Copyright: Hip Hop eJay 1.0 Help PXD Musicsoft Inc. 1997


Content

Welcome eJay!

Installation

Gettin' Started

The Samples

Functions on Main Screen

The DJ Desk

Scratch Functions

Scratch Tips

The Recording Studio

Key Commands

Notes For System Configuration

Copyright © 1997-1998 PXD Musicsoft Inc.


        Installation

Program-Installation

Insert the Hip Hop eJay CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. When autostart is active, Hip Hop eJay will start automatically. When starting manually, select RUN from the START menu, enter D:\HIPHOP.EXE (where D: is the drive letter for your CD-ROM drive), and press the OK button.

If DirectX is not installed on your PC, it will automatically be installed when starting the program the first time. Please restart windows after the installation has successfully completed. (NT 4.0 Users must install DirectX via Service Pack 3, Windows 95 Users may install DirectX by running:  D:\DX_setup.exe.)

Sample-Installation

Quick Start

Quick start is suitable for all high powered systems. The chosen installation path will only be used for temporary files. The samples will not be copied.

Minimal Installation (recommended)

Minimal installation places 50 MB of the data on hard disc. This results is an improved performance of Hip Hop eJay.

Full Installation

Full installation is recommended for very slow CD-ROM drives only. Hard disc space required: 125 MB.

In ALL cases the CD-ROM must remain in the CD-ROM drive. During the installation a program group called “Hip Hop eJay“ containing an icon for Hip Hop eJay and one for the Uninstall will be created. Within this program group the setup can also be started manually.


       Welcome eJay!

This software is different from all other music programs that you have seen and, most important, that you have heard before - and there are reasons for it!

Until now it was common that music software was either hard to handle or the possibilities were not really great. Hip Hop eJay goes different ways. Here you are the boss - right from the start. The PC is the only tool you need to realise your creative ideas. You are the electronic DJ - an eJay!

More than 1300 original Hip Hop samples were recorded by real pros for eJay´s full fledged 8 track recording studio. Just drag and drop pumping basses and kicking grooves using the innovative eJay user interface and get surprising results instantly. Or add your own raps using the built-in Recording Studio! Not enough? Then just move over to the unique eJay turntable device, which lets you scratch to your Mix like a pro - and, of course, record it. Your imagination is the only limit!

If you want to let us know what you think about the Hip Hop eJay, you are always welcome to make your comments heard by visiting our eJay website at  http://www.fasttrak.co.uk There you will find additional samples, mixes, latest info. competitions and much more.

But now it’s time for you to show everybody what it is that makes you a real eJay!

Your PXD Musicsoft Team


       Gettin' Started

When you start Hip Hop eJay for the first time, the START.MIX will be loaded automatically. Click PLAY and listen to what Hip Hop eJay offers you. With a click on NEW you clear the Play Window. Now it's time for your own first Mix.

Step 1

Choose one of the sound groups on the right. For example: LOOP. With a double click on one of the samples you can listen to it. You can see more samples by scrolling down the bar on the right.

Step 2

Choose any sample and move it to one of the 8 tracks above. As soon as you let go, it will be positioned on the next bar automatically. You can move it with the mouse, or copy it with the right mouse button.

Step 3

Choose another sound group (for example Bass) and move more samples to the audio tracks. Press PLAY and listen to your first own Mix.

Groove it, eJay!


       The Samples

With over 1300 samples it’s easy to loose track. But every sample has it’s own Sample name, describing the sound, so it should be easy to keep an overview. In addition to the name, some samples are marked with an asterisk (*). These samples include different chords. This means that samples with (*) fit together best, but can also be combined with others. All samples of Hip Hop eJay are based on G-minor and are recorded at 96 bpm (beats per minute).


       Functions on Main Screen

Listening to Single Samples

You can listen to samples in the Sample Window or directly on the tracks by double clicking.

Select Several Samples

By clicking on several samples while holding down the Shift button or by selecting an area you can choose more than one sample.

Moving Samples

With the left mouse button you can move one sample or a selected group of samples.

Copying Samples

With the right mouse button you are able to copy one sample or a selected group of samples. Another way to copy: hold down the Alt button while moving a sample.

Erasing Samples

The Erase button turns your cursor into a little eraser. With this tool you are able to erase samples from the tracks. To deactivate the eraser, just press Erase once more. Another way to erase: Drop the sample out of the track area.

Auto Position Helper

The samples you move from the Sample Window to one of the tracks are automatically placed on the next bar. If you want to place a sample between bars (useful when using imported samples), move them while holding down the Ctrl button, now you can position them by a 16th of a note.

