mab@druil.UUCP (BlandA) (10/25/85)
I am planning to upgrade my existing Commodore 64 to have "real"
music capabilities sometime in the next several months. I want the
computer to do sequencing and voice programming for a MIDI-attached
synthesizer. I would like to limit new expenditures to about $1000.
1. Which synthesizers should I consider? Choices I know of in my price
range are the CZ101, DX21, MAX, any others? I would prefer full-size
keys. Can any of these generate reasonably realistic percussion sounds
(a drum machine is farther in the future, if ever). I'd like to hear
from people who have synthesizers in this price range to hear their
comments and recommendations.
2. Which MIDI software for the C64 should I consider? I would most likely
write my own eventually, since off-the-shelf software almost never meets
my full needs, but I want some capable software now. I assume that any
sequencer software should work with any synthesizer, but voice programming
software may have to be written specifically for a given synthesizer.
3. Which MIDI hardware expander for the C64 is the best (whatever "best"
means)? Prices vary widely. Do they usually come with software?
4. Also in the running is a CX5M, instead of getting MIDI for the C64.
Would a DX21 with my C64 sound better than the CX5M (both are Yamaha
FM machines). Is the CX5M FM Music Composer and FM Voicing Program
any good (i.e. suitably powerful and easy to use)?
5. I've read somewhere that the 8-bit home computers just aren't fast
enough for some MIDI applications (maybe for controlling lots of
synthesizers, or sequencing lots of tracks). Is this something I should
worry about? I don't ever expect to control more than a couple of
machines.
Replies will be greatly appreciated. Send mail or post to the net.
I'll summarize replies if I get any.
--
Alan Bland
AT&T Information Systems, Denver CO
{ihnp4|allegra}!druca!mab