Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!netnews.upenn.edu!vax1.cc.lehigh.edu!lehigh.bitnet!KRW1
From: KRW1@Lehigh
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
Subject: RE: Sound cards
Message-ID: <01019111:40:55KRW1@lehigh.bitnet>
Date: 1 Jan 91 16:40:55 GMT
Lines: 15

Yes, the SOUND BLASTER talks true MIDI, but no, it's not very useful.
First, it is not Roland MPU compatible, which eliminates most MIDI
software on the market.  If the card were popular enough, developers
would be inclinded to write to it, if not for the second difficulty -
it is unable to simultaneously send and receive MIDI data.  In typical
multi-track sequencing software, that basically means that you can't
lay down new tracks while listening to the ones already recorded.  The
only big player supporting the interface now is Voyetra with its
scaled-down version of Seq Plus called Seq Jr.  It uses the built-in
FM sound generator to play back existing tracks while recording a new
one via MIDI.  Even there, they admit the solution is sub-optimal and
recommend an additional Roland compatible board.  Bottom line is, if
all you want to do is MIDI playback or very simple recording, the SB
is passable.  Otherwise, if you can afford another $40-50, get a
"compatible" interface.  -- Kevin