The Z-tronics system is a stand-alone system and does not in itself incorporate MIDI signals for output to external MIDI devices such as Synthesizers and Sequencers for generating external electronic sounds or for Recording and Playing actual performances. The Z-MIDI interface was developed to interface at the data level and may be easily added to any Z-tronics system, old or new. Connection requires the two timing signals plus one wire in and out per manual.
The Z-MIDI-16 is a full 16 channel OUT, 12-16 channel IN module which supports BOTH a Sequencer for Record/Playback AND a separate Sound Module.
The factory default configuration of the Z-MIDI-16 reserves four output channels for a Sound Module. These would normally be used on three manuals and pedal. This leaves 12 channels for operating a MIDI Sequencer for Record-Playback. These are normally configured for up to 8 manuals including pedal and second touch, and up to four channels dedicated to operating stops. Normally each stop channel operates up to 64 stops, shades, or other effects for a total of 256. It is possible to handle as many as 96 stops per channel to accommodate a very large organ. The configuration is in a table stored in an EEPROM chip and may be revised according to special needs of a very large organ.
To provide for "player" operation of stops and swell shades, these functions must be multiplexed. In new installations including Record-Playback facilities, this actually simplifies wiring to some degree.
If Performance Record-Playback is to be added to an older Z-tronics relay installation, keyboard rewiring involves only one connection per manual. To include stops and shades, multiplexing these functions involves rewiring these contacts to standard Z-tronics Input Registers, routing the single data wire for each 64 "stops" through the MIDI Interface, then to an Output Register, which de-multiplexes the data back into discrete inputs. Addition of ANY Performance Record-Playback system to an existing installation would require similar connections to the stop wiring.
The actual recording of the organ may be done using any MIDI Sequencer. We recommend the Yamaha MDF3 (MIDI Data Filer) as a sequencer especially suited for organ use. The MDF3 operates somewhat like a tape deck and records directly onto a 3.5" floppy disk. The files are PC compatible MIDI files which may be edited using standard computer software. Using High Density disks, up to 99 selections and as much as three hours of music can be held on one disk.
The Z-MIDI Interface does not process signals normally used to play the organ, and thus does not affect the reliability of the system.
Allen Miller Associates |
860-633-5710 |
