Korg Monotron, Monotribe

[andrewkirkby]

I'd be very surprised if anyone here hadn't tinkered with Korg's analogue synthesisers. They're back end is open to hacking both hardware and firmware (although the firmware side of things is a bit odd following Korg's update method).

My question is has anyone done much in the way of modding these? I'd like to get a few ideas and because I'm not the most clued up with synthesisers, I'd like to learn a bit too in the process.

On a side note, I'd like to add a midi mod to the monotribe which I guess would involve using an optocoupler but I'm a bit unsure on the circuit required. I do however know paying someone $70 plus shipping from Brazil is a bit overpriced for a pair of midi connectors and a few £ of components..

[AndreasF]

The MIDI input side using an optocoupler is indeed quite trivial and examples are very easy to find. E.g. the official MIDI manufacturers association has a sample circuit diagram here.

[fcb]

Sticking MIDI on the monotron is non-trivial, and yes the parts aren't expensive - your paying for labour and know-how.