The SysEx Librarian Time Warp: Why are we still using software from 1998?

[knob_monster]

Been falling down the vintage synth rabbit hole lately. Picked up a DX7, Juno-106, and a Korg M1. Love the sound, hate the backup situation.

The current options are... weird:

• MIDI-OX (Windows, 1998) - Works, but looks like Windows 98 and I'm on Mac
• Snoize SysEx Librarian (Mac, 2005) - Clean, but macOS only and no cloud
• MIDI Quest ($$$) - Powerful, but overkill for "just backup my patches"
• SysEx files scattered across hard drives - Where did I put that cartridge dump from 2019?

The pain points:

1. Platform lock-in - Buy a new computer, hunt for new software
2. No cloud - Hard drive dies, patches die with it
3. UI from another era - I get it, MIDI is ancient, but does the interface have to be?
4. The battery anxiety - CR2032 in a 40-year-old synth is a ticking time bomb. I want backups BEFORE it dies.

What I ended up building:

Went browser-native with Web MIDI API. Chrome/Edge → any OS. Plug in synth → click backup → cloud storage. One-click recall from any computer.

Works for: DX7, Juno-106, M1, Jupiter-6, CZ-101/1000, Matrix-1000, Prophet-5

The real question:

Is anyone else frustrated with this? Or do you all have robust backup systems I'm missing? What's your workflow for keeping vintage patches safe?

(And yes, before you ask: you can export your .syx files anytime. Not trying to lock anyone in, just trying to make backup less of a headache.)

more info here!

[psycho45039]

I use Midi Quest Pro but use it for far more than just patch back up. It also does far more than just vintage synths. It includes plug in versions of their editor/librarians that work as a virtual instrument allowing automation on hardware as if it were a virtual instrument. I use it with 21 different hardware synths with no issues. As far as backing up goes, it's no different than my DAW files. Everything gets backed up daily to multiple drives at multiple locations.

[Surgo]

Oh look, it's the slop you've spammed every single Dexed thread on the forum with.

[DrGonzo]

I use Midi Quest Pro but use it for far more than just patch back up. It also does far more than just vintage synths. It includes plug in versions of their editor/librarians that work as a virtual instrument allowing automation on hardware as if it were a virtual instrument. I use it with 21 different hardware synths with no issues. As far as backing up goes, it's no different than my DAW files. Everything gets backed up daily to multiple drives at multiple locations.

I remember using MIDI Quest back on my Atari days. Is it still being developed?

[psycho45039]

Yes it is.