*****************UPDATED******************
This weekend, I have been working out how to build an interface plugin for the Boss SE-70. I have needed to program this VST/AU in a completely different way to the VF-1 interface plugin but I am pleased to say, I have the underlying scripts written and the plugin frame built.
First off, I am not connected with Boss/Roland in any way, I am just a big fan of their work and vintage processors which have tons of character.
I used Preset 37 Long Delay with the algorithm Mono Delay for my proof of concept coding. I have the Boss loading settings into my plugin directly from the SE-70, sending modified data back into the SE-70 and all of the usual DAW integration features such as assigning the SE-70 Control 1, 2, 3 and 4 parameters.
I have live control too but will need to investigate the impact of writing 70ish KBs worth of data to the temporary memory for example, possible wear on old chips of their time. As a result, I am going to program in a live mode as a option for editing with a switch to turn it off after the preset has been set in. I will then beam the settings into the DAW when a song project reloads. It will have all of the same functionality as my other plugins including preset loading from within Logic’s own preset system.
I am in the alpha phase for this project. I could not find any information about the algorithms online so I am breaking it down, byte by byte, algorithms by algorithms. This going to be a long haul. I need to stress, this plugin is going to take a long while to build but I will post an update every now and again.
Panel Plugin – X-70 Alpha Draft 1
Based on this information – you may ask why? Well, I have been blown away by the sound of this box. It is a real can of mojo and vibe.
Push reverbs hard and you get some really nice distortion. In fact, push many things hard and you get some interesting effects. I am keen to try out the Crystal Voices/Shimmer patch that is meant to be superb on the Vocoder.
Progress so far:
Full two way communication achieved on the test algorithm (mono delay).
In: All faders update to match the settings in the SE-70 preset.
Out: All changes in the panel load into the SE-70 temporary memory where they could either be saved as a preset or saved in the DAW (saved with a project).
If you like my work, you are welcome to send a gift at Buymeacoffee.com
Progress update:
The plugin is near completion. I have been very pleased with progress. I managed to write an experimental script that enables live control of all parameters contained inside an algorithm. This enables live preset editing during a mix session, taking the plugin beyond a simple patch load and restore plugin.
It is fair to say that the plugin has evolved quite a bit.
Due to this being the download page, I will provide a greater breakdown of functionality on a user guide page (linked to here). I want to say a big thank you to the sole person out there who bought me a coffee. I gesture like this kept me hanging on in there when the coding got tough and at times, it got tough. Thank you.
I also want to pass on my thanks to Roland customer support who provided me with really good information/a link to examples which I found helpful. As a first time developer who did not actually plan to programme software (or be a developer), understanding the do’s and don’ts of copyright infringement is very important to me. Like all of us, I want to make music. This is my main purpose. However, I recognise that a tool like will add to my creativity and I am thankful that Roland are such a great company who took the time to respond to my query.
Finally, I also hope for a few more buy me a coffees. I would like to raise enough money to see some of my other music projects through to fruition including hiring a vocalist and potentially, more panels. I have no intention for charging for my panels (I have a cracking VF-1 panel on the way). Like everyone, I hope we hear more good music out there and it this helps, we all win. For those of you who follow my work due to my use of bone anchored hearing aids in mixing – I want to show you some finished versions. I no longer find my lack of hearing the disability it once was.
Additional features:
• Preset selection button.
• Live mode.
• Preset naming.
• Algorithm ordering box.
UPDATES
After the setback of my laptop data ribbon cable wearing out leading to the sad loss of my MacBook Pro 2017, I am finally back on my feet with the standalone versions being sent out to Mac users. All reports have come back positively for both Intel and Silicon (using Rosetta) include on M4 Sequoias.
I while back, I created a video for YouTube demonstrating the DAW integration in Logic found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECPnJJeygQM&t=4s
This version is still in the pileline but I had a few problems with initialisation of the automation parameters when the plugin changes presets. The code is fine inside the panel but Logic is not resetting the parameter list. I need to rethink how I complete this and this is the final stage before release. As a positive, I have successfully built versions that load as an AU and VST inside Logic and they are stable.
