Desperate (Mechanical Mix)

video upload by Downpoly

"The TRS-80 and MIDI/80 meet the Blofeld! Last of these types of videos for while as I integrate all the changes into the writing workflow and bring the organ back into play. The game has changed, I can now create some complicated parts and not lean so hard on the DAW. This synth has far more capable sounds than the S2 McFish, although I am still very fond of its sounds too.

This is just 2 TRS-80s, as described in the Video, the Model III drives the Blofeld via MIDI/80 # 1 (White LEDs) and the Model 4 drives the TD-6 (TR-909) (Blue LEDs). The Model III is 'synced' via a cable connecting both machines printer ports."

AllOverYou (Mechanical Mix)

video upload by Downpoly

"I don’t normally upload unfinished work but this will do, I love this sync option letting me split the music and percussion between machines. Here the Model III drives the music from the S2 McFish, while the Model 4P drives the TR-808 on the TD-6. No pre recording or loops here, just background to one of the latest tracks for the next album."

ThereItIsAgain (Live)

video upload by Downpoly

"Live music from the TRS-80 Model 4s, Orchestra-90 and MIDI/80. Using the S2 Wavetable card on the MIDI/80 to create some surreal backing tracks, complimented with the Orchestra-90 through some wild pedals.Live music from the TRS-80 Model 4s, Orchestra-90 and MIDI/80. Using the S2 Wavetable card on the MIDI/80 to create some surreal backing tracks, complimented with the Orchestra-90 through some wild pedals."

"The MIDI/80 Tracker program got much more feature-complete in recent weeks! By now, it not only allows sequencing of drum patterns, but of arbitrary monophonic MIDI instrument tracks (e.g., for bass, melodies, arpeggios etc.) With 6 tracks, it is polyphonic and multi-timbral, and can now support creation of entire songs. Whereas the first Tracker only offered one pattern, the new Tracker 1.95 can now manage up to 26 individual patterns, named 'A' to 'Z'. The workflow allows for pattern copying, i.e., to enable a musician to quickly make variations to a pattern simply by copying it and modifying bit and pieces. Moreover, each pattern has it's own settings, like tempo, number of bars, and on a per-track-basis, MIDI channel, MIDI instrument, and MIDI velocity. Like in a traditional arpeggiator, a GATE DURATION parameter determines the duration of the notes. Gate Duration can be configured on a per-track-per-pattern-basis as well. Most importantly, the new Tracker now features a "Song Mode" which allows for pattern chaining! A song can have up to 64 (pattern) entries - it is simply denoted as a string of pattern designators (like "ABBACAB*", where "*" means loop the song, and "." ends it). Moreover, real-time tracking is not only supported via the TRS-80 keyboard, but also over a MIDI keyboard connected to the MIDI DIN IN socket of the MIDI/80 card. MIDI notes can be quantized in realtime. MIDI/80 project member "DOWNPOLY" is now using this enhanced Tracker and the new Song Mode of the program to create much more complex backing tracks for his stunning Orchestra Sound Card Live Performances. The Orchestra Organ program by George Phillips is used as the solo / lead instrument, and MIDI/80 + Tracker is doing the background tracks.

As usual, the updated software can be found on the Github and can be downloaded free of charge: https://github.com/lambdamikel/MIDI-80"

KeepLookingForYou

video upload by Downpoly

"Catching some moonbeams while I wrapped this one up. Taking it slower and a little more chill, I wanted to create something that might strike a nerve. I give you 'KeepLookingForYou', a mellow drop that lingers for something before, but cannot figure out. The latest in a slew of tracks being written for an independent release."

video upload by Downpoly

"Wait what? Did you TLDR? No worries- here is a mix. Get ready to turn it up and shake it to the latest creation from this throwback Microcomputer. Once again the BOSS DS-1 shares the limelight by adding a subsonic crunch to the S2 MIDI Drums, mixed with a matched low sine and you have this awesome groove. NO Ai used in the creation of this film, some computers WERE harmed lol. Crank it, shake it, enjoy."

YouJustHaveToKeepMoving

video upload by Downpoly

"Another creation from the land of TRS-80. Going in a more positive direction and a different touch. Getting a closer idea of what the TRS-Synth is going to sound like when it is finally created. I hope you enjoy this, as much as I do! Hoping it brings some positive vibes to your Friday."

ATerribleRide

video upload by Downpoly

"Another creation from the TRS-80s and MIDI80/Orchestra90. Taking it a little slower with this one, introducing a little more wah into the mix to give a spooky vibe. Did you ever take a ride you knew was a bad idea?

'ATerribleRide' takes you on a sonic journey through the interplay of vintage technology and modern production techniques. Created using TRS-80 Model 4 computers with Orchestra-90 and MIDI-80 accessories, the track emanates an organic electronic soundscape that's both intricate and evocative.

The song features rhythmic pulses reminiscent of classic chiptune music but evolves into a layered composition enriched with dynamic timbres and harmonic progressions. The lo-fi charm of the TRS-80 hardware is seamlessly intertwined with polished, modern effects, giving the track a unique balance of retro grit and contemporary clarity. Listeners will experience a haunting, almost cinematic narrative, where the analog textures of yesteryear meet the precision of today’s music gear. It’s a vivid, experimental piece that encapsulates innovation while paying homage to the pioneers of electronic sound.

