Playing Music on the PDP-10

In 1979, Laurie Barram built a MK10 "Music Kludge" device which allowed the PDP-10 to play music. The MK10 plugged into the console lamp drivers, so that instead of driving the display lamps, the signal went into a simple smoothing and level setting circuit. Up to six "voices" - each a modulated single bit - were used in this way, and mixed to a stereo signal. This was then fed into an amplifier and then to speakers.

Some music was provided from DECUS Tapes, other music was produced by Will Gout.


Laurie Barram plays DJ


Laurie adjusts the mixing on the MK10

The six voices are mixed into a stereo signal. Here, the balance is adjusted to give a satisfying result.

Sharon Oberhardt and Colin Lythall discuss technical matters


Wilber Williams and Laurie Barram


Recording equipment - KA10, MK10, and Aiwa AD-1250 Cassette Deck


Sharon and Laurie listen to the music


Laurie conducts as the KA plays


Sharon and Chris Lythall watch as Wilber sets up speakers


Laurie conducts whilst others watch


Laurie, Sharon, Chris, Colin, Wilber and possibly Bryan Claire


Checking the console lights


MK10 on the PDP-10 console


Wilber reports on progress to another crew member


Wilber checks levels and waveforms on the Tektronix 453


Intense concentration on the faces of Laurie & Sharon


Colin, Wilber & Sharon controlling the equipment


Sharon, Colin & Laurie monitoring a recoding


Wilber, Sharon, Laurie & Colin in action


Laurie, Colin & Wilber after a successful recording session


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