I'm a Synthesizer Nerd.. I collect and play around with Synthesizers and now I'm creating my own synthesizers using ST Microcontrollers and Digital Analog Converters.
You Tube is not my full time Job.. Unfortunately I have very limited time to make videos.
My full time work is Repairing Avionics for Business Jets.
Thanks for checking out my Channel!
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Do we really need this st link dongle or can we use the mini usb port for programming?
To just build it and play it all you need is the USB. If you want to follow the videos that teach about the code and maybe tweak it around, then the ST Link would be the way to go.
Can I use the stm32F401 also?
it's too slow and not enough RAM to handle the code and perform adequately
Hey @synthetech great project! I tried bulding one with the UDA1334A DAC Module and seems nothing is coming out. Might I have the same problem as the PCM 5102 as faulty soldering from the Mfr? Everything else sounds good according to my vmeter.
I don't think there are any solder jumpers on that board. It is possible the board itself is defective. Did you check for signals with a oscilloscope?
@@Synthetech Yes, everything seems ok. I will replace de module just to be sure. Do you think It would be better to go with the PCM5102 dac and the St-link powering? Tank you for the reply!
Sorry your having issues. I tend to like the UDA DAC because it looks better built and I was able to buy several for 2.50 USD ea. Power should not matter but I usually have a stlink connected because I tweak the code.
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What is this tool set worth? I recently inherited a full set in mint condition and simply cannot find any information about them.
I think I paid about $200 for it.But I don't know what it's worth today. Could be more
great ! i have only one problem, can't launch the GUI at all on my w11 pc !
Strange.. I will try to check into this over the weekend.
@@Synthetech if i have the time, i'll check on my laptop ! there is sometimes stranges usb behaviour with W11...
Hi Jean. Any luck getting it to work?
@@Synthetech don't know, birthday/Reapet weekend !
@@Synthetech yes, at least ! actually, it was blocked by windows security ! it works now. I Thank you to your work, it's great ! I will 3Dprint a box for it later !
Hello, and thank you for the quick answer. Basic misunderstanding on my part. All solved and chip now loaded with software. Great work. Thanks again.
Glad it helped. What ended up being the solution?
@@Synthetech that's the annoying thing for me. I'm not quite sure. I downloaded the software, unzipped it, connected the BP to the PC and the device came up as a unknown usb, with no drivers. Eventually, I realized the location for the drivers was in the folder in Programmes 86. However, at first it wouldn't work, and the driver kept being not found. I did something, but in my advanced years, I'm getting forgetful, and can't remember what! Thing is, this is my first ever project, and I'm not the most nimble withy hands anymore. Moreover, when I ordered the parts, mistakenly, I order sm optoisolater, instead of DIP 8. Never mind. In the end, I soldered pinned wires to the SM connectors and the carefully connected onto the bread board . I thought I was being clever, and it has apparently worked, but having constructed everything as per instructions, it wouldn't work. First problem is that the installed driver, for some reason isn't found, and won't load. At this point I stopped and am currently licking my wounds :)
Bobbi did you get it working?
@@Synthetech yes, I did thank you. But, it wasn't such plain sailing. At first, I suspected the BP might be faulty, since it at first refused to accept the code. Nonetheless, eventually I managed to get it done. If I'm honest, I'm not very good when it comes to understanding electronics, and I don't always read instructions very thoroughly. The main issue for me was in getting the code into the chip. I eventually managed to get it working, and now I'm struggling to get the Gui up and working. Synthesis is a fascinating game, or? Anyway, I'm rambling now (old people do tend to do that). But thanks for your interest in my adventure. Very best regards, Bobbi,,🤗
Hello, I am a complete newbie, have soldered the pins to the chip and the st header, but my PC can't identify the board. It just says Unknown USB Device(Device Descriptor Request Failed). There is a red pwr light on on the BP board when connected to the USB-C Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I think there's a driver file with the st software that you need for the device to be recognized. Did you hold down the reset switch before you connected the USB and then release after it powers up?
I used a 3.5 mm jack instead of a DIN socket for Midi, given the modern TRS Midi hype....Saved a bunch in cabling....
Where did you get your jack?
Hello again, Blaine. I got this built and working. Thanks for this cool project! I was getting no sound from the PCM5102 DAC board. I found out I had to put solder jumpers on the bottom of the board to set the right mode. I just used solder blobs to connect: 1L, 2L, 3H, 4L. Also, your Windows GUI works in OK in Linux using WINE, though it takes maybe 20 seconds to load for some reason. Would probably work for Mac people also. Will go through your code tutorials next and learn how you did the sound algorithms. Thanks again!
