Atari-Midi Archives

Aha, we are making the classic mistake of MIDI versus
Audio.  You actually need 2 different types
connections to use a midi module like the TX81Z. 
Allow me to answer your questions in more-or-less
reverse order:  

There are PC-based midi sysex dump utilities, but
Atari's OS is a good choice for running TX81Z
software, as the best TX81Z patch editors and
librarians were made for Atari TOS, and many banks of
sounds are available only in Atari formats.  Plus you
can use DX droid and MIDImouse and the vasious organic
composers.  The Atari ST has TONS more to offer than
just music, but this will be a great way to learn the
Atari GEM operating system (TOS).  

I'm sure you know some of this, but here is the
detailed info for others that need the whole thing:

You need TWO different types connections to use a midi
module: 

Connection 1:  MIDI
You will need a 5 pin Din MIDI signal to make any
noise at all with the TX81Z.   MIDI sends and receives
the note on/off commands, but produces NO AUDIO SIGNAL
whatsoever. A midi keyboard attached to the TX is one
example of a midi connection (it "sends the note
events" the TX plays).  Another example is connecting
the MIDI IN of the Atari ST to the MIDI OUT of the
TX81Z, and vice versa (requires 2 midi cables).  If
you are not using an Atari ST with it's built-in midi
capabilities, you will need to obtain one of the
computer-to-midi interface cables which were discussed
in previous messages.

Connection 2: Audio
To listen to the sounds the TX81Z produces as a result
of midi, you need to make a separate connection using
regular audio cables to some sort of amplifier/speaker
setup (examples are a guitar amp, a home stereo, or
into a PC soundcard).  
On the TX81Z, Audio I and II are the left and right
stereo outputs.  You would only use outputs III and IV
in a multi-timbral recording studio setup (which you
may wish to do eventually).  
All of these audio outputs are 1/4 inch mono plugs. 
You will need to convert them to RCA jacks to listen
to the TX81Z through an input on your stereo (Radio
shack part number 42-2373-you'll need two of these
cables).  To connect the TX81Z to the audio input of a
PC soundcard, you'll need to convert the two 1/4 inch
mono plugs to a single 1/8 inch stereo (Radio shack
part numbers 42-2551 and 274-320 used together).

You may wish to put an FX box such as reverb or chorus
between the TX81Z and your computer or stereo.  Audio
DSP is one of the main differences between TX81Z-era
synths and contemporary ones.  A small $70 box like
the Alesis Nanoverb or the ART FX1 will make your
synth sound like a million bucks.  Alternately, a PC
based sequencer like Cubase or Sonar will allow you to
run VST reverb/chorus effects inside the computer.

Do not use your 5 pin din cable with mono plugs.  It
was some kind of demodulator connection, probably for
a tape transfer.  Even if you had the correct tape
interface for the TX81z, you will never use it in the
modern era.  Trust me, I have spooled hundreds of
hours of data from cassette tapes.  Older Atari
computers used this data scheme. Good riddance to that
technology.  Your MIDI connection allows you to do the
same bulk dumps in seconds with no modulation or
crummy cassette defects in between.

The uno USB connection (or any USB device) is easier
to install than a gameport midi yolk (you won't have a
gamport on a laptop anyway).  It will configure itself
automatically with it's own software driver disc.  A
Midi yolk is slightly cheaper, but can be tricky to
configure.  Has anyone on the list used STeam with a
USB midi interface?  Does it work okay?

Hope this covers all your questions.  


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