Copyright: Copyright © 1998 Button Production


Introduction

Zero-X Seamless Looper is a powerful program for automatic and/or manual searching for loop markers in order to set up and/or improve seamless loops.

We don't claim that all samples can be perfectly looped, but we do claim that you will save lots of time time when using Zero-X Seamless Looper for setting up your sustain loops. If there are no good loop positions available, Zero-X Seamless Looper will of course be unable to find any. However, there are a few tools provided for rebuilding the sample to make it more "loop friendly"...such as the Loop Crossfade.

Even though Zero-X Seamless Looper provides sample editing tools, it is not to be thought of as a standard sample editor. Only a few standard sample editing and dsp tools have been implemented. More such tools will be added in future versions.

There will be several other programs released from Button Production in the near future. Even though their main tasks will differ, they will still be based on the same sample editing environment.


General Information

Zero-X Seamless Looper is a 32-bit true Multi Document Interface (MDI) program supporting multiple views, developed in VC++ 6.0.

Win95, Win98 or NT4x or better is required.

The more RAM installed the better.

Any 16-bit Win95, Win98 or NT4x compatible sound card is supported.

800x600 in 256 colors or better is required.

Zero-X Seamless Looper is developed by Button Production who also developed Zero-X for Atari compatible computers (1994-1997).


AutoSearch

AutoSearch can be reached from the Loop menu or the loop toolbar, [image].

Although AutoSearch is Zero-X's most powerful seamless loop finding tool, it's still very easy to use.

It examines the sample (selection) very thoroughly to find the best possible seamless loop pair.

Before calling it, the loop markers may be set anywhere in the sample.

While performing an AutoSearch you cannot do any further changes to that sample, but you can load another sample and work on that.

Jumpstart

AutoSearch will search for the optimum loop pair in the selection.

1.	Load a sample

2.	Select all (Ctrl+A)

3.	Select AutoSearch from the toolbar or the Loop menu

4.	Set the minimum loop size slider to 35%

5.	Press the AutoSearch button

wait...

There's a progress indicator at the bottom left in the view that is active when selecting AutoSearch.

If you wish to abort the search, press [Esc].

Advanced

AutoSearch is a true multi threading/multitasking tool.

This means that you can load another sample and start working on that one at the same time as AutoSearch is examining the first one. It even supports multi processors (under NT4.x) for extra speed.

The Minimum Loop Size slider is very useful for helping AutoSearch to find the perfect loop.

The percentage value is based on the size of the selection. 35% is a good value to start with

but please experiment. The smaller the value the longer the time AutoSearch will take, but this is rarely a problem with the faster PC's of today.

Stereo samples are treated in a special way.

If your selection is only in the right or the left channel, AutoSearch will work the same as on mono files.

However, if your selection is both channels there are some nice extras.

AutoSearch will first search for the best loop pairs in the left channel and then in the right channel. Both loop pairs will be available after the completed search. Left loop pair will be set by default. If you would like to hear and see the right loop pair, select "Select Stereo Loop pair, Right channel" from the popup or Selection menu (at the same place you can also switch back to the left loop pair).

Note that you can select what channel you would like to listen to (left, right or both).

For more info see Play

Only the current loop pair will be saved in the file.

If the sample has an attack and/or release, try to select only the sustain part of it.

This will not only higher the odds for AutoSearch to find a good seamless loop but also speed it up.

Samples with a fading volume or changes in timbre seldom have a good natural loop points for AutoSearch to find. If you really want to loop samples of this type, start with AutoSearch and continue with Crossfade Loop.

If you want to spend some time trying to find better loops than the one AutoSearch finds for you (in some rare cases this might be possible) try Real-time AutoLoopStart, Real-time AutoLoopEnd and/or LoopView.


Crossfade Loop

The tool is useful for smoothing out clicks and changes in timbre and volume within the loop.

Jumpstart

1.	Load the sample

2.	Set the loop markers as good as possible (for instance by using AutoSearch)

3.	If necessary zoom out and scroll horizontal so you can see the sample start as well as both of the loop markers in the view.

4.	Select Loop Crossfade, either from the toolbar or from the Loop menu.

5.	Move the Crossfade dialog a little so you can see the sample view (window) beside it.
Then change the value of the Size slider a little.

6.	You should now be able to see two crossfade markers. One to the left of loop start with a little x marked "hat", [image], on top of it and the other to the right of the loop start marker. The crossfade markers are positioned according to the setting of the Size slider.
Slide the size slider so that the right crossfade marker will be positioned approximately in the middle of the loop.

7.	Set the amount slider to 100% (and keep it there)

8.	Press the Preview button to hear a preview of the result.

9.	Move the size slider while listening to the preview until you are satisfied with the result and then press the Crossfade button.

Advanced

This is a linear pre loop end crossfade. That means that the area between the left crossfade marker and the loop start marker will be linear crossfaded into the area between the right crossfade marker and the loop end marker. The crossfade markers mark the start positions for the crossfade (from and to). The distant from the left crossfade marker to the loop start marker is always identical to the distant of the right crossfade marker to the loop end marker.

