9604d

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Subject:      File: "EMUSIC-L LOG9604D"
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=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 03:40:48 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Lars Jensen 
Subject:      Re: 4000$ for shopping

I use Cubase on a Mac, but it started as an Atari program.  If you can find a
(relatively) recent release of it for Atari, you'll probably have the most
powerful and flexible sequencer available.  I think it's a great program, tho
I am getting familiar with Vision, because it's considered the industry
standard - at least in San Francisco.  But if you can convince them to go
Macintosh, you'll be better off.  Good Luck!
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 12:22:20 +0000
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Martin Russ 
Subject:      General FAQs V1.1 (New Issue: minor corrections/addition)
Comments: To: SYNTH-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU

Warning: Long Document (375 lines, 2451 words, about 6 pages)--------------

EMUSIC-L and SYNTH-L Frequently Asked Questions: General

This document is posted approximately every four weeks. It is intended that
this document should answer many of the questions regularly asked by
subscribers to the lists. Comments and corrections should be sent to the
maintainer, Martin Russ, at:

mruss@midi.dungeon.com

This is Issue 1.1. 21 April 1996.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changes since issue 1.0.:
- Minor corrections to the text.
- Added extra reference to the 'Mac v. PC' section.

TOPIC INDEX################################################################
- Max
- Soundcards
- Music mailing lists & Newsgroups
- Mac & PC
- Theremins
- FTP & HTTP

MAX########################################################################
"What is MAX, anyway?"#####################################################

MAX is a software toolkit which gives a real-time, interactive, graphical
development environment for multimedia, music (and more). Programs are
'written' by connecting together graphical objects, rather than typing
text. Typical applications for MAX include: Editors and Librarians for MIDI
equipment; Compositional Tools; Utilities for analysing musical
performance; and much more.

MAX is often mentioned in these lists. It currently exists in variants for
the Unix environment and on the Apple Macintosh, although a petition has
been mentioned within these lists for a Windows version - contact JOEL
STERN on stern@email.loc.gov or j.stern11@geis.genie.com for details.

For more information on the Macintosh version, you should try contacting
your nearest Opcode dealer. (Opcode distribute MAX for the Mac). Opcode
also have a World Wide Web page at :

http://www.rahul.net/opcode/index.html.

There is also a MAX listserv. Send a message to listserv@vm1.mcgill.ca with
a Subject of: Subscribe Max, and the message text:

SUBSCRIBE MAX 

You will then receive daily digests of postings to the MAX list.


SOUNDCARDS#################################################################
"Where do I find information on Soundcards?"###############################

Information on soundcards for personal computers can be found in the
following Usenet newsgroup(s)"

comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.GUS.


MUSIC MAILING LISTS & NEWSGROUPS###########################################
##"Anyone know a good MUSIC discussion group on ?"#######

The best place for discussion of almost any group, band, artiste,
performer, musician (you get the idea), is the Usenet newsgroups. Try:

alt.fan.


##Is rec.audio.pro a list that one can subscribe to like SYNTH-L?##########

No. rec.audio.pro is a Usenet newsgroup, so you can't have it posted to you
via e-mail. You need to have a newsreader program to be able to read it, or
you may be able to dial in to a local BBS that carries Usenet newsgroups.
Newsreader programs can usually be set so that they 'subscribe' to a
specific newsgroup or groups, and then the end result is very like
subscribing to a mailing list - you can read the postings to the newsgroup.


##Is there a list which discusses recording & mixing techniques?###########

This subject is sometimes touched on in several mailing lists, including
SYNTH-L and Electronica.

There are also the Usenet newsgroups. The closest newsgroup is probably
rec.audio.pro.


##Where can I find out about Algorithmic Composition?######################

There's an algorithmic composition mailing list. Mail to

majordomo@serial.music.uiowa.edu

(no subject required) with the body of the message saying

subscribe algo-comp 

(Checked Dec 95: OK: Martin Russ)


##So how do I post to a newsgroup via e-mail?##############################

You can use a mail-to-news gateway. Here's how you do it using the UTexas
gateway:

The 'To:' address should read xxx.xxxxx.xxxxxx.usenet@cs.utexas.edu, where
xxx.xxxxx.xxxxxx is the newsgroup name: eg. rec.music.makers.synth. The
resulting full address is this case would be:
rec.music.makers.synth.usenet@cs.utexas.edu

(Of course, you should really try to locate your nearest mail-to-news
gateway rather than just use the UTexas one!)


MAC & PC###################################################################
##Should I buy a PC or a Mac?##############################################

This topic has been known to escalate into savage flame wars. There is no
simple answer, but here are some pointers:

RULE NUMBER ONE: SOFTWARE

Find the software first, then THAT might make you decide which platform to
buy. Some software is available on only one platform. (Max on the Mac is
one example: there are counter-examples) Hard disk recording is often VERY
platform-specific.

RULE NUMBER TWO: VAPOURWARE

Buy based upon what you can get now (this instant), not based upon what
someone has promised will be available in the future.

RULE NUMBER THREE: OBSOLESCENCE

Whatever computer you buy will be almost instantly obsolete - and available
for less than you paid for it.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

You may need to purchase more than just the computer.

-What are you going to hook it up to?  Synthesizers?  Samplers?

-Do you need a MIDI connection only, or will you want to use a SCSI
interface for sample transfer?

-If you are going to use a MIDI connection, how many MIDI devices do you
have? This will help you decide if you will want a single port or a
multi-port MIDI interface.

-Do you want to use a separate MIDI patch bay?

-Do you want to do MIDI sequencing only, or do you want to do digital audio
of any type?  This can be divided into simple sound file and sample
manipulation, and full multi-track song recording and editing...

-If you want to work with sound files, are you going to want an internal
sound card of some type or will you only work with "real"
external/dedicated samplers, such as Ensoniq, Kurzweil, Akai or Peavey?

-Do you plan to ever cut your own CDs with your own CD-R drive?  Actually,
there is good software for this on several different platforms. Some people
like the stuff for Linux...

-Do you want to do sequencing only, or do you want notation as well?  (Do
you understand the difference?)

-Are you going to use this computer for music only, or will you want to do
word processing/database/online services etc?

-Do you want to be able to use free/low cost software from the Net, or do
you only want commercial software?  Another way of wording this might be:
do you want a "turnkey" system that is already setup for you, or do you
want to roll up your sleeves, get in there and learn the insides?

-Do you think you might want to develop your own software?

-And, a really important question is, what do your friends and fellow
musicians use?  If you are going to collaborate on projects, you should
consider what the other people own, for better or worse... (But don't
forget MIDI Files!)

SPOILERS

Many programs are equivalent across the Mac and PC platforms. Many 'Mac'
developers, such as Opcode and Mark of the Unicorn, are now developing for
Windows, so their products are going to be very very similar across the two
platforms. Passport develop for both platforms, and the PC specific
developers,like Twelve Tone, are now developing for both platforms.

Plug 'n' Play PCI slots will not be standard on PCs until Pentium (+ Pro)
motherboards become common - but PCI is now supported by PC and Mac. As a
result, there is definitely not going to be as big a difference in setup
and use any more. You can buy turnkey setups of both PC and Mac...

Windows 95 and the Mac OS are both neat GUIs. Neither is perfect.

Windows on the PC and the Mac are each equally as painful to develop for in
their own way. BOTH have memory allocation problems.

If you ask anyone about Mac versus PC, you'll get answers from every
direction: mostly based on what people are familiar with or on their
opinions as to what computing should be.

