Pivot tone/point arpeggios are useful - where one string becomes the a pivot tone e.g. a Cmaj7 could be arpeggiated C - E - C - G - C - B etc - any string/note could be the pivot point low or high.
I'm guessing from your response a few months back that the chain of effects (as per the manual diagram) is academic. If the order of that chain can be changed that would be interesting too.
Yes the chain is academic. The only improvement that can done in a future version is place parallel effects instead of serial.
Hm... this little thing is not a true arp. The only thing it does is managing string volumes (analog like modulation or turning strings on/off to a pattern). If you want a Cmaj7 you have to play it yourself. The only notes you will hear is the natural sound according to how you hold the grip.
There's no chord analysis going on at all. It's a tiny 16MHz Microcontroller (remember IBM PC 1986) without any support for advanced signal processing.
It cannot be compared to a SY unit. It's a string guitar and unit selector with a few add-ons.
Yes it detects the per string envelope, but even the simplest per string FFT would be impossible to perform.
The AD converter is only abt. 11 bits so also theres a bottleneck on what can be done and how sensible it can be.
I'm afraid expectations here are high :P
Regarding bass mode, cutting the sampling and processing rate to half maybe would be enough. Anyways, in the first version I won't do anything dedicated bass. Currently struggling with MIDI UART interrupts lost when firmware is planted by the boot loader. Have to solve this before I can do anything else.
Well, I just relocated my stored old VG units and my GR-33, so I have a range of possible destinations. Not sure what I'd want the arp feature for unless I'm syncing it to a tempo via MIDI. Would have to try it out. Hmm.
It'd be cool if this unit could send a MIDI CC, just as an event trigger, each time a string is played... or when the arp pattern bangs that string. Those six MIDI event triggers could do stuff, like triggering some other effect or device, maybe turn on my vocoder only when I'm on the bottom three strings, or toggling my Tensor pedal on the downbeats (or the triplets, don't forget triplets).
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 09, 2021, 03:30:04 PM
Hm... this little thing is not a true arp. The only thing it does is managing string volumes (analog like modulation or turning strings on/off to a pattern). If you want a Cmaj7 you have to play it yourself. The only notes you will hear is the natural sound according to how you hold the grip.
There's no chord analysis going on at all. It's a tiny 16MHz Microcontroller (remember IBM PC 1986) without any support for advanced signal processing.
It cannot be compared to a SY unit. It's a string guitar and unit selector with a few add-ons.
I think you misunderstood what I meant. I just mean the pattern for the arpeggio based on the chord I'm playing and holding down.
It did raise another question though, does the arpeggio pattern govern the notes and rhythm being played over all 6 strings if it's programmed that way? If that is the case if you play a 4 note chord on 4 strings and the pattern is over all 6 strings then I assume you'd get a 2 beat gap somewhere in the pattern.
I'm assuming strings can be left out of the pattern, for example can the pattern just be over 2 or 3 strings?
On most keyboard based arpeggiators the arpeggio pattern works on the amount of keys you press down and you can vary that without gaps in the rhythm.
I hope that makes sense!! :)
Maybe by using guitar-to-midi of a connected Boss/Roland device, the gear shifter can become aware of which strings are played.
But this will make it a more complicated solution, that is not easy to configure.
Quote from: Nobulusprime on August 09, 2021, 11:37:03 PM
I think you misunderstood what I meant. I just mean the pattern for the arpeggio based on the chord I'm playing and holding down.
It did raise another question though, does the arpeggio pattern govern the notes and rhythm being played over all 6 strings if it's programmed that way? If that is the case if you play a 4 note chord on 4 strings and the pattern is over all 6 strings then I assume you'd get a 2 beat gap somewhere in the pattern.
I'm assuming strings can be left out of the pattern, for example can the pattern just be over 2 or 3 strings?
On most keyboard based arpeggiators the arpeggio pattern works on the amount of keys you press down and you can vary that without gaps in the rhythm.
I hope that makes sense!! :)
Thanks for the clarification. Now I get it.
The firmware I release now does not check what strings are played and does not have relative patterns to those strings. It's a great idea and can be realized as the unit could very well check what strings are played, I did not think of that before. Thanks. The patterns now are ABSOLUTE, meaning I try to make patterns that work somewhat ok anyhow. I guess there will be a few more ideas poping as we go along, so not to go insane let's keep it to the functionality as is available for now.
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_100.jpg)
Phase 3 completed. All 100 units assembled. Not so fun work actually :P
Production time so far:
* PCB screws, LCD, jumpers etc 22Hrs
* Footswitch soldering 8h
* Expression board (CTRL jacks) 7h
* Power switches 2h
* Ribbon cables 4h
* Mounting everything into enclosures 25h
------------------------------------------------
Total so far 68 Hrs
Next mission is software oriented as I'll have to finalize the firmware. There's some issues with MIDI and also I need to get the default settings and factory patches in place.
Phase 4 will be Flashing the bootloader, downloading the firmware, setting up the USB Device settings, testing everything and packing.
Right now I have no clue on how many boards are 100% ok.
...so there will be no shipping out for some time yet.
Whenever I have my software issues fixed, Brak(E)man will be getting a unit with serial number #0001 for testing.
He lives in my area. Thanks Gunnar!
Exciting! I can't wait to get mine!
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 10, 2021, 11:00:25 AM
Thanks for the clarification. Now I get it.
The firmware I release now does not check what strings are played and does not have relative patterns to those strings. It's a great idea and can be realized as the unit could very well check what strings are played, I did not think of that before. Thanks. The patterns now are ABSOLUTE, meaning I try to make patterns that work somewhat ok anyhow. I guess there will be a few more ideas poping as we go along, so not to go insane let's keep it to the functionality as is available for now.
That's great to know. A possible firmware update in the future.
As for the patterns it would be good to see what patterns you have created, string order wise e.g. up, down, up-down, random etc - I'm sure you've posted that somewhere? (it's not in the manual) apologies if I've missed something obvious! The facility for user created patterns would also be good (in the future) as per the Roland GR30.
I'm really exciting about this unit, it really plugs a lot of gaps in the current range of Boss/Roland products :)
Looking forward to getting one of these on my board!
A person wanting to be on the GX-2 waiting list wrote it's difficult to find my email, so I'm posting it again.
My email is sound@primova.se.
Final price still not settled. It depends on how many units I can get through the final testing.
Fixed the issue with Bootloader and MIDI. The GX-2 follows a clock source (using a BeatBuddy) perfectly forever. Also as standalone clock source the SY-100 follows perfectly the GX-2. This means the bootloader is cemented and I can flash it and close the boxes.
Now need to cement the factory patches and default values.
Also need to make a active software protection for analog inputs as too much voltage will apparently reboot the unit. Something is shutting down when gain is too high. While sampling the inputs I need to actively lower the amp gain if close to max A/D reading. Weird.
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 12, 2021, 05:34:35 PM
Fixed the issue with Bootloader and MIDI. The GX-2 follows a clock source (using a BeatBuddy) perfectly forever. Also as standalone clock source the SY-100 follows perfectly the GX-2. This means the bootloader is cemented and I can flash it and close the boxes.
Now need to cement the factory patches and default values.
Also need to make a active software protection for analog inputs as too much voltage will apparently reboot the unit. Something is shutting down when gain is too high. While sampling the inputs I need to actively lower the amp gain if close to max A/D reading. Weird.
found this quote on another site, specific to the PIC32 MX range
Quote
This has been documented in other PICs.
If any pin exceeds Vdd + 0.3V, then current will leak into parts of the die that it shouldn't, which can affect the reference for the Brown Out Reset, and BOOM chip resets...
Quote from: gumtown on August 12, 2021, 05:48:47 PM
found this quote on another site, specific to the PIC32 MX range
Thanks, interesting. Sounds like something similar.
It's a bit complex since I'm using the programmable input gain to extend the resolution of the lousy in-built 10–bit A/D converter to almost 11-bit. When envelope is below a certain threshold I turn the gain up by 3X. When in 'normal' level it's 1X programmed level. What I need now is a third very high threshold that reduces the gain 'significantly' until below very high. At least that's the plan.
All hex and regular pickup are scanned at 2.8kHz.
Gumtown,
in the same thread you where referring to I found this worrying comment, as I do have 2xSchottky diodes on the analog inputs just to prevent what is now happening. We'll see if a software gain limiter will be fast enough :P ...not sure about that.
Quote
I would always try very very hard to ensure that an input pin cannot possibly go above the supply rail - but that is quite hard to achieve in real life
One obvious way is to add a Schottky diode to "point" any excess voltage back to the supply line but:
Schottky diodes have quite a high reverse leakage current and this could affect your A-D accuracy
Their forward voltage can easily exceed 0.3V
Problem solved :D
I had to write this note down to remember it for the future.
Avoiding BOR (Brown Out Reset) due to overvoltage on GX-2 PIC Controller A/D inputs
PROBLEM:
The GX-2 internal amplifier may produce voltages exceeding the allowed voltage span 0-3.3V.
To prevent the PIC from frying, protective Schottky diodes are present on all seven
A/D inputs. However apparently this does not help completely. It appear over/under-voltage
of 0.3V may still occur causing a problem with the internal voltage regulator and a BOR is
carried out, restarting the controller.
This problem is only observed if the user has programmed the String Sense Gain
incorrectly and set it too high.
NORMAL OPERATION:
Normally the GX-2 operates by alternating between two gains to increase the limited
10-bit A/D converter headroom. By analyzing the signal ENVELOPE (rectified and lowpass filtered signal)
it uses the HI-GAIN if the signal is weak, and the NORM GAIN in all other cases.
NORM GAIN amplification is 1.0 and HI GAIN amplification is abt. 3.0
Two fixed envelope limits are used to determine if to switch the GAIN mode:
| |
| / \ |
NORMAL GAIN AREA | / \ | NORMAL GAIN AREA
v / \ |
----------------------------X-------------\---------|----ENV_TH_HI (614)
^ / \ |
| / \ v
HI GAIN AREA |-----/-------------------X---------- ENV _TH_LO (406)
| / \ ^
| / \ | HI GAIN AREA
__________________|__/ \___|________________
The RESET problem occur when the instrument is not played, i.e. it's in HI GAIN mode,
and if suddenly slapping a string very hard the BOR may occur because the ENVELOPE will
never have time to follow this drastic spike and revert to NORM GAIN.
SOLUTION:
The solution to the problem was solved by checking the raw A/D signal and look for readings
close to 0 and close to 1023. If any such reading is found the following will happen:
If in HIGH-GAIN, immediately switch to NORM GAIN
else if in NORM GAIN immediately switch to a special third gain mode, the LO GAIN mode.
Every time this happen a timeout counter will be reset preventing the NORMAL operation
until 12ms has elapsed since the last voltage violation. The 12ms was elected as it's the
time for peak-to-peak waveform duration on the low E-string on an electric Bass.
Everyting described above is carried out on all 6 separate strings and the normal guitar
pickup at a rate of abt 2800 times/second.
^ VCC (3.3V)
__________________________________ |
| Lo Gain 1/3.0 | _|_
| Crit.A/D abuse | /_\
______ | (12ms timeout) | | ____________________
| Nom. | |----------------------------------| | | PIC24FJ256GB210
-->| Gain |---->| Norm Gain 1.0 @ Normal playing |----x-->| A/D (10-bit) input
|______| |----------------------------------| | | 0-3.3V full swing
| Hi Gain 3.0 | | | 0-1023 reading
| when signal is weak | _|_ |____________________
| i.e. light touch or not playing | /_\
|__________________________________| |
|
_|_ GND
Robert Fransson, Primova AB 2021
Quote from: fokof on August 09, 2021, 09:59:24 AM
Just make sure that the HPF can be set to be used with a Bass
I don't mind beta testing
;)
As said I don't have GK pickup for bass but my next step is to connect a regular bass to the unit and verify bass mode operation as the regular input has identical processing as the separate strings. Haven't tested this before. Murphy's Law ensures it's probably not working well ::)
If you don't have any HPF filter on analog string input , might be OK then , me thinks.
There's a typo in the third paragraph of the note that you want to remember for the future. Remove the word "not" so that the paragraph reads as follows:
"This problem is only observed if the user has programmed the String Sense Gain incorrectly and set it too high."
Quote from: mooncaine on August 14, 2021, 08:08:36 AM
There's a typo in the third paragraph of the note that you want to remember for the future. Remove the word "not" so that the paragraph reads as follows:
"This problem is only observed if the user has programmed the String Sense Gain incorrectly and set it too high."
Correction done. Thanks.
Quote from: fokof on August 14, 2021, 07:46:20 AM
If you don't have any HPF filter on analog string input , might be OK then , me thinks.
No, this unit is does not have any hardware filters and that's a burdon. It was never supposed to do what I'm recently trying it to do with it. What I've done this afternoon for Bass mode is to reduce the sampling frequency by half (meaning low pass envelope filtering is one octave down) and double the timeout for fake double-triggers. Other digital filtering is difficult to obtain because of two things: 1. There's no horse powers available. 2. The lack of hardware anti-aliasing filters.