The key to a good crossfade is the positioning (size) of the crossfade markers. The crossfade markers are excellent in guiding you where to set the crossfade. Usually the best result is achieved by setting the right crossfade marker in the middle of the loop. Then the crossfade will sound as natural as possible.

The maximum size of the crossfade is limited by either the size of the loop or the size of the area before loop start. Which ever is the smallest will set the maximum crossfade size.

If the maximum size is smaller than half of the loop, try to set the crossfade size to a quarter of the loop.

The percentage size setting is based on the largest crossfade size possible. As you can see, the size in time and samples are also displayed in the dialog.

If you begin with pressing the Preview button, you'll hear the crossfaded result as soon as the slider is set to a new position. This is generally the most efficient way of setting the optimum size.

In rare cases the result can be improved by altering the amount slider but it is usually best to keep it at 100%.

The sliders are standard Win95 controls which means that you can alter them either with the mouse or with the keyboard (cursor keys etc).


Window Lock

This is a unique and very powerful function. Yet it may seem a bit odd at first sight.

It has two principal purposes:

1.	Locks a view (window) so that no editing or selection can be made.

2.	Automatically scrolls horizontally, so that the marker, that's been locked on, will always be displayed in the center of the view.

The only thing you can do with a locked view is zooming, moving and sizing. But its strength is not what you can do with it but what it can do for you.

You can lock any view (sample window) on the following markers:

LoopStart

LoopEnd

Selection Start

Selection End

To lock/unlock a view simply select Lock from either the popup menu or the toolbar.

To fully demonstrate the use and power of this unique function, two macros have been implemented:

LoopView and EditView.


LoopView

A new and very powerful way of manually searching for seamless loops.

Jumpstart

1.	Load a sample

2.	Select LoopView from the window's menu.

3.	Now you have three views (windows) showing the same sample.
One overview and two that have been zoomed to the maximum horizontal position.

4.	If you move the loop start marker in the overview view, you can see how the left view will be updated in real-time so it always displays the  loop start marker centered in the view.
Move the loop end marker in the overview view and watch the right view doing the same trick to the loop end marker.

Advanced

LoopView is actually a macro, i.e. a collection of tools available in Zero-X Seamless Looper, that has been written for your convenience.

However, it is possible to achieve the same thing (or your customized version of it) by moving, sizing zooming and locking windows  manually using the tools provided in  Zero-X Seamless Looper.

LoopView is based around Window Lock.

If you set play to set the loop (Settings) and then press play the following will happen:

- If you drag a loop marker, the playback will automatically restart and play the new loop positions as soon as you drop the marker. So you can both see and hear, in real-time, how good or bad the loop positions you chose actually are.


Import / Export

At the moment there are two ways to transfer samples.

1.	via Files

2.	via SCSI Sample Dump

Import file formats

Microsoft Wave files
Loop markes are supported, if present.

EMU/Creative SoundFont v2
Loads the samples from any sf2 file.
Loop markers are supported.

Export file formats

Microsoft Wave files

We plan to add more import and export file formats. Let us know what formats you would like to see in Zero-X.

File transfer

Several modern samplers support import/export of wave files on DOS formatted diskettes. Note that the loopmarkers are not always supported by the sampler when loading wave files.

Some samplers even supports import/export via DOS formatted harddisks.

Alternative methods

Win9x/NT4 provides true multitasking. This means that you can have more then one program running at the same time.

If your sampler is not supported by Zero-X there may be another program that can transfer the sample created by Zero-X. Either use a program that can access your sampler's diskette or a program that can transfer samples via SCSI and/or MIDI. There are even some freeware programs that can do both MIDI Sample Dump and SCSI Sample Dump (for instance AKAI MESA PC).

Wave files

Most PC programs designed for transferring samples will be able to load and save in wave format. Some supports loop marker information in the wave files, some don't. Contact respectively software author/manufacturer for information reagrding a specific software.

More SCSI and MIDI support

We are planning to support even more SCSI samplers (AKAI S2000 and better etc), MIDI Sample Dump and more audio file import formats in the future. Let us know what formats you would like to see!


Play

Play toolbar

To start playback, simply press the play button on the play toolbar or use the key commands.

To stop playback, simply press the stop button on the play toolbar or use the key commands.

Make sure that any window displaying the sample being played, is active before pressing Stop. If it is not, simply click on any such window to activate it before pressing Stop.

Icons/buttons in the Play toolbar:

(from left to right)

Loop settings:

Toggle Loop playback on/off

Toggle start looped playback from start of sample on/off

Operation:

Start playback

Pause/Continue playback

Stop playback

Play from start

Play selection

Play loop

What to play settings:

Play All

Play Selection

Play Loop

The settings are also available in the Popup and the Selection menu.

Stereo files

You have the choice of monitoring either the left, the right or both channels simultaneously. This is done by simply making a selection in either or both channels. No matter which you chose, you'll always get audio from both left and right outputs.