So for what ever reason people use the computer they use, it is all
personal. Sort of like a Ford, "some people swear by them, and some swear
at them". It is all up to what you like and how you like to do it. Some
people use both Mac and PC equipment, depending on what the need is. This
is not to suggest that one should go out and buy both types of computers to
satisfy every need, but both formats have their ups and downs.

Keep an open mind.  Both platforms definitely have their strengths and
weaknesses. Neither is a clear winner.

Further reading?

The following web site contains lots of information regarding the Mac vs.
PC debate - it is biased, of course!

http://www.madmansdream.com/FairyTales/newpcTales2.toc.html

Craig Anderton's column in the April 1996 Issue of Keyboard magazine (US) has
a reasonable overview of the strengths and weakenesses of the Mac and PC.


##How do I move Standard MIDI Files from a Mac to a PC and vice-versa?#####

Just save the MIDI file onto PC disks instead of Mac disks.

Any Mac with an "FDHD" (high-density, 1.2M) disk drive can write onto DOS
floppies and read them - using Apple File exchange or PC Exchange. (The Mac
Plus, SE, and SE/30 do NOT have these drives). Macs running system 7.1 and
above have good native support for reading DOS disks. PC disk access may be
slow, and it is probably best to format the diskettes in the PC - some
people have had reliability problems with PC diskettes formatted in Macs.

As for using the files, the PC will just read them, but on the Mac, you'll
have to open the application up first - you can't just double click on the
file icon itself. If your application can't see the file, then you can look
around for one of the freeware pieces of software that can change the file
type and creator.

Of course, there is also the Mac 640CD Dos Compatible or one of the add-in
PC boards/cards. There have been reports of programs allowing DOS machines
to read Mac disks as well, but the reviews have been mixed, leaning toward
the negative.


THEREMINS##################################################################
##What's a Theremin?#######################################################

The theremin is one of the very first electronic musical instruments, and
yet is one of the most novel and original. It is played without being
touched. The theremin responds instantaneously and continuously to the
motions of the player's hands in the space surrounding it. The theremin
player uses one hand to control pitch, and the other to control volume. The
instrument's tone resembles that of a violin, cello, or human voice, but
has its own unique ethereal quality.

The theremin was first developed in 1920 by the Russian musician/physicist
Leon Theremin, and was originally produced in the United States in 1929 by
the Radio Corporation of America.

Currently, theremins are available from Big Briar, Bob Moog runs it (or at
least does the design) and they also have a MIDI-ized Theramin. They say:

"The Big Briar Series 91 theremins retain the timbre and playing
characteristics of Professor Theremin's designs, but use contemporary
digital and analog integrated circuit technology. The pitch range extends
from the lowest audible pitch to three octaves above middle C. A small
speaker is built in. Line-level audio, speaker, and pitch and volume
control voltage outputs are standard features. High-quality, hand-crafted
cabinets in three distinctive cabinet styles are available. Optional
accessories include road cases and a small external speaker."

For more information, contact Big Briar, Inc., 554-C Riverside Drive,
Asheville, NC 28801; tel. (800) 948-1990 or (704) 251-0090, fax (704)
254-6233. They will snail-mail you a much more informative leaflet (6 pages
or so, with pictures & reading list).

The MIDI theremin is pretty expensive (about $2K US) but sends out full
14-bit control messages for pitch bend (that's 16384 steps... you could
represent the entire piano keyboard, tuned down to the nearest cent or
hundredth of a semi-tone, with only 8800 steps!). Big Briar is now also
offering a DIY non-MIDI Theremin in the $250 range, including handmade
antennas and a finished case.

There has been a recent reissue of the only Theremin virtuouso, Clara
Rockmore (hope I have that right) on CD.

You can see a Theremin in action in the Led Zepplin concert movie, "The
Song Remains The Same."

www.paia.com/paia had a ThereMAX kit for sale in October 1995.

You might want to know that there is a theremin page on the WEB at:

http://www.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/~jbbarile/theremin.html

The February 1996 issue of Electronic Musician magazine contains an article
on building your own Theremin.


FTP & HTTP#################################################################
##Where do I find Midi files/software archives on the Internet?############

There is a list of ftp and mail server archives with MIDI documentation,
programs and music on the Internet. Also enclosed is a list of MIDI and
electronic music related mailing lists.

The latest version of this file can be obtained by ftp from

ftp.cs.ruu.nl [131.211.80.17] in pub/MIDI/DOC/archives

or by mail from mail-server@cs.ruu.nl (send a message with HELP in the
body). From the mail-server the filename without pub/ should be used. The
latest monthly version is also available in the various news.answers
archives around the world, in music/midi/archives.


##Where can I find information on related books?###########################

There is a bibliography on synthesizers, midi, computer and electronic
music that has been collected from various sources by Piet van Oostrum
. He has tried to bring some structure into it, but not all
books will fit into a single subject. NOTE: He has NOT read these books,
and the comments are from other people.

The latest version of this file can be obtained by ftp from

ftp.cs.ruu.nl [131.211.80.17] in pub/MIDI/DOC/bibliography

or by mail from mail-server@cs.ruu.nl (send a message with HELP in the
body). From the mail-server the filename without pub/ should be used. The
latest monthly version is also available in the various news.answers
archives around the world, in music/midi/bibliography.


##Where can I find demos of sequencers?####################################

On the Internet/Web, you could try:

Harmony Central:         http://harmony-central.mit.edu/Software/Mac/


##Where can I find a list of used gear?####################################

There's a list at:

ftp://synthcom.com/pub/synth/docs/current_raw.txt


##"Where is the archive of FAQs kept?"#####################################

There are two FAQ documents. These cover Administration and General topics.
You will be able to ftp previous FAQ files from the Internet.


##Contributors#############################################################

Contributions by Mike Metlay, Joe McMahon, Ned Kartchner, Clive McFarland,
Doug Ramsay, Tom Ritchford, David Rodger, Amanda Pehlke, John Rossi, Doug
Wellington, Piet van Oostrum, Martin Russ, Bucky Goldstein, Jeff Talman,
Devon E. Weller, FAUST, Billy Brown, Roger King and others...

###########################################################################







------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Martin Russ            Reviewer & Columnist for Sound On Sound Magazine (UK)
 mruss@midi.dungeon.com      Hi-Tech Music Technical Author & MIDI Consultant
 http://www.dungeon.com/~midi              Macintosh & Synthesizer Programmer
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 10:44:50 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Gerry Pawluk 
Subject:      E MUSIC CD's

Can anyone recommend any E Music CD's in the vein of Tangerine Dream/Patrick O'Hearn.
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 12:01:05 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Rob Early 
Subject:      Waldorf Pulse

Does anyone out there have a Waldorf Pulse? I was thinking about buying one
but I want to find out more about it from a user perspective.

Rob
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 09:15:30 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Tony Cappellini 
Subject:      phasers on stun

I was in a used gear shop recently, and was overwhemled with the amount of
used FX  pedals they had.

I saw a Mutron Phaser II (??) and wanted to try it out. It had a very
similar sounds to my MXR Phase 100, but the Mutron has a continuously
variable depth control, where the MXR has 4 preset stops. The Mutron alsa
had another control, but I can't remember what it was now :) I also saw a
Maestro Phaser, but it only had 3 on/off foot switches, and no variable
controls. THis unit looked wierd, so I didn't even bother to listen to it.

There was also a Roland Phaser (surprise), but I didn't give this a shot either.
I saw 4 different versions of the Small Stone. I wonder if all sound the same ?

