Testing an SC-88ST

[bzyphk]

All,

I finally got some time and put together my retro-game and DOSBox stations that utilize an MT-32 and an SC-88ST (an SC-88 without the fancy display).

The retro-game machine (P200, Win98SE) has a MPU-IPC (2 midi out) and a working serial connection to the SC-88.  The DOSBox station (Dell Inspirion 700m, XP SP3) uses a E-MU midi 2x2 USB interface.  In essence, both machines have two MIDI outs.

Where I am struggling is that I can't seem to get both A & B channels on the SC-88 to appear at the same time.  I don't know if the samples from this site would trigger more than 16 channels, or if Windows is limiting the transfer to only one of the two outputs. 

1) What is the difference between the ED samples and the GM samples?  The instruments used? Or do the ED samples utilize multiple channels?
2) If Windows is the limiting factor, is there a driver that allows me to send the midi data to both channels at the same time?

Thnk you in advance.

[shad0wfax]

Hi,

MIDI interfaces can only send and recieve data through 16 channels. In order to use more than 16 channels, it's necessary to use two or more midi connections (I don't know if the 88ST has two separate MIDI ins), or use the serial interface. Ayway, MIDI files don't use more than 16 cahnnels, either.

AFAIK, there's no "ED mode" or "ED samples" in the SC-88. Iy has the GM soundbank and other banks with GS variations, with a total of 600+ preset sounds. The "variation" sounds are selected via MSB and LSB midi data (this is the only way in the ST, as there are no front panel controls)

[BlueMax]

Your MPU-IPC may have two output jacks, but they are mirror images - the same data being sent to each.  That would only send everything to your SC-88 twice, wasting polyphony and not producing a better sound (likely worse.)

The serial connection is a smart one (both A's 16 channels and B's 16) but only works with sequencers or early Win95 games.  (Would DOSbox use a serial interface?)

Any *.MID file is limited to 16 channels.  Period.

To go beyond that, you need a sequencer program, like Cakewalk's *.WRK format, etc.

[bzyphk]

Thanks for the quick reply.

1) The SC-88ST is functionally identical to an SC-88, with the exception of no front panel (just two rows of lights).  2 MIDI in, 1 MIDI out.  I was asking about the .MID files on this site, but since a MID file can't have more than 16 channels, I'll assume the ED format (written for the SC-8820) just has instruments that are not translated properly or dropped on the SC-88.

2) The reason for using Win98SE is to utilize the Roland serial driver.  That way the GM-based games can use the serial connection.  I do have a tower capable of running DOSBox with a serial connection on the MB, but haven't tried it.  I do know that the XMidi 2x2 appears as a midi device in DOSBox, which I can select on my USB-only laptop.  So given that, the Roland serial driver for XP would appear in a similar fashion.

I believe I am done "playing" with the device and instead happily enjoying use it.

1) Game music playback: for playing games with general MIDI support, I gather that either the serial connection or a single MIDI-in is sufficient for the 99.99% that is out there.  I can't seem to quickly find any games that specifically target the GS standard.  (Much to my chagrins, LSL7 uses CD audio for the music, not MIDI).  Yes, I'll be using it in SC-55 mode.

2) Experiencing GS: as for "experiencing" the GS features, I think the MIDI samples on this site have demonstrated that the device is not defective (it was "customized" by the previous owner).  If I get ambitious with my infinite amount of free time (yeah right), I can try a sequencer program and see if I can get all 32 channels to play at the same time.  Kind of like a stripped-down orchestra.
   
BTW: After spending a day trying to coax a Linux distro (PCLinuxOS 2010) to accept the XMidi as a valid output target without success, I think I'm going to give up on that too.  I will have to accept that Windows XP is my OS of choice for doing DOSBox and a VM instance of Win98 (since Wine doesn't support some games very well natively).

[BlueMax]

I still have my Roland SC-88's demo floppy which contained a half-dozen 32-channel demos - impressive stuff even today.  Those were in Cakewalk's *.WRK format.

The best music I wrote was for my SC-88....  *sigh*

[Ari]

Any chance you could upload them anywhere or send them to me by email?

[BlueMax]

I'll have to dig for 'em.  I really wish I still had the Roland CM-64 DOS demo....