The Oberheim MIDI magicBox
for OB-SX, OB-X and OB-Xa

External MIDI interface for the Oberheim OB-SX, OB-X and OB-Xa.

The magicBox connects to the synthesizer’s COMPUTER INTERFACE port. It provides polyphonic MIDI note control and real-time parameter editing without an internal MIDI retrofit.

• Note messages, Program Change, modulation and pitch bend.
• Parameter control via MIDI Control Change.
• 56 additional ROM presets and 56 writable user memories.
• SysEx backup and restore, plus parameter feedback to a MIDI controller.

Price: €438. External power supply not included.

Contact mLab about compatibility or ordering

Shipping to the United States is currently unavailable.

Online ordering is unavailable for shipping to the United States. Please contact mLab with any questions.

Compatibility and connection

The all-in-one magicBox supports OB-SX, OB-X and OB-Xa. Earlier magicBox versions have their own controller setups. Use the download for your version below.

Model-specific information: OB-SX · OB-X · OB-Xa.

1. Connect the magicBox to the synthesizer’s COMPUTER INTERFACE port.
2. Connect the MIDI controller’s output to the magicBox MIDI input.
3. For parameter feedback, also connect the magicBox MIDI output to the controller’s MIDI input.

MIDI connection diagram (PDF)

The interface requires 9 V DC, centre positive (+). The power supply is not included. An optional OB-SX power modification allows power to be supplied from the synthesizer. This modification is separate from the standard external installation.

Downloads

Select the files for your magicBox version.

• MIDI controller setups for BCR2000, ROTO CONTROL, BCR32 and iPad (ZIP)
• Earlier OB-SX / OB-X(a) magicBox versions — setup files and manuals (ZIP)
• MIDI implementation chart
• BCR2000 setup details (PDF)

Tested MIDI Controllers with Parameter Feedback

The following MIDI controllers have been tested and confirmed to support parameter feedback with the magicBox.

• Behringer BCR2000 | Overlays & Decals
• Behringer BCR32 | Label-Editor
• Melbourne ROTO CONTROL
• DJ Techtools Midi Fighter Twister
• Touch-OSC for iPad
• TB-MIDI-Stuff for iPad

Other MIDI controllers may also be compatible if they support the required MIDI messages and parameter feedback.

Automatic Parameter Synchronization

Whenever a Program Change or Program Load occurs, the magicBox automatically transmits the current parameter values via MIDI OUT. Compatible controllers can use this feedback to synchronize their controls, LED indicators, and displays with the newly loaded sound.

Important: The connected synthesizer has no MIDI OUT of its own. All outgoing MIDI data, including parameter feedback, is generated and transmitted by the magicBox.

More about parameter feedback

BCR2000 setup

1. Hold EDIT and press STORE to enter the global settings.
2. Use the first encoder in the top row to select standalone mode S-3. This is the MIDI connection mode used here to avoid feedback loops.
3. Use the fifth encoder in the top row to set the SysEx device ID to 1, then press EXIT.
4. Send the appropriate setup SysEx file to the BCR2000. The display indicates incoming data with a circular animation.
5. The received setup is initially temporary. Press STORE, choose one of the 32 preset locations with the PRESET cursor keys, then press STORE again.

Load and save sounds

With the supplied BCR2000 setup, use the bottom-left encoder to select a ROM preset (1–56), then press LOAD. Edit the sound as required. Select a user memory (1–56) with the bottom-right encoder and press SAVE.

Watch the copy, edit and save example

Back up and restore user memories

Send MIDI CC 107 with value 127 to transmit all 56 user memories as a SysEx dump from MIDI OUT. Save this dump with your MIDI software.

Send the saved SysEx file back to the magicBox to restore it. Restoring replaces all 56 current user memories.