Bar Display

The bar display shows what BAR you are currently playing. In the Play Window you may see only a part of the song. The numbers to the left and right of the bar display show you where you are in the song. The red number and the line which moves over the audio tracks show your current position. If you want to change your position in the song just click on the bar number that you want for your new position; this number then turns red, showing the new position. By double clicking on any bar number, it automatically moves to the left end of the bar display. By double clicking on the outside bar numbers on the left or right, you move the displayed section in the Play Window 22 bars either left or right. With the scroll bar beneath the tracks you can also move the displayed section in the Play Window.

Tracks left or right

By clicking the left or right "speaker” of each track, you can connect the track to the left or right playback channel of your soundcard (green "speaker” = active - yellow "speaker” = not active). This way you can connect single tracks to one channel or mute a track (both "speakers” yellow).

Sound Group Buttons

With the buttons on the right side of the Sample Window you can choose from the different sound groups (BASS, LOOP, DRUM etc.). In the Sample Window you will now see a part of the samples from the chosen sound group. You can scroll with the bar on the right side of the Window to see other samples of this group.

Pitch

With the Pitch Fader you are able to play back your Mix faster or slower, just like a turntable does.

Loop

Repeats the playback of your Mix from beginning to end.

Save

Saves the current Mix on hard disc. With Load you can load it again any time.

Load

Loads a Mix from hard disc or CD-ROM.

Name of the Mix

The name of your current Mix is shown in the window on the upper left side next to the sample window.

New

Erases the current Mix from the Play Window. There are no samples left on the tracks and you can start your next Mix.

Import

With the import function you are able to import your own samples into Hip Hop eJay. Press the Import button and the Windows File Selector opens up. Select a Wave sample (with the extension .wav) and press OK for confirmation. The imported sample is now shown in the Sound Group WAVE. Rename or erase imported samples with a click on the right mouse button.

Filing of Import Samples (WAVE)

Imported Samples can be filed in the Sound Groups by your choice. Simply drag the imported sample to one of the ten Sound Group Buttons. (For example: an imported Loop from the Sound Group WAVE can be moved to the Sound Group LOOP.)

Export

With the export function you are able to save your Hip Hop eJay Mix as an audio file, it can then be played back with all standard sound programs. Press the Export button and the Windows 95 File Selector opens up. Enter the file name and confirm with OK. Hip Hop eJay now saves your Mix as a stereo file in Wave format.

Sorting of the Samples in the Sample Window

The samples in the Sample Window can be sorted under different criteria. A click on the right mouse button shows the options:

Sorting: 	None

Sorting:	Alphabetical order (sample names)

Sorting:	Harmony (*)

Sorting:	Length (length of the sample)


       The DJ Desk

To create some thrilling scratches for your Mix, just click on the turntable icon on the right side of the main screen. The DJ Desk with two turntables comes up. On the left turntable you play your Mix, on the right one you scratch to it in real time.

And this it how it works: With a click on PLAY you start the play back of your Mix. Attach your mouse to the original eJay Scratch Pad (optionally) and activate the scratch function with key command "S". The mouse cursor is now hidden and by moving the vinyl-record you scratch just las you would on a real turntable. One more key command "S" deactivates the scratch function. It is possible to scratch with just your mouse, without using the eJay Scratch Pad.

For details see chapter "Scratch Functions”


       Scratch Functions

Activate Scratching

The Button labeled SCRATCH (or key command "S") activates or deactivates the scratching (same as on the main screen).

Record Scratches

You can also record your scratches with the recording function. The small display above the left turntable shows the current position within the Scratch Sound. Start the play back of your Mix and activate the recording with the button REC SCRATCH or with the key command "R". Your recordings will automatically be saved and filed into the Sound Group SCRATCH. Here you can rename or erase them. The current recording is shown on the SCRATCH TRACK in the Play Window (main screen).

Scratch Sounds

40 specially prepared Scratch Sounds wait for you. In the display below the right turntable you will see the name of the active sound. You can choose the different sounds with the arrows on the left and right. Listen to the Scratch Sounds as they are produced by the key command "L" or with a click on the display. Of course additionally you can load any other sample for scratching. Just move it on the main screen to the turntable icon. The DJ Desk will open up with this sample automatically.

Mouse Speed

The Fader MOUSE SPEED regulates the scratch speed of the left turntable. The key command "D" changes the scratching direction.

Fader

The FADER regulates the volume balance between left and right turntable. Key commands for the most common Fader positions: "1" = left (play back only), "2" = centre (play back and scratching, "3" = right (scratching only).

Scratch Track

On the main screen of Hip Hop eJay beneath the regular audio tracks (1-8) you will see the Scratch Track. Here you arrange your recorded scratches. As with any other track you can move, copy or delete your scratches. If you want to use several scratches at the same time, just place them on one of the regular tracks.

