MIDIBox SID Vids by Thorsten Klose

MIDIbox SEQ V4 Teaser from Thorsten Klose on Vimeo.

"Demonstration of an early alpha version of the upcoming MIDIbox SEQ V4.

Many planned features are not available yet. However, most functions of MBSEQ V3 have already been re-implemented in C for the new MBHP_CORE_STM32 module and for an accurate PC/Mac based emulation. I also started to add new functions which were too complex for the old PIC based core.

[0:00] new frontpanel designed by Wilba (but the firmware will also support the frontpanel of MBSEQ V2 and V3)
[0:02] a drum track can play up to 16 instruments
[0:10] patterns are stored on a SD card now, and can be loaded (and stored) w/o sequencer hickups
[0:18] zoomed step view (shows 64, 128, 256 steps on a single page)
[0:10] snare is triggered with the overworked (more flexible) roll function at 384ppqn resolution
[0:20] new pattern selection page with pattern labels and categories
[0:23] MIDIbox SID V2 in bassline mode
[0:30] Roll function used on the bassline
[0:38] a loopback track controls the transposer, it doesn't matter anymore at which position this track is located
[0:53] Piano controlled from a track in chord mode
[1:13] some randomly selected chords
[1:24] simple synth line
[1:45] now with MIDI echo in Force-to-Scale mode (synth is in mono mode, therefore only one sound will be played - it sounds like an arpeggio)
[2:14] a second MIDIbox SID bassline is played
[2:43] slowly muting the tracks
[3:00] thanks for listening! :-)

This track has been made in a 2 hours session on a sunday afternoon after the last blocking bugs have been fixed"

MIDIbox SID V2 Bassline Demo #3 c64 from Thorsten Klose on Vimeo.

"The making of a new bassline demo with MIDIbox SID V2. This major update can conrol up to 8 SID soundchips with four PIC microcontrollers, connected to a CAN network. There are 4 dedicated sound engines for Leads/Basslines/Drums and polyphonic multi sounds, which can run on any PIC core as desired.

In this demo, four 8580 SIDs are used (...but my own box is fully stuffed, it just wasn't required to use the remaining ones)
The first core plays drum sequences, the second core two independent bassline sequences.

The sequences are interactively selected from a MIDI keyboard, and sound parameters like CutOff/EnvMod/Decay are changed with faders/joystick/Control Surface.

The Audio Output of the SID which plays the lower octave bassline is feedbacked to the Audio Input for increased resonance and distortion.

You listen to pure and unique SID sound - and it is sequenced live! Only external EQs, compression and delay effects have been added.


For more infos regarding this (strictly) non-commercial Do-It-Yourself project, see uCApps.de"

MIDIbox SID V2 Bassline Demo #5 from Thorsten Klose on Vimeo.

"MP3 with better audo quality available at midibox.org

Bassline demo played on a MIDIbox SID V2 in a MB-6582 case made by Wilba.

0:03 first bassline starts to play
0:10 selecting different sequences, drums played from a sampler
0:17 "pumping" effect realized by sending the bassdrum to the sidechain of a compressor
0:25 checking the new O23 feature: bassline played unisono
0:33 changing the oscillator phase offset
0:47 detune
1:05 disabling the O23 functions
1:15 second bassline w/ external delay Fx starts to play
1:22 showing the V-meter function in bassline mode
1:47 activating oscillator synch, second oscillator played with constant pitch
2:23 activating ring modulator, played with different pitches
2:55 tweaking cutoff/VCA release/O23 pitch (distortions are SID internal)
5:38 second bassline with detuned oscillators"

Note these are the only three videos on Thorsten Klose's Vimeo channel at the time this post when up, hence no Demo #1, #2, etc. Be sure to check the channel for more if you find this in the archives.

MIDIBOX SID KEYTAR CUSTOM DIY GIANA 64 C64 COMMODORE SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Giana 64: Commodore 64 Keytar Published on Feb 25, 2010

"A quick demo of a keytar I built out of a Commodore 64. It uses two SID 6581 chips and was made using the Midibox Sid platform from www.ucapps.de. Better video to follow later." See here.

via this auction

"Up for auction is a unique electronic musical instrument, The Giana 64. Giana is a custom MidiBox SID v2 built into a keytar form-factor using an original Commodore 64 case for the body. The build includes several unique additions to the standard Midibox SID, including an assignable ribbon controller, expression pedal input, CV inputs, and of course the integrated keybed. A full MidiBox SID control surface is integrated into the neck.

