Archive for the 'MPA' Category

The MPA MIDI Decoder (potentiometer and logic output) hardware is being updated.  The improved design features simplified assembly, smaller footprint and easier-to-read I/O labels.  The new boards will be available in early June.

Daren Ager’s modular drum demo, using an MPA MIDI Decoder as an interface between a Machinedrum and modular gear:

Ronin Otter’s UMR / Casio SK-1 installation how-to video (also see Nomeist’s UMR mini-review):

MIDI2600 / Synthcart / Atari 2600 demo video by The Longhorn Engineer (also see this MIDI2600-External enclosure discussion):

Spunkytoofer’s latest noise machine which includes an MSA-R for MIDI control (lots of other devices here):

Stylinghead’s photos of a clever CS01-MIDI internal install by Billy Neenos:

A Boss DR-110 / MD24 MIDI retrofit project from Darren at MakerSpace, Wellington, New Zealand:

MPA Firmware Version 1.4 is now available.  The new features are:

• User configurable power-up states for all outputs
• CC “on/off” mode for logic outputs
• “Any note” modes for logic outputs (output responds to any note number)
• Device is pre-configured with a “factory default” configuration

Complete details can be found in the firmware user manual, linked at the product page.

MIDI System Exclusive (”SysEx”) messages are used to configure Highly Liquid MIDI decoder products.

Bome’s SendSX (Windows) and SysEx Librarian (Mac) are stand-alone applications which make it easy to send SysEx configuration messages. Both are free to download.

More details can be found at the MIDI SysEx How-To.

Firmware has been updated for the MIDISpeak, MIDI2600, MPA, SKM and UMR kits. The updates address an incompatibility with some MIDI controllers & sequencers which can cause an imperfect note response. The recent MSA firmware update also addresses this issue.

Products purchased after February 1, 2008 include the updated firmware. Microcontroller ICs from earlier products may be returned for a free upgrade. Please send email for additional information.

MIDI kit user projects on the web:

• MPA-controlled shortwave radio synth with audio (Burnkit2600)
• MSA-P-controlled Boss DR-110 with video (George Lazenbleep)
• MIDISpeak review with audio (Scott at technomf.com)
• DR-770-controlled MIDISpeak / Speak & Math video (Johnny Mad)
• MIDISpeak / La Dictée Magique video (Sink Productions)

The MPA kit is included in the “Toolbox” section of Make Volume 11.

The MPA firmware has been revised to allow independent configuration of each of the digital logic outputs.

The new MPA kit is a flexible MIDI decoder. Applications include DIY filter circuits, circuit bending, and MIDI-to-DIN sync conversion. Features include:

• 4 x MIDI-controlled potentiometer output
• 8 x MIDI-controlled digital logic output
• Easy configuration via a single MIDI system exclusive message
• Power & activity indicator LEDs
• 1 x MIDI In port; 2 x MIDI Thru port

The potentiometer outputs provide variable resistance in 128 steps from approximately 100Ω to nominal values of 10kΩ, 50kΩ or 100kΩ. MIDI response is real-time.

Each potentiometer output responds independently by MIDI channel and message type. Control options include note number, note velocity, controller (”control change”; includes modulation wheel, breath controller, sliders), channel pressure, pitch wheel, and program change. The digital logic outputs can be configured to respond to note, program change, or sync messages.

The MPA has the same compact form factor as the MSA kit, and is compatible with inexpensive SERPAC S-Series (x5x) enclosures.