How to contact us

Zero-X Seamless Looper is developed by Button Production which is a sub division of HB Button.

You can contact us using (e-mail is preferred):

mail

HB Button

Peter Segerdahl

Övre Husargatan 17

413 14 Gothenburg

Sweden

e-mail

peter@button.se

phone

Ph. +46-31-701 72 22 (mostly an answering machine, please leave a message)

www

http://surf.to/zero-x/ (if this wont work, try the ony below)

http://hem2.passagen.se/novelty/ (temporary)


Key commands - Playback

In a sample window/view:

Numeric key pad

[Enter]	Play

[0]	Stop

Other

[Space]	Toggle Start/Stop playback

In a dialog box:

Combinations

[Alt] + [w]	Toggle Preview/Stop playback


Key commands - Zooming

In a sample window/view:

Cursor keys

[Up]	Zoom in horizontally

[Down]	Zoom out horizontally


Key commands - Goto

In a sample window/view:

Numeric key pad

[5]	Toggle Selection Start/End

[+]	Toggle Loop marker Start/End

Other

[5]	Toggle Selection Start/End

[Tab]	Toggle Loop marker Start/End


Find Seamless Loops
Finding Seamless Loops

Zero-X Seamless Looper provides you with both manual and automatic tools for finding seamless loops.

Automatic tools

AutoSearch

AutoLoopStart

AutoLoopEnd

Manual tools

The whole environment is specially designed for fast and easy dealing with loop markers in order to find seamless loops.

On top of that there are also some specific tools created to simplify the manual loop finding process.

LoopView

Real-time AutoLoopStart

Real-time AutoLoopEnd


AutoLoopStart

AutoLoopStart can be reached from the Loop menu or the loop toolbar, [image].

AutoLoopStart is a very fast tool that searches the selection for the best matching loop start to a pre-defined loop end marker.

Use AutoLoopStart if you want to be in control over the exact position of the loop end marker.

If you want help with finding both markers (the loop pair), use AutoSearch instead.

Jumpstart

1.	Load the sample.

2.	Position the loop end marker.

3.	Select the area in where you AutoLoopStart to search for the loop start marker.
Note that this area must be to the left of the loop end marker and that the loop end marker must not be included in the selection.

4.	Select AutoLoopStart from the toolbar or the loop menu.

The loop start marker will be placed at the optimum position in the selection.

Advanced

If you want more automatic and powerful help but still want to stay in control, select Real-time AutoLoopStart from the Settings menu. While moving the loop end marker the selection will automatically be scanned in real-time (using AutoLoopStart) for the optimum loop start. Just make sure you keep the loop end marker out side of the selection. If it is inside, no good loop positions will be found. The Real-time AutoLoopStart is switched off simply by selecting it a second time.

Use Real-time AutoLoopStart in combination with LoopView and play. If you press play, the playback will be restarted to play the new loop each time you set a new loop end position (release left mouse button).

Usually, there is no need for AutoLoopStart as AutoSearch does a much better job - it finds the most optimum loop pair (not just the loop start). For more information on how to manage a seamless loop, see the Advanced section in AutoSearch.


AutoLoopEnd

AutoLoopEnd can be reached from the Loop menu or the loop toolbar, [image].

AutoLoopEnd searches the selection for the best matching loop end, to a pre-defined loop start marker, within a fraction of a second.

Use AutoLoopEnd if you want to be in control over the exact position of the loop end marker.

If you want help with finding both markers (the loop pair), use AutoSearch instead.

Jumpstart

1.	Load the sample.

2.	Position the loop start marker.

3.	Select an area in where you AutoLoopEnd to search for the loop end marker.
The selection must be to the right of the loop start marker. The loop start marker must not be included in the selection.

4.	Select AutoLoopEnd from the toolbar or the loop menu.

The loop end marker will be placed at the optimum position in the selection.

Advanced

If you want more automatic and powerful help but still want to stay in control, select Real-time AutoLoopEnd from the Settings menu. While moving the loop start marker the selection will automatically be scanned in real-time (using AutoLoopEnd) for the optimum loop end. Just make sure you keep the loop start marker out side of the selection. If it is inside, no good loop positions will be found. The Real-time AutoLoopEnd is switched off simply by selecting it a second time.

Use Real-time AutoLoopEnd in combination with LoopView and play. If you press play, the playback will be restarted to play the new loop each time you set a new loop start position (release left mouse button).

Usually, there is no need for AutoLoopEnd as AutoSearch does a much better job - it finds the most optimum loop pair (not just the loop start). For more information on how to manage a seamless loop, see the Advanced section in AutoSearch.


