Conference napalm::commusic_v1

The MPU401 is a good choice as it seems to be widely accepted. I would
recommend staying away from M.E.S.A software by Roland. This
package is poorly documented, overpriced, and designed by and for a
music scribe IMO.

do

    I am using an ibm-at running Sequencer+ MkII with the OP-4001. 
    Although I also have Dr. T's COPYIST for transcribing, I haven't
    used that much, yet.  For sequencers, I looked at Seq+ 1,2, and
    3 and felt that SP2 was the best value.  (The new release V2.0 looks
    even better).  For my use, mostly home studio, SP1 was a little
    light on features and not enough tracks (only 16). They all work
    pretty much the same, though, and I find Seq+ to be one of the easier
    sequencers to figure out.  I also liked 48Track PC, which has a
    lot of good features, but ended up going with the Voyetra product
    because it was a bigger company and I knew I would be using the
    OP-4001.  I realize that both SP2 and 48Track PC are more than you
    want to spend, but I would stay away from Cakewalk and some of the
    other "bargain basement" products.  They are short on function and
    often have little bugs that can do you in when you least expect
    it.
    	The OP-4001 works fine and with SMPTE timing and such, has more
    than enough to key amatuers like me satisfied.  It is also signifi-
    cantly cheaper than the Roland MPU-401 (which also takes up more space
    because of its junction box).  Although I have an XT clone to which
    I will eventually be moving this stuff, I have not tried it there,
    but suspect you should not have any problems either.  BTW, the
    difference between the OP-4001 and the new V-4001, is that the latter
    does not have the 5V timing capability (for pre-MIDI gear).  If
    you don't need that you can save yourself about $40 at retail.
    	I love my setup and am really surprised that more folks don't
    have this given the prevalence of PC software and the cheapness
    of XT clones right now.  I realize that the Atari and Mac offer
    incredible graphics and some nice editing twists, but after you're
    finished with your music you don't have anywhere the choice of software
    options you have with the PC.  
    
    Good Luck!
    Bill
    
    PS You can get a demo disk of SP3 from Voyetra for about $10 bucks
       which will give you a good idea of how it works, and you don't
       need to have the MIDI interface installed for it to work.

    Bill,
    
    What kind of features were absent in SP1 (besides tracks) that you
    felt you really needed/wanted? 
    
    Are you sure that the 5V timing thing is the only difference between
    the OP-4001 and the V-4001?
    
    Mike D

    I'm running Cakewalk on a clone with the Voyetra OP-4001 interface.
    
    A previous note recommended staying away from Cakewalk.  I disagree.
    Version 2.0 runs just fine, no bugs that I've found, and is simple
    and easy to use.  I don't know what you're looking for in the way
    of features, but you can't beat it for the price. I even prefer
    it over Dr. T's KCS I used on the Atari 1040ST I used to own, but
    I don't have complex requirements at this point.
    
    The Voyetra interface was a bit cheaper than the MPU-401, and sticks
    out from the back of the machine (the midi ports are part of the
    card, not a separate box like the MPU).  For me, this was an advantage,
    for others, maybe not.  It has tape sync in/out, metronome out,
    midi in/out, :-)  and a switch for sync mode.
    
    A sample disk (can't save/load data) of the basic Voyetra sequencer 
    MKI?) came with the interface; if you're interested, you can try
    it out.
    
    Rodney M.

    RE: -1
    
    Rodney, I'd like to take you up on that offer to try the Voyetra
    demo disk. Thanks for the info on Cakewalk. I also heard other positive
    things about Cakewalk. Twelve Tone Systems makes something called 
    Cakewalk Live that works with Cakewalk as a sidekick-type companion 
    program. Cakewalk Live apparently lets you set up a playlist of x
    number of songs, which are automatically loaded and played one after
    the other, with a programmable delay time or pause in between each. 
    Supposedly loads a song while the previous song is still playing.
    Sounds REAL convenient (maybe indispensable) to me. 
    
    I've heard that Cakewalk 2 has a LOT more features (and no bugs)
    than the 1st version, but it costs the same---is that true?
    
    Mike D
    
    
    
    
    

    Mike:
    	Since I have not lived with Cakewalk (as some previous noters
    have), I must defer to their real-live experiences.  If it seems
    like what you need, then I would try it out (if you can), and if
    it "feels right", got for it.  This is how I came to purchase SP2.
    
    	The major differences between SP1 and SP2 are 1) the number of 
    	tracks (16 vs 32), and 2) better control over things like TEMPO,
    	Graphics DISPLAY, and things like that.  In the material they
        pack with the OP-4001 they have a brochure that compares features
        of the 3 S/W packages, so you may be able to borrow that also
    	from Rodney, or get it from a dealer.  For me, the differences
    	between SP2 and SP1 made it worth moving up, but they may not
    	to you.  
    	
