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1996-04-05
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Welcome Alesis D4 Enthusiasts! Thank you for downloading or requesting the
unregistered version of D4man, developed by Bret Costin of Zorch brotherz
software.
This package should contain several compressed files that require
installation onto your hard disk before using the D4man program. There are
also a couple of uncompressed files that you should be aware of:
SETUP.EXE - D4man for Windows Setup Utility, which installs D4man
for Windows onto your system.
D4WIN.TXT - This file: manual and documentation text.
D4WIN.LOG - D4man for Windows program update history.
ORDER.FRM - Order form for registering your copy. Please include
the completed order form with your order.
INTRODUCTION
------------
As of mid-1995, the Alesis D4 Drum Module was the latest in the line of
popular Alesis drum modules/machines. It offers over 500 sounds in the
space of a single-height 19" rack-mount unit, with an incredibly low price
tag. Although its number of sounds and its size are advantageous, they
present a problem as far as managing and configuring the unit - so many
options, but only one two-line LCD to program it with... With this in mind,
I developed the first DOS version of D4man in 1992. The program has been
popular enough to warrant porting it to run under Windows and Windows95,
allowing a D4 user to edit all D4 parameters while taking advantage of the
Windows graphical user interface.
D4man for Windows is available to D4 users for a reasonable registration fee
(please see order form). This one-time fee will also include D4man for
Windows upgrades as required. Upgrades will be made available to registered
users for the cost of shipping and handling.
If you are already a registered DOS D4man user, you will receive a discount
towards the Windows version (please see ORDER.FRM for pricing). Thank you
for your past support -- it's what has kept this project alive these past
few years.
And now a commercial from our sponsor:
**************************************************************************
This manual and the software application it pertains to are distributed
as shareware, (C)Copyright 1995-96, by Bret Costin. The unregistered
version of this material may be copied and distributed freely, provided
the following conditions are met:
- The D4man for Windows program, this manual, and any data or utility
files included in this package must be distributed together and
unaltered.
- Any copying or distribution must be done free-of-charge.
- The names "Bret Costin" and "Zorch brotherz software" must not be
removed or altered in any way.
- If you do decide to keep a copy of this material for your own use,
please register your copy so that we can keep you posted on
upgrades. Your registration and money will help us to continue
supporting our products and make them available to users at a
reasonable price.
If you find D4man for Windows useful, please distribute the unregistered
version to your favorite local MIDI and/or Music BBS, or website. As
with any software package, the more users there are, the better
environment for exchanging advice, configurations and ideas.
Thank you in advance for supporting the shareware concept.
**************************************************************************
HOW TO REGISTER
---------------
It is easy to register D4man for Windows and there are several benefits if
you do. Just fill out the order form that came zipped with the unregistered
version of D4man (file name is ORDER.FRM) and send with check or money order
to the address in ORDER.FRM. (It is important that you fill out the form so
that I can note your address, configuration, media preference, etc. for
future upgrades and technical support.) Please allow two weeks for your
D4man for Windows disk to arrive in the mail. Future upgrades of D4man for
Windows will be available via mail for a shipping and handling charge of
$5.00 (US) per upgrade. If you live outside of the USA, there may be an
additional shipping charge.
Well, now that the obligatory text is out of the way, let's roll up our
sleeves (some musicians still prefer them) and get down to business...
WHAT D4man CAN DO (AND CAN'T DO)
--------------------------------
The D4man for Windows program is a Windows-based D4 Librarian and Editor
that allows an Alesis D4 user to configure the D4 and store/recall its
configurations from PC disk. D4man, in quick summary, allows a user to:
- Setup an entire D4 "system" configuration, including all drumsets,
triggers, program change table, footswitch modes, etc.
- Define individual drumsets and modify all drumset parameters.
- Setup all parameters associated with each trigger input.
- Audition individual sounds or entire drumsets via computer keyboard
and mouse.
- Modify the 128 Program Change Table locations.
- Store and retrieve all data to/from disk media, using a widely
accepted and supported (by both commercial and shareware programs)
file format, MIDIEX (a.k.a., Sysex, System Exclusive, or Cakewalk
System Exclusive).
