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ChromaTalk Archives: July 1999

All sorts of Values

David Clarke [21030085++] · Thu, 1 Jul 1999 11:59:43 -0400

Last week I had a chance to do a mini side-by-side comparison of a model 2101 and a 2103 Chroma. I found a few board-rev differences, but all tolled they were pretty much identical. One thing I did find while going through the material were a few differences in component values as installed vs. different locations in the different service manuals.

Just out of interest, here are a few things noted on the dual channel(voice)-boards:

(notes:

  • my model 2101's channel board has a fab. run of 30-5422801-B, the 2013 had fab. run 30-5422801)
  • "new service man." refers to the service manual available through fender, dated 1983 on the last page
  • "old service man." refers to the "preliminary" service manual which came with the Chroma (with ARP designations on the schematics), dated 1982 on the last page.

R15 & R16

  • polulated in model 2101 as a 30k resistor
  • populated in model 2103 as a 33k resistor
  • shown in new service man. schematic as a 30k resistor
  • shown in new service man. PCB layout as 30k (R15) and 36k (R16)
  • shown in old service man. schematic as a 36k resistor

R45 & R46

  • polulated in model 2101 as a 37.4k, 1% resistor
  • populated in model 2103 as a 38.3k, 1% resistor
  • Service Bulletin FCN2-001 indicates a change to 38.3k, 1% from 39.2k, 1%
  • shown in new service man. schematic as a 37.4k, 1% resistor
  • shown in new service man. PCB layout as 39.2k (R45) and 38.3k (R46)
  • shown in old service man. schematic as a 39.2k, 1% resistor

R7 & R8

  • polulated in model 2101 as a 43.2k, 1% resistor
  • populated in model 2103 as a 44.2k, 1% resistor
  • shown in new service man. schematic as a 43.2k, 1% resistor
  • shown in new service man. PCB layout as 44.2k, 1%
  • shown in old service man. schematic as a 44.2k, 1% resistor

R13 & R14

  • polulated in model 2101 as a 10k resistor
  • populated in model 2103 as a 12k resistor
  • shown in new service man. schematic as a 10k (R13), 12k (R14)
  • shown in new service man. PCB layout as 12k
  • shown in old service man. schematic as a 12k

I also noted that 8 of the 2103's dual-channel boards had mods done to them near pin 13 of IC Z7. The connection to C41 was changed so that pin 13 of Z7 goes to the opposite end of C41 as layed out on the boards. The 2101's dual-channel boards didn't have this mod done.

The keyboard of the 2101 also had a extra set of holes drilled in them at keys 44/45 (as if to accept another support from below) - but there was no difference to the case or other surrounding materials.

Likely the most telling difference between the 2101 and the 2103 is the text of the ID label (where the serial number is). The one on the 2101 reads "Line Voltage 200-260V~(AC Only)" whereas the one on the 2103 reads "Line Voltage 100-130V~(AC Only)."

This would seem to signify that the model numbers actually outlined different power supply configurations and/or intended distribution destinations - 2101's appear to be intended for european distribution and the 2103's for domestic North American distribution. This is somewhat borne out by where most of the 2101's and 2103's are located per the registration on the Chroma Site.

My 2103 and my 2101 both have the standard North American white/black/green AC wiring with only the hot (black) being switched.

Now - the big question is, anybody out there have a Model 2102 or 2104?

If I had to make a guess, I'd say that one of those will be an Australian model which would likely have the white/black/green wiring - but switched to the 240 (220) setting. Would that make the other one (a 100 - 110v version) a Japanese release?

So - maybe four settings - 110v, 120v, 220v and 240v - for the four models ...

Any thoughts? Comments?

David Clarke [21030085++]· Thu, 1 Jul 1999 12:07:02 -0400

Other 2101/2103 difference

One other difference I noticed between the model 2101 and 2103 I have:

The vents in the top of the 2101 are approx 1.5" (3.8cm) long whereas they're only 1" (2.5cm) long in the model 2103. Further, the 2101 has 4 bolts factory-affixed around the perimeter of the right-hand vent (likely to support the addition of a fan) whereas the 2103 doesn't.

Patches

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 2 Jul 1999 21:37:27 -0700

Ernst Eimer [21010299] kindly sent me 47 (!) banks of Chroma patches (actually the first batch I've received from anyone since I posted the site). It will be easy enough for me to post these in Galaxy (and sysex) format, but I know that some of you would prefer audio (cassette dump format) or even parameter listings. So before I go ahead with this, I'd like to take a quick poll and see what everyone is using for patch storage. I now have 97 banks for the site, including Chroma Cult, Synasty, Ernst's banks, and the factory patches. I'd like to make them available in the format(s) that will be most useful to everyone.

Ernst's patches are available at Patch Downloads.

