[sdiy] Microprocessors for Music

[Brice D. Hornback]

Hello.  If you're interested in doing a little DIY in software rather than
solder... the PSIM-1 has a *lot* to offer.  This email is to inform you that
the SynthModules PSIM-1 module can now be pre-ordered.  Please see the
following page for details:

http://www.synthmodules.com/psim-1.htm

I will only be accepting orders to do a *small* batch of modules at this
time.  Once I have enough orders for this batch, the order page will no
longer be available.  If you are interested in getting a PSIM-1 module,
please do not wait.  Order today.

The SynthModules group is the best source of information available regarding
this module.  There are code samples, MP3's, and other people with PSIM-1
modules who can also help answer questions.
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/SynthModules/

Additional details regarding the PSIM-1 can be found on the SynthModules Web
site at:
http://www.SynthModules.com

Best regards,

Brice D. Hornback
http://www.SynthModules.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Grant Richter" <grichter at asapnet.net>
To: "Peter Grenader" <peter at buzzclick-music.com>;
<synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:21 PM
Subject: [sdiy] Microprocessors for Music


> Synthmodules.com is not paying me anything, so I feel free to discuss this
> regarding general DIY projects that could use a microprocessor.
>
> Writing C or assembler is not fun for me, but writing BASIC is. I started
> writing BASIC when I was 11, so it is sort of a second language.
>
> In pursuit of a BASIC programmable analog synth controller, I have built
> units based on the Sinclair ZX-81 and the Atari 800XL. Neither was fast
> enough under BASIC to be really useful (micros only had 1 or 2 MHz
clocks).
>
> Out of the blue, Brice put together the PSIM-1 which is based on the Basic
> Atom Pro, a 16 MHz Hitachi H8 with the MBasic interface.
>
> http://www.basicmicro.com/
>
> Well, gosh darn it if the thing isn't faster than sh*t. Updating 4 x 12
bit
> serial DACs takes 400 microseconds and reading 4 ADCs and updating 4 DACs
to
> make a 4 channel chromatic quantizer takes a millisecond. This is with
BASIC
> language programming. As a rule of thumb, a single line of BASIC code
> executes in 20 microseconds. Also you can program MIDI and DIN interfaces
> with BASIC.
>
> So, for one off and hobby projects where the $50 for the stamp is doable,
> you could use a Basic Atom Pro and make the software development end a LOT
> more approachable.
>
> If you just want to program, Brice has already done a nice job packaging
the
> Basic Atom Pro into a synth module. I worked with him to make sure the
> analog end was very stable and scaled correctly for simultaneous analog
and
> MIDI synthesizer control.
>
> http://www.synthmodules.com
>
>