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From: steves@kepler.UUCP (Steve Schlich)
Newsgroups: net.music.synth
Subject: Polyphonic playback
Message-ID: <361@kepler.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 13-Nov-85 20:32:07 EST
Article-I.D.: kepler.361
Posted: Wed Nov 13 20:32:07 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 16-Nov-85 10:05:44 EST
Reply-To: steves@kepler.UUCP (Steve Schlich)
Distribution: net
Organization: MicroPro Int'l Corp., San Rafael, CA
Lines: 41
Summary: mac midi playback 8-voices deluxe-music-constuction-set

Can anyone out there tell me the truth?

I'm looking for a synthesizer (with or without keyboard attached) that will
play AT LEAST 8 (not 4, not 5, not 6, but EIGHT) separate and unique voices 
at the same time.  The catch is I'm a working stiff and can't afford rock
star prices.  The most I can afford is about $2000.

I have Electronic Arts' Deluxe Music Construction Set for the Macintosh.  
It can put out 8 separate and unique MIDI channels concurrently in real time.
Unfortunately, the Mac can only play back 4.  I can't seem to find any 
hardware that can turn that output into sound for less than $10,000.

Here's a sample configuration:

MIDI Channel 1:   Trumpet         (or, say, MIDI voice 65)
MIDI Channel 2:   Trombone        (or, say, MIDI voice 57)
MIDI Channel 3:   Clarinet        (or, say, MIDI voice 44)
MIDI Channel 4:   Sax             (or, say, MIDI voice 36)
MIDI Channel 5:   French Horn     (or, say, MIDI voice 77)
MIDI Channel 6:   Flute           (or, say, MIDI voice 22)
MIDI Channel 7:   Tuba            (or, say, MIDI voice 16)
MIDI Channel 8:   Snare Drum      (or, say, MIDI voice 10)

The voice numbers I pulled out of my imagination, but the point should be
clear: 8 different voices, all playing at once, in real time.  I don't
want to do overdubbing.  I want to stand back and listen to my eight-piece 
band play.

Am I dreaming, or what?  If the hardware isn't available at a price I can
afford, can I build it?

Please, someone, anyone, tell me straight.

-- 

Stevo

"If what you want is possible, you obviously don't want enough."

            Stephen Schlich, MicroPro Product Development
{dual,hplabs,glacier,lll-crg}!well!micropro!kepler!steves