EuroCD 3/EuroCD 3.iso/Music/SMT/Manual

Text File | 1998-06-24 | 30KB | 700 lines

                         Steev's MIDI Trigger
                             Version 2.30
                  Copyright 1995-7 by Steven Goodwin


This  version  is  freely  distributable,  providing  ALL  the  files,
environments, samples, MODs and  programs  remain  intact (and with my
Copyright  notice  attached),  with   no   alterations,  additions  or
deletions.

   The license supplied with the software is  such that you may use it
for 30 days. After such time  you  should either register the software
(see bottom of  file)  or  delete  all  SMT  software  from your disks
(including samples, MODs and environment files), with no intent of re-
gaining SMT at a later date.


                            -- Abstract --


This is a simple program,  with  a  lot  of hidden potential. It plays
various samples (through  the  Amiga's  internal  hardware),  upon the
triggering of certain notes through the MIDI interface, or the Amiga's
own keyboard.

   Each note can trigger  a  different  sample (assuming you've enough
CHIP RAM available), or they could  trigger  the same one at different
pitches. For example, a combination  of  the above methods allows four
(or more) piano samples to be  played  across  the range of the entire
keyboard giving very high  quality  reproduction. The demo environment
'Virtual_Piano.mte' shows how this can be  done,  and is a very useful
feature when you have  keyboard  without  a particularly good sounding
piano (eg. mine!).

   It  is  also  possible  to  get  the  notes  to  play  the  'wrong'
frequencies. So, when you play a C-2 on the keyboard, the program will
replay a sample at F-2. This provides  a very abstract piano which can
provide unexpected results by playing familiar note sequences.

   By  using  different  samples,  you  can  'jam'  along  with  other
musicians and create  your  own  ambient  and  aural  soundscapes very
easily. It is also very  easy  to  use  a  four-track tape recorder to
build up several layers of a  live performance using the MIDI trigger,
without resorting to sequencing  or  programming. By using non-musical
samples (door creaks, screams etc)  this  program  would be capable of
providing an audio backdrop for  a  play  or video production, without
the hassle of setting up  tapes  to  play  at  the precise point of an
effect.

   There is also MOD support. This  allows  you  to load in a standard
soundtracker module, and play it while you are jamming out a top line.
This  facility  makes  it  very   good   for  re-mixing,  live  techno
performances or as a DJ supplement! You can program a simple breakbeat
loop and bass line  on  the  tracker,  and  then add vocals, scratchs,
bleeps and other sounds on  the  remaining  tracks.  This can create a
musically absorbing experience! The demo environment 'House_Music.mte'
shows this.

   My final suggestion (although  there  are  no  doubt others), is to
trigger breakbeats from individual  keys,  and  build  a  song up from
there. Many upbeat  electro  and  techno  tracks  are  very  simple in
structure, so you could sample several two bars segments from both the
verse and chorus and trigger them  from  the bottom two octaves of the
keyboard. The upper octaves could  then  be  used for extra effects as
mentioned above. Wow! What versatility!!!

   What makes this so special?  AWE.  The  interface was written using
AWE running under AMOS. This allows you several requesters open at the
same time, just like  Workbench.  It  also  allows  you  to access one
function, without closing another one  down.  So, for example, imagine
you were about to assign a sample to a note, but had forgotten to load
the sample!  Normally  with  AMOS,  you've  have  to  close  down  the
requesters, load the sample into memory, re-open the requester (making
the necessary edits), and THEN  assign  the  new sample. Using AWE you
can load a sample while the sample list is shown on-screen. Then, when
the sample has been loaded, the sample list will be updated for you to
select the correct one!


                -- How To Use Steev's MIDI Trigger --


The main screen has a scrolling  list  on  the left, detailing each of
the notes available for  triggering,  along  with  the  sample it will
play, and the pitch. Throughout SMT, the  pitch can be given as either
a note name (C2 F#1 etc),  or  a  frequency in Hertz (Hz). This latter
facility allows fine tuning. Just for  reference,  SMT uses A-2 as 440
Hz. The maximum pitch for an  internal  sample  is  B-3 (the same as a
standard tracker). Anything above this will not sound.

