> Q1: Is it possible to hook up CD writer to Synclavier for sound file backup?

Unfortunately there are no drivers for CD-Rs.  However, with 4.02 you
can now connect Zip and Jaz drives with a special SCSI adapter.  Also, you can
use hard drives and format them as optical drives for up to 8 gig of storage on a
9 gig drive.

> Q2: Does S link really work?   If it does, can I hook up CD writer to
> AppleII?

S/Link does work (although some limitations are written out on my "The S/Link
Page").  However, S/Link only works on a Macintosh.  I used to use an
Apple II (among others) but I cannot remember any specific file format for
sounds, just some basic programming methods to make tones.  There were some nifty
methods to get low resolution sampled sounds on the Apple II but there was no standard
file format that I can recall since this ability was not inherent in the operating system.

You might have some difficulty finding an Apple II software driver for a
CD-ROM.  If you are looking to convert sounds from Synclavier to Apple
II, you will run into the Apple's inability to play back sound samples unless
you have some programming background.  There was a program that allowed 
20 voice polyphony but that was just limited to simple tones.

Add on cards such as the alphaSyntauri were popular for writing music and
generating sounds but this was also limited to additive synthesis.

You can transfer raw sound data to an Apple II by "downloading" the file via
the serial port but one word of caution.  Keep the  sound file at 6 bits,
really short, and use a VERY low sampling rate (5 khz possibly).  The
Apple II had 16k of memory.  This does not leave very much room for software
and sounds unless you "read" the sample off the disk drive in real time.  You will
have to write a software routine to play the sound.

Try checking out various Apple II web sites.  There are LOTS of sites dedicated
to older 8 bit computers.

Tell me about your Synclavier.

Let me know if this helps.

> Thank you  Brandon for prompt reply.
>
> Where can I get 4.02?

Demas  (603) 632 - 4159  Tell them that you learned about their software off my
site.  I don't get any money from them.  It is just a way of closing the gulf
between us  :)

BTW, 4.20 is going to be released in a couple of weeks and it is going to be
great.

>    How does the special SCSI connector look?

It is just a special "dongle" that goes inbetween the drive and the connector.  I
have not seen it.  It helps match the Synclavier's special SCSI requirements to
that of "general consumer" drives that might not use the SCSI specification
properly (supposedly).

> I'm sorry I meant MacII, not AppleII.   They are so ancient I got confused.

RATS!  I felt so cool being able to rattle off ancient but useless information :)

Connect a SCSI cable between the Synclavier and Mac II.  Use S/Link to "drag and
drop" sounds to your Mac's Desktop in any format!  The reverse is also possible.
S/Link let's you view and copy the contents of your W0: and WORM/MO drives quite
easily.

Brandon Amison
Yaking Cat Music Studios
and Synclavier Information
http://home.earthlink.net/~yaking/

THE source of Synclavier information