Connecting a Modern MIDI Keyboard to an Apple IIGS
I love connecting MIDI keyboards to old computers. This is pretty straightforward for the Apple IIGS. GS/OS System 6.0.4 comes with synthLAB, a MIDI sequencer and synthesizer. After some trial and error attemps at diy-ing a serial based midi connection, I quickly came to the realization that the Apple MIDI driver works over the RS-422 connection. This schematic shows a basic MIDI to RS-422 setup, which could be a totally valid approach to solving this. We could also take the approach of looking for time-period-accurate MIDI interfaces. I found an article from 1997 that identifies some possibly compatible MIDI interfaces. This worked as a great starting point. Most of these interfaces are listed for absurd prices on eBay, but I did manage to get a Midiman Macman for ~$20. You can connect it to your printer port or your modem port, but the default in System 6.0.4 is printer - best not to have to fiddle with confiruation menus.
Cool, we've taken care of the Apple IIGS side of things. But I don't own a synth keyboard with actual midi ports - everything's USB these days. For that, I dug out something I knew my parents had given to me over a decade ago, an M-Audio Midisport 1x1; A cheap USB to MIDI adapter. It looks like it's no longer for sale, but the M-Audio Midisport Uno looks comparable, listed at ~$30 on Amazon. Two regular midi cables later, and we have the MIDI-Out on the Minimac connected to the MIDI-In on the Midisport, and the MIDI-In on the Minimac to the MIDI-Out on the Midisport. We have all the hardware we need now!
Fantastic, but how do we actually send the midi keyboard's stuff to the Midisport? For that we'll be using the wonderful and fantastic MIDI-OX. Open up the MIDI Devices window by clicking on the icon that looks like a MIDI port; select your MIDI keyboard in the MIDI-IN pane, then select the Midisport in the MIDI-OUT pane (listed as MS1x1 for me). Click on Okay and you're done!
Neat, but how do I get my IIGS to receive the MIDI? After you've opened synthLAB, go up to the "Setup" menu at the top and select "MIDI...". Then click on the button that shows an arrow pointing to the IIGS. The default instrument is a drumkit, so maybe also go over the the "Instrument" menu and pick a different instrument. That should be it! Enjoy using your modern MIDI keyboard with a ~35 year old computer!
Here are some references:
