[Coco] My Thoughts On Midi And The CoCo...

[Bill Pierce]

Joe, first, Musica & Musica 2 were NOT MIDI players. They played through the 6bit DAC, Speech Systems StereoPak, & Orhcestra90 Pak. There was a MIDI conversion utility to convert them to Lyra format and (I think) a player, that would play them through the MIDIPak. I know them well as I have Lester Hand's last Musica sources (aquired from Lester).

2nd, any standard MIDI file under about 28k (maybe 30k) CAN be played "as is" on a Coco3 using Mike Knudsen's "MIDIPlay" for OS9.

3rd, There's is an easier option for MIDI on the Coco (1, 2, or 3) by using DriveWire4 (which you mentioned) which interfaces directly through your PC's built in MIDI capabilities (Windows, Mac, or Linux). No MIDI hardware needed. There are many "software synths" available for free on the net.
I have patched versions of Lyra and Ultimuse 3 (available on my site) which will utilize the DriveWire4 MIDI features (again, I have the sources from both Lester & Mike, and their blessings to use them).

 
As for playing the MIDI files on a PC, if you are running any version of Windows after XP (I think), Windows has a built in MIDI synth and MIDI files will play directly through Window's Media Player. I'm not sure if Mac & Linux will do this but I am sure if they have a software synth installed, VLC media player will play them.

I run a small 16 track (soon 32) digital recording studio for local artists and do high quality MIDI sequencing for backing tracks for artists needing them. These days, I use Cakewalk Sonar Professional and some amazing (and very expensive) virtual instruments (VSTi) for sound. I no longer even own a real synth and do full orchestral or rock band arrangements. My PC handles all synth needs :-)

A lot of people seem to think MIDI is dead and no longer used when in fact, it's the underlying structure of most modern recording. Almost all professional digital recording software suites have high quality MIDI sequencers built in and most pro audio gear is MIDI controlled. My Midas recording console is MIDI controlled and my recording software will move the motorized knobs and faders as I work from the computer. I can even control my Fender CyberTwin guitar amp with my PC from across the room.
What is cool is that I can do all this from my Coco3 as well using Ultimuse3 :-)

 

Bill Pierce
"Charlie stole the handle, and the train it won't stop going, no way to slow down!" - Ian Anderson - Jethro Tull

My Music from the Tandy/Radio Shack Color Computer 2 & 3
https://sites.google.com/site/dabarnstudio/
Co-Contributor, Co-Editor for CocoPedia
http://www.cocopedia.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

E-Mail: ooogalapasooo at aol.com