=============================================================================
                     ///////  ///////  ///////      //
                    //       //       //         ////
                   ///////  //       //     ///   //
                       //  //       //           //
                 ///////  ///////  ///////    //////
=============F r e q u e n t l y   A s k e d   Q u e s t i o n s=============
--------------------------13th Edition 12/16/94-------------------------------
	      Roland's SCC-1 Frequently Asked Questions.
      (C) Copyright by Tal Barenboim, talb@zeus.datasrv.co.il
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This FAQ, answers several questions regarding Roland's SCC-1 sound card.
Some parts of this FAQ were quoted from the SCC-1 Manual, which is 
Copyrighted by Roland Corp.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Document is LOOOONG. Around 1100 lines, 41K big.
It is recommended to save it to a file and then read it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lines that start with a ">>>" are NEW/Important information that was added

---------------------------------Legal Stuff---------------------------------
I (Tal Barenboim), am not a representative of Roland Corp. Nor Related
to Roland Corp. I do not charge money for this FAQ. 
The FAQ was created due to many requests on the comp.ibm.pc.soundcard
news group for information on the SCC-1.

You are encouraged to distribute this FAQ to whom ever needs it.
You are not allowed to change ANYTHING in this FAQ !

You are not allowed to bundle this document , nor sell it with the SCC-1
or any other Sound Canvas module without prior contacting me.

If you need to quote part(s) from this FAQ, please contact me first.

Tal Barenboim, will not be liable for any damage, loss of data, or
any other related "problems", due to misuse of this FAQ/DOCUMENT.

You take your own risk, when reading this FAQ.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

+--------------------------->>----WARNING-----<<----------------------------+
|       ADAPTEC SCSI Controller owners, please READ this FAQ completely     |
|       before making your purchase. Check Question #17                     |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+

--------------------Reaching/Contacting Tal Barenboim-------------------------
Snail Mail - 27th Margalit ST.
	     Haifa, Israel
	     Zip code: 34464
Phone -      TEL: 972-4-256030
	     FAX: 974-4-344564

Internet Email - talb@zeus.datasrv.co.il
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------About The Author--------------------------------
I was asked several times if I am a musician or a MIDI technician.

Well here goes: - I'm not a MIDI technician :) , I do however have
a diploma from a well known conservatory (music school)
in Israel for finishing 8 years of Classical Organ (like the one in churches) 
practice.

I'm working now as a Technical consultant for PCs.
mainly dealing with Sound Boards, CD-ROMS, PC hardware and software.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to Yoav Cohen Sivan for correcting NUMEROUS typos, and
grammar mess-ups. [Well, my English sux :) ]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

END of legal talk. let's start rockin'!


FAQ HISTORY
===========

 12-09-94 - Added - "Is there a way i can 'preview' a Roland Sound Canvas
                     without buying one ?"  - See Question #25

 10-27-94 - >>> MAJOR UPDATE <<< - Apparently NEWER SCC-1 and SCC-1Bs have a 
            a total of 354 TONES ! Like the new SCDB-15 for the SB16 !
            SEE APPENDIX H !!!

  9-26-94 - fixed descriptions of the SCDB-15/10, added LAPC-1/MT-32
            SC-55/mkII and SC-88

  8-29-94 - Added ID Software's quote regarding the Sound Canvas
            fixed the MT-32 Compatibility issue again, [ got more exact
                  info regarding the MT-32 Compatibility from the SCC-1B
                  Utility Diskette ]
            Added What does the UTILITY diskette contain ?
                  [Read this. The SCC-1 can emulate Roland's CM-64
                   in addition for the MT-32]
            fixed the logo again :)

  8-18-94 - Added What is the MPU-401 unit ?
	    added What is a SYSEX Message ?
	    fixed the FAQ HISTORY. NEW Revisions appear first.
	    changed the logo of this FAQ.

  8-07-94 - Called up Yoav, to fix my FAQ :) (grammar issues)

  8-06-94 - Added APPENDIX G - Where to get the SCC-1/B cheap.
		  [forgot to add this to the 7th Edition].

  8-04-94 - Added APPENDIX F - Does the SCC-1 have some DOWN sides ?
	    Added CompuServe ID # for E-mail
	    Added Roland Corp. reply for my ROM Size question.
	    fixed several mistakes, due to some feedback from other
		  users.
	    fixed Understanding GM

  7-22-94 - Added APPENDIX A - GS Parameters that can be tweaked.
	    Added APPENDIX B - Voice Reserve and Part Sound Priority scheme.
	    Added APPENDIX C - MIDI Players Warnings
	    Added APPENDIX D - MIDI File Types.
	    Added APPENDIX E - Effects.