I built Giana in the winter of 2010. It was a true labor of love, being one of the first large-scale electronics projects I ever worked on. The first video I posted of Giana went quasi-viral (by 2010 standards) and was covered by numerous synth blogs including Synthtopia; as far as I know it remains the only MIDIbox SID ever built into a keytar form-factor.

I tried to design it to look a little like a ghostbusters proton pack—some of the “retrofited” elements, like the rainbow ribbon cable running across the exterior, are not actually functional, but were fit for a hax00ry, cyberpunk vibe.

The instrument can be used flat on a table, or worn upright using the built-in strap buttons. The entire system is mounted onto a single piece of solid wood, and the plastic components are attatched with metal hardware, making it quite sturdy / gig-able.

Please note that for aesthetic purposes, the majority of the controls have been left unlabeled. The neck layouts are uniquely spaced, so that with a little practice all the major functions can be easily memorized. A PDF will also be provided labeling each function, to be used in combination with the official Midibox SID user manual.

Features:
MIDI Box SID V2 including standard MIDI I/O
Full control surface including mod matrix
Dual 6581 SIDs in stereo configuration, hand matched for similar filter characteristics
Integrated keyboard
Assignable ribbon controller (range-centered for use with pitch bend)
3 assignable CV inputs, 0-5V range, diode protected (plug and play with Euro modular)
Assignable expression pedal input
Custom power supply (not a recycled c64 PSU) provides robust power
Ships in custom case with custom foam inserts (see pictures—adapted from a rifle case)

Included Items:
Giana 64 Keytar
Custom PSU
Custom Carrying case
Moog EP-2 expression pedal
Rainbow guitar strap
Interface guide PDF

The instrument is in excellent condition, having been privately owned for 7 years, with about 3 of those years spent in storage. In preparation for the auction I tested every function and all systems are nominal. Since this is a DIY project however, the instrument is being sold as-is. Potential buyers should understand the responsibility that comes with owning a DIY instrument.

The pictures were taken a few days ago and reflect the present condition of the instrument. The linked youtube videos were recorded back when the instrument was first built. Not much has changed since then except for a few minor chips in the paint."

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Documenting the Making of a MIDIBox SID

YouTube via natemccoy
"I made a simple and quick video documenting the making of my MIDIBox SID.

The MIDIBox SID is a DIY synthesizer, based off of the MOS Technology SID sound chip, the 8-bit sound source of the commodore 64 computer.

Although the synthesizer i made is not 100% finished it is still operational and i thought since there isn't a lot of information on youtube about the MIDIBox SID makeup, this might help some people to understand the process a little bit better.

For more information on the MIDIBox SID please check these sites.

http://www.ucapps.de/
http://forum.midibox.org/
http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/
http://www.avishowtech.com/mbhp/buy.html

Here are some demo videos of the MIDIBox SID.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lnTh4e0b-ic
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FrgdErwTJ5o

Here are the websites for my personal electronic music projects.

Rivel -
http://www.rivel.org
Mr. Spastic -
http://mrspastic.googlepages.com"

MIDIbox SEQ V3 Session 2

YouTube via ucapps

"This is another video of a beta test session.
MBSEQ runs in song mode, a lot of arpeggiators are active, some CC lines for trancegate effect, most tracks are configured for 32th note resolution, one track runs with 2/3 speed."

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sammichSID Final Batch!

via MIDIbox

"There will be a final batch of 50 kits in October/November 2011 (or when I get 50 orders)."

via the midibox wiki
"sammichSID was designed to be the “no excuses” MIDIbox SID synthesizer kit - i.e. for all those people who want a MIDIbox SID but consider building it with modules too time-consuming, too newbie-unfriendly and/or too hard to design and construct a control surface, and where MB-6582 is too expensive, too daunting and/or too hard to source all the parts.

sammichSID therefore has the following design constraints/features, which support each other:

cheap
small
DIY newbie friendly
minimal control surface
single “walwart”/AC adapter supply, no C64 PSU brick!
stereo SID, optimized for 8580/6582A, 6581 optionally supported
“sandwich-style” stacked PCB design, no wires!
laser-cut 3mm acrylic case by Ponoko, customization possible
industry standard 2×20 character LCD with low-power LED backlight, customization possible
common control surface parts used, customization possible
To be available as a complete kit, including PCBs, components, case, hardware and (optionally) two 6582A SIDs!

