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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

180.0. "KX88, Teac 246, Yam. D1500 ques" by ORACLE::WATERS () Sun Nov 10 1985 22:57

I've got a KX88 and TX-216.  Next week, I'll take delivery of a TR-707,
and I'm planning on buying a 246 Portastudio at the same time.  After
that, I have to start saving for an Amiga or Atari ST, so that I can
automate the MIDI instruments.  I hope that someone out there has a
KX-88 hooked up to a computer, so that I can ask a few questions:

The KX88 Owner's manual describes plenty about the MIDI messages that
come out the keyboard/controller, but I saw only one sentence about
what the IN jack is good for (besides MIDI through).  I'd love to know
before I spend money on software if the KX88 will take controller
assignment messages from MIDI in.  The documentation did not specify
asy system exclusive codes for setting up KX88 functions, so I'm
getting concerned that there will be no way to automatically manipulate
the limited set of switches and foot pedals.  Just out of curiosity,
what's the situation for the MKB1000 (is that the right name)?

Secondly, I have high hopes of using both commercial voicing and
sequencing software AND home-brew MIDI filtering routines.  How does
one go about using the MIDI interface in a computer while also using
commercial software?  (What I have in mind is to run several MIDI
programs on the Atari ST at once, and have them share the MIDI port.)
Is there no (reasonable) way?

Third, has anyone bought the Teac 246?  In stores, it goes for $1100
at EUW and $1150 at LaSalles, Boston.  Is it worth it compared to
bargain prices for 244s these days ($900 and better)?  How do I reach
Sam Ashe?

Finally, there's lots of sale activity in the Boston stores these days.
EUW had a pretty good one last Saturday, Nov. 2.  Sorry, I didn't find
out about it until I got there.  They had to move the whole store down
the stairs, and sold off lots of year-old models (new and off-the-floor)
before moving.  LaSalles has lots of stuff cheap, like <$1400 Linn Drum,
$380 TR-909, and other phase-outs.

One item of interest at LaSalle's is the Yamaha D1500 digital delay.
Up to a second, I believe, with LOTS of built-in effects.  I think that
it stores 64 presets, has MIDI interface.  They're going fast at $399.
Does anyone on the Easynet know this animal?

Sorry about the useless verbage between the questions.

GW

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180.1BOOLE::SPEEDMon Nov 11 1985 15:1710
Sam Ash's number is (800) 645-3518.

I wish I had your equipment problems :-)!

This is not an answer, but another question: can the KX88 be used to program
voicing parameters on a TX216?  The thought of having to buy a computer or
a DX7 to program a $2000 TX216 really burns me...  Talk about lock-ins!

		Derek
 
180.2ORACLE::WATERSMon Nov 11 1985 19:5114
Thanks for the number.  Now I can see what a Teac 246 really costs.

Yes, the KX88 can be used to modify Yamaha DX/TX series voicing parameters.
However, you spend a lot of time punching in MIDI hex data.  The thing that
you can do easily is bind the KX88 control sliders, foot pedals, and wheels
to any of the numeric TX parameters.  Anything other than knob turning is
very awkward, however.  You can't set up enough definitions to toggle operators
on and off, nor assignments of LFO function, etc.  For these "switch" functions,
you pretty much have to key in the whole MIDI packet for each change.  (If
only they put the hex keys on the keyboard, I could practice them like scales
8^) 8^).  A computer is definitely in order for voice development.

GW

180.3PIXEL::COHENTue Nov 12 1985 14:324
I just bought the Yamaha Digital Delay D1500 at Sam Ash's in NY for $300.
Try there first!

	- Rick