   The right hand side of the  screen  has a variety of buttons. These
are  split  into  two   sections.   The   upper  half  references  the
'Environments', the lower the 'sample' and  'note' data. Each of these
meanings (in the context of SMT) will now be explained, along with the
associated buttons.


                          -- Environments --


Overview: These hold details of the  complete memory. This means every
sample, and all the note  data  (eg.  its  frequency, input and output
parameters). Other information like  the  backing  track MOD, and its'
triggers are also part  of  the  environment. However, the environment
file does not contain any sample data. In fact, it never does. Samples
and MOD's are always stored  separately  to reduce filesize, and allow
the same sample to be used in different places without taking up extra
disc space. If you "read" the  environment  file (used a standard text
editor) you will find the sample paths listed.

   The four options to manipulate environments are:

New Environment:        Clears out the entire data file, and all
                        sample data from memory. Nothing is left! If
                        you just want to clear the note data, then
                        select the 'Clear Data' button (see below).

Load Environment:       This will load the environmental data file
                        from disc, and then proceed to load each
                        sample required for it in turn. The backing
                        MOD (if appropriate) is also loaded. If a
                        sample can not be loaded, the load will
                        terminate, leaving you with nothing!!!

Save Environment:       Saves the data file to disc. No samples are
                        saved with this option. The MOD is not saved
                        either.

Full Save:              Saves the data file, AND the samples to disc.
                        This option is recommended for floppy disc
                        users, or those who do not have the samples
                        required on their hard drive, as it saves a
                        lot of disc swapping as the program attempts
                        to locate each sample. The MOD will also be
                        saved, if it exists. As noted above, all of
                        the supplement music data (eg. samples) are
                        saved in separate files, and not joined with
                        the environment file.


                            -- Samples --


These are always loaded and  saved  in  raw, signed, format (the usual
for Amiga software). Each sample  (once  loaded)  will cause a 'Sample
Attributes' requester to appear. This has the following controls,

Reference Name:         The name of the sample (without the path) as a
                        default. You can change this if you want by
                        clicking in the box, and typing in the new
                        name. This name will be shown in the main
                        scrolling list wherever that sample is used,
                        so it is best to make it fairly descriptive
                        and/or recognisable.

Full File Name:         The complete path of the sample. Best to
                        leave it as it is.

Default Frequency/Note: This is the pitch at which the sample will be
                        played at normally. It is not necessary to
                        alter these values, unless you will be using
                        that sample a lot at the default pitch, as the
                        pitch of the sample can be altered in later
                        requesters.

   Once the information in this requester  is correct you should click
OK. The 'cancel' button does not un-load  the sample, it just uses the
original contents of the requester  (i.e.  the original reference name
and default frequency).


                         -- Replace Sample --


This  is  the  same  requester  as   above,  except  it  provides  the
opportunity to load a  new  sample  into  the  current  slot (the file
requester button to the right of  the  file  name). This allows you to
experiment with  different  bass  sounds  (for  example),  without re-
programming all the notes. Simple, but effective!


                           -- Note Data --


  The scrolling list on the  main  screen  details  each note, and its
associated sample. By double  clicking  on  one  of  these entries (or
selecting EDIT PARAMETERS with a  note  in  the display box underneath
the list) you will bring up  the  'Note Parameters' window. All of the
information shown (and that obtained from it) is collectively known as
the 'note data'.

Input:          This brings up a small window with 16 check boxes in.
                Each box relates to a MIDI channel. Using this you can
                mask off certain MIDI channels from SMT. By masking
                off channels 10-16 (for example) you get the Amiga to
                produce sounds for channels 1-9 ONLY. This is helpful
                when you have keyboard that sends drum data you do not
                want the Amiga to see.

Output:         This requester allows you to specify which channel the
                sound comes out on. There are four options here, and
                the appropriate one is marked by its radio button.

                1)Specific Channel: The sound will ALWAYS come out on
                        the channel(s) specified by the tick boxes. It
                        will cut out any other sound already playing
                        on that channel, including MOD music.

                2)Alternate Between: The sound will toggle between the
                        single channels reference by the ticks. There
                        will only ever be one channel of sound. This
                        will also cut out all other notes on the
                        channel.