As always, no electric guitars or basses were hurt during the making of this film haha! Just a bunch of TRS-80s sharing the light with some retro synth tunes! Check out the other videos if this is not your style, and thanks for watching!

Confused?
What is the TRS-80? http://www.trs-80.org/model-1/
What is the Orchestra-90? http://www.trs-80.org/orchestra-90/
What is MIDI80? https://hackaday.io/project/199232-mi...
Do you have a site? YES! https://2roommusic.com/downpoly"

See the TRS-80 label below for more.

BadClock

video upload by Joel Hilliard

"Welcome to 2025! Ringing in the new year with some litteral ear ringing tunes from the TRS-80 Model 4s. I present 'BadClock' a more edgy tune still made only with 100% grade A TRS-80! (haha)

All sounds are from the Orchestra 90 and S2 MIDI module populated on the MIDI80, piped through common audio gear.

part 1: MIDI80 S2 Drums again from the TRACKER program. Side chained with some compression, distortion and delay to take the chorus drums to the next level! Combined with a sine bassline compressed into a B215 Wide (IR)

part 2: A saw tooth running through the blackfinger, and into an IR 412 Celestion V30 micd w a D57. Some effects were created using the Model 4s noise and screwing with its pitch. Meh

part 3: (live part your watching) Sine coated with compression-distortion-compression chain, fed into an IR 112 micd with a D57 and R121-S

Distortion from the classic BOSS DS-1

I hope you enjoy, thanks for listening!"

Jamming the TRS-80 - with a MIDI/80 and Orchestra 90 Sound Card

SundayJelly video upload by Joel Hilliard

This one is in via Michael Wessel [additional posts here] with some notes from him further below, but first the video description:

"Another tune using the TRS-80 Model 4(s) and the Orchestra 90, MIDI80 and classic analog tape!

Using the Technics 616 tape deck to capture audio, part 1 is composed using a TRS-80 Model 4P paired with the MIDI80, using TRACKER playing general midi drums from its onboard S2 module (Lower Computer)

The TRS-80 Model 4 is connected to the Orchestra 90 (reproduction) and George Phillips's newest update of the Orchestra 90 Organ (Available with the MIDI80 software). For the 1st part, the sound was routed through a EH BlackFinger, into a Bass Amp IR Cab.

The 2nd part is routed to a Boutique Amp IR setup, using the Mutron III as an added envelope filter for the 'jelly' sound.

Everything was fed to a digital mixer (Behringer X2222) and recorded directly to the cameras audio via USB. (No multitracking here)

I realize there are errors, clicks, hiss, pops, and all the other things we try to control from an analog perspective, but even with Dolby NR there is still some artifacts that accompany my terrible playing. Technically, you just watched me write this so, ENJOY! Thanks for watching!"

Additional videos:



Additional notes via Michael:

"A while ago, you posted about my MIDI/80 project for the TRS-80 - a MIDI sound card and MIDI interface. [posted here]

https://github.com/lambdamikel/MIDI-80

In the meantime, Joel Hilliard has been making some awesome music with his TRS-80 Model 4 and Model 4p, MIDI/80, and another extension called the "Orchestra" sound card.

He is playing the Model 4 using George Phillips' music synthesizer program for the Orchestra soundcard, "STORCH".

Back in the the day, the TRS-80s didn't really have great sound capabilities, other than their cassette interfaces which could be used for rudimentary sound output. However, this was extremely primitive in comparison to what the competition offered later (e.g., the SID in the C64, POKEY in the Atari 8bits, the AY 3-8910 in various other machines, etc.) Hence, the "Orchestra" sound card quickly became a popular add-on that added more advanced sound capabilities - basically, the Orchestra is a stereo DAC, but all the waveform generation had to be done by the CPU. Back in the day, the Orchestra was used in a "batch programming" mode where a music score was created in a textual special-purpose music programming language, that would then be "compiled" by the TRS-80 to be played back by the Orchestra sound card. Unfortunately, there was never an "interactive" music program that would allow users to use the card in an incremental way, as a musical instrument - until October 2024, when George Phillips released the "STORCH" Orchestra synthesizer program! This is what Joel playing in the video. Given that the Orchestra is a stereo DAC and all the sound generation heavy lifting has to be done by the CPU in realtime, the polyphony is limited to 2, and there are no filters, envelopes, etc. However, STORCH offers basic waveforms such as Saw, Triangle, and Sine. In addition, you can hear MIDI/80 for the the drum track - drums are coming from an S2 Waveblaster plugin, and he is using the TRACKER program on the TRS-80 Model 4p. You can find all the software in the MIDI/80 Github above."

New MIDI Sound & Interface Card for the TRS-80

video upload by Michael Wessel

via Michael Wessel:

"I am building a MIDI sound & interface card for the TRS-80. The idea is to turn the TRS-80 into a capable MIDI pattern tracker and sequencer, and at the same time, add MIDI sound capabilities to it as well. TRS-80 software is still under development, but the hardware is final.

