The Berio MIDI - Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. I have the Berio MIDI module. What other parts do I need to build a complete MIDI keyboard and connect it to some MIDI tone generator?
Apart from the MIDI module, you need parts for contact and diode matrix and MIDI cable. Generally, for each keypad you need one switch (contact) and one diode. Matrix wiring is easy and diodes are cheap. Schematic of MIDI cable wiring can be found here.

2. How should be MIDI cable wired for connection of the Berio MIDI module MIDI OUT and keyboard MIDI IN socket?
To connect Berio MIDI module with keyboard, you need MIDI cable only. There is Standard MIDI cable schematic.

3. My computer is not equipped with MIDI IN input. How can I connect MIDI module to my computer?
There are several posibilities how to connect MIDI module to a PC. You can connect MIDI module to Gameport of your SoundCard or, today more common, to the USB port. For these connections, you will need MIDI/Gameport or MIDI/USB cable with adaptor. You can check our Pricelist Accessories part, suitable cable with adaptor may be offered.
MIDI/Gameport adaptor may be made by yourself, schematic is here.

4. I build larger organ instrument with more manuals, pedalboard and control elements. I would like to use Berio T-Organ module in connection with PC, where I want to use Hauptwerk software. Berio T-Organ module and Hauptwerk software, are compatible?
Berio T-Organ module was just developed for connection to Hauptwerk software. Therefore, T-Organ module and Hauptwerk software are fully compatible.
If you use T-Organ in connection to Hauptwerk, we recommend to turn Control panel to the Keyboard mode and use Control panel as remote control for Hauptwerk. Couplers and other effects may then be provided by Hauptwerk, but these effects may be remotely controlled by Control panel.

5. How do Berio MIDI modules sense velocity ?
Berio MIDI modules are mainly intended for organ-type musical instruments, therefore they do not sense the velocity.
But, velocity must be defined in generated MIDI data, because it is required by MIDI specification. MIDI Manufacturers Association recommendation says, that velocity should be fixed at middle level, it means "forte" level. This level may be chosen on all Berio MIDI modules.

6. I would like to build home organ; at begin main manual and pedalboard only. I would like to add secondary manual and some control elements later. I am thinking about solution based on T-Organ module. My question is following: What function will have couplers, which should play on the secondary manual at the moment, when secondary manual does not exist yet?
Interesting question. :-) Some couplers requires play on secondary manual, others not. All couplers, where physical play on the secondary manual is not necessary, it will play by exactly the same way, as when secondary manual is already installed. For example, if you use coupler RP -> HW, where main manual performance is "copied" to the secondary manual, your playing on the main manual will have the same effect, as when secondary manual is already installed. Both manuals will play.
The same case is RP -> Pedalboard coupler. Your performance on the Pedalboard will be played in the secondary manual too.
Couplers, where physical play on the secondary manual is required, it will not work, of course. It is impossible to play on the manual, which does not exist. :-)

7. I have organ pedalboard with 28 pedals. I would like to add MIDI output to my pedalboard and connect it to keyboard (manual).
What do I need, where it can be bought and how difficult is assembling?
Pedalboard is very common application of Berio MIDI modules.
For MIDIzation of your pedalboard you will need:
a) Berio MIDI 32 module
b) 28 pcs of diodes 1N4148 (may be delivered by us)
c) pedals action sensors (contacts, switches, reed switches)
d) wires for connecting switches, diodes and Berio MIDI module
e) standard MIDI cable for connecting Berio MIDI module and keyboard
f) power supply adaptor (may be delivered by us)

Ad article c): As pedal sensor is often used reed contact + magnet system. Reed contact is fixed on the pedalboard chassis and one magnet is glued on each pedal. When pedal is pressed, magnet put near the reed contact, reed contact become connected and Berio MIDI module generate message "Note ON". When pedal is released, reed contact become disconnected and Berio MIDI module generates message "Note OFF".

This solution have several advantages:
- pedal motion may be approximative, there is not necessary to be precise
- long lifetime - reed contacts, diodes and wires are located on fixed parts of pedalboard.
- dust proofness - very important feature. Reed contacts are closed in glass bulb, dust cannot reach contact. It results in high reliability.
Reed contacts are produced e.g. by Meder electronic company, see www.meder.com.
You can see our Pricelist, Accessories part. Reed contacts may be offered.

8. Are modules tested?
Yes, of course. All modules are tested in detail when they are produced.

9. Do you send modules to the Norway / the Mexico / the U.S.A. / the South Africa?
What is the price of delivery?
Yes, we are sending modules worldwide.
For delivery price, please see actual Pricelist.

10. How can I pay for ordered MIDI module?
In some countries, you can pay at the moment of delivery (in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, etc.). Worldwide, you can pay via Paypal online system.
When you send us Order, we will send you "Order confirmation" e-mail. Shortly you will receive Paypal invoice with detail payment instructions.

11. What is delivery time?
We use Prioritaire Air Mail as delivery service.
Delivery times (rough):
Europe countries: 3 to 8 days.
Oversea countries: 1 to 2 weeks.

Have you a question, which is not answered here?
Contact us at berio@akordeoncentrum.cz.