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Second alpha version

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@xn--nding-jua xn--nding-jua released this 30 Sep 11:14
· 563 commits to main since this release
v0.1.5
886c25a

OpenX32 - Second alpha version

We are proud to release the second alpha version of the OpenSource Operating System for the Behringer X32. It is the first version that allows booting from an USB-thumbdrive directly.

As the system is full of microcontrollers, an FPGA and two DSPs, several individual files are in the scope of this first release:

Files in this release

  • dcp_corefs_openx32.run
    • This is the compiled Linux-Kernel ready to be loaded via an USB-thumbdrive on booting up the X32 console (like any regular firmware-update for the X32)
    • if Linux is not loaded, press and hold the "View"-Button next to the USB-connector
  • x32ctrl
    • Linux application that controls the X32-hardware like scribble-strips, faders, buttons, encoders, etc.
    • offers a nice GUI based on LVGL v9.3 on the built-in display
    • general support for X-Remote protocol (X32-Edit and MixingStation)
    • binary is compiled as static, so no dependencies are there
  • fpga.bit
    • bitstream to configure the Xilinx Spartan 3A FPGA
    • support for all 32x XLR inputs and 16x XLR outputs, 6x AUX in/out, Talkback-mics
    • support 1:1 routing between all inputs and outputs
    • support for UltraNet is there, P16 detects the system, but something is still wrong with the signals
  • dsp1.ldr
    • configuration-file for the main Analog Devices ADSP-21371 SHARC DSP (dsp1)
    • support for 40-channel audio-mixing
    • noisegate, compression and 4-band EQ for each channel implemented
    • basic audio-level-metering
  • dsp2.ldr
    • configuration-file for the secondary Analog Devices ADSP-21371 SHARC DSP (dsp2)
    • receiver for 24 audio-channels from main-dsp
    • direct passthrough of audio without processing back to DSP1 at the moment

How to use this stuff

  1. Copy all files to a USB thumbdrive
  2. Plugin USB thumbdrive to X32 console and power it on
  3. OpenX32 will boot after file has been validated like any other regular firmware-update
  4. After Linux has booted, remove the USB drive, connect an USB-hub with keyboard and mount the USB thumbdrive:

mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb
cd /mnt/usb

  1. Run the following commands to start the system:

./x32ctrl -fpga fpga.bit -dsp1 dsp1.ldr -dsp2 dsp2.ldr

  1. Connect a microphone to XLR input 1-32 or any AUX-input and some loudspeakers to control-room outputs
  2. Use regular channel-faders and main-fader to control volume, or use EQ-controls to control the four EQs

Known issues

  1. XLR-outputs flips Out 1-4 and Out 5-8 due to sync issues from time to time
  2. the DSP needs sometimes 2-3 attemps to sync with the FPGA. If you cannot hear anything or have distorted audio, restart the x32ctrl-software several times.
  3. At the moment only the Xilinx Spartan 3A version of the X32 is supported. The Lattice FPGA-version is in progress.
  4. Linux is booting into a shell, but you need a keyboard with USB-hub and the steps mentioned above to get the main-software up and running

Outlook

Besides these issues try it out and enjoy this cool device from a totally different point of view. These files will not change anything on the SD-card or the general hardware so a simple power-cycle is enough to bring back the original operating system. Perhaps you would like to participate in this project - now that the general system is up and running, lots of great things could be done with this device.

This open-source version of the X32 only includes about 20% of the features of the original system. Think of it primarily as a way to better understand complex digital audio systems. Feel free to create an issue here on GitHub if you have ideas or feedback.

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