[Aldipower]

Still using my real Atari for MIDI sequencing. It is one of the tightest and jitter free setups you can get even today. As far as I know the midi ports are directly bound to the CIA which itself is directly connected to the CPU. If you compare this to MIDI over USB, then there are worlds between it. This also also one of the limitation of the Hatari emulator. You cannot use it for midi stuff as you do not get the advantages.

[gregsadetsky]

Could you talk about your setup? I'd love to learn more. Are you using Cubase or something else? Are input/output/backups complicated / do you commit to a floppy disk process?

Do you recommend finding a working Atari? Are they still reliable in your experience?

Thanks!

[Aldipower]

Yes, the Ataris are extremely reliable. Sure, you could check the caps of the power supply, just to be safe, the PSU is relatively simple, so it can be done by quite some folks. But in general the PSU does not need service.

I am using Steinberg Cubase 3.1 as a sequencer. Working with it is extremely convenient and user oriented. No kidding. It needs a Steinberg Midex interface otherwise it will crash somewhere in the middle - this is the copy protection. If you do not have a Midex, shoot me a message. There are solutions. You find my contact at the bottom of https://tonleiter.net/reihenhaus/

The Atari triggers all my hardware instruments via MIDI.

As my Atari Mega STe has a hard drive, saving isn't a problem at all. But regardless I do regular backups of my songs on to floppy disk. Works like a charm too. The Atari TOS can read MS-DOS disks. You can easily transfer them from/to a modern computer with USB floppy.

I absolutely can recommend to use and find a real Atari for music production. They are reliable. I made over 30 songs with it without getting tired of it!

[pipes]

I believe norman cook aka Fatboy slim still uses one?

[Aldipower]

Yes, according to an interview this is correct.