However, I may take a break from the SE-70 after porting the Windows standalone. This is because I have VF-1 plugins to finish off and they are nearly completed too. I learned a lot from the Boss SE-70 and will re-design the VF-1 plugin after the initial release. I wrote the VF-1 plugin purely to control the box as a DAW first plugin instead of a standalone and this had full functionality but one way. Used more like a VST. However, I know how to pull and load in parameters and so will aim to release a version 2 at some point. Version 1 will go out there as it is nice to have something cool and functional available but V2 will be comprehensive.
Progress is slow though because I am still having to set everything up again. All of my development environments plus, I have a family, I am completing the Hyperbits Masterclass (following a part scholarship compeitition win! woohoo!) and like to spend time making music. Hard to juggle everything but all good.
Progress update: 16th March 2024, mapped out panel and built frame.
Progress update: 17th March, create script to call algorithm parameters from the hardware and attach to faders/dials.
Progress update: 19th March 2024, finished off mapping the mono delay algorithm.
Progress update: 20th March 2024, written script to control preset name updates.
Progress update: 23rd March 2024, written the script to control the Assign 1, 2, 3 and 4 control system.
Progress update: 24th March 2024, wrote script to handle algorithm detection. Faders/dials now load based upon recall of preset from combo menu, based upon the underlying algorithm.
Progress update: 24th March 2024 (pm), wrote script to cycle through algorithm bytes in decimal and hex for identifying data linking to faders and dials.
Progress update: 24th March 2024 (pm), switched to working on the midi in scripts for the SE-70. Completed work on mapping data from algorithms for Hum Canceler, Sampler 1 and Sampler 2.
Progress update: 25th March 2024, completed work on mapping data from algorithm for Repeat Play.
Progress update: 26th March 2024, completed work on mapping data from algorithm for Vocal Canceler.
Progress update: 26th March 2024, completed work on mapping data from algorithm for Simple Delay.
Progress update: 27th March 2024, completed work on mapping data from algorithms Hall+Room and Reverb+Chorus.
Very cool project, excited to see it come to life.
Thanks for getting in touch and for your support. My ETA for this project will be July, due to a new music project straight after my current one.
Hi Everyone, after a long while, the plugin is being looked over by the kind people at Roland. They are helping me to check that it is fine to release from their side.
Wow – I’m impressed that Roland people were able to look over this for you. Were they helpful? I’m so impressed with this project and your dedication to not only this plug-in and standalone application, but also your commitment to learning. Excellent.
Thanks Julian. Roland support are fantastic. I have contacted them for a few things over time and they have been great. For this project, one member of the team pointed me in the direction of panels for other Roland gear which helped for inspiration and another helped me understand that I cannot use copyrighted branding such as logos which is important for me as a newbie programmer/designer. It meant I had to be slightly less authentic in the design but more creative and capture the essense of the box. In that respect, I went through about 3 panel designs before I decided on the right aesthetic feel of all the panels (that were really, preset options on the lcd screen rather than something tangible). I went as far as building my own fader and customising the knob glows to match the lcd panel to try and get the vibe right. A little nerdy I know but I enjoyed working on these details and in my opinion, these classic boxes deserve some extra special attention.
I thought I will never get back to this old hardware, but if you are able to release this plugin I will be very happy to use it 🙂
Hi Pumpkin, thank you for getting in touch.
Yeah, these have a great vibe to them. The first thing that struck me about this box was exactly that! I accidentally ran a mix through it when testing and my okayish mix really came to life which baffled me. I’m not saying it is a magic box but I was impressed to how my accident impacted on the vibe. I think it is due to running the sound through the analogue chips.
I have a standalone for the SE-70 available and the VF-1 was looking pretty good. I can’t remember where I got with this – I think it was fully DAW to box. I plan to look it my code next week so may be able to get the DAW version of the SE-70 working.
