MiSTer FPGA mt32-pi
mt32-pi is bare metal Raspberry Pi emulation of the popular Roland MT32 MIDI device. It was created by d0pefish. Show him some love!
2024 note: New Pi 3A+ models have been shown to have issues. More info here.
Features:
- A simple interface for mt32-pi (no buttons or knobs - use the OSD :)
- Includes a bracket to mount to the aluminum case :)
- compatible with with Pi Zero 2 W, 3A+, 3B, and 4 (not included)
- Includes PCB shim for use with Pi Zero 2 W
- Includes revised USB 3 A male to USB 3 A male cable
- Also works with the SNAX USB 3 cable
- Upgraded power supply strongly recommended
Configuration:
- Follow the steps here: https://github.com/dwhinham/mt32-pi/wiki/MiSTer-FPGA%3A-Setup-and-usage
- mt32-pi.cfg
- Option 1: download my mt32-pi.cfg
- Option 2: edit mt32-pi.cfg and set:
- [audio]
- output_device = i2s
- [control]
- scheme = none
- mister = on
- [lcd]
- type = ssd1306_i2c
- height = 64
- When you power on the mt32-pi, you should see a MiSTer splash screen. If not, check the cable connecting to the mt32-pi to the User port.
Installation (from front to back):
- Short screws
- Front PCB
- Short standoff
- mt32-pi PCB
- Long standoff screwed into the short standoff
- Raspberry Pi (and shim PCB if using a Pi Zero 2)
- Small aluminum rings
- Rear aluminum plate
- Long black screws
Troubleshooting:
If your mt32-pi doesn’t show the MiSTer logo during bootup, check the green activity LED on your Raspberry Pi. If you see 4 long blinks, followed by 7 short blinks, follow this guide.
MiSTer FPGA mt32-pi
mt32-pi is bare metal Raspberry Pi emulation of the popular Roland MT32 MIDI device. It was created by d0pefish. Show him some love!
2024 note: New Pi 3A+ models have been shown to have issues. More info here.
Features:
- A simple interface for mt32-pi (no buttons or knobs - use the OSD :)
- Includes a bracket to mount to the aluminum case :)
- compatible with with Pi Zero 2 W, 3A+, 3B, and 4 (not included)
- Includes PCB shim for use with Pi Zero 2 W
- Includes revised USB 3 A male to USB 3 A male cable
- Also works with the SNAX USB 3 cable
- Upgraded power supply strongly recommended
Configuration:
- Follow the steps here: https://github.com/dwhinham/mt32-pi/wiki/MiSTer-FPGA%3A-Setup-and-usage
- mt32-pi.cfg
- Option 1: download my mt32-pi.cfg
- Option 2: edit mt32-pi.cfg and set:
- [audio]
- output_device = i2s
- [control]
- scheme = none
- mister = on
- [lcd]
- type = ssd1306_i2c
- height = 64
- When you power on the mt32-pi, you should see a MiSTer splash screen. If not, check the cable connecting to the mt32-pi to the User port.
Installation (from front to back):
- Short screws
- Front PCB
- Short standoff
- mt32-pi PCB
- Long standoff screwed into the short standoff
- Raspberry Pi (and shim PCB if using a Pi Zero 2)
- Small aluminum rings
- Rear aluminum plate
- Long black screws
Troubleshooting:
If your mt32-pi doesn’t show the MiSTer logo during bootup, check the green activity LED on your Raspberry Pi. If you see 4 long blinks, followed by 7 short blinks, follow this guide.
It is undeniable that the Roland MT-32 is the gold standard for music synthesis when it comes to retro computing. But units were expensive back in the day, and now they're both expensive and rare. Thanks to the incredibly open and well-known Raspberry Pi platform, however, it's possible to get the sound that was meant to be heard without laying out a fortune in advance. Obviously it's not perfect, but for everyday retro use, it's brilliant. Bravo to Dale for bringing us this awe-inspiring piece of tech, and good luck to him in his further endeavors.
This is awesome. My primary use case was to experience the soundtrack of Castlevania on X68000 in its fullness. Is that overkill? Yeah, probably. Is it still awesome? Yeah, it's awesome. It sounds glorious.
Assembly isn't too bad. If you put together your own Mister you probably won't have any issue. If you havent assembled a stack like this you might be a little lost at first but it's inconsequential and simple to reassemble.
I put together this unit using a Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+. A 2024 board I assume, as it would not power the MT32 hat. It was pretty simple to fix. Per the instruction on the product page, you just need those two files replaced on your SD card. Simply Google the file names and download them from the GitHub repo. Fixed.
This thing is definitely a luxury item that gives your Mister setup a vague sense of completion. And it sounds good. Not necessary but worth it.
I used with a pi 3b. Set up was a breeze. So far I have only used it with x68000 core Cadtlevania game. Already feel like I got my moneys worth.
Delivery stuck at customs, then for unknown reason in some kind of “facility”… USPS sucks unfortunately. Mister Pi from China with cheapest delivery option travelled 10 days.
Honestly, this thing felt a little extra when I ordered it but, man, it’s so cool