I also remember (From years ago) some monstrous Maestro pedals, that had
vertically mounted plastic wheels, that you could adjust with your feet, but
I don't remember what type of effect they were. I seem to remember another
Maestro pedal that had a 3 inch diameter round disc on the top, that you
could pivot between settings.
This *might* have been an envelope follower pedal.

So what other phasers are out there there a worth using/listening to ?


tony
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 16:57:27 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         jgleck 
Subject:      Hard disk recording

Hello all,

  I have been doing music in my home midi-studio for a number of years. I
have been synching my sequencer tracks to an 8 track analog deck and adding
audio there. I've been considering going to a hard disk recording system.
With all the options out there it is hard to know which is the best way to
go. I've seen some hardware based systems that all look very interesting and
most importantly, are affordable, such as Vestax, Akai,Roland,Fostex. I'm
not very familiar with the software based systems available.I am trying to
determine which will give me the most for my money, a modular system or
software based system. Right now I have a Pentium-75 system which I am
increasing to 16 megs RAM. I am hoping to get some feedback from people who
have experience with either system to hopefully narrow the field for me.
   If this is not the right list for this, perhaps someone could steer me in
the right direction.

                        Thanks,

                              James Gleckler
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 16:11:45 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Tony Cappellini 
Subject:      Sequential Drumtracks vs Tom
Comments: To: synth-l@american.edu

Can somebody tell me the differences between these two machines ?
Which one is better ?

thanks
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 17:18:48 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Tony Cappellini 
Subject:      Alan Parson : I Robot
Comments: To: synth-l@american.edu

Can anyone tell me what was used to make the swirling textures on the song I
Robot
(0:42-1:45) on the I Robot album ?


thanks
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 21 Apr 1996 20:51:38 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Tony Cappellini 
Subject:      Wave for Windows / Windows 95
Comments: To: synth-l@american.edu

Does anyone know of any way to make Wave SEII work with WIndows 95 ?
It takes and incredibly long time to come up, once launched, and will GPF on
me at various times.

I am using version 1.3, with DLL version 2.91 (1995)

thanks
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Apr 1996 10:29:31 +0200
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Christoph Belau 
Subject:      Re: Sequential Drumtracks vs Tom
In-Reply-To:  <2.2.32.19960421231145.006a95a4@best.com>

On Sun, 21 Apr 1996, Tony Cappellini wrote:

> Can somebody tell me the differences between these two machines ?
> Which one is better ?
>
> thanks
>
hi tony,
i can't tell u the difference but i can answer questions concerning the
drumtrax (cause i've got one here...)!
btw  i never heard of  "TOM"... perhaps u can tell me
more?

bye
  belau
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Apr 1996 18:34:44 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Reuben J. Ghose" 
Subject:      R and B kick drums
Comments: cc: Synth-l@AMERICAN.EDU

I have heard a really cool bassy kick drum in many of the new R and B songs.
It sounds like a kick drum doubled with some sort of bass.  If anyone knows
what I'm talking about, would you please tell me how I could achieve this sound.

Reuben J. Ghose
ghose@interlog.com
Reuben J. Ghose
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Apr 1996 09:50:41 +1000
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         David Rodger 
Subject:      Re: phasers on stun

Hi Tony,
thanks for your note on old FX pedals.  Never much liked them myself (and
more recent experiences have not impressed me either) because they're always
noisy, but...

> I also remember (From years ago) some monstrous Maestro pedals, that had
> vertically mounted plastic wheels, that you could adjust with your feet, but
> I don't remember what type of effect they were. I seem to remember another
> Maestro pedal that had a 3 inch diameter round disc on the top, that you
> could pivot between settings.

A joystick for the foot?  If this product caught on, we might have seen a
new trend in stage choreography.  Any thoughts, Nick Rothwell?

Regards, Davids
(Whoops - split personality)
musdr@lure.latrobe.edu.au
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 00:24:42 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Sin Byte@Aol.Com" 
Subject:      Re: Sending Midi Files

SIMPLE - - - MAC'S SUCK.
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 00:23:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Sin Byte@Aol.Com" 
Subject:      Re: Sequencer Software ?

vISION iS tHE eASIEST tO uSE aND hAS tHE mOST oPTIONS - - - iT'S jUST a bITCH
wAITING fOR tHE vER. 2.0 uPGRADE???
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 11:29:00 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Timothy Kelly 
Subject:      Re: Sequencer Software ?

Hi,
   The pc gives you the most variety in software choices. And also the
most bang for the buck. Closet to Atari Notator would be Cakewalk Pro,
or maybe the new PC Vision, or New PC Logic.
   Musicator is excellent if you are using Roland GS stuff. And
Midisoft Studio is good if all you want is a notation based sequencer
and dont need graphic controller editing and all the other Cakewalk Pro
type options.
   Master Tracks Pro 6.0 for windows is also good if all you want to
spend is $75.
   And need something simple.
   And for those on a budget, Power Tracks Pro is only $30, and they
keep adding more stuff to it every year.
   Happy Sequencing.
   Timothy Kelly
   MidiVox
--
MidiVox-Worlds 1st Voice to Midi Converter. Real Time. No Delays.

Hum a Bass, Croon a Sax, Scat a Horn, Scream a Guitar, Rap some
Drums, Sing a Cello.

Become a Human Sequencer, Human Vocoder, Human Breath Controller.

AES "Best in Show." EM "Editors Choice." " MidiVox Roars."
Keyboard.
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 12:06:46 +0500
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Juan Manuel Rodriguez C." 
Subject:      Hello everybody on e-music.....

Hi,
First of all, I'd like to greet everybody on the electronic music list,
since I'm new (freshman) , I've just received a lot of questions...,
and I've no way to know which topics have you  'dealed' lastly
I'm hopefull over info I could get here, but also about I could share...

so this goes for the people who like House-Techno-Technorap-Dance(etc...)
I heard about a man asking "don't you like dance" about a week ago, if
there's is people liking techno, we could 'discuss' about.

I'm searchin people who's dealed with synthsizers and tone modules or
generators, until nowadays (xcuse d'expression) I've just worked on
non-programmable keyboards, like the PSR line of Yamaha, nowithstandin'
it was perfect for sequencin' (hey, I'm not quite sure of what sequencin'
is!)  drumtracks, moreover in my drum kit I found "house bass drum", I
could include up to 4,5,6, drum tracks (of course looping), and it tasted
relatively good (someone suggested me for sell tracks!)........../////////
the QUESTION is "would be convenient to adquire a tone generator (I
consider it no-keyboard synth') like a TG - 100, or TG 50, and use my
MIDI in-out, aiming to increase my patch variety>>???, or which tone
gnrtor could you recommend me???

Going on, I've a 75Mhz pentium, with a soundblaster 16 soundcard, and
with a damaged FM-synth chip, what do you think it's better.....
-to completely change the soundcard, or simply add the upgrade of a
WT card like SB AWE 32, since I'm interested in synth's, I would like to
know if somebody knows about a soundcard able to function like I
synthsizer (I MEAN, USER PROGRAMMABLE PATCHES,  ATTACK,DECAY, SUSTAIN,
DELAY,  MODULATION, VIBRATO, SQUARE WAVES........) also able to store the
timbre changes in computer RAM, is it really 'available'?

Overly, I'm searching people who's dealed with soundcard or
musicalkeyboards programming (c,pascal, ....), i.e. tryin' with
system-exclusive-messages, I'm very interested in that, and
hey people, couldn't us share our musical tries, sending and resendin' it
via e-mail (to avoid ftp of course), with attachment.....

