The pc's in CVA 50 should be pre-configured to automatically use the sound capabilities of the sound cards. If for some reason they are not, you can use this page to help restore the original settings.
There are basically two ways that MIDI data can be played back on PC's: through a sound card using built-in MIDI instruments, or using the MIDI port to transmit data to an external playback unit (ie... a synthesizer or sound module). Because there are no synthesizers or modules physically hooked up to the computers in CVA 50, we will concern ourselves only with using the sound card as the primary playback device. The controllers on the desks in front of you are used only to input MIDI data.
Double click the speaker icon located in the lower right hand corner of the screen (system tray). A new window will appear showing the current configuration of the sound output devices. Make sure that the Wave Synth and/or MIDI sliders are either un-muted or selected (depending on the driver of the sound card!) If they are not showing, go to the Options menu and place a check mark in the boxes to make them active. (if you've forgotten how to do this review the Sound Configuration Tips page)
You can control the volume of the MIDI output with the WaveSynth/Synth and Master Out Volume Sliders. (Note: the Wave slider only works for digital audio) You should now hear your MIDI file playback using the built-in sounds. If you do not hear it, or you are unable to select a volume slider for MIDI or WaveSynth, then the current driver for the sound card is wrong and needs to be changed in the Multimedia Control Panel.
Go to Start Menu =>Settings =>Control Panels
Look for an icon that says "Multimedia" and double click. A new window will appear.
 |
Click the MIDI tab. What you are seeing is the current configuration for the MIDI Output device. Make sure the Single instrument radio button is checked. Inside the window beneath is a listing of the possible MIDI playback devices. Important!: Be sure to select a FM MIDI device, such as the one shown or a Sound blaster device. Selecting an MPU-401 compatible or Sandblaster MIDI out port will send the MIDI signal, as if a module or synthesizer were hooked up, to the MIDI port. (You will configure MIDI IN later within the sequencer) If you wish to use an external module or synthesizer, select the MIDI out port. Your options may look different depending on the drivers/model of your sound card. |
Cakewalk has included with the program a MIDI indicator to let you easily see that MIDI In/Out is being transmitted. After the program launches, a new icon can be found in the system tray. When MIDI data is sent, the buttons over the keyboard will light up. If at any time you are having trouble hearing your MIDI sequences, look at this icon to see if data is being sent or not.
If you haven't done so already, launch Cakewalk. Locate the Tools Menu under the Menu bar and select Midi Instruments. This is where you will configure the MIDI Devices for both Input and Playback within Cakewalk.
When the new window appears, select a suitable Input device. Select either a Roland MPU-401 device or the Sandblaster In port. (Input devices MUST use the MIDI/Game Port port located on the sound card at the back of the computer). Again, your choices of Input/Output will vary depending on the driver and MIDI equipment you have set up. For output, select the FM synthesis device as you did with the Win95 configuration menus. (NOTE: If you have an external device, select the MPU-401 to send MIDI data out the MIDI port).
Now that we have selected MIDI devices, we need to assign patches to your MIDI
Instrument.
Control click on channels 1 - 9 and 11 - 16. When they are highlighted click on General MIDI in the Uses Instrument window. You have assigned those channels to automatically use General MIDI instruments. Click on channel 10 and select General MIDI Drums.
Congratulations! You have set up your MIDI devices and are ready to use the program.