"Synhouse, MIDI Jack"

The Synhouse MIDIJACK is a user-installable MIDI-IN retrofit for most analog mono-synths. It's easy to install for anyone who has ever used a soldering iron, comes with just about everything you need to install it, and it costs under $100! Detailed manuals as well as instructions for many specific common analog synths are available from Synhouse to make installation a snap. Synhouse L.A. will install it in your synths for about $69 if you aren't comfortable with the idea of opening up and poking around the guts of your vintage synths! The original MIDIJACK works on volts-per-octave synths from companies such as ARP, E-mu, Moog, Oberheim, Octave-Plateau, Roland, and Sequential. The MIDIJACK II works with hertz-per-volt synths such as Jen, Korg and Yamaha.

We installed MIDIJACK in an SH-101 in between 1 to 2 hours, without a single problem. Installing MIDIJACK is a big decision however. Unlike external MIDI-CV/Gate converters like those by Kenton, the MIDIJACK is a permanent installation requiring a few holes drilled, as well as some simple but evasive circuitry modifications. But once installed MIDIJACK proves it is worth the modification. It provides 16 MIDI channels and can handle note-on and note-off information but does not support pitch bender, mod-wheel, or edit parameter controls.

The basic installation process is to mount the MIDIJACK circuit somewhere inside your synth. The MIDIJACK is so small, it can even fit inside a TB-303! A hole for the MIDI-IN jack must be made. We used an exacto knife to carve out the hole in our SH-101 and the result looks professional. Additionally, four holes must be made, two for the screws to attach the circuit board to the synth and two more for the MIDI function button, and adjustment trimmer. But you can choose to install this on the side or rear where you won't see it (if possible). Finally a few wires get soldered to a few points on the SH-101 circuit board, and a few jumpers are cut and that's it! After calibrating it with the official MIDIJACK Calibration screwdriver provided, I had to use the MIDIJACK's transpose function to shift the SH-101's pitches down two octaves to get its bass notes into the proper keyboard range. The MIDIJACK can be transposed +/- three octaves for well over 10 octaves.

Using the SH-101 with MIDIJACK was great! With the MIDIJACK in MIDI-ON mode, the keyboard of the SH-101 does not work. I thought I had damaged the synth during the modification! It turns out that only incoming MIDI will control the synth in MIDI-ON mode. Holding down the single function switch for a few seconds toggled MIDI-OFF and the SH-101's local keyboard functioned normally again. This single switch can also be used to change MIDI channels, select single- or multi-trigger modes, or transpose! When you turn your synth on and off, the last setting of your MIDIJACK is retained so when you turn it back on, it will still be in the same MIDI mode or on the same channel as before.

The MIDIJACK is fully adjustable so that any analog synthesizer with exponential VCOs can be controlled, whether it is 1 volt per octave, .9 volt per octave, .32 volt per octave, or 1.2 volts per octave. The MIDIJACK provides selectable envelope triggering styles, latest note priority, and expands synthesizers to a 128-note range, greater than 10 octaves accessible through MIDI! The lack of support for pitch or mod bender wheels is disappointing. But now that your sequencer can take care of all the note playing your hands gain the freedom to tweak your synth's controls like never before! You should install a MIDIJACK in at least one analog mono-synth of your own!

MIDIJACK Compatibility

• Aries Modular Synthesizers

• ARP 2500, 2600, Avatar, Axxe, Little Brother, Odyssey, Solus

• Crumar Spirit

• Doepfer Modular Synthesizers

• EML ElectroComp synthesizers

• E-MU Modular Synthesizers

• EMS Synthi A, Synthi AKS, Synthi100, VCS-3 Putney, VCS-4

• Exclusively analog Aviator

• KB Modular Synthesizers

• KB Wavemaker 4 Integrated Synthesizer

• Kawai 110F

• Korg Mono/Poly, MS-10, Korg MS-20, MS-50 (MS's may also use MIDIJACKII)

• Lord Skywave

• Moog Liberation, Micromoog, Minimoog, Minitmoog, Modular Synthesizers, Multimoog, Prodigy, Realistic Concertmate MG-1, Rogue, Satellite, Sonic 5, Sonic 6, Source, Taurus II Bass Pedals