                3)Next Free Channel: Whatever channel was used least
                        recently will be used. Note: This does not
                        take into account any MOD that is playing.
                        Thus, this option is NOT very useful for
                        mixing MODs with trigger notes.

                4)MIDI, soft thru. Sends the note straight back to
                        your synth. It is best to use this to play
                        long string parts or chords.

                There is also a check box labelled 'Sample Link?'.
                this is new (V2.0) feature that allows you to combine
                the 'alternate between' option between several notes
                using the same sample. In other words, the sample
                will be played on the alternate channels as usual,
                but the count of which channel to use will be kept
                global to all the notes using this sample and the
                'Sample Link' option. This is best used to implement
                a virtual piano on only two channels, while the others
                are used for playing a MOD, or other samples.

Change Sample:  This brings up the sample list requester. A double-
                click will tell the computer which sample you wish
                to use, and return you to the 'note params' req.

Test Sample:    This plays the current sample at the pitch shown
                in the window.

Default:        Both buttons force the relevant sample default data
                into the text requester. This is the same data as
                set up in the 'Sample Attributes' requester.

The 'output' and 'input' requesters  can  be  opened directly from the
main screen in the same way  as  the 'Note Parameters' requester. Both
access and edit the same data,  but  there  is one minor difference in
their working.  If  you  open  the  'output'  window  from  the  'Note
Parameters'  window,  then,  when  you  close  'Note  Parameters'  the
'output' window is automatically closed.  This  is  because it is it's
'child'. However, when opened from the main window 'output' belongs to
the main  window,  and  so  can  be  closed  from  its  own  OK/Cancel
button...or the main window. Similarly,  if  you close the main window
it will close its child of the 'output' window....but closing the main
window will also quit the program!

Looping sounds can be achieved by  using  the three radio buttons near
the base of the requester. These are:

Off:            No looping. This makes each sample a 'one-shot' sample
                (which is the default for versions 2.1 and lower). Any
                old environments will default to this.
Always:         The sample will loop until the trigger is stopped, or
                another requires the channel.
Until release:  The sample loops until you release the key pressed, if
                you are using a MIDI keyboard. Because of the way SMT
                works (it buffers samples in memory, ready to play
                when one finishes) when you release the key the sample
                will loop around again before stopping. This is OK. It
                happens because there is still a sample in the buffer,
                and the OS takes it automatically. If you find this a
                problem, there is one more feature to mention...

'Cut Sample On Key Up'  -  This  check  box  will  stop the sample the
moment you take your finger off the key. This is best used with 'loop:
until release'.

Note: Looped sounds work  best  when  kept  on  a specific channel, or
channels. Looping them on 'next  free  channel'  can confuse SMT as it
does not know what channel it  should  play  them on. Eg. Does it mean
'loop on next free', or 'loop  on  same channel again..even if its not
free?'. The results of this action are undefined.

Note: It is not advisable to  use  looped and cut-off samples from the
Amigas keyboard. This is  because  the  keyboard  matrix can sometimes
miss a key up, making it  impossible  to re-trigger the sample without
first playing another on  the  same  channel,  or  pressing 'space' to
clear all the samples playing.

                           -- Note Range --


   For some environments (the virtual piano for instance), it would be
very time consuming to enter data for every note. This feature assumes
the frequency of each note  will  be  evenly  spaced, and does all the
hard work for you (ahhh!).

For Note Range: This specifies which notes are to be affected. You
                should enter them in 'standard form'. eg. C 2  D#3
                However, the program is currently smart enough to
                accept  "b1", "F   4", "f# 3".
Change Sample:  ...and...
Test Range:     ...and...
Input:          ...and...
Output:         These are all the same as normal. The setting of these
                options are replicated in each note that the option
                produces. Note: This does not necessarily mean EVERY
                note between the specified note range, as it is
                possible to tell the computer to ignore data already
                programmed in.
Change..from.:  These provide the pivot points. The computer will
                scale between the frequency/notes specified. Both this
                and the 'note range' parameters will be executed in
                the order given, so it is also possible to scale notes
                into descending order if you so wish.

Note: The standard musical scale  is  NOT  a linear relationship! That
is, the frequency difference between successive  notes is not the same.
In fact, the frequency of  each  semi-tone  increases by a *factor* of
1.0594631. This  is  not  necessarily  a  bad  thing  though,  as  some
interesting effects can be achieved using an even-frequency scale.

