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MIDI QUEST TUTORIAL =================== Thank you for your interest in MIDI QUEST. For additional information you can contact Sound Quest by phone, mail, or through our BBS at: Sales : (416) 322-6434 US 800 : (800) 387-8720 Support : (416) 234-0347 BBS : (416) 234-0558 The suggested list price of MIDI QUEST is: $250.00US/$300.00Cdn - for PC/XT/AT, AMIGA, ATARI ST MIDI QUEST $300.00US/$350.00Cdn - for MS Windows MIDI QUEST Welcome to MIDI QUEST, Sound Quest's Universal Editor/Librarian. This tutorial is drawn largely from the MIDI QUEST manual. We have included a number of sample data files, Drivers, and Templates from the M1, D-10, K1, and Proteus. These files will allow you to view MIDI QUEST through these instruments and to communicate with any of these instruments if you own one or more of them. The Support List file contains the Instruments supported by Sound Quest as of the date in that file. NOTE: the demo version of MIDI QUEST is a completely functional version with the exceptions that saving of data files is disabled and there is a timer which stops the execution of the program after 15 minutes. System Requirements ------------------- PC/XT/AT DOS Requirements: -------------------------- PC/XT/AT/PS2/C1 compatible computer 640K memory Graphics video card (all major cards, see Appendix X) DOS 2.1 or higher (version 5.0 suggested) Roland MPU or compatible or KEY MIDI interface Hard drive MicroSoft, Logitech, compatible mouse (strongly suggested) Minimum 550K-560K free DOS memory Note 1: MIDI QUEST is an extremely large program and the DOS version does not access expanded or extended memory. Therefore, you need to have as much free DOS memory as possible. To determine how much free memory is available, run a program called CHKDSK. It comes with DOS and should be found in your computer's DOS directory. Running the CHKDSK automatically generates hard drive status information. The amount of free DOS memory is the final information displayed. Note 2: Set up your computer system so that at least 550-560K memory is free. If your computer has more than 640K of memory, we suggest you use DOS 5.0. DOS 5.0 increases the amount of free DOS memory by allowing you to place utilities in upper memory. If you are still running out of memory, we strongly recommend youupgrade to the Windows version in order to access all of your computer's memory. MS Windows Requirements: ------------------------ 286/386/486 computer 2 Meg memory (suggested, 1 Meg minimum memory) Microsoft Windows 3.0 in Standard Mode (start with WIN /S) Roland MPU or compatible interface Hard drive Mouse Note: While we recommend running MIDI QUEST in Standard mode, many users have successfully run the program in 386 (enhanced) mode. To do so, set both the MPU interface and MIDI QUEST to interrupt 7. MIDI QUEST will not run on INT 2 or 9. To start MIDI QUEST (non MS Windows): ------------------------------------- 1. Run the mouse driver (if you have one) MOUSE<RETURN> 2. Log into MIDI QUEST directory CD \\MQUEST<RETURN> 3. C1 only - run CAPI from YAMAHA DOS disk 4. Enter MQ<RETURN> The first time MIDI QUEST is run, you will be prompted to enter: 1. Computer/interface type (0 = MPU/compatible, 1 = C1, 2 = KEY) 2. Video graphics card type (see Appendix X) 3. MPU interrupt #(if an MPU compatible interface is being used) 4. MPU address (if an MPU compatible interface is being used). 5. This information is stored in a file called "MQUEST.CFG". Ifthe system should lock up, reboot the computer, delete MQUEST.CFGand retry. 6. To start MIDI QUEST for Windows: 1. Run MS Windows from DOS in standard mode (WIN /s) 2. Install MIDI QUEST using Windows Setup program in `Main' 3. If you are using VGA or SVGA monitors: 3A. Double click on `Main' Program Group to open it 3B. Double click on `Control Panel' to start program 3C. Double click on `Fonts' to display installed fonts 3D. Select `Add' to add a new font 3E. A file selector will appear. Use to move into MQUEST directory 3F. Double click on `egaoem.fon' 3G. Click on `OK' to close the `Fonts' program 4. Double click on MIDI QUEST to start Three parameters can be set from the Windows command line, MPU INTerrupt #, MPU address, and interface type. To set these parameters access MIDI QUEST's command line by clicking once on the MIDI QUEST icon and selecting "Files/Properties..." in the Program Manager. To alter a parameter, append the appropriate commands to the command line after MQUEST.EXE. Separate each option with a space. The following commands are available: Computer/Interface Type - Cn, where n = 0 for MPU (default), n = 3 for MQX-32 MPU INTerrupt - In where n = 3-7, 9 (default = 9) MPU Address - An where n = 0 - 7 to create addresses 3n0H (300H - 370H) defaults - I0 I9 A3 For example: MQUEST.EXE C3 I7 A0 selects an MQX-32 interface, on INTerrupt 7, with address 300H. Building a Driver List for DOS or MS Windows -------------------------------------------- MIDI QUEST will look for a driver list each time it is loaded. If it finds one, it will load all the drivers in the list. Otherwise (as in the first time MIDI QUEST is run), create a driver list by executing the following steps: 1. Reply `Yes' to MIDI QUEST's request to build a driver list. 2. The computer will build a driver list with installed drivers. 