What is Downpoly

Music, where music wasn't previously possible? Treading a new path in music with the iconic Tandy/RadioShack TRS-80 Computers and accessories to create a new pallet of sounds as a statement and a testament to this overlooked and undervalued machine. Downpoly aims to take the TRS-80 into different musical territory opening a new classic and unconventional means to creating music.

What is the Orchestra 90?

The TRS-80 Orchestra-90 was a unique add-on for the TRS-80 line of computers, popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It allowed these early computers to generate multi-voice music (4 voices and noise channel), essentially transforming them into mini digital synthesizers. For musicians, it opened up a whole new way to create music by programming notes and harmonies directly into the computer, long before the modern digital audio workstation existed. The only hang up was, you could not directly play the Orchestra-90 sounds, it required a long sit of programming and then playing the song as entertainment. There were tons of songs written by many users, but it was all programming and certainly no further processing applied.

What is the MIDI80?

MIDI80 is a recent creation from Mikel Wessel and George Phillips, a MIDI Sound & Interface Card for the TRS-80 Model 1, III, and 4. There is a ton of info on the Github page painstakingly updated by Mikel, https://github.com/lambdamikel/MIDI-80 but over all, it's MIDI for the TRS-80!!

MIDI IN - Send MIDI from a Keyboard and play the TRS-80

MIDI OUT/THRU - Play other virtual instruments and MIDI Hardware with the TRS-80

George and Mikel have made it possible to use the Orchestra-90 attachment with the MIDI80 to allow the use of a musical keyboard as control. Without the hard work and amazing coding skills we would not have the music you are hearing. I cannot thank them enough!

OUTPUT

Examples of current works either in progress, full length album currently in production

SundayJelly

"SundayJelly" This was a special creation, with a magnetic twist. I shot this in two takes, which follows the design of the song. The first take involves both computers on the cart, music from the top and drums from the lower portable unit. Music and drums of the 2 computers were recorded to the Technics 616 tape deck, then piped back in and mixed with a 2nd part of just music from the top machine.

The special 'crunch' that you hear when the drums and lower sine wave kick-in is a naturally occurring effect known as tape compression and I think it is a really nice add to the overall composition. I hope you enjoy this mellow-get-it-done tune, check back for more as other works are completed.

BadClock

"BadClock" is a mesmerizing journey through experimental soundscapes, melding the quirky charm of TRS-80 Model 4 computers with the modernity of advanced audio processing. From the opening moments, the track introduces a hypnotic rhythm underscored by syncopated pulses.

As the piece evolves, layers of dynamic textures emerge, blending melodic fragments with atmospheric glitches that resemble the ticking and tocking of an erratic timepiece. The interplay of lo-fi retro timbres with modern spatial effects creates an immersive auditory experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic yet forward-thinking.

The song showcases intricate harmonics and a shift toward a more complex arrangement, keeping listeners on edge while maintaining a cohesive narrative. It’s a track that draws you in and refuses to let go, offering a rare blend of creativity and technical prowess.

ATerribleRide

The latest in writing on this fantastically vintage setup. Here is a song more chill and relaxed, with expressive wah all throughout. "ATerribleRide" takes you on a sonic journey through the interplay of vintage technology and modern production techniques. Created using TRS-80 Model 4 computers with Orchestra-90 and MIDI-80 accessories, the track emanates an organic electronic soundscape that's both intricate and evocative.

The song features rhythmic pulses reminiscent of classic chiptune music but evolves into a layered composition enriched with dynamic timbres and harmonic progressions. The lo-fi charm of the TRS-80 hardware is seamlessly intertwined with polished, modern effects, giving the track a unique balance of retro grit and contemporary clarity. Listeners will experience a haunting, almost cinematic narrative, where the analog textures of yesteryear meet the precision of today’s music gear. It’s a vivid, experimental piece that encapsulates innovation while paying homage to the pioneers of electronic sound.

TRS-80 Model 4

The Model 4 is a 4Mhz Z80 based computer with 64K of RAM, an 80 column by 24 row green screen. The system was RadioShack's last entry before the 'Personal Computer' took over and represents and huge era of the 80s. The system features single sided floppy disks sporting a whopping 180k of space.

TRS-80 Model 3

TRS-80 Model 4

The TRS-80 Model 3 is the 2Mhz Z80 based system sporting 48k of RAM and a 64 column B/W screen. Like its successor it supports 180k single sided floppies but lacks the function keys, memory and speed. The system was painted silver like it's predecessor, the original TRS-80 (Model 1)

What is Downpoly

What is the Orchestra 90?

What is the MIDI80?

OUTPUT

SundayJelly

BadClock

ATerribleRide

INPUT

TRS-80 Model 4

TRS-80 Model 4

TRS-80 Model 4

TRS-80 Model 3

TRS-80 Model 4

TRS-80 Model 4

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