Organization: FidoNet node 1:279/30 - Dawson-Bryant High , Huntington WV
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In a message dated 12 Nov 92 23:20:32, Israel Nichols wrote:
IN> I am interested in installing MIDI into my 386-40Mhz PC. I have
IN> little
IN> knowledge of MIDI and would apreaceate any information. If it is
I use an Amiga for MIDI, but here are some things that might help:
You basically need to look into two types of software- a Sequencer, which is basically a MIDI tape recorder with many more advanced features over tape. Some sequencers allow graphic editing of each note (the best way, in my opinion).
Secondly is a music printing/notation program, and FINALE seems to be the favorite. It also has sequencer type functions. This is a pro piece of software, and has a difficult learning curve if you use all of its functions.
Finale will allow you to play notes and have them appear in standard notation.
One piece of hardware you will need is a MIDI interface to talk to your keyboard from the computer. The standard is Roland's MPU-401, so get it or one that is compatible.
I really think the first thing you should do is what I did when I first got into MIDI, which is to buy some magazines such as Electronic Musician and Keyboard. At first, most of the stuff in these mags will be incomprehensible, but what I did was read the ads and wrote the software companies for info. To help you get started here are what I think are the favorite PC Music Software companies:
Voyetra-Sequencers, MIDI Interface
Passport-Sequencers,Music Printing
Dr. T's-Sequencers, Music Printing
Coda-maker of Finale
Temporal Acuity Products-"Music Printer Plus"
Twelve Tone Systems-"Cakewalk" very popular Sequencer
Some of the software is now made to be used with Windows, although you can get DOS versions if you are not running it. After you've received info on some of these products write another message here with questions on specific software. I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions.
