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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:	* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:	Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:	DYPSS1::SCHAFER

Created:	Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:	Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2852
Total number of notes:	33157

2271.0. "Storing MIDI data." by QUIVER::PICKETT (David - Beware of the dogma) Thu Feb 22 1990 16:15

    Seeing some recent notes on MIDI data storage has re-reminded me of the
    one remaining gaping hold in my MIDI setup. The inability to store 
    sequencer data to any RELIABLE media. I still have an Ensoniq ESQ-1 as
    the central synth in my setup. Despite the sometimes stupid limitations
    of the 8 track sequencer, it has served me well. It has also trashed
    serious volumes of my work due to system crashes, with no tape backup.
    
    I have set about, on numerous occasions, designing a MIDI to RS-232
    adapter to use my Rainbow (on extended loan from my cost center) as a
    storage device for MIDI bulk data. For one reason or another, this
    device has been designed dozens of times, but never built.
    Realistically, it never will get built.
    
    My attention has turned to devices that can that can store bulk data
    dumps on 3.5" disks. I have looked at a number of these, but all seem
    prohibitively costly for the limited service they provide. I
    considered, once, a used Mirage reasoning that I would get cheap
    sampler thrown in with the 3.5" drive ;^)
    
    So, what it out there that will store bulk data dumps on 3.5" floppys
    for a reasonable amount of money? Should I be looking for a QX5-FD?
    A used Atari 1040ST? The Mirage solution? Sume suggestions, and
    ballpark costs would be appreciated.
    
    dp

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2271.1	MC-500	DRUMS::FEHSKENS		`Thu Feb 22 1990 16:34`	8
	Use MC-500 Mk I - ~ $600, with a moby sequencer on the side. Warning though, some devices send SysEx messages too big for the MC-500 to swallow. And besides, you can then swap disks with the likes of Edd and me. len.
2271.2	I would never presume...	QUIVER::PICKETT	David - Beware of the dogma	`Thu Feb 22 1990 17:00`	10
	Len, I just knew that you would put the plug in for the MC-500. It the little 'just one warning....' type of caveats I'm concerned about. Swap disks?? And just what could a simple guy like myself offer that could live up to the standards of 'the likes of Edd and [Len]'?? My Bolero sequence? Howzabout 'Variations Seriuses' or selected movements of 'Das Lied von der Erde'? Naaah! ;^) dp
2271.3	If you don't need another sequencer...	CSC32::MOLLER	Nightmare on Sesame Street	`Thu Feb 22 1990 17:19`	7
	The Alesis MIDI disk is a good solution. Avoid things that use 2.8 inch quick disks. I use an IVM MIDI disk drive (similar to the Alesis) & am quite happy with it. I also have lots of devices that use SYSEX to load them (including an ESQ-1). The Alesis MIDI disk goes for around $350.00 new (but you could probably find a used one). Jens
2271.4	ref.	GLOWS::COCCOLI	Thela Hun Gingeet	`Thu Feb 22 1990 18:47`	8
	See note 16.187 A good buy. RC
2271.5	Of course you can!!!	DCSVAX::COTE	Bain Dramaged	`Thu Feb 22 1990 19:53`	3
	I'll trade you 1 "Black Velvet" for 1 "Gotterdammerung".... Edd
2271.6	The complete works of Vivaldi on 45 rpm records...	QUIVER::PICKETT	David - Beware of the dogma	`Fri Feb 23 1990 09:18`	6
	re -.1 It's a deal Edd. I have it stored on two boxes of Maxell XLIIs C-90 tapes in Ensoniq tape format. ;^) dp
2271.7	The ST isn't such a bad way to go...	DYO780::SCHAFER	Brad - boycott hell.	`Fri Feb 23 1990 09:29`	9
	David - I saw a used 520ST with mono monitor around here (n/w Ohio) last week for $350. If you can get a good deal on a used ST, there is a great shareware program called ESQuizit that's down here in MIDIlib. I used to use it for storing sequences when I had an ESQ1. Great tool, and very easy to use. Never crashed it once, and I beat the thing hard, too. -b
2271.8	Wicked cheap solution, but for a few bucks more...	TOCATA::PICKETT	David - Beware of the dogma.	`Fri Feb 23 1990 13:42`	11
	re -.1 Thanks, Brad. The Atari solution would be preferred in that I could get some decent sequencing software for when my setup grows up. But, the Brother MD-30 for $199 looks mightly tempting. I understand that the device is virtually useless as a sequencer, due to its neanterthal interface, but it's way out in front pricewise for providing the cheapest midi storage solution for me. We'll see. Perhaps I should scan to local WantAds for used Ataris. dp
2271.9	DS drive on ST is a must	NORGE::CHAD	Ich glaube Ich t�te Ich h�tte	`Fri Feb 23 1990 14:28`	9
	RE: Atari solution Make sure you get a DS (double sided) disk drive with it if you get an ST. The SF314 is DS while the SF354 is SS for external disk drives. 1040ST always have DS (Megas too) while the 520STfm can have either. If you get a really good deal but with SS you can always for about $70-80 put in your own DS mechanism in pleace of the SS if you want to hack a (very) little. Chad