Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

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tsowell
rebel
Posts: 22

Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

Post by tsowell »

Hi all,

I put together some instructions for adding a MIDI connector to a Dreamcast modem. The MIDI output is controlled by the AICA sound processor, and it requires special software support to use it. My alternate ScummVM backend for Dreamcast might be the only software that supports it, but there isn't much that supports the official Dreamcast MIDI Interface Cable either :).

For a while I was using this instead of a MIDI Interface Cable because they are impossible to find and because it ties up the serial port. This mod might be slightly easier than making a homebrew MIDI Interface Cable too.

A lot of the games ScummVM supports have soundtracks composed specifically for certain vintage synthesizers like the Roland MT-32 and SC-55, and there are probably other Dreamcast ports that could benefit from MIDI output. Doom had a MIDI soundtrack, so I'd like to add MIDI output to one of its Dreamcast ports one of these days.

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Ian Micheal
Developer
Posts: 6015
Location: USA
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Re: Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

Post by Ian Micheal »

can add timidy support to doom pretty easy but it'[s software not hardware



Midi player i did using opensrc midi patches this is all software.

colgate
Doom
Posts: 185
Dreamcast Games you play Online: PSO

Re: Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

Post by colgate »

This is amazing, well written tutorial as well. I wonder if the karaoke adapter also has a midi out?.


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dan-dan
noob
Posts: 1

Re: Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

Post by dan-dan »

thanks tsowell!

can't wait to hear Dreamcast make the sweet sound of Roland mt32 & sound canvas!

state_product
shadow
Posts: 13
Dreamcast Games you play Online: PSO
Daytona
Ooga Booga
Quake 3

discord: state_product

Re: Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

Post by state_product »

Does this impact the ability to use DreamPi at all? Thinking this could be fun to toy around with.

state_product
shadow
Posts: 13
Dreamcast Games you play Online: PSO
Daytona
Ooga Booga
Quake 3

discord: state_product

Re: Dreamcast AICA MIDI output

Post by state_product »

Also, does this work when plugged into the kareoke component?