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GFMUSIC
COPYRIGHT (C) 1988 GERALD H. FELDERMAN TAMPA, FL.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Release 2.0
June 1, 1988
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COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Dedicated to Barbara, Leah, and Matthew
for their support and understanding.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
S T O P
S T O P
READ THIS
Before you go any further, it is absolutely necessary that you
understand the following :
It is possible to use GFMUSIC as a simple multi-track tape
recorder. However, it is much, much more than that.
It is a full featured and rather sophisticated sequencer.
Experience has shown that it is unlikely that one would be able
to simply start the program and begin using it effectively right
away.
You are going to want a Sequencer that will meet your needs for
some time to come. One that has the features you will need in
the long run. A good sequencer with alot of power and features
takes some time to learn but will serve you well for a long time.
It is important to build a "relationship" with a powerful
sequencer and first impressions are important.
The point is, it will take a little time to become effective with
this, or any sequencer of equal capability. If you are familiar
with Dr. T's KCS, you are most of the way there already because
for both sequencers, the approach to sequencing is similar. If
not, you will (if you are a little patient) be pleasantly
surprised. However, the most productive way to learn is the
following:
1. Before you do anything, read the manual at least once, very
carefully and thoughtfully before you ever 'fire up' the
program.
2. Next, go thru the manual slowly and carefully following
along with the exercises.
The manual is tutorial in style and is primarily a teaching aid.
It will step you thru all of the features of GFMUSIC as well as
it's operational principles. It also serves as a reference via
the index and table of contents. The manual is over 100 pages
in length and it will take you some time to do the above. Plan
on spending at least 3 hours for the first reading and about 10
to 20 hours over the course of at least a week for the tutorial
(less for those familiar with Dr. T's). And then, after using
GFMUSIC for a week or so, come back to the manual and read it
again. I promise you, it will be time well spent.
While you are going thru the manual, contemplate how you might
use the features for your own composition/arrangement/performing.
The manual is distributed on disk for you to print. This greatly
reduces costs, which help to keep the price low. But the
information is there (even if the glossy covers are not).
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
After making a backup copy of the GFMUSIC diskettes, make sure
that you save the originals with the labels intact. You may need
them to obtain replacements and/or discounts on further products.
Finally, this sequencer is the result of MANY hours of labor.
Software is not free. It is the result of someone's effort. I
appeal to your sense of fairness in how you treat this product.
You can use a wagon with little or no training. Flying a cargo
jet is somewhat different. But once you learn ...........
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
LEARNING CHECKLIST
Speaking of learning, come back to these pages as often as needed.
It is a simple list of features that you can use to check
yourself on your understanding and awareness of features and
principles. Skip this the first time thru the manual.
Do you understand about .....
How to get HELP (ESC then H)
Control Sequences
- How they are used
- Sequences starting sequences
- with and without waiting
Play/Record
- How to get HELP (ESC then H)
- Difference between LOAD MODE and Play/Record Mode.
- How to get from LOAD MODE to Play/Record Mode
- Getting from Play/Record to LOAD MODE (ESC/ESC)
- Loading or Starting a sequence via its Play Key
- Use, limitations, of Metronome.
Creating your own Metronome sequence.
- Putting a sequence into its last Repeat via
^PLAY KEY.
- MUTE and SOLO and how to use.
- Setting with DEL and INS keys and PLAY KEY
- How to clear Mutes
- Transposing Pitch and Velocity from Computer during
play and how to invoke it ? How to Clear xposes ?
- What an "AFFECTED SEQUENCE" is and how it relates to
to Transposing.
- How to add a sequence to the "Affected List"
- How to delete a sequence from "Affected List"
- What a PLAY KEY is and how to assign it.