For now, I have a simple drum pattern sequencer - the TRS-80 is sending MIDI data to the on-board S2 Dreamblaster module for sound generation; in addition, MIDI data is also sent to the on-board MIDI DIN OUT socket. MIDI recording and playback of complex MIDI is also possible:"

MIDI/80 on the Model III - Realtime Recording of Very Complex MIDI Data
video upload by Michael Wessel

Some more videos in the MIDI/80 playlist:



"MIDI/80 uses the BluePill STM32 microcontroller and an Adafruit MIDI breakout board for MIDI DIN sockets. MIDI OUT is either to an (optional, plug-in) Waveblaster-compatible sound module (e.g., the S2 or X2GS from Serdashop), or to an external MIDI expander such as the Roland MT-32 or Roland SoundCanvas SC-55 (or to both!)

MIDI/80 will be OpeSource soon, and a Github repo with the PCB Gerbers, BluePill firmware, schematics, BOM, docuemntation, as well as TRS-80 software are in preparation and should be available soon."

TRS80 CoCo Controlling 5U Modular Synthesizer

video upload by Danniielle OConnor

Short but pretty cool.

"This is a quick test of a new step sequencer program I wrote for the TRS80 CoCo 1. Audio from the six bit output of the CoCo is fed into the Second Sound UniSyn audio to synth converter. The UniSyn control voltage and gate outputs then trigger the modular.
I have added external sync input to this version of the sequencer program and am using the joystick fire button to test that function."

The Making of a TRS-80 Voice Synthesizer - Talker/80

Published on Mar 14, 2020 Michael Wessel

via Michael Wessel, who brought us the Speak&SID:

"New dimensions in voice synthesis for the iconic Trinity computer from 1977!

Talker/80 is a new speech (voice) synthesizer for the TRS-80 Model 1. It offers DECtalk-based natural sounding speech, and can emulate the "official" TRS Voice Synthesizer as well as the VS-100 Alpha Products voice synthesizer. The original software runs without changes / patches. Both the VS-100 and the TRS Voice Synthesizer utilized the Votrax SC-01 speech chip. The SC-01 is "emulated" by means of DECtalk here (phoneme mapping).

Everything is open source, including the firmware sources and Gerbers:

https://github.com/lambdamikel/Talker-80"

Pulse Eternal | CoCo-Musik | Ear Has Not Heard

Published on Aug 19, 2019 SynthTweaks.com

Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer / CoCo Sequencer

"'Ear Has Not Heard,' is the first track written and recorded for the upcoming Pulse Eternal album, "CoCo-Musik."

Visit www.PulseEternal.com for more Pulse Eternal music.

This album features the Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer 1 (AKA the CoCo) playing the Second Sound ACO160 pitch to CV/gate/emvelope & MIDI converter evaluation kit. The ACO160 then controls the Roland System 8 synthesizer via MIDI and www.Synthesizers.com modular Moog Unit synthesizer via analog control voltage and gate signals.
More information on the Second Sound ACO160 can be found at www.SecondSound.com"

Alpha Products VS-100 Voice Synthesizer For TRS-80

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"comes with the instructions and paperwork as shown"

Some pics including some of the inside, the ribbon cable and paperwork via this new listing.

The only one other was featured here back in 2011. That was also the only other Alpha Products post. Curious if they made anything else.

CLICK FOR MORE »

"SOUNDS FOR A TRS-80" ARP2600 & MAKE NOISE RENE PATCH TUTORIAL

"SOUNDS FOR A TRS-80" ARP2600 & MAKE NOISE RENE PATCH TUTORIAL from Kip Kubin on Vimeo.

"I was trying to stretch my use of voltage inverters to create more interesting and varied timbres in a sequence using Ring Mod as the sound source.

I also wanted to use the Rene as a playable instrument and allow the grace notes to be random. I'm still wrapping my head around the RENE but it's already has opened me up to new ways of using sequencers in my work."

A Vintage 16K Music Demo (William Tell Overture)

YouTube via VironCybernet. Music starts at 3:05
"This was made by Garry and Linda Howard in 1982. There was a 32K version... but... The code was published in a magazine and the terms of use were to type it in and save it on a tape and then run it as is, which is what I did, having to push either 30000 or 60000 keys, I only had 16K so I typed in that version. The longer version had the less interesting part of this melody.

Before it plays you can hear what the program data sounds like on the tape as it reads almost 16K of data from the tape at about 1200 baud.

It's not a copyright violation to run it and show it to people as it is, because that is what it is for.

I can describe the USUAL musical sounds from this machine as sounding very much like the buzzer on a game show when someone gives a wrong answer. This program probably made the best sounding music ever with the TRS-80, and I show it to you because it's on an 8-bit 16K machine with usually crappy sound, like my 1985 synthesizer disk for the Apple II, and it's a historic demo that was famous with people who had TRS-80's but is almost forgotten now.

And also it is either evidence or proof of concept of getting a lot of high quality sound or music without much memory, certainly much less than an MP3 of it would need."