    	My source for the difference between the OP-4001 and V-4001
    	VOYETRA, who I had to call recently on a question.  Their number
    	in Pehlam, NY is (914) 738-4500.
    
    Clusters,
    Bill
    
    
    	

    
    Bill,
    
    I did find an article in Electronic Musician or Keyboard (forget
    which) that gave Cakewalk a good review, but said they had found
    a serious bug in it (forget now what it was), and cited a few examples
    of convenience features that were lacking. Maybe that is where you
    got your negative impression from. Like I said though, the overall
    review even with the bug and lack of features was quite favorable.
    I can only believe that Twelve Tone Systems has addressed all of those 
    problems with Cakewalk 2.
    
    Mike D
    
    

    
    I just called Reid at East Coast Sound, and he quoted me a price
    of $149 on a Voyetra V-4001 MIDI Interface. I doubt I will find
    a better price than that around here.
    
    Mike D

    Good luck getting it.  They quoted me $199 on an MV2 and $210 on MTP
    ... then backed out with some *real* lame excuses.  I wouldn't order
    squat from them.

8-(

    I think I heard Union Music quoting $199 on the MVII...
    
    Oh wait, wrong state for Brad...
    
    Edd

    re. .7    1) Ten-four and sounds like a good price, to me.
    

    I use Sequencer Plus III, so here's another testimonial for 
    Voyetra. Also use Voyetra's interface, although the box
    sticking out is a problem in a portable situation. Voyetra
    claims the OP4000 is smaller (and cheaper).
    
    I had ordered the New Roland MPU-IPC for my new portable
    PC, and it didn't work!! Roland was very little help in
    troubleshooting it, too. Ended up sending it back and
    ordering the OP4000, which works just fine. 
    
    Has anyone else tried this new Roland interface??
    
    Another plug for Voyetra, they are real helpful on the
    phone, and very knowledeable about PC's and such (but
    since the SP programs have been around for a while, all
    the major problems have been worked out).
    

    Re: Cakewalk
    
    The review referred to in a previous reply mentioned one serious
    bug: if there were a whole lot of stuff recorded on a whole lot
    of tracks, there were sometimes timing errors on playback.  That
    problem had been corrected even before Version 2.0 was released.
    
    Another less serious "problem" was that it took 3-4 keystrokes to
    discard a take and start again.  That was corrected in V2.0.  
    
    If I remember, I'll try to bring in some Cakewalk propaganda and
    list the various features.
    
    It ain't the best sequencer in the world, but it *is* among the
    best for the money.  The manual is even well written.
    
    Rodney M.

    Well, I came upon some unexpected cash (sold a few things I didn't
    need), and decided to make a big splash. I went with the Voyetra
    OP-4001. I got it from East Coast Sound, price: $169 + $3 shipping
    = $172. I doubt anyone can do a better price than that! Also went
    with Voyetra Sequencer+ Mark III (Version 2!!) from East Coast Sound, 
    price: $389 + $5 shipping = $394. That is probably the best price I
    can find on that too.  I dealt with Reid, and he was very helpful.
    I got the OP-4001 yesterday (stayed up late last night working with
    the SP3 demo disk!!), and my wife called me this morning to tell
    me that UPS brought the Sequencer Plus Mark III package (so I know
    what I'll be doing until late tonight!). Someone mentioned that
    they had trouble getting stuff from East Coast Sound--I had no problems
    at all. As soon as Reid quoted me a price (and I had compared to
    find out just how good their price was) I went down and sent out
    a money order the same day. It took about a week for the OP-4001,
    but only about four working days for the software. I'm psyched!!
    
    Thanks to everyone who lent their help/expertise/opinion etc. !!!!
    
    BTW, in case anybody was interested the number for East Coast Sound
    is 203-748-2799. Ask for Reid. He was really a big help to me.
    
    Mike D 

    Mr. "D":
    	
    	You certainly did go "whole hog"!! (As they say in Des Moines).
    I think you will have more than enough to handle with your setup.
    The prices you quote are exceptional.  Now, comes the hard part
    though:  What do you do with all that POWER!?!??
    
    Enjoy, 
    Bill (Who's still finding "new" menus on SP2 ver 1.3, after 6 mos).

    For lack of a better note to reply this to..........
    Does anyone out there use an MPU-compatible card in a portable PC.
    (IBM compat.) I'm going to take the MPU-plunge, but I think I will
    trying to put it into a portable PC, so that I can take the PC
    out to my friends studio, or use it for dialin when away on business.
    I curious what PC brands are in use. (portable) by MIDI folk.
    
    (ps: Toshiba T1000's are $600, around here, but they lack expansion
    slots) 
    
    Pete
    

    
    re -1
    
    Yes, I am using a Voyetra OP-4001 with a Compaq portable PC. Portables
    are a good way to go if you have enough expansion slots to work
    with.
    