  The current sample name is shown in the bottom requester bar, and is
carried over between subsequent  'Range'  calls.  But  it  is the only
piece of information that is.


                         -- Backing Track --


This option details the module to  play in background. This is obvious
an optional feature, but if used it can be invoked in two ways:

1) Type in the full file name  and path into the upper text requester.
SMT will then attempt to load the file when you OK this window.

2) Press the  'file  requester'  button  on  the  right.  A successful
filename will be automatically entered into the text requester.

  The three cyclic buttons specify the trigger to Start, Stop or Pause
the MODule during the triggering phase. The defaults are:

START MODULE    Left mouse button
STOP MODULE     Right mouse button
PAUSE MODULE    Fire button of first joystick

   It is possible to use the  left  button  (for example) to start AND
stop the  module  as  SMT  will  see  if  the  MOD  is  playing before
determining which option to execute.  It  is  not advisable to use the
same trigger to PAUSE and either  START  or  STOP  the MOD, as this is
confusing. Also, it is not possible  to  use  the same trigger for all
three options...this is just as confusing!

   The option to allow 'keys' to  start  the MOD is actually triggered
from any key that does NOT  produce  a note (ie the main alpha-numeric
key set - see later).

   The default setup is suggested because  it allows you to re-start a
module immediately (without having  to  stop  it  playing first). This
provides a good 'scratch' effect for the first bar of a song.

   As a suggestion to semi-pro artistes...why not get a couple of foot
switches and wire them in parallel to the standard mouse buttons. This
will allow you to control the modules  from the floor, allowing you to
position yourself away from the  Amiga.  The registered version of SMT
includes a stand-alone player which reduces  the amount CHIP ram taken
by the program (by not using a full  interface) and can be used to run
a batch of environment files upon termination of the previous.


                          -- Test Trigger --


This is  IT.  This  is  the  option  that  actually  *does* something.
Clicking on this permits you  start  triggering!  During this time you
can not access, move, or close any  of  the windows on the screen. But
all the standard trigger  keys  (including  the  mouse buttons for MOD
control) still work. Use both mouse keys (as directed by the on-screen
prompts) to exit.


           -- Using The Amiga's Keyboard To Trigger SMT --


   SMT uses the "standard"  keyboard  layout,  as  used in OctaMED and
other trackers. That is, the keyboard is  split  into two octaves, one
above the other thus:

         S D   G H J   L ;
        Z X C V B N M , . /         for C-1 to E-2
and
         2 3   5 6 7   9 0   = \
        Q W E R T Y U I O P [ ]     for C-2 to G#3


   There is also the option of increasing  the pitch of the note by an
octave by pressing either  SHIFT  key.  You  can  transpose  up by two
octaves using ALT, and three by either AMIGA key.

   There are also two other 'special'  keys.  The space bar and return
key both 'refresh the module'. Because you can not play samples at the
same time as the MOD (on  the  same channels), the current MOD channel
has to be muted while  the  sample  plays. This should un-mute shortly
after the sample has finished  playing.  But  if it doesn't, either of
these keys will  let  the  MOD  play  on  all  4  channels again. Some
interesting sound effects (i.e. noises)  can  be achieved by forcing a
channel refresh before your sample has actually finished playing.


                       -- Keyboard Shortcuts --

These are available throughout  the  product.  The  appropriate key is
indicated by an underscore. That key should be pressed to activate the
button. No other qualifying key is required.

   There is also a  prevailing  general  rule  that  the OK and Cancel
buttons can always be executed by  use  of  the Return and Escape keys
(respectively). This feature is not  availible on 'Clear Data' because
of its implications.


                 -- The Demonstration Environments --


There are three included with SMT V2.1. They are,

        Virtual_Piano.mte
        House_Music.mte
        GM_Drums.mte


Virtual Piano

   This is simplest to use. The  lower  four octaves contain there own
piano sample, each played on the  next  free channel. This is a fairly
good attempt at a piano. The problem  lies within the limit of 4 audio
channels on the amiga, and so if  you  are a good pianist (or you just
play lots of notes)  you  will  hear  a  very  definite cut-off of the
samples.