• Oberheim SEM, OB-1

• Octave Cat, Kitten

• Orgon Enigiser

• Paia 9700 Series, EKx Series, Proteus I

• Polyfusion Modular Synthesizers

• Roland Promars MRS-2, SH-1, SH-2, SH-3, SH-3A, SH-5, SH-7, SH-09, SH-101, SH-1000, SH-2000, MC-202, TB-303, System 100, System 700

• RSF Kobol, Kobol Expander, Modular Model 11

• Sequential Circuits Pro-One

• Serge Modular Synthesizers

• SMS Voice 400

• Steiner-Parker Microcon, Minicon, Synthacon, SynthaSystem

• Synton Modular Synthesizers

• 360 Systems Spectre

• Technosaurus Microcon, Selector

 

The Synhouse MIDIJACK series of analog multimedia interfaces add the popular MIDI interface to most analog monosynths, analog drum machines, and sequencers. The Original MIDIJACK adds MIDI capability to more than 90% of all analog monosynths in existence. The Original MIDIJACK is designed to be compatible with the following analog monosynths:

Aries Modular Synthesizers ARP 2500 ARP 2600 ARP Avatar ARP Axxe ARP Little Brother ARP Odyssey ARP Solus Crumar Spirit Doepfer Modular Synthesizers EML ElectroComp synthesizers E-MU Modular Synthesizers EMS Synthi A EMS Synthi AKS EMS Synthi 100 EMS VCS-3 Putney EMS VCS-4 Exclusively Analogue Aviator KB Modular Synthesizers KB Wavemaker 4 Integrated Synthesizer Kawai 110F Korg Mono/Poly Korg MS-10 (may also use MIDIJACK II) Korg MS-20 (may also use MIDIJACK II) Korg MS-50 (may also use MIDIJACK II) Lord Skywave	Moog Micromoog Moog Minimoog Moog Minitmoog Moog Modular Synthesizers Moog Multimoog Moog Prodigy Moog Realistic Concertmate MG-1 Moog Rogue Moog Satellite Moog Sonic 5 Moog Sonic 6 Moog Source Moog Taurus II Bass Pedals Oberheim SEM Oberheim OB-1 Octave Cat Octave Kitten Orgon Enigiser Paia 9700 Series Paia EKx Series Paia Proteus I Polyfusion Modular Synthesizers Roland Promars MRS-2 Roland SH-1 Roland SH-2 Roland SH-3 Roland SH-3A	Roland SH-5 Roland SH-7 Roland SH-09 Roland SH-101 Roland SH-1000 Roland SH-2000 Roland MC-202 Roland System 100 Modular Roland System 700 Modular RSF Kobol RSF Kobol Expander RSF Modular Model 11 Sequential Circuits Pro-One Serge Modular Synthesizers SMS Voice 400 Steiner-Parker Microcon Steiner-Parker Minicon Steiner-Parker Synthacon Steiner-Parker SynthaSystem Synton Modular Synthesizers 360 Systems Spectre Technosaurus Microcon Technosaurus Selector Teisco 60F Teisco 110F Vermona Synthesizer

