Analogue-sequencer

> don't those last two paragraphs contradict each other somewhat? :-)
 
> midi isn't, so far as I am aware, especially optimized so that
> percussion parts on channel 10 enjoy priority in the queue of events
> to be processed. it should be, but midi just isn't that 
> sophisticated. 

Prioritising percussive sounds involves putting them on lower track numbers.
MIDI channel number doesn't matter.
 
> but we're still stuck with 31.25 kbaud for all 16 channels, & as
> much data as you can generate by way of controllers. let's leave sysex
> operations out of this for now.
> it just isn't fast enough to deliver nuance reliably. it just isn't.

The usual answer to the limited bandwidth is to throw more 'bands' (i.e.
MIDI busses) at it.
But MIDI was pushed into doing a lot more than they planned at first -
sample dumps over a serial line just seem mad to me.
For a handful of notes and controllers, it still does OK, and what's the
alternative ?
Maybe it's a victim of its own success...

> & 1/4" tape at 15ips still out-runs cd or dat.

I think I prefer the ease of handling of CD or DAT to analogue reel to reel.
But you can't beat the smell of decks and vinyl ;-)

Best regards,
Colin Fraser
Sequentix Music Systems Ltd
http://www.sequentix.com