MIDI Timing and PC soundcards

[Bill Layer]

Hi All,

A question for the knowledgeable.

I'm just beginning to get into PC based MIDI sequencing, and I'm a little
confised about all the talk about timing, and how 'dreadful' a PC is at this.

What exactly is the issue here? How could anything as fast as even a
486DX33 be SLOW enough as to not keep up with the pace of MIDI data? Isn't
the processor magnatudes faster than the requirements of the MIDI data stream?

And on the soundcard issue, are they just not suitable? Since I don't care
for computer sound much anyway, I tend to use those cheap Digital Research
soundcards that cost about $20.00. Would I be better off using my MIDIMAN
MM-401 (which you all were kind enough to assit me with)? Would a "better"
sound card be of any help?

I tend to want to use the soundcard, as it can supply power to the
QuickShot keyboard as well. The QuickShot is infact DESIGNED to be used
with a generic sound card as it's MIDI link...

Any info much appreciated.
Bill Layer, member

The International Brotherhood of Jazz Dancers, Pastry Chefs and Nuclear
Technicians