3. Reply `Yes' to MIDI QUEST's request to save the driver list. With a driver list for your instruments, you are now ready for the tutorial. Introduction ------------ MIDI QUEST is an advanced development and organizational tool for the demanding musician. Use MIDI QUEST to edit, reorganize, and generate new sounds and System Exclusive information. Its comprehensive Data Base and Library facilities make storage and access to SysX information fast and easy. MIDI QUEST's extensive music performance features allow you to hear sounds as you develop them. You may also audition different sounds for any particular instrumental part in a musical sequence. MIDI QUEST's list of supported instruments is constantly expanding so it is not published in this manual. Instead, the file "Support.doc" contains a list of all supported instruments. For the latest listing of supported instruments, contact the Sound Quest BBS. MIDI QUEST is composed of six integrated tools, but it is one program. This means you can work with several tools at once using the same information in different ways. The size tools are: The Universal Librarian The Universal Editor The Database The Library The Sound Checker The Driver Creator and File Conversion Utilities The Universal Librarian ----------------------- The Universal Librarian is used to store and retrieve sounds and other data from your instruments. The Universal Librarian features: Fully configurable MIDI drivers Automated patch bay switching MIDI Thru rechannelization (on most systems) Load/save one file or entire MIDI setup in one pass `Fast Tips' help Support for multiple MIDI ports (where available) The Universal Editor -------------------- The Universal Editor features both bank and patch editors. Use Bank Editors to edit or rearrange banks of sounds and other banks of data. Also, create new banks of Sounds using randomization. Bank Editors feature: Copy, Paste, and Swap patches within a bank or between banks Shift a group of patches up and down or invert their order Display or Restore original patches Rename individual patches Blend sounds three ways: Mix, Mix All, and Blend Edit patches directly from Patch Banks Audition individual patches directly from a bank Use the Patch Editors to edit sounds and other patch data. MIDI QUEST's Patch Editors can be used to graphically edit your instrument's entire range of data. Patch Editors feature: Full graphic editing including Graphic Envelopes Individual parameter (or any group of parameters) randomization Direct numeric entry (including graphically displayed parameters) Temporary buffers store partially complete work `Fast Tips' help Copy and Paste parameters between patches or in a patch Move individual patches in and out of banks The Data Base ------------- Data Bases are used to group any number of data files together. For instance, a Data Base can store all of the data from one instrument (ie. DX patches) in one file rather than in many different files. Another Data Base can be used to store a system configuration for a particular piece or set of music. The data can then be sent directly to your instruments. Data Bases feature: Store entire instrument setup in Data Base for quick loading Sort Data Base by Manufacturer, Instrument, File Size, Time, or File Name Grab and Drag data into any desired order The Library ----------- The Library is used to store collections of sounds from a particular instrument in one place for easy access. Use the Library's extensive selection capabilities to find particular types of sounds. PC users: the Library is not found in the regular PC version but is available in the MS Windows version. The Library features: Store as many patches in Library as desired (limited only by available RAM) Sort Library by Name, Notes, Comments Choose files using extensive criteria: Duplicates, Similarity, Keys, Name Grab and Drag patches into any order Move patches between Libraries or Data Bases quickly and easily Automatically build new banks Automatically move Patch Banks into Library Build multiple Libraries The Sound Checker ----------------- The Sound Checker is a collection of windows used to generate individual notes, chords, arpeggios. It also plays standard MIDI files. This provides a powerful music generating environment which can be used to test whatever instrument data you are working on. It's no longer necessary to return to a sequencer to see if 'it's right'. The Sound Checker features MIDI Standard File (type 0 & 1) Sequence Player - load and play any 1 of 10 standard MIDI file sequences created by your sequencer MIDI Monitor - monitor MIDI events received by the computer either graphically or numerically, or monitor the output of the MIDI Sequence Player MIDI Controller Window - generate any type of MIDI command Tones Window - setup chords or arpeggios for the Right Mouse Button (RMB) The Driver Creator and File