Apparently-To: john.smith@gravis.com


GUS Musician's Digest       Tue, 16 Nov 93  3:37         Volume 2: Issue  16  

Today's Topics:
                     GUS Musician's Digest V2 #13
                        HWXMASGU.ZIP unzipping
                      JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  1/4
                      JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  2/4
                      JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  3/4
                      JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  4/4
                              Portamento
                              subscribe
                        Tonguing vs Portamento

Standard Info:
	- Meta-info about the GUS can be found at the end of the Digest.
	- Before you ask a question, please READ THE FAQ.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 93 4:52:48 CST
From: cowles@hydra.convex.com (John Cowles)
Subject: Re: GUS Musician's Digest V2 #13

Clarke Brunt writes:
> 
> > Is there any way to "slur" a note?
> 
> I think the only way to acheive what you want is using Pitch Bend,
> which is pretty unsatisfactory, because e.g. you play a C, hold it
> down, then include a series of increasing Pitch Bend messages until
> the not reaches D. The trouble is that the note is still a 'bent' C
> and not really a D. Also, you eventually run out of Pitch Bend
> range, and the amount of bending is not necessarily standard.
> 
On most synths, you can set the pitch-bend sensitivity, with the usual
default being2 semitones, and the ability to set the sensitivity from one
semitone to 24 semitones. Pitchbend itself is divided into 8192 steps, with
the middle being at 4096 - so the default of 2 semitones will allow you
to go from -1 semitone to +1 semitone in units from 0 to 8191. It would be nice
if GUS would have a 'settable' pitchbend sensitivity

This would certainly work for a slur, but portamento is the way
breath controllers SHOULD be implemented!

John Cowles

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 09:06 -0500
From: WADLEIGH@PROCESS.COM
Subject: Re: HWXMASGU.ZIP unzipping

If you are still having problems unzipping this archive, 
check your version of PKUNZIP.  You may be using an old 
version (e.g. 1.10).  The latest version is in the UTILS 
directory on EPAS.

Hal

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 93 20:19:02
From: john.smith@gravis.com
Subject: JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  1/4

Just to Let You Know #9 (11/15/93)
==================================

Mega-Em V2.00B023 Public Beta (MEGEM23B.ZIP)
-----------------------------

Here is what you have all been waiting for, the long awaited public
beta release of Mega-Em with SB DAC support. Jayeson has been working
hard on this version since V1.0 was released at the end of August.

There are a few issues that I wish to make clear to everyone in
respect to Mega-Em and UltraSound emulation in general.

   1) Mega-Em gains its power and flexibility by using the
      386/486 processor in protected mode. Because of the nature
      of protected mode you are unable to run more than one
      protected mode application at any one time. (True you can
      use DPMI/VCPI but our testing shows that the DPMI approach
      would slow down emulation to an unbearable level and we
      already support VCPI)

      Hence Mega-Em will not be able to work with games that use
      protected mode, for instance Strike Commander, Privateer, etc...
      In these circumstances you will need to use SBOS to get them
      to work with the UltraSound.

   2) Since Mega-Em approaches Sound Blaster emulation in a different
      manner than SBOS it may work better with some games. For
      example, Mega-Em will work with NHL hockey and FPS football.

   3) Mega-Em does NOT offer Sound Blaster FM emulation. This is being
      planned but is fairly low on the priority list. If you need
      to configure your game for music you will get MUCH better
      results by configuring it for SCC1/General MIDI or MT32 than
      setting it up for Sound Blaster FM.

 What has changed since version 1.0? You'll find a complete revision
 history in the Mega-Em README. The big changes have been the addition
 of Sound Blaster DAC support and the removal of the 20 minute
 time restriction.

 Comdex Press Release for Mega-Em
 --------------------------------

November 15, 1993

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TORONTO:   AED
VANCOUVER: AED
OTC BBS:   GRVSF

              Advanced Gravis Provides New Level of
                Support for the Gravis UltraSound


Vancouver, British Columbia - November 15, 1993 - Advanced Gravis
today announced it is making available a new sound driver for the
Gravis UltraSound card. The Mega-Em driver will be available
directly from Advanced Gravis.

For games and applications that do not support the Gravis UltraSound
directly, the Mega-Em sound driver will provide emulation of the
Roland SCC-1 (General Midi) and Roland MT-32 sound platforms. Unlike
FM synthesis sound cards, Roland products provide high quality MIDI
music, like the Gravis UltraSound.  In addition to the Roland music
emulation, the Mega-Em driver will also provide compatibility with
Sound Blaster audio and digital effects.

"Many games allow users two separate selections in their installation
and set-up - one for music and one for digital effects", said Grant
Russell, president of Advanced Gravis.  "For older software that does
not take advantage of UltraSound's superior capabilities, Mega-Em is
the premium alternative solution, that leaves FM technology based
cards in the dust."

