Topics

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Question about the UI on the oscillator ADSR pages

« on: March 23, 2022, 04:20:22 AM »

Hello!

I have a question regarding the UI and possibly making a modification in my firmware.

I would like to rearrange the  "osc(n) env a" and "osc(n) env b" pages in the menu so that Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release are all on the page "env a" and the respective "lv" parameters are on "env b". Ideally, it would be consistent across all oscillators so that all "env a" and "env b" look like I've described.

If possible, I can attempt to do it on my own, but may come across additional questions. Where in the source code can I find these parameters in order to switch them around?

Thank you!

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Question about encoders

« on: November 08, 2021, 11:40:15 PM »

Hello everyone,

The encoders that came with my unit are a little stiff. I've been informed elsewhere on the internet that most encoders can be swapped out for other encoders. Assuming that this means as long as they're the same type (linear, quadrature), and of course, if they come with a push switch.

If this is true, I'm looking for recommendations for encoders. Ideally they would be the smooth-turning type as I'm a big fan of Elektron's encoders though I've heard that those are 'endless potentiometers'. Otherwise I own a single switch-encoder from the store Microcenter which turns with a very light touch, though they're about $4 apiece so any cheaper suggestions is invited.

Any suggestions or education is appreciated. Thank you!

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Found a cool trick for using PFM2 as a drum synth (with limitations!)

« on: March 15, 2021, 11:39:21 PM »

Really cool to see how quickly the PFM2 can switch/load patches. Currently using this for percussive sounds to get the most out of the four timbres on the Preen while using an external sequencer. For instance, if you have a MIDI track open in Ableton, and you automate the program change to alternate between 'kick' and 'snare' (or any synth sound you want) on the same track it works very well, even at 300 bpm!

Two very crucial tradeoffs to consider if you're using this method tho:

1. Your voices will be cut short on every channel, even if you're only changing the patch on one of the channels. If you're planning on doing this, make sure that any sound you want will only last the length of the shortest point between patch changes. Best to stay clear of pads.
2. Make sure that your sounds are all dialed in before you start doing this. Any unsaved changes will be lost when it switches programs, and DO NOT TRY TO SAVE A PATCH WHILE THE SEQUENCE IS PLAYING. Not sure what happened exactly, but the patch saved in two separate locations in the same bank when I tried. Losing a patch is a small price to pay for the reward of experimentation though, so this method is still highly recommended.

Figured I'd share this in case anyone hadn't tried it before. Loving this little guy more every day

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Resources for FM sound design?

« on: March 11, 2021, 06:47:07 PM »

Starting to become more familiar with designing sounds on the PFM2, and often finding combinations of envelopes, modulations, etc. which work in great ways.

I'm looking for something like a cheat sheet, in video form, or even a whole book, any sort of media about FM sound design. It would be nice to know what to expect from certain arrangements of envelopes/mods and carriers, in order to build off of those sounds.

Since PFM2 is an FM synth where most others are PM, does this make the timbres *completely* different, or is it subtle? It's been mentioned here that above 3 operators, FM differs from PM, but how drastically? The reason I ask is to know if it's useless to use resources that talk about PM with regards to the PFM2.

Any resources, suggestions, links, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / "Wooden" 3d printed side and front panels for PFM2 R6

« on: February 19, 2021, 11:03:43 PM »

Owing only to my carelessness, I broke the acrylic side panel on my PFM2, which gave an opportunity to do a little bit of customization.

The Tinkercad design below should work right off of the print bed, although it is not perfect. There are little artifacts that could be smoothed over by the experienced 3D artist if they so wish, but you need to be looking very closely to see most of them. I'm happy with how it turned out!

This is printed with wood infused PLA+, which was coarsely sanded and stained using alcohol ink markers with a finish of matte medium. Others have used proper wood stain and clear coat with just as good or better result. I just happen to have a ton of art supplies lying around.

Please note that this requires the PreenFM2 R6 with the acrylic bottom and back panel.

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/fXG2X080Rk4

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Using more than one NRPN per channel at the same time

« on: February 04, 2021, 02:50:25 AM »

Hello. I am loving my new PFM2. Have spent a lot of time with it, and the VST is incredibly useful.

I do a lot of midi sequencing for note and CC values from an Elektron Digitakt, which allows for sending 8 cc's per MIDI track multiplied by the number of tracks assigned to the same channel.

I looked over the CC reference for the PFM2, which got me to try using NRPN parameters for the first time and realized that, the way that the Digitakt is formatted, it would appear that only one NRPN can be in use per channel at a time (or maybe one NRPN parameter per MSB? Haven't tried that yet). It's because you have to use four of the eight parameters if you want to use all MSB/LSB/coarse/fine. If I line up to NRPN parameters, using all 8 CC's on that track, both of the coarse/fine tuning only correspond to the most recently changed of either LSB, for example changing the LSB of the top row of MSB/LSB/C/F, will make both coarse and both fine knobs on that page change the same parameter.

Is there a way around this, where I can use multiple NRPNs per channel? Thanks. No big deal if that isn't the case, I'm gonna be rocking out on this thing either way!

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preenfm2 and preenfm3 / PreenFM2 R6 Which MIDI pins to solder?

« on: January 14, 2021, 02:47:21 AM »

Hi, I haven't found the direct answer to this elsewhere on the forum. On the directions, three pins go to the MIDI out, while two go to the MIDI in jacks. Which pins do those connect to?I found the documentation linked at the Teensy MIDI page here: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_libs_MIDI_sch_t3.png

Is the PreenFM2 R6 supposed to be wired the same as pictured here? Wanted to be absolutely sure! Thanks.