Which MIDI interface?
7 messages in this thread
I upgraded from an Amiga 1000 to a 3000, and need a new MIDI
interface now, because the power supply at the serial port is different (no
+5 volts), and the gender of the connector changed.
I would like something with:
1) At least two MIDI IN ports;
2) At least two MIDI OUT ports, preferably switchable OUT / THRU /
OFF.
3) Switchable serial port pass-through for my modem.
I hear there is something called A.M.A.S. that includes a sound
sampler, too, but I don't know if it meets the criteria above.
I'd appreciate any suggestions about what I could get. This is a
"low end" setup, so I won't go for anything really fancy.
Michael,
I believe that Blue Ribbon Soundworks is about to release a new MIDI
interface that might be of interest to you. There was a message posted
that had specifics, but it may have scrolled off. Possibly Melissa will
repost it along with a status update.
If you need SMPTE, you might also want to consider the Phantom MIDI
interface from Dr. T's, although it is pricey.
The A.M.A.S. does have a sound sampler included. It has cables that
connect to both the serial (MIDI) and parallel (sampler) ports. It's been
a while since I've seen one, but I don't think that it has a pass-through.
(somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.)
Two MIDI IN ports would require either some sort of built-in MIDI MERGE
device, or a second MIDI port. (I believe that the new interface from Blue
Ribbon has something along these lines.) Two MIDI OUT is not problem. The
two MIDI interfaces that normally come to mind are the MIDI Gold and the
ECE MIDI interface.
It is possible to build a converter that fits inside a gender-changer to
make your existing MIDI interface usable. (I ended up doing it myself when
I first got my A500 and there were no MIDI interfaces available for it at
the time.)
Hope this helps, 8)
David
David,
Hi. I just wanted to comment on your advice to Michael about MIDI
interfaces. The ECE has MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU ports. Not two OUT ports.
Also, Blue Ribbon's product, the Triple Play Plus, has one MIDI in and
three separately addressable MIDI OUTS, for a total of 48 MIDI channels.
However, it does not have a serial passthrough.
I just thought I'd let you know.
Bye.
Dom Fontana
Dom,
Thanks for supplying that information on the Triple Play Plus.
I didn't mean to imply that any of the interfaces I mentioned were exactly
what was requested, but rather, was trying to supply some possible
alternatives. As in many other things, you ask for what you want, and you
have to take what you can get. 😉
David
Michael,
I know the AMAS does NOT have a serial passthrough. I'm using the ECE MIDI
interface. It doesn't meet all your criteria, but I haven't kept up on MIDI
interfaces, since I'm satisfied with the ECE. It's a small box that matches
the Amiga's color. It has MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU ports. It has a serial
passthrough for your modem. There's one button on the front that switches
between the MIDI ports and your modem. It's simple, but it works. I believe
they're selling for about $50-$60 now. I'm using mine with an A2500 and it
works perfectly.
Good luck.
Dom Fontana
Michael,
The top of the line MIDI interface for the Amiga currently (in lieu of
BRB's pending release of Triple Play Plus hopefully in February) is Spirit
Technology's "MIDI Star" 2×6 interface, compatible with the A1000 or
A500/2000/3000 and includes a pass thru selector switch. It features two
independent MIDI ins, and various OUT/THRU (among 6) combinations. It
retails for around $200. It has an independent AC adapter power supply, so
that is can be used "standalone", as I do between two computers (AT clone
[with an MQX-32m MIDI interface] and an A1000 with a CMI "MIDI 1"
interface].
Ben