The Mega-Em driver may be obtained through Advanced Gravis' BBS at
(604) 431-5927, or through Advanced Gravis' forums on American
On-Line, CompuServe and Genie.

In addition to UltraSound, Gravis' 16-bit, 32 voice, CD quality stereo
sound card featuring wavetable synthesis and recording, Advanced Gravis
Computer Technology Ltd. also designs, manufactures and markets high
quality computer input devices, including the Gravis Analog Pro
Joystick and PC GamePad for IBM PC and compatibles, and the MouseStick
II and Mac GamePad for Macintosh computers.


UltraMID V1.05 (UMID105.ZIP)
--------------

There is an update to the UltraSound AIL/UltraMID drivers. This update
fixes a few bugs and adds some features including:

 Revision History

 V1.05  - (11/05/93) -D switch will first search for patches in current
                      directory before looking in your ULTRASND\MIDI
                      directory.

(Continued to next message)
---
  QMPro 1.51  How do I set my laser printer to "stun"?

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 93 20:19:05
From: john.smith@gravis.com
Subject: JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  2/4

(Continued from previous message)

 V1.04  - (10/28/93) Added -16 switch to load patches as 16 bit.
                     Fixed 16 bit digital audio problem in DIGPAK
 V1.03  - (09/15/93) MIDI in support for sequencers added
 V1.02a - (09/02/93) Digital Audio improved


Updated Windows Drivers (GUS0035.ZIP)
-----------------------

This version of the UltraSound Windows drivers is from the beginning
of October '93. The decision was made to make this version public for
two reasons. First, many of the problems people are having with the
older windows drivers have been corrected. Including MicroSoft Arcade,
AVI digital audio, After Dark, Laser Master printers and more.
Secondly, these drivers are safe enough for a public beta <grin>. Most
of the changes that are being made to there final release are cosmetic
in nature. Such as the "Debug 0/1" option will be changed to "Verify
Patchs on Load On/Off", Mixer sliders, etc...

Some of the new features and bug fixes are:

 Linear volume                             <- Option in Control Panel
 Streaming digital audio improved          <- Example AVI
 Patch Banking (A librarian not available yet. You will need to edit)
               (ULTRASND.INI manually. An updated Patch Manager is)
               (planned by the final release of these drivers)
 Updated Mixer                             <- Mainly useful for V3.4
                                              UltraSound cards. If you
                                              are running a previous
                                              version of the GUS then
                                              certain options will not
                                              be selectable.
 MIDI notes dropped                        <- Fixed
 Debug Level 1/0                           <- Translation is: Verify
                                              Patches upon Windows load,
                                              ON or OFF

When installing these drivers I strongly suggest you read the README.
There are a few things which I'm sure people will have problems
with if they do not read this file including MIDI not working
under Windows.


Privateer - Lockup Problems (AILPATCH.ZIP)
---------------------------

The latest version of the SBDIG.ADV driver contains routines designed
to correct undocumented "Halt DMA transfer" problems with Sound
Blaster cards.

Unfortunately these routines cause lockup problems with SBOS. The -O1
switch on SBOS is designed to compensate for this, however this
option conflicts with Privateer.

The file AILPATCH.ZIP allows you to search files for these routines
and disable them, allowing SBOS to operate properly.


Patch Maker
-----------

This is another press release they are handing out at Comdex. The
actual program won't be released until the middle of December.

November 15, 1993

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TORONTO:   AED
VANCOUVER: AED
OTC BBS:   GRVSF

            Advanced Gravis Announces More Fun and
             Excitement for the Gravis UltraSound

Vancouver, British Columbia - November 15, 1993 -  Advanced Gravis
today announced "Patch Maker Lite", sound editing software for the
Gravis UltraSound sound card. Patch Maker Lite will be available
directly from Advanced Gravis.

The wavetable synthesisor in the Gravis UltraSound uses digital
samples to create instruments or "patches".  Patch Maker Lite
gives UltraSound users an unlimited artistic license to modify
existing UltraSound instrument patches and allows anyone to
create new instruments, adding to the 192 General MIDI patch
set currently shipping with the Gravis UltraSound card. For example,
a crack of a baseball bat or your favorite electric guitar sound
could be recorded and stored as digital patches. Or, record your dog
and create a high fidelity dog instrument for your MIDI compositions! 

"ROM based products impose limitations", said Grant Russell, president
of Advanced Gravis. "The Gravis UltraSound was designed to allow
flexibility. UltraSound users can now easily create exciting new
patches that showcase their talents and creativity.  This is also of
significant importance to musicians who seek a way to customize their
MIDI patch sets."

