Analog + Midi Synthesizers Connected to a Computer

When connecting MIDI instruments to a computer, the most important component you'll need is the Midi Interface. This is what will allow Midi to be understood and transmitted into and out of your computer. Most Midi Interfaces are single-unit rackmount devices that connect to your computers serial port and they are available for Macintosh, Windows PCs and Atari. Some examples include Mark of the Unicorn's Midi Time Piece, Midi Express and Opcode's Studio series. Most have multiple in/outs for up to 10 or more Midi instruments communicating through your computer.

In many cases the Midi Interface can be an internal card for your PC such as the AWE64 card. These are convenient but only allow a few instruments to be connected and are better suited for studios with little gear.

Connections are quite simple here. The computer is hooked up to the Midi Interface. The Midi outs from your synths go into the Interface. And the Midi Outs from the Interface return to the corresponding synths. This type of set-up allows for extremely flexible control via your computer and the interface. For writing, sequencing, storing & creating patches and music, for live performance, and for stacking, controlling and programming Midi instruments - this is by far the most common and easiest set-up.

In order to Midi-up your old analog synths you will need a Midi-to-CV/Gate converter. These devices translate Midi data into control volatge (CV) and gate or trigger. This allows you to play your analog synths and in many cases edit filter and envelope parameters from a Midi controller. It is simply connected to your Midi Interface as if it were another Midi synth itself.

The Midi-to-CV/Gate connections to the Roland SH-101 represented above are straight forward. Be sure to configure the Converter to transmit the proper form of CV/Gate for your brand of synthesizer. The Roland SH-101 uses 1 Volt/Octave.

The TB-303 is capable of receiving Roland's propietary DIN Sync 24 clock. If you're Midi-to-CV/Gate converter supports this type of sync, then Midi Clock from you're computer can be transferred to the TB-303 to trigger it in sync with you're computer sequencer. However, you can not play the TB-303 from the keyboard controller without an expensive Midi or CV/Gate Retrofit.