MIDI file transfer from Deluxe Music

#1 Sat, 28 Feb 2015 - 06:25 68kMLA

Thought you all might get a kick out of a project of mine. I used Deluxe Music to create several songs back in high school, and for years now, I've been wondering how I might get them into a modern format. The file format is proprietary and no other software seems to understand it.

So I decided to go the hardware method: I picked up a vintage MIDI interface from ebay for $7 and was able to connect Mac SE -> Serial MIDI Interface -> Firewire MIDI Interface -> MacBook running GarageBand. Click play on one, record on the other, and away it goes!

It was fun seeing the two machines operate side-by-side, and really not so different from eachother. Here's a shot of the rig:

#2 Sat, 28 Feb 2015 - 17:17 68kMLA

haha thats cool man, but more importantly, you thought we wouldn't ask to hear your "music"?

#3 Sun, 1 Mar 2015 - 09:33 68kMLA

MIDI: specced in 1976 and still going strong.

#4 Mon, 2 Mar 2015 - 00:21 68kMLA

until they come out with something better and more universal, I dont see it going away any time soon!

#5 Tue, 3 Mar 2015 - 03:47 68kMLA

There have been several attempts at better, but universal? Not so much. The current front runner is OSC, which is very cool - but of course you can't use it to run an old Juno 106 or whatnot. New protocols tend to only work with new hardware & software.

#6 Thu, 5 Mar 2015 - 15:54 68kMLA

Or a new protocol/standard thats backwards compatible. Maybe MIDI2 or something like that? Musical instruments are one of those things that dont seem to go into obsolescence. Ive seen even some of the earliest Akai machines still in use.

#7 Fri, 6 Mar 2015 - 13:45 68kMLA

I guess Deluxe Music doesn't support export to Type 0 or 1 MIDI files.

MIDI itself isn't going away anytime soon. Its transport medium agnostic, so it merely migrated away from 32kbps serial to faster mediums like USB, Firewire, and Ethernet. That and MIDI sees application outside of music making, its a popular way of transporting time code. Heck, it even runs the IR remote control for my Creative sound card (via sysex I presume).

#8 Sat, 7 Mar 2015 - 18:09 68kMLA

This is awesome. How is the SE so white?

#9 Sun, 8 Mar 2015 - 00:01 68kMLA

Probably stored in a bag most of its life. or under one of those mac covers.

Mine is white like this as well, Not quite as white now that its been in my room with flourscent lightning for a few years, But it once was...