The Berio MIDI - Intelligent MIDI interface

BERIO T-ORGAN
Organ MIDI computer for two-manual organ with pedal-board, control panel and two continuous controllers.

The Berio T-ORGAN module is microcomputer system, which adds MIDI output to your organ system with two manuals, pedalboard and control panel. This solution allow you to generate organ sound by electronic way (with using of electronic keyboard or a PC), therefore entire large organ may fit in your flat. Pipes are not necessary, complicated coupler's mechanics are not necessary too. This all provide microprocessor located at Berio T-ORGAN module system board. Only one thing must be done: one contact under every keypad in keyboard and under every pedal in pedalboard.

Berio T-ORGAN module.

Main features:

module is intended for built-into organ system with two manuals, pedalboard and control panel (piston switches...)
MIDI data generated by one manual, second manual, pedalboard and control panel are transmitted at another MIDI channel
module provide organ couplers in electronic way. Couplers within manuals, between manuals, between manuals and pedalboard; couplers straight or transposed
two continuous controllers (potentiometers) may be connected to system board (expression - crescendo, tremolo, modulation wheel, foot pedal)
if control panel not used, third manual may be connected instead
functional pedal support: Sustain, Legato, Sustenuto, Soft pedals logically related to main and secondary manual
remote change of organ voice capability (with using Program Change messages, General MIDI standard)
transpose of all manuals and pedalboard
demo song
"panic" function

Detailed characteristics:

Main manual (HW)
- up to 64 keypads may be connected to the module.
Secondary manual (RP)
- up to 64 keypads may be connected to the module.
Pedalboard
- up to 32 pedals may be connected to the module.
Functional pedals
- up to 8 functional pedals may be connected to the module. Pedals are divided into two groups. One group is channel-related to the main manual, second group is channel-related to the secondary manual. There are pedals in each group: Sustain, Legato, Sustenuto and Soft pedal. Pedals are wired as extension of pedalboard diode matrix. Number of functional pedals may be increased in future.
Control panel ("piston switches")
- up to 64 control switches or buttons may be connected to system board. Generally, they may be working in two modes: keyboard mode or control mode. Mode selection is provided via one DIP switch located at the system board.

Keyboard mode
- switches functionality is the same as switches in keyboard manual: when keypads are pressed or released, standard NoteOn/NoteOff messages are sent to the MIDI line. NoteOn/NoteOff messages may be interpreted in connected MIDI device as ordinary notes, or (when connected to a PC) as any command for software in PC. This may be used e.g. for couplers provided by PC or for any additional effects (remote control of PC).
Control mode
- in this mode, control switches provide control of T-ORGAN module function: enable or disable couplers, change organ voice, transpose of manuals with respect to other manual or pedalboard, transpose entire organ at once, etc. One switch has "panic" functionality: module terminates all notes immediately. Detailed description of control switches functionality is described below in the table.

