#menu(MenuBarEng)

* Getting Started with G.I.M.I.C [#n34229a3]
(Some of the information on this page is outdated. A major renewal on its way!)~
(Some of the information on this Getting Started page is outdated. A major renewal on its way!)~
You can move around this Wiki from the menu on the left. Pages marked &color(red){(jp)}; are currently  only in Japanese.

'''What can I do with G.I.M.I.C? Which parts do I need?'''
~--- Here we'll answer these basic questions. ~

#contents

** What is G.I.M.I.C? [#d4b86de0]
The G.I.M.I.C is a modular chiptune sound generating system: It can be loaded with various modules with sound chips that were employed in home computers and arcade games through the 80s and 90s.((The currently available version of the motherboard can be mounted with only one sound chip module at a time. A variation with an ability to handle multiple sound chips simultaneously is currently under development.))~

By exchanging modules, it can emulate a range of chiptune sound systems. Currently, OPN3-L, OPNA, and OPM are available as sound chip modules. ~

The G.I.M.I.C sound modules come with their respective sound chips, so you don't have to look elsewhere (or "scavenge") for them!~

#ref(GMC-MB2.jpg)

** What is it good for? [#b7e1d7b2]
At this point of development, the G.I.M.I.C can play S98 formatted FM control log files, which can be created by logging play data with a PC-88/PC-98/X1 emulator. ~

Additionally, each sound chip module has one or more data formats it can play without conversion: ~
The OPM Module can play MDX, the format used by the MXDRV FM sound driver for SHARP X68000;~
The OPNA and OPN3-L Modules can play song files for PMD or FMP, FM sound drivers for NEC PC-88/PC-98. ~

You need a PC with an SD card reader to copy S98/MDX/PMD song files onto an SD card. The SD card can then be inserted to the GIMIC's SD card slot, through which GIMIC will read and play the files. ~

For future plan, we are considering support for direct control from PC of the sound chips loaded on GIMIC((The feature will enable PC-88/PC-98/X1/X68000 emulators to use GIMIC as an external sound system, among other things.)) and MIDI-controllability((Which will give GIMIC an ability to act as a MIDI-controlled sound device like YAMAHA FB-01 or TX81Z.)).~

** Where can I get it? [#e66bdfa8]

http://www.3-get.com online store ships our products overseas.~
http://www.3-get.com online store ships our products overseas. [[Search G.I.M.I.C to see our products.:http://www.3-get.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=G.I.M.I.C]]~
The site is currently in Japanese, but they say they are working on English pages, so check back often!

// 現在お店のページは日本語のみですが、英語版を作ってるらしいのでこまめにチェック!
// The site… 以下は三月兎英語版が出来次第に削除。

* Things to Prepare Before Acquiring Your G.I.M.I.C [#vaaee1c7]

** SD Card Reader and SD Card [#w77e4e65]
As said above, the most basic way for the GIMIC to play song files is to read them out of an SD card.~

Although the GIMIC has an SD card reader built in, a PC will NOT recognize it as a card reading device when connected to the GIMIC via USB.~

Consequently you need an SD card reader that can be used with your PC, and an SD card to copy the files onto.~

We recommend using cards with capacities from 2GB to 4GB. The GIMIC can handle SDHC cards with up to 8GB capacity. ~

** USB Cable [#t2c70e8f]
Since the GIMIC draws power from an USB power source, you need an USB cable of type Standard-AB (which we don't include in our packages). ~

For reference, here is a link to [[ELECOM's USB cable:http://www2.elecom.co.jp/cable/usb/usb2-eco/]] specification page. See the pictures to make sure which type of connector you need.~

Cables of this type are commonly included in packages of PC accessories or peripherals (e.g. printers), so you may have already one in stock.~

Besides PCs, you can also use an [[USB to AC Adapter:http://www2.elecom.co.jp/avd/ipod/charger/ava-acu01/]] or a self-powered USB hub as the power source.~

* GIMIC Modules: Primary [#c69b7e88]
To play any sound with the GIMIC, you need a motherboard and at least one sound chip module. Below are short descriptions of these primary modules. ~

** GMC-MB2: Motherboard [#mfb810b0]

#ref(GMC-MB2_PCB.jpg)

The heart and core of the G.I.M.I.C, the motherboard controls the sound chip modules.~

G.I.M.I.C motherboard comes in three editions:

-''Lite (GMC-MB2LT)'' : a low cost, more easily affordable model~
-''Standard (GMC-MB2STD)'' : for those who want basic functions of G.I.M.I.C~
-''Professional (GMC-MB2PRO)'' : for those who seek higher sound quality and versatility~

See the chart below for a detailed comparison.