Please let me know if you have a Mac or PC and I’ll compile the latest version.
Fantastic! I’m on a PC – WIN 11, using Reaper or FL Studio
Thanks Pumpkin. Now there is a challenge! As I am Mac based (but CTRLR is cross platform), I will load Windows into a VM and give it a shot. I will try the standalone first. Looks like a good one to go for will be CTRLR v5.3.201 based on this post here. I remember reading that there were some more advanced versions floating around with VST3. I will have to track that down.
Hi Pumpkin, as per the replies above, sadly my laptop went under. Hopefully I will be up and running in the new year and can get back on the project.
Hey Monophreak,
I was wondering how you’re going with this great project?
I’ve got a hard ware synth I am building and planning to include the SE-70 as its effects unit. In an ideal world I would not have the SE-70’s controls on the front panel of the said synth. Can I ask if you are “simply” sending patch SYSEX data when doing parameter changes?
I’d be happy to help out with some testing if you like. I’m a windows person and I have a SE-70, still intact, at the moment.
Thanks Steve and great to hear from you.
My apologies about the late reply. My MacBook Pro sadly broke down in November due to a bad data cable in the LCD. I had hoped the problem may have been the backlight cable but it was something bigger. The screen fades to white as soon as I open the lid and then becomes useable. It is exactly like in this video: https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/1f4fxiy/screen_advice_gradually_turns_white/
As a result, I have been in-between trying to find a fix, repair quotes and I have been researching the M4 Pro and learning how to build IRs to port my favourite plugin settings over. Sadly, looks like a write-off because I need a whole monitor replacement due to how these LCD panels have the cable attached.
As a positive, Logic’s Impulse Response Utility is fantastic. I really need to add a blog article about this for porting over content to the M4 Pro. I haven’t really got into IRs before now but they are really useful.
Another positive is that, when I am back up and running, I can test everything out on Sequoia. I have put an order in so hopefully will be back up and running in the new year. I have two Hyperbits homework to complete too.
Bad news about the computer.
You mention in your notes that you are using the temporary patch data space. What is the sysex for this ? I have found the MIDI Implementation chart for the SE-50 but yet to use this as a basis for data transfers with the 70.
Hi Steve, I had to be really creative. I programmed the X-70 to rebuild every patch based upon the algorithm data changed by my GUI. Midi implementations charts existed for the SE-50 but not the SE-70. I painstakingly worked everything out. It took me a long while!
Hi Steve, thank you for the offer of testing on Windows. I have sent an early version your way.
I’m rocking a pair of VF-1’s and a pair of SE-70s used in line with analog synths – very meaty device I’ve had for years. Very excited to see this development! Beats that little wheel for setting up multi-taps. Happy to try – Mac here, Ableton and Logic.
Hi Futurebleep, thanks for getting in touch and my apologies about the slow response. As per my comment to Steve (full details in the response), I had a bit of a set-back due to my laptop being written off. I will hopefully be up and running again in the new year.
Good luck with the laptop !
Thanks, I finally have a 2019 up and running and picked up a Silicon M4. It was an absolute pain to retrieve the files from my broken 2017 but I have managed to get the last versions. Due to the distance in time, I cannot remember which version is best. I saved a v15 but about 4 hours later, went back to v14.9 and then saved a later dated v14.9.1. Anyhow, I created the first standalone app version from v14.9.1 and this is going to be used for version 1. I wrapped up the copy as a standalone app and tested it out on Mojave 10.14 and Sequoia Silicon and both seemed to be working fine. I assume Sequoia was running in Rosetta mode. Sequoia loaded the message about not being a trusted developer but I have no clue how to sign an app. I clicked accept, entered my password and it all ran smoothly.
I am going to go through the threads to find Mac users for the first tests as I have a compiled version that will work across many MacOSes. For Windows, I need to install a Windows VM, CTRL and compile. The code is cross platform so it should be easy enough.
