Boss

GT-X Setup Manual page 124

Section 28 All About MIDI
Just a quick note before we look at the various methods of
connectivity – Use MIDI DIN/mini-DIN connectors or a
USB MIDI interface as the connection of choice.
1. MIDI DIN/MIDI Mini-DIN
Some interfaces provide MIDI DIN connectors and these
are very simple to use...just plug in and go. Other interfaces
such as some soundcards like the early SB Live card have
mini-DIN MIDI connectors. The mini-DIN (which look like
PS/2) connectors require small patch cables to convert the
connector to a normal DIN socket. These normally come
with the soundcard, however they can be purchased
separately.
2. 'Joystick to MIDI' conversion cable.
The de-facto standard 'SoundBlaster' typically includes a
15 pin 'D' shaped connector called a 'Joystick' port, where
a game joystick controller is attached. This same connector
performs double duty as a Roland MPU-401 compatible
MIDI interface, using an optional 'Joystick to MIDI'
conversion cable. Many of the soundcard manufacturers
produce these cables; Creative Labs markets one that
includes a limited version of Cakewalk MIDI Sequencer for
around $60 (US). These cables can also be ordered
separately via computer
Because SoundBlaster compatibility has become embraced
by most general purpose sound card manufacturers, these
days virtually every soundcard which features a 15 pin
joystick port can accept the 'Joystick to MIDI' conversion
cable, even if the card was not made by Creative Labs.
Consult your sound card's manual or spec sheet and see if
MIDI is supported via the joystick connector. For example,
the Turtle Beach Pinnacle sound card and the Creative Labs
MIDI/Joystick cable conversion cable work just fine
together. It features MIDI IN, MIDI Out, and joystick pass-
through to maintain your connection with a joystick.
3. Parallel Printer Port to MIDI Converter Box
This requires the purchase of a MIDI interface that attaches
to the printer connector on the PC. There are several
available such as the Midiman PC/P, priced between $75-
$600 (US) – remember - you get what you pay for. The
simplest units provide MIDI in and MIDI out and are
convenient for laptop machines, while the elaborate
expensive units (Mark of the Unicorn MIDI Timepiece
A/V) provide 8 MIDI inputs, 8 MIDI outputs, and control
tape automation on an ADAT tape machine.
4. MIDI-Serial connections.
The serial port connection scheme becomes confusing,
because there appears to be three separate methods utilized.
There are several available such as the Midiman PC/S.
1. -The first method occurs in some notebook
computers and a few recent BIOS sets on new
motherboards. It allows the serial ports (COM 1 or
COM 2) to support a MIDI option. Unfortunately
the required Serial (D9) to MIDI (5pin DIN) cable
is typically a proprietary item which, if not
© Copyright 2000-2002 Barry S. Pearce et al.
accessory suppliers/dealers.
purchased at time of original purchase of the
laptop, will be a difficult item to track down.
2. -A second method was used with a popular piano
training keyboard, which included a proprietary
'Serial to MIDI IN/OUT' cable and Windows
software driver disk. Haven't seen this available
separately.
3. -Units such as the newer Roland Sound Canvas,
Alesis QS keyboards, and a few others use a third
Serial method, which never uses the traditional 5
pin DIN connectors. It uses a "mini-DIN"
connector borrowed from an Apple Macintosh
modem/printer port. When these units are
interfaced to a Mac, a standard 'Mac modem
cable' is used, and when these units are used with a
PC, a custom cable with the proper D-9 connector
is used.
USB Computer Hook-ups
If you have a USB based PC, then your life is going to
probably be a lot easier (but you never know, after all it is a
computer). Most of the USB interfaces (such as the
Midiman Midisport and others) only require that you plug
in the interface via USB to the PC, install the driver
software, and you're off to the races! But there's always a
catch isn't there? It seems that some interfaces don't play
well with some sequencing and editor software, so you may
experience some bumps in the road.
Safe & Quick Testing
Okay, now you've got everything set up. Before you send a
bunch of stuff to your GT-3/5 and overwrite all of your
patches (horror of horrors!), send something FROM your
GT-3/5 to the computer first. That way you won't
inadvertently lose patch information already stored in your
machine. Set up your GT-3/5 to send a Bulk Dump as per
the manual, or later in this section; open the MIDI Editor
program of choice (MIDIWatch, GT-5 Editor, GT-3 Editor,
etc.); press Write on the GT-3/5; you should see a box
telling you how many bytes have been received on your
computer screen. Save the file as you wish. That's it! You
can now send and receive SYSEX (.syx) files with your PC.
If you have problems, read through some of the posts and
files on the User's group sites.
124