On a related topic, I've had a few requests for audio samples of the sounds. The number of patches (97 banks times 50 programs per bank = 4850 patches) may not make this entirely feasible, but it might be a good idea to post samples of some of the highlights. In the interest of minimizing the amount of time I would spend on such a project, does anyone have a suggestion for what might be an appropriate note or notes, chord, or (very) short sequence that would best demonstrate a patch, given the differing attack and delay times, etc.? Any ideas?

Chris

Eirikur Hallgrimsson [21030467+] · Sat, 3 Jul 1999 02:20:34 -0400

I'm a Galaxy kinda guy.

Sigh. They've announced end-of-life on Galaxy Editors, and the librarian is in maintenance-only mode, I think. They sent me an unreadable CD as an upgrade to 2.5.

I'm really not happy with Opcode, but I knew I was breaking my own rules, actually trying to use proprietary software with no source code available.

Eirikur

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 2 Jul 1999 23:38:53 -0700

At 2:20 AM -0400 1999/07/03, Eirikur Hallgrimsson wrote:

I'm a Galaxy kinda guy.

Sigh. They've announced end-of-life on Galaxy Editors, and the librarian is in maintenance-only mode, I think. They sent me an unreadable CD as an upgrade to 2.5.

Have they officially announced EOL? On the Opcode Users mailing list, Dan Timis wrote, "When you were told that development on Galaxy was suspended, that is exactly what is happening. What more can I tell you? No new development will take place unless the market place shows an increased interest in this kind of product. [...] it costs too much to develop editors for new synths and there aren't enough people buying these editors."

The mailing list is a relatively unofficial, informal forum. But this was definitive enough for me to order the Unisyn competitive upgrade from Mark of the Unicorn. One other thing I noticed in talking to Mark of the Unicorn versus Opcode: the former's willingness to provide developer info for programming Unisyn profiles. Galaxy has always had a Chroma librarian (even pre-Galaxy), but no editor; I asked Opcode several times over the years for information on doing the work myself, but never got a reply. MOTU sent me a PDF agreement right away to fax back to get their (free) developer kit.

So I'm going to see what it takes to write a Chroma editor for Unisyn. I have a demo of the SoundDiver adaptation (there's a screen shot on the Chroma Software page), which I have yet to install. But I don't think it supports OMS/FreeMIDI; and I would like an interface that better reflects the structure of Chroma patches.

I'm really not happy with Opcode, but I knew I was breaking my own rules, actually trying to use proprietary software with no source code available.

That's a pretty difficult rule to follow in the world of commercial software!

Chris

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sat, 3 Jul 1999 08:40:22 -0400

Ernst Eimer kindly sent me 47 (!) banks of Chroma patches (actually the first batch I've received from anyone since I posted the site). It will be easy enough for me to post these in Galaxy (and sysex) format, but I know that some of you would prefer audio (cassette dump format) or even parameter listings. So before I go ahead with this, I'd like to take a quick poll and see what everyone is using for patch storage.

I'm a sysex guy here ...

If you end up getting a lot of votes for cassette dump format, it might be easier to write a sysex-to WAV (or whatever) converter than to actually go any other route for those items. Ditto for text parameters listings (sysex-to-text).

On a related topic, I've had a few requests for audio samples of the sounds ... does anyone have a suggestion for what might be an appropriate note or notes, chord, or (very) short sequence that would best demonstrate a patch, given the differing attack and delay times, etc.? Any ideas?

Sorry - can't offer any help there ... I'm terribly non-musical (even at the best of times).

David Clarke

Jimmy Moyer [21030184] · Sat, 3 Jul 1999 12:56:01 EDT

Sysex works fine for me. (No Macs here.)

Any supporting info would also be helpful, at the least names, if not some notes. Going through hundreds of Chroma patches digging for the diamonds in the rough can be pretty mind numbing.

Gabriel Katona · Sat, 3 Jul 1999 13:37:52 EDT

Hi Chris,

My vote is for Galaxy format on the Chroma patches. I will be sending you some of my Chroma patches also. I just got back from a trip from Florida so I'm playing "catch up". Thanks.

Gabriel Katona

Gabriel Katona · Sat, 3 Jul 1999 13:43:05 EDT

Hi Eirikur,

Try MOTU's UNISYN for a librarian as oposed to Galaxy. You'll have to do some work, but I think it's worth it. I don't like OMS type of programs. I find FREE MIDI much more reliable. Good luck. (Don't forget to pester Chris to write an editor librarian for the Chroma). He might if we bug him enough (who knows!). :-)

Gabriel Katona

Jerry Leonard [21030100++] · Sat, 03 Jul 1999 10:53:54 -0700

Hi Chris,

Right now I use the cassette mode, so that would have my vote. However, someday I'd like to make the switchover. So, however you do it would be okay with me.

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Sat, 3 Jul 1999 15:38:11 -0500

Stone age cassette for me. I had UniSyn for Win 3.1, but never got it to work after I went to Win 95. Now I don't have a computer at all in my studio.

Since I sit in front of one all day at work, I really don't miss it either!

