May 2004 - Doggiebox - lists.zygoat.ca

Wish List
by The Reverend 10 Nov '04

10 Nov '04

>As I am not a MIDI expert, I'm open to as much detailed discussion on how >to impelement MIDI as you folks might require. Can you explain more how >you would envision the start/stop and section changing to work? What I would love to see would be to be able to plug in something like the Behringer 1010 and then configure it, for example, to have the expression pedal control tempo, pedal 1 starts and stops, pedal 2 turns loop mode on/off, pedal 3 selects section 1, pedal 4 selects section 2, and so on. (The Thing I was talking about in the above paragraph: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040420161243068064252239513915/ g=home/search/detail/base_pid/182469/ ) This would let me play a live gig and switch between verse and chorus on the fly. *********************************** -- The Reverend Rat -- Rock and roll like it still matters. http://www.revrat.com ***********************************

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1C3: Recipes and faster kits
by Ben Kennedy 17 Aug '04

17 Aug '04

Folks, A new build is up at <http://www.doggiebox.com/distribution/Doggiebox- 1C3.zip> for your boxing pleasure! Following are the release notes as included in the archive. Please read them through, then play around with drum kits with the new build and let me know if you run into any anomalies or performance issues. As you will see, I have tried to devise a neat solution to the "recipe" idea that has been bandied about on this list for some time. Provided that this works as well as planned, it should provide an almost- transparent way to create and distribute "recipe"-based drum kits while requiring virtually no new learning curve for the end user. Let me know how it goes, and hopefully we can finally get some distributable ns_kit and GarageBand dbkits moving around! -ben ------------------------------ Notes for 1C3 (11 May 2004): This build contains some major improvements to the underlying mechanics of drum kit system, facilitating faster load times for songs as well as support for linked (as opposed to embedded) sound files. The .dbkit file format has changed in this version and now uses a "bundle" (enclosed subdirectory) format. On systems running a pre-1C3 version, new drum kits may appear in the Finder as a folder containing several files. If the included "GB Rock Drums.dbkit" appears to be a folder (instead of a file with the usual dbkit icon), make sure you delete any older copies of Doggiebox. You may also have to logout and re-login. Waveform data for each drum sound is now stored individually in the drum kit and each is loaded on demand as required, as opposed to all waveforms for the entire kit loading at once as before. This should result in better memory management, as well as faster response when opening drum kits and song files (particularly noticable with large drum kits). To upgrade existing kits to the new format, simply open them up in the drum kit editor and re-save them. In addition to deferred loading, the new kit format now also facilitates linking to external sound files as opposed to saving them within the drum kit file. This way, it is now possible to create kits based on audio repositories from other sources (such as GarageBand and ns_kit) and exchange them with others without having to duplicate and transport all of the audio data. If you attempt to use a drum kit containing linked sounds which you did not assemble, it is likely that Doggiebox will not initially know where to find the audio files. In such a case, the user will be automatically prompted to choose a folder in which to search for the sounds. Doggiebox will perform a recursive search and attempt to locate sound files matching the originally linked filenames, and remember them from then on. CHANGES TO THE DRUM KIT EDITOR: The drum list has a new column, labeled "Sound". Clicking in this column will activate a pop-up menu allowing you to specify whether to Embed or Link the waveform data for each drum sound. By default Doggiebox will Embed (as in previous versions), but you can also choose to Link, in which case the audio data for that drum will not be saved in the drum kit file. Above the drum list is a button labeled "Fix Links", which will manually invoke the link resolution process by prompting you to choose a folder to scan for sound files. Doggiebox will then attempt to locate sound files for any broken links. Before being prompted to choose a folder, an explanatory alert will be displayed. Clicking the "Set Prompt..." button allows you to customize the message that's shown. (It is advisable to provide some helpful text, depending on the nature of the drum kit, to point the user in the right direction. For example, "please choose the folder containing the files you downloaded from nskit.com"). The link-fixing process will be invoked automatically if you open a song file that uses a kit containing broken links. OTHER CHANGES IN THIS BUILD: No changes to MIDI since 1C2. Effort in this cycle was focused on the drum kit system only. Next build will contain MIDI improvements. (Is anybody actually testing MIDI? I have received zero feedback since 1C2.) The master tempo slider in the song editor has been adjusted so that there should no longer be ambiguity about the middle setting really being 100%. Also, minor cosmetic changes to the push/pull tempo buttons. GENERAL TESTING NOTES: The included "GB Rock Drums.dbkit" is an initial (incomplete) effort at creating a dbkit for the Rock Drums kit supplied with Apple's GarageBand, using icons from the Reverend Rat's set. If you have GarageBand installed on your system, please attempt using this kit and report any problems you have making it work. If anyone would like to pick up the ball and complete this kit, I would encourage it -- please mention so on the mailing list so we can avoid duplication of effort. I would like to eventually have all of the GarageBand kits available for when Doggiebox 1.2 is ready for release. Same with ns_kit 7, too! This build has been tested under 10.3.{3,4}, but not 10.2. As usual, please report any and all feedback either to Ben or to the mailing list. Enjoy! ------------------------------ Again, it's snaggable at <http://www.doggiebox.com/distribution/ Doggiebox-1C3.zip> -- Ben Kennedy, chief magician zygoat creative technical services 613-228-3392 | 1-866-466-4628 http://www.zygoat.ca