For anyone interested in testing, I’ll send out the standalone X-70 first of all.
Hi Futurebleep, I can see you have a Mac and I have sent over the first compiled version for the standalone. The user guide can be found here: https://monophreak.com/x-70-user-guide/ and please post comments if you find bugs!
Thank you for my second coffee! I’ll be getting in touch on Friday. I can confirm that it was working on my Sequoia version so fingers crossed you find the same. I’ll add your details to a test build (with version number) and email over on Friday. For PC users, I’ll try and get a build out quite soon. For this, I plan to create a VM on an older Intel Mac.
Been playing with this for a few days now and already created some absolutely mad patches for my beloved SE-70! Works a treat and the GUI is really straightforward and intuitive. No issues to report thus far!
Thanks so much for all your hard work on this 🙂
Thanks for testing Kid Who. It is really appreciated.
I am pleased to say that all reports are coming in positively for both Intel and Silicon Macs. Thank you everyone for testing. I feel at this stage, it is worth attempting the PC port. CTRLR is cross platform and I have now been lent an Intel MacBook 2019 for a Windows install. (I forgot this wasn’t so easy on Silicon). Hopefully I will get a port out in the near future.
First day with the se-70 editor and I am blown away. Makes dialing in complex effect setups super quick. Super excited for the eventual plugin version. Thanks so much!
Thanks Dean. I’m really glad that you’re finding it useful and that it is working well for you. I am looking forward to the PC port which should be coming up shortly.
Woohoo! I have finally managed to port the X-70 panel to Windows and I have my first release. The font type is slightly out in this version and I have only been able to test the LUA code using the midi events logging. All checks out. I am unable to check the midi routing BUT this should not be a problem since this is handled by CTRLR.
It took a while to get my environment up and running but now that it’s in and I have a shared resource folder, future ports will be a lot quicker.
Windows versions are on the move! I have sent copies to two kind people for testing. Pending the results, I will either fix or scan through the thread and send more out.
For future versions (and pure Silicon apps/Audio units), just going to make a note of the following thread here to keep everything together. https://github.com/damiensellier/CtrlrX/issues/47
This looks fantastic. Can’t wait to compile a new version of the dev tools for Silicon after the VF-1 project.
This is Adam (AdamIEcho) from over on Gearspace.
I am so glad you have decided to make this editor and would like to participate in testing it.
I run 3 versions of Windows (7 – for just about everything, XP Service Pack 3 – for some old 90’s programs, and 10 – for work with Eventide on the H9000).
My main studio PC is on Windows 7, so that’s my preferred version, but I’d also like to work with the Windows 10 version so I can program the SE-70 and the H9000 on the same to-go platform for my live shows.
Thanks Adam. I am pleased to confirm an editor has been emailed out. If you could let me know how you get on, it would be really helpful. If all goes well, I will email to all other Windows users in the thread. Thanks
After reverse-engineering all the presets I’ve made a fully working Max patch for the SE-70 which it also allows pseudo real-time control by sending the entire patch with every change (Max’s thresh object is very useful for avoiding unnecessary SysEx clutter – so far it doesn’t glitch out!)
How certain are we that individual parameter control is not possible on the SE-70? From my understanding, this is possible on similar Boss units such as the RV-70 (https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-7065855 – uncharacteristically for Boss, explanations and examples are given on how to format those messages! The SE-50 manual also hits at individual parameter control.) I’ve tried mimicking the examples they give for the SE-70, to no avail. If you have a moment to investigate this possibility, please do!
Fantastic work WB. My panel has three features. Standard mode where you can make the changes in the panel and then send the finished patch. Live mode with real time control which sends all of the complete patch data with changes at one go upon every fader or dial movement or through the midi matrix. For live mode, I added a toggle for turning live mode on and off to save potential wear. For the midi matrix, you can assign the output, for example CCs and the effect you want to allocate for control but this is restricted by the specific parameters chosen by Boss. I then have an option to set up all of the routing options for DAW integration towards the top right.