'''(The Lite Edition is not yet available; release scheduled in April 2014)'''~

||LT|STD|PRO|
|PCM|no|yes|yes|
|Preamp|yes|yes|yes|
|Sound Quality|good|very good|excellent|
|MIDI|no|no|yes|
|Parallel-out|no|no|yes(2 paths)|
|DC In|no|no|yes|
|USB hosting|no|no|yes|
|Built-in FM chip|yes|no|no|

Features:~

- ''Built-in Preamp''~
A preamp with a low noise characteristic is used so as to minimize sound degradation.~

-''Carefully selected components''~
We made no compromise in abundantly using carefully selected, excellent grade components.~
The analog circuitry has undergone repeated trial productions and critical listening, all the while retuned and refined to bring out the sound chips' potential to the maximum.~

- ''Spacial case available'' (not included)~
Specially redesigned version of Abee cubic NE02 is available for the encasement of GMC-MB2.~

- ''LT: Onboard FM sound chip''~
Lite edition is equipped with an onboard FM sound chip, so that it can be used without sound chip modules.~
Of course, you can still install the G.I.M.I.C sound chip modules just as in Standard or Pro editions.~

- ''STD/PRO: Support for PCM''~
Standard and Pro motherboard can play PCM without the aid of a sound chip module.~
We used an audio codec of a high grade that is made use of in market production audio equipment,~
to realize a sound with a sharpness that blends in modern audio environments.~
'''(Firmware to enable this feature is currently under development; upgrade will be available for download as soon as it is implemented)'''~

- ''STD/PRO: Better pop-up noise suppression''~
Standard and Pro motherboard are equipped with a circuit for the specific purpose of pop-up noise suppression.~
(Pro motherboard has a pair of noise suppression circuits: one for the output from motherboard's 3.5mm jack, another for the output through the Breakout port)~

-''STD/PRO: Headphone amplifier''~
The analog circuitry has (apart from the codec) a driver amplifier for headphones.~
This enables high impedance headphones like Sennheiser HD800 to work properly,~
at the same time improving S/N ratio to make the sound even clearer.

-''STD/PRO: 4-layer circuit board''~
We used a high-end 4-layer circuit board not commonly seen in indie hardware, to allow G.I.M.I.C to work in its full potential.~

-''PRO: ability to work on both USB bus power and on external power supply''~
While all the three editions run on USB bus power, Pro edition can be fed its power also from an AC adaptor.~
When thus running on external power supply, Pro motherboard activates its function to cut off noise originating in the USB circuit, vastly increasing the S/N ratio.~

-''PRO: Breakout port'' (not included)~
ALVA BF-BOCMKH breakout cable can be connected to open up additional connections, namely:~
Line I/O (unbalanced), MIDI I/O, and a 6.5mm stereo output.~

-''PRO: USB hosting''~
Pro motherboard is equipped with a USB standard-A port, through which G.I.M.I.C can be connected to external USB devices, such as ten-keys.~

** GMC-OPN3L: OPN3-L Module [#i71dd226]

#ref(GMC-OPN3L_PCB.jpg)

OPN3-L (YMF288) is the sound chip employed in NEC PC-9821 in its later years.~

The chip is in some degree compatible with OPN (YM2203) and OPNA (YM2608), the sound chips of PC-6601SR, PC-8001mkIISR, PC-8801mkIISR (and the later models of the series), PC-9801 series, PC-9821 series, FUJITSU FM77AV series, SHARP MZ-2500 and so on. ((The compatibility is only partial. For example, OPN3-L has no ADPCM synthesis, which on the other hand OPNA does. Also, OPN3-L's FM/SSG mix balance is not changeable.))~

