There are several sample packs on Brainstep’s SD card already, however you can also create your own.
You will need up to 12 different samples with a maximum total length of 2.7s
You can use a lower number of samples and just duplicate them to use all keyboard keys. If duplicated, samples will only be saved once to save space.
Brainstep’s samples are rather LO-FI: 8-bit mu-law encoded with a samplerate of 24kHz.
To convert your samples into Brainstep’s sample pack format, you can use the web-based converter tool. If you want to be able to do this without an internet connection, just right click on the link, press “save as”. The html file works without being online.
Here are some investigations and improvements on the Juno-6 and Juno-60 noise performance. We looked at both, the original CPU as well as our Juno-66 upgrade
Both, the original CPU and Juno-66 create noise on the output. You can hear that by not playing anything on the keyboard, select SAW as input waveform (as this seems to reduce the VCA bleeding) and pull the gain all the way up.
The noise performance can be improved by adding additional filtering to the 5V supply. In case of the SH-101 for example which has a similar problem, an additional 10µF ceramic cap close to the CPU worked very well.
Now, at least in the case of my Juno, the original CPU has actually a much louder noise ( I assume because it draws more current), as compared to Juno-66.
However, the noise is not focused on one frequency, but a broader spectrum. This is due to jitter in the original CPU processing.
Juno-66 on the other hand, produces noise with a dominant frequency content and hence might be more audible – even though actually quieter.
To rectify this, I have created a firmware update that introduces additional jitter to broaden the spectrum a bit. Note, however that a good solution would of course eliminate the noise via supply rail filtering.
Noise of the original CPU, while a key is pressed the frequency is a bit different.
With the same settings: Juno-66 firmware 1.29. I press keys and change the portamento switch. Note, that this is already quieter than the original CPU
Same setting: Juno-66 firmware 1.3 – jitter is introduced
Soldering an additional 10uF capacitor between GND and 5V on the bottom of the board across the CPU supply pins, improved the noise even further.
If the optional learn button is installed, it can be used to quickly change the midi receive channel of organDonor.
Connect midi out of a computer or keyboard to midi in of organDonor. Make sure not to send any notes.
Press the learn button and while it is pressed send a midi note on any midi channel. organDonor will set this note as the lowest note of the synthesizer and use its midi channel. These settings are saved.
Playing notes
Send midi notes on the configured midi channel (see above)
More configuration
Alternatively you may configure a lot of parameters using our organDonor configurator.
We recommend using the Kawai SX-210 config file as starting point
1.) Save the file on your hard drive via right click -> save as
2.) in the configurator press “Load configuration” and select the file
If the optional learn button is installed, it can be used to quickly change the midi receive channel of organDonor.
Connect midi out of a computer or keyboard to midi in of organDonor. Make sure not to send any notes.
Press the learn button and while it is pressed send a midi note on any midi channel. organDonor will set this note as the lowest note of the synthesizer and use its midi channel. These settings are saved.
Playing notes
Send midi notes on the configured midi channel (see above)
More configuration
Alternatively you may configure a lot of parameters using our organDonor configurator.
We recommend using the Roland RS-09 config file as starting point
1.) Save the file on your hard drive via right click -> save as
2.) in the configurator press “Load configuration” and select the file
If the optional learn button is installed, it can be used to quickly change the midi receive channel of organDonor.
Connect midi out of a computer or keyboard to midi in of organDonor. Make sure not to send any notes.
Press the learn button and while it is pressed send a midi note on any midi channel. organDonor will set this note as the lowest note of the synthesizer and use its midi channel. These settings are saved.
Playing notes
Send midi notes on the configured midi channel (see above)
More configuration
Alternatively you may configure a lot of parameters using our organDonor configurator.
We recommend using the Crumar Performer config file as starting point
1.) Save the file on your hard drive via right click -> save as
2.) in the configurator press “Load configuration” and select the file
We have not had the chance yet to build our OrganDonor midi interface into a RS-101. However, we did install one in a RS-202 and – according to the schematics and a single picture found on the web – they seem to be identical when it comes to the tone generator/gate board.
This means it should be relatively straight forward to use the RS-202 installation manual and apply it to the RS-101.
If you want to try, we will of course assist. You can also contact us and send some pictures of the inside of your RS-101. We’ll be happy to help.
If the optional learn button is installed, it can be used to quickly change the midi receive channel of organDonor.
Connect midi out of a computer or keyboard to midi in of organDonor. Make sure not to send any notes.
Press the learn button and while it is pressed send a midi note on any midi channel. organDonor will set this note as the lowest note of the synthesizer and use its midi channel. These settings are saved.
Playing notes
Send midi notes on the configured midi channel (see above)
More configuration
Alternatively you may configure a lot of parameters using our organDonor configurator.
We recommend using the Yamaha SS-30 config file as starting point
1.) Save the file on your hard drive via right click -> save as
2.) in the configurator press “Load configuration” and select the file
If the optional learn button is installed, it can be used to quickly change the midi receive channel of organDonor.
Connect midi out of a computer or keyboard to midi in of organDonor. Make sure not to send any notes.
Press the learn button and while it is pressed send a midi note on any midi channel. organDonor will set this note as the lowest note of the synthesizer and use its midi channel. These settings are saved.
By default the “normal” notes are playing on midi channel 1 and the “bass” notes on midi channel 2. Setting the “normal” midi channel to channel 2 as well (using the learn button), will result in the original behaviour – as if playing on the keyboard.
Instead of using the learn button, the midi channels can also be configured via the configurator (see below).
Playing notes
Send midi notes on the configured midi channel (see above)
More configuration
Alternatively you may configure a lot of parameters using our organDonor configurator.
We recommend using the Solina String Ensemble config file as starting point
1.) Save the file on your hard drive via right click -> save as
2.) in the configurator press “Load configuration” and select the file
If the optional learn button is installed, it can be used to quickly change the midi receive channel of organDonor.
Connect midi out of a computer or keyboard to midi in of organDonor. Make sure not to send any notes.
Press the learn button and while it is pressed send a midi note on any midi channel. organDonor will set this note as the lowest note of the synthesizer and use its midi channel. These settings are saved.
Playing notes
Send midi notes on the configured midi channel (see above)
More configuration
Alternatively you may configure a lot of parameters using our organDonor configurator.
We recommend using the SK-10 config file as starting point
1.) Save the file on your hard drive via right click -> save as
2.) in the configurator press “Load configuration” and select the file
