MusicQuest MIDIEngine 2Port/SE (1993) for windows 3.1 + windows 95/

[chrisNova777]

compatible with windows 3.1 / windows 95 / windows 98 / windows 98 SE / Windows ME
also compatible with DOS programs that had a custom driver created (Cakewalk, Voyetra etc)

notice that they classified this interface as "windows hardware" on the opcode website in the mid 90s.

Music Quest has been producing MIDI interfaces for IBM since 1987
professional MIDI interface for laptop, notebook and desktop IBM compatibles.
http://web.archive.org/web/19961113040944/http://www.opcode.com/products/winhardware/2portse.html
http://web.archive.org/web/19961113040944/http://www.opcode.com:80/products/winhardware/2portse.html
windows 3.1 + windows 95

driver http://web.archive.org/web/19980212062017/http://www.opcode.com/downloads/pc_hardware/
http://web.archive.org/web/19980212062017/http://www.opcode.com/downloads/pc_hardware/2pse.exe
supported in voyetra seq+gold

MIDIEngine 2Port/SE-- Windows 3.1 & Windows 95 Compatible
Professional external MIDI interface
[2Port/SE Image] The 2Port/SE is a professional MIDI interface for all IBM compatible laptop, notebook, and desktop computers. Using our proprietary MIDIEngine(tm) technology, the 2Port/SE features dual MIDI ports with FIFO buffering, data compression, and message filtering to efficiently drive 32 MIDI channels. The unit also provides a sophisticated SMPTE implementation for multi-track tape and audio/video applications.

Distinctive Features
High-speed parallel printer port connection
Dual MIDI ports for 32 channel support
Deep FIFO buffering on all MIDI inputs and outputs
Message filtering on all inputs and outputs
Channel remapping on all inputs and outputs
Data compression on all inputs and outputs
Full SMPTE support--syncs to and generates all formats
Adjustable freewheel for bullet-proof sync
Automatic SMPTE IN regeneration to SMPTE OUT
Balanced and unbalanced line-level SMPTE signals
Exclusive multi-client Windows driver
Diagnostic software for quick system checkout
Connecting cable and power adapter included
Attractive rugged steel enclosure
Music Quest design quality assurance

Requirements
Any IBM compatible with a parallel printer port
MIDI compatible instrument(s)
Standard MIDI cables to connect instruments
Audio cables with 1/4" phone plugs for SMPTE
Music software

MIDI Ports
The 2Port/SE includes two independent MIDI ports for full 32-channel access. Your software can send and receive MIDI data to/from either or both MIDI ports. All MIDI IN's and MIDI OUT's support message filtering and channel remapping, with automatic status compression to maximize throughput. MIDI connections to the 2Port/SE are made with standard MIDI cables (not supplied). Additional playback instruments are connected with THRU/IN "daisy chaining" from one to the next.

SMPTE Sync
Full SMPTE support is included with the 2Port/SE, for syncing to and generating all SMPTE formats. Adjustable dropout protection--often referred to as "freewheel"--insures truly flawless synchronization, even with marginal or corrupted time code. Incoming SMPTE time code is automatically regenerated--not merely duplicated--to SMPTE OUT so damaged sync tracks may be easily re-striped. SMPTE tapes can be striped while sequencing. For special applications, full SMPTE user bits support is provided, along with a unique micro-tunable frame rate feature. All sync connections are made to 1/4" stereo phone jacks, which are typically connected with simple audio cables directly to a tape deck. Either balanced or unbalanced line-level audio signals are used.

Computer Connection
While the 2Port/SE was designed as an advanced interface for laptop users, it may be used with any IBM compatible with a standard parallel printer port including notebook, desktop, and Micro Channel computers. Special printer port capabilities are not required. The unit is connected to the computer using an included standard DB25 M/F cable.

Software Compatibility
The 2Port/SE Windows driver supports all Windows multimedia programs (see below). For DOS programs, check with the software developer about 2Port/SE support.

Windows Driver
The 2Port/SE includes a sophisticated multi-client Windows driver for use with all Windows multimedia applications. The driver allows multiple Windows programs simultaneous access for MIDI input/output and sync. Both standard and '386 enhanced mode are supported. An exclusive virtual port facility is also provided which may be used, for example, to feed data from one MIDI application to another.

From the Recognized IBM Interface Experts
Music Quest has been producing MIDI interfaces for IBM 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 IBM MIDI software developers than any other brand. And for good reason.

[chrisNova777]

drivers for win3.1 + win95 here:
http://vetusabandonware.com/download/Opcode%202portSE%20MIDI%20Driver%201.00/?id=9056

[chrisNova777]

attached is the contents of the 1.44mb driver diskette that came with my 2portSE

[chrisNova777]

https://web.archive.org/web/19971014210951fw_/http://www.scvlondon.co.uk/ophtm/op2port.htm

MIDI ENGINE 2PORT/SE

Windows 3.1 Windows 95 Compatible Professional External MIDI interface.



The 2Port/SE is a professional MIDI interface for all IBM compatible laptop, notebook, and desktop computers. Using our proprietary MIDIEngine(tm) technology, the 2Port/SE features dual MIDI ports with FIFO buffering, data compression, and message filtering to efficiently drive 32 MIDI channels. The unit also provides a sophisticated SMPTE implementation for multi-track tape and audio/video applications.