Conversion Windows ---------------------------------------------- The Driver Creator and File Conversion Windows are designed for the technically oriented. The Driver Creator Window is used to define MIDI drivers for new instruments. Synthesizers requiring only a dump request can be set up with a few simple entries. The Sound Quest macro language will assist you to set up more complex MIDI I/O quickly and efficiently. The File Conversion Window is used to convert files saved by other companys' editor/librarian packages into MIDI QUEST format files. Using the Tools Together ------------------------ MIDI QUEST is composed of six integrated tools, but it is one program. This means you can work with several tools at once, using the same information in different ways. For example, use the Universal Librarian to store and retrieve patches. Use the Universal Editor to organize, modify or randomize them. Use the Data Base Window to group the sounds or data files into convenient setups. When you find an instrument which is not currently supported by MIDI QUEST, use the Driver Creator to build drivers. A SysX dump from the instrument can be viewed in the SysX View Window to assist your analysis. Getting Started --------------- The purpose of this tutorial is to cover the basic and most commonly used features of MIDI QUEST: the loading, saving, and editing of patches and banks. If you have not installed and run MIDI QUEST, return to the "Installation" chapter and follow the steps described there. Manual Conventions-Selection/Menu Selection/Keyboard Equivalents ---------------------------------------------------------------- Throughout this manual, selections from the program's menus are denoted as follows: "choose "Files/Open" [O]". This denotation instructs you to display the "Files" menu strip and choose "Open" from it. PC and ATARI users: to display the menus, point the mouse to the top line of the screen and the menus will automatically drop down. For menus which have keyboard equivalents, the key equivalent will be displayed in square brackets. In the above example, [O] instructs you to hold down the menu select key and choose O. This will execute the "Files/Open" function. The menu select key is as follows: PC - ALT; MAC - Apple; AMIGA - right AMIGA; ATARI - ALT; Windows - there are currently no key equivalents for windows. To "Select" an item, point the mouse over the item and click once with the (left) mouse button. "Files" represents the contents of directories, drawers, or folders. A Mac "Dialog" may be referred to as a Requester. The ALT key on a Mac is the "Option" key. Connecting Your MIDI Cables --------------------------- To receive data from your instrument, MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports must be connected as follows: Computer MIDI IN <-------> Instrument #1 MIDI OUT Computer MIDI OUT <-------> Instrument #1 MIDI IN (The computer's MIDI IN port must be connected to the instrument's MIDI OUT port. The computer's MIDI OUT port must be connected to the instrument's MIDI IN port.) Those who plan to use MIDI QUEST with more than one instrument, but no patch bay, must reconnect their MIDI cables each time data is collected from a different instrument. Those with a MIDI patch bay can easily set up MIDI QUEST to automatically connect the computer to the correct instrument. Patch Bay Note: The tutorial assumes you are not using a patchbay. If you are, we recommend that you connect the computer directly to an instrument until you are comfortable with MIDI QUEST. JLCooper Patch Bay Warning: Due to software bugs within the MSB v1.0 patch bay, we do not recommend its use with MIDI QUEST. The Rev 2.0 patch bay does work properly. Roland A-880 Patch Bay Warning: EARLY versions of the Roland A-880 patch bay have a bug which causes the A-880 to stop responding to patch change commands after SysX data has been transmitted through it. The current version of the A-880 works properly and ROM upgrades are available. Is MIDI QUEST Ready? -------------------- If you have correctly followed the steps in the "Installation" chapter and have connected the MIDI cables correctly, you are now ready to load data from your instrument. If MIDI QUEST is ready, a window will be open in the upper left corner of the screen. This window is called the "Driver List" Window. The Driver List Window is used to load data from an instrument into MIDI QUEST. The window lists the types of data which can be loaded from your instrument. Each of the entries in the list is called a "Driver". Drivers control MIDI communication between MIDI QUEST and your instruments. There are no Drivers in the Driver List If the Driver List Window is empty or incomplete, you have either (1) not installed all your instruments during the installation procedure or (2) not loaded all instrument drivers into MIDI QUEST. To determine whether you have installed your instruments, exit the program ("Files/Quit") and view the contents of the INSTR(UMENTS) directory/folder of your disk. The directory/folder should contain a list of installed instruments. If there are no instruments