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Re: [Doggiebox] Wish List
by Carl Edlund Anderson 18 Jun '04

18 Jun '04

Mike Carlyle wrote: > I assumed you were using a Mac for recording as well as DB'ing (that's > right, it's now a verb) Verbing trends words! :) No, my Mac is an audio generator but not a recorder. And I don't see that changing anytime soon, since I would need to invest a healthy chunk of money that I don't have to get reasonable audio inputs into the Mac and probably a semi-decent multi-track recording app. And probably actually a lot more money to get a machine better suited to the task than an iBook, and a big old monitor to keep an eye on what's going one with my different tracks without going blind ;) So all my recording is to my offboard deck, picking up whatever I send it over analog audio connections :) > I'd probably make use of groups from time to time, but I still maintain > that the ability to get individual output should at least be an option. Agreed! Though if one can configure groups, I would imagine that one could configure single instrument (or sample) "groups" as well as multiple instrument groups. BTW, complete non-sequitur: What are DBing guitarists using for home recording? I've done my one posted project with DB drums using the built in amp sims in my Roland VS-1680 recording module since my apt. is currently too small to keep my old 50w Laney combo in the office/studio/bedroom -- and though that turned out OK, it's not the most flexible thing in the world. I've been considering going down the road of something like a V-Amp (maybe the Bass V-Amp, since it has has both guitar and bass amp simulators) that would in theory give me a bunch of amp toys in a small, quiet package, though I understand you can't really stick extra outboard effects (like my pile of old stompboxes) in an effects loop like you can with a normal guitar amp, which is a bit lame, IMO. Anyone have a compact, flexible solution they like? I don't really want to go with a Mac-based solution because of the difficulty of getting audio into my iBook! (I don't want to turn the DB list into a home-recording list, but I did figure some folks here might have some thoughts on these issues. Y'all can mail me off-list if that would be better!). Cheers, Carl -- Carl Edlund Anderson http://www.carlaz.com/

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1C5 with various improvements
by Ben Kennedy 21 May '04

21 May '04

Yup, that's right, a new build already... <http://www.doggiebox.com/distribution/Doggiebox-1C5.zip> Notes for 1C5 (21 May 2004): • Several cosmetic improvements have been made to the playback controls in the song document window, including new buttons for expand/collapse in the pattern editor. • Playback operation has been simplified such that if one or more bars are selected, they will play; otherwise all currently visible bars will play. It is no longer necessary to hit option-space to play the current selection. • There is a new checkbox in the drum kit editor labeled "interrupts other variants of same type". This now provides manual control over which drum sounds pre-empt others (which used to be determined automatically using some limited hard-coded rules documented in the 1A5 release notes). Turn this on for things like closed hi hats and muted crash cymbals, and off for others that can be struck many times simultaneously. (Existing drum kits will be upgraded automatically.) • There is a new checkbox in Preferences labeled "mute audio playback when MIDI is active". With this enabled, the net effect is that audio will play back either via MIDI or your speakers, depending on what's available. With it disabled, sound will always play back through the speakers regardless of MIDI being connected. (This replaces the "play audio/midi" toggles introduced in 1C2.) • The MIDI playback level now respects the master volume setting. • Incoming MIDI messages now control selection of the default drum in the song editor. Comments, suggestions, etc as usual are cool. The astute may notice "Export MIDI..." in the File menu. It doesn't do anything yet, but hopefully will by the next build. -b -- Ben Kennedy, chief magician zygoat creative technical services 613-228-3392 | 1-866-466-4628 http://www.zygoat.ca