  7-21-94 - Added ADAPTEC controller warning/advice.
	    Added LEGAL TALK stuff in the beginning of the FAQ.
	    fixed MT-32 compatibility section.
	    added Some tips before installing the card.
  7-20-94 - Added Aftertouch SYSEX examples - PLEASE TELL ME IF IT WORKS!

  7-17-94 - Added SYSEX examples
	    Added Roland Corp. FAX numbers.
	    fixed the location of GSRESET.ZIP

   7-6-94 - Added Understanding GM
	    added MT-32 compatibility
	    added Roland's Address
	    fixed SCC-1B description

   7-1-94 - Fixed a LOT of typing errors.
	    added some info about SCC-1 and onboard Mixers
	    on sound cards like the PAS/16 SB16...
	    added info on where to get utilities for the SCC-1.

  6-25-94 - Initial Release.


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

INDEX OF QUESTIONS/ANSWERS
==========================

	1. What is the Roland Sound Canvas ?
	2. What is the SCC-1 ?
	3. What is GS anyway ???
	4. What is the MPU-401 ?
	5. What is a SYSEX message ?
	6. Tips before installing the SCC-1
	7. Specifications.
	8. Understanding GM
	9. MT 32 Compatibility
       10. Software/Games and the SCC-1
       11. Do I need any drivers for running some games ?
       12. What are RAP-10/SC-7/SC-55/SCD-10/15 modules ?
       13. Does it work with other cards ? i.e. PAS16/SB ?
       14. How can I control the Effects of the SCC-1 ?
       15. SYSEX Messages examples, taken from the SCC-1 Manual.
       16. What is Roland SCC-1B ?
       17. Does the SCC-1 require a DMA/IRQs ?
       18. What does the UTILITY Diskette contain ?
       19. What is in the SCC-1 package ?
       20. Does the SCC-1 support MIDI Aftertouch ?
       21. Does GS SYSEX and the effects work in DOS and in Windows ?
       22. Does the sound quality of SCC-1 reduces when I connect
	   it through a 2nd sound card ?
       23. Are there any utilities for SCC-1 that I should get ?
       24. Where to get more information about the SCC-1 and other Roland
	   equipment.
       25. Is there a way i can "preview" a Roland Sound Canvas without
           buying one ?

       APPENDIX A - GS Parameters that can be tweaked.
       APPENDIX B - Voice Reserve and Part Sound Priority scheme.
       APPENDIX C - MIDI Players Warnings
       APPENDIX D - MIDI File Types.
       APPENDIX E - Effects.
       APPENDIX F - Does the SCC-1 has some DOWN sides ?
       APPENDIX G - Where to get the SCC-1, cheap (US ONLY)
       APPENDIX H - The Mystery of the lost Patches !

1. What is the Roland Sound Canvas ?
====================================

    The Roland Sound Canvas are a family of sound modules for professional
    musicians.

    They include very high quality sound samples stored in memory,
    which gives different sound then the well known FM synthesis used in
    SB and compatibles.


2. What is the SCC-1 ?
======================

    The SCC-1 is the CARD type of the Sound Canvas module, it is an
    8-bit (ISA Specifications, NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH Samples depth)
    card with an onboard MPU-401 unit for processing midi commands,
    4 banks of GS instruments,General MIDI and GS Compatible.

    Samples are stored in ROM, using 4MB , Uncompressed.
    (I wasn't able to verify the 4MB size, if anyone can Verify it with
    Roland Corp. it will be great.)

    David Cole (dcole@ub.d.umn.edu) claims that the Keyboard magazine
    mentioned that the SC-55 (the Original Sound Canvas) has
    3MB of ROM, thus the SCC-1 must have the same size.

    This question remains open, unless I get information directly
    from Roland Corp.

	    >>> Well, I FAXED to Roland Corp. In the US.
		I asked for information regarding the ROM Size,
		and if possible the Frequency/bit depth that the samples
		are played back.

		One Month later, I got a reply from Roland Corp. JAPAN !
		from Toshi Ikeda.

		Well, Roland will NOT and NEVER WILL reveal any information
		regarding their WaveTable synthesis techniques.(DAMN!)

		As you see, this question remains open, unless
		I find any other solid information.

