Converting a D8B to a full fledged DAW Controller (w/o MIDI)

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

Just checking... what has to be working from the master computer section? Obviously you need power. Anything else?

[Axeman098]

My understanding is that you only need power to the board itself. The CPU and Mackie Embedded software is bypassed completely, so even if your Software is bunk, Marc's solution should effectively work around that...

[Marc Girard]

Axeman is right. That's exactly why the project shifted from being ethernet based (from the onboard computer) to serial based (directly connected to the console's data port). At first, ethernet control seemed like a good idea but it required a working computer and that meant, more maintenance, more repairs. As old computer parts are getting harder and harder to find, I thought that it would be nice to bypass the whole system.

This approach has numerous advantages:

- Direct access to the board, as fast as it can be.
- No need to have a working computer (can even be used to revive a d8b without a working computer).
- Special serial wiring that's cheap to produce.
- Future customization (firmware and more) possible.

Speaking of customization, I just replaced my fader caps with metal ones... Looks a bit like a big HUI now! I'll post photos soon.

Cheers all,

Marc

[Marc Girard]

Here's two shots of the "chromified" fader caps.

[High C Double G]

Those fader caps are spiffy Marc! Are they easy to get? MCU replacement I am guessing.

I wonder if there is a way for the v-pot and other knobs to be replaced with a “chromified” type? That would round out the new look nicely.

I’ll keep pushing for…

MFII - A software controller system for the d8b digital console. Everything you need is in the box.

It would make an interesting trivia question down the line as it isn’t so obvious a name.

Rock on,

Michael

[anyhorizon]

Pity it doesn't make them touch sensitive.

Peter

[Dan Worley]

Resurrection
(control-wire mod for the Mackie d8b)

[High C Double G]

Resurrection
(control-wire mod for the Mackie d8b)

Good one Dan! Kinda has a religious connotation to it, but in the implication of the word, it is correct, accurate, and what is essentially happening here. Good one for sure but I still like…

MFII - A software controller system for the d8b digital console.
Everything you need is in the box.

It has no significance it is just a name with the initials of the guys that built it and the II to pay homage to the much loved d8b MII.

If Frank wasn’t an original collaborator we could simply call it d8b Marc II --- Hey, maybe we could call it The Frank-en-Marc --- make your d8b a monster again!!! whaa haa haaa haa haaa!

[StillCrazy]

Just wondering of this project has ever been completed?

Thanks.

[Casey_Pittman]

Just wondering of this project has ever been completed?

Thanks.

Me either, so does anyone know what the eta on the software and the cable is? Thyis what ive been wanting for a long time.

We're progressing, but still no dates available. Sorry, we're doing this part time, as we've got full time jobs.

Cheers all,

Marc

All in good time.

-Casey

check the post dates of the replies and you will see this is still very much in development.

-Casey