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New kit posted (70s Ludwig)
by Ben Kennedy 18 May '04

18 May '04

Hey all, David Holloway (a new DB user) has just uploaded a great sounding new kit file, now in the library: Vintage 70s Ludwig, w/ Zildjian Z's all around. It's got some great "pen stroke" icons in there too. Check it out. -ben -- Ben Kennedy, chief magician zygoat creative technical services 613-228-3392 | 1-866-466-4628 http://www.zygoat.ca

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Non-member postings and spam
by Ben Kennedy 17 May '04

17 May '04

Hey folks, I've made a small change to the list server configuration that shouldn't affect anybody but I thought I would let you know. In the past, any postings to the list from a non-member (i.e. someone who wasn't themselves already subscribed to the list) would be held, and I would get a notice. I would then be able to either let the posting go through, or deny it. Most of the time, such non-member postings are the result of spam bots. On occasion, however, a couple of you have posted from an e-mail address other than the one you are subscribed under. In those cases I've approved the postings since I recognize who you are and obviously it's legitimate. I'm changing this, however, so that all non-member postings will be denied right away. The reason is that in the last couple of days, the amount of spam seems to have increased a bunch so I am being flooded regularly with approval messages for spam and it's getting irksome to deal with. The upshot of this: If you post to the list and your message comes back rejected, check that you are sending it from the right account (and if you think you are, send me a message and I'll sort it out.) -ben -- Ben Kennedy, chief magician zygoat creative technical services 613-228-3392 | 1-866-466-4628 http://www.zygoat.ca

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Fwd: [Doggiebox] Wish List
by Bal 11 May '04

11 May '04

>> BTW, complete non-sequitur: What are DBing guitarists using for home >> recording? Hi Carl, I almost bought that marshall studio 15 second hand, but unfortunately I was too late. I understand you're an loyal user of the Studio 15 (nice website, Carl, and some nice sound clips) As for the amp, I've got a Fender Princeton (12W) with the same 6V6 tubes (350 $, 2nd hand); Fender Twin (400 $, 2nd hand) Guitars : 'a few' . For ex. fender tele '52 reissue (1.075 Euro, new); Japanese Strat (650 €, new); an old hagström Futurama III (for free) and a 'brandnew' second hand LP standard (1300 €), Accoustic: Seagull (360 €, new) Bass: a very old (mid 60's) Framus Star Bass (10 €, plays & sounds great though, used it on 'settle down'); Fender Precision (250 €, 2nd hand) A few of stompboxes... Microphones : a few, but the AKG 424 B-ULS stands out ( +/- 900 €, new) Recording Hardware : Powerbook G4; Motu 828mkII(1.090 €); TC electronics Triple C (300 € I think, New) Software : Doggiebox (huh!) & AudioDesk (came with the Motu 828mkII) I do the mixing through my normal stereo,but I have to admid I bought a very nice pair of speakers from a friend(Audio Exklusiv, Suisse): the difference with my old speakers (JVC) is amazing! But I guess real studio speakers are still the best. So for now I do a mix on my stereospeakers, then through the radio in the kitchen and through 2 different headphones. And of course : the final testdrive on my car's stereo. Mathieu www.thirdson.tk Begin forwarded message: > From: Mike Carlyle <mcarlyle(a)charter.net> > Date: 28 april 2004 01:57:49 GMT+02:00 > To: Carl Edlund Anderson <cea(a)carlaz.com> > Cc: Doggiebox <doggiebox(a)lists.zygoat.ca> > Subject: Re: [Doggiebox] Wish List > > > On Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at 06:30 AM, Carl Edlund Anderson wrote: > >> BTW, complete non-sequitur: What are DBing guitarists using for home >> recording? > > I'm using a whole bunch of different things but, to answer the > question from a guitar amp point of view, I'd wholeheartedly recommend > anyone looking to check out a Tech 21 Trademark 10. It's what I used > to do the little ditty on the Doggiebox website that became one of the > "demo songs". The TM 10 has SansAmp direct box technology built in, > it's all analog, no computer chips inside (no tubes either). > > It's affordable. They're usually available on ebay for less than 200 > bucks. I got mine in mint condition for 180 (ebay). In addition to > that, I will always keep my Marshall Studio 15 alive and kickin' so > that I can mic it when I want that really authentic, woody, open, > guitar sound. This amp can do a better clean than a Fender, while > still retaining the Plexi era, rippin' Marshall sound that has become > a classic. This is a 15 watt single channel tube amp with a 12" > Celestion. > > Oh, and I have a Fender Blues Jr. as well. I don't record with it much > though. > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > -- > Zygoat Doggiebox discussion list - <http://www.doggiebox.com> > To unsubscribe, view archives or change your options: > <http://lists.zygoat.ca/mailman/listinfo/doggiebox> >

