This section is intended to provide an overview of the types of sound generation hardware and software available on computers. Understanding the ideas in this section will help you follow the procedures described in later sections.

Types of Computer-generated Sound

Computers can typically generate two basic kinds of sound: Digitized Sound and MIDI Sound. Digitized sound consists of recordings of actual sounds that can be played back through a computer just as if they had been recorded on a tape recorder. Music Ace 2 uses digitized sound for sound effects such as applause and Maestro Max's voice. MIDI (pronouced "mih-dee") is an abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Programs like Music Ace 2 send instructions to a MIDI device such as a software synthesizer or an external MIDI keyboard, and the MIDI device in turn immediately generates the proper sound.

On Macintosh computers, MIDI sound can be generated using QuickTime Music. QuickTime Music is comprised of pieces of software that extend the ability of the Macintosh operating system to handle dynamic media. Music Ace 2 uses QuickTime Music to generate musical sounds and link them with the animation seen on the screen. Music Ace 2 can also use QuickTime Music to route Musical Intstrument Digital Interface (MIDI) information to an external MIDI piano keyboard. Macintosh computers may also use MIDI Management software called Open Music System (OMS). Digitized sound on Macintosh computers is produced using a built-in digital-to-analog capability.