Midi Kit for Elka Synthex

The MIDI KIT is composed of many pieces. It offers to a Synthex synthesizer the possibility to have a MIDI communication.

The Synthex has been produced at 1850 units between 1981 and 1984 :

• Production I : 50 units (no MIDI)

• Production II : 800 units (optional MIDI)

• Production III : 1000 units (native MIDI)

 

Concerning the MIDI Kit, only the two first series of synthesizers can ben equiped with it. The last serie (production III) is already equiped with MIDI interface, and the three DIN-5 plugs are present on the rear panel.

The three possible configurations of Synthex are presented on Figures :

 

 

What is a MIDI Kit for ?

With the help of this kit, the Synthex can receive and transmit MIDI events. The MIDI-KIT is fully compatible with the original kit, which is no longer available and was originally offered as an option by Elka in the 1980s. At that time (early 80’s) the MIDI standard was in its infancy and each manufacturer had his own implementation which was not always rigorous and compatible with the others or even limited as here with the Synthex. It also has the same constraint: it does not filter the MIDI flow. You should know that the Synthex only accepts note-on and note-off messages. That is to say, it accepts to receive and transmit: on all channels [0 – 15] and keys [0 – 127] and velocity [0 – 127] while respecting the polyphony limit of 8 simultaneous notes.

 

Since a new software made by tauntek of the synthesizer CPU board exists and depending on the version of the Synthex, it is possible to have the following functions :

MIDI CCs are now supported to change most parameters, with separate control of the upper and lower voices.
MIDI channel selection is now saved to a drummed SRAM.
RAM presets can be saved and restored using the MIDI sysex. (All RAM presets are always saved and restored)
The sequence RAM can be saved and restored using MIDI sysex. (The entire RAM sequence is always saved and restored)
MIDI sync messages no longer affect the running state.

So there are two versions of the midi kit : one like the original one and another like the original one but with extended functions.

The original MIDI kit includes: A documentation (in French and English), the MIDI board, 2 EPROMs, 2 CMOS RAMs, 2 DIP brackets, 2 screws / spacers, 2 wires (red / green), 3 cables.

The MIDI Extensions Kit includes: A documentation (in French and English), the MIDI card,  2 CMOS RAMs, 2 DIP brackets, 2 screws / spacers, 2 wires (red / green), 3 cables. And the Tauntek internal software update card.

The last version of the installation kit is available on : MIDI-KIT_UK.pdf

Order Kit

There is a minimum delay of one month between the order and the delivery. The kits are manufactured on demand.

The price is variable because it depends on the kit to be installed according to the version of the Synthex to MIDIfier and includes the delivery to all countries (with insurance of the price of the kit, tracking number, proof of shipment, delivery of the package against signature).

Before ordering, you must first contact me to determine the version of your Synthex and therefore the kit to buy. I can also install the kit, please specify it in your contact.

the basic kit price (250€) includes delivery to all countries (with 250 euros insurance, tracking number, proof of shipping, Retail Delivery against signature) :

the basic kit + modern firmware price (380€) includes delivery to all countries (with 380 euros insurance, tracking number, proof of shipping, Retail Delivery against signature) :

For more informations on the transport www.colissimo.fr