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CANVAS11.ARJ
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README.TXT
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┌───────────────────────────────────┐
│ SongCanvas │
│ For IBM-Compatible Microcomputers │
│ Copyright Jeff Cazel, 1992 │
└───────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────┐
│ Overview │
└──────────┘
The SongCanvas is a complete IBM-compatible patch editor and librarian program
for Roland's GS synthesizers (SOUNDCanvas SC-55, SC-155, SCC-1, JV-30 and
others). It supports all popular MIDI interfaces and works equally well under
DOS, Windows 3.1 and DESQview.
The SongCanvas plays your MIDI files as you edit─you hear your changes
instantly in the context of your own musical projects! It saves its data in
standard binary format (also called "MIDIEX format") so it is compatible with
bulk loaders and other utilities. Finally, it gives you complete control over
all Global, Part, and (soon!) Drum parameters.
┌─────────────────────┐
│ System Requirements │
└─────────────────────┘
Three items are required to use the SongCanvas:
─ A PC running DOS 3.0 or above with at least 450K free RAM
─ A supported MIDI interface: MPU401, Key MIDIator, IBM Music Feature or
SoundBlaster with MIDI connector box
─ A Roland GS synthesizer
All you really NEED is the PC. However, the program is basically a "jukebox"
without the GS synth and a "demo" without the interface.
┌─────────────┐
│ Quick Start │
└─────────────┘
Connect a MIDI cable from the computer's MIDI Out to the Canvas's MIDI In.
Copy all files into a new directory and change to that directory. Type one of
these three commands and press <Enter>:
C runs on MIDI device #17 (Canvas's default).
C /D:18 runs on device #18 (change "18" to any device # from 1 to
32).
CANVAS /? displays help screens explaining all of the SongCanvas's
configuration options. BE SURE TO RUN THIS IF YOUR MIDI
INTERFACE IS NOT A STANDARD MPU401 SET-UP.
See CANVAS.TXT for complete instructions─this file contains the SongCanvas
User's Manual.
______________________________________________________________________________
SongCanvas ─ GS Editor/Librarian ─ Version 1.1
Copyright 1992 by Jeff Cazel ─ All Rights Reserved
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│ Shareware / Ordering Information │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
The SongCanvas is not a free program ─ it is distributed as shareware. The
shareware concept allows you to evaluate a program to determine what it's
worth to you, and then buy it if you are going to use it. You must register
(buy) the program if you use it.
This unregistered version of the SongCanvas is in no way disabled. Please
respect this. If you use the SongCanvas after a three-week evaluation period,
register the program by sending me $39 US. If you don't think the SongCanvas
is worth the registration fee, let me know this too, and I'll see if I can
satisfy you with the next version.
Registered users can access the enhanced features of the program and download
free updates to the SongCanvas. You'll also get free telephone support and a
certificate for 25% off MidiTools, and you can order the printed user's
manual. See the ORDER.TXT file for complete details.
Beware of "universal" ed/libs that can't handle every parameter in their
supported synthesizers. Dedicated to the GS line, the SongCanvas edits each
parameter as listed in the owner's manual.
Please send orders and correspondence to: Jeff Cazel
13265 SW Cottontail
Beaverton, OR 97005
CompuServe users can instead register the SongCanvas online -- type
GO CIS:SWREG. The SongCanvas's registration ID is #143.
┌───────┐
│ Files │
└───────┘
The SongCanvas comes with 12 files (the first three are mandatory):
CANVAS.EXE ─ SongCanvas program
CANVAS.HLP ─ SongCanvas help file
PLAYD.EXE ─ MIDI engine─see CANVAS.TXT
DEFAULT.SCD ─ Data file containing Canvas default settings
C.BAT ─ Batch file to run both PLAYD and CANVAS
CANVAS.TXT ─ SongCanvas User's Manual (text version)
ORDER.TXT ─ Order/registration form
MTOOLS.TXT ─ MidiTools information
README.TXT ─ This file
CANVAS.MID ─ Sample GS song (Piano on channel 4; Band-in-a-Box drums,
bass, organ and guitar on 10, 2, 3 and 7, respectively)
POWERUSR.WRI ─ Detailed technical information (for "power users") concerning
Windows 3.1, Play/D and DESQview 2.x. Windows Write format.