- Print all drumset Note and Trigger assignments.
- Operate the D4 via a programmable MIDI Patch Bay.
The D4man program is available in two versions, the "registered" and the
"unregistered" version. Both operate in the same fashion with a few
exceptions:
- The unregistered version displays an invocation message that informs
the user that the program is unregistered.
- The unregistered version's "About" pull-down menu displays "How To
Register" information.
- The unregistered version does not allow data to be stored to disk.
It does, however, allow data to be loaded from disk. Samples of all
file formats are provided so that you may evaluate D4man and test
file compatibility with other products.
- The unregistered version displays an exit message that gives
information regarding registration.
The unregistered version contains no hidden "time bombs". It does not
automatically exit after a given amount of session time, nor does it
self-destruct after a given time period. If either occurs with your
version, please check your setup.
This software has been tested on several different brands and configurations
of computers and MIDI interfaces. If D4man for Windows does not operate
correctly on your machine, notify me and I will attempt to remedy the
situation. Also, if there is a feature you would like to see, I'm open to
suggestions - many of the powerful features of our software products are the
result of registered users' and unregistered evaluators' suggestions.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
---------------------
To take advantage of all D4man for Windows features, you should have the
following as a minimum:
- Alesis D4, with internal software revision 1.03 or later,
- IBM PC or compatible computer with at least 4M of RAM (8M
recommended if running Windows95),
- Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, Windows95 or later operating system,
- A MIDI interface with installed Windows MME-compliant drivers (most
MIDI hardware manufacturers provide these, including Midiman,
Creative Labs, Voyetra, Opcode, etc.),
- 2 megabytes of hard disk space to hold the D4man for Windows
application and documentation files.
INSTALLING D4man for Windows
----------------------------
D4man for Windows installation is similar to most Windows applications.
From within Windows, select "Run" from the File Menu of the Program Manager,
then type "A:setup.exe" (if the D4man for Windows setup files are in drive
A: for example) and select OK. The setup program will decompress the D4man
files and then ask you where you would like to install them. After getting
your preference, the setup program copies the D4man for Windows application
files onto you hard disk, creates a "D4man for Windows" group on the Windows
desktop, and places a D4man icon within the group.
RUNNING D4man for Windows
-------------------------
To start D4man for Windows, double-click on the D4man icon in the "D4man for
Windows" group. The program will display a logo banner with program name,
copyright notice, software revision number, and a notice that the program is
not registered. After a few seconds, the logo banner will clear and then
the drumset (main) window will appear.
After the drumset (main) window appears, if it is the first time you have
run D4man (or no D4MAN.INI file exists in the Windows root directory) you
will be prompted to set up the D4man program to communicate properly with
your MIDI interface's software drivers (see Options Menu Section). After
valid drivers have been selected, if you have D4man's MIDI Patch Bay feature
enabled (see Options Menu section), D4man will now switch your Patch Bay
over to your predefined setup. Next the program will proceed and if
D4WIN.SYX exists in the D4man directory (and it should!), D4man will load
the default drumsets and setup into memory. By the way, the file D4WIN.SYX
may be modified to your own preference (See D4WIN.SYX Section) so that D4man
for Windows always loads a specific configuration each time you start it.
USING THE INTERACTIVE MENU SYSTEM
---------------------------------
D4man implements an interactive pull-down menu system consistent with
Windows. The menu system makes the tasks associated with the D4man program
simpler and more intuitive. Menus may be operated by either a mouse or the
computer's keyboard. Also, various dialog windows will allow selection via
mouse single- and double-click. Just place the mouse cursor over the
selected field and click once or twice.
CRUISING THE MAIN (OR "CURRENT DRUMSET") WINDOW
-----------------------------------------------
Users may cruise the drumset (main) screen and edit the various parameters
of the currently selected drumset. Supporting both the mouse and the
keyboard, D4man provides multiple methods for operating the display.
