Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site tymix.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!mtuxo!mtunh!mtung!mtunf!ariel!vax135!petsd!pesnta!hplabs!oliveb!tymix!ebs From: ebs@tymix.UUCP (Elliot B. Schneider) Newsgroups: net.music.synth Subject: Re: Yamaha Music Computer? Message-ID: <457@tymix.UUCP> Date: Sat, 6-Jul-85 17:08:32 EDT Article-I.D.: tymix.457 Posted: Sat Jul 6 17:08:32 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 9-Jul-85 05:49:08 EDT References: <66000001@haddock.UUCP> Reply-To: ebs@tymix.UUCP (Elliot B. Schneider) Organization: Tymnet Inc., Cupertino CA Lines: 44 Summary: Yamaha CX5M Computer Review I tried sending this to someone a few weeks ago, but was unsuccessful. Since the question was brought up again I decided to post it. I believe the machine is called a CX5M, or some such. At any rate, it's the only Yamaha computer. The built in sound generators are comparable to the DX9 (4 operators), 8 voices and the keyboard can be split such that one half plays a mono instrument and the other half can play a 7 voice poly instrument. It comes with a sequencer package that lets you record from the keyboard in real-time. Program cartridges are available for a music editor, which will play 8 different instruments back simultaneously (I've no idea how they do that), a DX7 voicing program, and a BASIC package which lets you access the synth from BASIC (God knows why?). Oh yes, I think the DX9 type voicing program is built in too. From the standpoint of making music, it looks very nice, considering the price (I don't own one, but have been considering purchasing it). On the down side (and if it wasn't for these I'd already own one)- there is NO disk drive available, and the software was not written to work with a disk drive when and IF it is available. I got to see a sheet which Yamaha sends to its dealers which answers often asked questions- they were vague as to whether or not they were going to put out a disk drive! The other "negative" was that the computer cannot be driven by an external MIDI keyboard (even a DX7)! You must buy their computer specific keyboard to play in real-time (an extra $100 or $200 depending on which keyboard model). I thought that was incredibly stupid considering the hardware DOES support MIDI!! As for being a "regular" computer- I wouldn't expect it... There is no software available for it other than Yamaha's, and I doubt if they are going to get into the general software business. The MSX standard (which is what the salesman told you about) has been out in Europe for a couple of years, but it's doubtful whether anything will come of it here- it's based on the Z80a, an 8-bit micro, whereas machines which are coming out now are more prone to the 68000 (32-bit regs, 16-bit data bus). I've seen NO MSX equipment other than Yamaha's, so again I wouldn't hold my breath for compatibility with other equipment. If I buy one, I'll probably dedicate it to music and hope to hell someone comes out with a disk drive for it, cause it is hardly usable without one. I believe price was $450 for the computer, $100 or $200 depending on which keyboard you want and $50/software cartridge. Elliot Schneider ...decvax!ucbvax!hplabs!oliveb!tymix!ebs