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| [[File:Zynthian-on-piano-02.png|thumb]] | | [[File:Zynthian-on-piano-02.png|thumb]] |
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− | Zynthian Mini kit is a cost effective approach to build zynthian with intention to give opportunity: | + | Zynthian ''Mini'' kit is a cost effective approach to build a zynthian box with similar functionality to v5 kit. |
− | * to zynthian developers to get functional zynthian similar to v5 where they can do most of the testing
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− | * to musician to get to know zynthian and learn their features before deciding to buy the professional kit
| + | The ''pros'': |
| + | |
| + | + Lower price |
| + | + Possibility of inserting a standard RPi-hat. |
| + | + Smaller format. It's slighty higher than V5, but quite shorter. |
| + | + More DIY! You will learn a lot more while building it |
| + | |
| + | The ''cons'': |
| + | |
| + | + No audio input |
| + | + No amplified headphones output |
| + | + No separated TRS audio connectors. No balanced output/input |
| + | + No USB-B connector. Connecting to PC as USB device is more difficult, but still doable. |
| + | + Overclocking could cause over-heating. The plastic/fiber-glass case can't be used as a heat-sink |
| + | + No RGB LED feedback on push buttons |
| + | + More difficult to assemble. It requires more time and greater skills (i.e. soldering some electronic parts on the PCB) |
| + | + Not so robust. Not so cool, but ... heyyy!! MINI-V2 is also quite cool! ;-) |
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| The main features of zynthian MINI are: | | The main features of zynthian MINI are: |
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− | * include encoders and switches that controll zynthian software in the same way as official zynthian v5 kit using the MCP23017 i/o extender | + | * encoders and switches to control zynthian software in the same way as official zynthian v5 kit, using the MCP23017 i/o extender |
− | * include MIDI IN, MIDI OUT and MIDI THRU | + | * standard DIN-5 connectors for MIDI IN, OUT and THRU |
− | * include a I2S DAC for AUDIO OUT based on PMC5102 chip that is affordable to buy | + | * it uses a I2S DAC for audio out based on PMC5102 chip that is affordable to buy |
| * does not need any cabling inside for easy assembling | | * does not need any cabling inside for easy assembling |
| * does not need the case to test it but it include design of two type of enclosure | | * does not need the case to test it but it include design of two type of enclosure |
| ** simple enclosure that only cover the top and bottom part of the device that can be also produced in the same way as PCBs | | ** simple enclosure that only cover the top and bottom part of the device that can be also produced in the same way as PCBs |
| ** full enclosure that can be 3d printed | | ** full enclosure that can be 3d printed |
− | * all connectors are easy to reach (V1 does not have RPI connectors aligned to the edge of the PCB) | + | * all RPi connectors are easy to reach |
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− | To save the cost of building the Zynthian MINI, we had to sacrifice certain features that some professional musicians would need on the stage such as:
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− | * no audio-in
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− | * no TRS audio connectors
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− | * not best in the class DAC for audio out
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− | * no rigid metal case
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− | * no zynaptik analog inputs
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− | Zynthian is currently at version 2. Previous version 1 was more similar to official V4 kit with only 4 buttons but it is not maintained anymore. | + | Zynthian MINI is currently at version 2. Previous version 1 was more similar to official V4 kit with only 4 buttons but it is not maintained anymore. |
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− | To assemble zynthian mini V2 version you will require: | + | To assemble zynthian MINI V2 version you will require: |
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| * PCB that need to be produced based on KiCad design that you can find in [https://github.com/zynthian/zynthian-hw/tree/master/MINI_V2 zynthian hardware] repository. | | * PCB that need to be produced based on KiCad design that you can find in [https://github.com/zynthian/zynthian-hw/tree/master/MINI_V2 zynthian hardware] repository. |
− | * Components that need to be soldered to this PCB. | + | * Components that need to be soldered on this PCB. |
| * 5" Screen | | * 5" Screen |
| * Raspberry Pi 4 with heatsink | | * Raspberry Pi 4 with heatsink |