Now the thing works for an electric bass in parity what it does for a guitar. It's not 100% perfect and probably will never be. It however do have some other caveats.
My main and principal interest in your pedal is the switching between 2 instruments while feeding two units.
There is no product like that on the market.
Would be nice if all the Bell and Whistle works for bass but as long as these aforementioned function works , I'm a happy camper.
YMMV
....Or maybe a "GX-2 Light" that has only the switching part ? ;D
Quote from: fokof on August 14, 2021, 09:24:39 AM
....Or maybe a "GX-2 Light" that has only the switching part ? ;D
There's no added hardware cost for the "extra" I try to do. The instrument full hex switching with possibility for normalized hex string levels and optional GKSET change using MIDI + unit 2 switching (all strings) + low noise Guitar GK voltage power supply is the driving hardware cost. Just trying to utlilize everything already in there. I though have to admit it's fun writing software.
Hope my current GX-2 doesn't infringe on any Swedish copyright laws? I know its sad but planning my new pedalboard & checking for CodeSmart updates helps when I'm 'working' from home.
Quote from: Ozzie on August 16, 2021, 07:51:25 AM
Hope my current GX-2 doesn't infringe on any Swedish copyright laws? I know its sad but planning my new pedalboard & checking for CodeSmart updates helps when I'm 'working' from home.
Yours is in a different colour, you should be alright! 😂
Quote from: Ozzie on August 16, 2021, 07:51:25 AM
Hope my current GX-2 doesn't infringe on any Swedish copyright laws? I know its sad but planning my new pedalboard & checking for CodeSmart updates helps when I'm 'working' from home.
Unfortunately I think you got the weight all wrong. It should be 0.62 kg ::)
Poly Slow Gear is one of the great uses of hexaphonic systems. Big thumbs up and encouragment for including that feature someday.
What I'm doing now is:
1. Testing all the hardware of all the pedals to see how many of the 100 pcs I can get fully working. This will decide the end price.
2. Figuring if I should invest in a world universal (US+EU+UK+AU) 9VDC good enough power supply to ship with the units or not. Problem is MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is 500 units, so it's an heavy investment. Probably ship without.
3. Fiddling with the latest firmware changes. Found some now interesting things. An Arp with Triangle, or Saw tooth (one way or the other) sounds very much different. Also sniffing at touch/string triggered arps. We'll see.
4. Got the schematics ready for a programmable frequency Subsonic Filter board to go with the unit. However this is very low priority. I did a similar thing a few years back and I re-collect it actually did improve Piano patches on a GR-55 even with a GK-pickup.
5. Try to put my mum in a caring house, because she's senile. Forcing here to leave the house she's been living at for 50 years. That's actually my worst burdon right now :P
Take care out there!
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 24, 2021, 01:07:43 PM
...
2. Figuring if I should invest in a world universal (US+EU+UK+AU) 9VDC good enough power supply to ship with the units or not. Problem is MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is 500 units, so it's an heavy investment. Probably ship without.
...
Ship or point your customers to a 9v Y adaptor, one in - two out. All your customers have Boss 9v supplies already, I'm sure those can drive your unit at well as whichever Boss device they have.
Example, my GR 55 has a Nano inside 'borrowing' power. No issues.
Maybe (in the dim and distant future) that could be integrated into your product, just needs two sockets in parallel, use either of them for 9v in, and the other for 9v out.
Dementia is a bastard, both my parents died not so long ago, having long lost their faculties.
Good luck with you mom, I've been through that
Quote from: philjynx on August 24, 2021, 02:01:18 PM
Ship or point your customers to a 9v Y adaptor, one in - two out. All your customers have Boss 9v supplies already, I'm sure those can drive your unit at well as whichever Boss device they have.
Example, my GR 55 has a Nano inside 'borrowing' power. No issues.
Yes I think I have to do that. However the user has to be careful. GX-2 is 275mA by itself and abt. 400mA with two connected guitars. Any BOSS adapter will do, but if using the smallest PSA (@500mA) the GX-2 needs to be the only load.
Right now I have 17 working units and 4 failures. Continuing with rest as I get time for it.
You could, of course, do what NUX, MXR, Zoom (to name just three stomp box manufacturers) simply provide the specification and allow the user to source what they need. A benefit to you is that you have no liability if their chosen PSU burns their house down....
Quote from: philjynx on August 25, 2021, 01:20:28 AM
You could, of course, do what NUX, MXR, Zoom (to name just three stomp box manufacturers) simply provide the specification and allow the user to source what they need. A benefit to you is that you have no liability if their chosen PSU burns their house down....
That's a good point. Scary thing. I'll do just that. Thanks!
21 working now, still only 4 dead bodies in the bag.
So far 40 of my children are running around in laughter, but in the process 6 was unfortunately dead at birth. Two of them quietly left their short lives on earth in prayers while their souls softly evaporated in the familiar smell of silica fumes. The chase is ungoing to see how many finally make through delivery :'( ;D
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 26, 2021, 12:01:50 PM
So far 40 of my children are running around in laughter, but in the process 6 was unfortunately dead at birth. Two of them quietly left their short lives on earth in prayers while their souls softly evaporated in the familiar smell of silica fumes. The chase is ungoing to see how many finally make through delivery :'( ;D
I'm ready to adopt one!
From the production department:
Inside view:
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx%5C/gx2_prod1.jpg)
Outside view:
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx%5C/gx2_prod3.jpg)
Awesome, you are Freakin amazing
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRRdp1KW/gx2rig-1.jpg)
So where did you find this pedal board?
Quote from: thebrushwithin on August 26, 2021, 03:07:29 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRRdp1KW/gx2rig-1.jpg)
So where did you find this pedal board?
Just did it out of plywood beacuse I needed it. Plywood and black paint can be found anywhere. I did purchased the alu profiles on the web. Just a cheap saw required and some screws.
Quote from: whippinpost91850 on August 26, 2021, 02:43:52 PM
Awesome, you are Freakin amazing
Well thank you Sir. I mainly did the GX-2 beacuse I needed it and because this thing does not exist and I like a challenge. Started as a electronic idot in2012. So I spent countless of hours thinking and doing it and failed and reapeated and instead of doing my own box I decided to do 100 units ::) Not really sane actually. War department not really agree to the hours spent ;D ;D ;D
I hope I can encourage others to do GK things.
Quote from: thebrushwithin on August 26, 2021, 03:07:29 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRRdp1KW/gx2rig-1.jpg)
So where did you find this pedal board?
Old pics (but same box):
(http://primovasound.com/gfx/rig14.jpg)
(http://primovasound.com/gfx/rig10.jpg)
(http://primovasound.com/gfx/rig11.jpg)
(http://primovasound.com/gfx/rig12.jpg)
(http://primovasound.com/gfx/rig13.jpg)
Quote from: thebrushwithin on August 26, 2021, 03:07:29 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRRdp1KW/gx2rig-1.jpg)
So where did you find this pedal board?
I did make this PDF a long time ago:
www.primovasound.com\pdf\CodeSmarts_Floorboard.pdf[/u (http://www.primovasound.com\pdf\codesmarts_floorboard.pdf)
"Sugar Boys" :D
Good that you have labelled the road case which side is "up", saves on accidents.
;)
What causes newly assembled units to fail?
Quote from: chrish on August 26, 2021, 06:00:07 PM
What causes newly assembled units to fail?
Probably the War Department, attempting to dissuade the inventor from yet another Career Path....
...when there are already still too many things needing doing around the house from the last audit in 2012.. :D :D
Quote from: chrish on August 26, 2021, 06:00:07 PM
What causes newly assembled units to fail?
Various things. Two smells bad, they may be difficult to cure. The other may be possible, example: MIDI IN doesn't work, Crystal oscillator problem etc. it's not the same issues. I ordered 10 extra boards calculated on 90% yield, but of some reason I only got 5 spare boards and have already used most of them. It's guess it's normal to loose some but I lack experience. This is my most complex board so far. Maybe Admin knows better?
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AM
Various things. Two smells bad, they may be difficult to cure. The other may be possible, example: MIDI IN doesn't work, Crystal oscillator problem etc. it's not the same issues. I ordered 10 extra boards calculated on 90% yield, but of some reason I only got 5 spare boards and have already used most of them. It's guess it's normal to loose some but I lack experience. This is my most complex board so far. Maybe Admin knows better?
Building by hand soldering, due to various temperature differences on each component during high temp lead free soldering, and high parts count, -you may be lucky to hit 85% yield
(Failures / component value drift due to high temperature Lead free solder particularly impacts SMD film capacitors
https://www.ee.co.za/article/thermal-stress-capacitors-failure-prevention.html
Mass production boards built with pick & place machine and IR reflow solder with feed rate profile exhibit highest yield, hard to duplicate with hand soldering
https://www.ddmnovastar.com/smt-quick-tips-selecting-a-reflow-oven
Question: Can the USB port be used for USB midi?
Quote from: thebrushwithin on August 27, 2021, 09:52:15 AM
Question: Can the USB port be used for USB midi?
No - and it does not replicate the MIDX-20 USB Host to MIDI functions
Here's the latest version of the GX-2 manual reflecting the current state of the firmware.
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf
Minor derail, but pertains to heat damage. I'm hoping that somewhere, in a land far away, a team is investigating the concept of conductive UV cured glue to replace solder entirely. If I can imagine such a thing then chemists who actually know what they're about might be able to achieve this. Wouldn't that be nice? Or maybe ultrasound welding? Has that been tried? I know they use that in automotive wiring and that it works well with thermoplastics.
Quote from: admin on August 27, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
No - and it does not replicate the MIDX-20 USB Host to MIDI functions
Here's the latest version of the GX-2 manual reflecting the current state of the firmware.
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf
Correct. I did have several incarnations with embedded USB Host but found it very challenging with audio noise levels.
Some bus powered digital USB devices induce a lot of scary stuff. Difficult to make the traffic silent.
An electrically isolated USB Host circuit would work but is not feasible considering cost and space in this unit.
I've got 90 units working now. The rest (10pcs) "have issues". Maybe I can fix a couple of few of them we'll see.
My gut feeling of 90% total yield was not wrong at all, however I wish I have had more boards.
I also had a gut feeling about the final price, around 4000SEK and after "financial analysis", see below I'm about there,
not considering any development cost at all during the last 5 years (only God knows how how many CAD/soldering hours and money spent on prototype boards ::) )
So considering "everything" the "street price" including world-wide shipping will be $475 USD (outside EU) or 499 EUR (inside EU incl. 25% VAT).If you find the price to high, don't complain and build your own device or live without it.
But, if you ever think you'll be needing an intelligent first ever all-signal GK Guitar/GK switcher like this, this is it.
It is also a good MIDI CLOCK controller and also a great hex (poly) volume modulator.
I may not have the possibility to put in this 100/150+ hours a second time for production.
If I don't sell them immediately, I'm OK.
The is the thing I wanted all along since 2012 when I first bough my GR-55 and went GK.
And as someone here told "once you go GK is not easy turning back". I agree to that!Firmware and even possible hardware updates (it has an inside feature connector) may develop as suggestions come in.
I'm sorry I haven't had time to produce any flashy videos etc. I'm working on a new web page but time has been limited.
While you think about it, I'll be ordering packing material, tweak the firmware a last time and let you know instructions soon on how to order.
Today I have about 40+ people on the waiting list. I'll be starting with them. If not on the list, please e-mail sound@primova.se
To be completely transparent, here's what I'm looking at:
All external hardware material/production cost | 119kSEK |
Internal production cost | 85kSEK |
Upcoming internal administrative cost | 38.25kSEK |
Total cost before profit | 242.25kSEK |
| |
Profit 30% | 73.95kSEK |
Price before shipping (90 units) | 316.2kSEK |
Packing material cost(90 units) | 1.2kSEK |
Shipping cost(90 units) | 13.68kSEK |
Price with shipping cost (90 units) | 331.08kSEK |
PayPal fees and currency conversion rates (90 units) | 20kSEK |
Total for 90 units | 351.08kSEK |
Min. Sales Price per unit (incl. shipping) | 3900SEK |
Minimum price 3900SEK corresponds today (www.oanda.com) to 452USD or 383EUR (excl. 25% VAT) or 479EUR (incl 25% VAT which is mandatory for private customer).
To get a little for development efforts, final price incl. world wide shipping cost is rounded up to:
$475 USD (outside EU) or 499 EUR (inside EU incl. 25% VAT)Many thanks and sorry for the hefty price and hope the numbers match up.
Robert
Amazing!
Bravo Robert and congratulations on such a unique accomplishment.
I'm looking forward to receiving mine.
Awesome news !!
An idea that is finally realized :D
Don't be sorry about the price, "it is what it is", 9 years of planning, designing, time, effort, risk, and finally success !!
You have created from dream to reality, a quality product of a type that no other manufacturer offers.
Congratulations !!!
How do you want us to place an order?
Great news - can't wait - better start selling some gear! ;D
Waiting for that email :)
More than happy to do a YouTube demo of it when it arrives, after I've had a chance to have a play with it.
