mo6664@sarah.albany.edu (OTTO MARK A) (04/23/91)
NeXT users, I am considering purchasing a NeXTstation (the mono/grey variety) and have some questions about software/hardware available in the MIDI/music area. One of my primary uses for the machine would be to set up a home music studio. The Mac has several "plug and play" MIDI sequencers and interfaces available and my primary question is does the NeXT have any sequencers available for it ? People have told me that UNIX does not work well with real-time applications like sequencers but others have told me that this can be worked around. Also, what kind of MIDI hardware interface is needed (I have an Opcode Mac MIDI interface) ? Also, since I can't afford the large hard disk option that comes with all of the developers utilities, can the extended software set be purchased at a later time when I can afford a hard disk big enought to hold it all ? Also, what kind of music/MIDI functions are supported by the development tools ? I am certainly willing to develop my own applications... I would especially like to hear from any users in the Wash DC metro area since I'll be moving there in two months and had questions regarding the users group there (size, support, dues (if any), etc). Is there public UNIX access to the Internet ? Since I would be using the machine at home, is being "interconnected" through a phone line/modem link a viable option ? I will not be linked to the educational world (at least for a while) and the resources available to me as a student (Internet, public access UNIX) won't be availble, I assume ??? I have played with the NeXT set up at our campus computer store and _really_ like it but I want to buy it before I lose my educational status (approx. 3 weeks) and I need to know the answers to the above questions. Otherwise, I'll probably have to settle for that Mac thing which doesn't excite me as much, once I saw the NeXT. I will summarize the responses. ... and buying a computer use to be so easy... :) Thanks in advance, mark a. otto --------------- ottom@rpi.edu mo6664@sarah.albany.edu