Features

 High-speed parallel printer port connection
 Dual MIDI ports for 32 channel support
 Deep FIFO buffering on all MIDI inputs and outputs
 Message filtering on all inputs and outputs
 Channel remapping on all inputs and outputs
 Data compression on all inputs and outputs
 Full SMPTE support--syncs to and generates all formats
 Adjustable freewheel for bullet-proof sync
 Automatic SMPTE IN regeneration to SMPTE OUT
 Balanced and unbalanced line-level SMPTE signals
 Exclusive multi-client Windows driver
 Diagnostic software for quick system check-out
 Connecting cable and power adapter included
 Attractive rugged steel enclosure
 Music Quest design quality assurance

Requirements
Any IBM compatible with a parallel printer port
MIDI compatible instrument(s)
Standard MIDI cables to connect instruments
Audio cables with 1/4" phone plugs for SMPTE
Music software

MIDI Ports
The 2Port/SE includes two independent MIDI ports for full 32-channel access. Your software can send and receive MIDI data to/from either or both MIDI ports. All MIDI IN's and MIDI OUT's support message filtering and channel remapping, with automatic status compression to maximize throughput. MIDI connections to the 2Port/SE are made with standard MIDI cables (not supplied). Additional playback instruments are connected with THRU/IN "daisy chaining" from one to the next.

SMPTE Sync
Full SMPTE support is included with the 2Port/SE, for syncing to and generating all SMPTE formats. Adjustable dropout protection--often referred to as "freewheel"--insures truly flawless synchronization, even with marginal or corrupted time code. Incoming SMPTE time code is automatically regenerated--not merely duplicated--to SMPTE OUT so damaged sync tracks may be easily re-striped. SMPTE tapes can be striped while sequencing. For special applications, full SMPTE user bits support is provided, along with a unique micro-tunable frame rate feature. All sync connections are made to 1/4" stereo phone jacks, which are typically connected with simple audio cables directly to a tape deck. Either balanced or unbalanced line-level audio signals are used.

Computer Connection
While the 2Port/SE was designed as an advanced interface for laptop users, it may be used with any IBM compatible with a standard parallel printer port including notebook, desktop, and Micro Channel computers. Special printer port capabilities are not required. The unit is connected to the computer using an included standard DB25 M/F cable.

Software Compatibility
The 2Port/SE Windows driver supports all Windows multimedia programs (see below). For DOS programs, check with the software developer about 2Port/SE support.

Windows Driver
The 2Port/SE includes a sophisticated multi-client Windows driver for use with all Windows multimedia applications. The driver allows multiple Windows programs simultaneous access for MIDI input/output and sync. Both standard and '386 enhanced mode are supported. An exclusive virtual port facility is also provided which may be used, for example, to feed data from one MIDI application to another.

From the Recognized IBM Interface Experts
Music Quest has been producing MIDI interfaces for IBM 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 IBM MIDI software developers than any other brand. And for good reason.

[chrisNova777]

the driver seems to work in Windows ME. im still testing tho, but i can see the outputs showing up in software, 2 ports.


will post back when i confirm 100% working....

for easy installation just copy the driver files into C:\Windows\TEMP.

[chrisNova777]

https://web.archive.org/web/20050111205536/http://www.marting.demon.co.uk/interface/musicquest.html

[robbo007]

Hi,
Are these devices MPU-401 compatible with both UART and intelligent modes?
Thanks,

[chrisNova777]

The Music Quest 2Port/SE occupies an interesting spot in MIDI history. To answer your question directly: no, it is not "Roland MPU-401 compatible" in the way most vintage enthusiasts mean today (Intelligent Mode).

While Music Quest’s ISA cards (like the PC MIDI Card) were famous for being 100% Roland-compatible clones, the 2Port/SE is a parallel port (printer port) interface that uses Music Quest's proprietary MIDIEngine technology.

1. Is it MPU-401 Compatible?
Hardware Level: It is not a hardware MPU-401 clone. Because it connects via the parallel port rather than the ISA bus, it cannot "map" itself to the standard MPU-401 I/O port (330h) and IRQ (2/9) at a BIOS/hardware level.

Software Level (Windows): In Windows 3.1 through Windows 98, it is effectively compatible because Music Quest provided drivers that allow Windows to see it as a standard MIDI device. Any Windows software using the "MME" (Multimedia Extensions) API will work fine.

DOS Level (The Dealbreaker): It will not work with DOS games that specifically look for an "Intelligent Mode" MPU-401 (like Gateway or early Sierra titles). It requires specific driver support within the application (e.g., Cakewalk for DOS or Voyetra).

2. Did the packaging/manual claim compatibility?
The marketing language was very carefully phrased to avoid lawsuits while still attracting Roland users.

The Claims: The packaging and manual typically branded it as a "Professional MIDI Interface for IBM compatibles." Rather than claiming to be an MPU-401, they marketed it as an alternative or an upgrade to the MPU-401 standard.

"Industry Standard" phrasing: You would often see phrases like "Compatible with all Windows multimedia software" or "Supported by leading sequencers."

The Nuance: Music Quest often highlighted that their PC MIDI Card (the ISA version) was "100% MPU-401 compatible," which sometimes led to consumer confusion. However, for the 2Port/SE, the manual focuses on its MIDIEngine architecture, dual ports (32 channels), and SMPTE sync capabilities—features the original MPU-401 lacked.