Announcing MidiLab/2

MidiLab/2 is a MIDI Sequencer, Editor and data manager application for OS/2
Version 2. Its primary functions- Record, Overdub, Playback, and Track Edit,
and the other supporting functions, are controlled by CUA compliant PM user
interface controls.

MidiLab/2 exploits the power of OS/2, including 32-bit operation,
multi-threading, and Presentation Manager functions.  It features minimal
hardware and storage requirements while providing a high level of function
and performance.  MidiLab/2 supports the MIDI 1.0 File Specification.
There are no special hardware nor software requirements other than a Roland
MPU-401/IPC/IMC MIDI Processing Unit (or a compatible OEM unit which emulates
the MPU in non-UART mode), and any system capable of running OS/2 Version 2, MCA
or AT bus.

While a musician unfamiliar with computers should be able to readily
use MidiLab/2 as a multi-track recorder, its full capability can best be
realized with a reasonable knowledge of MIDI concepts and terminology, and
general computer operation.  It is assumed the user is familiar with
MIDI-compatible equipment, and is aware of the role of a sequencer in a
MIDI-based audio system.

MidiLab/2 targets the Multimedia creator, the MIDI musician, and
hobbyists/home users in general as potential users of the program.

Highlights:

- Full exploitation of OS/2 Version 2 and PM
- Sixteen tracks available for simultaneous playback
- Record/Overdub a predetermined number of measures
- Dynamic editing of track data with audio/visual presentation
- MIDI data stream editing at the byte or measure level
- Selective filtering of unwanted MIDI data
- Can synchronize with external MIDI/SMPTE clock
- Remote control capability from any MIDI device
- Transposition and velocity adjustment
- Note Quantization
- System Exclusive dump/restore utility
- Support of MIDI 1.0 file standard
- Takes advantage of the MPU-401 on-board processor, freeing the host
  computer of unnecessary task overhead.
- No pre-requisite software
- Online HELP provides introduction, user's guide, and reference
  information including MIDI tutorial.

MidiLab/2 is available on the Compuserve MIDIFORUM and OS2USER forums.


                           History and personal data

The author is an ex-IBM'er, and has been working with MIDI sequencers since
1985.  I designed and built a DOS-based sequencer at that time, for my own
use as a semi-professional musician.  I later made the program available
throughout IBM, where several hundred people world-wide made use of it and
provided me with valuable feedback to continually improve its function and
usability.  Since my retirement from IBM, I have built an entirely new
product on an OS/2 base, taking advantage of previous experience and as
many native features of OS/2 that applied.  MidiLab/2 is written in C Set/2,
and employs a proprietary MPU device driver.

I welcome requests from those interested in helping me test the functions and
performance of MidiLab/2. Please let know your system configuration and MIDI
hardware.

      James L. Bell
      Telephone (408) 378-9649
      Compuserve: 71034,3001


OS/2 is a trademark of the IBM Corporation.  MPU 401/IPC/IMC are
trademarks of the Roland Corporation