Keyboard short cuts

Goto

Play

Zoom


Table of Contents

AutoLoopEnd

AutoLoopStart

AutoSearch

AutoSearch Batch

Introduction

Crossfade Loop

Fade In

Fade Out

Find Seamless Loops

General Information

How to contact us

Import / Export

Key commands - Goto

Key commands - Playback

Key commands - Zooming

Keyboard short cuts

License agreement

Loop markers

LoopView

Multi selection

New Window

Normalize

Normalize on Open

Order

Play

Real-time AutoLoopEnd

Real-time AutoLoopStart

Reverse

Save settings

SCSI Sample Dump

SCSI Transfer

SCSI_Transfer_Batch

Selection

Silence

SoundFont2

Stereo

Table of contents

Toolbars

Truncate after loop end

Units

Window Lock


License agreement

Disclaimer

HB Button makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents of this package with documents and its associated software, or of any of the third-party products discussed in the document. HB Button reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes to its contents at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revision changes. The package does not constitute an endorsement of the third-party product or products mentioned.

HB Button shall not be held liable for any technical or editorial mistakes or omissions in the package. HB Button also disclaims all warranted either expressed or implied, including without limitation any implied warranty or merchant ability or fitness for a particular purpose. HB Button shall in no event be held liable for any damage including loss of data, profits or savings, claims against you by any other party, or any other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use, the software and manuals.

HB Button does not warranty products except as stated in applicable HB Button product warranties or license agreements.

License Agreement

The Zero-X Seamless Looper software described in this document may be used and installed on one, and only one, computer. Contact your local dealer for more information.

Trademarks

Zero-X™

Zero-X Seamless Looper™

All product or company names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective holders.

Copyright

Copyright 1998 by Button Production, Sweden.
All rights reserved.


Real-time AutoLoopStart

Real-time AutoLoopStart is based on AutoLoopStart.

Instead of selecting AutoLoopStart for each loop end marker position you want to find the optimum seamless loop start marker position for, Real-time AutoLoopStart will automatically call AutoLoopStart for you as soon as you move the loop end marker.

Jumpstart

1.	Load a sample

2.	Select an area in where you want to search for the loop start marker.
Make sure the loop end marker is to the right of the selection.

3.	Select Real-time AutoLoopStart from the Settings menu.

4.	Move the loop end marker and whatch how the loop start marker will automatically be moved to the optimum seamless loop position within the selection.
Make sure the loop end marker always is to the right (and outside) of the selection.

The Real-time AutoLoopStart is switched off simply by selecting it a second time.

Advanced

Use Real-time AutoLoopStart in combination with LoopView and play. If you press play, the playback will be restarted to play the new loop each time you set a new loop end position (i.e. release left mouse button, not while moving it to avoid noise).

Use Real-time AutoLoopStart when you want to work semi-automatic with finding seamless loops. If you prefer to let the program do all the job for you, use AutoSearch instead.


Real-time AutoLoopEnd

Real-time AutoLoopEnd is based on AutoLoopEnd.

Instead of selecting AutoLoopEnd for each loop start marker position you want to find the optimum seamless loop end marker position for, Real-time AutoLoopEnd will automatically call AutoLoopEnd for you as soon as you move the loop start marker.

Jumpstart

1.	Load a sample

2.	Select an area in where you want to search for the loop end marker.
Make sure the loop start marker always is to the left of the selection.

3.	Select Real-time AutoLoopEnd from the Settings menu.

4.	Move the loop start marker and whatch how the loop end marker will automatically be moved to the optimum seamless loop position within the selection.
Make sure the loop start marker always is to the left (and outside) of the selection.

The Real-time AutoLoopEnd is switched off simply by selecting it a second time.

Advanced

Use Real-time AutoLoopEnd in combination with LoopView and play. If you press play, the playback will be restarted to play the new loop each time you set a new loop start position (i.e. release left mouse button, not while moving it to avoid noise).

Use Real-time AutoLoopEnd when you want to work semi-automatic with finding seamless loops. If you prefer to let the program do all the job for you, use AutoSearch instead.


Loop markers

Basic

The loop markers specify the sustain loop in the sample.

There are two of them; LoopStart	and LoopEnd.

LoopStart must always be to the left of LoopEnd and vice versa.

Both loop markers are always present even if the play loop is switched off.

Look

The loop markers are drawn with a blue dotted vertical line with a small "hat" on top of it, identifying if it is LoopStart or LoopEnd.

LoopStart

LoopEnd

Positioning

You can move a loop marker either by placing the mouse cursor on the "hat". The the mouse cursor will change into a hand with a finger pointing at the position. Simply drag (keep left mouse key pressed down and move the mouse) the marker to the new desired position.

You can also set a loop marker to a new position by using the [Ctrl] key.

LoopStart:

Keep [Ctrl] pressed down, move the mouse cursor to the new position and click on the left mouse button.

LoopEnd:

Keep [Ctrl] pressed down, move the mouse cursor to the new position and click on the right  mouse button.

The loop markers exact position and size is displayed at the bottom of the sample window.

Goto

There are icons in the Toolbar for automatic scrolling the active sample window to the LoopStart or LoopEnd marker. This can also be done using keyboard commands.

