Memory Solutions for Synthesizers | PCB Projects / Repair / Guides
Introduction: The Vasco / OneSpan Digipass G03 is a keyfob device used to generate dynamic one-time passcodes (OTP) for each time a user remotely logs into an application, website or network. The manufacturer’s webpage can be seen at:https://www.vasco.com/products/two-factor-authenticators/hardware/one-button/digipass-go-3.html The keyfob is pre-programmed for the end-user before delivery. The…
Introduction: Back in the mid-90 s Roland launched a series of modules called the Sound Expansion (M) series. These 1-unit rack modules were closely based on the sounds that were available in the SR-JV80 Expansion Cards at that time. Sound-On-Sound did a review of these modules shortly after they were released. You can read this article Continue reading Roland M-SE1 String Ensemble Module Teardown
Introduction: The Novation Supernova II can be a tempermental beast at the best of times.Units may not not boot properly, have system lock-ups, and show general random behaviour.Some of these issues can be caused by the internal power loom. The power loom has 6 wires that connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard PCB. At Continue reading Novation Supernova II Internal Power Loom Issue
Introduction: The Novation Supernova II has a hidden menu where the Pitch Bend, Modulation Wheel, and Aftertouch response can be re-calibrated. If the wheels have been replaced due to damage or wear-and-tear they may have a different electrical range than the originals. This may cause them to not generate the full range of MIDI values, Continue reading Novation Supernova II Wheel Aftertouch…
Introduction: The Roland JV-2080 uses a CR2032 Coin Cell battery to keep all the User Presets and Custom Settings stored in memory. Eventually the original battery installed at the factory will run down. When this happens the JV-2080 will display a Low Battery message. It may also display User Memory Damaged Thankfully the battery installed Continue reading Roland JV-2080 Battery Replacement
Introduction: The Behringer TD-3 is a low cost clone of the Roland TB-303. Additionally it has MIDI ports, a built-in distortion effect, extra control signal jacks, and USB connection. The PCB layout is mostly surface-mounted components so the unit is quite light. A modern ARM processor handles all the housekeeping and can accept firmware updates Continue reading Behringer TD-3 Teardown
Introduction: A New Star in the Synth World This article contains magazine scans of the review of the Novation Supernova II published in the December 2000 edition of Sound On Sound magazine. At the end of this article is the advert for the Supernova II from the same magazine. Start Page 1: Page 2: Continue reading Novation Supernova II Review from SOS December 2000
Introduction: Earlier in the year I posted an article about a modification for the SY85 that allows the player to get higher velocity values from the keybed. For reference that article is here:https://blog.sector101.co.uk/2019/06/30/yamaha-sy85-keyboard-velocity-modification Recently I gave the floppy drive a service to keep it in check. Surprisingly the drive is still functioning perfectly on the…
Introduction: THIS TUTORIAL EXPLAINS HOW TO:1. Install the Non-Volatile SYEMB06 modules into the Yamaha TG5002. Send the Samples to the TG500 using MIDI Sample Dump3. Setup the Samples in a Waveform for use in a Voice. Thoughtful Clips has made a YouTube video based on this tutorial.You can view that video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiC1H3egu7o TG500 64 Continue reading TG500 Sample…
Introduction: THIS TUTORIAL EXPLAINS HOW TO: 1. Install the Non-Volatile SYEMB06 modules into the Yamaha SY85. 2. Load samples into the SY85 from the Floppy Disk, or using MIDI Sample Dump 3. Setup the Samples in a Waveform for use in a Voice. Before starting the Tutorial please have a blank formatted 720KB floppy disk Continue reading SY85 Sample Tutorial for SYEMB06 Expansion