Continuous controllers.
- two continuous controllers may be connected to the system board. Controller A is channel-associated to the main manual, controller B is channel-associated to secondary manual. Channel-associated means, that data generated by continuous controller are sent at the same MIDI channel as data generated by appropriate manual performance.
Continuous controllers generate not only "ON" and "OFF" messages like functional pedals. Continuous controllers generate MIDI messages continuously, when some small change of controller element occurs (e.g. modulation wheel position is changed). Each continuous controller of the Berio T-ORGAN module is realized by simple potentiometer, linear resistance characteristics is recommended.
Each potentiometer is connected directly to the T-ORGAN system board via three wires. No any other components or power supplies are necessary.
Berio T-ORGAN module is able to transmit data of one of the following MIDI controllers: Expression, Tremolo, Foot Pedal or Modulation wheel. Used controller is selected by DIP switches located on the system board. In the same way, continuous controllers may be enabled or disabled by appropriate DIP switch. In case when continuous controller not used (potentiometer is not connected), it should be disabled by DIP switch.
Transpose.
- it is possible to transpose both manuals and pedalboard. Main manual, secondary manual and pedalboard may be transposed independently, but over whole octave only (four octave range). Entire organ system may be transposed too, it is possible by half-tones (16 half-tones, so that more than one octave). Both types of transpose should be selected prior to system startup by DIP switches on the system board. Transpose may be changed during play too. For this purpose are intended some switches in the Control panel.
Velocity.
- the Berio T-ORGAN module is intended for organ systems, where velocity is not sensed. However, MIDI communication protocol requires velocity value to be defined. Therefore, all MIDI data generated by module T-ORGAN has default velocity value "forte" (MIDI value 64) in compliance with MMA recommendations. If you need, T-ORGAN module is able to change this velocity value to "forte fortissimo" (MIDI nr. 127) level. Velocity level is selected by one DIP switch at system board. For detailed description see DIP function table.
MIDI channels.
- Berio T-ORGAN module is able to generate MIDI data at four MIDI channels simultaneously:
- main manual channel (manual A, HW),
- secondary manual channel (manual B, RP),
- pedalboard channel,
- control panel channel (in keyboard mode).
On these four selected channels are transmitted appropriate NoteON/NoteOFF messages and all related data. For example, on the main manual channel are transmitted data generated by main manual, data generated by main manual Sustain pedal, data generated by continuous controller associated to main manual and data generated by Control panel switches for main manual voice change.
All four channels are independently selectable over full range (1 up to 16) by DIP's located at system board. For detailed description see DIP function table.
Note: It is possible to set all four channels at the same value, it means, all generated data from both manuals, pedalboard etc. will be transmitted at the same channel. This function is possible, but it is not recommended.
Panic function.
- when activated, all notes are terminated immediately. This is useful in that case, when some failure in your MIDI system occurs and some notes remains sounding. T-ORGAN module has two panic switches: first is located in extended part of pedalboard diode matrix. Second switch is located in the control panel, but this one is available in Control mode only.
Indication LEDs
- T-ORGAN system is equipped with three indication LEDs:

Green LED Power
- indicates that power supply of proper polarity is present.
Red LED Error
- indicates that module is not working. When system action is proper, this LED flashes shortly only after system reset or power up. Exception to this rule is "Demo mode", which is described in detail in relevant paragraph.
Blue LED Line
- indicates data flow on the MIDI line. LED Line shortly flashes after system reset or power up.

Power supply
- system board should be powered by DC voltage 8 up to 18 volts, voltage polarity must be respected. Module is delivered with power supply adaptor which allows 230 V / 50 Hz power supply.
System reset
- when system power supply is turned off and then on, regular system reset is carried out. After system reset, function of module is determined by DIP switches position only.
Input Digital Filtering
- for better performance, the Input Digital Filtering unit is implemented in the system. This unit should eliminate the surges on all keypads, pedals or other switch contacts. Keyboard state is read periodically. State of every keypad must be repeatedly read as unchanged, only then a MIDI message is generated.
Unlimited polyphony
- Berio T-ORGAN system does not restrict polyphony in any way. It means that if, in theory, all keys in all manuals and all pedals in pedalboard are pressed simultaneously, all corresponding data will be sent to the MIDI line.
Demonstration song
- if three lowest keypads of the main manual are pressed during start up, short demonstration song is played. While it plays, red LED Error comes on. When demo song has finished, LED Error goes off and system begins normal operation.
Diode matrices
- all keypads, pedals and control switches are connected to the T-ORGAN board with using diode matrices. All four diode matrices has 8x8 organization and the same wiring, the same schematic, but they are connected to other screw connectors on the system board. Therefore max. number of connectable switches (contacts, keypads, pedals...) is 4 x 8 x 8 = 256 switches. It is not necessary to be wired entire matrix always. Only used keypads may be wired, other may remains unconnected. Unconnected contact does not generate any sound, has not any function.
In case, when number of connected keypads in some manual or pedals in pedalboard is lower than nominal number, keypad contacts should be connected in order from lowest keypad to higher keypads. Some highest keypad positions then remains unconnected.
Matrices wiring is shown in schematics (see supplement below).
ESD protection
- system is based on the High Speed CMOS technology. Protection against damage due to electrostatic discharge is assured by integrated clamp diodes on all terminals for keyboard manuals, pedalboard and control panel switches.
Generated code compatibility
- MIDI code generated by Berio T-ORGAN system should be compatible with any device made by the following manufacturers:

360 Systems, Ad Lib, ADA, Adams-Smith, ADB, Akai, AKG Acoustics, Alesis, Allen & Heath Brenell, Allen Organ Co., AMEK Systems & Controls, Aphex, Apple Computer, ART, Artisyn, Audio Architecture, Audio Veritrieb, Audiomatica, Avab Electronik, Axxes, Baldwin, Berold electronics, Blue Sky Logic, Bontempi/Farfisa, Breakaway Technologies, Broderbund Software, BSS Audio, CAE, Cannon Research Corporation, Casio, Clarity, Clavia Digital Instruments, CTI Audio, DDA, Digidesign, Digigram, Digital Music Corporation, DOD Electronics, Dr.Bohm/Musician International, Dream, Dynacord, Elka, E-mu Systems, Encore Electronics, Ensoniq, ETA Lighting, Euphonix, Eventide, F.B.T. Electronica, Fender, Forefront Technology, Fostex, Fujitsu Electric, Gallien Krueger, Garfield Electronics, Grey Matter, GT Electronics/Groove Tubes, Gulbransen, Harmony Systems, Hinton Instruments, Hohner, Hoshino Gakki, Hotz Instruments Technologies, IBM, IDP, InterMIDI, Intone, Inventronics, IOTA Systems, IVL Technologies, J L Cooper, Japan Victor, Jellinghaus, JEN, Jim Marshall Products, Kamiya, KAT, Kawai, Kenton Electronics, Key Concepts, KMX, Korg, KTI, Kurzweil, Lake Butler Sound Company, Larking Audio, Lexicon, Lone Wolf, Lowrey, Marquis Musi, Matsushita Communication Industrial, Matsushita Electric, Meisosha, Micon Audio Electronics, Microsoft, MIDITEMP, Midori Electronics, Moog Music, Moridaira, Music Quest, Musonix, New England Digital, Nishin Onpa, NSI Corporation, Oberheim, Opcode, Orban, Palm Tree Instruments, Passac, Passport Designs, Peavey Electronics, Perfect Fretworks, PianoDisc, PPG, Quasimidi, Rane Corporation, Real World Design, Richmond Sound Design, RJMG/Niche, Rocktron Corp., Rogers Instrument Corp., Roland, S&S Research, Sequential Circuits, SIEL, Solid State Logic, Solton, Sony, Soundcraft Electronics, Soundtracs, Southern Music Systems, Southworth, Spatial Sound/Anadi Inc, Spectrum Design & Development, Stepp, Strand Lighting, Studer-Editech, Suzuki Musical Instrument Mfg., Synthaxe, TC Electronic, TEAC, The Software Toolworks, Trident, Twister, Uptown, Voce, Voyce Music, Voyetra/Octave Plateau, Waldorf Electronics, Warner New Media, Waveframe, Wersi, Yamaha, Yes Technology, Zero 88 Lighting, Zeta Systems and Zoom.

MIDI systems of other manufacturers are probably compatible too, but this compatibility is not guaranteed.

Installation recommendations
- system should be located in keyboard part of organ system. Wire length between manual keypad contacts, control panel switches and Berio T-ORGAN system board should be as short as possible. Wire length to pedalboard may be longer (incl. extented part of pedalboard matrix). Wires to the Continuous controller potentiometers should be realized by shielded cable, where shielding should be connected to doubled GND screw connector. All the wires must not be grounded, connected to power supply or connected to each other.

Mechanical data

Dimensions: 155 mm x 166 mm x 25 mm (6.10” x 6.54” x 1”)
Weight: 190 g (6.79 ounce)

Temperature range
Module is intended for indoor use, recommended temperature range is 0 up to +70 degree Celsius.

Guarantee
2 and half of year (30 months)

Supplement, additional information, download:

DIP switches functional description.

Main and secondary manual - function of keypads.

Control panel ("pistons") - function of switches..

Pedalboard - function of pedals (switches).

Description, installation instructions and user manual (for download, pdf format).

Main and secondary manual diode matrix schematic.

Pedalboard diode matrix schematic.

Control panel ("piston switches") diode matrix schematic, continuous controllers.

Standard MIDI cable schematic.

Basic electrical specification of MIDI.

Recommended connection of standard MIDI cable to sound card "gameport".

FAQ - Frequently asked questions with answers.

Berio T-ORGAN MIDI implementation chart.