MIDI Timing and PC soundcards

[DCMagnuson at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/12/98 1:45:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
b.layer at vikingelectronics.com writes:

> 
>  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?

I have never had too many problems with my PC lagging too much as a MIDI
sequencer.  I'm currently using a 200MHz Pentium with a soundblaster 16 as the
MIDI interface.  I simply bought one of the joystick port adapters.

Before using this computer, I was successfully using Cakewalk to sequence with
MIDI gear with my 8MB 486-33.  The only time you may notice lag is if you are
storing major modulation parameters, but I find my new machine has no
problems.  I even experimented with a few MIDI delays, arpeggiators and
harmonizers that run along side the sequencer with no delays.

The only delays I can account for are the typical 4- 6ms delay that you get
with almost any MIDI gear.  Long chains don't stay in sync too well, but you
probably knew that already...

>  
>  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'm not familiar with your particular card, so I can't comment on it's
functionality, but I would imagine any MIDIMAN product would be very good.
They make several multiple I/O midi cards that look nice.

>  
>  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
>  

Dave Magnuson
Independent Music Site
http://members.aol.com/dcmagnuson