   An interesting effect can  be  achieved  here  by  using the Amigas
keyboard to hold down a chord.  Because  the computer has a key repeat
facility the notes held  down  will  also  repeat.  They cut off those
already playing and start sounding anew. Try it, and hear what I mean.
I'm sure someone will use it as a intro to at least *one* song!!!!


House Music

   This is essentially a re-mixing  console  for  all the DJ's and DJ-
wannabes out there (i.e. me!). This  contains two octaves of FX/vocals
and general house sounds (circa  1988),  a  backing MOD (of originally
composed music -  including  a  not-very-original  backing riff!), and
MIDI thru' on the top  octaves,  permitting  'house piano' noises etc.
Generally, the white keys  produce  vocals,  the black notes-FX. Also,
the first octave C-1 to B-1 puts  the  sounds out on the right channel
(the MOD always leaves this  empty),  and  the  second octave uses the
left channel (often empty,  but  sometimes containing extra melodies).
The specific layout of the keys is thus:

C-1     Z       Ah yeah (vocal)                 Left Channel
C#1     S       Record scratch (sharp)
D-1     X       Check This Out (vocal)
D#1     D       Record scratch 2
E-1     C       Give It To Them (vocal)
F-1     V       Hit It (vocal)
F#1     G       Metal Keys (at C-2)     (use for extra melodies)
G-1     B       House Man (vocal)
G#1     H       Metal Keys (at D#2)
A-1     N       You Got It  (vocal)
A#1     J       metal Keys (at G-2)
B-1     M       Ecstasy (vocal)

C2-B2   as as  C1-B2  except  on  the  right  the  channel,  the  only
differences are:
C#2     2       Orchestra hit (pitched low- D2)
D#2     3       Orchestra hit (powerful, different to the others)
F#2     5       Orchestra hit (at F2)
G#2     6       Orchestra hit (at G2)
A#2     7       Orchestra hit (at A2)

The backing track module uses the default keys of,

START MODULE    Left mouse button
STOP MODULE     Right mouse button
PAUSE MODULE    Fire button of first joystick


GM Drums

   This mimics the General MIDI spec for drum and percussion sounds. I
personally  own  no  such  equipment,  and   so  can  not  verify  the
correctness of the mappings or  sounds,  but  I  have not received any
complaints so far!

   I see this being used  to  try  out  complex  drum patterns from GM
files fed into the SMT from  another  Amiga, or a lesser-sequencer :-)
It could also be used to take signals  from a set of drum pads to give
a 'virtual drum kit'.  I, myself,  am  on  the  lookout for such a kit
because I envisage it being so much fun!

   The key map used is:

C-1     Kick Drum
C#1     Stick
D-1     Snre
D#1     Claps
E-1     Snare (crisp)
F-1     Lo Tom (2)
F#1     Closed Hi Hat
G-1     Lo Tom (1)
G#1     Opening Hi Hat
A-1     Mid Tom (2)
A#1     Open Hi Hat
B-1     Mid Tom (1)
C-2     Hi Tom (2)
C#2     Crash Cymbal
D-2     Hi Tom (1)
D#2     Ride Cymbal
E-2     Chinese Boom
F#2     Tamborine
G-2     Crash/Splash cymbal
G#2     Cowbell
A-2     Crash Cymbal (2)
B-2     Ride Cymbal (2)
C-3     Hi bongo
C#3     Lo bongo
D-3     Congo Slap
D#3     Congo Hi
E-3     Congo Low
F-3     Timbale Hi
F#3     Timbale Low
A 3     Cabasa
A#3     Maracas
C#4     Short Guiro
D-4     Long Guiro
D#4     Claves
E-4     Woodblock Hi
F-4     Woodblock Low
G#4     Triangle
A-4     Triangle (2)
A#4     Shaker
C-5     Castinets


You may notice a few gaps in here, compared to the actual GM drum kit.
That is because I seem to be  a  couple of samples short, and have not
tried to substitute any others.


                        -- Problem Shooting --

Not that there should be problems of course....

