Topics

1

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / tuning

« on: November 03, 2023, 11:43:48 AM »

I was wondering about the PFM3 tuning. I have experimented successfully loading different Scala files. It's a breeze and I'm very happy with the results to date. This then has me wondering - is the Preen a full keyboard micro tuning (where each separate midi note can be specified an arbitrary frequency)? Or is it rather that it can accept specific micro scales but not exact frequency/key-maps? My assumption is that it is not full keyboard micro tuning - as I can't find any settings in the instrument - but if it is, how do we access that?

I love the Preen, it's such a fantastic instrument ... but I sometimes long for a detailed manual or deep dive video. I understand why these don't exist, and I always knew they didn't exist. And in the end, even missing those things, I love this thing.

2

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Firmware Flash Help

« on: September 09, 2023, 01:37:52 PM »

Sorry to trouble you with such a dull topic.

I downloaded firmware 1.00 to Mac. Connected PFM3 via usb to Mac whilst holding down Menu Key 7. So far so good. It appears to open up into the Bootloader page. In red text it states No firmware in '/' . But then what? I can't figure out how to transfer the firmware from the Mac to the installed SD card on the PFM3. I'm also not sure which file I should be trying to transfer? Is it flash_firmware.cmd or one of the .bin files?

The odd thing which may have some bearing on my difficulty is that the PFM3 never shows up as a connected device on the Mac. So it isn't like I can access the SD card that way. For the record when the PFM3 is connected to the Mac using the editor in Ableton works fine so on the face of it, everything works fine.

Anyway thanks for any help. Btw I'm currently on v0.109

3

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / algorithms

« on: November 28, 2021, 07:38:29 PM »

In the world of the DX - & probably because it's been around for almost 40 years now -there is a good bit of information available as to the different algorithms (stacked, tower & branch, etc) and what they are best suited towards, ie the type of sound they more easily generate - eg. pad, bass bell, organ, etc.

Has anyone gone through the 27 algorithms for the Preen and allocated what they are each best suited towards? I haven't found anything yet.

It would be nice if anyone has anything to share.

If not such a thread could make a useful resource over time - given enough contribution.

4

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / About Save Functions

« on: November 20, 2021, 12:00:20 PM »

Still familiarising myself with the menu system on the PreenFM3. For the most part - sound design and layering, mixing etc - it's quite straight forward and intuitive. I think it's a real nice system to get around. The only thing I'm not clear on is the Save functions in the Menu.

I've yet to try these thoroughly. I couldn't figure out yesterday how to create a new Bank or name a Preset. No doubt I'll resolve that issue by the end of the day.

Still, am I correct in understanding that

MIX saves all 6 Presets with everything that is allocated to that mix eg. pan, volume, reverb levels, assigned midi channels etc etc?

PRESET saves the actual edited sound design (making it available to load into one of the 6 slots in the mix section)

SEQUENCER saves a sequence (presumably)

I am also wondering...

- if a Mix contained a Preset, or sound that has been edited but not saved as a new Preset will the saved mix reload the Mix as it was saved or will it load the pre-edited Preset/sound?

No doubt I'll resolve some of these questions over the next day or so as I test out and explore the device but it would be nice to hear from others.

Are there any shortcuts or combination button actions that I should be aware of - the less obvious stuff.

Thanks

5

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Appropriate power supply for PreenFM3

« on: November 19, 2021, 10:25:49 AM »

Hi
I just acquired a Preen FM3 via Van Daal (excellent service if you're interested). I'm currently powering via the supplied usb cable but I much prefer a proper power supply.

I have dozens in the house but none of them appear to work. Before I buy something can someone confirm what I need. I'm UK based btw tho that shouldn't make any difference.

I assume a 9v centre positive but what m/A? I have a 750m/A plug and that did not power it up. I have a 2 Amp plug but I'm wary of trying it incase it is too much.

Hope this makes sense. Thanks

6

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / PreenFM3 Feedback

« on: September 07, 2021, 10:21:09 AM »

I'm new here and I have never owned a Preen. I have however long coveted one. I have a question re feedback. I understand that PreenFM did not permit operator feedback. This always made me hesitate getting a Preen. Now I have read that PreenFM3 permits phase feedback (have i got that right?).

1. Is this feature in any way similar in sonic results as what one would achieve with operator feedback?
2. Is this feature unique to the new PreenFM3 or is it available on both versions of Preen?

And specifically regarding the PreenFM3 ...

Is it possible with the 6 physical outputs to assign 2 to serve as master stereo outputs for all 6 operators whilst still sending individual operators out of the remaining 4 outputs? Or is it the case that as operators are sent to separate outputs they are removed from the assigned master? Hope this questions makes sense.

I should say whilst I'm here that this project, PreenFM is such an achievement - you should be commended!