I look forward to purchasing one! I admit I'm a little unsure of how exactly I would make use of it and under what circumstances (excuse my ignorance).
You going to have to update your youtube video 8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CW5NDTAviE
Quote from: Chumly on August 30, 2021, 04:28:13 PM
I look forward to purchasing one! I admit I'm a little unsure of how exactly I would make use of it and under what circumstances (excuse my ignorance).
Well, maybe you should wait then. I think many will simply use it as a plug-and-play GK guitar switcher and not so much the other more complicated and weird stuff.
On the other hand I have no clue ;D
Personally I have assigned it so my S1/S2 switches just control the GR-55 and change patch on the SY by foot, independantly.
My GK VOL only controls the SY and I have a EV-5 connected to the GX-2 to control the GR-55 volume.
That's how I use it right now. Also when we eventually get a gig I like to have a xtSA as an alternative to the GK Ibanez on stage.
I've added the latest stuff to the manual and I think that's it, unless there's typos.
I've also stopped coding now. All found bugs fixed and no more features will be added for first release.
Last thing added today was MIDI STOP when pressing two foot switches ("A" and "TAP TEMPO" at the same time).
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf (http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf)
It's the more complicated and weird stuff I might be interested in. If I could MIDI-clock the GX-2 with my laptop, Roland GR-55, Boss SY-1000, Boss RC505, TC Helicon VoiceLive 3 Extreme etc. in a live gigging situation playing pop, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, etc. I am not sure how useful a plug-and-play GK guitar switcher would be for me as I only use one guitar to gig (when / if I gig as that's an big unknown for me).
Could the GX-2 accomplish something similar to a MIDI-clocked arpeggiator by modulating the analog hexaphonic signal and/or controlling a GK device?
Quote from: Chumly on August 31, 2021, 11:25:06 AM
It's the more complicated and weird stuff I might be interested in. If I could MIDI-clock the GX-2 with my laptop, Roland GR-55, Boss SY-1000, Boss RC505, TC Helicon VoiceLive 3 Extreme etc. in a live gigging situation playing pop, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, etc. I am not sure how useful a plug-and-play GK guitar switcher would be for me as I only use one guitar to gig (when / if I gig as that's an big unknown for me).
Could the GX-2 accomplish something similar to a MIDI-clocked arpeggiator by modulating the analog hexaphonic signal and/or controlling a GK device?
Realtime messages from your PC (START/STOP/CONTINUE/CLOCK) is routed to the GX-2 5-pin MIDI IN.
GX-2 relays these messages to the two MIDI OUT's at the same time as syncronizing GX-2 Arps/Modulations.
GX-2 TapTempo is disabled when controlled from the outside.
I would connect the GR-55/SY-1000/RC505/VoiceLive to the MIDI OUT's of the GX-2.
Of course an additional MIDI splitter box would be needed as there's only 2 x MIDI OUT on the GX-2.
I have verified this with a Beat Buddy as MIDI CLOCK source and GR-55 + SY-1000 connected to the 2xMIDI OUT.
I use sequences live and I would like to have the laptop as the master MIDI-clock / master-controller and thus have everything else MIDI-slaved to the laptop, including the GX-2. I have all kinds of MIDI splitters which would be better timing-wise than MIDI daisy chains.
From your use with the Beat Buddy, this might be doable?
Quote from: CodeSmart on August 29, 2021, 05:43:08 PM
I've got 90 units working now....
So considering "everything" the "street price" including world-wide shipping will be $475 USD (outside EU) or 499 EUR (inside EU incl. 25% VAT).
If you find the price to high, don't complain and build your own device or live without it.
But, if you ever think you'll be needing an intelligent first ever all-signal GK Guitar/GK switcher like this, this is it.
It is also a good MIDI CLOCK controller and also a great hex (poly) volume modulator.
....
Robert this gear is simply
AWFUL and definitively the
missing one in my rig! ;D
I wrote you by email (
a****o@me.com) some hours ago, please let me know! :o
Quote from: Chumly on August 31, 2021, 01:33:05 PM
I use sequences live and I would like to have the laptop as the master MIDI-clock / master-controller and thus have everything else MIDI-slaved to the laptop, including the GX-2. I have all kinds of MIDI splitters which would be better timing-wise than MIDI daisy chains.
From your use with the Beat Buddy, this might be doable?
We'll connect it anyway you want. If it gets a CLOCK in, it sure starts following it.
Thanks CodeSmart, I expected this must be the case based on your prior posts. Now it's a question of whether the GX-2 synced to MIDI-clock would produce musical patterns via the analog hexaphinic signal as opposed to using the internal step sequencer of the SY-1000 synced to MIDI-clock.
At least if I have not got my wires crossed (bad pun) in assessing the functionality of the GX-2 synced to MIDI-clock, versus the SY-1000 synced to MIDI-clock.
Quote from: Chumly on August 31, 2021, 10:10:58 PM
Thanks CodeSmart, I expected this must be the case based on your prior posts. Now it's a question of whether the GX-2 synced to MIDI-clock would produce musical patterns via the analog hexaphinic signal as opposed to using the internal step sequencer of the SY-1000 synced to MIDI-clock.
Frankly don't know. Havn't tried. As said I don't know how this thing will be used. I just threw in things trying to see what could go in there. As said it's basically a clever switcher with MIDI support and with possibility to do string volume varations in realtime. It can never compete with a SY-1000.
Thanx to CodeSmart PRIMOVA ( and my brother for picking up the package)
I can now start my own test round this coming Monday. 8)
(http://brakophonic.com/GearShifter.JPG)
One perk (of other few ) of living in the proximity of the Arctic 🐻❄️
and the Primova shop/factory gearshift heaven.
(I can hear you weeping)
Please don't hate it ;)
Quote from: admin on September 02, 2021, 10:39:40 AM
Please don't hate it ;)
(https://www.mibusinessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ID-10033305.jpg)
Quote from: admin on September 02, 2021, 10:39:40 AM
Please don't hate it ;)
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 02, 2021, 11:31:02 AM
(https://www.mibusinessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ID-10033305.jpg)
At least I can use as a very overqualified Gk guitar and unit switcher.......
Will there be a black option? If so, will it be louder? It's a scientific fact that black boxes are louder. Apologies for the poor quality of the forgery, these things take time, now back to those passports....
Nice job by the way, very professional looking.
Quote from: Brak(E)man on September 02, 2021, 10:29:21 AM
Thanx to CodeSmart PRIMOVA ( and my brother for picking up the package)
I can now start my own test round this coming Monday. 8)
(http://brakophonic.com/GearShifter.JPG)
Would love to hear the results of your testing especially the sustainer, arpeggiator and slowgear
Quick question - Will the unit provide a preamped GK signal? I'm currently using the GKPX-14 with a GK adapted Tripleplay Connect and that needs my VG99 or SY1000 to be hooked up as the master to work properly. Hope that makes sense
Quote from: Nobulusprime on September 02, 2021, 02:03:12 PM
Quick question - Will the unit provide a preamped GK signal? I'm currently using the GKPX-14 with a GK adapted Tripleplay Connect and that needs my VG99 or SY1000 to be hooked up as the master to work properly. Hope that makes sense
Not sure what you mean.
The unit is active and generates GK voltage to the GK inputs. You can put GKPX-14/GKFX-1/US-20 in front if it (powered by GX-2) or after it (powered by Synth).
The GX-2 itself does not draw ANY current from the synth units. This mean it powers up the GK Inputs by itself even with unconnected GK outputs.
The two "ultra-low noise" +/-voltage regulators from TI are each rated 0.5A but some of this is consumed by internal circuitry. I'd say the GX-2 may deliver abt. twice the current compared to a Boss/Roland unit.
All signals are actively buffered by a programmable amplification stage.
As the firmware is now you may set the per string gain anywhere from mute (0 in menu setting) to 4 times gain (400 in menu setting).
If amplification of four is too little I can easily change this limitation in firmware. The pre-amp max theoretical gain is of 36 (that would be 3600 in the settings menu).
Example of menu settings (0-400 in steps of 1 increment/decrement)
0=mute
1=gain 0.01
23=gain 0.23
51=gain 0.51
100=gain 1.0 (default)
400=gain 4.0 (currently max in menu)
That's great - sounds like a yes to me :)
Just received packing material but need to go away over the weekend so unfortunately no shipping out until next week. I've got 15 early adopters :D
I ordered mine.
Interested in a clamp to fit a 2nd VG99 to the stand, for less than 50 bucks....
I have ordered a GX-2 as well, ;D
better get in while they are there,
don't want to wait for the next batch to be manufactured.
Primova GX-2 Gear Shifter is the hottest News.... read all about it !!!
(https://i.makeagif.com/media/6-23-2016/hyPLbN.gif) (https://www.vguitarforums.com/gif/extra-extra-read-all-about-it-hyPLbN)
I have ordered one too ;)
I would have ordered one, but alas, a Presonus Quantum 2626 needs to be purchased.
Good luck with it, I'm looking forward to reading about everyone's' reviews.
Maybe next time
Very first and early impressions.
I've only played with the factory patches
and on a fretless guitar so not so many chords.
(And with some very basic patches on GP-10 not to complicate things.)
I'm already beyond impressed.
I'm sure this will be the long lost sibling of all the modelers and synths.
I'm really looking forward to testing it with a fretted sustainer guitar and
SPicetone + SY-1000.
I'll update in a few days or so, when I've tried programming some patches.
Quote from: Brak(E)man on September 07, 2021, 07:31:40 AM
Very first and early impressions.
I've only played with the factory patches
and on a fretless guitar so not so many chords.
(And with some very basic patches on GP-10 not to complicate things.)
I'm already beyond impressed.
I'm sure this will be the long lost sibling of all the modelers and synths.
I'm really looking forward to testing it with a fretted sustainer guitar and
SPicetone + SY-1000.
I'll update in a few days or so, when I've tried programming some patches.
Amazing it will be great to hear something on the sustainer. I'm really interested in the - slow gear and how that works for single note lines and chords the sustainer and the arpeggiator. It would be good to hear the interaction between sustainer and arpeggiator
One thing that frustrates me with sustainers (Fernandez etc) is decay time being quite long after the initial attack before the sustainer starts to kick in. I'm wondering if the GX-2 sustainer can be ramped up so it kicks in fairly immediately after the note starts to decay
It would be good to hear the interaction between sustainer and arpeggiator too
To save my laser printer from burning up, I'll be printing only this new for today Quick Guide when shipping:
https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Short_Manual.pdf (https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Short_Manual.pdf)
The big GX-2 reference manual will only be available for download:
https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf (https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf)
Short update only using a few simple sounds on the GP10.
With the envelope ADSR I can get any guitar sound to turn into a flute/synth solo or pad.
The double bass can be played as arco...
And a complete discrete mix in mayhem from "clean"distorted guitar into a breakdown of everything.
That's only 2 patches so far , to be used with whatever sound.
Recorded examples tomorrow.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31124.0
I hope I don't scare away potential customers.
Spent the night to 03:00 with packing, paperwork and a few beers. I hope I got it right ;D
First 10 units shipped out today. 5 to US, 3 to UK, one to Canada and one to Sweden. Got a few more to ship, but not today :P
" To beer or not to beer "
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 09, 2021, 10:33:43 AM
Spent the night to 03:00 with packing, paperwork and a few beers. I hope I got it right ;D
do you mean that you are shipping a few beers with each unit? ;D
The second round will be shipped out tomorrow. You've got the e-mail now if ordered.
Today about halfway to break-even for my outsourced production cost of the 90 units ( @ roughly $15,000 USD ).
Not too bad considering the poor (well frankly, none existing) marketing material like promotion videos etc.
I feel comfortable taking it slow. It's a brand new thing and I never trust computers...
...and unfortunately there's a small computer inside this pedal ::)
Nevertheless, thanks for trusting me to deliver, and of course the thing may easily be upgraded if required.
This is awesome, arrived today & just playing around ...
GR-55 set to a clean stratocaster, the VG-99 to a sax, sustainiac in harmonic mode and then strum a chord and let it stand for 2 measures ....
Quote from: Bowman42 on September 13, 2021, 11:58:12 AM
This is awesome, arrived today & just playing around ...
GR-55 set to a clean stratocaster, the VG-99 to a sax, sustainiac in harmonic mode and then strum a chord and let it stand for 2 measures ....
Excellent, glad to hear GX-2 with its active electronic switching yields improved SNR , and improved dynamics- *compared to Roland US-20) perfect for ambient artsts
Huge GX-2 feature, now we can reprogram the GK Vol Pot for other uses on a patch by patch basis. ( can not do that if you use a US-20 (
Details:
Roland US-20 A/B Selector BUG (Importance of GK-VOL Assignment)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2246.0
Quote from: Bowman42 on September 13, 2021, 11:58:12 AM
This is awesome, arrived today & just playing around ...
GR-55 set to a clean stratocaster, the VG-99 to a sax, sustainiac in harmonic mode and then strum a chord and let it stand for 2 measures ....
