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AudioFinder 1.4.4
Copyright 2003, Mystical Sun Software
http://www.mysticalsun.com/software
software@mysticalsun.com

Manual 1.4.4

Overview

AudioFinder was designed for digital musicians to gain control over their sample library.  The idea behind AudioFinder is elegantly simple - provide a user interface like the Mac OS X Finder that is optimized for browsing and auditioning audio sample files.  AudioFinder can be controlled exclusively from the keyboard or by the mouse.  By using the up and down arrows the user can quickly scan hundreds of audio files.  When the user finds an audio file that they would like to use in a project they can either copy the file or refer (make an alias) the file to the favorites directory.  When the user has found all the sounds they plan to use in a music project they simply go to the favorites directory and start work using their music program of choice.  Double clicking on a file opens it in the preferred audio program as configured in the preferences.

Another problem that AudioFinder solves is the management of drum loop files.  Often a drum loop will not have the BPM in the file name therefore making it difficult to find the right match when searching for a loop.   AudioFinder can guess the BPM or the user can utilize the BPM Tap Pad to tap out the tempo.  Once the BPM is found AudioFinder can rename the audio file to include the BPM.  This can be a great time saver when searching for drum loops that are close to the tempo of a music project.

Dj's can use AudioFinder's BPM Tap Pad to quickly find out the tempo of their favorite vinyl.

The best of all features is the ability of AudioFinder to "Auto" a directory of sample files.  The idea here is to use AudioFinder in conjunction with your music creation tool of choice.  Launch your music program (IE, Live or Reason) and start your song playing.  Launch AudioFinder and navigate to a directory where your samples are.  Click the first sample file in the list and then click the "Auto" button.  Sit back and listen as AudioFinder Autopilots the directory, when AudioFinder plays a sound that you want to use in your project click the "Copy to Favorites" button.  Then switch back to your music program and add the sound file.  AudioFinder transforms a simple directory into a sample CD.

Currently AudioFinder supports the AIFF, AIFC, SD2 and WAV formats.

Price

AudioFinder is shareware and is offered for  the price of $19.95.  If you find this program useful please purchase it.  It may be purchased online by selecting "Purchase" under the "AudioFinder" menu.  Or by sending a check or money order for $19.95 to:

Mystical Sun
PO Box 891
Clayton, CA 94517

Please include an email address and your Challenge Code, when your payment is received a Response Code will be sent to you via email.

If the public would like new features to be made available then sending in the shareware fee will insure it will happen.  All registered users will reap major benefits from registering in the future.

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How to Use

Navigate AudioFinder in the same fashion as one would navigate the column view in the Mac OS X Finder.  Clicking on a sound automatically plays it.  Additionally use the arrow keys to navigate in all directions.  Use the space bar to play or stop a sound.  For a detailed list of keyboard short cuts see "Short Cuts" under the "Help" menu.

AudioFinder assumes that a loop is perfectly cut and uses the file's length among other things to guess the BPM.  Listen to the file, count the beats and select the number of beats via the popup menu.  This will yield a best guess at the tempo.  For instance, if you have a 4 on the floor kick drum loop that is 1 bar long select 4 beats from the popup menu.  If the loop is 2 bars long, select 8 beats from the popup menu on so on.

To listen to the contents of a directory automatically click the "Auto" button, this will begin playback from the currently selected track until the last track is reached.  The Mac essentially then Autopilots & plays all of your sounds while you sit back and listen.  This is a great way to sit back and preview sounds and at anytime the sound can be referred or copied to favorites without stopping playback.

Main Window

File Well:			Drag a folder or file into the file well to quickly move to the location.  Drag the file from the file well to copy the selected file.
Auto:  			Plays the contents of a directory starting from the selected song.  AudioFinder Autopilots & plays the directory for you.
Loop:			Loop played the current file infinitely.  Try this with drum loops for instant grooves.  One could even perform with just this.
Play:  			Plays the selected song.
Select Beats:  		Used in detecting the BPM
Tap: 				Brings up the BPM Tap Pad
Rename With BPM:	Renames the current sound file to include the BPM settings.
BPM field:  		The BPM from either the Tap Pad or BPM detector, this field can be edited manually as well.
Copy to Favorites:	Copies the selected sound file to the favorites directory configured in the Preferences.
Refer to Favorites:	Makes and alias the selected sound file to the favorites directory configured in the Preferences.
Move to Trash:		Moves the selected sound file to the Trash.