There are several ways to select a parameter. A parameter may be selected
by moving the gray highlight bar via the computer's cursor, <Home>, <End>,
<PgUp> and <PgDn> keys until the desired field is highlighted with a blue
rectangle. The easiest way to select a parameter is via the mouse, by
merely clicking on a desired field to highlight it. Once highlighted, a
parameter may be selected for edit by double-clicking the mouse on that
parameter field. Double-clicking will pop up a dialog box that will allow
you to edit the parameter.
Also, the D4 sounds may be auditioned from the computer keyboard, as well as
via mouse. Keyboard keys '1' through '0' (left to right across the
keyboard) will trigger the drums assigned to your D4 triggers 1 through 10,
while the '-' key will trigger drum trigger 11 and the '=' key will trigger
drum trigger 12. In addition, when the D4 has been set for Footswitch Mode
you may trigger the sound assigned to FootClose by pressing the 'F' key, and
trigger the sound assigned to FootHeld by holding the <Shift> key down and
simultaneously pressing the 'F' key.
To audition sounds other than those assigned to triggers and foot
hold/close, select a sound by clicking on its row in the drumset display
(the line should then get the gray highlight bar). Pressing the space bar
will play the highlighted sound.
Experiment in the drumset display - there are lots of thrill-packed
features. You cannot hurt anything if you do not write to disk or D4, so
practice freely. Now let's go over the various pull-down menus that are
accessible from the top line menu.
FILE Menu
---------
The File menu allows the user to open (load) various types of files from
disk, save data to disk files, print configurations, and exit the program.
FILE - Open
-----------
The File Open function allows the user to load data files into the
computer's memory. Once Load is selected, a standard Windows directory
dialog box appears and enables the user to select a specific file to load.
A file may be selected via mouse double-click, clicking the OK button, or by
pressing the Enter key. To exit the Open function without loading a file,
press the <Esc> key or click the CANCEL button.
After you select a file to open, D4man will automatically determine the file
type and display the file type information. When asked if you want to load
the file or not, select the YES button to load the file, or NO to cancel
loading the file.
Note that although program change maps, system setups, and trigger setups
will be transferred to the D4 upon file load, the drumset data loaded from
disk will not automatically be sent to D4 permanent memory. Only the
current drumset will go to the D4's drumset edit buffer; all other D4
drumsets remain unchanged. See the "Transfer" section on how to make
permanent changes in the D4.
FILE - Save As
--------------
The File Save As function allows you to store specific D4 information to the
computer's disk as a MIDIEX format file. When prompted for a file name, you
must enter a filename that conforms to DOS conventions. To exit the File
Save As function without storing the data to disk, either click on the
CANCEL button or press the <Esc> key.
Once the output filename has been specified, D4man prompts the user for the
type of file to save. The user has 4 options:
- Single Drumset (Current). Save the currently selected drumset as
the specified filename.
- Program Change Map. Save the current Program Change Map as the
specified filename.
- Trigger Setup. Save the current setup for all 12 trigger inputs as
the specified filename.
- System All. Save the state of the entire D4 as the specified
filename. This is the same format as the D4's built-in MIDI "System
(All)" function.
Please note that the unregistered version of D4man for Windows does not
actually store the files to disk.
It is important to note that all drumset data saved to disk by this function
is the data contained inside the D4man for Windows program, and not
necessarily the D4 itself. To ensure all drumset data from the actual D4 is
saved to the file, first transfer the data to the D4man for Windows program
(see the "Transfer" section), then use the File Save As function.
FILE - Print Drumset
--------------------
Available on DOS version only at this time. To be added in the next major
revision of the Windows version. The Print Drumset function allows you to
print the current drumset's note and trigger assignments. The resulting
hard-copy is a convenient reference for use on the road, in the studio, or
when D4man is not readily accessible.
FILE - Exit
-----------
The File Exit function causes the D4man for Windows program to terminate.
When Exit is selected, D4man will ask you if you really meant to exit the
program. Select the YES button to exit, otherwise select NO to continue
running the program.
