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.