Wave file

According to the wave file format specification It is optional to save loop information in a wave file. Zero-X Seamless Looper always saves the loop information. If there is no loop information in the wave file (as some programs do not save this) the loop markers will be placed at default positions.


Selection

Basic

When you select an area in the sample the area behind the sample (red) is drawn black.

Several of the tools work only in the selection, for instance AutoSearch.

Sometimes, in this help file, the selection is referred to simply as "the selection" and sometimes as "the selected area".

The first position of the selection is called the selection start. The last position of the selection is called the selection end.

How to Make a selection

If you have set the mouse cursor in "Edit Mode" (default, can be altered in Settings, toolbar and popup menu with "Zoom Mode") the mouse pointer looks almost like a capital i, I. Then make the selection, like in most other windows program, simply by:

1.	pointing (with the mouse pointer) at the beginning of the area you want to select

2.	press left mouse button (and keep it down)

3.	move the mouse pointer to the end of the area you want to select

4.	release the left mouse button

How to resize a selection

There are two ways of doing this.

Either:

1.	place the mouse pointer at either edge of the selection (notice how the pointer changes into a double arrow)

2.	press the left mouse button

3.	move the mouse

Or:

1.	press the [Shift] key (and keep it down),

2.	now you can set a new selection start or a selection end with either of the mouse buttons. Left button sets a new selection start and right button sets a new selection end.

Stereo samples

You can make a selection in either or both channels by first pointing at corresponding channel(s).

To let you know what channel(s) will be selected, the look of the mouse pointer changes depending on what channel(s) it is pointing at.

You can easily tranfer a selection to the same position in the opposite or both channels by using the Selection setting in the Settings or Popup menu.


Units

You can alter the default unit in the Setting menu.

There are two units to chose from.

Sample, the exact sample value (in 16-bit word)

Time, in min:ss:hs


Fade In

Fade In can be reached from the Process menu.

It is a basic linear fade in that will fade in the selection.


Fade Out

Fade Out can be reached from the Process menu.

It is a basic linear fade out that will fade out the selection.


Reverse

Reverse can be reached from the Process menu.

It reverses the selection.


Silence

Silence can be reached from the Process menu.

It silences (digital zero) the selection.


Normalize

Normalize can be reached from the Process menu.

Use it to change the gain (volume) of the selection. The level setting is absolute (0dB = 100%), not releative to current level.

Maximize level

Sets the absolute maximum gain level in the selection. True normalization, (increasing volume to maximum level) is obtained by setting "Maximize level" to 0dB.

It can not only be used to increase but also decrease the gain in the selection. If you set it lower than the peak level you will lower the gain.

Stereo link

When selected, both channels are searched separately to find the highest peak, but the amount of gain change is applied equally to both channels (so as to not disturb the stereo balance). This option should normally always be activated. Only deselect it if you want to maximize the level of each channel individually.

Peak level

Peak level is the strongest signal in the selection.

It's automatically calculated and displayed when entering the Normalize dialog. 0dB means maximum level.

You can use it as a diagnostic tool to decide for example if the wave needs normalizing or not.

See also Normalize on Open.


Toolbars

There are several toolbars in Zero-X Seamless Looper.

You may leave them where they are or move (drag) them to any position in the application window. You can also attach them to any side or the application window.

If you place the mouse pointer on any icon in the toolbar there will be a help tooltip just beside it as well as a more describing help at the status bar in the application window.

If you do not want to see a specific toolbar it is easy to remove it by deselecting it from the View menu and vice versa.

Main toolbar

standard file operations, change mouse pointer mode, lock window, and goto.

Loop toolbar

Automatic seamless loop finding tools such as AutoLoopStart, AutoLoopEnd and AutoSearch, as well as Loop Crossfade.

Play toolbar

All play settings and operations can be reached from here.
Loop On/Off, Play from start, Play, Pause, Stop, Play All, Play Selection, Play Loop

Zoom toolbar

All zoom operations can be reached from here.

Zoom in and out horizontal, Zoom in 1:1 horizontal, Zoom overview horizontal, Zoom In and out veritical


New Window

New Window can be reached from the Window menu.

It creates a new window displaying the same sample.

You can have several windows displaying the same sample but differently zoomed, sized and scrolled.

You can edit in any of them and when you do the others will be updated in real-time.


Truncate after loop end

This setting can be reached from the Settings --> Save menu.

If you switch it on, it will only save the sample until the loop end marker.

Mostly you do not need the sample data after the loop end marker when you have set up the loop, but be a little careful with the setting. If it is on, it will truncate all samples that you save, until you switch it off. So, if it is on by mistake you may actually end up loosing data (i.e. the sample data after the loop end marker) every time you save a sample.

Its status is saved even if you exit the program. You have to manually switch it off (the same way as you switch it on) if you do not want it to be activated anymore.


SCSI Sample Dump

SCSI Sample Dump is a method to fast and easy transfer samples to and from the sampler.