- From Process Recorded Data
- From Edit Profile
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
- SKIP to Measure from Load Mode
- How to set the SKIP Measure
- From Load Mode
- From Play/Record Mode
- How to Set SKIP to True or False
- Fast Forward
- How to Fast Forward
- How to cancel Fast Forward
- Changing Tempo from Computer Keyboard
- Use of Echo Channels
- Set via Option 12 from Main Menu
- 0=off, 1-16=Echo Chnl, Greater than 16 = As is
- Filters for
- Pitch Bend
- Control Change
- After Touch Channel and After Touch Poly
- How to Toggle them
- The Record Buffer
- How to reset to zero
- How to Process Record Buffer into a Sequence
- Pause via space bar
- Scrolling thru Play Key Assignments (PgUp/PgDn)
- What is on the Sequence Status Lines
- Sequence Name
- Wait/From
- REMaining Repeats/Loops
- MUTE
- VELocity
- PITch
- Midi Clocking
- Sequence of starting GFMUSIC and Drums
- When Clocking Internal
- When Clocking External
- Specifying via Option 12 of Main Menu
- Specifying Steps per Midi Clock
- How to get HELP (ESC then H)
- Maximum Concurrent Sequences is 16.
- Maximum Concurrent Notes is 32.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
EDIT
- How to get HELP (ESC then H)
- Order of evaluation of the Editor
- Events first, then Command Line
- Scrolling thru a sequence via
- PgUp and PgDn
- Positioning cursor on event to appear
at top/bottom of screen.
- TOP or BOT on Command Line
- using a Number on the Command Line
- The different Event types.
- Note On
- PROGram change
- BEND
- CTRL
- ATC and ATP
- * (Null Event)
- BPM, BPMUP, BPMDN for controlling Tempo
- ECHOON and ECHOOFF
- Sequence Start
- Without Waiting (no +)
- Waiting (with a +)
- Starting with VEL or NOTE transposes
- Effect of 'cascading' transpositions
- Concept of each event having a start TIME
relative to prior Event's Start TIME.
- DURation of Note On events.
- What the MEASure and STEP fields on the Edit
Screen mean ?
- What's on the Edit PROfile Screen and changing it.
- Sequence Name
- The Sequence's PLAY KEY
- REPEATS and what it means.
- DISREGARD XPOSE (for drum patterns mostly)
- How to get to the PROfile screen
- Edit Commands on the Command Line.
- Auto Correct Duration and/or Time
- Transpose Duration/Velocity/Note
- Expanding/Compressing Duration and/or Time
- SDT (Set Duration to Time)
- CHR for assigning channels
- Deleting or Erasing events and the difference
- Copying, Repeating, Inserting events
- SAVE, END, CANCEL
- PLAY from Edit
- PRO to get to Edit Profile
- The "?" in first position and why it's there
- Listing other sequences while in edit
- Using 9999 in place of last event number
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
TIMING
- Where to set (option 12 of Main Menu).
- Saved with Song
- What Steps per Measure Means and relationship
to MEAS and STEP on Edit screen.
- What Steps per Midi Clock Means
- Understand Midi Clocking
- External, Internal, and Off
- Beats per measure
- Beats per Minute
Miscellaneous
- Effective use of DOS Directories
- How to get a list of songs on disk
- How to get a list of Sequences for songs on disk
- How to LOAD a Song or Individual Sequence
- Free or Clear option of Load Song
- For Free...
- Duplicate Play keys and/or names
- Maintaining Sequence Start relationships
- Use for loading 'canned' sequences such
as drum patterns, bass lines, etc.
- How to Save a song or individual Sequence.
- Copying Sequences
- Copy
- Copy with replace
- Copy with append
- Merge
- How to Delete a sequence
- How to Print a sequence(s)
- Listing Sequences
- Obtaining Memory Statistics
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Section
-------------------------------------- -----------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, LEGALESE 0.
INSTALLATION 1.
GFMUSIC on Floppy Disk systems
Hard Disk Systems
Your Midi Interface - IRQs and Ports
Using a Ram Disk for better performance
Controller Keyboards and Sound Modules
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL 2.
INTRODUCTION 3.
GFMUSIC REQUIREMENTS AND FEATURES 4.
GETTING STARTED - PART A 5A.
