PRIMOVA MIDX-20 Dual Roland USB MIDI Converter / Ctrl Interface

[CodeSmart]

Hey Robert,
I know the MIDX-20 is mainly aimed as a MIDI toolbox for Roland/Boss devices, but here is a question.

How challenging is making a non class compliant interface compatible with MIDX-20 like you did for the GP-10?

I've been tinkering with the Line6 Variax VDI USB interface by capturing its traffic and I can see this is basically a MIDI interface with proprietary driver (like the GP-10). Tried connecting it to my MIDX-20 but as expected the connection failed.
My idea is to instead of using a RJ45/MIDI cable mod (which has its own challenges and it's not for everyone) having the MIDX-20 acting as an host to the VDI interface could open up the avenue to many Variax users to buy the MIDX-20 to accomplish MIDI control.
Even better a Bridge implementation would allow easy control of advanced settings that are normally done only via SysEx through the PC Workbench app.

Thoughts?

A few days-a week work I guess. But I don't have a Variax. How's your C programming skills? You need to invest in a PICKIT 3 (abt 50-60EUR) for programming/debugging the MIDX-20. If you feel tempted to try we can discuss on e-mail. I suspect existing code mods would be "moderate" effort. After establishing successful connection, the SysEx needs to be captured and simulated inside a "bridge", triggered by incoming CC#.

[cags12]

A few days-a week work I guess. But I don't have a Variax. How's your C programming skills? You need to invest in a PICKIT 3 (abt 50-60EUR) for programming/debugging the MIDX-20. If you feel tempted to try we can discuss on e-mail. I suspect existing code mods would be "moderate" effort. After establishing successful connection, the SysEx needs to be captured and simulated inside a "bridge", triggered by incoming CC#.

The Bridge part is just a nice edition that can come over time though. This I feel more confident if you have a sample code on how you do with the GP-10 or Katana, I can then pick it up quickly and create the mappings.

On the the succesful connection part. I used to program in C back at the university but have not done it in over 10 years now, although you never forget creating algorithms. The problem is I have zero driver/USB subsystem knowledge and what to look for. The Line 6 driver its a binary and not sure how to debug. Although similarly to the above, with a sample code of the GP-10 driver, and pointers I could give it a try, or at least start reading about it.

I can check for interest in the Variax Forums and FAcebook groups though before embarking on this journey.

[CodeSmart]

I can check for interest in the Variax Forums and FAcebook groups though before embarking on this journey.

Do so and we talk. I can provide everything you need.
It's not rocket science when 99.9% of the code is already written and in front of you.
I never went to university by the way, so your ahead of me

Another option is for me to buy yet another guitar  
I found a nice looking jtv-59 for 750 EUR... GAS!!!

[cags12]

Do so and we talk. I can provide everything you need.
It's not rocket science when 99.9% of the code is already written and in front of you.
I never went to university by the way, so your ahead of me

Another option is for me to buy yet another guitar  
I found a nice looking jtv-59 for 750 EUR... GAS!!!

Will do, it's gonna be a fun project indeed.

Haha we never miss an excuse for another guitar indeed

I'll come back to you after asking around.

[Moby]

MIDX-20 with Line-6 FBV Shortboard and Katana Mk2 Head

Hello...
I recently received a MIDX-20 from Codesmart initially, to control a Katana Head Mk2 with a Line-6 Fbv Shortboard Mk2. With some help from Codesmart I have been able to get the Fbv controlling the Katana with this amazing piece of kit. This controller has been around for a while and has been sat redundant after my PODxt conked out.
The Fbv is a great board since it has 13 switches plus a toe switching expression pedal. The challenging part was programming the toe switch which seems to work independantly from the rest of the board. In order to use it, I have to go through a short calibration procedure while connecting to the MIDX UPR USB. This seems to be mandatory otherwise the pedal functions don't work properly.

When assigning CC#s in the Fbv software I had to use the custom function to reverse the toe switch on(64-127) and off(0-63) values when toggling pedal FX SW wah CC#22 in order to press down to toggle from global volume CC#7 to pedal FX SW with a working pedal FX Position CC#23.

