Zynthian Features

This is just a partial list of features and it's probably outdated:

RBPi2 is not longer supported by the latest zynthian SD images, so you need a RBPi3 or rebuild your own SD image.

• List of Zynthian_Supported_Synth_Engines

• Multi-layer & multi-engine: You can create sound layers with any engine, in any MIDI channel. You can lay several instruments in the same MIDI channel, or create true multi-timbric setups, mixing different engines. The first screen is "Layer List". From here you can create new layers, select the current layer in the GUI, change layer options (bold select) or remove one or all layers.

• Hardware/Software Controllers: The controllers show the real values, including decimals (this is relevant in MOD-UI, and will be in the incoming "linuxsampler's effect's chain"). Also, when the controller is assigned to a MIDI CC, it's shown in the bottom of the controller frame with a tiny number.

• MIDI class compliant USB host: It works with any “MIDI class compliant USB device/peripheral” connected to any of the 4 USB host-ports. These are the popular & inexpensive MIDI keyboards and controllers found at any musical instrument store.

• MIDI learning: You can easily assign any parameter from the Zynthian UI to the knobs/pads of your hardware MIDI controller.

• X-Y touch-controller: You can use the touch display for controlling 2 parameters from the UI, ala "Kaos Pad" ;-)

• WIFI: See Configuration_Users_Guide

• MIDI over IP: You can enable QMidiNet from the admin menu and receive/send MIDI from/to other devices in your local network. It's fully compatible with ipMIDI (Windows & Mac).

• TouchOSC Bridge: You can use OSC control surfaces that support this popular protocol. Tested with mobile phone and the MyOSC App from the PlayStore, but you can try with other Apps and share your experiences. Also, it's a good idea to make a point to point WIFI connection between the tablet/phone and your zynthian ("WIFI zone" feature, in Android). I've done and the latency is quite good!!

• Audio to MIDI: For those having a Zynthian Box with Audio Input, now you can have tons of fun with this crazy feature. It uses the aubionotes tool (from the aubio suite) for converting audio to MIDI. The current conversion parameters are very experimental and the result is not the best, but you are free of trying to improve the result by tweaking with it!!

• Audio Recording: The session audio recording utility that allow to easily record your sessions with Zynthian without the need of other computer or recorder device. The utility will detect if there is an USB flash pendrive plugged in the Zynthian Box and will use it for storing the audio files. If not present, it will save the audio files in the internal storage, in the "/zynthian/zynthian-my-data/capture" directory. WARNING! Using the internal storage for saving the recorded audio files is dangerous and you can end with a corrupted SD card. I recommend to ALWAYS use an USB drive.

• Global Fine Tuning: You can adjust the “middle A” frequency using the web configuration tool. Pitchbending messages are used for doing the trick, so it only work with ZynAddSubFX, FluidSynth and LinuxSampler. For setBfree and MOD-UI engines i’ve to find another way

• Transpose: You can transpose layers. Well, in fact what is transposed is the whole MIDI channel, so all the layers in the same MIDI channel get transposed. You can access the “tranpose” feature from the “layer options” menu. You know, in the layer list, “bold click” on the layer you want to transpose. Currently this doesn’t work for MOD-UI engine.

• MIDI auto-connection: You don't need to do nothing. Simply plug your controller and it will work as expected.

• MIDI filter/router: All input MIDI messages are routed thru the MIDI router/filter (zyncoder), that can be configured using simple rules from the webconf tool. The output MIDI stream is sent to synth engines and to the desired MIDI outs. No extra latency is added. Everything is done in the same jack processing frame.

• MOD-UI audio routing: Route audio from standalone engines to MOD-UI, allowing to use MOD-UI as a Real-Time Audio Proccesssor for the standalone engines. Zynthian UI's layer options menu allows route/unroute any synth engine to MOD-UI (using mod-monitor or system output).

• WebConf Tool: The Zynthian Web Configuration Tool
  • Library Manager: Snapshots, Presets, Soundfonts, Audio recordings, ...
  • Hardware configuration
  • WIFI Network configuration
  • MIDI configuration & profiles
  • etc.

• New Pianoteq Engine, including the Pianoteq 6.0.3 Demo version, upgradable to 6.1 or licensed version from the webconf tool.
• Global MIDI-learning. See the wiki documentation: http://wiki.zynthian.org/index.php/Zynthian_UI_Users_Guide 20
• Improved Security. SSH keys and webconf cookie secret will be generated on first boot, avoiding that anybody accessing your local network can hijack your Zynthian box.
• PANIC functions: All notes/sounds Off
• Supports the new RBPi 3 B+: It includes a recent version of firmware (rpi-update), as required by the new RBPi3 B+.
• MIDI over network: It can be enabled from the Webconf or the UI’s Admin menu. It uses QmidiNet, that implements UDP/IP multicast and it’s fully compatible with IP-Midi 2 for Windows & Mac.
• Improved controller scheme for setBfree, integrating latest changes from @x42

• Channel Clone: it’s the new method for “layering” sounds while allowing to change volume and other controllers independently. Any MIDI channel can be bond to other channels, what it means that all the note on/off + pitch bending + channel presure (aftertouch) messages received by the source channel will be cloned to the bond channels.

• Multi-port Architecture: the new MIDI router allows having several input and output ports, that can be configured and routed easily (by code). This will allow to adapt the Zynthian MIDI Router to the new features as we develop it.

• Active Channel: this feature, that can be enabled/disabled from the webconf tool, allows to forward all MIDI input to the active layer’s channel. This is very useful when your master keyboard can’t change its MIDI channel easily. You can rotate the active layer by clicking the “layer” knob, or selecting from the layer list.

• Improve Filter Rule System:
  • Fix IGNORE rules. Now it should work as expected!
  • Add new events types: NOTE_ON, NOTE_OFF
  • Program Change event name has changed from PG to PC!!!
  • Allow specifying PC number in rules, so you can set rules for specific Prog.Nums.

• Sustain pedal and panic button may be connected to available pins.