16x Multi-Track Midi Sequencer (groove box too)

[williamk]

Status: Just an idea
License: GPL

We at Wusik are always trying to create with some nice new ideas. One is to make a Remote Control for our upcoming Wusik Fuse Box Plugin Wrapper for Windows/Linux/MAC.
But I also wanted to add a standalone Midi Sequencer option, for when I'm away from the computer, and want to trigger my old MIDI devices with it.
There's not much information yet, as I still need to prepare the whole project and check if a Quad-Xmos (XS1-G4) chip will do the work.
I may also add a DAC to output the user-changeable metronome sound. (from a WAV file)
From what I see the basic XS1-G4 Developer Kit would handle the project nicely. Just need to attach the remaining things and we should be ready to go.
My main worry is memory usage, as I never programmed for a chip before, only for computers, so I don't know how the XMOS chip will handle things out. But I'm sure I can figure that out once I start working with the compiler.
----
Ok, here's my project idea, as I need to start somewhere. ;-)
I really want to make a good 16 midi channel sequencer, but with some twists.
I'm looking at the quad-core xmos chip, so I have room for adding extras later on.
I want to use a 4x4 button pad with rgb leds, the one from SparkFun.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=9022
[img]http://static.sparkfun.com/images/produ ... L_l_th.jpg[/img]
Its a kit that has it all. (from what I can see) I guess its easy to control with the Xmos chip, right?
Now add a graphical LCD like this:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... cts_id=710
[img]http://static.sparkfun.com/images/produ ... 2_l_th.jpg[/img]
And a set of small buttons like this:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=8996
[img]http://static.sparkfun.com/images/produ ... L_l_th.jpg[/img]
A rotary encoder:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=9117
[img]http://static.sparkfun.com/images/produ ... L_l_th.jpg[/img]
And maybe a few extra buttons, for special features.
Now, the idea is to be able to record and play up to 16 tracks. To have clips that you can copy/paste/link
too. Each recording is a clip that shows in the graphical display.
Also, it would feature drum-recording in a 1x16 step mode, in a few different ways. That I will have to show
once its done, I guess. ;-)
I need to know if the 64k memory of each chip will handle the job. Songs can be saved on SD cards, I guess,
or dumped via MIDI.
Ah, yes, I will need some MIDI connectors, but that shouldn't be a problem from what I have seen.
I did see a guy who did a similar project, but its very limited, as it doens't let you chain patterns or
anything like I plan on doing.
[img]http://blog.makezine.com/midimatrixsequencer_cc.jpg[/img]
http://lennonluks.atspace.com/projects/ ... oject.html
It does look great, but my idea is to be able to record tracks, not just drums/synth-lines like he did.
Its like a Roland MC-50 mkII but with more tracks and better processor. Not to mention not use old
floppy-disks for storage.
[img]http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr05/i ... mc50.l.jpg[/img]
I do love that big rotary encoder the MC had. (I used to own one) But the unit its just too slow, and only
have 8 tracks. I do love the rythm track. (nice groove sequencer)
With a graphical lcd and the 16 led RGB buttons, I'm sure I can do some nice things with the project.
Another great addition is let the unit remote-control a computer running our plugins. (Wusik.com) For that I don't know yet how it will work, but I'm thinking on adding such feature.
Anyway, for now its all in my head, I have to figure out if XMOS is the best option for this, and if its doable...
Best Regards, WilliamK
Images:

[nassim]

it's a great project

[jason]

As the title says, I will be keen to see how this develops.

[williamk]

I got my XC1A kit thanks to Xmos. So I should be starting up this project by next week. I'm already doing some tests with the Arduino platform, but its far too limited. So I hope the Xmos won't have the issues I'm having right now. (doubt that) Soon there will be more information about this project.