DinSync to Midi and vice versa - Lost in Translation

The Lounge Other Gear
1

Nauts!

As I am (still) hoarding more and more ancient Roland devices,
I am ending with a big mixed bag of DinSync and midi devices.

Currently, I’d like to use a TR-808 (OG) as Master and would like to sync it with an SH-101 and a TB-303 (both modded with MIDI).

Typically, I am using the Kenton D-Sync for Midi-to-DinSync and vice versa operations (In my example, I am missing a second midi out):

Of course, I could add a midi thru box, but didn’t want to end in an adapter graveyard.

Are there more convenient options in terms of “having the master going in and distribute to multiple Midi and DinSync outs” (like on the Roland SBX-Boxes - except keeping the TR-808 as the master clock?).

(I also could probably use the trigger outs from the 808 for the 101 …)

Thanks for your help :vulcan_salute:

2

The SBX-1 allows you to use an external source for clock and then redistribute that to any connected devices

I use mine in this way

3

Big bag of money, but it’s one of if not THE sync devices available. And it is jitter free. If you want to clock on atom level precision this is the way to go. But 990€ is a big ask… (but if you own vintage gear, it should be worth it)

But the features are somewhat cool, double/half tempo for each output, start stop for each output, MIDI / DIN SYNC , Clock+Reset outputs, SWING (different for each output if wanted), recallable

There is also the “Floatingpoint Instruments multiclock” but without clock trigger/reset outputs.

4

Thanks, mate!

Its even 1.2k in Germany:

I have ordered the ERM, I could also power with my CIOKS-PSU

(The adapter graveyard approach would have been much cheaper, but I really don’t wanna have three PSUs or power cables to power the conversion and thru boxes).

Social Midi would also have been an option,
but you would also need Midi-adapter cables.

Here, I really wanna use full size midi jacks:

5

Thanks!

This would have been a good option, if you can get one for a fair price.
There are funny people on eBay asking 700€

Do you have to use the internal clock, or can you use an external one and just distribute it?

Cheers
flo

6

I think the ACME works by audio sync sending an audio click/sound through the interface or another machine (as it has bigger priority over midi in the DAW and is more precise than midi) but no midi sync to external gear.

Floatingpoint can be synced externaly via midi/clock

SocialMidi seems to be usable with a daw or standalone to sync, but i may be wrong

7

700 euro is about triple the SBX-1’s value - certainly not worth that!

I don’t understand why Roland stopped making them. Perhaps the market demand wasn’t there.

Great device if you can find a decent price one. Yes you can have it running on external clock to allow the TR-808 to be master - but honestly it’s nicer having the SBX as the start/stop device, it’s a pleasure to use

8

Probably most stuff from the AIRA era was not that bad (had a TR-8 as my first drum machine), I never liked the look and the aesthetics.

The idea behind using TR-808 or 909 as master was to keep the OG (less acurate timing; Floatingpoint also offers the option to adjust individual swing per channel - let’s see).

I think the demand for those boxes is just too low (who is still using DinSync?) -
and most clones have midi (or even both).

A stripped down version, just enabling flexible port configurations (without any DAW-syncing / connections) would be great.

9

You obviously need a Roland SBX-80 - everything else will feel out of place in a studio filled to the brim with vintage Roland gems :kissing_heart:

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On a less silly note, I still use DinSync to sync an old Boss drum machine, but it’s my only DinSync unit so the Syntakt takes care of it. Not an option in your case ofc as it only offers a single sync output.

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10

:heart_eyes: :heart_eyes: :heart_eyes:

Nils - I love it - seriously! Wish, I had more space in the studio,
but you just triggered something :heart_eyes.

But I just noticed: There is only MIDI in on the SBX -80?

It’s kind of stupid -m y DinSync Devices are:

  • TB-303
  • TR-808
    (I will keep OG )

Two 606 (Here I wouldn’t mind, but cost for the Tubbutec upgrade + installation + overhaul costs + individual outputs) makes it a seriously expensive device :grimacing:

SBX-10 looks also very interesting, at a smaller footprint:

Here, there seems to be DinSync and MIDI in.

Are you still using the SBX?

Cheers

flo

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11

Sorry if I was unclear - I’ve never owned an SBX. I just love its design, and think it’s one of Roland’s many design highlights of the 70’s and 80’s.

(I posted it along with a few other Roland faves in the cash registers thread)

Cash registers and answering machines

I gradually sold most of my vintage gear a few years ago, and I think it was the better solution for me, creatively and musically. I still have a couple of SH synths, a Jupiter-6 and a DR-110 drum machine (modded with DinSync input). I love them and use them occasionally :slight_smile:

All respect to you for creating cool music with your awesome collection of gear :sunglasses:

Edit: I completely forgot about the SBX-10. At first sight it looks like a scaled-down SBX-80, but it actually has a DinSync input, which the 80 doesn’t.

SBX-10 connections

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SBX-80 connections

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12

:worried:

Thank you so much. :heart:
I think, it’s really a fine line between buying and using towards collecting and using :roll_eyes:

I think the SBX-80 was designed to use the internal clock.

Here, the four outputs should be sufficient (TR-808 or 909, Two 303s, MC-202 or SH101). Okay - if you go crazy, you could add a 606 …

13

The classic sync box for MIDI to Dinsync duties in x0x-heavy studios was the Korg KMS-30 - still pretty cheap to buy secondhand too

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14

Thank you so much - I never heard of this box before :heart_eyes:
Offers seem to be fair and much cheaper than the Roland pendants.

Not even extensive AI searches pointed to this device. :smile:

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15

No regrets, it was the right decision for me. My remaining stuff has me covered and then some :slight_smile:

I guess, but as long as you’re having fun and you’re making music, it’s all good imo!

I guess this would suit you well!

Good call, I forgot about this one. Seems very efficient and useful for @acidk’s needs :+1:

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16

Got one on eBay Kleinanzeigen today - 85€, shipping incl. (bank transfer-only.
Keeping my fingers crossed, as those platforms are full of scammers (but rather have a good feeling here).

If everything works out, I think of returning the ERM-Multiclock, as I go for a pure hardware setup only without any DAW duties … :vulcan_salute:

The KMS does not provide an internal clock - but I would probably not need this feature and rely on the swingy TR-master clocks.

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