Patch Maker Lite may be obtained for a limited time, through Advanced
Gravis' BBS at (604) 431-5927.

(Continued to next message)
---
  QMPro 1.51  How do I set my laser printer to "stun"?

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 93 20:19:08
From: john.smith@gravis.com
Subject: JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  3/4

(Continued from previous message)


In addition to UltraSound, Gravis' 16-bit, 32 voice, CD quality stereo
sound card featuring wavetable synthesis and recording, Advanced Gravis
Computer Technology Ltd. also designs, manufactures and markets high
quality computer input devices, including the Gravis Analog Pro
Joystick and PC GamePad for IBM PC and compatibles, and the MouseStick
II and Mac GamePad for Macintosh computers.


Gravis Nodes (4 New Nodes)
------------

|                        Authorized Gravis BBS Nodes List
|                                    as of
|                                 Nov 15, 1993
|
Name                    Location           Node No.    BBS Phone No.   Speed
=============================================================================
Advanced Gravis         Burnaby, Canada   - 1:153/978   (604) 431-5927  V32bis
|                                         - 13:900/3
|                                         - 94:850/103
|                                         %gravis.com
Deep Cove BBS           White Rock, Canada 1:153/915   (604) 536-5859  DS
MIDI 1040               Vancouver, Canada  1:153/7040  (604) 732-4446  V32bis
Infinite Dreams         Vancouver, Canada  1:153/7042  (604) 733-6432  DS
|                                                      (604) 733-8193  V32bis
WolfPack                Richmond, Canada   1:153/811   (604) 275-3047  DS
T-8000 Info. System     Calgary, Canada   - 1:134/160   (403) 686-2236  DS16.8
|                                     t8000.cuc.ab.ca  (403) 246-4487  V32bis
|                             ftpmail@t8000.cuc.ab.ca  (403) 686-0816  V32bis
Download Dungeon        Ontario, Canada    1:229/318   (705) 749-3233  V32bis
|                                                      (705) 749-2345  V32bis
|                                                      (705) 749-9632  V32bis
Super Sonic             Ontario, Canada    1:250/722   (416) 225-2872  2400
|                                                      (416) 225-8942  DS
QWERTY                  Quebec, Canada     1:167/625   (514) 473-9357  V32bis
The Sound Barrier       New York, USA      13:420/0    (718) 979-6629  DS
|                                                      (718) 979-9406  V32bis
Music Connection        Texas, USA (Plano) 1:124/3109  (214) 596-2827 =DS
|                                          1:124/3110  (214) 964-3743  V32bis
CyberSpace - The Matrix Texas, USA(Carrol) 1:124/6201  (214) 394-9339  V32bis
|                                          13:100/22
ANGel FaLLS BBS         Texas, USA(El Pas) 13:110/100  (915) 592-6747  V32bis
JoyFull Noise           Oregon, USA       - 1:105/55    (503) 335-9600 &DS
|                                         - 1:105/5     (503) 335-3053 ZV32bis
Whammy Bar BBS          IL, USA           13:555/1     (708) 268-0035  V32bis
QuadriPhonic Illusions  Florida, USA      13:206/1     (904) 684-4854  V32bis
Planet of Magrathea     PA, USA            1:2607/105  (215) 820-9145  DS
I can 'C' Clearly Now!  Iowa, USA          1:290/102   (515) 472-3651  V32bis
The AANThill            California, USA    1:202/244   (619) 550-8168  DS
Open Access BBS         Norway, Europe     2:210/18    +47-61-97945    V32bis
The 1st Dutch MIDI BBS  Netherland, Europe 2:281/610   +31-15-138754   DS
|                                          2:283/222   +31-85-811892   V32bis
Geniaal BBS 2           Netherland, Europe 14:1000/3   +31-2294-3154   V32bis
|                                                      +31-2294-2959   V32bis
New Age System          Estonia, Europe    2:490/12    +372-6-316928   V32bis
StarPort                Finland, Europe    2:220/630   +358-0-804-4626 DS
|                                                      +358-0-804-1133 2400
MDSC Malex Data Support Sweden, Europe     14:1700/300 +46-8-59076168  DS
StarFire                Germany, Europe    2:2400/105  +49-9131-538303 V32bis
AWAX-CBL                Moscow, Europe     2:5020/105  +7-095201-5115 ZV32bis
Blaster Sound           Spain, Europe      2:345/805   +34-58-293583  ZV32bis
MultiMedia              Singapore, Asia    6:600/408   +65-2521220    ZV32bis
Paranoimia-Art of Noise Victoria,Australia 3:635/541   +61-3-379-7041  V32
|
Files Only
=============================================================================
UltraSound Connection   Florida, USA                   (813) 787-8644  DS
=============================================================================