How to transfer samples using Zero-X

Supported samplers

Zero-X currently supports:

EMU ESi & EOS
Additional feature; Place sample on keyboard

Kurzweil K2000, K2500

Peavey SP

Yamaha A3000

Any other SMDI device

We plan to support other SCSI protocols (such as AKAI S2000 and better) in the future.

Supported SCSI cards

Not only do you need a sampler with SMDI support in the current OS version and a SCSI card in the sampler. You also need a SCSI card in your computer. This card must be WINASPI32 compatible. We recommend Adaptec's SCSI cards as it was they who invented the WINASPI32 standard protocol. To obtain and install WINASPI32 drivers, contact the SCSI card manufacturer (we can unfortunately not help you with that!).

Make sure you have the latest version of the WNASPI32.DLL. You can download a program that upgrades your drivers from Adaptec's site (www.adaptec.com). It requires an older version of wnaspi32.dll already installed or an adaptec SCSI adapter installed in the computer. Even if you have this it may refuse to install the upgrade (it did for us on our pc-card). A work around (please try this on your on risk) is to (information was provided by Adaptec's technical support December 18, 1998, samr1299):

Rename the following files: WNASPI32.DLL, WINAPI.DLL, ASPIENUM.VXD and APIX.VXD.

Then run aspi32.exe to upgrade.

At the moment we have successfully tested the following SCSI cards.

Adaptec 1505

Adaptec 1510

Adaptec PC-Card 1450B

You are welcome to contact us in order to get an updated list of tested SCSI cards or to add your card to the list.

It seems like Advansys SCSI cards/adapters don't handle SCSI Sample Dump communication correctly.

Performance

It is not necessary to purchase the most expensive SCSI adapter. Even the cheapest Adaptec SCSI adapter (1505) have proven to work very well. There has not been any difference in speed with the adapters we have tested. Transferring from Zero-X to a Peavey SP will give you a transfer rate of approximately > 1Mb/s or 0.15 MB/s (even on a Pentium 75MHz). So, 1MB (mega byte) is transferred in about 6 seconds. It may not sound that impressive if you take a look at the SCSI specifications (they measures only raw data transfer which never is the case in "real life") but compare it to MIDI Sample Dump and you will realize how great it actually is (and how bad MIDI Sample Dump is...).

Is SMDI the same as SCSI Sample Dump?

Yes and no!

SMDI is just one out of several SCSI Sample Dump protocols. For instance AKAI has one, Ensoniq has another and Roland has a third. They are all very different from each other.

SMDI is the best documented (hey, everything is relative!) and most modern SCSI Sample Dump protocol. It was designed by Peavey when they were developing their sample player SP. Their intention was to create a standard SCSI Sample Dump protocol for other sampler manufacturer to implement as well. Today we can see that they managed pretty good, as both Kurzweil, EMU and Yamaha have implemented SMDI support in their modern samplers.

PS, SMDI is short for SCSI Musical Data Interchange and it's pronounced SMIDI.

Tips & Trouble shooting

First check if the SCSI device can be found by using any other SCSI program. Even better is to test with another SCSI Sample Dump program.

Always turn off the power when connecting/disconnecting SCSI devices.

Never turn off connected SCSI devices while the computer/sampler is running. This may hang the SCSI bus and lead to unwanted consequences when accessing other SCSI devices.

Never ever use the SCSI bus for two or more different tasks at the same time. For instance never save to a hard disk while using SCSI sample Dump. Never load from two SCSI devices at the same time. Even if the SCSI specification is supposed to handle this very few samplers supports it and the consequences can be critical.

Rumors says that Windows may harm any connected non PC formatted SCSI disk while starting up and running. We have neither experienced this nor head about anyone who has. Still if you are using a removable storage system for your sampler, it may be a good idea not to insert the disk until the PC is up and running.

Start up sequence (this may differ from system to system but the following is usually is the best method):
First start up all SCSI devices, such has CD-ROM, hard disks etc.
Then start the sampler.
Finally start the computer.
On some samplers you need to Mount the SCSI devices after everything has been started.

Make absolutely sure all SCSI devices uses different SCSI IDs.

Both ends of the SCSI line must be terminated. Sometimes this is an option in the sampler.

A very common reason why SCSI Sample Dump does not work is that the sampler has not been updated to the latest operative system (OS). Make sure that the OS version you have in your sampler actually supports SCSI Sample Dump via SMDI. Contact your local music dealer for more information.

Only use high quality SCSI cables

Keep the SCSI line short, very short!.

If nothing works, try disconnecting everything but the sampler and the computer. Start up the sampler first and then the computer.

If the SCSI transfer starts to work worse and worse, turn everything off and start it up again.

If you receive SCSI Time-out on your sampler and you find this to be a problem, switch off AutoInfo and AutoScan.


SCSI Transfer
SCSI Transfer & Configuration dialog

Detailed information, tips and trouble shooting on SCSI Sample Dump

When entering this dialog the following happens

1.	A list of installed ASPI adapters is created

2.	The SCSI bus of the default adapter is scanned for connected SCSI devices to create a list of these.

3.	The samples of the default sampler is scanned to create a sample name list/catalogue,
(only if the AutoScan option is checked)

If your sampler is not listed in the device list you have probably not selected the correct adapter.