Depth tip #1
Note that CTRL1 is default assigned to PATCH DEPTH so if you have an expression pedal somewhere you can plug it in there. Having modulation depth control by your foot makes the thing more versatile/dynamic.
Depth tip #2
I've made most patches with a straight through regular pickup. So another way of controlling the depth (sort of) is to mix in the regular pickup at various levels.
Quote from: admin on September 13, 2021, 12:19:12 PM
Huge GX-2 feature, now we can reprogram the GK Vol Pot for other uses on a patch by patch basis. ( can not do that if you use a US-20
Tip:
You may set up the thing (GX-2) so GK VOL only goes to ONE OF the Synths. Same with S1/S2 buttons.
In my case I want GK VOL only into my SY-1000 and NOT into my GR-55 at all, since I use a stereo volume pedal instead (SY SUB OUT + GR-55). S1/S2 goes only to the GR-55. Changing patch in SY by foot instead.
Tip:
GKVOL/S1/S2 may also be assigned as MIDI controllers.
The Eagle has landed.
Various experiments start this weekend. I wish it was earlier... sometimes I dislike my job intensely!
Just working on logistics of fitting the GX2 on my board... initially it will be studio bound until I decide I need it live ;D
Thanks Robert for the super speedy service and marking it up as a gift. :)
Couldn't resist going through some of the patches last night.
Initial impressions are it's a game changer for GK based stuff. It immediately created some new and exciting sounds on the SY1000 and the VG99. It's also very discreet, no extra noise or anything like that very it's very clean.
The sustainer works really well with the dynamic synth now the new firmware is in place.
Great work! :)
1Is it possible to use a Boss GP-10 as a master synthesizer and an Roland Gr 09 a slave with Gx-2 using Gk 13 pin or does it also involve midi.
2 Can i use the Gx-2 just with the normal guitar pickup with a cable drawn from 1/4 guitar input to the amplifier and a cable from the amplifier to the guitar.
Rolloq
Quote from: Rolloq on September 15, 2021, 05:26:29 AM
1Is it possible to use a Boss GP-10 as a master synthesizer and an Roland Gr 09 a slave with Gx-2 using Gk 13 pin or does it also involve midi.
2 Can i use the Gx-2 just with the normal guitar pickup with a cable drawn from 1/4 guitar input to the amplifier and a cable from the amplifier to the guitar.
Rolloq
Q1. See GX-2 as a better US-20. It's simply a GK splitter. MIDI is not required.
Q2. I don't understand the question. You may connect any signal source to the GX-2 (input jack #3). Signal will be available on pin7 at 13-pin GK outputs(x2) when Input #3 is selected. See it as an 3 input signal switcher (where two of the inputs are hex). Output only available in 13-pin connectors. There's no jack out.
Read the manual.
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_Manual.pdf
Thanks:
Rolloq
Question: would it work if I chain up 2 GX-2 ? Using one of the GK out as GK in of the other ?
Yes, the GX-2 is selfcontained with power and may be chained after each other.
Further reading:
To create an ultra-low noise +/-7V GK power supply capable of delivering high-current noise-free power to a multitude of guitars generated from a single 9VDC supply, these rather expensive circuits, top-notch on the market, was elected after a series of tests and production boards.
POSITIVE VOLTAGE +7V GENERATION (from +9VDC input):
TPS7A47 - Ultralow-noise (4 µVRMS) low-dropout linear regulators (LDO) capable of sourcing a 1-A load.
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps7a47.pdf?ts=1631737042400&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ti.com%252Fproduct%252FTPS7A47
NEGATIVE VOLTAGE -7V GENERATION (from +9VDC input):
First we need to convert the positive voltage to a negative:
LT3580 - Boost/Inverting DC/DC Converter with 2A Switch, Soft-Start, and Synchronization
https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/3580fg.pdf
Secondarily we need to regulate the down-switched voltage to nearly perfect DC:
TPS7A33 - Ultralow-noise (16-μVRMS, 72-dB Noise) linear regulator(LDO) capable of sourcing a 16 μVRMS (10 Hz to 100 kHz) maximum load of 1 A.
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps7a33.pdf?ts=1631678112168&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ti.com%252Fproduct%252FTPS7A33
These circuits are the best on the market (read expensive), and combined with low-pass filters,
both capacitive and inductive in various frquency ranges brings outstanding DC noise levels to the Primova GX-2.
STILL YOU CANNOT FEED ANY CHEAP/JUNK/CRAPPY 9VDC TO THEM. USE RECOMMENDED POWER SUPPLIES.
SOME CHEAP BULK POWER SUPPLIES SWITCH DC WITHIN HEARING FREUENCY - NOT RECOMMENDED!
IF YOU SURPRISINGLY HEAR ANY NOISE FROM A GX-2, IT'S YOUR OWN BAD POWER SUPPLY SOMEHOW BLEADING THROUGH THESE ADVANCED CIRCUITS.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 15, 2021, 01:56:21 PM
Yes, the GX-2 is selfcontained with power and may be chained after each other.
Further reading:
To create an ultra-low noise +/-7V GK power supply capable of delivering high-current noise-free power to a multitude of guitars generated from a single 9VDC supply, these rather expensive circuits, top-notch on the market, was elected after a series of tests and production boards.
POSITIVE VOLTAGE +7V GENERATION (from +9VDC input):
TPS7A47 - Ultralow-noise (4 µVRMS) low-dropout linear regulators (LDO) capable of sourcing a 1-A load.
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps7a47.pdf?ts=1631737042400&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ti.com%252Fproduct%252FTPS7A47
NEGATIVE VOLTAGE -7V GENERATION (from +9VDC input):
First we need to convert the positive voltage to a negative:
LT3580 - Boost/Inverting DC/DC Converter with 2A Switch, Soft-Start, and Synchronization
https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/3580fg.pdf
Secondarily we need to regulate the down-switched voltage to nearly perfect DC:
TPS7A33 - Ultralow-noise (16-μVRMS, 72-dB Noise) linear regulator(LDO) capable of sourcing a 16 μVRMS (10 Hz to 100 kHz) maximum load of 1 A.
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps7a33.pdf?ts=1631678112168&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ti.com%252Fproduct%252FTPS7A33
These circuits are the best on the market (read expensive), and combined with low-pass filters,
both capacitive and inductive in various frquency ranges brings outstanding DC noise levels to the Primova GX-2.
STILL YOU CANNOT FEED ANY CHEAP/JUNK/CRAPPY 9VDC TO THEM. USE RECOMMENDED POWER SUPPLIES.
SOME CHEAP BULK POWER SUPPLIES SWITCH DC WITHIN HEARING FREUENCY - NOT RECOMMENDED!
IF YOU SURPRISINGLY HEAR ANY NOISE FROM A GX-2, IT'S YOUR OWN BAD POWER SUPPLY SOMEHOW BLEADING THROUGH THESE ADVANCED CIRCUITS.
Agreed
Frankly I'm alarmed at the current focus of using one large supply to power everything on the pedal board-even the most expensive CIOKS, or Strymon can not compete with a known good low noise 9vdc supply
The NUX gets good reviews, and an official Roland PSB-1U with 2 Amps has plenty of clean low noise current @ 9VDC
Avoid daisy chaining, use a separate supply for each critical high current piece of gear on your pedal board.
Not all DC 9 volt supplies are created equal.
Ones with a large lumpy cylinder shaped thing (ferrite inductor) inline with the 9 volt cable is there to provide extra low pass filtering of the power supply switching frequencies.
I did once buy a extremely cheap unbranded 9 volt adapter, and was surprised (not in a good way) at how badly it performed, it wanted to kill my audio equipment with high frequency noise, even when the frequency is above hearing, it still has adverse effects on the audio quality and performance.
So get a good quality "audio equipment rated" power supply.
I do see posts by many on various different media of those who try to run as much gear as they can from a single multi-tapped supply.
It is asking for trouble, not considering the startup in-rush currents and eventual thermal overloading,
and also they are a "single point of failure".
Quote from: admin on September 15, 2021, 02:08:54 PM
The NUX gets good reviews, and an official Roland PSB-1U has plenty of clean low noise current @ 9VDC
Avoid daisy chaining, use a separate supply for each critical high current piece of gear on your pedal board.
Would a PSB-1U be good companion for the GX2 ?
I have an extra lying that I bought for one of my VB99.....
Quote from: fokof on September 15, 2021, 07:27:29 PM
Would a PSB-1U be good companion for the GX2 ?
I have an extra lying that I bought for one of my VB99.....
Should be perfect
(https://www.seamusician.com/image/sea/image/cache/data/all_product_images/product-1254/ORIGINAL-ROLAND-PSB-1U-POWER-ADAPTER-FOR-AD-5-AR-100-200-720x480.jpg)
Another highly recommended audiophile grade 9VDC @ 2A supply
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31AD8wrNK7L._AC_SY780_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/sc/7071aa89-efe7-4ac3-b2fe-35962b220e4a.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.png)
https://www.amazon.com/iPower-Supply-International-Travel-Adapters/dp/B010UYGA86
The iPower is a new audiophile standard DC power supply. The iPower instantly improves performance with virtually any DC powered product. With the iPower you will hear your music or audio with more quality, detail, and clarity. It has been upgraded to be 10x quieter than than the previous iFi low noise power supply, 20 times quieter than conventional audiophile linear power supplies, and has been proven to be 1000x quieter than a standard stock wall warts. The iPower is compatable with virtually any DC powered device. Match the correct voltage, polarity setup, and ensure the current output is sufficient. The iPower has an astonishingly low audio band noise floor of just 1uV. With an 12-Element Output Array and 6-Element Input Array the iPower delivers audiophile-quality noise suppression. The noise floor is virtually inaudible and the all important level of refinement (whether listening to an analogue or digital source) has been amplified several notches. The iPower is light, convenient and above all, easy to travel with and works in any country in the world. iFi offers 5V, 9V ,12V and 15V versions for all manners of DC powered devices and each comes with a set of interchangeable wall plugs to span the globe: for USA/UK/EU/AUS electrical outlets.
Features & details
POWER UPGRADE - Actively detects and removes unwanted electrical noise introduced by noisy stock wall warts or plugs to provide a steadier and more reliable direct current to your device, including turntables, media streamers, phono stages, routers, DACs, audio interfaces, and even LED lighting for studio photos
QUIET COMFORT - Enjoy clear audio and more defined digital video with the iPower's Active Noise Cancellation, technology derived from military applications that acts similarly to noise cancelling headphones by measuring and inverting the signal from your power supply to create a super quiet noise floor and to filter out spurious frequencies introduced by common household equipment that would interfere or muddy your entertainment experience
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS - Designed to fit common devices, we include 4 different size DC barrel adapters, a center negative adapter for inverting the polarity, and a right angle adapter for when you need more flexibility (The 5 volt version comes with a DC to micro USB adapter, a DC to USB C adapter, and a DC to USB A (female) adapter for use with USB powered gear like the Raspberry Pi or Amazon Fire TV Stick). Choose the iPower that is right for your device based on your device's specifications
UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ACCESSORY - Packaged with 4 different plug adapters that easily snap on so you can take it with you and use it anywhere in the world, including the UK, Europe and Asia, compatible with global AC voltages ranging from 100 to 240 volts
VARIETY OF VOLTAGES AVAILABLE - iFi offers the iPower in 5V, 9V, 12V, and 15V versions to provide power options for many of the most common audiophile equipment, such as a DAC, music streamer or router, or even a guitar pedal. Choose the voltage model that is right for your device based on your manufacturer's specifications
Product information 9V
Product Dimensions 8 x 3.5 x 1.9 inches
Item Weight 5.5 ounces
ASIN B010UYGA86
Item model number IPOWER
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 15, 2021, 01:56:21 PM
Yes, the GX-2 is selfcontained with power and may be chained after each other.
These circuits are the best on the market (read expensive), and combined with low-pass filters,
both capacitive and inductive in various frquency ranges brings outstanding DC noise levels to the Primova GX-2.
STILL YOU CANNOT FEED ANY CHEAP/JUNK/CRAPPY 9VDC TO THEM. USE RECOMMENDED POWER SUPPLIES.
SOME CHEAP BULK POWER SUPPLIES SWITCH DC WITHIN HEARING FREUENCY - NOT RECOMMENDED!
IF YOU SURPRISINGLY HEAR ANY NOISE FROM A GX-2, IT'S YOUR OWN BAD POWER SUPPLY SOMEHOW BLEADING THROUGH THESE ADVANCED CIRCUITS.
