H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

[Icky]

One of the add-ons to the H5 board was the header for an internal MIDI board. The idea is to be able to plug in a MIDI board like the S2 / X2 DreamBlaster that automatically taps into the MIDI line and outputs the audio through the monitor audio line alongside the YM chip sound. In addition there is a header to tap off the L/R audio.

We would like to thank Serge from https://www.serdashop.com who provides S2 and X2 DreamBlaster boards for donating to @exxos and I some X2 boards to support the effort.

Below is info on each board and in situ:

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S2 DreamBlaster is a Waveblaster compatible synth module based on the SAM2695 chip with combined wavetable and FM synth sound for a high end retro sound. 64-voice polyphony (without effects) 38-voice polyphony + effects High quality, compact size CleanWave soundset General MIDI compatible effects 4-band stereo equalizer Low power consumption, only 5V supply required (no +/- 12V) Low noise audio output Can be used on Waveblaster compatible soundcards Can be used for electronics projects, such as arduino, raspberry pi, midibox,... Very small size, ideal for building into projects : 24mm x 34mm SAM2695 MIDI specifications and chip datasheet : click here. Cheap but brilliant replacement for the more and more becoming less available GM-daughterboards like famous Roland SCB-7 or Yamaha DB50XG. https://www.serdashop.com/waveblaster

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X2 DreamBlaster Advanced WaveBlaster + USB Synth Small formfactor midi PCB : 65mm x 38mm size Black color PCB Dream 5000 series synth chip with 81 voices polyphony, high quality effects engine Waveblaster compatible connector for use on soundcards (such as Soundblaster 16, Audician 32, ESS AudioDrive, Aureal Vortex 2 and many others...) and DIY projects. It will also work on instruments that accept waveblaster cards, such as Oberheim MC2000, Korg NS5R and Terratex Axon AX 100 Super low latency <1ms 64mbyte flash for soundbank data USB MIDI in (Class compliant midi device, works on windows XP and higher, without drivers) stereo line out using a high quality 24 bit DAC Preloaded with a high quality 16 megabyte Dream General MIDI soundbank or the High end 50 myte Buran bank. Advanced MIDI commands spec available. DreamBlaster preset editor / USB uploader tool for advanced customization/tweaking. https://www.serdashop.com/DreamBlasterX2

S2 in position on the H5:

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S2 snippet playing MIDI on H5



X2 installed on the H5:

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X2 under Gotek on the H5:

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X2 snippet playing MIDI on H5

[PhilC]

Just had an X2 and S2 delivered today as part of a black Friday bundle.

I've got the X2 installed on the H5 and consider me impressed so far.

I've just hot to find some decent midi files to give it a good trial.

[AndresPlazaR]

Hi @Icky,

I'm curious about something: how did you install the Gotek on top of the X2? I just did a fit rehearsal in my case, and it does not seem to fit... the Dreamblaster board is too tall. Of course, I could put the Gotek higher, but then the FDD hole in the case is not aligned.

Thanks,

Andres.

[Icky]

@AndresPlazaR - I think there are a few case variations around the floppy.

The case I have requires the longer floppy mounting posts see example pic below. Could you share some pics in your build blog https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 3&start=30 so we can see the difference.

First show the case floppy lugs on the right side of the case where the gotek rests on:

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Second shows how tall the posts are for my case (18mm) and the gotek resting on the lugs on the right:

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Third shows the case closed:

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[exxos]

A few more demo midi songs.

[alienkidmj12]

tempted on this myself, any volume issues with an h5 ?

[alienkidmj12]

whats this bottom left, with battery on

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[exxos]

whats this bottom left, with battery on

https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 360#p62776

[alienkidmj12]

will the X2GS work i wonder, looks pin compatible.

[Icky]

will the X2GS work i wonder, looks pin compatible.

I believe so as they are the same pinout.