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Build Your
Own MIDI-to-
Synthesizer
Interface
lip through any music
F
or recording magazine response with
short keyboards
and youll find constant Fits behind an industry standard 1U
reference to the fact rack panel (1-3/4 by 19)
that were in the midst
of an analog synthesiz- But if you really want to know directly to input port line PA7 of the in to the microprocessor one at a time
er revival. Indeed, more and what the MTS-100 can do, then check MC68705P3 microprocessor. (For and are properly reassembled into a
more musicians are dusting off out its Implementation Chart in Figure brevity, this chip will be referred to as complete byte under control of the
their favorite instruments of yes- 1. By custom, each piece of MIDI gear the 68705 from now on.) The bits roll firmware residing within the chip.
teryear and hauling them into is supposed to be provided with just
the studio or onto the stage such a chart. Its really nothing more Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks
again. than a standardized way to explain Basic Default *** 1
what MIDI features are available, Channel Channel *** 1-16 note 1
The claim is that these old analog what messages are recognized, etc. Default *** Mode 4
synthesizers have a richer and warmer Take a moment to review it. After you Mode Messages X Modes 2 or 4 note 2
sound than their modern digital coun- get a feel for what to expect, then Altered *** Modes 2 or 4 note 3
terparts. The only trouble, though, is read on to see how the MTS-100 Note X O
that analog units are voltage-con- works. Number True Voice *** 0-127 note 4
trolled, whereas virtually all modern Velocity Note ON X X
recording and performing equipment CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION Note OFF X X
is MIDI based. Aftertouch Key X X
MIDI is a standard protocol that Since the MTS-100 is really little Channel X X
permits the interconnection of a broad else than a glorified digital-to-analog Pitch Bend X O
range of musical devices, and then converter (DAC), its convenient to Controllers X O note 5
lets them communicate with each split the schematic into two main Program X X
other via a digital bit stream. parts. In broad terms, Figure 2 depicts Change True # *** ***
Well, dont give up on your ana- the digital side of things, while Figure System Exclusive X X
log synthesizer just yet, for heres the 3 shows the analog portion. System SPP X X
MTS-100! The MTS-100 is an inexpen- Refer to Figure 2 now. If youre Common Song Select X X
sive monophonic MIDI-to-Synthesizer getting a sense of deja vu, theres a Tune Request X X
interface which lets you add digital reason! You might recall my ADV-MIDI System Clock X X
control. With it, its a snap to connect project which appeared in the Oct. Realtime Commands X X
a modern music keyboard or a person- 97 issue of Nuts & Volts Magazine. Aux Local ON/OFF X ***
al computer running sequencer soft- The purpose of that circuit was to All Notes Off X O note 6
ware to your dinosaur. convert incoming MIDI messages to Active Sensing X X
The MIDI messages coming down triggers suitable for firing analog drum Reset X O note 7
the pike are converted to standard sets. As it turns out, quite a bit of the
control voltage, gate and trigger for- input circuitry can be copied over Notes:
1. At power-up or during reset, switch S2 can set the MTS-100 to receive on any channel
mats, perfect for taming most older directly. So, we can really buzz (1-16).
equipment. And just check out these through the explanation now. The 2.The MTS-100 can be set to Omni Off or Omni On either by front panel switch S1, or by
features: basics will be described here, but if an appropriate Channel Mode Message.
you need more details or want to 3.The MTS-100 is a monophonic device, but is compatible with any MIDI keyboard even if
MIDI IN and THRU jacks refresh your knowledge of MIDI, refer polyphonic. In this case, it simply responds to the most recent Note On message.
4.The MTS-100 can convert all 128 MIDI notes. If using a short keyboard, switch S3 can
1V/octave control voltage output back to the article just mentioned. transpose notes up or down by one octave to extend the output range.
Pitch bend (pitch wheel) control A source of MIDI messages (com- 5.The following Channel Mode messages are recognized: Reset All Controllers, All Notes
voltage output ing from a music keyboard, sequencer, Off, Omni Off, and Omni On. Reset All Controllers sets the pitch bend output to its
Independent gate and trigger out- personal computer, etc.) is applied to midposition value.
6.Sending the Omni Off or Omni On commands also turns all notes off, as required by
puts for full retriggerability jack J5. Optocoupler IC1 isolates and the MIDI 1.0 spec.
Omni on or off switch and indicator translates the electrical signal as 7.The current channel can be changed during the Reset sequence, if desired.
Channel switch and indicator required by the MIDI specification. A Mode 1: Omni On, Poly Mode 2: Omni On, Mono O: Yes
Recognizes a variety of MIDI suitable replica of the bit stream is Mode 3: Omni Off, Poly Mode 4: Omni Off, Mono X: No
Channel Mode messages generated at output pin 6 of IC1. Figure 1 The MTS-100 Implementation Chart
Octave transpose switch extends One path conducts this bit stream
Other components
PARTS LIST X1
S1, S2
4 MHz crystal
SPST pushbutton switch
S3 SPDT (on-off-on) toggle switch
All resistors are 1/4-watt, 5% values. J1 - J4 1/4 phone jack
R1 - R6 220 ohms J5 - J7 Five-pin DIN jack (180 degrees)
R7 - R10 470 ohms
R11, R12 1K Miscellaneous: printed circuit board, LED holders, IC sockets,
R13 1.2K front panel, wire, solder, etc.
R14, R15 1.8K
R16 - R22 4.7K ORDERING INFORMATION
R23 - R27 10K
R28 10K trimmer potentiometer A kit of parts for the MTS-100 is available from the source
R29 22K below. Included with the kit is an etched, drilled, and tinned
R30 100K printed circuit board, programmed microprocessor, all resistors,
R31 220K capacitors, semiconductors, crystal, switches, jacks, LED
holders, sockets, and Assembly Guide. Does not include front
All capacitors are 16V. panel, wire, or solder.
C1 22 pF dipped silver mica
C2 - C7 0.01 mfd disc MTS-100 Kit (#K210)-$69.95
C8 - C10 0.047 mfd mylar
C11 - C13 0.1 mfd disc US and Canadian orders add $5.00 shipping and handling. E-Mail or write
C14 1 mfd electrolytic for shipping information to other countries.
C15 - C17 10 mfd electrolytic
C18 100 mfd electrolytic Prices shown in USA dollars. Remit US funds only. Money orders and
checks only. MN residents add 6.5% sales tax. Prices and terms subject to
Semiconductors change without notice.
D1 1N914 or 1N4148 diode
D2 - D5 Red LED Order from: Midwest Analog Products
Q1 - Q4 2N3904 NPN transistor P.O. Box 2101
IC1 6N138 optocoupler N. Mankato, MN 56003
IC2 74LS00 quad NAND gate The complete source code for the MTS-100 firmware may be downloaded
IC3 MC68705P3 MPU (programmed) free of charge from the WWW homepage of Midwest Analog Products.
IC4 DAC0800 D-to-A converter
IC5 4016 quad SPST switch WWW:http://prairie.lakes.com/~map
IC6 4136 quad op-amp E-Mail: map@prairie.lakes.com