fritz@hpfclp.UUCP (fritz) (05/28/85)
My brother is the band director for a small high school, and would like
to add some electronic sound to his ensemble. He would also like a
computer that would be useful in numerous ways, e.g. enter (via
keyboard)/edit/print?/play back music, do normal "computer" things like
word processing and simple database operations (to keep track of sheet
music & instruments, etc).
He recently saw a too-short demo of some new music-oriented computer
from Yamaha. He couldn't remember a model number or much detail about
it, but some of the relevant info included:
- standard computer interface, incl. ASCII keyboard
- built-in DX-5 (must buy outboard keyboard to play manually)
- MIDI for controlling DX-7
- 32k RAM built-in, expandable to 64k
- plug-in data cartridges, supposedly new standard format (see below)
- ~$600, plus about $200 for a keyboard
The system apparently uses some type of solid-state data cartridge for
programs/patches/whatever. The salesman told him this was some new
standard that would be compatible with all the new Japanese music systems
(Sony, Casio, whatnot). I told him I would be impressed (and amazed) if
it was actually compatible between rival systems.
Is anyone familiar with this unit, and if so, could you tell me about it?
Please MAIL any responses. Thanks!
Gary Fritz
Hewlett Packard
Ft Collins, CO
{ihnp4,hplabs}!hpfcla!fritzchrisw@haddock.UUCP (07/01/85)
Has anyone out in net-land heard about this machine made by Yamaha called the Music Computer? My information on it is sparse, but I'll tell what I know: It's a micro computer that runs MSX (OS that is supposed to compatable with MSDOS that Japanese micros use) and has optional synth keyboards that plug into the back. I think it is MIDI compatable and I hope that you can write programs to manipulate the MIDI recording/digital filtering features (but I'm not sure about this.) The price I've heard is about $850 (extra for keyboards.) Does anyone have any info on this machine or any other machines that are both programable computers and music synthesizers?
ebs@tymix.UUCP (Elliot B. Schneider) (07/07/85)
I tried sending this to someone a few weeks ago, but was unsuccessful. Since the question was brought up again I decided to post it. I believe the machine is called a CX5M, or some such. At any rate, it's the only Yamaha computer. The built in sound generators are comparable to the DX9 (4 operators), 8 voices and the keyboard can be split such that one half plays a mono instrument and the other half can play a 7 voice poly instrument. It comes with a sequencer package that lets you record from the keyboard in real-time. Program cartridges are available for a music editor, which will play 8 different instruments back simultaneously (I've no idea how they do that), a DX7 voicing program, and a BASIC package which lets you access the synth from BASIC (God knows why?). Oh yes, I think the DX9 type voicing program is built in too. From the standpoint of making music, it looks very nice, considering the price (I don't own one, but have been considering purchasing it). On the down side (and if it wasn't for these I'd already own one)- there is NO disk drive available, and the software was not written to work with a disk drive when and IF it is available. I got to see a sheet which Yamaha sends to its dealers which answers often asked questions- they were vague as to whether or not they were going to put out a disk drive! The other "negative" was that the computer cannot be driven by an external MIDI keyboard (even a DX7)! You must buy their computer specific keyboard to play in real-time (an extra $100 or $200 depending on which keyboard model). I thought that was incredibly stupid considering the hardware DOES support MIDI!! As for being a "regular" computer- I wouldn't expect it... There is no software available for it other than Yamaha's, and I doubt if they are going to get into the general software business. The MSX standard (which is what the salesman told you about) has been out in Europe for a couple of years, but it's doubtful whether anything will come of it here- it's based on the Z80a, an 8-bit micro, whereas machines which are coming out now are more prone to the 68000 (32-bit regs, 16-bit data bus). I've seen NO MSX equipment other than Yamaha's, so again I wouldn't hold my breath for compatibility with other equipment. If I buy one, I'll probably dedicate it to music and hope to hell someone comes out with a disk drive for it, cause it is hardly usable without one. I believe price was $450 for the computer, $100 or $200 depending on which keyboard you want and $50/software cartridge. Elliot Schneider ...decvax!ucbvax!hplabs!oliveb!tymix!ebs