NNNNMMM, what about amiga Mod files, (i know the mods, but not the amiga's),
I knew about them six months ago, and I've worked on, I've used a
shareware version of a program called Fasttracker II, it's a swedish program,
I have been tryin' to contact them by e-mail like a )(&)@(~*$%)@*&%$)@&)$
and I haven't got it, all their adresses are damaged!, if someone has
heard about, please let me know to contact them,,......., I could send
all of you (listers), a mod xm file made by me, of course only for the
techno-dance likers (Imadeiton 2-unlimited what about eh....)


LASTLY, since I'm a Colombian (excuse me if we're not happily famous
worldwide) , I'm confused about confusin' words like .....

TWEAK>>>???
BTW????
FUDGE????

WELL, GREETS TO ALL OF YOU, AND HAVE A ULTRA-NICE DAY (s)....

BYEING     UC EI  Juan Manuel Rodriguez Collo
                  jmrodrig@atenea.ucauca.edu.co   (try that)!!!!
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 16:34:54 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Alex Dippel 
Subject:      emusic studies

Hello all,

I was just wondering if anyone out there knows of any quality electronic
music studies programs like the one at American.  I am graduating from
college with a BS in psych in about a month (I do have a good background in
music as well), and I have been trying to find out about any kind of graduate
(or other) programs in the field that do not require a you to have an
undergraduate degree in music.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alex Dippel
AlDip@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 18:05:41 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Reuben J. Ghose" 
Subject:      # of effect processers

I was just wondering how many effects processers I would need for a home
studio? Do I need 1 for every channel or will I need one do for my whole
setup? Any help would be appreciated.

Reuben J. Ghose
ghose@interlog.com
Reuben J. Ghose
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 11:55:26 +1000
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         David Rodger 
Subject:      Re: # of effect processers

Hi Reuben...

>Do I need 1 for every channel or will I need one do for my whole
>setup?

Well, the more FX processors you have, the greater your ability to individually
process sounds, but it gets rather expensive.

It depends on what you want to do.  If you want a general reverb over your
mix, you can use just one processor and patch it into an auxilliary send
on your mixer.  Then you can send a little of each channel to the processor
and bring the processor's output back into the mix (via a couple of spare
channels or effects returns).

What I've just written does depend on your knowing about mixers, so if
you aren't familiar with them, try to expreiment or get your hands on one.
If you've still to buy one, any salesperson worth his or her salt should be
willing to help you understand the product.

Regarsd,
(try again)
Regards, David
musdr@lure.latrobe.edu.au
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 22:52:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Philip A. Frank." 
Subject:      Re: # of effect processers

Are you inquiring about recording bands (or yourself) or just for PC Music?
I have a home studio (16 track analog) with a some what limited amount of
effect processers and I am able to "get by".  I be happy to discuss that with
you however, I have not yet branched into PC Music much...
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 20:03:03 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Tony Cappellini 
Subject:      OB DX VS DMX
Comments: To: synth-l@american.edu

I believe Oberheim had a another drum machine  out before the DMX.
Was it the DX ??
Can somebody please tell me the differences between the two ?

How do you check the Firmware revision on the DMX ?
What was the last version ?
Are there any *major* problems/limitations to the DMX ?

Somewhere, I've seen one of these with a midi retro. Who made these ?

thanks

tony
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 23:37:49 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Sin Byte@Aol.Com" 
Subject:      Vision

Does anyone know when the vision upgrade version 2.0 for ibm is coming out?
 i have been waiting approximately 2 months tapping my fingers?!?
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 10:46:53 +0200
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Christoph Belau 
Subject:      Re: # of effect processers
In-Reply-To:  <199604242207.SAA12657@gold.interlog.com>

On Wed, 24 Apr 1996, Reuben J. Ghose wrote:

> I was just wondering how many effects processers I would need for a home
> studio? Do I need 1 for every channel or will I need one do for my whole
> setup? Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Reuben J. Ghose
> ghose@interlog.com
> Reuben J. Ghose
>
 hi

there are two fx i am always using : delay and reverb. this two i just
give to the chanels wich "need it" . all other fx like flanger or chorus
are just added to one channel mostly just for a short time...

hope that helps ;)

belau
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 07:26:31 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Peter K Schoenhoff 
Subject:      Re: Vision
In-Reply-To:  <960424233747_477760180@emout16.mail.aol.com>; from "Sin
              Byte@Aol.Com" at Apr 24, 96 11:37 pm

These are the graceful words of Sin Byte@Aol.Com:

->Does anyone know when the vision upgrade version 2.0 for ibm is coming out?
-> i have been waiting approximately 2 months tapping my fingers?!?

        I've been waiting since October, but the most recent catolog I've
seen (last month's) still lists 2.0 for Mac and 1.4 for Windows.

--
  -Pete Schoenhoff   _\|/_   pschoenh@pen.k12.va.us
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 07:41:44 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Peter K Schoenhoff 
Subject:      Re: # of effect processers
In-Reply-To:  <199604242207.SAA12657@gold.interlog.com>; from "Reuben J. Ghose"
              at Apr 24, 96 6:05 pm

These are the graceful words of Reuben J. Ghose:

->I was just wondering how many effects processers I would need for a home
->studio? Do I need 1 for every channel or will I need one do for my whole
->setup? Any help would be appreciated.

        It really depends on what you want to do.  Most studio mixers have
two effect send patches, which means that two effect units can be hooked
to the board, each with a single effect which can be applied at varying
levels to each channel on the board.
        My advice though, would be this:  Buy *one*.  You'll probably
end up using it mostly for reverb.  If you need additioal effects in
a single mix, then record the original signal wet (with the effect), and
then use the processor again when you mix down.
        This will do a few things for you:  It will give you time to
see how well you like that particular processor, it will give you time
to learn how to use it, and use it well, it will likely improve your
creativity (having to do more with less,) and it will give you time to
decide for yourself just howmany processors *your* studio needs.

        Note to other engineers:  I personally believe that recording
a wet signal to tape is not a good practice.  I generally do not like
to committ to an effect&effect-level until hearing how good it will
sound with the rest of the mix.  All of us, though, have certainly
had to record wet one time or another, and one *can* learn to make this
setup work.
                -Hope this helps,
  -Pete Schoenhoff   _\|/_   pschoenh@pen.k12.va.us
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 07:45:22 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Peter K Schoenhoff 
Subject:      Re: Hello everybody on e-music.....
In-Reply-To:  ; from "Juan
              Manuel Rodriguez C." at Apr 24, 96 12:06 pm

These are the graceful words of Juan Manuel Rodriguez C.:

->LASTLY, since I'm a Colombian (excuse me if we're not happily famous
->worldwide) , I'm confused about confusin' words like .....

TWEAK   - adjust controls until you find what you want.
BTW     - "by the way,"
FUDGE   - cheat.


--
  -Pete Schoenhoff   _\|/_   pschoenh@pen.k12.va.us
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 08:41:48 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "william.b.fox" 
Subject:      On Sound Design

On SYNTH-L, "Sin Byte@Aol.Com" shouted:
> BUY A SYNTH - MAKE YOUR OWN SOUNDS

Since "Sin Byte@Aol.Com" is also on EMUSIC-L (as are many of us) and
because I desire a more academic thoughfulness applied to my post's
responses, I'm posting this here...