Terms
Starting GFMUSIC
Using The Keyboard - Keys & Usage
The Echo Channel
The Play/Record Screen
Process Recorded Data
Tempo, Pause, Transpose
Mute/Solo, Force Remaining Repeats To 1
Skip to Measure and Fast Forward
Filters, Play Screen Keys and Usage
GETTING STARTED - PART B 5B.
Save Song
Load Song
Load Sequence
Save Sequence
Copy/Merge Sequence
Delete Sequence
Print Sequence(s)
Directory Songs
Directory Sequences
Memory Statistics
Using Side Kick like products
Future Features
MORE ON THE PLAY SCREEN 6.
***** CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE *****
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
EDIT - PART A 7A.
General
GFDEMO1 - How it was created
EDIT Operation - High Level
The Command Line and Commands
EVENTS and Edit-Detail
EDIT - PART B 7B.
MAIN CONTROLL - A Controll Sequence
BASS CONTROLL - Another Controll Sequence
CHORDS 1-12 - A Sequence With Notes
TEMPO CONTROLL - Using the BPM Events
The EDIT PROFILE Screen
TIMING 8
EDIT AGAIN - COMMANDS 9A.
EDIT AGAIN - EVENT TYPES 9B.
HINTS, TIPS, TROUBLESHOOTING 10
CUSTOMER RESPONSE FORM
INDEX
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Acknowledgements Section 0-1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dr. T's KCS is a product of Dr. T's Music Software.
MPU 401 is a trademark of Roland Corp.
IBM, PC-AT, PC-XT, and PC-DOS are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporatation.
Side Kick is a trademark of Borland International.
GFMUSIC was developed with TURBO PASCAL from Borland
International. In addition, a programmers toolkit available from
Music Quest Inc. was also used.
The executable file GFMUSIC.EXE contains run time routines that
are the property of Borland International and Music Quest Inc.
GFCONFIG.EXE contains run time routines that are the property of
Borland International.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Acknowledgements Section 0-2
WARRANTY
AND OTHER LEGALESE
The diskette(s) supplied with GFMUSIC is warranted to be free of
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 60 days. If
you experience a problem with the diskette in this period of
time, simply return it and GFMUSIC will refund or replace the
diskette at its option.
With respect to the GFMUSIC Sequencer. We guarantee that the
'Demo' version will operate exactly the same as the complete
version except that with the complete version, you will be able
to name your songs and be able to save all of the sequences up to
the limits of your disks and GFMUSIC. In fact, the 'demo'
version IS the complete version with the exception that the
password is not provided until you decide that the product is
truly what you want. If you decide to buy, we simply send you a
letter with the password for the diskette you already have. In
some cases, GFMUSIC demo disks are distributed by music stores
and other outlets. In these cases, ordering information can be
found in the READ.ME file on the demo disk. I.e. there is no
password for these disks and when you order, a new disk is sent
to you.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
GFMUSIC disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, and
will in no event be liable for any loss of any kind.
But let's be real. We're not talking about software that
controlls a Nuclear Reactor here. And, even if you don't like
GFMUSIC, you still have the diskettes (and we don't buy cheap
ones) and the mailer. So really you're only out a few dollars.
You have little to lose and much to gain. Do other companies
offer such fair deal ?
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Acknowledgements Section 0-3
INSTALLATION
------------
GFMUSIC is distributed on standard floppy disks (5.25" 360kb).
Installing GFMUSIC is very easy. The first thing you should do
is make a backup copy of the floppy disks that you received with
GFMUSIC. GFMUSIC is not copy protected in order to be useful and
fair to the customer.
To run GFMUSIC from a floppy drive, do the following :
- Put the disk with GFMUSIC programs into the floppy disk drive.
- If the drive you put the disk into is the "A" drive,
type in "A:" and press enter. If it is the "B" drive,
type in "B:" and press enter. This will put you 'in'
the drive where GFMUSIC resides.
- Make sure you have a screen with a black background.
If not, issue DOS CLS command, or change your prompt
string to specify a black background.
- Now type in GFMUSIC followed by your password and press
enter. E.g. "GFMUSIC MYPASSWORD".
