prindle@NADC.ARPA (Frank Prindle) (08/16/88)
For a very comprehensive discussion of MIDI on the C64, as well as a large set of product reviews, read the August (this month's) Compute's Gazette. About the only thing they don't cover in extreme detail are available interfaces. There are at least 5 different interfaces for the 64 by: Passport, Sonus, Sequential, Dr. T., and Datel. All have slightly different characteristics and must have software compatible with them. The Passport and Sonus come in several models, all among the most complex (timers, tape sync, drum sync, etc.), while at the low end, the humble Datel comes with only the basic UART and MIDI interface circuitry. Most of the music oriented software, due to the relatively low demand, costs a lot more than other comparative C64 software, and is generally available only in music stores. Make sure any software you buy is compatible with the interface you intend to use; otherwise you'll be in for some substantial patching. There's also a small amount of public domain and shareware software on the services. Sincerely, Frank Prindle Prindle@NADC.arpa