or the list is incomplete, re-run the installation procedure. Otherwise, (1) re-run the program, (2) click on the Driver List Window (to ensure it is active), (3) display the Driver List menu (PC/Atari users: to access the menus, point to the top line of the screen) and (4) choose "Drivers/Build Driver List". (5) When prompted to save the new driver list, select "Yes". There should now be a complete list of drivers in your Driver List Window. Selecting a Driver and Setting Driver Parameters ------------------------------------------------ The first type of data to load will be a bank. Select a driver from the Driver List Window for the bank you wish to load. To select the driver, select (ie. click the left mouse button) on the driver name and it will invert. Note: It is best to choosethe bank driver which defines an instrument's sounds. This is often a Patch Bank, ie. Kawai K1 Patch Bank, VFX Preset Bank, Emu Proteus Preset Bank, Roland D-50 Patch Bank, Roland D-10 Tone Bank. It may now be necessary to adjust driver parameters to match the instrument's settings. Choose "Drivers/Fast Tips" [H] to display instrument specific information. Fast Tips provides special instructions on setting up your instrument for correct communication. Take note of this information and make any changes necessary to your instrument. For certain instruments, you must adjust the instrument to receive System Exclusive (SysX) messages. Make sure you follow the instructions in the Fast Tips help. Each driver in the driver list has up to six programmable parameters depending on your computer system: Communication Channel, MIDI Channel, Port In, Port Out, Patch # and Ctl #. Set the Communication Channel ----------------------------- The "Comm(unication) Ch(annel)" is the channel on which your instrument communicates SysX data. (1) Choose "Drivers/Fast Tips" [H] for instructions on determining your instrument's "Comm Ch". (2) Following the instructions in the Fast Tips help, find the "Comm Ch" to which your instrument is set. (3) Click on the "Comm Ch" and hold the mouse button down. (4) Drag the mouse left/right to match the "Comm Ch" to the instrument. Note: This parameter is disabled on instruments where no channel is used for transferring SysX data. In this case proceed to the next step. Set the MIDI Channel -------------------- The "MIDI Ch(annel)" is NOT used for transferring data between the instrument and computer. It is used for auditioning and developing sounds. In most instances, this parameter should be set to the instrument's basic MIDI channel. For Roland multi-part equipment, the MIDI channel used should be the same as that for part #1 of the instrument. To set the "MIDI Ch", (1) click on the "MIDI Ch" and hold the mouse button down. (2) Drag the mouse left/right to match the "MIDI Ch" to the instrument. Set the Port I/O ---------------- The Port I/O parameters are used only by the MAC and Yamaha C1. They determine the ports to which the instrument is connected. To set the "Port I/O", (1) click on the Port I(Nput)". (2) Drag the mouse left/right to set the input port to that used by the instrument. (3) click on the "Port O(UTput)". (4) Drag the mouse left/right to set the output port to that used by the instrument.Note: these parameters are disabled on other systems. Proceed to the next step. Set the Patch # --------------- The Patch # is used to select one item from a range of possibilities. For example, the "Casio CZ Patch" driver can be used to load 1 of up to 32 different patches. The Patch # selects which patch is loaded. To set the "Patch #", (1) click on the "Pch #". (2) Drag the mouse left/right to select the patch you wish to load. Note: this parameter is only available on some instrument drivers. Set the Cntrl # --------------- The Ctl # is used to automate control of your patch bay. For the duration of the tutorial, we suggest you connect your instruments directly to your computer. For information on controlling your patch bay, see the "Driver List" chapter. Loading a Bank from an Instrument --------------------------------- If you have followed the above steps correctly, you should now be ready to load and display a patch bank from an instrument. The driver is already highlighted. Select `Edit' at the top of the Driver List Window. MIDI QUEST will request most instruments to dump data. The data will appear in a Bank Editor Window. If the data does not appear, follow the special instructions provided by the Driver's Fast Tips. If the MIDI I/O Window remains open with `Wait' active, the instrument has not responded. This is usually because: (1) the computer and instrument MIDI cables are not properly connected. (2) The driver's Communication Channel driver does not match the instrument's channel. (3) The instrument is currently ignoring SysX dump requests (the instrument's SysX switch must be enabled - read Fast Tips). (4) PC users: the interrupt selected when first starting MIDI QUEST does not match the actual interrupt used by the MPU compatible hardware. If an error message appears, check the "Common Errors" chapter of the manual