Posted by: Uncle Dave
* * LAP TOP users ...... READ this ! * * - 01/09/02 01:15 AM
I transferred a lot of my Mini Disk files to MP3 and WMA files so I could play them from the PC on breaks, or as backing trax. It was a great idea, but it had a few setbacks in the early stages. I think I figured out the best way to utilize it though.
At first, since I am not using too many midi sequences, I was using a "soft synth" playing the sound card in my lap top.... and it was OK. JUST ok. I used Roland's "Virtual Sound Canvas," and it works better than the cheezy FM generator that came in the PC.
That was fine till I decided to play the audio files too - it seems that the RAM (or some other PC component) was "fighting" over which program to support, the audio or the midi. They were BOTH using the same sound source, only at different times. The effect was hang ups, hiccups and the like.
I switched the midi files to a dedicated PCMCIA card interface, and now play them with the sounds of the psr2k. NO more hiccups! It seems that the trouble was because the sound card was trying to serve two masters. After I removed the intrnal midi sound from the PC - it ran without a glitch all night.
I also tried the dedicated serial cable that hooks to the "to host" port and that works fine too, but I can't use that AND midi at the same time. I need to use my Digitech vocalist with midi, so I am forced to use the PCMCIA interface - no sacrifice there. It's hidden inside, and the cable is attached. Very compact and neat.
This makes the 2k more valuable to me, because I no longer miss the hard drive, and I have GAINED the larger, bright screen to pick files from. I still have the volume control on the KB for the sequences too. Not a bad deal.
For 1 hr shows, or background situations, I never need the laptop, and in those cases, the floppies will be fine. It's not usually a feature at those shows. For weddings, and dance parties - the computer has been a good friend to have on the job!
At first, since I am not using too many midi sequences, I was using a "soft synth" playing the sound card in my lap top.... and it was OK. JUST ok. I used Roland's "Virtual Sound Canvas," and it works better than the cheezy FM generator that came in the PC.
That was fine till I decided to play the audio files too - it seems that the RAM (or some other PC component) was "fighting" over which program to support, the audio or the midi. They were BOTH using the same sound source, only at different times. The effect was hang ups, hiccups and the like.
I switched the midi files to a dedicated PCMCIA card interface, and now play them with the sounds of the psr2k. NO more hiccups! It seems that the trouble was because the sound card was trying to serve two masters. After I removed the intrnal midi sound from the PC - it ran without a glitch all night.
I also tried the dedicated serial cable that hooks to the "to host" port and that works fine too, but I can't use that AND midi at the same time. I need to use my Digitech vocalist with midi, so I am forced to use the PCMCIA interface - no sacrifice there. It's hidden inside, and the cable is attached. Very compact and neat.
This makes the 2k more valuable to me, because I no longer miss the hard drive, and I have GAINED the larger, bright screen to pick files from. I still have the volume control on the KB for the sequences too. Not a bad deal.
For 1 hr shows, or background situations, I never need the laptop, and in those cases, the floppies will be fine. It's not usually a feature at those shows. For weddings, and dance parties - the computer has been a good friend to have on the job!