GFMUSIC is sold in 'demo form' for a minimal amount. The 'demo'
version is the same as the full blown version except that :
- It will only save songs under the name TRYB4BUY.
- It will only save 3 sequences for the song.
- When saving an individual Sequence, it will only
save it under name TRYB4SEQ.
If you like GFMUSIC, then follow the ordering instructions you
will find in the file READ.ME on the program disk and we will
then send you the password that removes the limitations mentioned
above. This allows you to test drive the product for as long as
you want, for minimal cost, and with all features intact except
for the limitations mentioned above.
If you are 'test driving' GFMUSIC just type in GFMUSIC and press
enter (i.e. forget about the password). If you purchase GFMUSIC,
you can create a batch file with "GFMUSIC yourpassword" in it to
make it easy for you to start GFMUSIC. See your DOS manual if
you are not familiar with BATch files.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Installation Section 1-2
To run GFMUSIC from a hard disk you will first need to copy the
files from the GFMUSIC floppy to your hard drive. Do the
following (assuming your hard disk is the "C" drive) :
- Type in "C:" and press enter. Then type in "CD\" and press
enter. This will put you in the root directory of the
"C" drive.
- Put the GFMUSIC disk in the "A" drive and type in
"A:GFINST". This will invoke a batch file that will create
a subdirectory named GFMUSIC. Then it will copy all files
from the floppy disk to that subdirectory on the hard disk.
- To start GFMUSIC, type in "CD\GFMUSIC" and press enter.
Is the screen background black ? If not, see above for
CLS and/or prompt string.
Then type in "GFMUSIC yourpassword" and press enter.
********************************************************
Your Midi Interface
*****************************
The above is how you install and run the GFMUSIC program which is
designed to run on an IBM PC or PC/XT with a ROLAND MPU 401 Midi
Interface. However, many of you will have 'clones' or
'compatibles' of the PC and/or MPU 401. Unfortunately, many such
'compatibles' are not so compatible. The subject can be
confusing at best. Usually, incompatibilities result from the
computer and/or Midi Interface using conflicting interrupts
and/or I/O port addresses. To help alleviate this problem, some
Midi Interface makers allow you to configure your Interface to
use different Interrupts and Port addresses. However, to make
this work, it requires that the software also be 'configurable'
to the same addresses. GFMUSIC and a few other programs attempt
to be as flexible as possible in this area. However, it is not
always possible. Some 'compatibles' just can't be gotten along
with without alot of hassle.
In any event, GFMUSIC comes 'configured' as though you were using
a true IBM PC and a true ROLAND MPU 401 Midi Interface. But you
can change the the configuration, at least with respect to the
Interrupts and Port Addresses from a software point of view in a
manner much the same as you change these values with different
Midi Interfaces. Some Midi Interfaces (such as the Music Quest Inc.
Interface) allow you to set the Interrupt and Port Addresses via
switches on the Circuit board. If you have to do this you will
also need to do the equivalent with GFMUSIC so that the software
and hardware are synchronized with each other. If not, it's like
changing your phone number and not telling anyone. .... the result is
lack of communication.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Installation Section 1-3
Note : If you have not yet purchased a Midi Interface yet, look
for one that is able to be re-configured. GFMUSIC highly
recommends the MUSIC QUEST board for a few reasons :
- It is reconfigurable
- GFMUSIC definitely works with it.
- It is inexpensive.
- It has better features than others.
- Music Quest will support you if you have questions
(not everyone does !!)
To 'reconfigure' GFMUSIC, you will need to run program GFCONFIG
and tell it what the new Interrupt is, and what the new base Port
Address is. To do this, do the following :
First, 'go to' the drive and/or directory where the GFMUSIC
programs are. If you have the GFMUSIC program disk in the "A"
drive, then type in "A:" and press enter. If you have installed
onto a hard disk, type in "CD\GFMUSIC" and press enter.
