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Author Topic: 19" Opcode Studio 3 (1989) 6 OUT / 2 IN MIDI Interface + SMPTE  (Read 10693 times)

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Offline chrisNova777

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im guessing this is named the studio 3 because it followed up the opcode studio plus 2 (http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php?topic=3316.0)

Rack-mount MIDI Interface and Synchronizer
http://web.archive.org/web/19961113040200/http://www.opcode.com/products/machardware/studio3.html
Quote
MIDI Interface with SMPTE Synchronization

The Studio 3 is a MIDI interface with SMPTE synchronization, two independent MIDI Ins, and six independent MIDI Outs. Each MIDI Out is assignable to either the printer or the modem port. The interface reads and writes all formats of SMPTE and sends MIDI Time Code to the Mac for synchronization.

Requirements: Macintosh 512K and up; MIDI instrument or MIDI compatible device.



requirements: (from the product's original box:)
Mac Os v6.0.4+ (September, 1989 -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mac_OS)
1MB of RAM
Apple Macintosh 512K/Plus/SE/II/IIx

so this interface was originally intended for use with these following computers that werre out in the late 80s very early 90s, but the most popular model i think by far is the Mac Plus!! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_Plus (1986)
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_classic/specs/mac_512k.html
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_classic/specs/mac_plus.html
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_classic/specs/mac_se.html
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_ii.html
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_iix.html




Features (from the original box)
-MIDI Timecode
-Direct Time Lock / Jam Sync
-SMPTE and MIDI setup software
-Reads and Writes all forms of SMTPE
-Optional SoftShoes Foot Switches
-Foot Pedal Input
-Two independant MIDI INs
-Six indepednant MIDI OUTs
-"THRU" patching of serial ports (to modem/printer peripherals)
-Complete with cables
-One year warranty
-Made in the USA

Offline chrisNova777

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Re: Opcode Studio 3 (1989) 6 OUT / 2 IN MIDI Interface + SMPTE
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2018, 04:55:26 PM »

heres a demo of an effective setup using this interface

Offline hageir

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Re: Opcode Studio 3 (1989) 6 OUT / 2 IN MIDI Interface + SMPTE
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2020, 09:22:04 PM »
I'm having a bit of trouble with my Opcode Studio 3 interface.
I'm just collecting some information. It works fine on my Performa, OS 7.5.1. and OMS 2.3.8.

My Macintosh SE OS 6.0.3 with OMS 1.1.3;
The Studio 3 is connected with two Apple Serial cables (both serial ports utilized)
but it only sees it as a Standard MIDI Interface (there is no Studio 3 Driver in the OMS 1.1.3 installation -strange! And when I put a Studio 3 driver from a later install, into the OMS systems folder I get an 'error loading driver' when I startup OMS Setup).

and because of that reason I can not configure the Studio 3 more precisely (ports, SMPTE, etc)

I haven't tried power-cycling it, I'm gonna do it tomorrow and see if I can get it to work properly.
a side note; OMS 1.2.3 requires OS 6.0.8 which I could try installing onto the SE if nothing works.

Here's one more site for the books,
it's a similar error (I do know the Printer port must be used, like the Studio 3 Manual says, because the Studio 3 has a Microprocessor which only connects to the Printer port)
http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=43844
Here's a clue:
Quote
Q. My Studio 3 is always recognized as a Standard Interface instead of a Studio 3. How can I correct this?
A. The Printer side of the Studio 3 must be connected before it will be recognized as a Studio 3. You can connect the Printer side of the Studio 3 to either the Printer or Modem port of your Mac. Make sure the gray switches on the left side of the Studio 3 are IN & the gray switches on the right side are OUT.


On the other hand, I fixed my PowerBook 165C and it's fantastic,
it's running OS 7.1 and OMS 1.2.3 (with a Studio 3 driver) but it doesn't even see the Studio 3 on the Serial Ports.
I've tried installing a few OMS versions but no avail.
Next thing to try is disabling all unnecasery extensions. -There are a few PowerBook specific Control Panels;
32-bit Addressing On/Off (for if you have more RAM installed -over 2 MB or 4 MB?)
Use Internal Modem or External Modem. I'm very suspicious of that one...
and finally a PRAM zap.
I also wonder if the Serial Switch Control Panel has to be installed?

