ALERT! ALERT! Iceman Request

[Tom]

Thought that would get your attention....

After completing putting together the MT-32 soundtrack of Codename Iceman today, I discovered a problem.  I'm pretty sure I solved it, but I'd like someone's help.

The patch bank I've been using for this game -- the one that's included with all current MT-32 Iceman-related song files on this site -- is in error.  It's missing a couple of timbres.  It doesn't affect any of the songs currently posted because the timbres in question aren't used in those songs.   Sonic Boom is one of them that is missing from the previous patch bank.

I'm not sure how many other sounds might be missing.  I've re-created the bank using several utilities and I'm pretty sure I have all the sounds now.  (There's no way to know for sure except if the original creator of the bank remembered what sounds they put in it.  Was probably Seibert back then.)

So, I'd appreciate if someone else could try creating the Iceman patch bank and email it to me ASAP, so that I can compare mine to it.  (Any MT-32 bank format is fine; SysEx, m32, bnk, whatever.)

Thanks!

[Alistair]

I can record the patch bank tonight, with full SysEx MT-32 LCD text and all, tonight (roughly 7 hours away), if you like Tom.

- Alistair

[Tom]

Thanks!  I appreciate it.

[Tom]

Any word on that patch bank, Alistair?  Even though I re-tested my new bank, and uploaded the soundtrack, I still want to compare banks.  I have a feeling Dr.T's isn't capturing all the data so I used a couple of other bank editing programs.  There could even be something screwy with my copy of CNI.   I don't really need the LED display or system data (since I use my own, anyway.)

I think for my next soundtrack (probably, Camelot), I'm going to put a bunch of subliminal messages on the MT-32's display thoughout the score.  ("Visit QuestStudios", "QS Rules", "Send Money", etc.)

[Alistair]

Any word on that patch bank, Alistair? Even though I re-tested my new bank, and uploaded the soundtrack, I still want to compare banks. I have a feeling Dr.T's isn't capturing all the data so I used a couple of other bank editing programs. There could even be something screwy with my copy of CNI. I don't really need the LED display or system data (since I use my own, anyway.)

Ach! I forgot about it last night, was editing SQ5 waves for a CD!! Sorry man. I'm recording SQ6 MIDI's very shortly, so I guess I'll be bringing my MT-32 through to my 'MIDI room' as well! Will do it in next few hours, promise

I found that Cakewalk Pro Audio records all SysEx data! Found out by accident with SQ1 when I recorded the intro MIDI a few weeks back. Suddenly when I look at the MIDI in Digital Orchestrator there's SysEx data and it sends the 'Insert Buckazoid' text to my MT! Awesome.

I think for my next soundtrack (probably, Camelot), I'm going to put a bunch of subliminal messages on the MT-32's display thoughout the score. ("Visit QuestStudios", "QS Rules", "Send Money", etc.)

/me laughes.. isn't "*Quest Studios*" enough for you?

- Alistair

[HondaSiR]

I'm going to put a bunch of subliminal messages on the MT-32's display thoughout the score.  ("Visit QuestStudios", "QS Rules", "Send Money", etc.)

Hehe, I guess QS is indeed in need of spare cash...with the new soundtracks and some upcoming digital conversions in the works. Tom must need the extra server space indeed (and some cash to buy medicine for migraines that come from running the site   ).

[Alistair]

It's recorded.. however at the moment my MIDI rigs are taking FOREVER to record all of 'Stooge Fighter III'. I'm using Turbo so all of the themes actually play.. problem is, it takes ages for the game to go through the motions. Wonder how Tom did it.

Upcoming digital conversions, Honda?

Anyways, if and when my PC's ever finish recording 'Stooge Fighter', I can copy the MIDI to a disk and then bring it over to this PC, edit as SYX and upload. Coming very soon..

- Alistair

[Alistair]

I'm really busy, so here's the MIDI with SysEx bank included, nothing else, just Iceman SysEx (no actual controllers/notes).

http://smc.sq7.org/miscfile/cni.mid

Regards,
- Alistair

[Tom]

Thanks.  This compares equal to my new bank.

[HondaSiR]

Upcoming digital conversions, Honda?

Yup...digital. As in MP3 or OGG format. It's for those of us who don't have a Sound Canvas or ED module. GM is nice but most people only have Sound Blaster/AWE devices and I think they don't sound as cool as Rolands.

Problem is...server space. As it is now, doing a full soundtrack of a game in OGG/MP3 is out of the question. But doing a song or two is feasible...to add to the existing recordings in QS.

[Alistair]

No probs Tom, sorry for the delay

Yup...digital. As in MP3 or OGG format. It's for those of us who don't have a Sound Canvas or ED module. GM is nice but most people only have Sound Blaster/AWE devices and I think they don't sound as cool as Rolands.

Yes yes, I'm well aware of such facts. My point was, by who? Upcoming literally means 'about to happen' or 'about to be achieved/realised'.

Thankfully (for me) I've got a hundred meg or two up my sleeve, plus websites who will host OGG files. For now..

- Alistair

[HondaSiR]

Ahem...perhaps Tom? Its his site...but I guess anybody is welcome to contribute by sending their recordings to Tom for evaluation and uploading.

Of course, I personally prefer a MIDI recording over a digital one. I just don't want the other members who don't have the equipment to be left out in the cold.

[Alistair]

You must be privy to information I haven't accessed then, because Iw as only aware of QS MIDI work at the moment.

If there was indeed a mission statement for my website, I believe it would run something like "Digital audio only, so all the fans can access the music." (Well, something a little more clever than that.)

I definitely believe in digital OGG's for all rather than MIDI's for a few. That said I'm more than happy to send in MIDI for a great site (and hear Tom's work!!) like this.

- Alistair

[HondaSiR]

I'm not privy to anything. Tom wouldn't turn away anybody's work if its good (MIDI or digital). There's just the problem of space that hopefully we can remedy in the future (to accomodate even more music goodies).

[Tom]

Correct -- this site is first and foremost, a Sierra MIDI site....with strong emphasis towards Roland MIDI.  Sierra digital music files are of less signifiance on this site.  My reason for this stem from all the money spent on MIDI equipement by Sierra fans back in the 1980's and 1990's.  I want to maintain a place where they can feel that their investments are not yet obsolete; many were pioneers in MIDI support for gaming and I want to continue to offer them something in return for their investments and continued interest in the technology.  

Secondly, the goal here has been to offer a variety of formats for Sierra music files: MT-32, Sound Blaster GM, Roland GM, XG, GS, ED, digital.

[Alistair]

I want to maintain a place where they can feel that their investments are not yet obsolete; many were pioneers in MIDI support for gaming and I want to continue to offer them something in return for their investments and continued interest in the technology.

Secondly, the goal here has been to offer a variety of formats for Sierra music files: MT-32, Sound Blaster GM, Roland GM, XG, GS, ED, digital.

And this is why this site isn't obsolete itself.. MIDI isn't dead and won't die for a long time. Ane the fact that Tom's very very good at what he does..

Very clever to post such an array of formats. Can't wait to hear XG MIDI's with my MU100R. (Still hasn't arrived..)

- Alistair