I'd be very interested in hearing people's approaches to sound design.
I'm not referring to the knob twiddling aspects of the task.  I'd like
to narrow the focus of this discussion to the up front intellectual
aspect.  How do you imagine and define the sounds you wish to implement
on whatever the platform?  (We can leave the actual implementation as an
exercise for the reader!)  Or do I have it all wrong?  Are people
designing by tweaking existing patches and/or experimenting with the
capabilities allowed by a synth's architecture?

Bill Fox        wbf@aloft.att.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 10:27:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         John Mcintyre 
Subject:      Re: # of effect processers

>From: "Reuben J. Ghose" 

>I was just wondering how many effects processers I would need for a home
>studio? Do I need 1 for every channel or will I need one do for my whole
>setup? Any help would be appreciated.

The first variable is your method of recording: do you record one track
at a time or everything at once or some in-between state?  If you record
one track at a time, then you can shift the effect chain around.  If you
record more than one instrument at a time, you will want more than one
effect processor.

Ah, forget it.  You're making a fundamental error in thinking only one
effects processor will be sufficent. (-8  Ask again after you've started
using effects processors on your effects processors.

John McIntyre
Physics - Astronomy Domine Dept
Michigan State University
mcintyre@pa.msu.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 17:00:20 PDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Fred MoTTe 
Subject:      Re[2]: # of effect processers/compressors

These are the graceful words of Reuben J. Ghose:

->I was just wondering how many effects processers I would need for a home
->studio? Do I need 1 for every channel or will I need one do for my whole
->setup? Any help would be appreciated.


        To continue the very interesting discussion that occured some weeks ago
  about compressors, I wonder how compression should be handled (that's a bit
  the same problem Reuben has...). I'm using synths to which I add some
  hard-disk recorded (distorded heavy) guitars and low bass guitar tracks. On
  what should I use compression ? On the final output, or should I compress the
  tracks when recording them on harddisk and then mix ?
        Compression still is a bit obscur to me as I never really had to chance
  to try a compressor. I've tried to play around with the compressor there's on
  the ZOOM 9050 guitar effect processor I have, but it's noisy, mono-input, and
  it cuts too much of the original signal to be acceptable.

        Any comments are welcome..

  Fred.
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 16:15:28 +0000
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Michael Glen 
Organization: Edinburgh University
Subject:      getting started

i'm looking to get started writing funky techno/house.
what is the minimum equipment i need to get ?
can anyone help me out

mike, the 'burgh
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 11:49:10 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         John Niven Greenland 
Subject:      Re: emusic studies

Alex,
Where are you? Are you looking for a local course or are you able to go to it
or what?  Maybe I can help.
John Greenland
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 11:27:13 -0500
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Matthew G. Champagne" 
Subject:      Re: Vision

At 11:37 PM 4/24/96, Sin Byte@Aol.Com wrote:
>Does anyone know when the vision upgrade version 2.0 for ibm is coming out?
> i have been waiting approximately 2 months tapping my fingers?!?

For what it's worth, Opcode is famous for their vaporware, which, in all
fairness, eventually *does* get released. I remember when I bought MAX
v2.5.2 in 1993 that they'd announced 3.0, which didn't ship until 1995.

-Matt

--
Matthew Champagne: mchampagne@linknet.net
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 09:17:17 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Mike 
Subject:      PC Sequencing/digital audio

Hey all,

I am presently using Cakewalk Pro for windows (version 2) and I want to
upgrade to a sequencer which embeds the wave files as opposed to just
triggering them.

I know that Cakewalk can preload the wave files but unfortunately this is
really limited and the MCI command which triggers the wave files is not
precise enough and vocals tend to drift.

I have heard that the software that came with the Roland RAP-10 sound card
gave you two seperate tracks of 16bit 44.1kHz audio that was "embedded" in
the sequencer so that even if you started part way through a wave file it
would still play (not to mention the fact that you could have backing vocals
on a seperate track) Does anyone know of a good sequencer package that has
this kind of power but will work with any sound card (in this case the
Gravis Ultrasound Max)

Thanks in advance,
  MIKE

  ZIN music
  lithium@execulink.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 13:14:09 -0600
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Macalester College Music Department 
Subject:      Re: emusic studies
In-Reply-To:  "Your message dated Wed, 24 Apr 1996 16:34:54 -0400"
              <960424163454_477393525@emout16.mail.aol.com>

Alex...I am answering your qustion via the list since others may like to
comment on what I say. Clearly, many places have quality programs. At the
graduate level, the lack of a music degree may or may not influence your
chances, depending on many things, including how rigorous you are in making
application, i.e., making yourself personally known to whomever, and so forth.
Some programs are very rigid, I like to think the best ones are not so, but
rather are more willing to consider someone's potential. I suggest you look at:

1.      CalArts - very intense propgram, big name faculty, high preassure and
        high quality. I have a student there now. You may be short on formal
        background, in their terms, but I suspect talent could carry you also.

2.      Mills College. Small school, SF bay area location, strong tradition in
        experimental music of all kinds...perhaps flexible as to entrance.

3.      Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Rather "cutting edge"
        self image, program part of an overall graduate program in
        communication studies, so readily accessable video technology as well,
        which Mills *may* not have, but CalArts certainly does.

4.      Dartmouth has a good reputation...perhaps on the "scholorly" side,
        though this is a gut feeling of mine with no particular evidence.
        Good in any case.

regards

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
+ Ed Forner                         Macalester College Music Department +
+ forner@macalstr.edu               voice (612) 696-6189                +
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 19:02:07 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Reuben J. Ghose" 
Subject:      Re: # of effect processers

>Are you inquiring about recording bands (or yourself) or just for PC Music?
>I have a home studio (16 track analog) with a some what limited amount of
>effect processers and I am able to "get by".  I be happy to discuss that with
>you however, I have not yet branched into PC Music much...
>
>
I am talking about pc music mixed in with vocals.  Any suggestions?

Reuben J. Ghose
ghose@interlog.com
Reuben J. Ghose
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 19:37:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Sin Byte@Aol.Com" 
Subject:      Re: On Sound Design

The best way I've found to use my equipment...is to try to make it do
something it's not supposed to do, or better yet...can't.  It takes awhile
but well worth the effort.
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 19:29:15 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Timothy Kelly 
Subject:      Re: PC Sequencing/digital audio

Hi All,
   Yes, the rap 10 software was heads above everything else out there.
   The drap and drop timeline midi and wav sequencer allowed faster and more
exact editing than anything else out there. It shows what can be done when
you rewrite and customise what started out as a midisoft product.
   I believe Musicator Audio allows true embeding and editing. It does
support multiple soundcards at once. And Musicator notation features in some
ways is the best of any pc software. Its notation from a midi file is the
best of any piece of midi software out there.
   Happy Midi
   Timothy Kelly
   MidiVox

MidiVox. Real Time Voice to Midi. Hum, Scat, Talk, Rap, Sing.
Become a Human Sequencer, Human Vocoder, Human Breath Controller.
'MidiVox Roars.' Keyboard. AES 'Best in Show.' EM 'Editors Choice.'
Can You Hum a Bass Line? Scat a Horn? Sing a Cello? Rap Some Drums?
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Apr 1996 19:29:10 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Timothy Kelly 
Subject:      Re: On Sound Design