In either case, the next thing you need to do is to type in
"GFCONFIG" and press enter. This will start the configuration
program. This program will first ask you for a new Interrupt
value. You need to respond with a single digit (e.g. "7" or
"2") and then press enter. Next, the program will ask you for
the new base Port Address. Respond with 3 hex digits (e.g. "330"
or "300" or "2A0", etc.) and press enter. The program will
then reset the values in a file called "gfmidiio.cfg".
What values should you set ? We can't tell you that. However,
they MUST BE THE SAME AS YOU SET ON THE MIDI INTERFACE YOU ARE
INSTALLING. See the documentation for your Midi Interface. If
it is unclear, call the manufacturer and ask for an explanation
or call the place where you purchased it.
Even after you change the settings on the Midi Interface and
reconfigure GFMUSIC accordingly, there is no guarantee that you
will be successful. Ultimately, the source of the problem is
usually with one of hardware manufacturers not being truly
'compatible'. In some cases however, the problem may be a
conflict between different 'add in' boards that may have been put
in your PC. You may need to carefully read the documentation for
whatever boards are in your PC (especially boards you put in your
PC to support a mouse !!!!). The best way to do things is to
eliminate all extra boards in your PC, then put in the Midi
Interface. After you get this setup working, then add back in
the other boards one at a time. If you end up with a problem,
at least you know where the conflict is.
Note: When you start GFMUSIC, the first thing it tells you is
how it is configured. I.e. what Interrupt it expects the Midi
Interface to use and what Base Port Address it expects. GFMUSIC
is distributed with these values initially set to $02 and $330
respectively (i.e. the 'ROLAND MPU 401' values). So, if you use
GFCONFIG to reconfigure these values, you can verify they were
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Installation Section 1-4
set correctly just by starting GFMUSIC and reading the first
message.
No matter what sequencer you buy, it is possible to end up with
such problems. At least with GFMUSIC, you can try before you
buy. The most you'll be out is a few bucks. Can the 'other'
guys make that claim ??
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Installation Section 1-5
RAM DISK USAGE FOR CUSTOMERS WITHOUT HARD DRIVES
GFMUSIC goes to disk for data to format screens and for help
text. If you are running with a system that only has floppy
disks you can improve performance by utilizing a VDISK. See your
DOS manual for information on VDISK creation.
If you allocate a VDISK, you should allocate 160K of memory to
it. You do this by adding a line with the following text to the
CONFIG.SYS file on the disk that you 'boot' from :
DEVICE=A:VDISK.SYS 160 512 64
The above assumes that you boot from the "A" drive and that the
file VDISK.SYS is also on the disk you "boot" with. If you have
a 640K machine and allocate 160K to the Vdisk, you will still
have room for about 16,000 events (which is still alot).
When you start your PC you will get a message indicating the
drive designation of your Vdisk. You can then run a batch file
to copy all of the files that you received on your GFMUSIC disk
to the Vdisk drive. There are two BATch files on the GFMUSIC
program disk (GFRAM-C.BAT and GFRAM-D.BAT). They copy the files
needed to run from the GFMUSIC disk to the VDISK (Drive C or
Drive D). After you have copied the files to the
Vdisk (assuming that the Vdisk is D:) you would then do the
following :
- type in "D:" and press enter to take you to the "D" drive.
- type in "GFMUSIC yourpassword" and press enter.
If you have a hard disk the difference will be minimal.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Installation Section 1-6
The following diagram should prove useful in hooking up
your equipment.
|------------------- -------------------
| IBM PC | | Synthesizer |
| ---------------| Midi Cable | |
| | midi in |<------------------ |Midi Out |
| | | | |
| | mpu401 | | |
| | | | |
| | midi out |-------------------> |Midi in |
| |--------------| Midi Cable | |
| | | |
|------------------- | Midi thru |
|-------|----------
|
|
V
Midi In of next
Synth or Sound Module
|------------------- -------------------
| IBM PC | | Controller |
| ---------------| Midi Cable | Keyboard |
| | midi in |<------------------ |Midi Out |
| | | |-----------------|
| | mpu401 |
| | | -------------------
| | midi out |-------------------> |Midi in |
| |--------------| Midi Cable |Synth or |
| | |Sound Module |
|------------------- | Midi thru |
|-------|----------
|
|
V
Midi In of next
Synth or Sound Module
****************
If you use a Controller Keyboard and/or Sound Modules, you
should definitely look in the index and find those sections that
talk about ECHO Channels and how GFMUSIC provides for it.
