MT-32 Part/Synth editing for a beginner

[NightSprinter]

I just want to know what is a good utility for editing patches and the like for the LA-synths (MT-32 and such) for a first-time user of the box?  I know there's a lot of programs available, but many of them seem a tad confusing.

[Tom]

I don't know that there's a lot of programs available for patch editing on the MT-32, but the two posted on the Utilities Page HERE are probably the most popular.  The link to the L/A Synth Editor isn't currently working, but the link to the website that hosts the software (Ginosoft), is.  That, and DR.T's Editor are the most common, and both are good.  I don't think any MT-32 editor can be considered "easy" to use, though.

[NightSprinter]

For some reason, it won't dump any data from my MT-32.  The only program that received data properly was NoiZe.  Even then, I'm still trying to un-confuse myself in regards to it.

[Tom]

Dr.T's is pretty fussy about the MIDI interface being used; I've only been able to use it to send and receive data with a Roland MPU-IPC (MPU-401).  It doesn't work properly with a sound card MIDI port.  Never tried Genosoft's editor.

[NightSprinter]

*nod* I think what I was really wanting to ask was just how the software works.  The different setups for each part and such seem confusing to me as a first-timer.  It works far differently than what I've seen for some of the Yamaha FM synths.

Also Tom, what does it mean when I start making changes and hear nothing when I test it?  *has no idea what all the different symbols mean for combining types of sounds*