I'm using a Roland PSB-230 EU ;)
Quote from: Bowman42 on September 16, 2021, 05:09:26 AM
I'm using a Roland PSB-230 EU ;)
Your PSB-230 EU will be feeding this circuit, covering 1/4'th of the board area, just to obtain very clean DC power (+3.3V, +5V, +7V, -7V) from a single 9VDC supply. GK Systems are very sensitive to DC noise. It took me a very long time to develop this part since I'm a simple hobby guy. PCB layout and ground planes are essential. The board is 4-layers, and the layers and routing must consider current flow/radiation and cooling. I'm not saying it's perfect or the slickest solution, it's just the best I could do with the knowledge and tools I have at hand today.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_power.png)
Back in th old days we would just use an old Atari 520ST power supply , and several Diodes in series to drop the voltage ;)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRF8lLwMCZ26sRZs5N-aEzshUDO0K8_gYjmGQ&usqp=CAU)
(http://www.retrospec.sgn.net/users/tomcat/miodrag/Atari_ST/Pictures/power%20connector_scheme.gif)
How's the interest for a GX-2F option ?
'F'- integrated filter board.
1. Fixed HPF frequencies (similar thing I have in my GKPX-14F and GkFX-1). Works with Guitar only, not possible to switch off. Price abt. $50
2. Programmable HPF frequencies, each string adjustable between 21Hz-405Hz. Works with any instrument. Price abt $110
Q: Option 1 or 2 or none at all?
What's your thinking?
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 17, 2021, 05:09:26 AM
How's the interest for a GX-2F option ?
'F'- integrated filter board.
1. Fixed HPF frequencies (similar thing I have in my GKPX-14F and GkFX-1). Works with Guitar only, not possible to switch off. Price abt. $50
2. Programmable HPF frequencies, each string adjustable between 21Hz-405Hz. Works with any instrument. Price abt $110
Q: Option 1 or 2 or none at all?
What's your thinking?
I think now that you have given two options, you are going to have to stock up on both.
Is it possible the Programmable could extend to bandpass?
Quote from: gumtown on September 17, 2021, 05:59:33 AM
I think now that you have given two options, you are going to have to stock up on both.
Is it possible the Programmable could extend to bandpass?
The second option uses programmable quad pots.
They are expensive, one chip per string. To also have a LPF would double everything,
looking at doubled price. Unless you can point me to some cool programmable filter
bipolar voltage +/-7V chips that does the job with enough steepness and low noise.
I just agreed to, and fixed the bug in one of the the factory patches (the one called "3+3 Splitter" after reading the comment in this bug report:
"Robert,
GX-2 has arrived. Beautiful color.
Professionally made. Presets are great.
Overall, very nice level of complexity & features.
Most importantly, you got it completed and shipped.
Well done.
Played all the presets and I noticed the last one 3+3 was actually 3+6, so I updated it and saved it.
You might want to check that one to see if you agree.
After the change, it was awesome to play half GKA and half GKB.
100% satisfied."
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 17, 2021, 05:09:26 AM
How's the interest for a GX-2F option ?
'F'- integrated filter board.
1. Fixed HPF frequencies (similar thing I have in my GKPX-14F and GkFX-1). Works with Guitar only, not possible to switch off. Price abt. $50
2. Programmable HPF frequencies, each string adjustable between 21Hz-405Hz. Works with any instrument. Price abt $110
Q: Option 1 or 2 or none at all?
What's your thinking?
I would have been all over Option 2 ( As a bass player )
Quote from: fokof on September 17, 2021, 09:27:54 AM
I would have been all over Option 2 ( As a bass player )
I've had a working prototype some years ago but now started working on a new small board that will fit the GX-2 feature connector. It has a small microcontroller talking to the main board and is beside from that all analog. It will be great. My studies says it may even help a GK pickup if frequency put VERY close to string fundamental. At least on a GR-55.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 17, 2021, 05:09:26 AM
How's the interest for a GX-2F option ?
'F'- integrated filter board.
1. Fixed HPF frequencies (similar thing I have in my GKPX-14F and GkFX-1). Works with Guitar only, not possible to switch off. Price abt. $50
2. Programmable HPF frequencies, each string adjustable between 21Hz-405Hz. Works with any instrument. Price abt $110
Q: Option 1 or 2 or none at all?
What's your thinking?
Quoting myself for more opinions...
Ok, just when I thought I could lean back, Gumtown pointed me to the LTC1059/1060/1061 filter chips.
They look promising.
So why should there be a programmable hex(polyphonic) touch-sensitive/fixed/sweep LP,HP,BP filter in a GX-2?
Just asking...isn't that already in the 6appeal box?
Mine arrived today, it will be a while until I can check it out fully, but very professional effort - looks like a full production product, -but great for a unit built one at a time by hand.
Quote from: admin on September 18, 2021, 09:00:05 PM
Mine arrived today, it will be a while until I can check it out fully, but very professional effort - looks like a full production product, -but great for a unit built one at a time by hand.
That's exactly what I thought, very impressive build quality.
I have a technical problem. If I'll build a board with 6 band pass filters requiring 6 oscillators to set the lower frequency and 6 oscillators to controll the upper frequency. How would I do that with a microcontroller? Each oscillator would have to range from somewhere low up to 500kHz. I need 12 programmable oscillators. Not sure how to do that with a simple PIC.???
Ideas?
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 19, 2021, 01:41:47 PM
I have a technical problem. If I'll build a board with 6 band pass filters requiring 6 oscillators to set the lower frequency and 6 oscillators to controll the upper frequency. How would I do that with a microcontroller? Each oscillator would have to range from somewhere low up to 500kHz. I need 12 programmable oscillators. Not sure how to do that with a simple PIC.???
Ideas?
a simple 8 bit high speed PIC with I2C or SPI and 12 outputs.
12 outputs are flip-flopped by cycling/incrementing through rapidly a list which each output has a divider variable [out1++;],
larger number is a slower clock rate output.
Each of the 12 outputs can then be at a different rate and also be a symmetrical 50/50 duty cycle.
Some initial trial and error to balance the PIC CPU clock speed vs the 12 divider variables to work out the filter cutoff frequencies.
The 12 clock outputs may become interrupted (interrupt routine to change the divider variables when required change is received) when different divider variables are changed in realtime, but only briefly (depending on the PIC speed).
It would also need a small EEPROM to start up with the last saved frequency ranges.
Another option is to use a PIC with lots of PWM outputs, set a fixed PWM duty of 50% and vary the output clock sample rate, but that would waste a lot of unused pins on a fairly large PIC or three.
Yes, I know I am creating more work for you,
but ....
here is a basic example of what my thoughts are thinking (I have sat on this idea for a few years),
for getting independent programmable clock frequency out of each PIC output pin.
example is only showing 4 of the required 12 clock routines.
The main() routine could be triggered by a PIC timer at a reduced % of CPU clock for more time to handle the interrupt and for a bit more stability.
GX2Filter::setup()
{
bool output1 = false; //PIC output pins to LTC1059 clock inputs
bool output2 = false;
bool output3 = false;
bool output4 = false;
int divider1 = getEEprom(Div1); //get the last saved cutoff frequency
int divider2 = getEEprom(Div2);
int divider3 = getEEprom(Div3);
int divider4 = getEEprom(Div4);
int flip1 = divider1/2; //flip is where the clock transitions from low to high
int flip2 = divider2/2;
int flip3 = divider3/2;
int flip4 = divider4/2;
int count1 = 0; //counter is incremented each code read cycle until it reaches the divider time base count
int count2 = 0;
int count3 = 0;
int count4 = 0;
}
GX2Filter::main()
{
if(count1 == flip1){output1 = true;};
if(count1 > divider1){count1 = 0; output1 = false};
if(count2 == flip2){output2 = true;};
if(count2 > divider2){count2 = 0; output2 = false};
if(count3 == flip3){output3 = true;};
if(count3 > divider3){count3 = 0; output3 = false};
if(count4 == flip4){output4 = true;};
if(count4 > divider4){count4 = 0; output4 = false};
count1++;
count2++;
count3++;
count4++;
}
GX2Filter::interrupt() //if filter frequencies require change
{
switch off global interrupts;
if valid divider data change was received from main GX-2 board, update divider1~4 with new values
divider1 = newDiv1;
divider2 = newDiv2;
divider3 = newDiv3;
divider4 = newDiv4;
flip1 = divider1/2;
flip2 = divider2/2;
flip3 = divider3/2;
flip4 = divider4/2;
count1 = 0;
count2 = 0;
count3 = 0;
count4 = 0;
output1 = false;
output2 = false;
output3 = false;
output4 = false;
switch on global interrupts;
return;
}
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 17, 2021, 05:09:26 AM
How's the interest for a GX-2F option ?
'F'- integrated filter board.
1. Fixed HPF frequencies (similar thing I have in my GKPX-14F and GkFX-1). Works with Guitar only, not possible to switch off. Price abt. $50
2. Programmable HPF frequencies, each string adjustable between 21Hz-405Hz. Works with any instrument. Price abt $110
Q: Option 1 or 2 or none at all?
What's your thinking?
Robert,
Is this option something that needs to be (sorry, would need to be, when available in the future) ordered with the GX-2, or would it also be retrofittable to units already constructed?
Quote from: Dunny Daw on September 19, 2021, 03:43:28 PM
Robert,
Is this option something that needs to be (sorry, would need to be, when available in the future) ordered with the GX-2, or would it also be retrofittable to units already constructed?
All GX-2 has a 20-pin header connector and two M2.5 screw holes. If / when a future extension board is available it fits this connector. No soldering required, but the box need to be carefully opened, 6 jumpers removed, board fitted into position, two small screws to hold the board in place and then the box needs to closed again.
I hope a normally handy person will be able to follow instructions and do the procedure.
And of course also firmware update will be required. (USB cable to PC)
fokof reports a bug - Confirmed
Firmware version: 1.0
Description:
"Looks like it receives PC message only when sent on MIDI channel #1 , no matter what I/O MIDI is setup on the GX2
When I setup a Program Change on any device in any other Channel than #1 , it dosen't change program but it will on #1"
Resolution:
Bug found. The GX-2 only listens to incoming MIDI (PC and CC) on channel #1 regardless of the system setting.
New firmware (V1.1) with update procedure will be posted asap. Firmware update is required to resolve the issue.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 21, 2021, 01:14:24 AM
Resolution:
New firmware (V1.1) with update procedure will be posted asap.
Haha, that would probably have taken Roland about 3 years to address!
Nicely Done Robert !
Bought it mainly as switcher / splitter but I can see the SlowGear, Popcorn and sustainer patch being very useful.
Couple of ideas to add if possible and if hardware possible :
- Having the possibility to add the 1/4 input to both GK in and not just chosing wich one.
- I would add more bass/gtr setup to the existing 2 , assignable to GK in 1 or 2.
Of my 5 basses that I use , 4 have very different sensibilities.
- Having the possibility to assign GK pickup setup , GK IN and GK out to saved patches
Quote from: fokof on September 21, 2021, 05:00:23 PM
Nicely Done Robert !
Bought it mainly as switcher / splitter but I can see the SlowGear, Popcorn and sustainer patch being very useful.
Couple of ideas to add if possible and if hardware possible :
- Having the possibility to add the 1/4 input to both GK in and not just chosing wich one.
- I would add more bass/gtr setup to the existing 2 , assignable to GK in 1 or 2.
Of my 5 basses that I use , 4 have very different sensibilities.
- Having the possibility to assign GK pickup setup , GK IN and GK out to saved patches
Thanks for the useful input. Put in a separate thread not to get lost in here.
I'm currently working on a PC software for UPDATING GX-2 from V1.0 to V1.1.
This software also allows you to BACKUP and RESTORE all GX-2 settings and pathes to an XML file (*.gx2).
Please be patient as I'm working through the communication code as a someone else might be using this protocol for a Boss Tone Studio equivalent software for the GX-2 in the future.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 22, 2021, 02:39:33 PM
I'm currently working on a PC software for UPDATING GX-2 from V1.0 to V1.1.
This software also allows you to BACKUP and RESTORE all GX-2 settings and pathes to an XML file (*.gx2).
Please be patient as I'm working through the communication code as a someone else might be using this protocol for a Boss Tone Studio equivalent software for the GX-2 in the future.
I don't mind exploring workarounds (like using a PC for this) but will the software work on a Mac as well?
Quote from: kevorkian on September 22, 2021, 02:42:09 PM
I don't mind exploring workarounds (like using a PC for this) but will the software work on a Mac as well?
It's unfortunately Windows only. I have to focus on getting something out and then produce a few videos.
I'm sorry I'm not yet capable of writing multi-platform software but realize I have to go down that road.
Firmware V1.1 is now released, fixing the bug that fokof found.
Read more about the GX-2 Assistant here (sorry, Windows platform only)
https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php/ (https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php/)
Backup/Restore Tab
(https://www.primovasound.com/assets/images/products/gx2_assistant.jpg)
Update Firmware Tab
(https://www.primovasound.com/assets/images/products/gx2_assistant2.jpg)
Most factory patches of the GX-2.
https://youtu.be/uC45qmUJSxc
I'll continue to make videos as I find time.
Excellent Robert
8)
Awesome job Robert 👏
Robert, Is there a way for a user to perform a factory reset on the GX2?
Quote from: mooncaine on September 28, 2021, 08:59:59 AM
Robert, Is there a way for a user to perform a factory reset on the GX2?
Yes it is. There's a "factory mode" where it's possible. It's not mentioned in the manual because I don't want people to be in this mode. I will make this available in public menus in the next firmware version. Thanks for reminding me.
