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.