Features:~

- ''Authentic YMF288-M (OPN3-L) FM LSI''. This sound chip is roughly equivalent to 86 SoundBoard of PC-98 or PC-88 SoundBoard II without PCM/ADPCM.((Later models of PC-9821 employ YMF288 as the successor to 86 SoundBoard.))~
Compared to these SoundBoard, OPN3-L
-- Lacks ADPCM
-- Lacks CSM speech synthesis
-- Lacks General Purpose I/O
-- Lacks individual outputs for FM and SSG((While OPN/OPNA has individual outputs for FM and SSG, OPN3-L mixes both signals into one single output with fixed ratio.))
-- Lacks PCM synthesis of 86 SoundBoard((86 SoundBoard has an individual sound chip that processes PCM, apart from the FM chip.))

- ''High clarity of sound'' made possible with top grade parts specifically designed for the puropose. The module can keep the level of the noise in the signal much lower than built-in sound systems of gaming hardwares or home computers. One can obtain even clearer sounds in combination with our DAC module (GMC-OPT01) and/or SPDIF module (GMC-OPT02).

** GMC-OPNA: OPNA Module [#n9cc6009]

#ref(GMC-OPNA_PWB.jpg)

A module mounted with an OPNA (YM2608) sound chip mentioned above.~

Just as SoundBoard II of PC-8801 series, this modules has a DRAM exclusively alloted for ADPCM synthesis, which makes possible an exact reproduction of PC-88 sounds.~

It also has a variable FM/SSG mix balance, which can be utilized to emulate sound systems of both PC-88 and PC-98 (86 SoundBoard).~

Features:~

- ''Authentic YM2608B FM LSI'', the model employed in PC-88/PC-98 series.

- ''ADPCM synthesis'' which the module handles all by itself with its 256KB DRAM.

- ''Variable FM/SSG mix balance'' that can be set to any ratio. The first indie hardware((As of Jul. 2011.)) to be equipped with this ability, this module can play song data for multiple enviroments, retaining their original volume balance.

- ''Variable clock rate'' that can be set to anything within the module's operating frequency.((It works only in 7.9872MHz frequency with the current version of the firmware.)) This feature enables a more faithful emulation of arcade game hardware with YM2203 sound chip.

- ''High clarity of sound'' attained through abundant use of high grade electronic components. Even for parts that do not directly affect sound quality, we have employed the best components for the optimal reliability. For example, we have lavishly used expensive round pin IC sockets designed for SDIP, rather than leaf spring sockets, which are much cheaper but more apt to degrade over time and thus liable to contact failure.

** GMC-OPM: OPM Module [#r603dd96]

#ref(GMC-OPM_PCB.jpg)

OPM (YM2151) is the FM sound chip of SHARP X1TurboZ and X68000, employed also in arcade game systems of 80s and 90s.((OPP (YM2164) sound chip in YAMAHA FB-01, DX21, DX27, DX100 and KORG DS-8, 707 etc. is compatible OPM.))

Features:~
- ''Authentic YM2151'', the FM LSI employed by SHARP X1, X68000, various arcade game systems and digital synthesizers.~
'''Currently the module doesn't support X1's SSG, X68000's ADPCM, or PCM sounds of arcade game systems.'''((We're working on a high-spec version of the motherboard, which will (besides being able to handle multiple sound chips at the same time) support X1's SSG. X68000's ADPCM and arcade games' PCM will be supported by the PCM module, likewise under development.))

- ''High clarity of sounds'' attained through abundant use of high quality components, extensively rivising the board design of the 80s to meet the modern standard.

- ''Variable clock rate'' that can be set to anything within the module's operating frequency (3MHz-4MHz)((With the current version of the firmware the clock rate is fixed to 4MHz.)) This first in the indie hardware feature enables a highly faithful emulation of arcade game sound systems, whose clock rate is not always uniform.((This feature will be supported in the future when playing S98 data. The clock data will be fixed to 4MHz when playing MDX files.))~
'''Clock rate gets instantly adjusted at the start of each song.'''

3MHz
#ref(CLK_3M.png)
4MHz
#ref(CLK_4M.png)

- ''Ability to exchange the chip'' to one with pin-compatibility, such as YM2164 (OPP). The IC socket makes the replacement quite effortless.((Mounting OPP will not bring any change to the module's function.))