NOTE(S): - All systems are No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop bit (N81)
|        - All systems are online 24 hours/day
|        - Speeds: V32bis - 14,400 bits per second (CCITT standard)
|                  HST    - 14,400/16,800 bits per second (US Robotics Prop.)
|                  DS     - 14,400/16,800 bits per second (HST/V32bis)
|        - - - Files are File Requestable
|        - % - EMail Only.  No FTP or Telnet.
|        - & - Does not accept >= 2400 baud calls
|        - Z - Zyxel (16.8K and 19.2K bps)
|        - = - DS 21.6k bits per second (HST/V32bis)

About the Gravis Nodes
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 All nodes are independent BBSs', and are not run or sponsored by Gravis.  As
 such the logon procedures for each BBS may vary.  For instance, some give
 you immediate access, while others have a probation period which may last
 several days.  All nodes are encouraged to offer all the Gravis files and
 messages to first time callers but this may not always be the case.

 If you are interested in becoming an Authorized Gravis Node you may file
 request or download GRAV-APP.ZIP from the Gravis BBS.

Other Sources for UltraSound Files:
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|     CompuServe:         GO PCVENB  area #14                      71333,350
|                         GO MACDVEN area #10                      75300,733
|     AOL:                                                        Adv Gravis
|     Genie:              Games RoundTable Cat#1 Topic #6             Gravis
|     Internet EMail:     Tech Support                       tech@gravis.com

(Continued to next message)
---
  QMPro 1.51  How do I set my laser printer to "stun"?

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 93 20:19:12
From: john.smith@gravis.com
Subject: JUST TO LET YOU KNOW  4/4

(Continued from previous message)

|                         Sales                             sales@gravis.com

|     FTP Sites:          archive.epas.utoronto.ca         pub/pc/ultrasound
|                         wuarchive.wustl.edu       systems/msdos/ultrasound
|                         archive.orst.edu               pub/packages/gravis
|                         theoris.rz.uni-konstanz.de           pub/sound/gus

|     GUS Mailserver:     mail-server@nike.rz.uni-konstanz.de

|     Internet: Daily Digest:                         gus-general@dsd.es.com
|               Daily Music Digest:                     gus-music@dsd.es.com
|               GUS SDK Digest:                           gus-sdk@dsd.es.com
|                                               To post to tomorrow's digest

|     Request: Daily Digest:                  gus-general-request@dsd.es.com
|              Daily Music Digest:              gus-music-request@dsd.es.com
|              GUS SDK Digest:                    gus-sdk-request@dsd.es.com
|                               To subscribe, unsubscribe, and request files
==============================================================================

Happy GUSsing

John
---
  QMPro 1.51  How do I set my laser printer to "stun"?

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 11:03:02 GMT
From: Clarke Brunt <CLARKE@lsl.co.uk>
Subject: Portamento

> Is there any way to slur a note?

> ... at least two people mention the portamento controller ...

I had no idea what 'portamento' meant, indeed I still don't have
much idea. I doubt very much that the GUS supports it, buts it's
really the drivers that dictate which portions of MIDI the GUS
'supports', the hardware itself being quite versatile.

So what exactly is portamento supposed to do, and is it something
for the wishlist for the new Windows drivers? Mind you, if it
involves sliding the pitch of notes (sort of automatic pitch bend)
it sounds tricky to implement.

Finally, I'm worried that the Musician's Digest is dieing. There is
so little traffic these days. I certainly still read the General
digest, and strangely enough, the volume of 'Why doesn't game xyz
work' messages had been much reduced recently. Maybe our Digest's
charter is too narrow, rather than just avoiding game stuff.
I wonder if Dave DeBry can supply readership lists for the Digests,
then we can see how much overlap there is, and just how many people
are out there (OK - I know some readership is via bulletin boards
etc. but it would be some help).

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1993 20:20:00 -0500
From: marius@grin.io.org
Subject: subscribe

subscribe

------------------------------

Date: 15 Nov 1993   11:31:14 PST
From: chrisw@leland.Stanford.EDU
Subject: Tonguing vs Portamento

------------

Just to straighten things up: portamento has nothing to do with tonguing
woodwind instruments (or `slurred notes' for that matter). Slurring
refers to the type of noise (in particular the sound of the attack) not the 
pitch of the noise.

The problem with slurred notes is a difficult one, definitely requring 
features that the GUS doesn't have. (The trick would be to have either
key velocity or some controller modifying the sound. Some possibilities:
change the start point of the sample, have a different attack, have a  
different filter envelope, etc).

By the way, the GUS doesn't support portamento, either. (Moreover, it 
only has one tone pitch bends - as far as I know, anyway).

Chris.

------------------------------

End of GUS Musician's Digest V2 #16
***********************************

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