MIDIbox SID Synthesizer V2 features

One Core module and one stereo SID module, fully integrated on one PCB with power supply.
Five “BankStick” slots, so you can store 4 banks of 128 patches, plus 128 “Ensembles” (engine and patch configurations)
Jumpers to configure the power supply, allowing a regulated 12V input to power 6581, or unregulated AC/DC input to power 8580/6582A.
Minimal control surface with three user-customizable buttons and LED matrix for maximum bling.
2×20 character LCD with support for low-power (25mA) or high-power (250mA) LED backlight.
Potential for future upgrade to MIDIbox SID Synthesizer V3 using add-on board..."

sammichSID by Wilba

"sammichSID was designed to be the “no excuses” MIDIbox SID synthesizer kit - i.e. for all those people who want a MIDIbox SID but consider building it with modules too time-consuming, too newbie-unfriendly and/or too hard to design and construct a control surface, and where MB-6582 is too expensive, too daunting and/or too hard to source all the parts.

sammichSID therefore has the following design constraints/ features, which support each other:
*cheap
*small
*DIY newbie friendly
*minimal control surface
*single “walwart”/AC adapter supply, no C64 PSU brick!
*stereo SID, optimized for 8580/6582A, 6581 optionally supported
*“sandwich-style” stacked PCB design, no wires!
*laser-cut 3mm acrylic case by Ponoko, customization possible
*industry standard 2×20 character LCD with low-power LED backlight, customization possible
*common control surface parts used, customization possible
*To be available as a complete kit, including PCBs, components, case, hardware and (optionally) two 6582A SIDs!

MIDIbox SID Synthesizer V2 features
*One Core module and one stereo SID module, fully integrated on one PCB with power supply.
*Five “BankStick” slots, so you can store 4 banks of 128 patches, plus 128 “Ensembles” (engine and patch configurations)
*Jumpers to configure the power supply, allowing a regulated 12V input to power 6581, or unregulated AC/DC input to power 8580/6582A.
*Minimal control surface with three user-customizable buttons and LED matrix for maximum bling.
*2×20 character LCD with support for low-power (25mA) or high-power (250mA) LED backlight.
*Potential for future upgrade to MIDIbox SID Synthesizer V3 using add-on board"

More info including how to order a kit here. via MIDIbox.org

MB-6582 MIDIbox SID Synthesizer V2 8x SID chips Elby

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This appears to be the MIDIBox SID in this video.

"This is a custom DIY synth that uses 8 SID chips for four stereo (as in “mono times two”) channels of audio. It has a great control surface with knobs and a push button routing matrix.

More information on Midibox here

'For anyone who's unaware of what the MB6582 is, it was conceived many years ago by Jason Williams (Wilba) when he unleashed on the world his 8 SID chip version of the MIDIBox SID synth. In short, it was one of the most incredible 'DIY' builds ever.'

The unit is fully functional. The 4 jacks on the bottom of the back panel are stereo out, and the top row are stereo in. There are 4 sid channels. This was built for the original owner by Elby Designs, so the build is professional."

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midibox sid

flickr by subat0mic
(click for more)

"midibox sid synthesizer in old vintage commodore c64 computer case read about this DIY project here in the work blog: www.subatomicglue.com/sidl0g/

for information about making your own midibox go here: www.ucapps.de/midibox_sid.html


This is a MidiboxSID, a synthesizer that has sound chips from the original commodore 64 personal computer from the 1980's. These sound chips are called the SID 6582

The synth is built into an original Commodore 64 computer case. And features 8 SID chips (4 stereo pairs - one SID per ear x 4 voices). Each SID chip has 3 oscillators and a variety of other features like filters, ADSR, ringmod, sync. The synth has a very flexible (and simple to use) modulation matrix, LFO, bassline sequencers, and stores patches in presets.

midibox of the week"

A MIDIbox SID is born!

YouTube via d0pefish. Title link takes you to more info on C64Music!

"The MIDIbox SID has been designed to get sounds out of the SID which cannot be achieved with other solutions. In difference to programs that are running on the C64 like the Triad MIDIslave, AnyWare M64 or the Prophet64, MIDIbox SID features more software implemented high-resolution modulation sources (LFOs, EGs), independent sound engines for all 3 voices and a low-latency MIDI interface (no note drops...)"

