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Author Topic: Music Quest MQX-32 (1988?) & MQX-32M (1990, 1991)  (Read 8227 times)

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Offline chrisNova777

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Music Quest MQX-32 (1988?) & MQX-32M (1990, 1991)
« on: December 16, 2015, 09:18:46 PM »
http://web.archive.org/web/19990429062044/http://www.opcode.com/products/winhardware/mqx32m.html

Quote
Basically it's a double 2 x MPU-401 Clone + SMPTE
http://www.endprod.com/midi/mqx32m.htm


http://web.archive.org/web/19961113041024/http://www.opcode.com/products/winhardware/mqx32m.html
http://www.retrosynth.com/gear/orionx/mqx.html

DOS MQ Programmers' Toolkit
http://web.archive.org/web/19961113031203/http://www.opcode.com/downloads/pc_hardware/toolkit.zip

Quote
MQX-32M--Windows 3.1 & Windows 95 Compatible
Professional MIDI interface card with dual MIDI ports and SMPTE sync
[MQX-32M Image] The legendary MQX-32M is the defacto standard multi-port MIDI interface for IBM compatibles. The unit features dual MIDI inputs and outputs to drive 32 MIDI channels, and offers both Chase Lock and SMPTE synchronization for multi-track tape and audio/video applications. With full MPU-401 compatibility and the included Windows driver, the MQX-32M guarantees access to a huge installed base of compatible music software.

Distinctive Features
Dual MIDI outputs to drive 32 MIDI channels
Dual merged MIDI inputs allow input from two controllers
Full SMPTE support--syncs to and generates all formats
Proprietary Chase Lock sync for programs not supporting SMPTE
Adjustable freewheel for bullet-proof synchronization
Click audio output and MIDI metronome available
MPU-401 compatible, in both uart mode and intelligent mode
Advanced features accessible in both operating modes
High-speed bus interface for all PC's, without added wait states
Selectable address and IRQ to avoid equipment conflicts
Exclusive MCI-compatible multi-client Windows driver
Diagnostic and utility software for quick system checkout
MIDI cable adapter included
Small 1/2 slot size card (6.5 in / 16.5 cm long)
Music Quest design quality assurance

Requirements
IBM compatible computer with ISA/EISA bus
MIDI compatible instrument(s)
Standard MIDI cables to connect instruments
Audio cables with RCA plugs for sync
Music software

MIDI Connections
Instrument connections to the MQX-32M are made with standard MIDI cables (not supplied). These are attached to the two MIDI IN and OUT ports of the included cable adapter connected to the end of the card. No external boxes are required. Additional playback instruments may be connected with standard THRU/IN "daisy chaining" from one to the next.

SMPTE Sync
Full SMPTE support is included with the MQX-32M, for syncing to and generating all SMPTE formats. Dropout protection--sometimes referred to as "freewheel"--is provided for truly flawless syncing, even with marginal or corrupted time code. Chase Lock sync mode is available for those programs not supporting SMPTE. All sync connections are made via RCA jacks on the outside edge of the card, which are in turn connected with audio cables directly to a tape deck.

Computer Compatibility
The MQX-32M may be used with any IBM compatible with standard ISA or EISA expansion slots. This includes the vast majority of computers, but specifically excludes MicroChannel computers--e.g. IBM PS/2 models 50 and above--which require a different style of card. The card is easily inserted in any 8- or 16-bit slot, and offers selectable address and IRQ to avoid conflicts with other equipment. A high-speed registered bus interface assures proper operation of the MQX-32M with all speed PC's.

Software Compatibility
The MQX-32M is compatible with all Windows multimedia applications and all MPU-401 supported programs. Unlike some cards which claim MPU-401 compatibility, the MQX-32M works properly in both uart mode and intelligent mode. Extended features--e.g. SMPTE and the second MIDI port--are accessible in both modes. As these advanced features are not found on most interfaces, your software must specifically support SMPTE and 32 MIDI channels to use them. All pro-level sequencers for PC fully support these features on the MQX-32M.

Windows Driver
A multi-client multimedia Windows driver is included with the MQX-32M. Multiple Windows applications may simultaneously access the card for MIDI input/output and sync.

From the Recognized PC Interface Experts
Music Quest has been producing MIDI interfaces for PC's since 1987, with an unmatched record for innovation, reliability, and price/performance. Anyone can make product claims of course, so ask an unbiased source. Our interfaces are recommended by more leading PC MIDI software developers than any other brand. And for good reason.

the "M" model is supported in Cakewalk & Voyeta according to this book exerpt: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3680927?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Quote
"Several programs do support the MQX-32m directly,
including many of the most popular high-end sequencers.
Of the sequencers i use regularly,
Passport Design's MasterTracksPro,
Twelve Tone Systems' Cakewalk, and
Voyetra's Sequencer Plus 4
each provide custom MQX-32m support for a total of 32 MIDI channels!!


master tracks pro http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php?topic=2596
twelve tone cakewalk http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php?topic=506
voyetra sequencer plus 4 http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php?topic=2744


