Downpoly

Music created using the Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Microcomputer, Orchestra-90 and the MIDI/80.

What is Downpoly?

Downpoly, a musical project utilizing the often-overlooked and undervalued Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Microcomputer as a powerful synth and sequencer.

At the heart of Downpoly’s setup are the Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 4 Microcomputers, augmented by two key attachments: the Orchestra-90 and the custom-designed MIDI/80. Developed by Michael Wessel and George Phillips the MIDI/80 provides essential MIDI input and output capabilities, connecting the vintage TRS-80 to modern musical instruments and software. 

Half of the sound of Downpoly is created using the Stereo Orchestra Organ, a custom 2-row, single-octave keyboard, created by George Phillips of the TRS-80 Community. It leverages the TRS-80’s built-in typing keyboard to control a two-row software organ, transmitting real-time data to the external Orchestra-90 synth attachment. The Orchestra-90, the stereo music synthesizer, combined with the Organ software generates SINE, SAW, SQUARE, and TRIANGLE waveforms. Each row is mono polyphonic meaning only a single note per row can be played at any time.

The audio output from the Orchestra-90 is bussed through a pedal chain for shaping and effects, normally reserved for a guitar. This chain includes a Dunlop Crybaby Wah, BlackFinger Tube Pre/Compressor, Mutron III+, Germanium and other distortions all processed through different amps and post effects gear like the Memory Man, Super Pulsar, POG3 and more.

The signal is routed through various guitar impulse response (IR) mic/amp combinations, yielding a diverse range of sounds from the single TRS-80 machine. This innovative approach allows Downpoly to create a wide spectrum of sounds, from deep, chorused bass sine tones to screaming, tube-squashed wah saw waves.

The other half of the sound comes from the extreme power of the MIDI/80 and the multitimbral MIDI TRACKER sequencer. The software allows the sequence of MIDI tracks, 6 per pattern that can control modern MIDI gear. Using the TD-6 808/909 emulation, the S2 wave tables, the Waldorf Blofeld and other synths Downpoly creates a unique but post-modern-80s-like-fusion of synth and rythm with the edge of a rock style.

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This is the place where we can get technical and maybe even more crazy with the chatter about the music and behind the music. Mainly a place where you can find more intel on the tech behind the scenes but also glimpses into the jagged processes and thoughts behind it all.

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What is the TRS-80?

TRS-80 Models III, 4, and 4P:

The TRS-80 Micro Computer System was an early line of personal computers from Tandy Corporation, sold through Radio Shack. The name combines “Tandy Radio Shack” and “Z80”, the model of its microprocessor. The original TRS-80 became known as the Model I. The line evolved to include the Model III, Model 4, and Model 4P. 

Model III

  • Released: July 26, 1980.
  • Design: All-in-one unit with built-in keyboard, monitor, and disk drives.
  • Processor: Zilog Z80A @ 2.03 MHz.
  • Memory: 4-48 KB RAM / 4-14 KB ROM.
  • Improvements: Included built-in lowercase, a better keyboard, enhanced character set, real-time clock, faster cassette interface, and a quicker processor.

Model 4

  • Released: April 26, 1983.
  • Design: Desktop unit with a 12-inch display. It was notably white, unlike the Model III’s grey.
  • Processor: Zilog Z80A @ 4 MHz (operates at 2 MHz in Model III mode).
  • Memory: 64 KB RAM, expandable to 128 KB.
  • Display: Supported 80 x 24 or 64 x 16 modes, or double-width characters.
  • Features: Expanded keyboard with function keys, TRSDOS 6, Microsoft BASIC, and CP/M compatibility.
  • Connectivity: Supported cassette operation, a parallel print port, an RS-232C serial port, and a buffered input/output bus. 

Model 4P

  • Released: November 15, 1983.
  • Design: A portable version of the Model 4 with a 9-inch display.
  • Features: Included most Model 4 features, but lacked external floppy drive support and a cassette tape interface.
  • Drives: Came with two internal 180KB drives.
  • Display: Monochrome white/green-screen. 

Music applications

The TRS-80 had limited built-in sound, but third-party developers created music add-ons: 

  • Orchestra-80/90: Popular stereo music synthesizers that added four voices over a six-octave range. Orchestra-80 included a synthesizer, a music language compiler, and other tools.
  • DIY Music: Users found creative ways to generate sound, like causing radio interference or controlling the cassette interface for sound effects.