    
    The SCC-1 is also MT-32 compatible, but does not understand
    MT-32 SYSEX messages.

3. What is GS anyway ???
========================

   I will quote the GS standard from the SCC-1 manual:

  "The GS Format is Roland's universal set of specifications which were
   formulated in the interest of standardizing the way in which sound
   generating devices will operate when MIDI is used for the performance
   of music. If you use a sound generating unit which carries the GS logo,
   you will be able to faithfully reproduce any commercially available song
   data which also carries the GS logo." (page 1 ) of the manual.

   More quotations:

  "The GS Format is a standardized set of specifications of Roland's sound
   sources unique specifications for sounds and the functions available for
   Tone editing and effects (chorus & reverb), and other specifications
   concerning the manner in which sound sources will respond to MIDI
   messages.
   Any device that is equipped with GS Format sound sources can faithfully
   reproduce GS Music Data (Music data created under the GS format)."
							(page 15)

4. What is the MPU-401 ?
========================

The MPU-401 is a MIDI Processing unit created by Roland Corp.

This unit's job is to understand and execute midi commands.
The Unit works in two modes: Smart MODE (Command mode), and DUMB Mode (UART).

For 100% MPU-401 compatibility your sound board MPU unit must support 
BOTH these modes, otherwise compatibility problems will occur.

Many other cards that support only DUMB Mode encounter problems with
software that were written for the MT-32.
Apparently using the MT-32 requires your MIDI card to "talk" in
Smart Mode (Command mode).

Cards like the SB16, Pro Audio Spectrum 16 support only DUMB Mode with their
MPU-401 unit onboard, thus daughter board cards like the WaveBlaster or
the Roland SCD-1x will have compatibility problems when a game or an
application will try to receive/send in Smart Mode (Command mode).

Some cards like Turtle Beach's Multisound do not include an MPU-401.
They do have a MIDI processor but it is proprietary.

The SCC-1 has a 100% Compatible MPU-401 unit onboard.

5. What is SYSEX ???
====================

SYSEX stands for System Exclusive. System Exclusive messages
are a series of bytes that control the behavior of the sound module.

Each Manufacture has its own format and different bytes to represent the
parameters to be changed. Every SYSEX starts with the F0h Byte and
ends with the F7h Byte.

This means that we cannot for example send a Roland SYSEX message to
an Ensoniq synthesizer because the Ensoniq synthesizer will not understand
our message, it will ignore it instead :)

Now, Most of Roland's new modules/synths now conform to the GS standard.
This Means that any GS compatible device will understand and execute the
SYSEX that was sent. This is a good reason to consider a GS module over
non GS, proprietary standard.

When the General MIDI specs were created it was agreed upon a special
SYSEX that will Enable and Reset any compatible GM instrument.
This SYSEX was called General MIDI System ON. Every GM Instrument
must execute it.

Author's Note: >>> If you intend to play your MIDI files on another
		   module , it is highly recommended to include
		   the General MIDI System ON SYSEX in your MIDI files.

		   Many Sequencers like CakeWalk, Winjammer allow
		   to include SYSEX messages to be Executed automatically
		   when the MIDI is played.

		   This will save you time when you figure out
		   "how come this synth that has a GM logo, can't
		   play my piece right !?"


Refer to Questions 15,20 for more examples and descriptions of SYSEX messages

Because of Roland status in the music/synthesizer market some companies
like Creative Labs created their new cards (in this case the AWE32)
compatible with the GS standard using a driver. The AWE32 is not
GS compatible in hardware nor GM compatible in hardware.

The AWE32 uses a 60K driver in DOS to emulate GM. and another special
driver for Windows to emulate GS. In DOS the AWE32 DOES NOT understand
GS SYSEX messages. (according to the AWE32 FAQ that was floating around)

Also, for some reason Creative Labs disabled the SYSEX Checksum bit that
Roland devices check for errors during transfer of data between two
devices. All of Roland devices check for this Checksum, and you must
calculate it yourself.


6. Tips before installing the card.
===================================

   Well, the installation is a piece of cake, make sure
   to install it as far as possible from the power supply, video cards
   and HD controllers ( this is a general rule for every sound card).

   Make sure not to touch those many CAPACITORS on the UPPER edges of
   the card,I saw some guyz at the store almost damaging a card due to
   bending the capacitors. Watch it !

   Make sure you discharge your self prior to installing it.
   The simplest way to discharge your self is to touch the DRIVE BAY
   metal and touch a wall, or the ground.


