Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 01 Apr 2019, 17:43
by Ripthorn
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!
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 02 Apr 2019, 13:17
by Ben N
I think this is exactly what I need to expand my Switch Doctor. Thanks!
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 02 Apr 2019, 13:31
by Ben N
Having trouble opening the zip files. Could you take a look at that, Rip?
Thanks
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 02 Apr 2019, 15:09
by Ripthorn
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.
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 02 Apr 2019, 16:55
by Ripthorn
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.
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 02 Apr 2019, 22:45
by Ben N
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.
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 03 Apr 2019, 02:22
by Ripthorn
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!
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 12 Apr 2019, 21:59
by Ripthorn
A little video demo of it in action:
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 14:21
by sirlurch
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?
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 27 Feb 2020, 17:14
by Ripthorn
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.
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 11 Nov 2020, 05:44
by yeahiii
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?
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
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
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 26 Nov 2021, 00:54
by Ripthorn
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
Re: Ripthorn's MLS-5: A MIDI Controllable Loop Switcher
Posted: 18 Apr 2023, 06:31
by dsqu895
I don't mean to nag, but did you ever take this further?