The default positions for switching/toggling work opposite to what you would expect otherwise when you press down to activate the wah it actually switches off. When you press again, the wah toggles on except that now it is back to volume position with the wah still activated - hope this makes sense  .

I've attached a photo of the Fbv settings.

Has anyone had experience with the Fbv mk2 to explain the need to calibrate the exp pedal to work with the MIDX?

Otherwise the Fbv is a workable controller and with the MIDX its been handy to use the translation to assign the Solo Lvl CC#56 (from the boost section) when toggling the wah for some extra volume. A seperate Solo CC# would definitely be a great idea for the next MIDX firmware upgrade 

Also a question for Codesmart or anyone that has utilised the Bank functions in the Katana Mk2. Is there a way to switch between bank A and B either using a PC# or CC# command without having to cycle through patches. I realise there are no msgs sent back to the controller but is it a possible to modify PC# patches so they toggle between A1 to B1; A2 to B2 ect. This would be very handy.

Thanks for reading. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[tele1974]

So where can I get a PRIMOVA MIDX-20. I see they are out of stock. When will they be back on stock?

[CodeSmart]

So where can I get a PRIMOVA MIDX-20. I see they are out of stock. When will they be back on stock?

I actually working on it but recently I've been trying to have some vacation.
I do these outside a demanding day-job working hours.
Please be patient and thanks for your interest

[CodeSmart]

New boards with assembly ordered (50 pcs)

[tele1974]

Excellent. Thank you very much. Do you do a preorder list of people who want to order. If so I'd like to be on that list.

[CodeSmart]

Excellent. Thank you very much. Do you do a preorder list of people who want to order. If so I'd like to be on that list.

I'm making 50+ units. There will be units available.

[lscottk]

I'm making 50+ units. There will be units available.

@CodeSmart - I have a MIDIX-20 that was manufactured in 2020. Do the new units that you're making have any features not present in the 2020 model?

[tele1974]

Do you have an estimated ETA on Midx-20 arrivals/completions?

[CodeSmart]

Do you have an estimated ETA on Midx-20 arrivals/completions?

No, but trying to get something happening with guys that seems pretty busy out of my control.

[CodeSmart]

Katana MKII MIDI-Bridge firmware update now available (FW3.0). Finally got time to implement some long wanted additional MKII MIDI CC# features: SOLO SW, SOLO LVL, CONTOUR SELECT/SETTINGS, CAB PRESENCE, NS ON/OFF, TONE SHAPE EQ SEL + Settings for all EQ's. Global, Patch EQ+EQ2+SOLO EQ.

Also got a few new MIDX-20 units available right now.

MIDX-20 Page:
https://primovasound.com/products/midx20/index.php
KAT MKII MIDI Map:
https://primovasound.com/pdf/MIDX_20_KatanaMKIIV2.0.pdf

[JakeCJ]

Just received this device and I cannot seem to get it working.  I have a Morningstar MC6 Pro that I want to use to control Boss Katana Artist Mk2(set on Midi Ch 7). I'm on a mac so can't use the PC software but I did the steps in the manual to change the Katana midi bridge to Midi Ch 7 using the small button and I've set the UPR usb mode to control In(green).

I've wired as follows: MC6 Pro USB Host(USB C) OUT -->  MIDX20 Upper USB A IN.  Midi 5 pin OUT of MIDX20 -->  Midi IN of Katana Artist MK2.  I've also tried MC6 Pro 5-pin Midi OUT to 5-pin Midi IN of MIDX20 but no activity registering that way either.

The USB led lights won't change from Yellow (I've tried several cables) and when I try to send a midi message there is no flashing of midi leds on the MIDX.

Hoping you can guide me to get this working!  Thanks!!

[CodeSmart]

We have discussion on e-mail and he cannot connect the Morningstar host USB to MIDX-20 host USD. Two hosts cannot talk to each other.

[Rolloq]

Bummer they have not implemented support for USB Host connection to Roland/Boss - as CME WIDI U-Host. Or Pirate MIDI Or Xsonic Airstep, Primovasound MIDX-20, or VController, or Linux based Raspberry Pi, or Android do.

