Music System Software

A software package for the CBM64 sets out to utilise the SID chip but involves MIDI along the way. Simon Trask investigates the consequences, now that Island Logic have given way to Firebird.

The mysteries of SysEx are revealed. Martin Russ discovers that there may be more to that disk drive in your latest acquisition than you thought...

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

Martin Russ continues his detailed investigation into the inner secrets of MIDI's most powerful messages.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 12: Martin Russ concludes this 12-part series designed to demystify one of MIDI's most important and useful messages.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 7: Martin Russ delves deeper into the secrets and applications of MIDI's System Exclusive messages.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 9: Martin Russ continues his mammoth in-depth analysis of MIDI's SysEx codes with an explanation of 'checksums'.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 5: Martin Russ delves into the reasons why MIDI Controller messages are able to do what they can do and provides some practical examples.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 2: Martin Russ reveals even more about the uses and applications of MIDI's most powerful function.

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PART 3: Martin Russ continues his in-depth explanation of MIDI's most misunderstood messages.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 4: Martin Russ provides some solid examples of how to utilise the hidden power of MIDI’s SysEx commands to reprogramme synths on-the-fly and to store snapshots of all your synth and effects patches on disk.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 8: Martin Russ explains the circular nature of parameter editing and data dumps.

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PART 10: Martin Russ continues his in-depth demystification of these powerful MIDI messages with a look at 'handshaking'.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

Martin Russ kicks off our new series by recapping on some MIDI basics before starting to demystify the secrets of MIDI's System Exclusive commands.

System Exclusive Orchestrator

If you have a large number of disorganised patches and an unruly MIDI network, then Xor is made for you. It is designed to make sound management and working with MIDI instruments easier. Martin Russ finds out if the claims are true.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 11: Martin Russ explains how he overcame some puzzling MIDI problems on a Kawai R50 drum machine, and takes a SysEx eyes' view of the Alesis DataDisk.

Using System Exclusive Bulk Dumps

Have you ever wished you could save your SPX90 effects programs to disk or into your MIDI sequencer for instant recall at the right point in your music? Using the power of MIDI’s System Exclusive Bulk Dump commands, Mike Collins explains how it can be done.

Vic Lennard considers the trials and triumphs of storing your synth patches as SysEx files within the sequences they're intended for, and concludes that MIDI really is your friend after all.

System Exclusive messages promised to make MIDI a flexible and powerful communications standard; instead it seems to have caused MIDI havoc. Vic Lennard takes an Exclusive look.

System Messages

Paul Overaa continues his series on the intricacies of MIDI system exclusive

Jay Chapman sinks his teeth into one of the most complex and sophisticated scorewriting and sequencing programs on the market - Jim Miller's Personal Composer for PC compatible computers.

In terms of sheer numbers, Hybrid Technology’s computer music system for the BBC micro outsells any other music software package on the market. Ian Waugh finds out why.

Direct-to-Disk Studio System

Here's a computer-based sequencer with a difference - PROMIDI records direct-to-disk, lets you structure your music any way you please, and runs on low-cost PC compatible computers. Ian Gilby investigates...

M401 MIDI MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

When a well-respected signal processor manufacturer like Drawmer moves beyond the realms of noise gates and compressors into MIDI control, it's yet another indication that the recording world is recognising the importance of MIDI. Paul Gilby dropped his copy of the Financial Times to take an exclusive look at the brand new Drawmer MIDI Management System.

Software for the Commodore 64

Ian Waugh explores Joreth Music's integrated Music Composer System and Real-Time Linker - two powerful MIDI sequencing packages for the Commodore 64 micro.

8-Track Automation System

When you run out of fingers and you find yourself pushing faders up and down with your nose during a mix, then it's time to get a helping hand. Master craftsman David Mellor takes on a new apprentice, the J.L Cooper MixMate.