and Fast Tips for any additional information. PC Users: if you get a "SysX missing Bytes" error message while attempting to load data, try choosing "Special/MPU Dumb Receive". Now retry the dump. If the dump works, choose "Options/Save Preferences" to save the setting. Set Remaining Drivers and Save Your Driver List ----------------------------------------------- Now that you have successfully communicated with one instrument, we suggest you return to the driver list and set up all remaining drivers. Save the list by (1) clicking on the Driver List Window to activate it, (2) choosing "Files/Save" [S]. Next time you use MIDI QUEST, your Driver List will be ready. See the "Driver List" chapter for more information. Sending a Bank to an Instrument ------------------------------- To send a bank (or other data in a window) back to an instrument, (1) click the mouse anywhere in the Bank Editor Window (this activates the window). (2) Choose "Files/Data to Instrument" [M]. Saving a Bank to Disk --------------------- To save a bank to disk, (1) click on the Bank Editor Window (this activates the window). (2) Choose "Files/Save As..." [A]. (3) Use the File Selector to name the Bank. (4) Select `Ok' or `Save'. Note: The MAC, ATARI ST, and WINDOWS versions each use their own Standard File Selector for saving data. The AMIGA and PC (and optionally the ATARI ST) use Sound Quest's File Selector. Loading the Bank from Disk -------------------------- You may open as many windows as memory will permit. To load the saved bank from disk into memory, (1) choose "Tools/Open Editor from Disk". (2) Use the File Selector to select a bank. (3) Select `Ok' or `Open'. Auditioning a Patch in a Bank ----------------------------- To audition sounds in the bank, (1) click once on a patch in a bank. (2) To hear the sound played, click again on the same patch. This is a very easy way to hear different sounds in the bank. If no sound is heard, or another instrument is played, the `MIDI Ch(annel)' is not correctly set. To change the Bank's MIDI Channel, (1) choose "Bank Edit/Update". This displays the data's default settings. (2) Select the channel beside `MIDI', delete it, and enter your instrument's MIDI Channel. (3) Press <RETURN> (You MUST do this to enter the new channel). (4) Select `Exit' to return to editing. (5) Click twice on the patch to audition. Creating new Patches with Mix All --------------------------------- To create a new bank of sounds, (1) hold down the SHIFT (PC ALT) key and select two or more patches to mix. (2) Choose "BankEdit/Mix All" [.]. (3) The cursor becomes a `Wait' icon. (4) MIDI QUEST creates a new bank of patches and displays them on screen. The length of time taken to perform this function will depend on the size of each new patch being created and the speed of your computer. On a slow system with large data, a new bank can take several minutes. Usually only 30 - 40 seconds are required. Note: read the "Bank Editor" chapter before using `Mix' and `Blend'. Swap a Patch with a Patch in Another Bank ----------------------------------------- If you have followed the previous instructions, there should be at least two banks on the screen. To swap two patches between banks, (1) select a source patch. (2) Hold down the mouse button. (3) Drag the mouse over a patch in the destination bank. (4) Release the mouse. AMIGA Users only: for the swap to be successful, there must be no other window underneath the destination bank. Swap a Patch in the Same Bank ----------------------------- To swap two patches in the same bank, (1) hold down the SHIFT and ALT (PC ALT & CNTRL) keys. (2) Select the source patch. (3) Hold down the mouse button and drag the mouse over the destination patch. (4) Release the mouse. Edit a Patch in a Bank ---------------------- To edit a patch in the bank, (1) select the patch you wish edit. (2) Choose "Bank Edit/Edit" [E]. This opens the individual editor for the selected patch. If an error message is displayed, please read the "Bank Editor" chapter. Patch parameters can be edited in any one of the following three ways. (1) Click the mouse on the parameter you wish to edit and drag the mouse left/right. (2) Click the mouse on the parameter you wish to edit. Type in the desired value from the numbers across the top of the keyboard. Press <RETURN>. (3) Click the mouse on the parameter you wish to edit. Use the `<' and `>' keys to incrementally change the value of the parameter. Special Notes on MIDI QUEST --------------------------- This tutorial covers just a small portion of the capabilities of MIDI QUEST. The manual continues to provide step-by-step instructions on using MIDI QUEST. During operations, MIDI QUEST uses an adjustable second menu strip. The contents of the second menu strip depends on which window is currently active. When the Driver List Window is activated, a `Drivers' menu is displayed. When the Bank EditorWindow is activated, a `Bank Edit' menu is displayed. An activated Data Base Window displays a `Data Base' menu, and so on. The options found in each of these menus are unique to the particular type of menu.