what to do with a Roland MPU-401

markx at vcom1.com markx at vcom1.com
Mon Dec 30 00:37:24 CET 1996


Hey DIYers!
 
I think that I have found an interesting DIY project to be...
It's a little grey metal box, about the size of a paperback book.
The markings say "Roland Midi Processing Unit MPU-401", and it 
has a 25 pin "To computer" connector, four DIN connectors, one marked
MIDI IN, two marked MIDI OUT, one marked SYNC OUT, and three 1/4"
jacks, marked TAPE IN, TAPE OUT, and METRONOME OUT.
 
As far as I can tell, it is half of an old IBM computer-to-MIDI
interface (I am missing the ISA bus card that goes in the computer).
I do not believe that the 25 pin D connector is a serial port.
These little boxes were made with enough processing power so that
an old underpowered 8086 PC could act as a MIDI sequencer.
 
My question is, what can I do with this box without the PC card
and the software (it didn't come with it... I probably got it cheap
because it's *worthless* :-).  What do these 1/4" jacks do?
Does anyone have any experience playing with these guys?
 
At the very least, I would think that I could make some kind of
MIDI-to-trigger or trigger-to-MIDI box out of it?  No?  Maybe
even a MIDI-to-CV?  Or do I have to gut the box and put my own
electronics inside? :-(
 
TTFN,
Mark
 
PS: Sorry, I'm having trouble with my email configuration...  I can't
receive individual email, please post to the list.  And I apologize
for my screwed up first message. :-)
 
 



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