| 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 |
I have a question about the use of an external sync source with a MIDI port. Specifically, I'm wondering if the Atari 520ST that I'm thinking of buying will be limited for lack of such an external sync input (and for lack of a MIDI -thru as well) In looking at the Roland MPU I see such a sync connection. All the computer-synth daisy chains that I can forsee setting up could be done without a MIDI thru on the PC, but there is something about that sync missing that bothers me. I'm imagining that it would be handy for clocking the MIDI stream from an external tape or video click track or other rhythm unit. I appreciate any light that may be thrown on this question. I'd hate to be pursuaded to move my development plans to the IBM PC / Roland MPU if the ext. sync is a non issue. Dave
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 218.1 | SAUTER::SAUTER | Wed Jan 22 1986 10:30 | 19 | ||
When I started doing multitrack I used the FSK IN port on my
MPU-401 to synchronize. I don't any more, because I am now
using a Roland SBX-80, which reads SMPTE off the synch track
and translates it into MIDI clock. Because my sequencer software
is home-grown I was able to modify it to take start, stop and
synch from MIDI messages. (Taking synch from MIDI is easy
on an MPU-401, you just tell the device to do it. Taking stop
and start is a little more complex, you've got to write about
20 lines of code. While I was there I added Song Position,
a MIDI message intended to position a sequencer. The SBX-80
can send it, but I haven't found much use for it because my
songs are short.)
Therefore, if you want to do multitrack you will need either
a separate synch input, or the following: 1) A Roland SBX-80
or the equivalent, that will generate MIDI synch messages from
your synch track, and 2) sequencer software that can accept
synch from MIDI.
John Sauter
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