Glad you got it working. Those open jumpers on the back of the DAC Modules has become a common issue lately. I'll try to put something together to give people more of a heads up about it. Hope you enjoy your new synth!
@@Synthetech Was also wondering if you can post somewhere some good setting examples for some cool sounds. It takes quite a bit of fiddling to get something that isn't annoying noise, LOL.
@@VincePatron It would be some time before I could find time to do so. I would recommend reviewing the two GUI controls videos to get some examples for now: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nKys27x8pJTPgdo.html Be sure to have your Amp and Filter EG controls active. You could have the amp EG active but not the Filter EG and not get much sound out.
Thank you so much for putting the time and effort for not just an excellent device but also the incredible tutorials! This is great stuff! I've got the MCU programmed and have that and DAC on the boardboard, just waiting on optoisolators (arriving tomorrow). Today got a used MIDI controller (49 key version of yours) for $25. Hope to get this working next few days. Thanks so much for your work and sharing your techie adventure!
I must say this looks like a very nice and good project, thanks for sharing this. It teaches how digital synths work, C coding and how microcontrollers work. It also sounds great. Look at for example the KORG Wavestate and many of the KORG synths, its just a beefed up version of this BP-synth running on a Raspberry PI with some knobs, display and a keyboard. Every person who builds and programs this synth will learn a lot that can be used in so many other applications as well as making music stuff. Thanks.
Thanks Mateo. I wish I had more time to spend on the project and create more vids but I average 65hrs a week at work and it leaves little time to do anything fun like code synths and make more vids. I am slowly working on a 2nd Synth Version with Display and Patch Memory on a simple PCB with a few buttons and a encoder to navigate menus. Hope to make a demo vid of it soon..
Is the scourcecode avaliable? Would be nice if one want to make customizations and add my own functions. Also very good for learning how a synth device like this is programmed.
Check the Tutorials: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hneFlcWKedKbgdI.html&pp=gAQBiAQB I've not updated it in a while but it goes over the code and provides source code for each stage of development of the synth. Last vid done went over the filter..
Where does the single voice that makes this a monosynth live? Is it the code running on the blackpill or is it part of the DAC? Can we expand voices on this build get get poly?
Code is running on the BlackPill that streams audio codec to the DAC module. BlackPill only has so much power to process all the DSP code at once. You could create a poly synth with the BlackPill but you would have to leave out things like Delay/Phaser and the Filter.
Ribbon connectors "flip up the tab: can you explain more? I don't see how to get those 2 black ribbon cables out.
It's been 11 years since I did the video and not sure myself. But I think you feel around the grey plastic around the black ribbon cable and with your fingernail catch the edge and flick it up to release the cable.
@@Synthetechthanks so much! do you mean the two sides stay together on top, to the long side of the cable but separate at the bottom by printed circuit board?
I think so. But honestly it's been so long ago and the video is so blurry I can't see it well enough to confirm. Sorry I'm not much help.
@@Synthetech Thanks!
Hi, very impressive. Would it be possible to edit the code so it could be controlled via potentiometers on the pins?
Possible yes. But not currently on my to do list yet..
Unbelievable! It sounds really great. looking forward to buld one and jump into the code :) Thanks for your inspiration!
Very impressive work! I was looking for ideas on building a synth to go with a Pi Pico guitar pedal I designed and this is a lot like I was thinking. I was wondering if there could be a Eurorack/patch-panel like setup where multiple LFOs, envelope generators, oscillators, and such could be connected together in a myriad of ways.
Thank you! I never really intended the BP Synth to emulate a modular system. I really had more in mind like a MiniMoog or a Roland SH-101.
I love this work. You've got me back into MIDI. Thank you. A note: The 6N137 is spec'd for 5V. The STM32F411 is 5V tolerant. If you connected pin 8 of the 6N137 to the 5V line on the black pill you would run the opto at spec, increase the noise margin. And you have 5V on a pad of the black pill ready to go.
Thanks. Unfortunately the 5v line wont work when you use a ST-Link to program/debug/test it. I've ran it for years with the 3.3v and it works without issue everytime all the time.
I see. When you're programming it I assumed you don't really care that the opto is unpowered.