Hi All,
   I'm taking a break from custom editing some Proteus 1 sounds for my
voice. At least once a week, I just like to pick a patch on some piece of
gear and just randomly knob edit. This just lets my imagination go.
   More often I have a certain sound in mind that I am hearing inwardly. Or
a descriptive name I have written down. I find writing out in words, just a
short list of what characteristics I want the sound to have helpful.
   I always edit in real time while singing the patch. And a software editor
for sound designing is a must. It allows you to see all of the preset values
in real time and make changes quickly.
   You learn as you go, how to make a sound brighter, darker, faster,
smoother, how to put emotion into it, as well as your imagination.
   Sound designing is a lot of fun, and one can get into it at ones own
pace, and just keep going deeper and deeper into any piece of gear.
   Often I think sound designing is the best thing about midi.
   Happy Sounds
   Timothy Kelly
   MidiVox


MidiVox. Real Time Voice to Midi. Hum, Scat, Talk, Rap, Sing.
Become a Human Sequencer, Human Vocoder, Human Breath Controller.
'MidiVox Roars.' Keyboard. AES 'Best in Show.' EM 'Editors Choice.'
Can You Hum a Bass Line? Scat a Horn? Sing a Cello? Rap Some Drums?
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 01:22:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Art T. User" 
Subject:      Re: Sequencer Software ?
Comments: cc: Voyetra@aol.com

Best PC Sequencing Software I've worked with is Voyetra's Sequencer Plus.
I've had it for years and it continues to amaze me.  Try Contacting Voyetra
for details...they can be reached during this logon - go to Midi and then
look at companies "Voyetra Technologies"

Good Luck
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 01:25:50 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Art T. User" 
Subject:      Re: Sending Midi Files; Atari to/from PC?

I am interested in sharing some *.MID files between my PC and a Atari
computer.  Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanking you in advance.

Soundwriter
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 05:47:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Robert Smith 
Subject:      Re: PC Sequencing/digital audio

Cakewalk has a new product called "Cakewalk Pro Audio for Windows" ver 4.01.
 It does a good job of imbedding wav files.  I've always like Cakewalk better
than other sequencers, however, I found the mci commands pretty much useless.
 Now Cakewalk has true DAW capability.

-rls
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 07:53:14 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Peter K Schoenhoff 
Subject:      Re: Re[2]: # of effect processers/compressors
In-Reply-To:  <9603258304.AA830444788@smtpgate.mindscape.com>; from "Fred
              MoTTe" at Apr 25, 96 5:00 pm

These are the graceful words of Fred MoTTe:

->about compressors, I wonder how compression should be handled (that's a bit
->the same problem Reuben has...). I'm using synths to which I add some
->hard-disk recorded (distorded heavy) guitars and low bass guitar tracks. On
->what should I use compression ? On the final output, or should I compress the
->tracks when recording them on harddisk and then mix ?

        I would not use a compressor on a final mix.  A compressor narrows
dynamic range.  This can be useful for bass.  A bass generally has a loud
attack, but hen dies off quickly.  With a compressor, that attack can be
made much softer, (a compressor quiets the loud parts) and then the entire
track can be amplified.  The bass *now* sounds like it has a longer sustain.
        This can also be useful with vocals: - A scream doesn't overpower
the mix, and a whisper can still be heard.
        If you apply the compressor to the overall mix, though, you are
severely limiting what kind of dynamic statements the entire ensemble can
make.
                -HTH
--
  -Pete Schoenhoff   _\|/_   pschoenh@pen.k12.va.us
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 09:27:17 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Jon H. Appleton" 
Subject:      Re: EMUSIC-L Digest - 25 Apr 1996 to 26 Apr 1996

--- You wrote:
 Dartmouth has a good reputation...perhaps on the "scholorly" side,
        though this is a gut feeling of mine with no particular evidence.
        Good in any case.
--- end of quoted material ---
Thanks Ed:

Our small program in electro-acoustic music at Dartmouth is scholarly only in
the sense that we try to produce articulate professionals.  Our degree is a
Master of Arts in Electro-Acoustic Music.  We accept students with bachelor
degrees (or equivalent) in music, computer science, physics, or engineering.
We seek musicians who are interested in computer science and scientists who
want to make music.  Our objective is to train people in as many areas as
possible - artistic and technical - so that they are prepared to face the
changing future of music technology.  Some of our graduates work in the music
industry writing music software, designing hardware, composing and performing,
and working in related digital audio fields.

Our students come to us from institutions as diverse as the Moscow Conservatory
of Music, Harvard, Brigham Young, Oberlin, etc.  We welcome international
students and recent graduates have come from Brazil, Cuba, Canada, Japan and
Russia.

Besides myself, our faculty includes Charles Dodge, Larry Polansky, Christian
Wolff, Jamshed Bharucha (Music Cognition),
and Michael Sturge (Acoustics).  We collaborate with the Department of Computer
Science and the Thayer School of Engineering.

We accept three students each year. We offer full tuition fellowships to all
students we accept as well as scholarships for living expenses. Applications
may be obtained by writing to me:

Jon Appleton
Arthur R. Virgin Professor of Music
Chair, Department of Music
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755
USA
e-mail: jon.appleton@dartmouth.edu

or

Dee Copley
Graduate Program in Electro-Acoustic Music
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755
USA
e-mail: dee.copley@dartmouth.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 09:23:52 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "william.b.fox" 
Subject:      Re: On Sound Design

In response to my question:
> How do you imagine and define the sounds...

"Sin Byte@Aol.Com" recommends:
> The best way I've found to use my equipment...is to try to make it do
> something it's not supposed to do, or better yet...can't.  It takes awhile
> but well worth the effort.

Ah, the knob twiddling approach.  Set a course and go, just for the glee
of discovery.  Perfectly valid approach to my mind.

Timothy Kelly said:
> At least once a week, I just like to pick a patch on some piece of
> gear and just randomly knob edit. This just lets my imagination go.

Steve Allen reportedly writes a song every day.  There's a lot to be
said about developing the discipline to JFDI (Just * Do It).  This is
probably one of my greatest shortcomings in life!

> More often I have a certain sound in mind that I am hearing inwardly. Or
> a descriptive name I have written down. I find writing out in words, just a
> short list of what characteristics I want the sound to have helpful.

Yes!  But how do you get that inwardly heard certain sound in mind in
the first place?  I think we're getting closer to the muse, here.

Bill Fox        wbf@aloft.att.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 09:39:21 EDT
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "william.b.fox" 
Subject:      Re: getting started

> Subject:  EMUSIC-L Digest - 25 Apr 1996 to 26 Apr 1996
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Date:    Thu, 25 Apr 1996 16:15:28 +0000
> From:    Michael Glen 
> Subject: getting started
>
> i'm looking to get started writing funky techno/house.
> what is the minimum equipment i need to get ?
> can anyone help me out
>
> mike, the 'burgh
> ------------------------------
> End of EMUSIC-L Digest - 25 Apr 1996 to 26 Apr 1996
> ***************************************************

Not to sound cheeky, but you already have the first and most important
tool; desire.  You probably also have CDs (tapes, LPs, whatever) in the
genre of choice and a means to listen to them.  Next, you should talk to
people DOING the music (or read about them) and decide if the music is
based around sequencing or real-time playing.  (Or some combination?)
Next, get an instrument crucial to the genre and learn it inside out.
(For example: Rock without a guitar is rare.  It doesn't matter as much
what kind of guitar it is.  I propose that the same is true with funky
techno/house.  If the keyboard is the tool, which one isn't as important
as the fact that there is one at all.)  Now you can start to write.  The
cool thing about writing is you don't need anything more than one
instrument and your brain.  However, you may need more (not always!) in
order to implement what you write.  And knowledge of the other
instruments used in your genre helps a lot, too.  Live long and funky!

