★ HARDWARE ★ Midi Interface and DX7 software ★ |
| Audio - Interface Midi Interface - Dx7 Software (Amstrad Action) |
Continuing in its long line of hardware add-ons for the CPC computers. Silicon Systems has just introduced the Midi Interface This box consists of Midi-in, Midi-out and a couple of LEDs to indicate data flow. The interface is useless without software — this is extra and is synthesizer specific. Yamaha DX7 and Ensoniq ESQ1 software is ready. We couldn't get our hands on an ESQ1 synth for this issue, but look out for a review of the Editor (£74 95) and Sequencer (£59 95) packages in forthcoming months. The DX7 software includes Data Dump and Editor facilities. A library of sounds is also included Thirty-two unique sounds can be held in the DX7s buffer The 32 sounds are collectively known as a bank Silicon's software lets you send data banks to and from the Yamaha Of course, single items of sound data can be manipulated The reason for receiving and sending sound data is to store all the information on disk, and then load it back when required.
The software comes with 16 banks of sounds Having 500-plus individual sounds justifies the asking price alone You can turn your synth into a brass band, grand piano, drum kit or even a helicopter — an astounding range of effects and sounds. To edit a sound you can't simply choose one from a bank and enter the Editor Instead the sound you wish to meddle with must be downloaded from the DX7 — a bind 11 the sound doesn't originate from the DX7 and must be sent there tn the lust place However, once the sound is in the Editor, editing occurs in real time. Six operators, which can affect each other in several ways, are used to define a sound on the Yamaha These are open to attack in the Editor. It is best to alter existing sound data rather than starting from scratch creating sounds is a complex ballgame A graphical display of the operators can be called to view, but unfortunately can't be altered directly. Silicons DX7 software is a must if you have such a synth True there is no other software for the CPC to compare it with, but it performs well, has a competent editor and supplies you with a wealth of new sounds. And is rapidly learn! as options are displayed at all times.
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