Category Archives: Music equipment

Alesis Vortex: Modify the Ribbon Controller behavior

Posted on 2013/12/01 by rt

Some Keytar players use both hands on the keyboard part to play more complex notes arrangements. When I need to do that, I use a regular keyboard. As explained in a previous post, “I have seen keytar players “cross-under” the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Alesis Vortex: Testing remote Patch switch

Posted on 2013/11/09 by rt

The Alesis Vortex, using firmware 1.20, can now receive and act upon Program Change requests. This means that you can select a Vortex Patch remotely. I tested the new feature using my M-Audio Oxygen keyboard, but this will work with … Continue reading →

Posted in FCB1010, Music equipment, Vortex | Leave a comment

Alesis Vortex: Direct Patch programming using SysEx

Posted on 2013/11/08 by rt

In the previous post, I did a quick review of the new Vyzex Vortex software program. I also put in some details about the new features in firmware 1.20. I also updated the detailed user guide that I wrote a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Alesis Vortex: Firmware update 1.20 and Vyzex Patch Edit program available

Posted on 2013/11/07 by rt

Well, Alesis is listening to it’s users. They have just published a new firmware version for the Vortex. Version 1.20: Allows compatibility with the Vyzex Vortex patch editor software Allows the pitch-bend wheel to be reversed Allows any pad to … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged | 10 Comments

MP-2 + MRe: Hacking the Alesis Vortex and using a Wireless Midi Transmitter

Posted on 2013/04/12 by rt

A two-project merge! The Alesis Vortex needed a bit more… controls! So I decided to add a few sensors that would give me greater flexibility when playing. The Vortex is already quite capable, but my left hand was not “used” … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Electronics, MP, MP-2, Music equipment, Vortex | 3 Comments

MRe-2: XBee Midi emitter

Posted on 2013/01/10 by rt

In the previous post, I  explained that I temporarily abandoned trying to use the RFM12B radio transceiver to exchange Midi information between two devices. This post explains how I successfully used the XBee radio transceiver to achieve sending information between … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, MP, Music equipment | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Alesis Vortex – First Review: What’s inside? (Tear Down)

Posted on 2012/12/20 by rt

I received an Alesis Vortex today: Of course, I will do a user review.  I also did a functional review. But first, a tear-down! (As usual, a click on the picture will enlarge it) I will try to be precise … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

VC-1: New circuit

Posted on 2012/02/07 by rt

The first circuit design for the VC-1 was a bit unstable and very dependant on the quality of the control signal. Since the goal here is to control the resistance with a PWM signal from the micro-controller, the control signal … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment, VC-1 | Tagged , | 15 Comments

VC-1: Volume Control Beta

Posted on 2011/12/24 by rt

The VC-1 is. On the left, the Silonex Audiohm opto-couplers (OC) with the electronic drivers. it has been described here. On the right, the line-buffer/impedance-controller described there. It works as expected, using two digital pins on the Arduino micro-controller to … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Electronics, Music equipment, VC-1 | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Griffin Stompbox: A review

Posted on 2011/08/04 by rt

Update 16/1/31: Nothing left of this device on the Griffin site. I guess it has been retired (deprecated) Since I develop pedal boards, I thought I’d give the Griffin Stombox a try. To see what others are up to. The … Continue reading →

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