Bill Fox        wbf@aloft.att.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 10:59:39 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Zenon M. Feszczak" 
Subject:      Re: Hard disk recording

>Hello all,
>
>  I have been doing music in my home midi-studio for a number of years. I
>have been synching my sequencer tracks to an 8 track analog deck and adding
>audio there. I've been considering going to a hard disk recording system.
>With all the options out there it is hard to know which is the best way to
>go. I've seen some hardware based systems that all look very interesting and
>most importantly, are affordable, such as Vestax, Akai,Roland,Fostex. I'm
>not very familiar with the software based systems available.I am trying to
>determine which will give me the most for my money, a modular system or
>software based system. Right now I have a Pentium-75 system which I am
>increasing to 16 megs RAM. I am hoping to get some feedback from people who
>have experience with either system to hopefully narrow the field for me.
>   If this is not the right list for this, perhaps someone could steer me in
>the right direction.
>
>                        Thanks,
>
>                              James Gleckler

Seems like the latest Roland VS-880 is the state of the art.
About $2000.
8 tracks with 8 virtual tracks each.
Built in hard-drive or removable Jaz drive.
Portable.  No computer required.

3
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 10:12:05 EST
Reply-To:     mbriggs@ix.netcom.com
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Michael V. Briggs" 
Subject:      Re: On Sound Design

"Sin Byte@Aol.Com" wrote:
> The best way I've found to use my equipment...is to try to make it do
> something it's not supposed to do, or better yet...can't.  It takes
> awhile but well worth the effort.

Reminds me of an effects pedal review I read last night in Guitar
Player:
 "Ordinarily you have to break something to get a tone this cool."



Michael Briggs
mbriggs@ix.netcom.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 08:04:58 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Mike 
Subject:      Re: PC Sequencing/digital audio

>Hi All,
>   Yes, the rap 10 software was heads above everything else out there.
>   The drap and drop timeline midi and wav sequencer allowed faster and more
>exact editing than anything else out there. It shows what can be done when
>you rewrite and customise what started out as a midisoft product.
>   I believe Musicator Audio allows true embeding and editing. It does
>support multiple soundcards at once. And Musicator notation features in some
>ways is the best of any pc software. Its notation from a midi file is the
>best of any piece of midi software out there.

Is anyone out there actually using the RAP 10 and the software that came
with it? Also, would it be possible to reconfigure the software to work with
other sound cards? Would it even be worth it?

  MIKE

  ZIN music
  lithium@execulink.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 13:44:30 EST
Reply-To:     mbriggs@ix.netcom.com
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Michael V. Briggs" 
Subject:      Re: Hard disk recording

In reply to:

>> I've been considering going to a hard disk recording system.
>> With all the options out there it is hard to know which is the best
>> way to go.
>> If this is not the right list for this, perhaps someone could steer
>> me in the right direction.

This is a little off-topic for this list. We try to keep gear
discussions on the SYNTH-L list. (To subscribe, send a msg reading "sub
SYNTH-L" to listserv@american.edu.)

An even better resource for audio questions is the rec.audio.pro
newsgroup. There have been several interesting and informative threads
on this subject lately, including lots of talk about the Roland VS-880.
After reading all the info I could find and bugging the local music
stores, I bought a VS-880 two days ago. I'll be posting my first
impressions to SYNTH-L and rec.audio.pro later today.


Michael Briggs
mbriggs@ix.netcom.com

"Does it work? Of course not. But it doesn't work less badly than before"
                                               - Nick Rothwell
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 17:19:26 +0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Andre Fischmann 
Organization: Lycee Polytechnique - Mauritius
Subject:      Re: Sending Midi Files; Atari to/from PC?

Art T. User wrote:
>
> I am interested in sharing some *.MID files between my PC and a Atari
> computer.  Anybody have any suggestions?
>
> Thanking you in advance.
>
> Soundwriter

I'm not sure I understand very well (I geberally speak french or
Spanish).
I have a PC (Pentium, Windows 95) and an Atari (MEGA ST4) and I share my
files like this.
You can format a 3"1/2 floppy in 720 kbytes in the PC, and this disk can
be read by the Atari. You can then put any midi file on the disc, just
don't use long file names...
If you have problems, mail me
You can so put a midi cable or 2 between the comuters, but it seems more
difficult.
--
Andre Fischmann & Diana Silva Santisteban - Fischmann
                fischman@netbox.com  or  fischman@bow.intnet.mu
French man & peruvian girl living in Mauritius Island
                        (tel. & fax 230-6963393)
Interests :     Music (sax, flute, keyboard, MIDI...),
                latin civilisation, Children, Atari - PC...
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Apr 1996 10:31:48 +1000
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         David Rodger 
Subject:      Re: Re[2]: # of effect processers/compressors

Hi all,
Pete Schoenoff
said:
>         I would not use a compressor on a final mix.  A compressor narrows
>
dynamic range.  This can be useful for bass.  A bass generally has a loud
> attack, but hen dies off quickly.  With a compressor, that attack can be
> made much softer, (a compressor quiets the loud parts) and then the entire
> track can be amplified.  The bass *now* sounds like it has a longer sustain.
[...]
>         If you apply the compressor to the overall mix, though, you are
> severely limiting what kind of dynamic statements the entire ensemble can
> make.

Depeds on what you're trying to do.  Ever heard Dionne Farris' "I Know"?
dynamic range of about 2dB!

A trick I picked uI[xBBp recently is to b<
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Apr 1996 10:34:31 +1000
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         David Rodger 
Subject:      Re: Re[2]: # of effect processers/compressors

Sorry folks,
my phone link just crapped out, resulting in...

> A trick I picked -}uI[xBBp recently is to

As I was saying, a trick is to send a mix to a stereo compressor and bring
the compressed version back in under your main mix.  Sometimes it adds
just a little more presence, without squashing everything.  You need
something nice , though, like old Ureis or a dbx 162.

Regards, David
musdr@lure.latrobe.edu.au
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 22:27:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Gerry Pawluk 
Subject:      EQ

Would an EQ unit make a difference in final mixdown, in light of EQ knobs available on
mixers and multi-track recorders?

Any comments would be appreciated.
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 23:41:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Art T. User" 
Subject:      Re: Sending Midi Files; Atari to/from PC?

Thank you for the info; life in the islands must be great.  I live near the
Colorado Rockies (Mountains); with the snow covered mountains in the
distance...

Thanks Again

Merci
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 20:33:54 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Nathanael W Berry 
Subject:      Re[2]: # of effect processers/compressors

>From:    Fred MoTTe 
>...). I'm using synths to which I add some
>  hard-disk recorded (distorded heavy) guitars and low bass guitar tracks. On
>  what should I use compression ? On the final output, or should I compress the
>  tracks when recording them on harddisk and then mix ?...
>        Compression still is a bit obscur to me as I never really had to chance
>  to try a compressor.

        If your recordings are strictly hard disk, you could use "digital
compression" in your final mix. Unless you are looking for a specific
compression response (by your message I assume you are not! :) or do not
have the digital tools to perform the compression, there does not seem to be
much need for a compressor. Having said that...using a limiter in front of
your digital recordings allows you to run hotter signals without (ok, with
less) fear of exceeding 0db, making better use of the dynamic range of your
digital recordings. If you cannot, or find it inconvenient to perform
digital compression on your mixdown to (analog) tape (to account for the
reduced dynamic range) you may want to use a compressor - particularly if
you're mixing to cassette. The dynamic range of your music will dictate what
you can get away with. If you regularly use 80db on your disk system, it
aint-a-gona fit on a cassette. You'll lose the lower 20-30db. This is where
a compressor can come in handy, to squish (compress?!?) the 80db into 50db.
If your recordings only use 50db dynamic range, jst set the levels properly
and you should be ok.