The MIDIJACK II adds MIDI to hertz-per-volt analog monosynths. The MIDIJACK II is designed to be compatible with the following Hz/volt analog monosynths:
Korg 770 Korg 900-PS Preset Korg M-500 Micro Preset Korg M-500SP Micro Preset Korg Mini Korg Korg MS-10 (may also use the Original MIDIJACK) Korg MS-20 (may also use the Original MIDIJACK) Korg MS-50 (may also use the Original MIDIJACK) Korg Sigma* Korg Synthe-Bass Korg X-911	Moog Taurus I Bass Pedals Paia 2720 Paia 4700 Series Yamaha CS5 Yamaha CS10 Yamaha CS15 Yamaha CS15D Yamaha CS20M Yamaha CS30
The MIDIJACK DINSYNC adds MIDI synchronization capability to the Roland x0x-series analog drum machine / sequencers for under $100. The MIDIJACK DINSYNC is designed to be compatible with the following machines: Roland SH-101 Roland MC-202 Microcomposer Roland TB-303 Bassline Roland TR-606 Drumatix Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 Roland CompuRhythm CR-8000
The Synhouse MIDIJACK series are not kits, they are fully assembled for simple user installation. In most cases, they can be installed by anyone who can solder the color-coded wires to the correct points. For convenience, Synhouse Factory Installation is available at Synhouse L.A. for an introductory price of $69 ($99 for synths without working CV/gate jacks), some may be different as explained on the Factory Installation page. They may also be installed by any service center familiar with analog synth repair, but third party installations are not supported by Synhouse. The average installation takes approximately 30-60 minutes after reading the manuals. All mounting hardware is included as well as 3 detailed installation and user manuals which describe the MIDIJACK theory and general installation method which will allow anyone to make their own installation in most analog monosynths. Detailed instructions, diagrams, and photographs for selected popular synths can be found on this website under Analog User Modifications, but these are not necessary to perform this simple analog MIDI upgrade.

Synhouse Factory Installation

The Synhouse MIDIJACK series can be installed at Synhouse L.A.. In the case of a known compatible synthesizer which already has CV/gate input jacks (such as a Moog Rogue or ARP Axxe), the price is $69. If the synthesizer does not have CV/gate jacks (such as a Roland SH-1000 or Moog Prodigy), the price is $99 and the customer must supply schematics for the particular revision of synthesizer being sent in for the MIDI upgrade.. This price covers the cost of the labor and supplies used for the upgrade but does not cover shipping the synthesizer round-trip to Los Angeles, California. The user must also purchase the MIDIJACK from Synhouse at current pricing. The work will be performed in ten business days or less.

Requirements:

	The synthesizer must be in perfect working condition. Synhouse will not repair broken synthesizers under any circumstances. If the synth doesn't work without MIDI, it certainly won't work with it.
	The synthesizer must be shipped prepaid via UPS to Los Angeles, California. Much experience has shown this to be the only practical and reliable shipping method. To ship cross-country may cost as little as $5 for a Roland TB-303 Bassline or as much as $25 for a Moog Prodigy in a flight case, each way.
	The synthesizer must be shipped directly from the customer to Synhouse L.A.. Shipments from third parties such as customs agents, family members, and friends, are not acceptable. Synhouse will only ship the instrument directly back to the customer at the address from which it came, not to any third parties. The exception to this is in the case of a customer who is already having an instrument shipped, such as when buying a synth on eBay. In this case, they may have it shipped directly to Synhouse. This exception is meant to save money for the customer as well as wear and tear on the instrument. Again, it must be shipped via insured UPS.
	The synthesizer must be insured for what it would cost to replace it at today's market prices.
	The synthesizer must be sufficiently well packed. Experience has shown that the best way is to wrap it in several layers of large-size bubble wrap secured with packing tape and place it in a box with all extra space filled with foam-type packing peanuts. As an extra precaution, the box may be placed inside a second box with more cushioning (optional). The box should be sealed with plenty of clear packing tape and labeled clearly. The packing materials must be reusable for the return trip from Synhouse.
	Synthesizers shipped via US Post Office will not be accepted.
	The MIDIJACK will be installed in the location and manner deemed best by Synhouse, which may differ from installations done in the past.
	The exact cost of the return shipping will be billed to the customers' credit card, unless other arrangements are made in advance. It is highly recommended to use a credit card, as it saves time and money for the customer. When the synth is held up for weeks waiting for money order prepayment of return shipping charges, it delays the return time and the shipping charges must be be overestimated. When the payment is made via credit card, Synhouse can charge for the hardware and the labor in advance, then charge for the exact dollar amount of the UPS return shipping after final shipment is made, saving money for the customer.
	Some synthesizers such as the Moog Rogue, MG-1, and Roland SH-101 have the factory portamento correctly wired in the post-CV/gate jack position so the oscillator glide will work just the same from the CV/gate jacks as from the local built-in keyboard. Some other synths do not, so the factory glide will be inactive while using the MIDIJACK or CV/gate jacks. The Advanced Installation Manual describes a method of building a new active glide circuit to be placed downstream from the MIDIJACK and CV/gate jacks. Synhouse can perform this modification with a new knob and potentiometer for an additional $30. This option is known as the Active Glide Circuit and may be selected and purchased in the shopping cart while ordering.
	Some synthesizers such as the Roland SH-101 require a new external power supply to work with the MIDI upgrade. If needed, Synhouse will build and provide this for an additional $15. This option is known as the SH-101 MIDIJACK Power Supply and may be selected and purchased in the shopping cart while ordering.
	Some synthesizers such as the Roland SH-1000 require a new hardware switch to be installed to select MIDI or local control. If needed, Synhouse will provide this, install it, and mount it for an additional $25.
	This service is offered for new MIDIJACKs only: If a customer or repair shop has attempted the installation but failed and the MIDIJACK has been removed from the original factory-sealed static packaging, it may not be sent to Synhouse for installation. The MIDIJACK must be purchased from Synhouse at the time of installation, or returned to Synhouse still new in the sealed package. If a customer receives a MIDIJACK but decides not to self-install it, it may be sent unopened along with the synthesizer and Synhouse will gladly perform the installation.
	Synhouse reserves the right to refuse specific installations due to scheduling constraints or lack of readily available documentation on certain instruments, but this would be a rare instance and has not occurred yet.
	This service is highly recommended for customers with small monosynths in the USA only. Some customers are reluctant to cut into their favorite synthesizer as their first electronics project, and for good reason. If in doubt, send it to Synhouse! Overseas customers may find it impractical or risky to ship round-trip internationally, but may find it sensible to ship tiny devices to Synhouse, such as a Roland TB-303 Bassline or TR-606 Drumatix
	To proceed with your Factory Installation, please carefully read the above, then buy the hardware and make your payment for the installation labor by selecting your MIDIJACK choice and Factory Installation Option by clicking here. Your card will be billed and the hardware will be reserved by Synhouse for installation. Within 1-2 days an e-mail will be sent to you with "Synhouse Factory Installation Shipping Information" in the subject field. Ship synthesizer to the Synhouse L.A. address provided at that time, which is not listed on this website. The completed synthesizer will be returned to you within 10 business days.