****************
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
How To Use Section 2-1
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The basic philosophy behind this manual is 'learn by doing'. You
should FIRST READ THE MANUAL FROM FRONT TO BACK. Then go to the
beginning and start again. This time actually perform the
exercises. Much of the text assumes that you have followed
prior instructions and are able to look at the screens and
interact with the program while reading along with the text.
GFMUSIC is a sequencer with a robust set of features. Do not
expect to learn it all in just a few minutes. However, if you
are patient enough to hold yourself back and follow along with
all of the exercises and text, you will be exposed to all of its
capabilities. While you may not use all of the features
immediately in your songs, you will have been exposed to them.
And when you need them, you will at least remember that they
exist. At that point you can use the Index to find the
information you need. Information about all of the features is
spread throughout the manual due to its tutorial style. However,
when you start using GFMUSIC you should find its HELP features
effective (but not flashy).
Finally, please take the time to stop, look around, and think
about what you see on the screens. Don't just rush thru the
tutorial. If you stop to take the time to look around and
think, you will discover alot about this program that may not be
put down in words here. This is especially true of error
messages that may appear from time to time. This sequencer is a
tool. Hopefully, you will find it a very good tool. But it is
not a magic wand.
Included in the text are "screen prints". They are there to be
helpful on your first pass thru the manual and for later
reference. However, they don't do justice to the screens so you
should still display the screens on your monitor as you go thru
the manual the second time.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Introduction Section 3-1
INTRODUCTION
What Is A Sequencer ?
---------------------
A sequencer is a combination of hardware and software that allows
you to record and play back a series of notes and other commands
(such as synthesizer program changes). Most sequencers today are
software (programs) that run on a general purpose personal
computer. In order for the computer to communicate with the
synthesizer, a Midi interface is used of which a variety are
available from different manufacturers.
A simple sequencer functions much like a multi-track tape
recorder where you can record a track, and then play it back
while recording yet another track. I.e. overdub one track on top
of another.
A Smarter Sequencer should have capabilities far beyond the
simple multi-track features mentioned above (and yet it should
support even those simple functions). For example, the smart
sequencer should allow you to easily edit all sequence (track)
events so that you can change such things as the notes played,
the velocity and duration of the note, or edit program changes
(commands to the synthesizer to change programs). It should
allow you to copy sequences (tracks) and merge them together
(sometimes called bouncing tracks).
Probably the most important feature a smart sequencer should have
is the ability to loop sequences, and to create CONTROLL
SEQUENCES. A controll sequence is one that starts other
sequences (such as one that contains a bass line) at chosen times
and has those sequences "loop" (repeat) the number of times you
choose. But don't be fooled..... Alot of sequencers claim to
support 'looping'. However, their interpretation of 'looping'
may be quite limited.
The smart sequencer should have a sequence editor that allows
such things as automatically correcting the timing of notes
(often called "autocorrect"), and it should be able to do things
such as transposing the pitch of all or selected notes, transpose
the velocity of Note-On events, etc.
The above is a quick sketch of only some of the capabilities a
smart sequencer should have. Being easy to use is also another
feature you should look for. Of course, the more features a
sequencer has, the more you will have to learn. But then, the
more you will benefit.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Introduction Section 3-2
RELATIONSHIP TO Dr. T's KEYBOARD CONTROLLED SEQUENCER
-------------------------------------------------------
GFMUSIC is NOT a clone of Dr. T's KCS. On the other hand, both
products approach sequencing in a similar fashion with respect to
Controll Sequences, and looping. The methods used in both
products really have their roots in common computer practice.
