8
CASSETTE INTERFACE
8-0
INTRODUCTION
The Prophet-600 microcomputer transforms the
instrument's sonic identity into digital
data stored in semiconductor memory (RAM). The cassette interface enables this sonic
data to be transfered to and from common audio cassettes, enabling you to build
up
an
unlimited stock of programs and sequences.
It
then becomes
easy
to change the 600's
vocabulary at any time, since reprogramming by tape takes less than 2 minutes (for all
programs or sequences). This means
if
a Prophet-600 is going to be at your destination,
you can
leave
your 600 home and bring only the cassettes you need to personalize the
instrument. However, the most important
benefit of tape storage is program protec-
tion
from accidental erasure, component
failure, or instrument damage.
The 100 Factory Programs and two demonstration sequences
are
included on
a cassette
with each Prophet-600. Inasmuch as the Factory Programs provide many points
of
departure for editing into custom sounds, we
suggest
making
a backup copy of this
cassette as
soon
as you learn how to use the interface.
The
cassette
interface
has three modes of operation. It
is
possible to separately
store
a) all 100
programs, b) groups
of ten programs, and c) both sequences. The procedure
for
saving
and loading is basically the same
for all
modes.
8-1
RECORDER AND TAPE
SELECTION
Virtually any
portable cassette recorder will work
satisfactorily with this interface.
High-fidelity cassette decks will work,
too. But since high-fidelity contributes
little to
the recording of digital data, an expensive
component deck is not
at
all necessary.
In other words,
you can try any recorder
you may already own (including reel-to-reel)
with the interface. But if you intend
to acquire a portable for specific
use
with
the
Prophet-600, here are some
features to look for:
AC-supply, included or available—to
help regulate tape speed.
MIC or LINE IN
jack.
EAR or MONITOR jack.
Adjustable output level in play.
Built-in speaker—
for monitoring
voice
announcements and
locating files.
Built-in microphone—
handy for voice-announcing
files.
Tape counter— for indexing multiple
files on the same cassette.
The interface verification system prevents
accidental recording over a
M
dropout"--or
any problem area--on the
cassette tape. So, dropout-tested tape is not necessary.
High-fidelity
is
not
a consideration with regard
to
tape
selection. But once recorded,
the data's permanence will
depend on the durability of the
tape emulsion and the
reliability of the
cassette
mechanism.
So while it is true that even
the
most
exotic
audio tape formulations may not be 100% dropout
tested, we recommend the use of
CM600A 12/82 8-1
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