The right features and latest technology

All user selections of MIDI channel, MIDI Off, MIDI On, single note triggering, multiple note triggering, and MIDI transpose are stored in nonvolatile flash memory, so your preferences will be remembered even with the power off! The Synhouse MIDIJACK requires no batteries for this. Incorporating the latest advances in MCM (Multi-Chip Module) and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology, the MIDIJACK is the world's smallest MIDI device. The MIDIJACK utilizes a RISC processor and proprietary data processing architecture to make it the world's fastest MIDI processor.

How does it work?

Where Can I Buy It?

Since the introduction of MIDI, users have suffered from slow response time and "MIDI lag". For this reason, Synhouse has developed Accelerated MIDI for use in professional music applications. Accelerated MIDI utilizes a combination of digital sampling techniques and computerized numerical data filtering processes to separate critical MIDI data from unusable redundant MIDI data, process it, and implement it instantaneously. This creates a new type of MIDI processor that is dedicated to the specific applications of the Analog User, without ever allowing the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to be interrupted by useless data such as MIDI clocks and commands sent to other MIDI slave instruments on other MIDI channels. With the MIDIJACK, the analog note sounds while the slow-moving MIDI message is still in the MIDI cable! This allows the analog synthesizer to instantly respond to the players note action, preserving the finest rhythmic nuances. No other brand of products has ever achieved this level of timing accuracy.
 