    Mike D

    Yup, I use a homebuilt version of the MPU 401 card in my IBM PC
    *TRANSPORTABLE*. I moved it from my AT when I upgraded to a MAC
    II and it works fine.
    
    Ken
    

    Thanks for the replies.
    One more question...
    What is the CHEAPEST laptop/transportable that has a slot for the
    MPU. 

    ATTN Seqencer Plus users:
    
    	VOYETRA is going to be announcing Version 3.0 of their Sequencer
    Plus program for the IBM-PC.  In addition to Mouse support (yeah!)
    it will also come with their PATCHMASTER program built-in.
    
    	The upgrade price for going from SP2 v1.3 to SP2 v3.0 is $105.
    I am cogitating whether this is really worth it.  What are peoples'
    experiences with software upgrades of MIDI software?
    
    inquisitive,
    Bill Allen
    

    It's been a while since the hardware for putting MIDI into an IBM
    PC (clone) was discussed here so I'd like to re-open it.

    When this topic was started these were the choices:
        
    	Roland MPU-401
    	Voyetra OP-4001
    	Voyetra V-4001
    	other MIDI interfaces by other companies???
        
    I am aware of one being sold at Acton Music for $199 list made by
    a company named "MCS". Anyone heard of it?
    
    Now that I am thinking more seriously about getting a MIDI interface
    can any of you shed some light on the relative merits/limitations
    of the interfaces that can be used on a PC/AT. Should I just buy
    the cheapest I can find? Or will I be sorry if I do?
    
    I have pretty well decided to go with Master Tracks Pro, so I am
    mainly interested in determining which HARDWARE to buy (and what
    they are going for these days.)
    
    		Thanks in advance,
    		Mark
    
                                              

After you've determined that the interface you want is compatible with your
software and hardware...

I bought a Voyetra OP-4001 (no SMPTE, one MIDI input, one output, metronome
output).  E.U. Wurlitzer sold it to me for (I think) $149; certainly a
reasonable price.  It works, and that's what counts.

Given the choices you've listed, I'd recommend going with the least cost.  I'd
be willing to bet that Voyetra and Roland are equally reliable.

When I bought, I had a choice of two interfaces.  The salesman at E.U.
Wurlitzer said they were functionally equivalent, but that the less
expensive one (brand name escapes me) had more reliability problems.  I was
told that no one had ever returned a Voyetra OP-4001 to him because it didn't
work it was installed. That sold me.

Dave

-------------------------------------------------------------------

In case you (or another reader) doesn't know...

SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture Tape Engineers) allows sequencers to respond
to timing information from a special track on (you guessed it) video or motion
picture tape.  Unless you plan to be synchronizing your music to video tapes
and have the video equipment to do that, don't spend money on it.

    Thought I'd second the motion on the OP-4001. I've been using one
    for over a year now. I also got mine at E. U. Wurlitzers for a
    reasonable price - I think it was around $149. I know it 
    does a few things that the Roland MPU-401 doesn't do - you may want
    to ask what the difference is - that plus the better price sold
    me! There is also some obscure thing that the Roland does the the
    OP-4001 can't do - but it escapes me at the moment.
    
    Good luck!
    Bill

    	I also own the OP-4001.  The thing I like is that it is a
    self-contained unit unlike the Roland.  I read somewhere that the
    Voyetra interface is one of the few interfaces that is truly hardware
    compatible with the Roland.  The Voyetra also has an optional expansion
    board that has three (I think) additional MIDI outputs if you need
    them.                                                         
    
    Bruce

    Thanks for the replies so far. It seems that the Voyetra OP-4001
    is the interface of choice.
    
    	I would like to keep the door open to do SMPTE however. Which
    interface does this? How much more does it cost? Can I buy a separate
    unit later for this and be happy with the OP-4001 for now?
    
    	Also do I assume correctly that the OP-4001 is completely
    compatible with Master Tracks Pro? 
    
    	Thanks again,
    	Mark
    

	One thing to look out for on the "bargains":  the one I have
	didn't include the FSK logic; I can't put a sync track on a cheap
	4 track and have my sequencer play against the tracks on the
	tape.  SMPTE wasn't an issue for me, but I did want the FSK
	capability.  I didn't realize my interface was lacking this
	feature until months later when I started looking at how to use
	it. 

	Which one did I buy, you ask?  I bought the Musicquest MIDI
	starter set - complete with basic sequencer software and
	programmers kit.  I think I paid around $200 for the whole thing
	a year ago.  Since then I've switched over to the Cakewalk
	software (much better!) at version 2.  I just sent in the form to
	upgrade to version 3.0 (for $29). 

    Anyone got the new Voyetra Demo of Sequencer Plus V4.0 ? I believe
    you can freely distribute the demo. I have a friend that's A/Bing
    it with the Cakewalk package.  I can make a copy of the Cakewalk
     available if anyone wishes.
    
    Errol