DRUMSET Menu
------------
The drumset menu allows you to select a specific drumset for editing in the
drumset (main) window. The drumset names and assignments displayed in the
menu are those in the current system setup loaded in D4man. When you select
a new drumset from this menu, the display is updated, the D4 drumset number
is changed, and the new drumset info is transmitted to the D4 edit buffer.
EDIT Menu
---------
The Edit Menu allows the user to modify the Footswitch Setup, Program Change
Map, Trigger Setup, current Drumset Name, and drumset Root Note(s).
EDIT - Footswitch Setup
-----------------------
The Footswitch Setup function enables the user to set the Footswitch Mode
(as either Hi-Hat or Drumset Advance mode), and the Footswitch Close and
Footswitch Open note assignments. The footswitch setup is shared amongst
all 21 loaded drumsets. Please note that Footswitch Close and Footswitch
Open note assignments are only valid if the Footswitch Mode is currently set
to "Hi-Hat."
EDIT - Program Change Map
-------------------------
The Program Change Map dialog box allows modification of the D4's program
change map. When the D4 receives a program change message across MIDI, the
program number in that message (0..127) is translated, using the D4's
program change map, to a drumset number. The D4 then changes to the drumset
number in the map.
This dialog allows you to select a program number from the list box, and
then assign a drumset to that program number via the radio buttons on the
right side of the dialog.
Be aware that program change numbers vary amongst manufacturers. Some
manufacturers' MIDI devices may implement program numbers starting with 1
instead of 0. You may adjust for this by either modifying the D4 program
change map, or changing the setting of the MIDI device that is transmitting
the program change message to the D4. For example, if you are running a
sequencer that automatically sets the program number of the D4 before
starting the sequence, just adjust the program number setting in your
sequencer.
EDIT - Trigger Setup
--------------------
The Trigger Setup dialog box is used to set the parameters of the D4's 12
trigger inputs. These trigger parameters include MIDI Note Assignment,
Gain, Velocity Curve, Cross-talk, Decay, and Noise Floor. A parameter may
be selected by clicking on the desired field or list box. For the non-
listbox items, a data scroller will appear immediately to the right of the
field, allowing you to increment and/or decrement the selected parameter.
Pressing the <Shift> key while using the data scroller accelerates the
increment/decrement by a factor of 10.
A shortcut to the Trigger Setup that avoids pulling down the menu is to
double-click on the drumset name on the program's bottom bar.
You might notice that when a trigger's velocity curve parameter is zeroed,
the trigger may not be assigned to a MIDI note, effectively disabling it.
Also note that the Note Assignment in the Trigger Setup is actually relative
to the Root Note of the currently selected drumset. As you select different
drumsets that have different Root Notes, you will notice that the Trigger
Setup's MIDI Note Assignments change along with them. Neither of these
implementations are program anomalies - they instead concur with the D4's
design.
EDIT - Drumset Name
-------------------
The Drumset Name function allows the user to edit the name of the currently
selected drumset. A shortcut to this function that avoids pulling down the
menu is to double-click on the drumset name on the program's bottom bar.
EDIT - Drumset Root Note
------------------------
This function sets the Root Note for the current drumset, or all drumsets if
you wish. Each drumset maintains its own root note, ranging from MIDI note
#0 (note C-2) to #67 (note G3). The data scroller is used to change this
value.
OPTIONS Menu
------------
The MIDI menu allows the user to select the MIDI input and output
interfaces, set the MIDI channel on which to communicate with the D4, and to
configure an external MIDI patchbay.
OPTIONS - MIDI Drivers
----------------------
The Options MIDI Drivers function allows the user to select the MIDI input
and output interfaces that the program will use to communicate with the D4.
Two list boxes will display the MIDI driver(s) presently installed in the
computer. Highlight one MIDI input driver and one MIDI output driver and
press OK to initialize the MIDI links.
OPTIONS - MIDI Channel/Patchbay
-------------------------------
This dialog box allows selection of a MIDI channel on which to communicate
with the D4, and to configure an external MIDI patchbay. The selected MIDI
channel should match the MIDI channel set in the D4 in order for the program
to properly communicate with the D4.