If someone really needs to do a reset with 1.0 or 1.1, send me an email.
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 27, 2021, 06:37:50 PM
Most factory patches of the GX-2.
https://youtu.be/uC45qmUJSxc
I'll continue to make videos as I find time.
Inspiring me to make a video now :) Been having a lot of fun with GX2 though need more time with it to create my own settings.
It's so good at mashing up sounds that I normally wouldn't use.
I've had some fun with extreme string panning and the a the arpeggiator, using the Fernandez sustainer and also using delays that create 16th note patterns with the arpeggiator.
NOTE: Don't forget to backup your own patches using the Assistant software. It's a computer inside, and we don't really trust computers... 8)
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 28, 2021, 10:10:37 AM
...and we don't really trust computers... 8)
I have absolute faith in
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 18, 2021, 11:06:05 AM
Ok, just when I thought I could lean back, Gumtown pointed me to the LTC1059/1060/1061 filter chips.
They look promising.
So why should there be a programmable hex(polyphonic) touch-sensitive/fixed/sweep LP,HP,BP filter in a GX-2?
Just asking...isn't that already in the 6appeal box?
Here is a thought,
maybe it is out of design scope for the GX-2.
but on the filter board idea,
I was thinking it would be great if the filter could work as a
Low Pass to GK Out1
and
High Pass to GK Out2. 8)
If the output from each filter could be routed to OUT1, OUT2, BOTH.
or maybe my ideas might cause Robert headaches ;D
Quote from: gumtown on September 29, 2021, 01:35:10 PM
Here is a thought,
maybe my ideas might cause Robert headaches ;D
Yes, it's really impossible with hardware at hand. The filter board socket is a shared resource of both outputs.
Anything they do to the signal will affect both outputs. Nice idea though.
Have you received the thing yet?
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 30, 2021, 04:25:34 PM
Have you received the thing yet?
not yet, I see it is now (tracking) with the local post, so if not today, then Monday. :)
I am having fun with the sustain effect, so much that I haven't done anything with arpeggiated string levels yet, nor have I hooked up a 2nd VG. Might try 2 VG setup tonight or tomorrow.
Lotsa menus to play around with, lots of options to try.
Quote from: mooncaine on September 30, 2021, 06:12:31 PM
I haven't done anything with arpeggiated string levels yet, nor have I hooked up a 2nd VG. Might try 2 VG setup tonight or tomorrow.
Remember effects can be set to be applied to only one of the outputs.
There's one global setting to do this and also one local per patch if wanting to override the global on per patch basis.
Lastly FX may operate on any output they want, so a patch may treat two VG differently (different patterns etc.) at the same time.
Personally I simply set the global so all effects only hits my SY and not my GR (with pads/organs). I'm not a recording guy, I need it as simple as possible.
A box has arrived !! :)
updated to v1.1
now pushing buttons ...
Primovasound GX2 user review -
Primovasound GX-2 Gearshifter allows user to add gain on all strings - which allows guitars with the lower output Roland GK-3 preamp to work correctly with older Roland GK processors : GR-1, GR-50, GR-30, GR-33 -
which were designed to work with higher output Roland GK-2A preamp
Michael Ko wrote>
I use Primovasound GX-2 with my GR33. The signal (from GK-3 ) going in is too low and the Gx2 help increase the signal level, and now it's tracking like it should. Btw, I use guitar and violin, so I can have a consistent level of signal when switching over.
The current firmware allow gain boost up to 4 times.
If requested firmware changes could be expanded to 36 times, however that is a heck of gain.
Wonder what is the actual difference in GK-2 vs GK-3 volume mounted on the same guitar?
Anybody knows?
Good job Robert !
Super quiet , silent switching , loaded with features : GK swiss knife !
.... or Swedish knife ? :)
Now , I have to find 90° upward MIDI cables.....
Quote from: CodeSmart on October 07, 2021, 02:20:01 PM
The current firmware allow gain boost up to 4 times.
If requested firmware changes could be expanded to 36 times, however that is a heck of gain.
Wonder what is the actual difference in GK-2 vs GK-3 volume mounted on the same guitar?
Anybody knows?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=23050.0
One important aspect is the raw output signal level from the Mag hex PU.This varies , part of the reason the GK-2A employs an opamp gain of 25 is to compensate for the relatively weak raw output signal level of the GK-2A style hex PU
The GK-3 Hex PU raw output is higher , therefore Roland employed an opamp Gain of 13.195 for GK-3, but in practice this is still lower output signal level at the GK 13 cable compared to the GK-2A output.
As you know, one important function of the GX-2 is it allows a modern GK-3 (with boosted gain from GX-2) to properly drive older GK Processors.
Typical complaint is a GK-3 only drives the GK String Sensitivity VU Meter 80% max level, even with all strings Sensitivity controls on max with older Roland GK processors : GR-1, GR-50, GR-30, GR-33. VG-8, VG-88.
Quote from: fokof on October 08, 2021, 12:43:42 PM
Now , I have to find 90° upward MIDI cables.....
I also need that or at least angled somewhere that fits. Straight is a space killer.
Quote from: CodeSmart on October 08, 2021, 02:12:35 PM
I also need that or at least angled somewhere that fits. Straight is a space killer.
I just ordered these cables to try out on my own pedalboard with the GX-2:
* One Control MIDI Hammer Cable L/L (50cm)
* EBS PCF-DLS58 DLX Flat TRS (58cm)
I'll let you know how they fit when I get them.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZvhV_agJtxyJolabVD8zTFgWgyf7Vay68sq8kiAfKcMqEekKwqwOaNi61jEo7n1UUDv899M3Vg5ztCKk2RTqkbJSWTBrwbmFZw=l80-w465-h472-nu)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/z1EHXTLa0OF1NEMvHVjj5Q6S3ZlTB0YHXNLtxmScUJDCTlqbsk5-tMEiB7PsiTo803h_8vrbeS3q0f9Ow3GBTZZUk12z7Dw5zQ=l80-w465-h472-nu)
(https://c1.zzounds.com/media/productmedia/fit,2018by3200/quality,85/RBO_CAB_MIDI_30_BK_01_790461-0a58af5be42c09df187ef3eb1e75953c.jpg)
Also there are Framus/Warwick/RockBoard right Angle MIDI cables, one end is reverse orientation and can work in many applications
(https://hosatech.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MID-300RR_RGB_1800.jpg)
Vertical angle low profile MIDI cable
https://hosatech.com/products/data/midi-cables-adapters/mid-300rr/
Found out that the GX2 can act as a super-deluxe Noise suppressor.
Helps to clean out unwanted noise / false triggering. , on bass anyways.....
I took the Slowgear patch but with the attack time to 0.010 of the ENV1.
It will remove longer sustain when level reach the threshold , but it is SUPER good with that task !!!!
Quote from: fokof on October 14, 2021, 02:59:36 PM
Found out that the GX2 can act as a super-deluxe Noise suppressor.
Eh...what a surprise! Didn't know that :D
Thanks.
I know the Slow Gear is not so good with the slowish cut-offs (i.e. clicks), but will work on that when I have time.
Remember the idea with this box was just a superior input/output switcher/pre-amp, the rest is just add-on's.
Regarding cables. There's many good suppliers. Here's what I'm using, received today.
* One Control MIDI Hammer Cable L/L (50cm)
* EBS PCF-DLS58 DLX Flat TRS (58cm)
When changing input on the GX-2, thanks to GX-2 MIDI Sysx, both the GR-55 and the SY-1000 change GK SET automatically.
Just as I wanted, my ultimate need, driving me during the long nights spent to make this pedal,
the abilty to switch from a Godin Piezo xtSA to a GK-3 in a split second when needed with two synth devices.
Also both units BPM's are synchronized through the GX-2, one source of MIDI CLOCK.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_io5.bmp)
And even though it has connectors all over the place, angled cable connectors makes it not bulky at all!!!
Angled MIDI connectors:
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_io2.jpg)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_io1.jpg)
Angled stereo jack connectors (in case of using GX-2 CTRL inputs):
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_io3.jpg)
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_io4.jpg)
Quote from: CodeSmart on September 23, 2021, 03:13:32 AM
It's unfortunately Windows only. I have to focus on getting something out and then produce a few videos.
I'm sorry I'm not yet capable of writing multi-platform software but realize I have to go down that road.
I am developing mac software and could maybe help porting this to macOS ...
Quote from: Bowman42 on October 19, 2021, 10:56:51 PM
I am developing mac software and could maybe help porting this to macOS ...
Hi Bowman42,
I realize my spare time for the moment is virtually none due to personal matters. I could zip it up and send it to you if you care to have an initial look. It's built using C++/MFC in VS2010.
My e-mail is sound@primova.se
Thanks
Robert
I'd be so glad to beta or alpha test for you (any test, actually). I am running Mojave on a late model mini.
Ordered an initial batch of 25 GX-2 Subsonic Filter boards.
If they work fine we are looking at these options:
GX-2F GX-2 with Subsonic Filter for Guitar
GX-2B GX-2 with Subsonic Filter for Bass
UGX-2F Upgrade Kit Subsonic Filter for Guitar
UGX-2B Upgrade Kit Subsonic Filter for Bass
The filter specs are same as for GKFX-1 and GKPX-14F
Once installed the filters are always enabled for both GK inputs.
The GX-2 fixed filter boards are now in production according to factory.
I hope to receive them soon and I hope they work ;)
I've been having a play with Gumtown's new GX-2 editor excellent stuff.
However, when I'm connected via usb to the GX2 with my Mac mini the ground loop hum is super loud making listening to the results of editing not great.
Is there any inline USB device that could help out that someone could recommend?
Quote from: Nobulusprime on October 29, 2021, 11:48:52 PM
I've been having a play with Gumtown's new GX-2 editor excellent stuff.
However, when I'm connected via usb to the GX2 with my Mac mini the ground loop hum is super loud making listening to the results of editing not great.
Is there any inline USB device that could help out that someone could recommend?
Look here
Solve USB noise
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=367.0
Quote from: admin on October 30, 2021, 12:28:18 AM
Look here
Solve USB noise
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=367.0
Sometime simple things like connecting all gear to the same wall outlet using a bransch outlet will help, or if LapTop, disconnect and run it on battery.
Gumtown and I are working together to get his GearGrinder software interact better with the GX-2, for example if you do something to the GX-2, the GearGrinder will update the screens to reflect the changes in real-time.
So there'll soon be a new GX-2 V1.2 firmware released that is required to get all new fancy communication things working.
V1.2 will also contain a few bug fixes and a new input mode where the regular input is always used for regular pickup signal regardless of which GK input is active.
GX-2 WITH SUBSONIC FILTER
Just received the boards and they appear to be working fine sound wise, but I need to do a frequency measurement plot to verify the characteristics before I'm 100% sure.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_filter1.png)
Any possibility of using GearGrinder to perform the firmware updates in the future?
Quote from: kevorkian on November 03, 2021, 09:33:09 PM
Any possibility of using GearGrinder to perform the firmware updates in the future?
Maybe, shall see if it is possible.
That would be swell, because I don't have a functioning PC in my vicinity. Nothing but Macs.
Quote from: mooncaine on November 04, 2021, 10:59:06 AM
That would be swell, because I don't have a functioning PC in my vicinity. Nothing but Macs.
Me too :)
Me 4 :)
Macs Rule... ;D
GX-2 Firmware Version 1.2 is released.
V1.2 2021-11-07
Bug: Spelling error "GBK EN" fixed.
Bug: Wrong value in factory Teardrops patch fixed.
Bug: Hopefully system checksum error on boot fixed.
Imp: Increased "Divider" max gain to 400
New: New input mode, 2 GK with normal guitar signal always from IN3.
New: Real-time data support for upcoming Gear Grinder software.
Unfortunately the package (GX-2 Assistant V1.2) is still Windows only.
https://www.primovasound.com/firmware/GX-2%20Setup.zip (https://www.primovasound.com/firmware/GX-2%20Setup.zip)
The GX-2 Subsonic Filter board option is now a fact.
Did a crude test using a tone generator and a AC voltage meter and measured the following.
It appears to behave exactly the same as GKFX-1 and GKPX-14F units.
(https://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_filter2.png)
Homepage just updated with GX-2/GX-2F/GX-2B hardware options (and pricing).
https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php (https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php)
Price for upgrade kit for bass ?
Bass board is tuned accordingly ?
(Low B fundamental on bass is 30Hz )
Quote from: fokof on November 08, 2021, 05:51:48 AM
Price for upgrade kit for bass ?
Bass board is tuned accordingly ?
(Low B fundamental on bass is 30Hz )
They are manufactured for guitar 50,50,75,75,100,100 Hz (guitar map: EADGBE) All caps are 10nF. By increasing capacitance the cut-off will be lowered. How are the strings mapped compared to a guitar? Is it 5 or 6 strings?