This is awesome! Is it possible to pair this with an arduino midi controller to take the computer out of the loop? I would imagine pairing it with an LCD to display the settings.
Thanks! Absolutely you can use any MIDI keyboard/controller with it. I have a MIDI CC chart included in the Project Zip file. I've already started and slowly (a few hours on Sundays) been working/programming on a version that uses a PCB with OLED Display, 3 buttons and a Encoder with push switch to navigate settings/options, have saved presets/patches and maybe some kind of sequencer. I may try to get a small teaser video up soon... not sure if it can be turned into a fully sellable item, but we'll see...
I hope we can directly program machine code to it like in the 80ies ☺
Very very cool! I can't believe how many features you packed into this little thing.
Cool project! That blackpill is a underestimated monster I think.
Such rare and valuable information to anyone interested in synth programming, thank you(subbed)!👍
Awesome, thank you!
Amazing !!
This is amazing - the advice you give on soldering and generally hooking things up is universally applicable. GREAT stuff!!!
This thing sounds amazing!
Wow! I'm so glad I came across this video and your channel. Instant subscribe. Now I needto follow the tutorial and build me a couple of these. The sound is absolutely amazing. And your editor software looks great. Kind of 90s retro. I like it. I have a question - I've never heard of the Black Pill. Is it widely available?
Thanks. The Black Pill is readily available on AliExpress for a bit cheaper than when I posted these videos. See my other videos in the Playlist to see where you can source the parts. Enjoy!
@@Synthetech will do. Thanks for that ✌️
Is there a way to use potentiometers on the breadboard instead of the gui? People love knobs and if they had a way to adjust all those parameters in real time without needing a complex controller that could really get some people interested. Anyways I will be trying this over the next couple of weeks so expect plenty of questions lol
There could be a way, but that complicates the build and increases costs.
In Floyd Steinberg's build, he's using MIDI knobs to control parameters, at 7:13: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eJ6AxbKHmN2np9I.html Surely that's the way to go!?
@@tkonan Not sure if that's falling into the "complex controller" catagory. But yes, having a hardware midi controller is quite easy to use with the BP Synth.
@@tkonan I suppose but you need a midi controller for that, would be cool if this build could have the knobs / sliders on the breadboard itself
Thanks Tony. Can't wait to hear what you think when you can actually hear it.. give a shout if you need help. /Blaine
This is absolutely amazing. I forgot to order the resistors and diode. Oops. I've also managed to get the USB st dongle too. I just had the standard ones here. I love the way this powers from a power bank and I'm planning on putting it together on a proto board after flashing. Such amazing work. Thank you for this project. I really should have watched all of the videos before I ordered anything but that's me ✌️
Thank you for this series so far, the repetition you include into your tutorials really drill home whats going on.
Absolutely amazing. Thank you for your hard work and dedication ✌️
Thank you. Did you figure out the different DAC's? I could not find your post in here that was notified to me.. if you need info on the two different DACs, look here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fK56ralvmaysndY.html
@@Synthetech Yes thank you. I hadn't watched the full vid before I posted my comment so I deleted my comment. I noticed people were having difficulties finding the Black Pill. It doesn't have to be Black Pill brand. Just part number STM32F411. I couldn't find the post where the chap was having trouble getting one. I went to Amazon for mine.
@@Synthetech Is the actual Black Pill faster please? It's just turned up from amazon £7.99 branded Black Pill. Ordered the chips and the DAC converter from ebay. Chips were £3 for 2 and the DAC board £7.99. I have loads of bread boards but can I find them! Might as well order a couple from Amazon. Its easier than trying to find them in one of many boxes. I have plenty of 5 pin din leads so just waiting for a couple of bits from ebay. Not sure if you've heard of Rakit? I'm just about to start their Rakit Drum kit. The kits from this company are amazing quality. I've already completed their Baby 8 step sequencer and an Atari punk kit. Worth checking out. This synth is a true bargain. Many many thanks again for your hard work. Unbelievable ✌️
Hi! This video inspired me to buy three 411 chips, finally they arrived and I am going to explore this area) I think I will built this into one of the old midi keyboards as chassis.
As cheap as they are, why not? Once you figure out how to make one, the rest can be built quickly. I hope to someday get back on the project and add more features. There's only 100k of flash used up and ~400k still left for more.. would like to create a gating effect and maybe some wavetables. Have fun!
What kind of wires are needed for the midi socket I just cannot find it clearly. Great video and cant wait to build it!
