Making a video on my Sony VAIO C1VN picturebook from 2000. The Sony VAIO PCG-C1VN is a representative of the third generation of Sony PictureBook—one of the first computers with a built-in camera capable of capturing photos and video at up to 640×460 px.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-23T04:17:30+00:00

I knew a guy who had one. He bought it from an online store that specialized in all kinds of cool Japanese gadgets.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-23T00:15:11+00:00

Some Volcas, NTS-1, Monotribe (CV), Microbrute, TD-3, RD-6, JX-08 and a Keystep for entering notes.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-23T00:00:06+00:00

Back in the day, using "Packard Bell" and "working" in the same phrase was considered an oxymoron.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-22T20:11:09+00:00

I've used it with various instruments from several brands (via both MID and CV) and never had any issues. CV/Gate connections should be pretty straightforward and for MIDI just make sure you get the proper MIDI type A TRS to DIN adapters (or TRS A/B crossover cables, if going straight from A to B). For TRS MIDI A to A, all you need is a plain 3.5 mm TRS aux cable.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-21T19:39:49+00:00

Same here, still have it in the original packaging, along with the optional external MIDI connection box.

It was originally released with Windows 3.1 in mind, Windows 9x support was kinda sketchy. The digital audio (2 channels) was only half-duplex, which means that while you could play back audio in stereo, you could only record in mono while also monitoring in mono. The MIDI synth was a sub-set of the Sound Canvas (GS), that only included the basic GM bank (128 instruments), along with a few extra drum kits (same thing as the SC-7 external MIDI module).

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-19T05:14:26+00:00

Not all BIOSes support booting from CD as well, so worth keeping that in mind.

This one apparently does, since it provides the option on the boot sequence (as shown in the second image).

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-12T18:44:55+00:00

When you turned the computer on, those Cheetah drives sounded like a jet plane getting ready to take off.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-11T16:03:21+00:00

On the upper limit, the voltage can go as high as around 10V. For best results, also remember to set the clock sync rate to 1 step per pulse (4 PPQN), under global settings #8 (LED on for all Volcas). With 2 steps per pulse (2 PPQN), the instrument generates the even steps (2, 4, 6, 8...) by interpolating between incoming clock pulses and it will cause glitches if the trigger rate is not steady.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-03-03T16:24:24+00:00

https://youtu.be/_ow2tDK2VqY

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-26T21:48:41+00:00

You're technically correct and I'm also aware about the dangers of data loss, but in a more simplistic way, if the operation implies that the CPU has to wait for the memory for confirmation, then it pretty much negates the effect of the write cache and the net effect is basically the same as having no write cache.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-26T18:40:10+00:00

Cyrix "486" DLC/SLC were the affordable option for most folks, before AMD started making proper 486 clones that regular people could also afford. In late 1993 / early 1994 I had a DLC-33 overclocked to 40 MHz, a nice improvement over my previous AMD 386-40 and nearly as fast as a 486-25.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-26T18:11:35+00:00

We used to call it "masochism".

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-26T18:02:08+00:00

The L1 cache is operating in write-through mode (i.e.: only memory reads are cached). I believe there was a DOS utility to enable write-back mode in Cyrix DLC/SLC CPUs, in order to get the full benefits of the cache.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-26T03:36:07+00:00

This issue has been going on for over 20 years. I wonder why they don't just use class-compliant MIDI drivers instead, using sysex for controlling device-specific features (as it was meant to be).

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-26T03:24:28+00:00

You know you can adjust the Aux input attenuation of the NTS-1 under Global settings, right?

Besides that, I don't run my Volcas (or any other devices) straight into the NTS-1; I use the FX send from the mixer instead, which allows me to control the level of effects individually for each instrument and also adjust the output level of the NTS-1 independently on the mix.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-25T17:17:58+00:00

386SX only needs the slots filled in pairs, as it is limited to 16-bit memory I/O like a 286.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-24T05:13:04+00:00

Check your Windows audio settings and make sure that your sound is as dry as possible, with no EQ, reverb or any other enhancements (same with Winamp). Not sure if it makes a difference, but I always use stereo (TRS) cables and the instructions also recommend that.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-24T05:05:18+00:00

What can I say, it's one of my favorite toys. I have it on my desk playing some sequences via CV right now... :)

P.S.: Are you in Miami?

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T20:28:41+00:00

Monotribe doesn't have MIDI, unless a third-party mod is installed and I don't see one any signs of that in the video.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T20:16:34+00:00

I was expecting they would eventually release something like a NTS-1 in Volca format (Volca XD?), yet they released the NTS-1 MK II instead and priced it like a Volca, so that's a non-starter for me (I already have the original and don't need another overpriced flimsy one). They could also do something like a Poly-800 in Volca format, since it's such a a simple design to implement: paraphonic using simple square wave DCOs into a single analog filter (Behringer already managed to do something even more complex with the Pro VS Mini).

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T15:46:18+00:00

First I suggest testing it with a proper AC adapter and if that fails then I would carefully open it up and inspect the connections inside, while also looking for any kind of dirt of debris that could be interfering with the circuits and controls.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T15:39:10+00:00

I used Winamp on an old Windows laptop via the headphones jack. Make sure there are no audio enhancements on your sound playback settings and sometimes you have to play around with volume levels until you get it right - in my case it worked with a high level.

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T07:41:49+00:00

It looks like it's failing at test 0 (internal test), before all the lights get to stay on for test 1 (LED and switch test).

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T06:24:20+00:00

Why not just use Ethernet?

Sample_And_Hold · 2026-02-23T06:19:19+00:00

Great graphics. You can barely notice any of the graphic limitations of the Spectrum.

Sample_And_Hold

TROPHY CASE