The Moby Pixel youtube channel recenting posted a video diving into an exciting project that merges technology and creativity. It’s all about building a Sega Genesis-style synth using a Raspberry Pi and MiniDexed. The power of this mini-musical beast is surprisingly astounding, and I’ll guide you through every step to help you create your own.
For all the tech enthusiasts out there, the idea of crafting physical music devices can be irresistible. On this journey, you’ll see how we leveraged the remarkable capabilities of a Raspberry Pi, building on the roots set by a Floyd Steinberg video that demonstrated running MiniDexed on a Raspberry Pi. The process can be simplified further and you won’t be disappointed by the results.
What is MiniDexed?
At its core, MiniDexed is a metal Raspberry Pi FM synthesizer that operates eight instances of a DX7 style synth, much like the TX816 and TX802 rack mount modules. This open-source FM synth allows you to load your own SysEx presets, similar to the ones used on the DX7 and the Sega Genesis YM2612 chip in the 80s.
The Yamaha DX7 took the world by storm with its FM synthesis, gracing hits like Kenny Logan’s Danger Zone, Berlin’s Take My Breath Away, and George Michaels’ Careless Whisper. Meanwhile, at home, the sounds of FM synthesis were being blasted from the Sega Genesis with its four-operator FM synthesis chip – the YM2612. Fast forward 40 years, and we’re recreating this retro magic with a Raspberry Pi, MiniDexed, and a midi controller, but in a budget-friendly package.
Crafting the Cardboard FM Synth
The creation process begins with the assembling of the FM synth. It includes a Raspberry Pi and a Raspiaudio Hat sound card, which gives better audio quality compared to Raspberry Pi 3’s built-in headphone jack. Additional components include an i2c LCD screen module, wires, a Micro SD card, a midi controller, cables, and let’s not forget the box to house it all.
To make your FM Synth truly unique, get creative with the box – decorate it with your favorite stickers or etch your own designs. The assembly process is straightforward, and the result is a compact, personal music device.
Installing MiniDexed and Performance
Once your FM Synth is ready, the next step is to install MiniDexed onto the Micro SD Card. While the installation process might vary, the latest documentation can always be found on MiniDexed’s GitHub page. With MiniDexed, the instrument presets are called performances, and you can configure any parameter for all eight instrument instances and effects.
There’s plenty of fun in creating your own custom SysEx patches. MiniDexed allows you to easily integrate your DX7 style ROMs. Here you can add your favorite Sega Genesis instruments and enjoy a wave of nostalgia.
Sound Testing
Now that your cardboard FM Synth is ready and set up, it’s time to explore the range of sounds. The pre-installed performance patches, classic DX7 ROMs, and Sega Genesis style YM2612 patches will provide a whole orchestra at your fingertips.
Final Thoughts
Having your standalone physical device for making music is a unique journey in itself. If you’re a music lover and a tech-geek, there’s nothing more gratifying than building your own music device. It’s a great way to engage with technology and music, plus, the Raspberry Pi can always be repurposed – perhaps as a retro game console.