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Apple Design Awards
by Ben Kennedy 10 May '04

10 May '04

Hey folks, Apple holds a competition each year called the Design Awards where developers can enter their products for judging in a variety of categories. <http://designawards.apple.com/> I want to submit an entry for Doggiebox (the deadline is a week from today). In doing so, I have to answer a bunch of questions about it, and it occurred to me that some of you might have suggestions on what to say that I haven't thought of. In particular here are 3 questions I have to write some text for: >Briefly state the outstanding design features of your contest entry. (For >example: what's unique? what's super cool? what is particularly noteworthy?)* > >Describe your contest entry's target users (i.e. who uses your product, >what is their occupation, work environment, workflow, etc.)* > >Explain what you have done to make your contest entry better on Mac OS X >when compared with it's counterparts or competition on other platforms.* In case anyone has any great lines that I could work in to any of these, feel free to drop em to me off-list. :) -ben -- Ben Kennedy, chief magician zygoat creative technical services 613-228-3392 | 1-866-466-4628 http://www.zygoat.ca

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RE: how to change beat length
by blhudge 09 May '04

09 May '04

--- blhudge <blhudge(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 17:05:44 -0700 (PDT) > From: blhudge <blhudge(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: how to change beat length > To: doggiebox(a)lists.zygoat.ca > > Great program! I only have the demo so far but I'll > be > buying it soon. Depending on how well I learn to use > it that is. > > I just can't figure how to change the length of the > beats. I've been through the manual and read the > other > mailinglist questions. RTFM me if you must but I'm a > guitarist that knows a little about drums and this > is > probably a simple one that I just may be overlooking > how to do this in the software. > > Thanks > blhudge > >> >>Mike Carlyle mcarlyle at charter.net >>Sat May 8 20:17:28 EDT 2004 >>I'm wondering what you mean by "beat length"? I'm >>thinking you are referring to the length of the >>pattern you can build in one bar after selecting the >>"insert bar" menu item. >>You can expand the bar, but it's really not making it >>longer; it's only "zooming in" to allow you to place >>more drum sounds in a smaller space than you can see >>when fully "zoomed out". You can also change the speed >>of the bar, but I don't think that's what you mean. >>Something that became evident to me pretty quickly was >>that sometimes the pattern you hear in your head must >>actually fill more than just one >>bar. Download some of the songs from the doggiebox >>site and dissect them. Sometimes the best way to learn >>is by copying what others have done. ---------------------------------- --- blhudge <blhudge(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Thanks for the nudge Mike. >You can expand the bar, but it's really not making it >>longer; it's only "zooming in" to allow you to place >>more drum sounds in a smaller space than you can see >>when fully "zoomed out". After learning the expand and collapse keyboard shortcuts I realize I can zoom in/out farther than I realized by just using the menu expand and collapse. I had tried that before but assumed I could only zoom in and out once. I like how it's the same zoom keyboard combo as Photoshops. As I sayed before, it's something simple I've overlooked. >sometimes the pattern you hear in your head must >actually fill more than just one bar. yes I've been experience that too. Thanks again blhudge - Barry __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Win a $20,000 Career Makeover at Yahoo! HotJobs http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/careermakeover

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how to change beat length
by blhudge 09 May '04

09 May '04

Great program! I only have the demo so far but I'll be buying it soon. Depending on how well I learn to use it that is. I just can't figure how to change the length of the beats. I've been through the manual and read the other mailinglist questions. RTFM me if you must but I'm a guitarist that knows a little about drums and this is probably a simple one that I just may be overlooking how to do this in the software. Thanks blhudge __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Win a $20,000 Career Makeover at Yahoo! HotJobs http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/careermakeover

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