To play MIDI over my STE's ports, I'm looking for a small (I don't have a lot of room) table-top synthesizer. It doesn't have to have piano keys, but I'm looking for something that will play MIDI data to an audio output (3.5mm) so I can listen to it.
Any recommendations?
You will not be able to post if you are still using Microsoft email addresses such as Hotmail etc
See here for more information viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7296
See here for more information viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7296
DO NOT USE DEVICES WHERE THE IP CHANGES CONSTANTLY!
At this time it is unfortunately not possible to white list users when your IP changes constantly.
You may inadvertently get banned because a previous attack may have used the IP you are now on.
So I suggest people only use fixed IP address devices until I can think of a solution for this problem!
At this time it is unfortunately not possible to white list users when your IP changes constantly.
You may inadvertently get banned because a previous attack may have used the IP you are now on.
So I suggest people only use fixed IP address devices until I can think of a solution for this problem!
Small synth: any reccomendations?
-
Reluctant16bitter
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Wed Aug 06, 2025 9:43 am
- Contact:
Small synth: any reccomendations?
Atari 1040STE (4 MB RAM) | Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2A | Sony HB-F1XV MSX2+ (512 KB RAM, 7MHz Z80, WozBlaster OPL4, PowerGraph Light V9990) | Philips VG8235 MSX2 (1 MB RAM, 7MHz Z80) | Mitsubishi ML-FX1 MSX
-
mrbombermillzy
- Moderator
- Posts: 2151
- Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2018 7:37 pm
Re: Small synth: any reccomendations?
Thats quite an all encompassing question, but I will try to answer...
By the wording, it sounds like you are looking to play back MIDI files from e.g. games or just try out ready made MIDI files.
If so, maybe go for one of the GM compliant modules (no keyboard and small) like the Roland Sound Canvas? There are several fans of that device on these forums.
If its just the space you need and would like to tinker with creating/modifying great sounds, then its a matter of personal taste, as there are literally thousands of choices.
Personally, likely due to my age and preferences, I would go for something like a Korg M1R or one of the Yamaha TG series of rack mount 'ROMpler' synths.
While these are bigger, they are generally flat, so can be stacked underneath something, if room is an issue!
By the wording, it sounds like you are looking to play back MIDI files from e.g. games or just try out ready made MIDI files.
If so, maybe go for one of the GM compliant modules (no keyboard and small) like the Roland Sound Canvas? There are several fans of that device on these forums.
If its just the space you need and would like to tinker with creating/modifying great sounds, then its a matter of personal taste, as there are literally thousands of choices.
Personally, likely due to my age and preferences, I would go for something like a Korg M1R or one of the Yamaha TG series of rack mount 'ROMpler' synths.
While these are bigger, they are generally flat, so can be stacked underneath something, if room is an issue!
-
Reluctant16bitter
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Wed Aug 06, 2025 9:43 am
- Contact:
Re: Small synth: any reccomendations?
Thanks! That's a great answer and a lot for me to look into.
Atari 1040STE (4 MB RAM) | Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2A | Sony HB-F1XV MSX2+ (512 KB RAM, 7MHz Z80, WozBlaster OPL4, PowerGraph Light V9990) | Philips VG8235 MSX2 (1 MB RAM, 7MHz Z80) | Mitsubishi ML-FX1 MSX
Re: Small synth: any reccomendations?
@Reluctant16bitter just another thing to think about. For instance, some midi files are designed to be played on certain synths, for instance Roland MT-32 or CM-32,. Then you have general midi compatible files and then some can even be XG compatible. The most likely is General Midi compatible midi files and adding to @mrbombermillzy suggestions, Yamaha MU synths are GM & XG compatible typically. Sound Canvas are a very good choice but ideally an SC-55 or better.
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
-
olivier.jan
- Site sponsor
- Posts: 296
- Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2020 8:00 am
Re: Small synth: any reccomendations?
If you want something very small you can also go for this one from serdashop: https://www.serdashop.com/Dreamblaster- ... ule-Bundle. SC-55 is a great choice also and can be found for reasonable price. The MT-32 on the other hand is usually reaching unreasonable prices.
Retro stuff
520 STF/ 1040 STE / Mega ST / 2 Mega STE / 2 H5
2 x 600XL with U1MB /SOFIA 2/ AVG CART / and a few 1050
Apple //c, Commodore 128, Mac Classic, SE/30, LC, IIvi and PB G3 (Clamshell)
Amiga 600 and a few 486 and 386.
Many Nintendo G&W and other electronic games from the late 70s/early 80s.
520 STF/ 1040 STE / Mega ST / 2 Mega STE / 2 H5
2 x 600XL with U1MB /SOFIA 2/ AVG CART / and a few 1050
Apple //c, Commodore 128, Mac Classic, SE/30, LC, IIvi and PB G3 (Clamshell)
Amiga 600 and a few 486 and 386.
Many Nintendo G&W and other electronic games from the late 70s/early 80s.
Re: Small synth: any reccomendations?
There is the SAM2195 and SAM2695. Very small and very cheap.
DreamBlaster S2 uses the SAM2695:
https://www.serdashop.com/waveblaster
DreamBlaster S2 uses the SAM2695:
https://www.serdashop.com/waveblaster
The 'Uzebox Omega is a fully open source games console that you can build in a weekend, even with no previous electronics experience:
https://uzebox.org/wiki/Omega
https://uzebox.org/wiki/Omega