The Yamaha C1 was released in 1987 and is basically a 80286 processor
based PC with 8 built in MIDI ports for use in applications where there
are many MIDI instruments to address.
By 1987 some machines which were capable of responding on multiple MIDI channels were appearing, and some earlier machines could only function in "omni" mode which meant that they needed a whole 16 channel port to themselves or they would play every time a note intended for another instrument was sent.
Since MIDI information is fairly 'slow' in respect to what even a about 10Mhz computer can handle 8 output ports with buffers wasn't a difficult thing to pull off for even an old 286 apparently.
Various DOS applications were included, among them the Voyetra Sequencer which was set up to run all 8 ports.
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Contributors : Bob Weigel (picture, info), Gareth Qually (info, specs)
Javier Z. reports:
Yamaha C1 Music Computer was used by Kraftwerk in "Electric Cafe".
We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system,
please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.
Please consider donating your old computer / videogame system to Old-Computers.com or one of our partners from anywhere in the world (Europe, America, Asia, etc.).
The day my C1 died was a sad one indeed. Loved the ease of the Voyetra sequencing software, and not having to use an outboard midi patchbay back then was awesome. With 8 outs and 2 ins I easily ran my entire studio, including:
Juno 106 Cheetah MS-6 Cheetah MS800 Oberheim Matrix 6R Roland D110 Yamaha SPX-900 ART SGX2000 + a pair of midi-CV boxes to drive older analogs.
Would love to have that rig again...
Tuesday 8th February 2011
Ted
Kraftwerk''s Electric Cafe was recorded during 83-86 with the Synclavier. Two C1 machines were used on stage in late 90''s only
Wednesday 5th May 2010
Gmez
I got a C1 around 1990 and loved it. Only was able to use it for a few years and then something went wrong with it, I don''t remember what it was now, probably the screen. I kept it anyway for a long time, and remember very clearly how painful it felt when I moved and decided to throw it away, just put it in the trash. Now I''ve become a collector of vintage computers and really would love to have one again, that''s in working condition. If anyone has one to donate or sell, search for me on Facebook and send a message.
Time Code In, Time Code Out (both via RCA ports), 2 x serial ports, Expansion Card Slot, 8 x MIDI OUT ports, 2 x MIDI IN ports, 1 x MIDI THRU port, Digital RGB out port, CGA or Monochrome (Hercules compatible) mode
BUILT IN MEDIA
3.5'' Floppy disc drive (1.44 MB) + 20 MB hard disk
