LGR - Roland Sound Canvas: MIDI Music Greatness

Any MIDI software that allows you to choose the MIDI device specifically! Sweet MIDI Player is one I enjoy

LGR

Hi, I ordered an SC-55 and have one of these USB -> midi cables. The drivers seems to work and device manager sees it when I plug it in. But when I play a MIDI it just does windows MIDI fonts. Which software should I use to output the MIDI data to my USB -> MIDI device so the Roland SC-55 will play it?

Desmo

I will say though, the Roland SC-88 that I have is a good favorite of mine, I've actually changed an instrument or two back to the SC-55 mapping while leaving the rest to SC-88's map, for games like Descent. Where I feel it sounds better to me. I'd like to get an SC-55 someday to have that alongside my SC-88 and MT-32. I even have a Yamaha MU-80 on hand to try out for General Midi.

ReeseRiverson

Sure thing, it's a great game with a great OST :)

LGR

Sure is! Listening to the music on the hardware it was written on is just awesome

LGR

Thank you!

LGR

Yes, as mentioned in the video the Roland SC-VA software is a thing now

LGR

I've often wondered but have not researched it yet, maybe you know; Is it possible to emulate the sound quality of the Roland Midi interfaces on modern PCs without the hardware?

Vaggumon

You have a very wide vocabulary Clint :D I am learning and enjoying your reviews a lot!!!

floverSaeu09

wow.. the difference in sound between general midi and Roland on Duke 3D was eye-opening! o_O

Evan B

I am so glad you used Descent as one of your Midi track examples. It brought an ear to ear smile to my face. Thanks!

CubicleNate

Ha, remote controls. I remember buying a Creative Labs CD drive in the late 90s which came with an IR remote control. It was crap, but hey, remote control!

Tom Scott

Sweet sweet sounds. I have to admit though I played so many hours of Doom 2 on a SB16 that I will always prefer the crunchy sound the music had on that card.

You should consider making an downloadable album (or YouTube playlist) of game soundtracks through the Sound Canvas and MT-32. I love listening to the samples. Not sure if copyright for the original games would be an issue though.

Oh nice, I'd be curious as well!

LGR

The SC-VA works with DOSBox at least <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WumRboSfn90" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WumRboSfn90</a>

LGR

Haha, yeah I suspect more than a few Sound Canvas units will be bought after this

LGR

It's in the works!

LGR

Thanks, it's one of my favorite, simple pieces of kit to add to audio setups :)

LGR

Thank you, I am certain you know that struggle!

LGR

Lots of tongue twisting model number information you needed to impart there...it came across as effortless of course, but if my experiences are anything to go by, I'd imagine that it was anything but. Very enjoyable.

Techmoan

Love that EQ at the end

J.R. Williams

Great video !!! Would like to see a video about SDI chip board for PC !!! :D

Great video. Thumbs up if you went straight to eBay after this upload! 😄

Wish there was a way to get those sample packs digitally to use with Dosbox directly. Stupid question, but wouldn't you be able to upload those samples to an AWE32 or GUS sound card?

Bastien Nocera

I always wanted one of these... Mostly just for Duke3D... I still might try to find one in the UK for just Duke3D... lol... Love your work. Brilliant videos.

Sean Yem

This was great - certainly a lovely design on 'em - just a sleek as the MT-32, but modern (90s modern) as well. So great to hear proper version of those tracks in action. Glad my monthly contributions helped make such a cool piece possible :D

Rob Caporetto

My stepfather owns a Roland AT-90 organ that has the General MIDI and GS logos on it, as well as standard MIDI ports. I should hook up a PC sometime and get some samples from a couple of DOS games, I wonder if it sounds as good as the Sound Canvas does here.

Great video as always. I used to always get a sound card with my PC then one day I found I no longer needed one. Not sure if the built in card was as good or I just no longer noticed or cared.

Gary Leigh

I'd probably pick the MT-32, just because it does so perfectly well with so many games written for it. But truly, having both "completes" the musical puzzle with so many games that it's worth having both.

LGR

Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying!

LGR

LGR, if you MUST choose between an MT-32 and an SC-55 for a wide range of games (think just random games from both 80s and 90s), which would you get and why? Thanks!

Christopher Bassett

Clint I love your videos as someone who was born in the early 90's I don't have a ton of memories of 90's PC games but all of this is fascinating to me thank you for all you do

Thanks so much for the donation and the help with this one!

LGR

You're most welcome, we're glad to be able to contribute! Happy to see the SC-55 mkII arrive safely. You now have a seriously respectable Roland setup. :D

Anders Enger Jensen

Yeah I'm gonna neeeeeed an mp3 of that Suplex Hold demo track! Love the video as always, thanks! Edit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaYuyXj8x4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaYuyXj8x4</a> we in there, yeahhhhhh jams

Jeremy Abel

Right? Soon as I saw Roland made fancy-looking MIDI cables I just had to grab a pair

LGR

Those are the nicest MIDI cables I've ever seen. I want. So bad.

Peter Metzger

Thank you!

LGR

Y'know it's interesting being the cast and crew of your show. This was a pretty cool retrospective. :)

I definitely want to grab an 8820 as well sometime. MIDI modules are a slippery slope, haha

LGR

I bought my very own SC-55 Mk1 (early GS only version), Roland UM-One USB MIDI interface for modern PC's and DA-15 to MIDI cable for my Win95 Compaq a few months back. If a SC-8820 or MT-32 shows up for a good price I might end up getting those too.

Tore Svendsen

Interesting! What's the result like with the MSX?

LGR

I have an SC-55 that I use with my MSX via a MIDI-PACv2, which basically translates the inter PSG and FM sounds to MIDI. I've tried using it with my 486, but I think something is legitimately wrong with that sound blaster so I have another one due tomorrow-ish.

Heh

LGR

So if it was a small group that introduced the MIDI standard, it would be the itty bitty MIDI Committee?