For you computer buffs, one can think of each sequence as merely
a task or subtask. And if one task starts another, the starting
task may elect to wait for the task to complete, or let it run
asynchronously. And what does each task do ?? It merely
executes instructions. While a computer executes instructions
like add or subtract, the sequencer tasks simply execute a
different set of instructions like "turn on a note, send a
program change, set the tempo, or even start another task". And
also pervading this tasking concept is an equally basic concept
that EVERYTHING happens some number of time units after a prior
event occurred. These two principles are so basic to the
structure of these sequencers that once you get the hang of it,
it is easy to move between Dr. T's and GFMUSIC. The rest is
just the difference in mechanics. Constructing a sequencer
around these principles is quite different and much more powerful
than merely treating a sequencer like a tape recorder. In fact,
it verges on being a form of computer programming itself.
With respect to the Event editor, IBM's SPF Editor and features
(found on mainframe computers) really served as the basic model
for GFMUSIC's event editor although it was trimmed down and
adjusted to fit the situation. For example, the use of the
command line, an edit profile, the way scrolling is performed,
how the screen is composed of 'formatted fields' that you can tab
to, etc. are rooted in the IBM SPF and 3270 arena. The "things"
being edited are defined by the MIDI Spec with some additions to
support the principles mentioned previously.
Some features found in Dr. T's and other sequencers were left out
of GFMUSIC. For example, STEP-TIME..... With a good event editor
there is no need for Step Time entry of notes. The editor makes
it easier. Step Time entry was left out of GFMUSIC but you'll
find the editor makes manual entry of notes easier than entering
via Step Time. Or, another way is to simply play the notes at
whatever speed you want, and then use the editor to set the
timings. Tape sync is another feature left out. I think that
most 'home recordists' and even many professional musicians do
not use those features. And they can be time-consuming (and thus
expensive) to implement so this too was omitted. Besides,
"boxes" that provide this via Midi clocking are readily
available.
And some features are distinctly different. For example, GFMUSIC
does not distinguish between play and record modes. They are one
and the same. I.e. you are always 'recording' whether or not
anything is playing. If you want to save what you recorded, you
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Introduction Section 3-3
tell GFMUSIC with a keystroke and it then requests further
information (such as the name of the sequence). Other
sequencers, Dr. T's included, always seem to want to know ahead
of time whether or not to record.
Again, the underlying principles being used in both GFMUSIC and
Dr. T's KCS are the same with the result being that if you are a
current Dr. T KCS user, you should feel right at home. And, the
information in your Dr. T manual will prove valuable. If you do
not currently own Dr. T's KCS, it would be helpful if you could
borrow a manual for it from a friend or acquaintance while
learning GFMUSIC. There is alot of excellent information in that
manual that will readily translate into GFMUSIC sequences and
techniques. So, see if you can scrounge one up somewhere. In
fact, you may want to borrow the manuals for a variety of
sequencers if you can find them.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Introduction Section 3-4
PROMISES - PROMISES
-------------------
GFMUSIC was developed with Turbo Pascal from Borland
International. Turbo Pascal lends itself very well to the type
of processing that GFMUSIC performs. The language and features
provided in Turbo Pascal will allow GFMUSIC to grow in the
future. Enhancements to GFMUSIC will be forthcoming because the
language it was written in combined with good programming
practices lend themselves to adding functionality in a
straightforward manner. So what functionality should be added ?
Already on the drawing boards are the following :
- Support for "Midi Files" as soon as the International Midi
Association develops the final specs which should be in the
near future.
- Split by note or channel(s)
This will allow you to split a sequence by Midi channel
or by range of notes. E.g. take sequence COMBINED and
split it into two sequences putting all notes lower than
Middle C into BASS and the rest into ALLOTHER. Then
ALLOTHER could be split into CHORDS and MELODY based
on note ranges.
- Drum Pattern Editor / Creation Tool
Can't say much on this. Don't want to let the cat
out of the bag.
- Computer generated sequences
Bass Lines, Chord Progressions, and Melody Lines generated
by the computer 'semi-randomly' based on 'guidelines'
you provide. We are currently researching some VERY
interesting and unique techniques to use for this problem.