Q. SMT can't find any of the samples? I've looked, but they are there!

A. Are the paths in the environment file wrong? Are the samples on a
   disc of the right name? Have you copied SMT to a hard drive, and
   forgotten to use an 'assign smt: dh0:smt/' (or similar) command? I
   would add a line to your "s:user-startup" file, to make things
   easier. Similarly, the floopy should be named "SMT".


Q. SMT keeps using the floppy disc, when I'vr got it installed on my
   hard drive. Why?

A. The floppy disc is a device, and so take priority over the name
   "SMT:" when used as a assign to your hard drive. Take the floppy
   out of the drive!


Q. My computer keeps saying "Out of memory". Why?

A. The answer is very simple, my friend....You need more CHIP ram.
   Both the interface and samples require lots of it! It does work on
   an  A500 with 1/2 Meg Chip machine (I've got one) but you probably
   won't  be able to multitask much with it.
      I would suggest you use the "About" box to keep a check on the
   CHIP ram you have available, anything less than 50K, I'd expect the
   machine to crash very shortly!


Q. The environment icon won't load the SMT program!

A. The program must be called "Trigger" on a disc, or in "assign"ed
   directory called "SMT:".


Q. The environment icon will load the SMT program... but says it can't
   find the environment file?

A. The environment file (and thus its icon) must be in the same
   directory as the SMT program (SMT:). This is because as soon as the
   program has loaded, the directory is SMT: ... so when it looks for
   your environment file it can't find it.


                       -- SMT - Version List --

Heres a rather potted history  of  the  various  SMT versions that are
probably still floating around on FTP sites, and PD libraries...

1.0     So old, I'd rather forget about it!
1.1     Added the all important m/c. Added touch sensitive control.
1.2     Allowed MOD playing.
2.0     Brand new AWE interface.
        Added sample link idea.
        Allowed the Amiga's keyboard to be used.
        Added my picture to the main screen, and the title screen ;-)
        Improved a load of stuff I should have done ages ago!!!!
2.1     Improved the MC, added MIDI program changes. Corrected a few
        niggly bugs from 2.0.
2.2     Added sound looping (at last!!!)! Used the key messages to
        stop loops and cut off samples.
2.3     Changed the key handling routines back to v2.1 to give certain
        users *that* trick with the Amigas keyboard!


                            -- THE END --

That's all you're  getting  for  documentation!  Pretty  hefty though,
really. Nevermind, if your starved of  docs and want something else to
read, then why not register  'Steev's  MIDI  Trigger', and learn about
the file format, the source code, AWE  programming and a whole load of
little tricks!


                     -- Registered Users Pack --


Executable code for:    The SMT stand-alone player.
                        The latest version of SMT.

Source code for:        Steev's MIDI Trigger in AMOS and ASCII formats
                        The assembler code for SMT. In plain ASCII,
                                suitable for GenAm 2+
                        SMT stand-alone player (in AMOS and ASCII).

Documents for:          The stand-alone player.
                        The SMT file format.


   How to get it: Send me a fiver  (such a small price, for such great
software) and I'll send you a disc with  all the above stuff on it! If
you've got a printer then why not use this to make it very easy:


o/_________________________ CUT HERE ________________________________
O\

Your Name:_______________
Address  :_______________
          _______________
          _______________
          _______________

Hi Mr. Steven Goodwin,

   I would like to register Steev's MIDI Trigger because,

a) I'm a semi-pro and want to help out a would-be semi-pro
b) It would be nice to get a letter that ISN'T a bill this week!
c) I'd like to find out how you read the MIDI port in AMOS.
d) I want you to guess the typeface on my printer.
e) I have a tremendous guilt complex!
f) All of the above                         (circle as appropiate)

   I enclose a cheque/postal order for #5 (which includes P&P) because
I'm a kind hearted  soul  who  cares  about  the  people  who make the
software I use and enjoy!

   Thanks very much,


      Name ________________ (not completely necessary, but ties up the
                             letter nicely)


o/_________________________ CUT HERE ________________________________
O\


Contact address:

Steven Goodwin
105 St. Johns Road
Clacton-on-Sea
Essex CO16 8DB



Disclaimer:

I make no warranties, implied or otherwise, in the distribution of this
software. No responsibility is taken for the loss of data,  information
or sanity whilst using this software. So there!