The names in the adapter list may seem a bit odd. For instance, adaptec cards are usually called "Sparrow". It is also common that the EDI adapter is listed. This is because several EDI adapters supports the ASPI protocol.

When you select an adapter, the same procedure as when you enter the dialog is proceeded.

Jump start

SCSI Receive - Jump start

1.	Select New from the toolbar or the File menu.

2.	Make sure the sample are loaded in the sampler.

3.	Select SCSI Transfer from the Tools menu.

4.	Select your sampler in the Device list. If it is not listed, change adapter in the Adapter list.
If it is still not listed see Detailed information, tips and trouble shooting on SCSI Sample Dump

5.	Select your sampler from the Sampler list. If it is not listed and you are sure it supports SMDI, select Generic SMDI.

6.	Use the Sample list to select the sample number/name you wish to receive.

7.	Select Receive

8.	If it was received OK, select Close

SCSI Send - Jump start

1.	Load or Receive the sample you wish to send

2.	Select SCSI Transfer from the Tools menu.

3.	Select your sampler in the Device list. If it is not listed, change adapter in the Adapter list.
If it is still not listed see Detailed information, tips and trouble shooting on SCSI Sample Dump

4.	Select your sampler from the Sampler list. If it is not listed and you are sure it supports SMDI, select Generic SMDI.

5.	Use the Sample list to select the sample number/name you wish to send to.

6.	You can either select an empty or an occupied location. If you select an occupied, that sample will be overwritten.

7.	Select Send

8.	If it was sent OK, select Close

Additional information

Adapter list

This is a list of installed ASPI compatible adapters in your computer, not installed SCSI adapters. So, if your IDE devices support ASPI (several do) you will not only see your SCSI adapter but also your IDE adapter.

You may not be familiar with the names in the list. For instance an adaptec SCSI adapter is usually shown as "sparrow".

When you select an adapter, Zero-X will rescan the SCSI bus for connected SCSI devices. If it finds a processor device (i.e. a sampler) if will also try to scan its loaded samples to create the number/name list.

Device list

This is a list of connected devices to the selected Adapter.

Sampler list

This is a list of supported samplers. If you can not find your sampler in the list but you are sure it supports SMDI, then select "SMDI Generic".

Sample list

To make it easier for you to select what sample number to send to and receive from Zero-X scans the sampler and builds a list number/name list of the loaded samples. See AutoScan , Scan Names and Range and for more information.

Scan Names

To update the Sample list, for instance if you have loaded samples in your sampler, select Re-Scan Names. See Sample list and Range for more information.

AutoScan

If set, the sample list will automatically be updated to view the name of the samples (not just the number). On some samplers this may cause the sampler to wait for a time-out (for instance EMU). On some samplers this is critical but on some it does not matter at all (all you have to do is to press OK/Yes now and then on the sampler). Bottom line, if your sampler operates fine with this option set keep it on, if not switch it off. See also AutoInfo.

AutoInfo

If set, information on the selected sample will be requested and displayed in the info area. On some samplers this may cause the sampler to wait for a time-out (for instance EMU). On some samplers this is critical (E64) but on some it does not matter at all (ESi), all you may have to do is to press OK/Yes now and then on the sampler. Bottom line, if your sampler operates fine with this option set keep it on, if not switch it off. See also AutoScan.

Range

Scanning the sampler to create the number/name list takes time. To minimize this time you may set the range of the sample number you are working with. It may also be useful to alter the range settings if your sampler may not support sample no. 0 (EMU) or perhaps starts at sample no. 200 (because it has presets using up lower sample numbers). Those samples outside of the Range may still be reached (if the sampler permittes that) but their name wont be scanned for. Scanning a hundred names or so takes about a second or two, but scanning a thousand names usually takes a while.

Default is Low 0, High 99.

Offset

Some samplers (pretty unusual) do not agree with the SMDI specification on what number is what. For instance some samplers thinks that sample number 0 is actually sample number 1. Use the offset to adjust to your sampler.

Default is 0.

Place

EMU ESi/EOS supports the additional SMDI functionality to place the sample at any key on the keyboard.

Low means the lowest key, Org mean unity, i.e. no pitch, position and High means the highest key.

Place is only supported on Send, not on Receive.

Note that you have to create the preset manually on the EMU sampler. You can send several samples to the same preset as long as the place key do not overlap.

Edit Name

Before Sending a sample you may edit its name. Only the sampler will be aware of the new name, i.e. you wont change the name of the sample in Zero-X.

Information console

This console is used for several tasks.

When transferring samples it displays transfer status.

When you select a sample from the sample list, basic information about it is displayed.

Send

After sending a sample Zero-X will re-scan the sampler to update its number/name list. With some samplers this may generate an error message "Failed to scan names" (or similar). This is nothing to worry about, just click OK and then manually select "Scan Names".