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=35524.0#quickreply_anchor

[tele1974]

Glad I found you guys. I am running the MIDX-20, the FCB1010 (UNO2), and the Katana MKII.
I have successfully setup the presets and effects in UNO2, however, I have not been able to get the sweeps to work correctly. Global volume works. I am wondering if their is something that I need to change in the Katana settings.

Question 1) When using the MIDX-20 connected via USB to the Katana does it override the Katana "midi" settings setup in the Katana settings?

Question 2) Is anyone here using the UNO2 EPROM with the FCB1010/Midx-20 that has a useable PC#/CC# script that they could share?

Question 3) I purchased my Midx-20 from the most recent batch. Is the Katana MKII bridge already installed? I believe it is Version 3. I attempted to check the firmware on the MIDX but was getting a communication error when opening it via "button push, with power" state.

Thank you for any help it is much appreciated.

[Elantric]

Explain "Sweeps" ?
I assume you mean FCB-1010 Expression pedal transmitting MIDI CC# to a Target Katana  FX (i.e.  like "Tremolo Rate " for example) ?

Review the MIDX-20 Katana MIDI DOC , create FCB-1010 ( UNO) Expression pedal assignments with matching  MIDI CC# to the MIDX-20 Katana target FX described here
https://primovasound.com/pdf/MIDX_20_KatanaMKIIV2.0.pdf

And always use a thIrd party MIDI MONITOR to debug https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0

[tele1974]

Yes. The UNO2 calls expressiom pedal values "Sweeps".

Something weird is happening at the Midx-20 to Katana.

I checked the transmitted PC and CC values with the PC editor fir the UNO2. Things seem fine out of the FCB1010.

Also tried direct "midi" into the Katana from FCB1010 and mapped to the internal Katana values. Expession pedal is smooth and responsive and channel stwiching and effects on/off are instantaeous.

Back to the Midx-20 connected via usb to Katana. The expression pedal only works on two Katana channels and is laggy. I'm not sure how to describe it. I picture it not sending all the numbers from 0-127. Pedal 2 doesn't work at all. It does something in the middle of the throw and I can rock back and forth over the spot. Incomparison to direct midi the midx seems slow and glitchy.

The correct midi bridge is installed on the Midx, and I checked for Artist amp and tone studio for updates.

So... No idea whats going.

Any help would be much appreciated

[Elantric]

What specific MIDI CC# is your FCB-1010 expression Pedal transmitting ?

( use a third party MIDI MONITOR)

Strategies are here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0

[CodeSmart]

Does the FCB send out any real-time messages? CLOCK etc. Can these be turned off?

[tele1974]

I connected the FCB1010 to midiox before I left for work. And the FCB doesn't seem to be stable. Sorry I'm not a programmer. Just a guitar play that likes to tinker with gear.

The midi monitor page of the PC editor for the UNO2 EPROM of the FCB1010 revealed clean messages and smooth expression pedal number transmits.

In MIDIOX....well. Much different. There is a constant stream of numbers I don't understand. Like its maybe looping. Weird also is the channel indicator is quivering from channel 1 to 2 in midi ox.

I am going to use a simpler script for the UNO2 and reflash it. And check it again in MidiOx.

We are getting somewhere now.
Thank you guys. This is very helpful.

[Elantric]

I connected the FCB1010 to midiox before I left for work. And the FCB doesn't seem to be stable. Sorry I'm not a programmer. Just a guitar play that likes to tinker with gear.

The midi monitor page of the PC editor for the UNO2 EPROM of the FCB1010 revealed clean messages and smooth expression pedal number transmits.

In MIDIOX....well. Much different. There is a constant stream of numbers I don't understand. Like its maybe looping. Weird also is the channel indicator is quivering from channel 1 to 2 in midi ox.

I am going to use a simpler script for the UNO2 and reflash it. And check it again in MidiOx.

We are getting somewhere now.
Thank you guys. This is very helpful.

Make a screen shot of MIDIOX screen and post it

Many here understand MIDI messages , and can determine what your constant stream is

It may be MIDI  Active sensing
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2977.0

[gumtown]

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