(I know a programmable filter would be better and fully flexible, and I've made one before with programmable quad 200k pots from Analog Devices but the price point gets much higher)
6 strings
from LowB to HiC
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3063.0
Long story short :
I ordered 2 Hosa 90° midi cables from Sweetwater ( USA) , after waiting two months , I cancelled the order.
Found these instead :
https://www.switchcraft.com/Product.aspx?ID=1721
" PIN HOUSING WITH KEYWAY CAN BE ROTATED 45° 8 POSITIONS. "
Not super low profile but the fact that they can rotate can be useful in different scenarios
(https://www.switchcraft.com/Product_Thumbnails_Large/05dl5mx_-_2.png)
Quote from: fokof on November 08, 2021, 01:36:22 PM
6 strings
from LowB to HiC
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3063.0
It appear 24 parallel plastic film capacitors at 15nF soldered on top of the existing 10nF (giving total of 25nF) will transform the 100/100/75/75/50/50 Hz filter board to 40/40/30/30/20/20 Hz. (your bass frequencies are: 131, 98, 73, 55, 41, 31 Hz)
These caps cost me $40USD to get from mouser(with shipping) + existing board cost + shipping to your place sums up to region of $119USD
(No labour cost included)
Actually more expensive than expected :P
Note that the optional GK orientation flipping thing in GX-2 is done BEFORE the filter, meaning it works even with reversed orientation pickups.
Received my GX-2 a few days ago. The possibilty to change the level of each string is really very useful for me. And the fact that I don't need to use a footswitch of the gx-2 to change to another input is also one of the reasons why I bought this device: I can use sw1/sw2 or send a midi command from my Gordius midi controller.
I will try the built-in effects later.
Patch ideas :
Cleaner patch : acts as a deluxe noise gate , helps cleaning unwanted manipulation noise.
- ENV1 - ON
-depth - 100
-att time - 0.010
-att vol - 100
-dec time - OFF
-sus time - OFF
-rel time - OFF
-mute det - ON
-mute time - 0.250
Sweep patch : Auto sweep pedal
ENV1 - ON
-depth - 100
-att time - 1.3
-att vol - 120
-dec time - 1.1
-dec vol - 1
-sus time - OFF
-rel time - OFF
-mute det - ON
-mute time - 0.250
Assigning ENV2 to B processor with different att time/mute time for double sweep :)
About the input modes:
When I want to use all three inputs there are only two input modes that work for input 3: 2GK+STD and 2GK(GK*+IN3).
Input 3 does not work when I choose 2GK(GK1+IN3) or 2GK(GK2+IN3).
Not a problem for me, by the way.
Quote from: André Veenbrink on November 17, 2021, 04:26:36 AM
About the input modes:
When I want to use all three inputs there are only two input modes that work for input 3: 2GK+STD and 2GK(GK*+IN3).
Input 3 does not work when I choose 2GK(GK1+IN3) or 2GK(GK2+IN3).
Not a problem for me, by the way.
Thank you André.
The other day I got the new 27nF caps for Fokof's 6-String Bass filter.
Unfortunately they where a bit larger then the actual footprint (10nF) so if doing more of these in the future I need to order a different production board.
Also when hand-soldering tiny plastic caps they are sensitive to heat and will change capacitance according to the abuse. After measurement had to replace a couple of times.
Some hours later I've managed to get something reasonable working.
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_filter3.png)
Compared to the guitar version:
(http://www.primovasound.com/gfx/gx2_filter2.png)
I'll send it to Mr Fokof to see if something like this really makes any noticeable difference...at least I tried.
Hi , I tried to order on October 27 and haven't heard back . Do you have any in stock ? Thanks ,don't mean to be a pest just a hopeful customer!
Quote from: VGA-7 on November 22, 2021, 03:51:36 PM
Hi , I tried to order on October 27 and haven't heard back . Do you have any in stock ? Thanks ,don't mean to be a pest just a hopeful customer!
Hi, I'm pretty sure I answered you on the PM, but things may go wrong sometimes. Now I answered your e-mail. I hope you got it. Otherwise try again.
I've never had any customer database system. Never had time. Now I have gone through everything sold during the years and made a Excel sheet with name, e-mail, country and what they have purchased. The e-mail I have to manually search for in the mailbox so it takes time to populate that column.
Up to today there's
761 individuals that have bought something from me over the years and most of them several times. Pretty cool. And they are spread all over the globe.
Thank you vguitarforums admins for making this possible!
Love your stuff, you are so welcome
GX-2 Filter Board Installation Guide (Upgrade Kit).
https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_FilterUpdate.pdf (https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_FilterUpdate.pdf)
What is pricing and availability of the GX-2 SUBSONIC FILTER option board-for current owners of the GX-2 ?
GX-2F and GX-2B
The GX-2F (Piezo Guitar) and GX-2B (Piezo Bass) is the same product but includes an analog Subsonic Filter board for enhanced tracking with Piezo pickups for synthesizers like Roland GR-55/VG-99(B) and older. This filter has virtually no effect with GK-Pickups/GP-10/SY-1000 and Godin Guitars with latest RMC boards (newer than 2011/2012).
https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php
Quote from: admin on November 24, 2021, 01:32:14 PM
What is pricing and availability of the GX-2 SUBSONIC FILTER option board-for current owners of the GX-2 ?
For
Guitar version it's $69USD incl. shipping with USPS tracking.
Availability: 23 pcs
For
Bass version it's $79USD incl. shipping with USPS tracking.
Availability: 0 boards (Fokof is my first test pilot)
Shipment consists of Filter board and 2 screws for mounting.
Tools required: Phillip screw driver and fixed or adjustable wrench suitable for input jack nut.
Skill level required: Moderate technically inclined.
Warranty Filter Board: 1 year outside EU, 2 years inside EU.
No warranty covers damage to the GX-2 during filter board installation.
If you find these instructions overwhelming or beyond your capacity, don't try.
https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_FilterUpdate.pdf (https://www.primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_FilterUpdate.pdf)
There will be more I'm certainly not a video producing geek, but I tried to explain the GX-2 basic stuff here in 6 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi8RKqLbmK0
I'm using Pinnacle Studio 25, I got used to Pinnacle some time ago. This version is not very stable, but anyhow I've got something out of it.
I'm hoping to produce some more videos soon.
Cool video well done. :D
Rolloq
A little film about Gear Shifting if you use the GK pickup Live!
Personally I like to be able to switch between a couple of GK guitars easily, that's what made me develop this thing.
https://youtu.be/v3iyXwy7GTY
Quote from: CodeSmart on December 29, 2021, 05:40:59 PM
There will be more I'm certainly not a video producing geek, but I tried to explain the GX-2 basic stuff here in 6 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi8RKqLbmK0
I'm using Pinnacle Studio 25, I got used to Pinnacle some time ago. This version is not very stable, but anyhow I've got something out of it.
I'm hoping to produce some more videos soon.
Are you narrating that yourself, Robert? If so, your English is better than most folks I know who grew up in the states.
Quote from: vtgearhead on January 08, 2022, 05:58:06 AM
Are you narrating that yourself, Robert? If so, your English is better than most folks I know who grew up in the states.
Ha-Ha!! No amigo I suck, I'm horrible. You are fooled by a AI VoiceOver. I used to work with early synthetic voice systems for blind people in the 80's. It's incredible how it has evolved.
I use a web service abt $6 a month. It can do many languages, dialects (British/US), gender etc. It's really easy to just write the text phrase, listen to it and download the short MP3. You can also set speed, voice depth, pauses, emphasizes etc.
Gotcha!
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 08, 2022, 09:41:31 AM
Ha-Ha!! No amigo I suck, I'm horrible. You are fooled by a AI VoiceOver. I used to work with early synthetic voice systems for blind people in the 80's. It's incredible how it has evolved.
I use a web service abt $6 a month. It can do many languages, dialects (British/US), gender etc. It's really easy to just write the text phrase, listen to it and download the short MP3. You can also set speed, voice depth, pauses, emphasizes etc.
Gotcha!
I use an Android app to read web pages, doc files,, pdf often sounds like genuine person
Voice Aloud Reader
https://www.hyperionics.com/
https://www.hyperionics.com/atVoice/manual.html?mnu=
https://www.hyperionics.com/atVoice/manual_contents.html?ver=25.3.2
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 08, 2022, 09:41:31 AM
Ha-Ha!! No amigo I suck, I'm horrible. You are fooled by a AI VoiceOver. I used to work with early synthetic voice systems for blind people in the 80's. It's incredible how it has evolved.
I use a web service abt $6 a month. It can do many languages, dialects (British/US), gender etc. It's really easy to just write the text phrase, listen to it and download the short MP3. You can also set speed, voice depth, pauses, emphasizes etc.
Gotcha!
Hahaha... So, to sell more units what you really need is a female with a husky, sexy voice.
So, today I have just peeled of the stick-on protective plastic display (screen protector) covering.
Not too early to do this yet ? ;D
Quote from: gumtown on January 09, 2022, 03:31:29 PM
So, today I have just peeled of the stick-on protective plastic display (screen protector) covering.
Not too early to do this yet ? ;D
NOTE: REPLACEMENT GX-2 LCD PLEXIGLASS COVERS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
The LCD is heat glued to the casing on the inside to prevent LCD from falling in if the four screws holding the plexiglass are removed.
So, if careful and not pushing the LCD inwards you should be able to replace the plexiglass without opening the unit.
Just let me know.
No, not the whole screen cover,
just the stick on protector wrapper "peel off" thing.
Have not opened the box up to peek inside the GX-2 yet. ;D
Quote from: gumtown on January 09, 2022, 08:32:08 PM
No, not the whole screen cover,
just the stick on protector wrapper "peel off" thing.
Have not opened the box up to peek inside the GX-2 yet. ;D
I know what you mean. I'm just saying if the plexiglass surface (under the peel off thing) ever gets damaged or scratched I have spares.
The spare plexiglass have "peel-off things" on both sides. Then you can play surgeon two times (sharp knife recommended to loosen the corner of the peel-off)
Ya know, it was less than 24 hours before you mentioned that protective plastic film that I was, myself, wondering if today's the day. Weird!
Tricky thing, today and a couple days ago, some events, besides me from having Covid, and recent customers showed out to be well-known artists with musical history back to 1970, proved that an old engineer may help a fellow musician with cool gear.
After Covid everyone is grateful to be alive. Please vaccinate yourself. REALLY!
Got my third dose in December and waiting for the fourth dose.
Rolloq
Guitarist from Nashville with many recorded studio albums between 1977-2020 plus a lot of singles.
Two of his singles were hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and six more on the Hot Country Songs charts.
Now playing with a guy called Jimmy Buffett. I'm Scandinavian so I don't know much about Nashville music.
Anyways cool he's my first GX-2F customer (Roland VG-8).
Did he say how he heard about your pedal?
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 17, 2022, 02:02:08 PM
Guitarist from Nashville with many recorded studio albums between 1977-2020 plus a lot of singles.
Two of his singles were hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and six more on the Hot Country Songs charts.
Now playing with a guy called Jimmy Buffett. I'm Scandinavian so I don't know much about Nashville music.
Anyways cool he's my first GX-2F customer (Roland VG-8).
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 17, 2022, 02:02:08 PM
Guitarist from Nashville with many recorded studio albums between 1977-2020 plus a lot of singles.
Two of his singles were hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and six more on the Hot Country Songs charts.
Now playing with a guy called Jimmy Buffett. I'm Scandinavian so I don't know much about Nashville music.
Anyways cool he's my first GX-2F customer (Roland VG-8).
Peter Mayer?
http://www.petermayer.com/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Reefer_Band
Quote from: admin on November 24, 2021, 01:32:14 PM
GX-2F and GX-2B
The GX-2F (Piezo Guitar) and GX-2B (Piezo Bass) is the same product but includes an analog Subsonic Filter board for enhanced tracking with Piezo pickups for synthesizers like Roland GR-55/VG-99(B) and older. This filter has virtually no effect with GK-Pickups/GP-10/SY-1000 and Godin Guitars with latest RMC boards (newer than 2011/2012).
https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php
However in 2021, Godin dropped RMC, and new production Godin xtSA, LGX-SA, LGXT now employ LR Baggs Piezo saddles and LR BAGGS PREAMP , missing the sub filter!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=30610.0
Quote from: CodeSmart on January 04, 2022, 02:15:42 PM
A little film about Gear Shifting if you use the GK pickup Live!
Personally I like to be able to switch between a couple of GK guitars easily, that's what made me develop this thing.
https://youtu.be/v3iyXwy7GTY
Those right-angled 13pin cables look great, do you sell them or know where to get them from?
Quote from: Nobulusprime on January 20, 2022, 12:57:11 PM
Those right-angled 13pin cables look great, do you sell them or know where to get them from?
He sells direct
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13234.0
Hi, sorry I've been pretty much absent from this great forum for a while. Half a year ago I decided to do a black-belt grading in October. Training/workout, regular day work, family and shipping Primovasound stuff (mostly GK cables and MIDX-20) eats up all my time. I hope things will calm down in November.
