Messages

1

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: tuning

« on: December 27, 2023, 12:47:06 AM »

Hi
thanks for mentioning the pfm2 manual. I'd sort of forgotten about that. 

Hello,
as i understand your question, i would add that in the pfm3, there is a scala mapping option (scala page 2)
where one can select the kind of mapping : continuous to keyboard

it is explained in the pfm 2 manual :
https://ixox.fr/preenfm2/preenfm/menu-mode/

The last option Map is set to Keyboard by default. In this mode, it will always make a C starting each scale. This is relevant for scales with number of notes different from 12. The keyboard mode makes scales easier to play on… keyboard.
‘Continuous’ option will start each next scale right after the previous one is finished, which make it harder to play on keyboard, but can be usefull with other kind of midi controller.

2

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: tuning

« on: December 27, 2023, 12:43:46 AM »

Apologies Xavier for taking this long to acknowledge your reply. At least for my current needs I can work well with the Scala database - it has my area of interest well covered. In some ways my question may have been more me thinking speculatively about possibilities when I can already currently achieve what I want. That is something! - the Preen is just LOADED -

Hi,

The micro tonality can only be achieved through Scala files.
You can write your own scale and import them into your preenfm3.
So the limits are the scala file limit:
https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/scl_format.html

You can still change the default frequency values here (128 values for midi note from 0 to 127) :
https://github.com/Ixox/preenfm3/blob/master/firmware/Src/synth/waves.c#L1
And recompile the firmware.

Xavier

3

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.

4

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: Firmware Flash Help

« on: September 10, 2023, 05:10:05 PM »

Excellent. That worked a breeze. Very much appreciate your help there and looking forward to exploring the added features in the latest firmware. Whilst I was at it I managed to load a whole bunch of new Scala files too ... I'm in action & off to explore! Thanks again.

5

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: How to code on preenfm3?for add this implementations…

« on: September 10, 2023, 01:07:09 PM »

I can't help with your query but you have some good ideas here that would enhance what is already a fantastic instrument. Though I wouldn't want the scale mode being too far out of reach but it's not something like you say that's needed in a performance. Good luck anyway, hope you figure this stuff out.

6

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

7

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.

8

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: Appropriate power supply for PreenFM3

« on: November 28, 2021, 02:02:22 PM »

Thanks for the converter suggestion - hadn't thought of that. As it happens I found an old Novation X Station power supply last night that is 9v 1A and it works. It's very bulky so I'll replace it with something lighter and smaller but for now it is doing the job.

I'll re-try that 750m/A plug but yes a flicker and then nothing. The light in the middle of the case lit up but the screen just flickered briefly and then went dead. It may be the plug but at least I now know the FM3 is all good for power.

9

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: Appropriate power supply for PreenFM3

« on: November 25, 2021, 09:24:46 AM »

Turned out my 2A was centre negative. I tried a 9v 750m/A which got a brief flicker on the screen and the light on the panel. I have some 12v plugs with varying amp but I'm wary to try these. I'm going to buy a 9v plug between 1 to 2 Amps. i'm sure it'll work.

10

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: About Save Functions

« on: November 24, 2021, 01:14:20 AM »

Hey I'll take your PFM without a full manual any day. To be honest unless there are hidden features or button combo's that I don't know then I'd say for the most part it's pretty intuitive and logical getting around the interface and menu's of the PFM3. Unlike an Elektron for example, which really takes many months to get familiar with.

11

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: About Save Functions

« on: November 21, 2021, 11:40:31 AM »

Following on my previous post ... why not?

I really struggled to get the Save function working. This I realised was the limitation of a thread bare manual and lack of tutorial material to dive into. Figuring that whilst the interface may differ slightly, in essence PFM3 is PFM2 I started to read the (more in depth) PFM2 manual. That resolved the issue - first you create Banks to store presets, Banks to store Mixes. Once I had that figured I was able to create and save.

My next matter is getting Scala scales loaded. I haven't tried this yet and there's no urgency yet.

I'm just super impressed with the design of the PFM3, it's just so good, so full and rich. I can't find anything I don't like - I think Xavier has created a classic synth to rival all the big names. Amazing.

12

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

13

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

14

preenfm2 and preenfm3 / Re: PreenFM3 Feedback

« on: September 08, 2021, 09:02:55 PM »

Thanks for your replies/response. I see that my wording was less clear than I intended. Lokki is correct, I am curious to know if FM3 has multiple output routing options.

This isn't a deal breaker type of question. I'm very keen to get a Preen but I have not yet decided if it will be a FM2 or FM3. I am currently wanting to visualise my workflow with this instrument in the context of my other gear. I'm kind of passed the stage of just buy stuff because it sounds amazing - it has to fit with my existing gear and I have to understand what the workflow will be for me.

15

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!