Integra 7

Sounds canvas replacement for music composition and MIDI files

12 Dec 2024, 12:15

I have been writing music via MIDI since the 80s using primarily various Sound Canvas modules, currently an SC-880, which I believe is the only one that can save full 16-track performances. After a 10-year break, I am interested in reviving my music including new compositions. The SC-880 is not up to par with current audio quality and I would like to upgrade. I am ok with a "rompler" and only use basic sound/effects editing. I don't not wish to create my own sounds from scratch, just tinker a bit with presets. I also tinker with GM midi files as well. After much research I am considering two options which are an Integra 7 or Zenology Pro VST. I believe the Integra 7 would be a great replacement for the SC-880 as I am familiar with it's layout of 16 track performances. It also has a general MIDI mode, but no GS support. The downside is the cost. I am intrigued with the idea of switching to Zenology (pro if needed) but am new to software plug-in synthesizers. Am I correct that each track can use a different sound from Zenology just like a different part using the Integra? Also, I have read that Zenology does not support general MIDI so I am not sure how I would play GM(2) files. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated for this aging man who would love to spend retirement making music!

Re: Sounds canvas replacement for music composition and MIDI files

19 Feb 2025, 12:26

I have the Integra for a few years now and had to go through some struggles to understand the device because I was always doing hardware recordings and as a guitarist I barely used a keyboard. A friend of mine that plays both guitar and piano got me into it and I was in love. Roland doesn't have great support when it comes to helping you out with connections and etc. The Integra 7 driver is ancient and hasn't been updated for years. Connection more than Integra 7 to your DAW requires ASIO4ALL to work. But if you work only with the Integra 7, then you should not need those drivers. The Zenology is Software and Integra 7 is Hardware. Its hard to make such a comparison. I don't know if you can play 16 different sounds at once with the Zenology but you can with the Integra 7. To be honest, a software shouldn't have limits to how many channels can be played simultaneously but you computer hardware should be the only boundary. You can also download from the AXIAL website many other sounds and import them in the Integra 7. Good luck with your choice.

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