Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpcc05!hpcc01!joes
From: joes@hpcc01.HP.COM (Joe Szuecs)
Newsgroups: comp.music
Subject: Re: PC and MIDI...help needed
Message-ID: <1330001@hpcc01.HP.COM>
Date: 4 Oct 90 00:38:31 GMT
References: <1502@targon.UUCP>
Organization: HP Corp Computing & Services
Lines: 62


>     - Which MIDI Interface should I use ? 
>       I heard something about the ROLAND MPU 401, but also some good
>       things about the SOUNDBLASTER. But they are not kompatible,
>       are they ?

  I wouldn't recommend the SoundBlaster. It is not a MIDI card - although
  it does have an MIDI add on module. In spite of the module, I think that
  you would have problems using it with existing applications.  Voyetra and
  MusicQuest are two companies that manufacture fine MIDI cards for the PC.
  I own one of each.

>     - I want to play a voice (for Example a bass-voice) into the
>       computer while listening to the melody-voice. Is that possible ?

  Yes, this is possible.

>     - I also want to use a drum pad to play in rhythems. Does the
>       Computer get all the accents and dynamics ?
  Yes.  Depends on the equipment and software though...

>     - Can I make the Computer writing the Notes for me ?

  You can make the computer do anything you want.  I'm not exactly sure
  I understand your request.  I think the answer is yes, with the appropriate
  software.

>     - Which Software do I need ? Sequencer, Notation-Programs, ...
>       How are they connected to each other ?

  A sequencer is a must.  A patch librarian/editor for you synth is also
  useful.  

>     - I'd like to use a graphical user interface with mouse.
>       (maybee software for MS-WINDOWS 3.0 ?)

  I don't think that there are that many applications that are 3.0 
  compatible - yet.  Many non-Windows programs do make use of a graphical
  user interface with mouse support.

>     - Is there Shareware or if not...what do I have to pay for such
>       a solution ?

  I haven't really found any useful stuff distributed as shareware - but
  I haven't really looked that hard...

>     - What about sampling to the Hard Disk ? Is that possible, and 
>       how long may the Samples be (20 MB free) ?

  With the right software, yes.  How long, I don't know.

  Hope this helps!

_______________________________________________________________________________

  Joe Szuecs
  Hewlett-Packard				joes@hpprsd.hp.com
  Product Support Division
  100 Mayfield Avenue
  Mountain View, CA  94043
  1 (415) 691-5128
_______________________________________________________________________________