The ZX Spectrum Next is becoming a very attractive platform to develop games for. It has it’s own version of BASIC, it has a C programming environment, a wide range IDEs (independent development environments) available and music creation software. What is missing from the Next development world is MIDI support. Whilst the machine is quite suited to have MIDI there is no way to plug in any MIDI devices like synthesizers, keyboards and sound modules which were widely used in game dev in the late 80’s and the 90’s. A very good piece of music software called NextDAW (digital audio workstation) was released for the platform back in 2018 before any physical units had even shipped out. The software allows manipulation of the 9 channels split equally between the 3 AY sound chips to be able to create tunes and music for the Next. Unfortunately this software does not support MIDI input however it could possibly be included in a later version. The Next also has input for MIDI on the PC with which to plug in devices, so even if MIDI was supported there would be no way to plug in a synthesizer.
This is where ZX Spectrum enthusiast Scott-Falk Hühn comes in with a custom built device made for the Next to accept MIDI input. The device is called “Next MIDI Box” and officially it’s a MIDI interface for the ZX Spectrum Next. The box connects to the Next PC via a cable attached joystick DB9 connector that you plug into the second joystick port. The box itself has 3 inputs in the form of 5 pin DIN (which was the standard for MIDI), one for input, one for output and one for throughput. This is standard for a MIDI interface box and to this you can plug in synthesizers, sound modules and controllers among other devices. Unfortunately this is where the bottleneck of usefulness exists as there are only 2 pieces of software that support MIDI currently available for the Next. The programs are called “Simple MIDI Monitor” and “ZX MIDI Player”. The former is a program written in NextBASIC, it receives data via MIDI IN, evaluates it and then displays it on the screen as a list. Unfortunately it does not output it as sound, but perhaps the outputted data could be used to programme it into a game. The latter program plays MIDI files audibly on the ZX Spectrum 128 as well as the Next (via the Next MIDI Box).
The project itself exists only as plans, schematics and a working prototype. However the aforementioned plans and schematics are available from Hühn’s website as well as a parts lists and notes. A simple way to build this is to use a small breadboard to fit and solder the components to. Only about a dozen components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes and connectors are required. A plastic box to house the electrics can be easily obtained from Jaycar Electronics (for example) but the cable with DB9 connector might need to be ordered online. It would be great if someone would sell these ready-made but unfortunately you have to make one yourself if you want one. If you are interested in one see the section “Relevant Links” below. If you have made and used one please let us know in the comments.
Relevant Links
- Next MIDI Box plans [https://s-huehn.de/spectrum/hardware2-en.htm#nextmidi] The ZX Spectrum site by Scott-Falk Hühn
- Next MIDI Box plans PDF download [https://s-huehn.de/spectrum/dateien/next-midi-box.pdf] The ZX Spectrum site by Scott-Falk Hühn
- Simple MIDI Monitor for ZX Spectrum Next [https://s-huehn.de/spectrum/software-en.htm#midimon] The ZX Spectrum site by Scott-Falk Hühn
- ZX MIDI Player for ZX Spectrum 128/Next [https://github.com/UzixLS/zx-midiplayer/tree/master] The ZX Spectrum site by Scott-Falk Hühn
- NextDAW a non-MIDI Digital Audio Workstation for Spectrum Next [https://nextdaw.biasillo.com/] High level music creation software for Spectrum Next available to purchase in physical and digital forms.
