The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Hello,

I've used a MC-505 as a master sequencer live several times. In future, as
I'm becoming more and more by bound by computer sequenced arrangements, I
expect I'll invest in a laptop *and* a minidisc player. That way I've still
got some freedom with MIDI sequencing and live tweaking *plus* a backup
(minidisc) should anything go wrong.

And from my experience, crashes are often conflictions between applications,
so no Solitaire during intermission!!!

Good luck,

Phil



From: PolHarris@...
Reply-To: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
Date: Fri, 18 May 2001 15:14:45 +0000
To: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AN1x-list] OT: Midi Live???


Just got interested in the subject matter here...

So, I'm getting ready to embark on a live music
adventure with my trusty 486 laptop.

I figured that with running Cakewalk DOS 5.0 and a Midi-
man Serial midi port a 486 should be plenty of power to
run the midi files, including some rather elaborate
sysex setups. Besides, this way I can have a cheap
backup computer. I have an MU-128 loaded with plg cards
(VH, VL and PF). So far, it has been a matter of just
making sure the sysex messages are placed a few ticks
away from each other and getting rid of unneeded sysex
messages.

My question is this: Does anyone use midi that
extensively live? If so, how reliable is your setup? I
have a friend that thinks I'm crazy and that midi is way
too unreliable for what I'm trying to do. I have the MU
controlling vcoder harmonies, guitar effects etc. My
feeling is that at least DOS really doesn't crash like
windows. Cakewalk 5.0 can be a little bit overwhelmed by
a lot of sysex concentrated in one area, but really
seems to be solid once everything is thinned out a bit.

Saw some Canadian software on the web yesterday for
laptop musicians: "Showplay". It uses Win 95 minimum,
but also has a serial midi setup and displays lyrics
while the music is playing. Cool, but would worry about
windows crashing during the gig.