If you are using the program in conjunction with a MIDI-controllable
patchbay, you might want to have D4man for Windows set the patchbay to a
certain configuration on startup, then return it to another configuration on
exit. This dialog enables you to set the MIDI channel that corresponds to
the MIDI patchbay, as well as the entry and exit program change values that
are sent to the patchbay when enabled. See also the "MIDI Patchbay Support"
section.
TRANSFER Menu
-------------
The transfer menu enables you to write "permanent" settings to the D4, as
well as read back the current "permanent" settings of the D4. The term
"Permanent settings in the D4" means the settings that are stored internal
to the D4 and remain there even when the D4 is turned off. They are not
truly permanent in that the D4 allows you to restore the factory settings
(which are stored in ROM and are therefore permanent) at any time by
pressing a special button combination.
If you ever have problems transferring data between the D4 and the computer,
make sure the D4man MIDI channel matches the unit's MIDI channel and the
unit's MIDI In and MIDI Out cables are connected properly. Also make sure
you have selected the proper MIDI drivers from the Options Menu.
TRANSFER - Read D4 Drumset
--------------------------
Via MIDI, this function reads a D4 drumset via MIDI and stores the
information in program drumset memory. The user specifies the source
drumset number (drumset on the D4) and the destination drumset number (D4man
drumset), then selects OK to start the transfer. This function reads data
to the D4man current drumset, but does not store the information to disk.
If you desire to save this data to disk, it must be saved via the File Save
As function.
TRANSFER - Read D4 All
----------------------
Via MIDI, this function reads all D4 data that is included in a D4 System
(All) dump. This data includes all 12 trigger setups, program change table,
all 21 internal drumsets, and system data such as MIDI channel and
footswitch setup. This function reads the D4 information into D4man's
memory, but does not store the information to disk. If you desire to save
this data to disk, it must be saved afterwards via the File Save As
function.
TRANSFER - Write D4 Drumset
---------------------------
After the user specifies the source drumset number (D4man drumset) and the
destination drumset number (D4 drumset), then selects OK, the drumset data
is transferred via MIDI to the specified destination internal drumset on the
D4. The term "internal drumset" refers to a drumset location, 0 through 20.
The storage is similar to storing a drumset from the D4 front panel - once
stored, the D4 "remembers" the drumset even if you select another drumset
number.
TRANSFER - Write D4 All
-----------------------
Via MIDI, this function writes all D4 data that is included in a D4 System
(All) dump to the D4 unit. This data includes all 12 trigger setups,
program change table, all 21 internal drumsets, and system data such as MIDI
channel and footswitch setup.
HELP Menu
---------
This menu offers information about the D4man for Windows program.
HELP - About
------------
The ABOUT menu displays information about the program itself, such as
copyright information and software revision number. The unregistered
version of D4man for Windows also displays information on how to register
your copy of the program.
QUITTING D4man for Windows
--------------------------
To quit the D4man program, select the Exit function under the Files menu, or
type <Alt-F4> from the keyboard. D4man will verify that you do indeed want
to quit the program. Press YES to exit, or NO to continue.
MIDI PATCH BAY SUPPORT
----------------------
D4man for Windows provides support for MIDI Patch Bays that are MIDI-
controllable via MIDI "Program Change" messages. D4man does this by sending
specific program change numbers to your MIDI patch bay on your patch bay's
MIDI channel. A program change number must be specified for entry into the
D4man program, and another must be specified for exit from D4man. The
"entry" value will set your patch bay so that your D4 Midi In and Midi Out
ports will be routed to your computer's MIDI interface. The "exit" value
will return your patch bay to your default setting. Also, you must specify
your patch bay's MIDI channel (this should be a different channel than your
D4 is on!).
"Entry" and "Exit" patch numbers, and patch bay MIDI channel are product-
specific and vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In order to configure
D4man for your patch bay setup, open the Options - MIDI Channel/Patchbay
dialog box, enable patch bay support, set the MIDI channel of your patch
bay, and then set the "entry" and "exit" values for your specific system
configuration.