*edit*
I've found the answer from Opcode old FAQ:
https://web.archive.org/web/19970616184202/http://www.opcode.com/support/faqs/midi_interfaces_faqs/midi_interfaces_faq.html
Quote
Q. My Studio 3 with a PowerBook, is not being recognized. Why?
A. Older Studio 3 Interfaces did not work with most PowerBooks and some 600 series Performas. A new update will now correct this problem. New Studio 3's will not have this problem. If your unit is under warrantee, the upgrade is free. If not, the price is $25. The Studio 3 Interface was designed before the PowerBook series of Macs and is not recognized when doing an OMS search with most PowerBooks. All of our later multiport interfaces, the Studio 4, 64X & 5LX, do work with the PowerBook series as does our Translator Pro Sync.
[TO TOP]

I've found this:
Quote
>Studio 3
More professional version of the Translator Prosync in that it 's a 1u 19" rack device. Still 32 channels requiring both serial ports although there are thru switches so you can plug a modem etc in the back. Outs can be configured via OMS. Mains Powered via IEC lead. I've had one of these for years, it's virtually indestructible.

Notes...

Studio 3 / G3 Powerbook fixes...
The reason as to why your Studio 3 works fine on the G3's printer port, but not on the G3's modem port, is a matter of the G3 ports'
sensitivity to the Studio 3's 1 megaherts (MHz) clock output. Specifically, a typical Studio 3's 1MHz clock output has a peak of about 2 volts.
The G3 also requires that the 1MHz clock has about a 2-volt peak for serial communication to ensue.
At this point, you may think all is well because the Studio 3 has satisfied the G3's voltage requirement for the 1MHz clock. However, due to
slight variances in component tolerances (as no component manufacturer is perfect or exactly the same as others) inside the Studio 3, the 1MHz
clock output of the Studio 3 may be substantially fall below 2 volts. As a result, no serial communication can ensue with the G3.
Similarly, component tolerances in the G3 modem and printer ports may cause one port to become either less or more sensitive to the 1MHz
clock level. Evidently, your G3's printer port is more sensitive than the modem port--hence, your Studio 3 works fine when connected to the
former but not the latter.
The powerbook mod will raise the voltage level of the 1MHz clock output of the Studio 3 above 2 volts, thereby eliminating the adverse effects
caused by varying component tolerances. After the mod is performed, I'm confident your Studio 3 will work on the modem port of your G3.
In other words, the modem and printer ports of your G3 will no longer behave differently.

from Opcode tech support discussion forum 21/8/98 (posted by Renan Sanchez, Opcode tech supp).

Powerbook Mod
It's not an upgrade to the software that's needed. The problem is with a
couple of resistors inside the Studio 3. This should help...

Any model of a MAC PowerBook will properly recognize a Studio 3 by simply
adding two, 220-ohm pullup resistors at U12 (26LS31 differential line
driver chip). U12 is located between the two MIDI/THRU switches. The
most convenient way to implement the PowerBook modification on the board
is as follows:

1) Ensure that the Studio 3 is unplugged from the AC wall outlet to
avoid the possibility of getting a severe electrical shock.

2) Remove the top half of the chassis to expose the board inside the
unit by unscrewing a total of 8 screws, which are located as follows: 2
in the front panel, 2 in the rear panel, 2 on the left side of the
chassis, and 2 on the right side of the chassis.

3) Solder the first 220-ohm pullup resistor between U12-2 and U12-4.
Again, U12 is a 26LS31 driver chip located between the two MIDI/THRU
switches. DO NOT confuse the 26LS31 driver chip from the 26LS32 receiver

chip. The latter is located just above the former.

4) Solder the second 220-ohm pullup resistor between U12-10 and U12-16.

5) Reinstall the top cover.

Here's some more information for PowerBooks
https://www.applefritter.com/node/4255
« Last Edit: April 07, 2020, 08:26:02 AM by hageir »

Offline hageir

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Re: Opcode Studio 3 (1989) 6 OUT / 2 IN MIDI Interface + SMPTE
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2020, 08:09:21 AM »
Some images +clues I've found.
Opcode Studio 3 V 1.01
This is the name of the original 400k mac floppy disk that came with the interface.
« Last Edit: October 14, 2023, 02:15:30 AM by chrisNova777 »

Offline chrisNova777

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Re: 19" Opcode Studio 3 (1989) 6 OUT / 2 IN MIDI Interface + SMPTE
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2023, 06:36:17 AM »
well done, what a quirky interface the studio 3 is in comparison to the 4.... thank you for re-iterating the need to prioritize the printer connection on the studio 3!

if you have to pick, id say grab the 4 lol but yea the studio 3 predates everything else by a few years
so i guess you have to take that into consideration. 1989 was a long long time ago

ive got my studio 3 working perfectly on an old performa 5200CD with macOS 8.0
and OMS 2.3.2 running Logic 2.5...  8)


its a decent affordable midi interface suitable for any beige Mac with a floppy drive + modem/printer serial ports