Roger Powell's "Texture" and "Prism" sequencers...

[D-Collector]

Does anyone have the files for these programs? I would very much like to try them out as they seem to be the only pattern based DOS sequencers. Hard as h**l to find anything online about them, but I did come across these pictures:

[nathanscribe]

I just found this, if it's any use:

http://www.magneticmusic.com/downloads.html

[D-Collector]

Indeed, there is the version I was looking for! Thanks Nathan! You know I have been to that site many times but for some reason I thought those files were for a newer 32 bit windows midi program from 98-99 that was also called "Texture", I downloaded that from hitsquad in it's 4.0 version but was none the wiser.

[nathanscribe]

No problem. Let us know how you get on with it. I'm intrigued.

[D-Collector]

First test in DosBox went well, everything works except for the fact that the program freezes when I try to record. I guess it's due to limitations in the MPU-401 emulation in DosBox. Also, DosBox doesn't have midi-in. But I have already learned a lot about how the program works just by exploring and the occasional glance in the manual. This program is good!

I then tried to run it on my 486 DX2 (the machine I use for SPG) but it goes straight into computer lockup/freeze. The manual clearly states that this is because of interupt conflict with the MPU-401, and the magneticmusic website says you need an original Roland MPU-401 to use it at all and that emulations such as on the SoundBlasters will not work. Bit of a shame really. In my 486 I have a SoundBlaster Vibra16c that provides SB16 mode to SPG. Surprising, I would have thought real SoundBlaster hardware would do better emulation than DosBox.

Sooo... Anyone have an old Roland MPU-401 for IBM pc they don't need anymore?

[nathanscribe]

Presumably you've tinkered with the interrupt settings?

[D-Collector]

Yup, I have -but to no avail. Nothing worked.

I think if I can get this to work (which I now suspect means getting hold of an MPU-401) I will use it a lot. I have done a lot of investigation on DOS sequencers and it seems Texture and Prism are the only ones that are pattern based. This is a little strange I think, but maybe back then it was considered an outdated method. Me, I find this the most inspiring way to make music! And chaining pattern in "links" that make up a song is easy, in fact it's very similar to a tracker except that each instrument track contains polyphonic data like normal sequencers.

[chrisnova777]

cool post.
im interested in similar topics
check out my site
www.oldschooldaw.com

[Rick N Boogie]

I'm just pleasantly surprised to see Roger Powells name come up. Ever listen to his "Cosmic Furnace" album?

[willem.deboer]

Several years later ...... Just wondering, have you done many songs with your copy of Texture?
I love Texture and its pattern-based concept. Indeed for me the most creative and rewarding way to build songs with a sequencer. Never found a modern sequencer based on the same principle. Pity.

[D-Collector]

Well, I never could get it to work on my DOS computer as it didn't work with MPU-401 emulation on the Soundblaster 16. I have been able to run in DOSBox but I've never sequenced anything as there are crashes.

Yeah! I am also so frustrated that there are no other pattern based MIDI sequencers for DOS, or any modern alternatives, DAWs that are pattern based like that. Even take a great sequencer like Trackman for the Atari ST! Essentially a Linn 9000 / oldschool MPC sequencer. Still such a popular method to work, why not make a simple daw in the same fashion with VST integration? Of course you have the MPC software but it requires the controller from what I understand.

Personally I use Synapse Orion 7.6, and have done so since 2008. It's not exactly thay way I would prefer it to work but still the closest to my taste. A shame 8.x is no longer sold or developed.

Still looking for "Prism" though.. You wouldn't have a copy by any chance?

[willem.deboer]

Yeah, same experience here. I got it running in a DOS-box and was able to load my old songs in a newer version and save them as midi files, though. I will have a look for Prism on old backups. I remember I had it installed, at one point in time.

[D-Collector]

Yeah, same experience here. I got it running in a DOS-box and was able to load my old songs in a newer version and save them as midi files, though. I will have a look for Prism on old backups. I remember I had it installed, at one point in time.

Cool! any links to the music you have made with it?

Ah, that would be great if you found it!

Collecting old DOS software is also a hobby of mine..

[willem.deboer]

Sorry, no links, and I'm still looking for Prism. I know I have it somewhere .......

[hageir]

Sorry, no links, and I'm still looking for Prism. I know I have it somewhere .......

I've found an old version of Prism and a friend sent over a demo version.

But both of them are from the 5.25" version, I need the version which has the full install for the Yamaha C1 Music Computer.

I can run it, but MIDI is disabled due to the files missing...

Any chance you found your copy Willem?

-Geir