exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

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?

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! :D

Thanks! That's a great answer and a lot for me to look into.

@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 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.

There is the SAM2195 and SAM2695. Very small and very cheap.



DreamBlaster S2 uses the SAM2695:

https://www.serdashop.com/waveblaster