Getting data off external SCSI drives (from legacy Korg Trinity Synth)

Proprietary file formats can be challenging to convert, if not (in some cases) impossible. According to a similar topic in one of the Korg Forums regarding conversion of .SNG files, a respondent wrote: "The .SNG file format is a MIDI-based set of instructions describing how to play music, largely on Korg instruments, rather than the digitised sounds themselves. The .SNG file format differs between instruments, so the only real way to reproduce the song itself, as originally played, is to load the .SNG files into the same instrument ... ideally with ... exactly the same soundset in the Programs and Combis as used for the original song." Have you searched the Korg Trinity Forum for any suggestions?

Until you find a successful resolution to the conversion problem, the following info regarding the use of a beige G3 is strictly FYI.

As for transferring the files from the external, DOS-formatted (FAT16) SCSI hard drives, a beige G3 has a DB-25 SCSI port on the back. You have the correct cable (Centronics-50 to DB-25), so exporting the files shouldn't be a problem. Once written to the G3's internal IDE hard drive, it could be removed and connected to your iMac with an IDE-to-USB adapter.

For transfer via USB, because the beige G3 did not have onboard USB, it would need to have been upgraded with a USB PCI card and be running OS 9.1. Years ago, I found that the earlier USB Support files for OS 8.6 & 9.0 lacked an adequate database for reliable recognition of USB flash drives. The capacity of supported flash drives would also be limited, so I'd recommend trying a 16, 32, or 64 GB flash drive first.

Networking a beige G3 with your iMac would be the most direct method for file transfer. Jan Hedlund, a regular contributor to the Forums, has addressed the variables for networking old Macs with newer ones in great detail, so a Forum search for his posts would provide expert guidance.

Getting the files off the SCSI drives ... probably best done with your G3 idea ... copy the files to the G3, then copy to an external USB drive or via network to your (more modern) iMac.

Try contacting difficultAUDIO about converting the old files. Exactly what format(s) are the files in on the SCSI drives?

Logically, this consists of two sub-problems:

• Copying files as-is, off the external SCSI drives, and onto modern drives.
• Figuring out how to use the files with modern applications.

I would suggest that once you have the files, as-is, on a modern drive, that you make at least one backup copy of the drive – so you can set untouched copies of the original files aside, and do all importing and format conversion work on copies. Then if something goes wrong during that stage, you can go back and re-copy the "original" files from the "set aside" drive, instead of having to go all the way back to the SCSI drives.

I don't know where you're located, but have you checked for a Mac User Group in your area? Perhaps if you contacted one and explained your mission, you might find someone there who has the necessary hardware and who'd be willing to transfer the files for you? Avoiding the expense of buying old hardware for an ad hoc project would provide the ideal solution.

As for finding a beige G3, I'd suggest checking any thrift stores that occasionally have old/vintage computers donated. Circa 2010, I used to see them in Goodwill stores, but as the years passed, they showed up less frequently. Today, finding a working, 27-year-old computer in good condition in a thrift store would be a challenge. I've e-cycled 3 or 4 beige G3s over the past 10 years, just to reduce electronic clutter. I have to assume that many other former owners did the same.

Online sellers either include a high shipping cost or factor the expense into the high price tag. A desktop G3 is about 22 lbs. and the mini-tower version is heavier. Both require a large, sturdy box with adequate cushioning to prevent damage in shipment. The outer ABS plastic housing is more fragile now and could easily crack from impact, if not carefully padded when packed. That's why I'd try to find one locally.

The other hardware issue to deal with is obtaining a compatible, non-widescreen display having a 4:3 aspect ratio. A stock G3 has a "Mac" DB-15 (8 pins over 7) analog display port, but connecting an analog VGA (PC) display would require an adapter like this. I always set switches 1, 4, 6, 7, & 8 to the ON position.

Usedmac.com has a good track record for used Macs. I checked and they currently have a number of G3 models available; most are in the $160-$300 price range.

vcppp wrote:

The file formats are Korg .SNG, containing both MIDI & audio data. I can't seem to find out how exactly the audio data is stored in the SNG file, but I think probably as AIFF, possibly WAV.

Contact the people at DifficultAudio.

I'm glad that everything worked out for you and that you didn't need to buy an overpriced, 26-year-old Mac to accomplish your goal. I couldn't believe the prices for the beige G3s on that dealer's website, considering that I used to see beige G3s selling for $20 at Goodwill stores about 15 years ago. Good luck editing the files!