** GMC-OPL3: OPL3 Module [#n08bb3b2]

#ref(GMC-OPL3_PWB.jpg)

A module mounted with an OPL3 (YMF262-M) sound chip.

Features:~
- ''Authentic YAMAHA YMF262-M'', the FM LSI employed by Sound Blaster 16 and its compatibles.

- ''Compatibility with OPL and OPL2''. The module can play song data for those earlier YAMAHA FM chips. (CSM speech synthesis mode is not supported)

- ''Variable clock rate'' that, as with GMC-OPNA and GMC-OPM, can be set to anything within the module's operating frequency. It enables the module to emulate arcade game sound systems, where clock rate might vary according to games.

- ''High clarity of sounds'' attained through abundant use of high quality components.

Connect one of these four sound chip modules to the motherboard, and your GIMIC is ready to play! ~

* GIMIC Modules: Secondary [#k70f1f5d]
Here is a list of optional modules to expand and enhance your GIMIC. ~

** GMC-OPT02: Digital Output Module for OPN3-L [#c03c89c2]

#ref(GMC-OPT02_PWB.jpg)

This module enables direct digital output from OPN3-L. You can feed the signal into any external DAC of your choice and pursue the best end results.~

Features:~

- ''Ultimate sound quality'' that surpasses any other emulator. This module draws digital signals directly out of FM LSI, so the purity of sound is at the very highest. Also, software emulators can not faithfully recreate the original sounds, since they calculate waveform with a bit depth lower than the hardware sound chip.~
#br
'''To what sound card the digital signals are feeded will make some difference (though slight) in the quality of resulting sound.'''~
'''We recommend using an external DAC (when playing) or audio card (when recording), instead of PC's built-in sound card.'''~
 '''an example of a recording interface: RME Babyface'''~
 '''an example of a playing interface: AUDIOTRAK Dr.DAC2DX'''~

- ''Up- and down-sampling'': with its sampling rate converter, the module can output the signals in the frequency of 44100/48000/55466/96000Hz.~
'''The 96kHz frequency is recommended.'''~
'''Signals from the FM LSI are in 55466Hz/16bit.'''

The pictures below show the bit statistic while in 96kHz mode and playing no sound:~

#ref(GMC-OPT02_DGChk.png)
#ref(GMC-OPT02_ST.png)

** Ten-key [#q56202c6]
You can connect a ten-key to the USB Standard-A port of the motherboard and use it as an external controller to play/pause and choose tracks. ~

'''We are not offering ten-keys themselves, so please acquire one (if necessary) through your preferred vendor.'''~

* Future Projects [#t91b0dad]
We at the G.I.M.I.C. Project are planning further development, both hardware and software-wise. Some of the projects are listed below.~

** PCM Module [#dccb9f98]
A PCM sound chip module equipped with an Altera's FPGA.~

It will play various PCM formats (e.g. ADPCM of X68000, PCM sounds of PC-9821's 86 SoundBoard) with its powerful emulating ability.~

** OPLL Module [#r522f23f]
A sound chip module mounted with a YM2413B (a.k.a. OPLL), YAMAHA's FM LSI.~

While as yet no software emulation of the OPLL has been wholly successful, this module will realize a faithful reproduction of its sounds by employing the authentic chip.~

** PSG Module [#oec475e3]
A sound chip module with YAMAHA's SSG LSI, YM2149F. We will make a special expansion to its processor register for a higher sound playing compatibility.~

** High-Spec Motherboard [#s36b4ec8]
A motherboad that can be loaded with multiple sound chip modules and control them simultaneously.~

The GIMIC with this motherboard will be able to handle up to 4 sound chips at the same time.~

** Control with MIDI [#ee92a425]
Controllability from an external MIDI input, with which the GIMIC will be able to act as a hardware synthesizer.~

** Inter-GIMIC Syncability [#cfb8ec31]
Ability for chain-connected GIMICs to be synced to each other to form an ensemble.~

** Optimizations for Live DJ'ing [#wad0a202]
DJ-oriented features that will enhance live use, such as a CUE monitoring function.~


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