Universal and flexible

The Synhouse Original MIDIJACK is a universal MIDI interface that can be added to most any common analog monosynth made by ARP, Moog, Oberheim, Roland, or Sequential. It also works on many more less common analog synthesizers such as modular systems by Aries, E-mu, Moog, Serge, and rare monosynths such as the Crumar Spirit, Octave Cat and Kitten, and RSF Kobol. The Original MIDIJACK even works where others don't, such as in the EML Electrocomp 101, EMS Synthi and VCS-3 Putney, and in the improperly calibrated Moog Micromoog. The MIDIJACK is fully adjustable so that any analog synthesizer with exponential VCOs can be controlled, whether it is 1 volt per octave, .9 volt per octave, .32 volt per octave, or 1.2 volts per octave. Most analog monosynths were originally built with only 2 or 3 octave analog keyboards with awkward triggering and note priority and the keyboard contacts have worn over time making them unreliable and difficult to play. The MIDIJACK provides selectable envelope triggering styles, latest note priority, and expands synthesizers to a 128-note range, greater than 10 octaves accessible through MIDI!
 

Built to last

The MIDIJACK is precision made from the finest materials, well exceeding the quality of the synthesizers it supports. With tough componentry such as a chrome steel DIN jack, military-spec wiring, thick fiberglass epoxy circuit board, machined aluminum iridite mounting brackets, black oxide steel hardware, and a button switch rated to withstand over 500,000 presses, the correctly installed MIDIJACK will go the distance.
 

Quick installation

Unlike MIDI retrofits made previously by other companies, the Original MIDIJACK is not a kit requiring assembly and does not take five hours of expert labor to install. The Original MIDIJACK is a fully assembled and tested microelectronic board that has a factory-made wiring harness with eight prepared, easy color-coded wire leads for simple user installation. It can be installed by anyone who can solder it to the right points. For convenience, Synhouse Factory Installation is available at Synhouse L.A. for an introductory price of $69 ($99 for synths without working CV/gate jacks), some may be different as explained on the Factory Installation page. They may also be installed by any service center familiar with analog synth repair. The average installation takes approximately 30-60 minutes after reading the manuals. By comparison, it is simpler and quicker to install than an average automobile alarm system. The board mounts by drilling only four small holes for the screws, MIDI function button, and adjustment trimmer. All mounting hardware is included with purchase of the Original MIDIJACK, as well as 3 detailed installation and user manuals which describe the Original MIDIJACK theory and general installation method which will allow anyone to make their own installation in any compatible analog monosynth, providing that the user knows enough about the signal flow of the instrument to locate the proper cutting and connection points. Detailed instructions, diagrams, and photographs for selected popular synths can be found on this website under Analog User Modifications, but these are not necessary to perform this simple analog MIDI upgrade.

Synhouse Factory Installation
 

So tiny it fits anywhere     

The MIDIJACK circuit board itself is only about the size of a single stick of chewing gum, less than 3" x 1". Having an extremely low profile, it can be fitted inside most analog synthesizers between the control panel and the circuit board behind it. It is even tiny enough to fit inside a Roland MC-202!
 

Warranty

The Original MIDIJACK Quick Installation Manual must be read fully and understood completely to qualify for warranty coverage and technical support. The Original MIDIJACK is warranted against defects in parts and manufacture for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Warranty becomes void if in the opinion of Synhouse Multimedia Corporation the Original MIDIJACK has been subjected to unauthorized service, modification, or unintended installation or usage. No liability is assumed by Synhouse Multimedia Corporation for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, resulting from the use of or inability to use the Original MIDIJACK.  More Terms and Conditions

Want to read all about it?

Read the Analog User Manual Online

Read the Quick Installation Manual Online

Read the Advanced Installation Manual Online
 
 

Just click on the links listed here for modification plans:

	ARP Avatar
	ArpAxxe
	ARP Odyssey
	Korg Mini-Korg
	Korg Mono/Poly
	Korg MS-10
	Korg MS-20
	Korg Synthe-Bass
	Moog Micromoog
	Moog Micromoog Module
	Moog Prodigy
	Moog Realistic Concertmate MG-1
	Moog Rogue
	Moog Source
	Roland MC-202
	Roland SH-1
	Roland SH-101
	Roland SH-1000
	Sequential Pro-One
	FREE Do It Yourself Special: Add CV/Gate and Audio Input Jacks to the Moog Prodigy!

More Original MIDIJACK Information

Synhouse Factory Installation

Click Here For Link To Synhouse.com MIDIJACK Retro-Fit MIDI upgrade Factory Page.

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