Liam

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Re: Music Quest MQX-32 (1988?) & MQX-32M (1990, 1991)
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2017, 10:25:06 AM »
Hello,
Is there any chance you would have a copy of the drivers for this still? Trying to resurrect a system that uses one of these cards, and the current online driver files I've come across don't work.
Best regards,
Liam

Offline chrisNova777

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Re: Music Quest MQX-32 (1988?) & MQX-32M (1990, 1991)
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2017, 12:44:00 PM »
Hello,
Is there any chance you would have a copy of the drivers for this still? Trying to resurrect a system that uses one of these cards, and the current online driver files I've come across don't work.
Best regards,
Liam

the driver that doesnt work is probably for the mqx-32 (original) rather than the mqx-32"M" revision card

u can download the revised driver (For the mqx-32m) called mqx.exe from this website backup:
http://web.archive.org/web/19961113031203/http://www.opcode.com:80/downloads/pc_hardware/
http://web.archive.org/web/19970713190811/http://www.opcode.com:80/downloads/pc_hardware/

remember tho, these drivers are for win95/win3.1/DOS as they were made before the release of win98 or XP
if those dont work i have the floppy images that came with my mqx-32m card downstairs somewhere

WHAT operating system were u intending to try to install the card with?
it only "officially" supports DOS, windows 3.1 + win95
i think there might be XP drivers that were hacked together by someone but not official because the company went out of business before XP was around i believe, opcode took over their distribution +support sometime in the mid-late 1990s,

Quote
*Installation Instructions for Opcode Hardware Drivers for Windows 3.1:
*Create a directory to hold your hardware driver.  You can do this by typing "MD \OPCODE" from any "C:>" prompt.  Then type "CD \OPCODE" to change to the directory you just created.
*Copy the self-extracting driver file (MQX.EXE in this example) to your new directory.   Next, change to that directory and type the name of the self-extracting file, as in: "MQX" and press <Enter>.
*This will execute the self-extracting archive and create the files you need.
*To install the driver into Windows 3.1, run "Control Panels" from the "Main" Program Manager group.
*Double click the "Drivers" Control Panel, and click on "Add."
*Select "Unlisted or Updated Driver," and put in the path where the driver
can be found (C:\opcode in this example) then click OK.  Windows will  copy files into the appropriate locations.  After installation is complete, restart the computer.
*Congratulations!  You are now ready to begin using your Opcode hardware.

Quote
Installation Instructions for Opcode Hardware Drivers for Windows 95.
*Make a new folder to hold your drivers.  You can do this by right-clicking on the location where you want the folder, and selecting New -> Folder from the popup menu.
*Name the folder something appropriate such as "Opcode" and copy the self-extracting driver archive (MQX.EXE in this example) to the new folder.
*Double-click on the archive file (the icon labeled MQX or MQX.EXE in this example), and it will extract the driver files you need into your directory.
*Click on the Start Menu, and select Settings -> Control Panel.  Double click the Add New Hardware control panel.
*When the "Add New Hardware Wizard" starts, click "Next," and when it prompts you to search for new hardware, answer "No."
*Click Next, and then scroll down the list of device types to "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers."  Click Next.
*Click the Have Disk button on the next dialog, and then specify the directory for the Opcode drivers (from the first step) and finish the installation.  After the installation is complete, restart your computer.
*Congratulations!  You are now ready to begin using your Opcode hardware.

Offline chrisNova777

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Re: Music Quest MQX-32 (1988?) & MQX-32M (1990, 1991)
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2017, 06:04:53 PM »
http://www.textfiles.com/music/syncinfo.txt

Quote
FSK Sync

  FSK is most commonly used to synchronize a tape recorder with MIDI devices,
  such as a sequencer or drum machine.  Typically, FSK uses two distinctly
  different tones to form a sync signal (e.g 1200 Hz and 2400 Hz).  One tone
  is used to fill the tape, while the second is used to mark the occurrence
  of a clock signal.  As the tape is read, the sync device generates a clock
  signal every time it sees the transition from fill signal to mark signal.
  Hence, the two tones form a binary tape encoding.

  FSK sync can be found on many of the MPU-type PC MIDI interfaces.  Some
  stand alone sequencers and drum machines are also capable of the writing
  and reading FSK.

Quote
The Future for Tape Sync

  As we have seen, tape sync has gone from the basic capability of FSK sync
  to the power of CLS and SMPTE.  The popularity of SMPTE is on the rise, and
  it appears that over the next year it will become THE tape sync method.
  The introduction of inexpensively priced SMPTE capable interfaces to the
  broad based world of the IBM PC should further speed this movement.  Look
  for a wide variety of new SMPTE based products to be introduced into the PC
  world over the next 12-18 months, as software developers rush to fill the
  current void.


Offline chrisNova777

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Re: Music Quest MQX-32 (1988?) & MQX-32M (1990, 1991)
« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2019, 09:37:11 AM »
attached is the contents of the original 720k diskette that came with my MQX32 interface card