FILE FORMATS
------------
Four different file formats are supported by D4man for Windows, all of which
contain one or more consecutive MIDI System Exclusive message(s). The file
formats are identical to those output by the D4 when manually running a
Sysex Backup from the D4's fifth MIDI page. This means that data dumped
directly to disk from the D4 may also be loaded by D4man, and vice-versa.
Here are the 4 supported formats:
Single Drumset
--------------
Same format as D4's "Edit Buffer" format. Data includes drumset name,
footswitch closing and holding notes, trigger note assignments, and
volume, pan, output, bank, voice, tune, and group assign information.
Program Change Map
--------------
Same format as D4's "Program Table" format. Data includes all 128
Program Change assignments.
Trigger Setup
--------------
Same format as D4's "Trigger Setup" format. Data includes gain,
velocity curve, cross-talk, noise floor, and decay settings for all 12
trigger inputs.
System (All)
--------------
Same format as D4's "System (All)" format. Data includes 25
consecutive MIDIEX messages: the Program Change Table, Trigger Setup,
Edit Buffer, 21 Single Drumsets, and the System Info message.
All four types of files may be used with other popular shareware programs
such as SYSX.EXE (any version) or MIDIEX.EXE (we suggest version 1.8 or
later), or with commercial products such as the Cakewalk sequencer. When a
D4 file is loaded by the D4man program, the MIDI channel embedded in the
file is replaced by D4man's current MIDI channel setting. When storing the
files, D4man replaces the embedded MIDI channel settings with the value 7Fh
(hexadecimal notation). 7Fh is used to select "any MIDI channel" and allows
other programs to load the files and transmit them successfully to D4's set
to any MIDI channel.
D4WIN.INI File
--------------
The D4WIN.INI file is stored in the Windows root directory and contains the
program configuration. The D4WIN.INI file contents are loaded automatically
every time you start D4man for Windows. Included in the D4WIN.INI file is
information such as software revision, MIDI Input and Output Drivers' names,
Midi channel, and patch bay settings.
D4WIN.SYX File
--------------
The D4WIN.SYX file is stored in the same directory as D4man for Windows and
is loaded automatically every time you start D4man for Windows. It includes
the base D4 configuration such as the data for all 21 drumsets, the trigger
setup, the program change map setup, the footswitch setup, and all D4 system
parameters.
The D4WIN.SYX file is actually a MIDI System Exclusive file in the same
format as the D4's "System (All)" format (same as D4man's "System (All)"
format). Therefore, you may replace D4WIN.SYX with your own file (must be
"System (All)" format) by just renaming or copying your file to the same
disk directory as the D4WIN.EXE file. We recommend that you keep a copy of
the original D4WIN.SYX as a safety precaution. The original D4WIN.SYX file
matches the Alesis D4 factory configuration.
HOT KEY REFERENCE
-----------------
The following keys access specific functions within the drumset (main)
window:
F = Play sound assigned to Foot Close (if Hi Hat Mode enabled).
Shift-F = Play sound assigned to Foot Held (if Hi Hat Mode enabled).
1 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 1.
2 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 2.
3 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 3.
4 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 4.
5 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 5.
6 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 6.
7 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 7.
8 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 8.
9 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 9.
0 = Play sound assigned to Trigger 10.
- = Play sound assigned to Trigger 11.
= = Play sound assigned to Trigger 12.
FUTURE UPGRADES
---------------
Print Drumset function
Compare Drumsets function
Alesis DM5 support
MORE INFO
---------
A great deal of time and effort went into developing and testing D4man for
Windows. If you experience problems with the program, please note the
symptoms and contact me. I will do my best to rectify the situation. If
you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about D4man for Windows or
other products, I would be glad to receive and/or answer them. I can be
contacted by mail at:
Bret Costin
c/o Zorch brotherz software
18 Terraglen Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77382
or leave me a message at one of these systems:
- Any member BBS of the MIDILINK Musicians' Network, (To: Bret
Costin),
- Compuserve Mail [70474,3534] (To: Bret Costin).
- Internet email 70474.3534@compuserve.com