Computer Music Workstations I Have Known and Loved
Stephen Pope · 1995
: This paper introduces a set of design criteria and points of current debate in the development of computer music workstations. It surveys the systems of the last ten years and makes several subjective comments on the design and implementation of computer-based tools for music composition, production, and live performance. The intent is to focus the reader's attention on the issues of hardware architecture and software support in defining computer-based tools and instruments. Introduction At the 1984 ICMC in Paris, an integrated composer's workstation for software sound synthesis and production was demonstrated by PCS/Cadmus, GmbH (Cadmus 1985); the system consisted of an engineering-class desk-top UNIX multi-processing computer with very fast integer, floating-point, and I/O performance, generous RAM and disk memories, a state-of-the-art video monitor, and a "studio-quality" DAC/ADC subsystem, for the approximate cost of US$ 35,000. The software included a Music V-family batch "sou...