Gabriel Katona · Sun, 4 Jul 1999 13:08:18 EDT

My vote

My vote is for either Galaxy or Unisyn format. Ken Y. disconnected my cassette interface when he did my midi and memory expansion mods on my Chroma in 1985. I'd rather have it in Unisyn because that's what I use more than Galaxy nowadays.

Wim Luijsterburg [21010034] · Mon, 12 Jul 1999 17:03:22 +0200

Hi Chris,

I'm responding so late because of a short holiday. For the Chroma sound patches, my medium of preference is the cassette dump or, even better, the parameter listing.

Wim

Chroma for Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 6 Jul 1999 18:30:53 -0700

Rhodes Chroma with midi

From: mike
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 00:14:02 GMT

classic analogue synth with syntech midi......8 voice multi timbral sounds! $900.00 obo with anvil case

Sound On Sound Article

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 7 Jul 1999 22:26:47 -0700

Was investigating Sound On Sound magazine, which I recently picked up in San Francisco, and saw that they published an article on the Chroma a few years ago.

Colossus of Rhodes: Rhodes Chroma Analogue Polysynth by Norman Fay
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_articles/oct95/rhodeschroma.html

It's a more balanced and in-depth review than I've seen before (of course it's all in retrospect, and the author is a Chroma owner).

Chris

Mike · Thu, 08 Jul 1999 03:20:44 -0700

that was nice...thanks

Patch Test: Cassette Format

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 17 Jul 1999 18:18:26 -0700

A number of people have asked me for patches in cassette (audio) format. I've posted a test bank (Factory 5). [See Patch Downloads.]

Please let me know if this works for you. I've saved at 22KHz to try to save space (as it is, it's 910K); if this works, maybe I can go lower.

Chris

Chroma Cult Interface

Eirikur Hallgrimsson [21030467+] · Sat, 17 Jul 1999 23:06:18 -0400

Chris' mail reminds me to post that I got my interface from Ken Y. this week. He said 'kit' but I received a fully-assembled unit just like my old one.

This is such a neat box. If you don't have one, grab one while you can. [See MIDI Retrofits: Syntech/Chroma Cult/KMX--still available as of mid-2004.]

All I did was plug it in, and I'm off and running, the Chroma's levers being mapped by default to pitch and modulation, etc.

I deliberately left this particular Chroma at the older firmware rev. so that I would keep the same key velocity curve. Without any remapping, it really does seem to have more room to play at the softer end of things.

I also got my Galaxy update after many exchanges with Opcode. The first CD-ROM I received was bad and after that they just decided to send me CD-ROMs for other random Opcode products instead.

Hmmm, I'm now reading mail insteading of trying to figure out why my Mac won't boot. Hmmmm, I *did* just install Galaxy.....

Eirikur

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 17 Jul 1999 20:26:16 -0700

Hmmm, I'm now reading mail insteading of trying to figure out why my Mac won't boot. Hmmmm, I *did* just install Galaxy.....

Make sure you've got the latest OMS. The latest Mac OS might help, too; they seem to be getting increasingly stable. 8.6 is out, but I'm using 8.5 without any problems (besides Netscape, which seems to be the worst software ever written!).

Chris

Of course, OMS is obsolete with the demise of Opcode and the "classic" Mac OS (i.e., System 7 through OS 9); and Galaxy is long since discontinued. See Editors & Librarians: Mac OS: Galaxy for more information. You can download OMS (for System 7 through Mac OS 8.x only) from the Gibson site: OMS238.sit [no longer available from gibson.com; try Opcode Studio Vision Archives].

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Mon, 19 Jul 1999 13:03:35 -0500

I deliberately left this particular Chroma at the older firmware rev. so that I would keep the same key velocity curve. Without any remapping, it really does seem to have more room to play at the softer end of things.

Was there a difference in the velocity tables between Rev 12 and Rev 14? I don't remember...

David Clarke [21030085++] · Mon, 19 Jul 1999 17:19:10 -0400

Firmware Revs

Was there a difference in the velocity tables between Rev 12 and Rev 14? I don't remember...

Anybody out there have non-Rev 14 ROMs in either hex or binary format? I'd be interested to compare them to the Rev 14 data and see where the differences really are (and/or what errors were fixed). If anyone does send along old firmware, I'd post back to the list what I found ...

Dave

See Dave's subsequent article Chroma Keyboard Velocity Curves for more information.

Chroma voice board

Roger John Lesinski Jr · Tue, 27 Jul 1999 21:19:00 -0400 (EDT)

I am looking for 3 Chroma voice boards. I know this is a tough one but any help would be great. Thanks Roger

David Clarke [21030085++] · Wed, 28 Jul 1999 21:10:30 -0400

Is repair not an option (or you actually need 3 _additional_ voice boards)?

Roger John Lesinski Jr · Thu, 29 Jul 1999 13:40:57 -0400 (EDT)

I need the 3 voice boards, I have a chroma that is missing them. I sure wish the case was repair. Can you help me out? Thanks Roger

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