Previous MIDIbox posts

32 MidiBox SID vs MonoMachine

YouTube via 7thDanSound | December 20, 2010 |

"This video is in response to a request from user SH4RCR4SH in the comments of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPu1Na... [posted here]

It's a comparison between some basic sounds from the MidiBox SID and the SID machine in the Elektron MonoMachine. I'd say they compare fairly well!

Longer version of the song at the end available here:
http://soundcloud.com/7thdansound/sidpop"

SIDPop by 7thDanSound
"This is a tune I've had in the MonoMachine for quite a while. Did a quick recording of it to accompany my MidiBox SID vs MonoMachine comparison video on YouTube. I will have to rework this piece before it can be properly released."

MIDIbox SID

Title link takes you to more on the MIDIbox SID including more designs, samples and info. The MIDIbox SID is based on the Commodore 64 and it's sound chip, the SID.

Sammich SID Commodore 64 MIDIbox SID

via this auction

"Sammich SID - MIDIbox SID synthesizer
2 x SID (stereo output, midi in/out). Mios v1.9g. These are sold as kits but if you don't want (or can) build, get this one.
Works fine and sounds awesome!

More info: http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/sammichsid"

MIDIbox SID V2 Bassline Demo

YouTube via ucapps
"The making of a new bassline demo with MIDIbox SID V2. This major update can conrol up to 8 SID soundchips with four PIC microcontrollers, connected to a CAN network. There are 4 dedicated sound engines for Leads/Basslines/Drums and polyphonic multi sounds, which can run on any PIC core as desired.

In this demo, four 8580 SIDs are used (...but my own box is fully stuffed, it just wasn't required to use the remaining ones)
The first core plays drum sequences, the second core two independent bassline sequences.

The sequences are interactively selected from a MIDI keyboard, and sound parameters like CutOff/EnvMod/Decay are changed with faders/joystick/Control Surface.

The Audio Output of the SID which plays the lower octave bassline is feedbacked to the Audio Input for increased resonance and distortion.

You listen to pure and unique SID sound - and it is sequenced live! Only external EQs, compression and delay effects have been added.


For more infos regarding this (strictly) non-commercial Do-It-Yourself project, see http://www.uCApps.de"

Midibox Sid Station in Commodore 64 Case

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

via the seller: "This is a midibox Sid synthesizer based off the commodore sound chips much like the elektron Sid station but with knobs and more polyphony. It's like a sammich Sid fully knobbed out which makes it infinitely more enjoyable and there are way more voices! I'm sure if you're looking at this you know what it is and there is plenty of info out there. I got it from 'exfade' in a trade who does modifications to the roland tr machines and after he made it then straight to me, I've played it for a couple hours total so it's kind of like new DIY. The commodore case was obviously sawed out funky on the back but you never see it when playing and could maybe be addressed if you are good with DIY electronics. This thing eats other Sid based synthesizers for breakfast! I was told it's got 8 chips and two of them are the dirtier sounding older chips, I've never looked inside so I don't know for sure. The unit works great, takes a couple seconds to boot up and have the lights turn on then it purrs like a kitten.."

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Midibox SID

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Mathmatrix

"The reverb used is external, it's not coming from the Midibox Sid"

via this auction

"Midibox SID DIY synthesizer. It was built by my friend at Feedback Modules 12 years ago. It has a solid metal case and works perfectly. It's the real deal when it comes to C64 sounds. It has some gritty 8bit sounds as well as a real analogue multimode filter, 3 oscillators and plenty of modulations. The chip came from my old C64, it's the latest version, the one with the fewer bugs. I've made a video demo with some presets, you can find it on this page. The reverb is coming from an external unit."

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Mode Machines ASID 64 in Violation of MIDIBox SID Licensing?

This one in via latigid. There is currently a thread on the MIDIBox forum discussing the new ASID64 or ASF-1 from Mode Machines shown at the Musikmesse as being in violation of the MIDIBox licensing agreement. You can see it currently listed on Touched By Sound's website for 1.495,00 € here. What's interesting is the unit first made an appearance during Winter NAMM as seen in this post but may have gone unnoticed until now.

Wilba at the forum who appears to represent MIDIBox states, "I already know about this, and I will comment more on it later."
Followed by TK: "The owner of Mode Machines replies in facebook:

Quote
'Michael Thorpe Hello - I don´t think you are getting the point here. We have not offered the unit furthermore we have only showed a possible version of it and we discussed this beforehand with the owner and designer and also are currently talking to them ...'