Only on the Scratch Track your scratch samples are shown in a special way: the movements of the mouse are indicated as graphs.

While you are scratching, your mouse is not available for any other function. For details see chapter "Key Commands"


       Scratch Tips

There are no rules on how to do, and how not to do it - so just try, and you´ll find out what sounds good.

Start with the existing Scratch Sounds of Hip Hop eJay. By moving the vinyl-record or the mouse you create the authentic scratches, which may sound very different depending on the Scratch Sound used and how you move the vinyl or mouse. Scratches sound best, if you “scratch to the beat” of the playback. For tough scratches choose single drum sounds, especially kicks or snares. View the wave form above the right turntable to find those parts. Just at the attack of the original sound the scratch sounds loud and hard. Smooth scratches are easy to create with the calmer parts in a sound, for example fading cymbals.. Far out scratches are created with raps, voices or guitar licks.


       The Recording Studio

With the Recording Studio you are able to make  your own recordings with ease. Because most sound cards are not able to record and play back at the same time, you will not hear your Mix while recording. To make sure that you record to the right beat you will hear a click like a metronome from your system speakers while recording.

Before recording with the Recording Studio, a microphone must first be connected to the soundcard. The recording button starts the recording. The optical and acoustic metronome counts in 4 beats (one bar), the recording starts with the 5th beat.

Stop ends or interrupts the recording. To listen to your first attempt press Play. If you are satisfied with the recording, save it on hard disc in Wave format. You will now find the recording in the Sound Group Wave. From here you can integrate the sample into your Mix. If you don’t like the recording, just press the recording button once more and try a second take. The first recording will be erased.


       Key Commands

Key Commands on Mainscreen

Ctrl+O	Load Mix

Ctrl+S	Save Mix

Ctrl+N	New Mix

Ctrl+D	Eraser

Ctrl+I	Wave Import

Ctrl+E	Wave Export

Ctrl+Z	Undo

Ctrl+C	Copy samples

Ctrl+V	Insert samples

Ctrl+X	Cut out samples

Ctrl+A	Mark all samples

Shift+Mouse	Select samples

Ctrl+Mouse	Position sample by 16th notes

Alt+Mouse	Copy sample

Del	Delete marked samples

Space	Play/Stop

Arrow left	Rewind

Arrow right 	Fast forward

Pos1	To the beginning of the Mix

Key Commands on DJ Desk:

Space	Start/Stop Playback

Arrow left	Rewind Playback

Arrow right	Fast Forward Playback

Pos1	To Beginning of Playback

Arrow up	Next Scratch Sound

Arrow down	Previous Scratch Sound

S	Activate/deactivate scratching

R	Start/Stop Scratch Recording

L	Listen to Scratch Sample

Tab	Mute scratching

+	Increase scratch speed of the mouse

-	Lower scratch speed of the mouse

D	Change direction of scratching

1	Playback only

2 	Playback and Scratching

3	Scratching only


 Notes for System Configuration

Installation

If your System is equipped with a Single/Double-Speed CD-ROM drive, we recommend the Full Installation.

If you use a faster CD-ROM drive, the Minimal Installation should be sufficient.

Quick Start saves samples on hard disc while playing. This way the transfer of the files happens gradually, while the Minimal Installation saves the files on hard disc at once.

Screen Resolution

Hip Hop eJay runs in 640x480, 800x600 and 1024x768 in full screen (there are screen filling graphics for each resolution). You can work with 256 color mode, High Color or True Color.

If your PC only has 8 MB-RAM memory, the resolution 640x480 with 256 colors is recommended.

Import of Wave files

Hip Hop eJay is also able to play back Wave files. You can import standard Waves with 11/22/44 kHz, 8Bit/16Bit, mono. From stereo files only the left channel will be played back.

Trouble Shooting

Hip Hop eJay was successfully tested on many different systems. However, problems may occur on some system configurations and on PCs with 8 MB RAM (because of the low memory). We recommend that you lower the screen resolution to 640/480 and use 256 colours.

Error Note: Sound Start Error

The note Sound Start Error means that either there is no sound card in the PC or that the sound card has not been installed in Windows correctly. Check if your sound card is available under Windows and if necessary, install the sound card once again.

Error Note: Memory Error

Memory Error means that the memory of your PC is too low. Check if there is enough capacity for the virtual memory of Windows or if the virtual memory has been de-activated.

Quit all other programs.

Reduce the screen resolution and the colour depth of your graphic card.

Error Note: Play Error

Play Error means that the performance of your PC does not allow the play back of all 8 tracks. Please run Setup from the program group "Hip Hop eJay” once more for a “Minimal” or “Full” Installation.