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

Information and progress towards the H5 board.
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Icky
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H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by 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

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

Post by 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.
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
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Re: H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by 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.
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Icky
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Re: H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by 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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Re: H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by exxos »

A few more demo midi songs.






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

Post by alienkidmj12 »

tempted on this myself, any volume issues with an h5 ?
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Re: H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by alienkidmj12 »

whats this bottom left, with battery on

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

Post by exxos »

alienkidmj12 wrote: Wed Jul 21, 2021 4:56 pm whats this bottom left, with battery on
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 360#p62776
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
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Re: H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by alienkidmj12 »

will the X2GS work i wonder, looks pin compatible.
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Icky
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Re: H5 Edition with built in MIDI - S2 / X2 DreamBlaster Boards

Post by Icky »

alienkidmj12 wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:00 pm will the X2GS work i wonder, looks pin compatible.
I believe so as they are the same pinout.
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