        On the subject of how many/what processors, I could suggest two
scenarios:
1) Pick up a used "yesterdays technology box" on the order of the Alesis,
Digitech, or ART effects boxes that can be had for $50 - 100 US. Midi
capability is nice, minimally for patch changes. These boxes tend to be a
bit noisy (IMO Alesis is quietest, but for effects other than reverb is not
the best) but used at low levels can be quite usefull. Play around and see
what works for you.

2) Grab one of the latest round of moderately priced true stereo units.
These boxes are quite quiet and have plenty of features and flexibility. The
dual processing mode may get you further in realtime situations.
Again...play around.

        I have found that unless you invest big bucks, what you will get is
almost unsellable by the time you exceed its capabilities. Over time, this
leads to a stack of effects processors that are worth keeping around just
for those times when...
I have four multi effects boxes ranging from an ART Proverb200 to an Ensoniq
DP4. The DP4 is clearly the champion of the bunch, but the 200 can still add
a bit of useful reverb to a syth pad when needed.

There's a couple weeks worth of list bandwidth!

Good Luck
Nate
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 22:22:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Timothy Kelly 
Subject:      Re: On Sound Design, hearing inner sounds.

>> More often I have a certain sound in mind that I am hearing
inwardly. Or
>> a descriptive name I have written down. I find writing out in words,
just a
>> short list of what characteristics I want the sound to have helpful.
>
>Yes!  But how do you get that inwardly heard certain sound in mind in
>the first place?  I think we're getting closer to the muse, here.
>
>Bill Fox        wbf@aloft.att.com

Hi All,
   You bypass the mind in some way. The mind doesn't have the ability
to come up with or hear anything new. Its just a living
computer/recorder for storage.
   Its the imagination that creates and can hear, and nudge you to do
new things with music and sound. You somehow feed this childlike muse
ideas. Audible, written, visual, and you follow through on the creative
leaps it offers you.
   Often just doing something for the pure fun of it can still the mind
so that something from the imagination comes through. Eat a favorite
food, see a movie, make love, daydream, improvise, kick back.
   Also, I find editing a little right before going to bed, I have a
dream about a sound, or hear a sound. Then on waking up I write the
info down. One can also do this with daydreaming as well as nite
dreaming.
   The imagination and using it for sound editing can be exercised and
developed like any other skill. If you really get stuck, invite a
couple of kids over and watch them just go at it.
   Another fun thing is to just imagine yourself being sound.
   What sounds would you be like? Why?
   Happy Sounds
   Timothy Kelly
   MidiVox

--
MidiVox-Worlds 1st Voice to Midi Converter. Real Time. No Delays.

Hum a Bass, Croon a Sax, Scat a Horn, Scream a Guitar, Rap some
Drums, Sing a Cello.

Become a Human Sequencer, Human Vocoder, Human Breath Controller.

AES "Best in Show." EM "Editors Choice." " MidiVox Roars."
Keyboard.
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 22:35:05 -0700
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Timothy Kelly 
Subject:      Rap 10 software rewrite.

Hi All,
   No need to try to rewrite the rap10 software. MidiSoft still makes
the Sound Impressions software. Not as fancy, but works with most
soundcards. About $90-100. US.
   The Rap 10 sold well for a non Soundblaster soundcard.
   Have we reached the point now, where superstar musicans will start
endorsing soundcards?
   Anyone out there making soundcards, send them to me, I'll be glad to
test them and endorse them if they are good soundcards.
   Happy Midi
   Timothy Kelly
   MidiVox

--
MidiVox-Worlds 1st Voice to Midi Converter. Real Time. No Delays.

Hum a Bass, Croon a Sax, Scat a Horn, Scream a Guitar, Rap some
Drums, Sing a Cello.

Become a Human Sequencer, Human Vocoder, Human Breath Controller.

AES "Best in Show." EM "Editors Choice." " MidiVox Roars."
Keyboard.
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Apr 1996 10:21:54 +0100
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Nick Rothwell 
Subject:      Re: On Sound Design

>I'd be very interested in hearing people's approaches to sound design.
>I'm not referring to the knob twiddling aspects of the task.  I'd like
>to narrow the focus of this discussion to the up front intellectual
>aspect.

I think of it as an exploration of the available "space" of all possible
sounds. Sometimes you're in a nice neighbourhood and want to tweak
something to get closer to the sound in your head. At other times it's a
case of teleporting somewhere; sometimes in a definite direction, sometimes
randomly.

>Are people
>designing by tweaking existing patches and/or experimenting with the
>capabilities allowed by a synth's architecture?

Yes. And either process can be either a localised exploration or a
teleportation jump.

         Nick Rothwell, CASSIEL        contemporary dance projects
         http://www.cassiel.com        music synthesis and control

             years, passing by, VCO, VCF, and again, and again
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Apr 1996 12:17:19 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Gregory Jenkins 
Subject:      FSK and SMPTE
In-Reply-To:  <199604270500.BAA54383@atlanta.american.edu>

Does anyone know the difference between synching to tape with FSK
and synching with SMPTE?? I have an old Voyetra OP-4001 midi card that
supports FSK but my sequencing software only supports SMPTE. I don't know
what to do at this point and would appreciate *any* input.



___________________________________________________________
|  gjenkins@delphi.umd.edu      |       University of     |
|       Greg Jenkins            |          Maryland       |
-----------------------------------------------------------
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Apr 1996 14:21:31 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         Shlomo Kunkel 
Subject:      Upgrading my K2000

I am in the ministry and compose and arrange most of the music we sing.  I
have a K2000 that has only what came with it from the factory.  I have
upgraded the software to Version 3.  What do I need to add to get more
orchestra sounds?  Do I need to add more memory, if so, how much?  What about
Simms?

I'm constantly running out of polyphony!  What do I do to get plenty of
polyphony so I can write full orchestrations without losing anything?

My PC also has a CD Rom 4 speed drive.  Will this CD run samples into my
K2000, or do I need a different CD Rom?

Finally, I want to create a high quality, home recording studio.  All I have
at the present is:  K2000 keyboard, JV1000 keyboard, 486 Pentium (8 meg)
computer with a 4 speed CD Rom.  I also use Cakewalk Sequecing Software and
Finale Notation Software.  Please recommend what else I need to begin putting
out some good recordings.  I'm a vocalist, as well, so I need suggestions on
vocal mics, etc.

Thanks
Shlomo
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Apr 1996 21:17:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Electronic Music Discussion List 
Sender:       Electronic Music Discussion List 
From:         "Vivian C. Stoll" 
Subject:      Re: emusic studies

New York University offers  Bachelors and a Masters programs in music
technology and I know you don't need a Bachelor of Music to go into the
masters program there.  The masters program focuses on both music and mostly
digital technology for audio but to graduate you do have to take  music
theory and  music history comprehensive exams. I'm just completing the
Bachelor's music tech program there and many of the grad students are taking
undergrad classes to catch up on some of the basics they need to know like
recording tecnology, signal flow and music courses. A music background helps
but isn't necessary.
Cal Arts has a program as well. I know that the composer Morton Subotnick is
part of that program but I don't know much more about it.
Good luck in your search!