BPM Tap Pad

Space bar:		Hitting the space bar marks one beat.
Silent:			Turns off the audio feedback kick drum sound.
Reset:			Resets the average BPM.  This must be done before tapping on each file.

Playback Speed

Playback speed will either slow down or speed up the playback of the currently selected sample.  If you wish to permanently alter the speed of the file click the disk icon.  This will change the sample rate in the file's header.  Cleaver use of this simple feature opens up a world of creative possibilities.

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Preferences:

Favorites Directory:		The location where AudioFinder copies or refers files to.
Startup Directory:		The directory AudioFinder displays when it is first run.
Audio Editor:			The preferred program for editing or using audio files.  If left empty the file will open in the program assigned by the OS.

Postfix filename BPM:	By default AudioFinder prefixes the BPM to the filename when renaming.  This options places the BPM at the end of the filename.
Use decimal for BPM:	By default AudioFinder rounds off the BPM to the nearest whole number value.  This option uses decimal precision.
Show all files:			This option will set the browser to display all files instead of just audio files.

What AudioFinder Doesn't Do

Currently AudioFinder does not work with mp3 files.  On a professional level don't use mp3 files in your music projects anyway, use PCM samples.  AudioFinder does not use sound file format specific loop points.  AudioFinder is intended for use with samples, not full length music tracks.

User's Mailing List

Yes, there is an AudioFinder user's mailing list.   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AudioFinder-users

FAQ

Q:	I have a directory with several sound files and AudioFinder does not show them.
A:	AudioFinder attempts to filter out non-audio files, in the case that it skips over valid sound files you can turn "Show all files" on in the Preferences.

Q:	AudioFinder does not show me the details or bpm information on mp3 file.
A:	AudioFinder is intended for PCM based sampled, these formats are AIFF, SD2 and WAVE.

Q:	When I start AudioFinder the directories look different than Mac OS X Finder.
A:	This is normal and in reality that is how the operating systems actually views the disk. 

Credits

AudioFinder was written by richard@mysticalsun.com
Beta Testing and Ideas Mic Berends.
Thanks to Kim Cascone for help with the BPM formula.
Encouragement and input from Len Sasso.
Lance Linimon comprehensive testing.

Authorizing

AudioFinder uses and challenge and Response Code system for authorization.  After purchasing AudioFinder you must email software@mysticalsun.com with your Challenge Code.  To find your Challenge Code go to the Apple menu and select "Authorize..."  and click "Request Code", this will launch your default email program with a message prefilled with the Challenge Code.  If this does not work click "Copy Code to Clipboard" and launch your email program and send a message with the code in the subject line to software@mysticalsun.com.  You will receive a Response Code via email within 24 hours.  You will still be able to fully use AudioFinder while waiting for your Response Code.

Upon receiving your code return to the Apple menu and select "Authorize..." and enter your Response Code this will authorize you as a legitimate user.  Each computer needs it's own unique Response Code.  You are allowed to use AudioFinder on up to 3 computers.

License Agreement

Shareware: 

Software distributed under shareware license is Copyright 2003, Mystical Sun Software. 

Evaluation Registration 

This is not free software. You are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge.

Distribution 

You are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the Shareware version of this software and documentation as you wish, give exact copies of the original Shareware version to anyone, and distribute the Shareware version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic  means. There is no charge for any of the above. 

You are specifically prohibited from charging for any such copies, however made.

License Agreement 

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software. Use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty. 

Limitation of Liability 

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND  WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES  WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. 

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program is thoroughly tested before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using  the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO  PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.