Firmware 3.92 and FPGA 27012016 (also for XB2 mk2)
Verfasst: 28. Jan 2016, 20:58
Firmware #3.92 was released on Jan. 29th., available on https://github.com/keyboardpartner/HX3/ ... ter/LATEST
Changes
* New filter and adder design, less prone to "crackling" overflow distortions
* Higher bass and plain organ output levels
* New triode simulation in AO28 block - try the AO28 tube age parameter
* Added version for old XB2 mk2 kit. Rotary output jack and headphone amp must be rewired to obtain stereo simulation
* Fixed some bugs in beta FW: Menu entries, defaults saving, factory reset
* Fixed rounding error on some parameters in MIDI custom CC set
* Extended transpose range plus/minus 2 octaves (FatarScan, MIDI input)
* Foldback for notes outside of 5 octaves keyboard range (FatarScan, MIDI input)
Firmware for old XB2 Kit mk2
As I recently had a XB2 mk2 with old kit for repair, I took the opportunity to review the firmware. Version 3.912 with new FPGA #27012016 is now available for download. It yields all features of new HX3 devices like improved split options and fresh sound engine.
However, for stereo rotary simulation output some hardware modifications are due:
Rotary simulation output jack of XB2 kit jack board is only wired in mono. Cut PCB tracks to "hot" rotary output jack pins and wire directly ro HX3 mainboard PL17 solder lugs. Rotary output is now stereo, so an Y- or stereo instrument cable must be used.
Headphone amp on old XB2 mk2 kit is only mono. Track below headphone opamp connecting pin 1 and 7 must be cut. Pins 1 and 2 must be wired through 1k resistor beneath chip to PL17 of HX3 mk2 board or to re-wired rotary output jack.
Very old kits also have a "shorting swell jack insertion" hardware bug; the plug shortens power supply when it is just inserted. Bend the "ring" switch "normally closed" contact down so it does not come into contact with "ring" tab. Or cut the track leading to "normally closed" pin.
Changes
* New filter and adder design, less prone to "crackling" overflow distortions
* Higher bass and plain organ output levels
* New triode simulation in AO28 block - try the AO28 tube age parameter
* Added version for old XB2 mk2 kit. Rotary output jack and headphone amp must be rewired to obtain stereo simulation
* Fixed some bugs in beta FW: Menu entries, defaults saving, factory reset
* Fixed rounding error on some parameters in MIDI custom CC set
* Extended transpose range plus/minus 2 octaves (FatarScan, MIDI input)
* Foldback for notes outside of 5 octaves keyboard range (FatarScan, MIDI input)
Firmware for old XB2 Kit mk2
As I recently had a XB2 mk2 with old kit for repair, I took the opportunity to review the firmware. Version 3.912 with new FPGA #27012016 is now available for download. It yields all features of new HX3 devices like improved split options and fresh sound engine.
However, for stereo rotary simulation output some hardware modifications are due:
Rotary simulation output jack of XB2 kit jack board is only wired in mono. Cut PCB tracks to "hot" rotary output jack pins and wire directly ro HX3 mainboard PL17 solder lugs. Rotary output is now stereo, so an Y- or stereo instrument cable must be used.
Headphone amp on old XB2 mk2 kit is only mono. Track below headphone opamp connecting pin 1 and 7 must be cut. Pins 1 and 2 must be wired through 1k resistor beneath chip to PL17 of HX3 mk2 board or to re-wired rotary output jack.
Very old kits also have a "shorting swell jack insertion" hardware bug; the plug shortens power supply when it is just inserted. Bend the "ring" switch "normally closed" contact down so it does not come into contact with "ring" tab. Or cut the track leading to "normally closed" pin.