Stereo

Stereo samples are treated slightly differently on some functions.

In general most functions operates on the selected channel (left, right or both).

See Selection on how to select a channel.

Some functions always operates on both channels (SCSI Transfer, Load, Save, Cut, Truncate etc).

Some functions provides additional features on stereo samples:

Play

AutoSearch

Loop markers


Order

If you got bored by the limits of the demo version or just need another license, here is how to order.

Where

Zero-X Seamless Looper is initially sold on-line via secure transfer at our web site; http://surf.to/zero-x

Price

The price is US$40.

Cross upgrade from Zero-X for Atari is US$30 (only available for registered owners).

All minor upgrades are included in the price.

Methods of Payment

Credit cards via secure transfer is supported via our site (see above).

If you prefer bank cheque or cash, send that to:

Peter Segerdahl

Övre Husargatan 17

413 14 Gothenburg

Sweden

What you get

You will receive the program via e-mail.

In order to save the environment and to keep the price as low as possible, no box, CD, diskette or manual (use the frequently updated help file instead) will be sent.


AutoSearch Batch

See AutoSearch for information on what AutoSearch is.

AutoSearch Batch is probably the most time saving function in this program and yet so easy to use. It loads and starts an AutoSearch on any number of files automatically and at the same time. All you have to do is to multi select the files, lean backward and relax!

You have the option to specify the area/selection where AutoSearch should search.

When you press the AutoSearch button, one by one the files will be loaded and an AutoSearch will be started in each of them. As it is true multitasking all samples will be searched in at the same time. You may even minimize the windows and work on another sample at the same time.


SCSI_Transfer_Batch
SCSI Transfer Batch

See SCSI Transfer & Configuration for detailed information on that.

SCSI Transfer Batch sends multiple files to the current sampler. Current sampler is selected in SCSI Configuration & Transfer.

What sampler, device and adapter you have selected is shown in the dialog.

Jump start

1.	Select SCSI Transfer Batch from the Tools menu (if it is not available, press New and try again).

2.	Multi select (using windows standard) the files you want to send in the file open dialog. Select Open.

3.	The SCSI Send Batch dialog shows the files you selected and the current sampler.
Enter sample number you would like to start sending to. For each sent sample this number will be increased by one.

4.	Select Send. The samples will be loaded and sent one by one.

Additional information

Note that, place parameters are only available if your sampler supports SMDI Key Place (EMU).

Low, Org, High (Place)

Select where you want the sample to be placed on the keyboard.

Increase Key (Place)

Ideal for automatically place non pitched samples (drums, drum loops, fx and such) at individual keys over the keyboard.

If selected:

1.	Each sample will be placed at one key only, Low and High will be equal to Org key.

2.	For each sent sample, Org key will be increased by one (and so will Low and High key).

Prompt for next sample

Useful if you wish to change a setting in the sampler between each sent sample. For instance, you may want to create a new preset or change the place settings in the sampler.

If selected, it will wait (prompt) for you to press OK or Cancel between each sent sample.

Samples Transfer order

This is not only a list of the selected samples, it also shows in what order they will be sent. If you like to change the order, simply drag and drop the files up or down in the list. The selected sample is shown without the path, below the list. This is to be able to see what sample you select in case of the path is longer than the list is wide.


Multi Selection

Several tools in Zero-X Seamless Looper supports multiple selection of files. Multiple selection of files means that you can select many files (i.e. not only one) in the file dialog. Multiple files are selected according to the windows standards (Ctrl+left mouse key or Shift+left mouse key).

Multiple file selection is supported in:

File Open

AutoSearch Batch

SCSI Send Batch


Normalize on Open

An option that can be reached from the Settings - Open menu.

When selected it will automatically normalize the sample to 0dB on open.

See also Normalize.


Save settings

Truncate after loop end

If marked, no sample data after loop end will be saved to file.

Save loop info

If marked, no loop marker information (no smpl chunk) will be saved in the wave file. Usually this setting should be marked (on) but some programs (for instance GrooveMaker) requires a wave file with no loop marker info and to create such a file you need to switch it off.


SoundFont 2

You may extract/load samples from soundfont2 (sf2) files.

As an sf2 file usually contains of multiple samples, when opening it, Zero-X displays all samples in a list. You may select and preview any sample(s) from this list. Note that multiselection in the list is supported on open.

Stereo samples

In case of stereo samples, the only left sample will be displayed in the list. When opening it, both channels will automatically be loaded and a stereo file will be created.

Preview

It's the sample that has focus that is previewed. Focus is set to the last selected sample but can be altered by pressing the cursor (arrow) keys. Note that if you change focus using the cursor keys you don't alter your selection.

It's recommended is to preview sample using the alternate key short cut "Alt+w". This way you don't change focus from the list to the preview button.

The preview is always unlooped. So, if the sample is very short you may not hear anything on preview.

In case of a stereo sample, only the left channel will be previewed (as only the left sample is present in the list).