Want some other features ? Just drop a note and we'll see what
can be done.
For registered owners, enhancements will be provided for a
nominal charge or for postage and handling only. However, you
should not buy 'vaporware' (promises). Buy any software (GFMUSIC
included) for what it will do for you NOW. The promises will be
icing on the cake if/when they arrive.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Requirements/Features Section 4-1
OVERVIEW OF GFMUSIC AND REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
------------
- IBM PC PC/XT PC/AT or compatible running DOS 2.1
or higher.
- 384K of memory
- 1 floppy disk drive (minimum and a hassle)
2 floppies are recommended (or a hard disk).
- IBM Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) or compatible or
a graphics adapter that supports CGA (e.g. EGA).
- ROLAND MPU-401 or compatible Midi Interface.
Many computer manufacturers (or dealers) claim "IBM
Compatible". Some are aand some are not. The same is true for
MPU-401 "clone" manufacturers. Yet another reason that
GFMUSIC's try before you buy policy becomes even more valuable.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Requirements/Features Section 4-2
FEATURES
--------
- Up to 255 sequences, 7,000 events per sequence.
35,000 total events with 640k of memory. Approx. 5000 with
384K of memory.
- External or Internal Midi Clocking (controll a drum machine's
tempo from GFMUSIC or have a drum machine controll the tempo)
- Set tempo up, down, or to a specific value from a sequence
- Supports CONTROLL SEQUENCES
- Start other sequences and have them LOOP (repeat).
- A Controll Sequence can start another sequence and
forget it, or wait for the started sequence to
finish looping the designated number of times
specified when it was started.
- When starting a sequence, the controll sequence
can specify pitch and/or velocity transpositions
to take place in the started sequence.
- Controll Sequences can start other Controll Sequences.
- Controll Statements can reside in any sequence.
You can mix controll statements with Midi events
such as Note-On events.
- EDIT ANY PART OF ANY EVENT IN ANY SEQUENCE.
- Easy to use FULL SCREEN EDITing....NOT LINE BY LINE.
- AUTOCORRECT event Start Time and/or Duration of notes
- TRANSPOSE Pitch, Velocity, or Duration for selected
or all events in a sequence.
- COPY, DELETE, ERASE, INSERT EVENTS
- EXPAND/CONTRACT some/all events by any factor you choose.
E.g. make a sequence twice as long but leave duration
of notes the same. Or make a 4 bar sequence 2 bars long
and duration of all notes is reduced by half also.
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl
Requirements/Features Section 4-3
- FLEXIBLE PLAY FEATURES
- Start a sequence or groups of sequences from the
computer keyboard.
- PLAY PAUSE FEATURE allowing you to pause a song by
simply pressing the space bar. To start where you
left off just press the space bar again.
- TRANSPOSE FROM COMPUTER KEYBOARD
- You can transpose pitch and/or velocity of notes in
sequences from the computer keyboard while they are
playing.
- CHANGE TEMPO from the computer keyboard during play.
- FAST FORWARD and SKIP TO MEASURE to make
overdubbing easier.
- MUTE and SOLO Sequences during play and/or Overdub
- EASY TO USE RECORDING
- "Punch in" is dead. OVERDUB IS THE WAY TO RECORD.
- Metronome via PC speaker available.
- RECORD FILTERS for Pitch Bend, Controll Change, and
After Touch. You can record these events or have them
filtered out during recording.
- ECHO on any Midi Channel for use with Controller
keyboards and Sound Modules.
- Supports full DOS PATHNAMES for loading and saving
songs and sequences.
- Load multiple songs at the same time. Load a library of Drum
patterns, or bass lines. Load individual sequences
from any song. Save individual sequences as seperate files.
- Sequences can contain events on any and all channels.
I.e. a sequence is NOT limited to 1 Midi Channel.
End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL
End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL
End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL
End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL
End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL End of PART1.MNL
COPYRIGHT 1988 Gerald H. Felderman Tampa, Fl