Quote from: CodeSmart on June 07, 2022, 02:38:46 PMHi, sorry I've been pretty much absent from this great forum for a while. Half a year ago I decided to do a black-belt grading in October. Training/workout, regular day work, family and shipping Primovasound stuff (mostly GK cables and MIDX-20) eats up all my time. I hope things will calm down in November.
Just happy to hear you are alive, well and constantly improving yourself :-).
Spent the afternoon with my GX-2 with the new V2.0 firmware. Added all my seven guitar profiles (there's space for three more ::) ) into the GR-55 and SY-1000 and the GX-2. Even though I just can switch between two GK guitars at a time, now I have all of them profiles in there "forever". So for any upcoming event I just tell the GX-2 which guitar is 1 and 2 and it automatically knows the settings and what GK SET to switch to in both synth units (connected to the GX-2 with a couple of short MIDI cables).
I realize this is overkill for many, but it simplify things for a multiple guitar/multiple synth nerd like me.
Heads up!
For you wanting a GX-2 (the best guitar switcher/synth switcher on the planet) and you feel the price is too high,
there will be a reduced price around 25 Nov (Black Friday).
E-mail with price will be sent out to my existing customers and also posted here.
Stay tuned ;)
Link:
https://primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php/
Manual:
https://primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_ManualV2.pdf
/Robert
Aloha!
I am a very happy owner of your GX-2. I am also awaiting your GKPX-14 to purchase. I decided to ask you here instead of email in case others have the same question. Can the GKPX-14 input be connected to a GK output on the GX-2,so all 4 units connected to GKPX-14
be effected by the GX-2 ?
Mahalo, Tone
Quote from: VGA-7 on November 06, 2022, 05:29:47 PMAloha!
I am a very happy owner of your GX-2. I am also awaiting your GKPX-14 to purchase. I decided to ask you here instead of email in case others have the same question. Can the GKPX-14 input be connected to a GK output on the GX-2,so all 4 units connected to GKPX-14
be effected by the GX-2 ?
Mahalo, Tone
Aloha.
With a GX-2 in the chain you may have one or several GKPX-14 before or/and after the GX-2 in any configuration or mix you want.
(The GX-2 does not consume power from GK OUT A and B. The GX-2 IN 1 and 2 allow higher current draw than GK input of a Boss/Roland synth device)
A new batch of GKPX-14 is in production.
The GKPX-14F version contains an additional subsonic filter.
The GX2 is best thing to happen to GK pick up control ever!
Question though, for a Mac using, PC ignorant dummy (;D) !
Is there a relatively simple way to update the firmware using a Mac?
Quote from: Nobulusprime on November 10, 2022, 01:31:37 PMThe GX2 is best thing to happen to GK pick up control ever!
Question though, for a Mac using, PC ignorant dummy (;D) !
Is there a relatively simple way to update the firmware using a Mac?
There's ways to run Windows on a Mac but I'm trying to get the code into GumTowns GearGrinder software when can.
Between Monday November 21'st-28'th the web page price will drop from $458 USD to only $320 USD.
(the discount ratio will also apply to all other currencies used, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP etc.)
How to do apply for a discounted unit?
1. Visit https://primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php
2. Select your Region unless not set automatically by the web page (click the flag in the toolbar).
3. Add a GX-2 to the Cart (other items like GK cables could also be added if you wish)
4. Press the Cart icon and do the Checkout. When doing the Checkout you enter your name, e-mail and delivery address and an automated e-mail will be generated and sent to sound@primova.se
5. As soon as possible your e-mail will be answered (first in, first out) and inform you on how to do the PayPal payment if still interested.
Notes:
- The number of discounted units is limited to 30 pcs. If running out of units, the deal is off.
- If payment has not arrived to PayPal one week from when receiving the manual reply-mail, the deal is off.
- You may only by ONE unit at this price.
- Shipping cost is added to the discounted price (world-wide shipping).
The GX-2 Gear Shifter editor app "Gear Grinder" has had a Mac OS update to include the firmware updater,
the firmare 2.1 file is aso included in the download.
So you Mac OS users can now enjoy the updatig of your GX2 Gear Shifter firmware. !!
Download link here
https://sourceforge.net/projects/gear-grinder/files/GX-2%20Gear%20Shifter/
I've just made a V2.2 on request from a customer.
He has Godin that strangely won't forward enough voltage onto the GKVOL (pin8) with the existing GKVOL impedance of the GX-2.
I have no problem with my own xtSA so it's weird. However added a new menu to be able to set a custom "Gain" to the input GKVOL signal.
Thought this could be beneficial if someone else experience the same problem in the future (or if someone wants to adjust GKVOL knob "touch and feel").
This will not affect using GumTown's new Gear-Grider 2.x software with the new support for firmware updates.
I hope you know he's got a new Mac Editor supporting the V2.x GX-2 and includes firmware update possibility.
I'll make this public soon when properly tested.
Quote from: CodeSmart on December 07, 2022, 12:47:28 PMI've just made a V2.2 on request from a customer.
He has Godin that strangely won't forward enough voltage onto the GKVOL (pin8) with the existing GKVOL impedance of the GX-2.
I have no problem with my own xtSA so it's weird. However added a new menu to be able to set a custom "Gain" to the input GKVOL signal.
Thought this could be beneficial if someone else experience the same problem in the future (or if someone wants to adjust GKVOL knob "touch and feel").
This will not affect using GumTown's new Gear-Grider 2.x software with the new support for firmware updates.
I hope you know he's got a new Mac Editor supporting the V2.x GX-2 and includes firmware update possibility.
I'll make this public soon when properly tested.
Thank you so much for the assistance with the troubleshooting and firmware update. None of it makes sense, especially since the SY would read 100% volume on instrument 1. Thru the GX2 it would top out at 44. I think I will be posting the general question as a separate topic to see what the impressive brain trust of this forum can offer.
There will be a new firmware. Thanks to Chrissie C. I managed to stabilize the MIDI Clock through the pedal. Also I'm going to lower the GX-2 price because there's been a lot of currency changes since the time I built the batch. However right now I'm having problem logging onto my web page. If you feel you want the pedal, hit my at sound@primova.se and I'll give you a much better price than on the web page.
Hey !
One nice thing would be to add a "Mute everything" , programable via MIDI CC ( Or CTL )
Quote from: fokof on May 03, 2023, 10:04:47 PMHey !
One nice thing would be to add a "Mute everything" , programable via MIDI CC ( Or CTL )
Thanks I'll keep it in mind ;)
I'll be on board the GX-2F user group next week! :D
Many many thanks to
@CodeSmart for making this device that will open up so many new possibilities! :)
Downloading
@gumtown 's software, oh I also got a GP-10 recently... This will be such a great summer! 8)
Please find a French user manual (many thanks to Hervé Rivalland in France) for the upcoming V2.4 Firmware
https://primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_ManualV24_fr.pdf (https://primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_ManualV24_fr.pdf)
The pending V2.4 upgrade will be published soon or when we have a new Gear-Grinder V2.4 available (GumTown...)
- V2.4 has a much more stabile BPM CLOCK rate (both when external or internal).
- V2.4 has the ability to make a specific guitar select when a patch is selected (requested by fokof)
8)
Firmware V2.4 released today
Gear-Grinder (MacOS/Windows) 2.4 is still pending.
(GumTown is almost done. Looks great, soon ready)
V2.4 2023-08-03
New: A Patch may select a dedicated guitar input (thx Fokof)
Imp: External BPM rate stabile (thx Chrissie)
Imp: Internal BPM rate stabile using timed interrupts.
https://primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php/
Windows PC GX-2 Assistant (firmware updater)
https://primovasound.com/firmware/GX-2%20SetupV2.4.zip
V2.4 Manual(ENG)
https://primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_ManualV24.pdf
V2.4 Manual(FR)
https://primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_ManualV24_fr.pdf
Thanx
Really nice product you created there.
The "noise gate" mode helps me a lot with the OSC problems I have with the SY1000
GX-2 Manual in Spanish thanks to cags12.
https://primovasound.com/pdf/GX2_Ref_ManualV24_es.pdf
Mucho gracias/Tack så mycket! :)
Quote from: fokof on August 03, 2023, 04:59:20 PMThanx
Really nice product you created there.
The "noise gate" mode helps me a lot with the OSC problems I have with the SY1000
Where is the noise gate function? It this the gk trigger level?
Quote from: Nobulusprime on August 12, 2023, 09:37:58 AMWhere is the noise gate function? It this the gk trigger level?
WORKS FOR ME :
- ENV1 - ON
-depth - 100
-att time - 0.010
-att vol - 100
-dec time - OFF
-sus time - OFF
-rel time - OFF
-mute det - ON
-mute time - 0.250
Quote from: fokof on August 12, 2023, 05:37:40 PMWORKS FOR ME :
- ENV1 - ON
-depth - 100
-att time - 0.010
-att vol - 100
-dec time - OFF
-sus time - OFF
-rel time - OFF
-mute det - ON
-mute time - 0.250
Thanks for this, apologies for being a bit slow... are you saying you need ENV1 rather than the GK mute on the input? as per images
Screen shot
(https://i.postimg.cc/0y3RXrvd/Capture-d-cran.jpg)
Thanks I'll give that a try
I've started using the GX-2 with the new GM800 recently. I've not been using the GX-2 much as a splitter and more as sustainer with SY1000.
I've become more aware of what sounds like a a 60 cycle ground hum with some higher static hiss that is generated when two units are connected to the GX-2. This is heard on the SY1000 (dynamic synths and guitar models) and not the GM800. The GM800 also does generate a few more stuck notes when connected. You can really hear a lot of noise floor when setting up the GK3 sensitivity on the SY1000 just listening to the raw GK pick up. For info I'm using genuine Roland GK13 cable and CodeSmarts patch cables and standard Roland power supplies. When I turn the GK AD converter off the hum goes away so it sounds like it is some kind of ground loop issue? However, there is no ground/earth connection on any unit including the mini mixer so I don't think it can be a ground loop issue...
I seem to remember that there was something you could do inside the GX-2 to try to combat this? Or is there another external device that might limit this noise? The GX-2 envelope doesn't affect the hum.
I have a similar issue , but with different gear
VB99>FC300 since I made my setup with the SY1000 and before I got the the GX-2, I had noise problem , tried to unplug signal cable one at a time to spot where it was coming from , noise disappeared when I unplugged the cat5 cable between VB99 and FC300. FC300 + VB99 on its own was perfectly silent.
Solution : plugged an 9v adaptor to the FC300 and powered it on with it's switch removed the problem.
My point being that ground loops can come from unexpected places
Been using and appreciating the GX-2F! Great piece of kit. I have been thinking of different ways to utilize the CTRL switches and expression capabilities. My biggest question is the ability to send MIDI out to the connected units. I know I can set a CTRL to a target of a CC number...where does that get sent? Or, can I even send it to MIDI OUT? If not it would be a great add to be able to define if it gets sent (with a MIDI Channel {or two} via either or both MIDI Outs. Then I could define in a patch to use the expression pedal inside the GX-2F or pass it along to control one or both connected GK-Devices...
Any insight?
refer to MIDI I/O page 23
file:///C:/Users/Steve/Downloads/PrimovaSound/GX2_Ref_ManualV24.pdf (file:///C:/Users/Steve/Downloads/PrimovaSound/GX2_Ref_ManualV24.pdf)
https://www.primovasound.com/products/gx2/index.php
So "No" the GX-2F cannot send CC messages created by the CTRL inputs to one or both MIDI outs.
Is this possible as a future firmware update?
Yes it does , I'm using that function.
Check with MIDI monitor what CC is sent.
Strangely , I have to set it up to CC73 to receive CC81 at the SY1000
I will try again. Thanks for the information. :)
I finally did get MIDI data across both MIDI out ports. My issue was that it will send to both the OUT ports the one MIDI Channel that is specified in SYSTEM/GLOBAL MIDI OUT. I had no need to use that function so it was set to 1. SY-1000 is set to 7 and GR-55 is set to 9. So from the units it appeared as not data was reaching it. After connecting a MIDI Monitor between them, I noticed the issue.
Once I changed to SYSTEM/GLOBAL MIDI out to 7 or 9, both MIDI Outs were sending that one MIDI channel. So to be able to change which unit can receive the data by patch isn't going to work, right now. It is either one or the other.
Thanks for all the help.
Quote from: Schultzie29466 on January 18, 2024, 06:30:45 AMI finally did get MIDI data across both MIDI out ports. My issue was that it will send to both the OUT ports the one MIDI Channel that is specified in SYSTEM/GLOBAL MIDI OUT. I had no need to use that function so it was set to 1. SY-1000 is set to 7 and GR-55 is set to 9. So from the units it appeared as not data was reaching it. After connecting a MIDI Monitor between them, I noticed the issue.
Once I changed to SYSTEM/GLOBAL MIDI out to 7 or 9, both MIDI Outs were sending that one MIDI channel. So to be able to change which unit can receive the data by patch isn't going to work, right now. It is either one or the other.
Thanks for all the help.
Sorry for not being here so often. Both MIDI outputs are chained together in hardware and will always transmit the very same data.