These statements are simply not true!

Some months ago we found a MIDIbox SID on the TBS product page. Nils contacted the company, explained the legal status (during a long phone call) and got the answer that they are not planning to sell the MIDIbox anymore. But it can still be found on their page, and now we saw it at Musikmesse as well.


Quote
'we discussed this beforehand with the owner and designer'


false, they never contacted me.

Quote
'and also are currently talking to them ...'


false, they are currently not talking to us (in distance: Nils had to pro-actively contact them some weeks ago and thought that this topic is clarified).
And I must say that I'm not interested to talk with profiteers with such attitude.
Especially since it seems that they have no experience with the MBSID hardware/software - who should support the customers?

Best Regards, Thorsten."

Followed by: "Since some months we consider to change to the TAPR Noncommercial Hardware License, which would allow everybody to build and sell up to 10 units in any 12 month period on a non-profit basis w/o need for a special permission from our side.
Without going too much into details (please open a new thread if you feel that this needs more discussion, but there will be a topic soon anyhow): this license would explicitly allow a professional or hobbyists to build and sell a MIDIbox to another user if he is only paid for his expenses (w/o profit)
It would also make it less complicated to resell a used MIDIbox, no special permission required from our side as long as the NCL isn't violated.

TBS violated the old license (no commercial use without my permission), and they would also violate the new license (e.g. by renaming the project and not mentioning the copyright holders - also the announced price of 1500 EUR somehow doesn't match with the "non-profit" term).

Btw: for the case that you are interested on a MB6582, check this fleamarket sale by Lucem:
http://midibox.org/f...6-sids-3-types/

Best Regards, Thorsten."

sammichSID & sammichFM Assembly

sammichSID Assembly from Justin on Vimeo.

"A high speed construction video of a MIDIbox SammichSID synthesizer.

From the MIDIbox website:
sammichSID was designed to be the “no excuses” MIDIbox SID synthesizer kit - i.e. for all those people who want a MIDIbox SID but consider building it with modules too time-consuming, too newbie-unfriendly and/or too hard to design and construct a control surface, and where MB-6582 is too expensive, too daunting and/or too hard to source all the parts.

sammichSID therefore has the following design constraints/features, which support each other:

* cheap
* small
* DIY newbie friendly
* minimal control surface
* single “walwart”/AC adapter supply, no C64 PSU brick!
* stereo SID, optimized for 8580/6582A, 6581 optionally supported
* “sandwich-style” stacked PCB design, no wires!
* laser-cut 3mm acrylic case by Ponoko, customization possible
* industry standard 2×20 character LCD with low-power LED backlight, customization possible
* common control surface parts used, customization possible

I forgot to add a music credit at the end of the video. The audio track is djynnx. You might know him from NOMMO OGO. If you don't, you probably should. His music is amazing.

For more turbo-charged soldering iron action check out my Gristleizer assembly and test video here: vimeo.com/​5498812

Or my MIDI controlled Atari game console here: vimeo.com/​4424514

Or a vacuum tube clock here: vimeo.com/​9153860"

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Midibox Sid Station

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is a midibox Sid synthesizer based off the commodore sound chips much like the elektron Sid station but with knobs and more polyphony. It's like a sammich Sid fully knobbed out which makes it infinitely more enjoyable and there are way more voices!.. Built by 'exfade' who does modifications..."

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MIDIBox SID

via the forum, up for auction here.

"Synthesizer based on the famous SID chip from the C64

* Finished MIDIbox SID constructed - based on the DIY project UCAPPS
* Easy to use, all functions are controlled by the large display (2x40) immediately reachable
* Addition, all parameters Midicontroller or editor software controllable
* 8580 Sid chip from the C-64
* 3 Oscillators, filters LP, BP, HP
* 6 LFOs, Wavetable sequencer / Arp
* Sync Midiclock
* Audio-IN ... u.v.m.
* 128 presets
* High-quality 19 "Rackgehäuse
* Midi In / Out
* Internal power supply"

Midibox SID Bassline Demo

YouTube via StarfireMX | December 26, 2010 |

"Built up a Midibox SID on a breadbaord. This is using one 8580 SID out of a a Commodore 64, using one of the default bassline patches.


There is a slight reverb on the first half, then I add more reverb and chorus on second part, also tweaking the internal filter of the SID."