22 guage stranded wire should work fine. I mentioned it around 3:02
Happy to see a new video of yours! Tanks man!
Great video
This channel is ripe for exploding in popularity. I'm getting the BOM together and ordering parts tonight
Thanks for your comment. It looks like the parts are getting cheaper last I checked. Have fun!
Not sure how long this will last, but they are selling the BlackPill board for $1 +tax shipped here. --CUSTOMER CANCELLED SALE-- Limit One per customer.
@Synthetech Good catch! I managed to get the components I needed for less than $20
@Synthetech Aah, they canceled the black pill order. I'll have to try another supplier on there or find another source
Thats a bummer. Thanks for letting us know. I deleted the link. Hope you find it cheap still.
I just did it all and check with dso 138 oscilloscope everything is OK but I don't hear any sound from out of PCM 5102 DAC I connected with little stereo jack in to my PC or any other amplifier with speakers but no sound :(... what can be problem if I dont hear sound but all other testing 6N137, Blackpill, PCM board works on oscilloscope?
Hi Dubravko. It may be easier to just email me so you can send pictures of how you have this connected up. I'll post my email here temporarily and then I'll delete it by tomorrow if I don't hear back from you soon as I'd rather not leave it posted up for long.. it's****** Give me a shout there and maybe a few pics of what you have set up and I'll see if I can help. Usually I'm very busy with work, but it's holiday now for the next few days for me (I'd rather be making synths than what I do at work!) - Blaine
@@Synthetech I just built mine as well with a pcm5102 board and all the signals look good but no sound out of the dac
@@jmatonis Hi Jason. Could you send me a picture of the back side of the DAC Module? There are probably some solder bridges not completed by the mfr that youll need to complete.
If the jumpers on the back of the board aren't jumpered, jump H3L between the H and the 3 and it should start working. This was an aliexpress board. I believe this is a mute function. Happy building! :)
I hope all is well. Are you planning any more videos? One on the filter would be great!
Hi teslate, I do have a vid done for the filter in two parts.. just need to upload the files and finish up the vid publishing edit. I dropped momentum on this project because there's been little interest that I've seen for it. I have a few more vids ready for publish but not all of them to cover every feature of the BP Synth and I'm not sure if I ever will have time to do so.. I work 65-74hrs a week at my current job.. no time for hobbies, unfortunately..
Holy hell... this is flat out amazing. I'm blown away by how great the raw oscillator and the filter sound. Well done.
My nephew used this on his album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band"
What an awesome little synth! And your gui looks great! Thanks for making this video, I’m going to have a go at building one! New subscriber ✌🏻
Any plans to make your interface Mac compatible? I wouldn’t mind polishing the UI for you. One thing that would be interesting is making the app run through a browser for maximum compatibility.
You might be able to download a Mac version of the Ctrlr app from ctrlr.org/nightly/?C=M;O=D Then if you have a PC, open my GUI and click on "Export>Export Compressed Binary + resources" and it should create a ".bpanelz" file that you can save to a mac and open up in a Mac Ctrlr app. Then in the Mac you can click "Export>Export Instance" and it should create a standalone .exe file that will instantly open up the GUI on a Mac. I really don't have time anymore to put into the project.. I work 60-70hrs a week.. not any time left for much else. Wish I did though.... gotta make hay when the sun shines!
This needs more views, amazing work you've done here.
Underworld Beaucoup Fish all day !!!
wow this playlist looks like a great resource! I hope to get this running on an Electrosmith Daisy Seed, which is also stm32 based (+ integrated dac). Have you seen /tried that one?
Thanks! Definitely would like to get USB MIDI out from Windows and MacOS (and iPad) straight into MCU's functioning soon.
I have a PCM5102 (not the PCM5102A). Is that compatible? Thanks in advance for answering soon, to confirm that I should get an STM32.
Do you have a pcm5102A MODULE? There are a few variations, but all should be compatible.
@@Synthetech Thanks for answering👍🏻 The non-A edition. Hope it’s compatible.
@OMNI_INFINITY looks like the TI doc covers many variants with same pinout. So I'd say it is.
@@Synthetech Glad to hear that. Thanks for confirming!👍🏻
It was really meant to be a kind of live performance synth, sequencer for DJs IIRC. I never really took off in that role, as far as I know but was a pretty interesting concept. It was probably limited by technology at the time, but the ability to load up a bunch of songs and mix not just the beats, but all the parts too would have been pretty sick. I love it though.