PHONIX MIDI ARPEGGIATOR
Introduction:
In the days before MIDI, when even personal computers were
relatively rare, synthesists often relied on the 'Arpeggiator' to
simulate the effects produced by the then prohibitively expensive
'sequencer'.
An arpeggiator cycles through a series of notes, transposing some
(if the synthesist so desires) to keep them within a certain
range. It can cycle up, or down, or alternatively up and down
through the notes. By combining different notes, range
selections, and cycle directions, surprisingly interesting
patterns can be developed.
With the advent of MIDI, personal computers, and relatively
inexpensive sequencers, most synthesizer manufacturers no longer
equip their products with an arpeggiator.
Although the arpeggiator cannot compete with the sequencer in
terms of versatility, generality, or overall usefulness, it is
still a capable and interesting tool in its own right. Many
synthesists have expressed regret at not having an arpeggiator
available within their MIDI set-ups, even though they may be using
any one of a number of full-featured sequencers.
Well, now you can have this old technology in a new box! The MIDI
ARPEGGIATOR is available for Atari ST/MEGA computers as a
desk-accessory, making it easily available from within any GEM-based
program. As well, the MIDI environment makes possible a few
enhancements to the traditional arpeggiator.
Requirements:
Any ATARI ST or MEGA computer with TOS in ROM and either a color
or monochrome monitor. The MIDI ARPEGGIATOR will not look right in
low resolution, but it will work.
Installation:
The files 'ARPEG.ACC' and 'ARPEG.RSC' must be copied to a boot disk.
When the disk is booted (reset, change resolution, or start-up) the
Arpeggiator will be installed in the desk-accessory buffer as
'Arpeggiator'.
Using the Arpeggiator:
The PHONIX MIDI ARPEGGIATOR is activated by clicking on
'Arpeggiator' in the Desk Accessory menu.
To begin, ensure that a MIDI synthesizer is online and set to
MIDI channel 1 (for now), and click on the 'Start' button on the
arpeggiator. Hit a key on the synth. After a brief moment the
note will be repeated. Now is a good time to set a tempo. Click
on the 'Speed' slider and move it to about half-way up the scale
and click on 'Start' again. A more reasonable tempo should now be
repeating the note. Key in a few more notes on the synthesizer
until you have a pattern which extends over a couple of octaves.
Experiment with the different buttons a little and you will soon
have a good idea of how the arpeggiator works.
The Buttons:
1- The 'Direction' buttons determine how the notes will be cycled
through - up, down, or up then down.
2- The 'Range' buttons restrict the overall range of notes by
transposing those outside the range downwards. The actual range
varies depending upon the key. In the key of 'C' the ranges are
one and two octaves while in other keys, the range is greater.
3- The 'Start' button is self-explanatory.
4- The 'Stop' button stops the arpeggiator without clearing the
current note list.
5- 'Reset' clears the note list.
6- 'Exit' leaves the arpeggiator, but does not clear the note list.
The Variables:
1- Clicking on the 'Midi Sync' number selects sync mode. The
arpeggiator is now triggered by incoming MIDI Clocks ($F8), and
will not respond to the 'Start' button unless a MIDI clock is
present (ie another sequencer or drum machine is being used to
drive the system). Changing this number by clicking on its '+'
or '-' buttons determines how many 'clocks' must occur before the
next note is played. Since there are 24 clocks per quarter
note, selecting '12' indicates that the arpeggiator will play
1/8th notes. Interesting polyrhythmic effects can be achieved by
selecting numbers that are not consistant with the overall rhythm
base.
2- 'Clock Delay' sets a clock offset when in sync mode. The
arpeggiator will wait for the specified number of clock signals
before playing, thus offsetting the rhythm.
3- 'Velocity' sets the note_on velocity to the desired value.
4- 'Channel' sets the desired MIDI output channel (1-16).
5- 'Start' sets a MIDI note value at which the note series will
play. Values from 1 to 127 are permitted, with middle 'C' being
60. If no such note exists in the note-list, the next available
note will be played first.
Notes:
1- When in sync mode, the arpeggiator transmits MIDI 'Start' and
'Stop' to external devices when the 'Start' and 'Stop' buttons
are selected.
2- It may be convenient to wire (or purchase) a MIDI 'Thru' jack
for the computer and/or use a MIDI Merge device when using the
MIDI Arpeggiator within a complex MIDI set-up.
3- Although the PHONIX MIDI ARPEGGIATOR is a 'well-behaved'
program, it has not been tested with all programs and it is
possible that it may fail when called from within another program.
If this should happen, written feedback to Phonix Productions is
appreciated (address below).
>>> DISTRIBUTION PHILOSOPHY <<<
A small payment of $15 is requested from users of this program. If
you so wish, a copy of the C source-code will be forwarded on disk
at no additional charge. The Arpeggiator was compiled using the
MEGAMAX C compiler and there is some in-line assembly language
(a nifty Megamax feature) which may throw off other compilers. There
isn't much, however, and it could quickly be removed and assembled
seperately.
Although this software has not been placed in the Public Domain
those who do not forward payment will not, ipso facto, become criminals.
I, as Copyright holder, permit its unrestricted use with or without
payment. Let it never be said that Richard Homme was the cause of
another's descent into the depths of lawlessness or criminality.
Copy and distribute this program freely, but make sure all copies
of ARPEG.ACC are accompanied by ARPEG.RSC and ARPEG.INF (this file).
THIS PROGRAM MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION
FROM RICHARD HOMME. Note: Permission will probably be granted to
include arpeg.acc in disk collections of Public Domain and Shareware
programs.
>>> DISCLAIMER <<<
NEITHER RICHARD HOMME NOR PHONIX PRODUCTIONS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST INCOME, LOST SAVINGS, LOST PROFITS OR ANY
OTHER LOSS ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS
PROGRAM. ANY USE OF THIS PROGRAM IS, THEREFORE, ENTIRELY AT YOUR
OWN RISK.
THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF THIS PROGRAM'S SUITABILITY FOR A PURPOSE,
OR OF ITS ERROR FREE OPERATION.
>>> MY ADDRESS <<<
Forward suggestions, complaints, comments or money to:
Phonix Productions
83 Holyrood Ave
Oakville, Ontario
CANADA L6K 2V4
Attention: Richard Homme
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