Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 01 Apr 2019, 17:43

Last fall I bought a Boss MS-3, which I quite like. I rarely use, but like to have, several effects, so I thought it was perfect. Having three switchable loops was cool, too. Until I looked at all my overdrives, that is. I decided I would like to have more, so I started digging in to how to do it. I settled on using an Arduino nano-based solution that would allow me to connect the Boss MS-3 MIDI out to my switcher so that I can switch loops via patch changes or enable/disable them locally via footswitches. I have it all in a 1032l enclosure, like this:

I have decided that it works well enough to offer it to the DIY community. I have a several page build doc, perf board layout, code, etc. that can be gotten by going here: https://scientificguitarist.wixsite.com/home/mls-5. Please let me know how you get on. Thanks, and rock on!

Ben N · Post by **Ben N** » 02 Apr 2019, 13:17

I think this is exactly what I need to expand my Switch Doctor. Thanks!

Ben N · Post by **Ben N** » 02 Apr 2019, 13:31

Having trouble opening the zip files. Could you take a look at that, Rip?
Thanks

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 02 Apr 2019, 15:09

I'll take a look at it. I will also be updating the build doc in the next day or two with the full schematic.

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 02 Apr 2019, 16:55

I had no issues on either a Mac or PC with the .zip file. However, I have just updated the build document with the schematic, so please try again and let me know if you are successful in downloading it.

Ben N · Post by **Ben N** » 02 Apr 2019, 22:45

All good--when I clicked the "Clone or download" button instead of on the file names, I got the master file, and everything opens fine (after I updated my copies of DIYLC and Libreoffice). But I don't see an schematic, and note that the files appear to be five days old. No worries--the layout looks to be clear enough.

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 03 Apr 2019, 02:22

Interesting, I updated the document with the schematic today. This is my first time using github, so I don't know exactly all the ins and outside. Good luck with our!

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 12 Apr 2019, 21:59

A little video demo of it in action:

sirlurch · Post by **sirlurch** » 11 Feb 2020, 14:21

This is really cool. Thanks for sharing.

Any thoughts on a matrix switcher that would allow you to change the order of the effects in different patches?

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 27 Feb 2020, 17:14

sirlurch wrote:This is really cool. Thanks for sharing.

Any thoughts on a matrix switcher that would allow you to change the order of the effects in different patches?

I have certainly thought about it. It would require the use of a cross point switch chip, which is a high-pin count SMD chip that runs about $15/each. However, one could do quite a lot. I've worked on the design and code, but haven't done a board or actually tested it out yet.

yeahiii · Post by **yeahiii** » 11 Nov 2020, 05:44

Thanks a lot for sharing! I am thinking about building one of those based on a teensy. Did you ground the enclosure to audio or digital ground?

dsqu895 · Post by **dsqu895** » 23 Nov 2021, 23:50

Ripthorn wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 17:14
sirlurch wrote:This is really cool. Thanks for sharing.

Any thoughts on a matrix switcher that would allow you to change the order of the effects in different patches?
I have certainly thought about it. It would require the use of a cross point switch chip, which is a high-pin count SMD chip that runs about $15/each. However, one could do quite a lot. I've worked on the design and code, but haven't done a board or actually tested it out yet.

Hey Rip, Did you ever go any further with the matrix switching? A google search doesn't seem to bring any results for a DIY loop switcher with pedal order swapping

Ripthorn · Post by **Ripthorn** » 26 Nov 2021, 00:54

I did a little more development on it, but it's still mostly schematics and pseudo code. I should revisit it. I don't think it should be overly hard, I just keep getting distracted

dsqu895 · Post by **dsqu895** » 18 Apr 2023, 06:31

I don't mean to nag, but did you ever take this further?