旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � SongCanvas � � For IBM-Compatible Microcomputers � � Copyright Jeff Cazel, 1992 � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 旼컴컴컴컴커 � Overview � 읕컴컴컴컴켸 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 edit훬ou 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. 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � System Requirements � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 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. 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴� � Quick Start � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴� 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 : 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 instructions훦his file contains the SongCanvas User's Manual. ______________________________________________________________________________ SongCanvas � GS Editor/Librarian � Version 1.1 Copyright 1992 by Jeff Cazel � All Rights Reserved 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � Shareware / Ordering Information � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 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. 旼컴컴컴� � Files � 읕컴컴컴� The SongCanvas comes with 12 files (the first three are mandatory): CANVAS.EXE � SongCanvas program CANVAS.HLP � SongCanvas help file PLAYD.EXE � MIDI engine훥ee 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴� � Legal Stuff � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴� 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. 旼컴컴컴컴� � Wrap Up � 읕컴컴컴컴� 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � Revision History � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 1.1 (Sep 92): Adds 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � Future Enhancements! � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 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