POWERUSR.ZIP ─ Windows/DESQview PIFs, icons, etc. (see POWERUSR.WRI)
Unfortunately, ASCII text files (*.TXT) cannot contain formatting information
such as bold, underline and different fonts. The printed user manual looks
more "correct" (and "prettier") due to properly-formatted proper names,
keywords, typed commands, program messages and section headings.
______________________________________________________________________________
SongCanvas ─ GS Editor/Librarian ─ Version 1.1
Copyright 1992 by Jeff Cazel ─ All Rights Reserved
┌─────────────┐
│ Legal Stuff │
└─────────────┘
The SongCanvas is a copyrighted program. It may not be changed or modified in
any way except by the author. The SongCanvas may be freely distributed
(please do so!) as long as the entire CANVAS.ZIP archive file is included and
no money is charged. A small copying fee not exceeding $10 US can be charged.
Jeff Cazel hereby disclaims any and all warranties relating to this software
both express and implied, including any merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. Jeff Cazel will not be liable for any incidental,
consequential, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data or any other
reason. The person using the software bears all risk as to the quality and
performance of the software.
Brands, companies and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders. The mentioning of these names is
meant solely for identification purposes and is in no way meant to constitute
an endorsement of Jeff Cazel or his products by these companies.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the SongCanvas is as clean and free
of bugs as possible. However, no program can ever be guaranteed to be free of
all defects.
┌─────────┐
│ Wrap Up │
└─────────┘
I truly hope you enjoy the SongCanvas. Please help me distribute this program
as widely as possible by making sure all your favorite bulletin boards have a
copy. Look for future enhancements coming soon to a BBS near you.
Jeff Cazel
September 1, 1992
Special thanks to Kevin Weiner for his help in integrating his MIDI engine
into the SongCanvas.
______________________________________________________________________________
SongCanvas ─ GS Editor/Librarian ─ Version 1.1
Copyright 1992 by Jeff Cazel ─ All Rights Reserved
┌──────────────────┐
│ Revision History │
└──────────────────┘
1.1 (Sep 92): Adds <Ctrl><PgUp/Dn> Part scrolling; removes requirement to
LOAD before EDIT; adds partial Windows 3.1 MME capability;
removes "/R" option (because Play/D can now unload itself
from memory via "PLAYD -r"); removes "/EXT:" option; adds
FRESH option; converts data files from CVS to SCD format.
IF YOU HAVE DATA FILES THAT YOU WANT TO SAVE, SEE THE
'README.1ST' FILE FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON CONVERTING THEM TO THE
NEW *.SCD FORMAT.
1.0 (Jun 92): Initial public availability
┌──────────────────────┐
│ Future Enhancements! │
└──────────────────────┘
Several enhancements are planned for future versions of the SongCanvas:
Windows ─ there will be a Windows 3.1/MME version in Autumn 1992.
Registered DOS SongCanvas users can get it for half-price. However, all DOS
SongCanvas users that register before October 1, 1992 will get the Windows
version *FREE*. All DOS features, now and future, will be in the Windows
version.
Song editing ─ the SongCanvas will have an option to update your MIDI files
with the system exclusive information it generates. This will allow you to
create entirely self-contained GS sequences from your standard MIDI files!
Drum editing ─ I will add this feature as soon as I can get good
documentation on the default values.
Complete context-sensitive help ─ in Version 1.0, only the most common edit
parameters have help explaining their purpose in life. This will expand to
all parameters.
Common User Access (CUA) interface ─ the SongCanvas will take on elements of
IBM's CUA standard. This should make it easier to use as it will look more
like a Windows 3.1 program.
Colors ─ you will be able to choose your own screen colors for the program.
Advanced Part Parameters ─ most of these parameters will change from edit
data type #3s (entering quantitative data) to type #2s (selecting values
from pop-up lists).
Registered users can always download the latest versions from CompuServe and
other bulletin boards. Except for the BBS charge, these will be free updates!
I am always open to your suggestions for future improvements. For example,
scrolling through Parts on the edit screens was one of the many fine
suggestions from our beta test group. Please keep those ideas coming!
______________________________________________________________________________
SongCanvas ─ GS Editor/Librarian ─ Version 1.1
Copyright 1992 by Jeff Cazel ─ All Rights Reserved