7. Specifications
=================

   Parts: 16

   MAX. Polyphony : 24

   Sounds/Tones : 317 voices / 354 Sounds - SEE APPENDIX H

   Drum Sets : 9 Drum sets, Standard,Power,Electronic, TR-808,ROOM, Orchestra
			    Jazz, CM-64/MT-32,SFX.

   Ports : Headphones, MIDI IN/OUT, RCA Left, RCA Right.

   Effects : Reverb/delay ,Chorus.
	     Reverb: ROOM 1-3, Hall 1-2, Plate, Delay,Panning Delay
	     Chorus: Chorus 1-4,Feedback Chorus,Flanger,Short Delay,Short
		    Delay Feed back.

   Compatibility : GM/GS 100% Compatible in HARDWARE i.e. NO DRIVERS.


8. Understanding GM
===================

    After several talks with some dudes, I stand corrected.

    The GM specs, define a primary bank of 128 Instruments and 1 (ONLY ONE)
    drum set. GM Cards have ONE patch (SOUND) per Instrument.

    Some cards, like the SCC-1 have MORE patches/sounds per instrument
    and several other drum sets.

    The SCC-1 has 317 patches (i.e. voices), and 9 Drum sets.

    Now what's the difference between a PATCH and Instrument ???

    Lets take Instrument #015 - Tubular Bells.
    Now, the Tubular Bells belongs to the Chromatic percussion
    category in the Tone table.

    Instrument #015 default patch (i.e. VOICE) is Tubular Bells,
    but this Instrument has a CC0 option (i.e. Bank switching
    option), so if we will set CC0 to 8 (default value of
    CC0 is always 0 ) we will get a Church Bell,
    instead of the Tubular Bells.

    OK So Far ?

    This means that we cannot have a MIDI song with BOTH Tubular
    Bells & Church Bell playing at the same time ON THE SAME CHANNEL
    because they reside on a different BANK, on the SAME instrument,
    when we switch to another BANK all sounds in that Instrument will change
    to the bank number we specify.
    You can play both Tubular bells and Church bell at the same time
    if they ARE NOT on the same channel.

    Thanks go to David Cole(dcole@ub.d.umn.edu) for correcting
    me on this subject.

    The advantage of the SCC-1 over other GM cards, other than 
    that it has 317 patches and 9 Drum sets, is that ,it is a GS
    compatible device. When a device is GS compatible
    it means that this device can tweak almost any part
    of the stored sounds (patches) on the card, this includes
    changing the attack, envelope, pitch, and other characteristics
    of the current patch we are using.
    Also GS compatible devices have controls over the Reverb & Chorus
    effects.

9. MT-32 Compatibility
======================

    How can the SCC-1 be MT-32 Compatible ?

    The SCC-1 doesn't have the SAME recorded PATCHES (voice) in memory
    for the MT-32. (I never heard a MT-32 , some guyz told me it is not the
		    same patches)

    The SCC-1 DOES have a different bank (127) that includes the MT-32
    presets that are not accessible in GM mode (bank 0).

    In order to switch the SCC-1 to MT-32 mode we play a MID file that
    contains MIDI SYSEX data.

    The MIDI SYSEX commands replaces all 128 GS Capital tones with copies 
    of the original MT-32 Presets, and then adjusts the pitch bend range from
    the GS default of 2 semi-tones to the MT-32 default of 12 semi-tones. 

    The SCC-1 also has a MT-32 Compatible Drum set.

    Please understand, that software/games that will send SYSEX 
    messages to re-program the patches of the MT-32, will not be executed
    by the SCC-1. Thus several games like Strike Commander (version 1.4)
    will have some BAD/NOT RIGHT instruments when using the SCC-1
    in MT-32 mode.

    Also, When evaluating other cards, do not waste your time on the MT-32
    Emulation thingy. You WONT find a GM card (or a GS card) that is
    100% compatible with MT-32, because they simply do not include
    the heart of the MT-32 on those cards.
    Further more, almost any new game that shows up from big companies
    like LucasArt's, Micorprose, Sierra On line, Origin, support
    General MIDI, or GS native support.




10. Software/Games and the SCC-1
================================

    The SCC-1 works PERFECTLY with every game that supports General MIDI
    or Direct/native GS support. Some NATIVE/GS supported games are
    DOOM, AL-QADIM, Raptor, Hocus Pocus, The 7th Guest.....

    For Software, any software (Sequencers) that support MPU-401
    port, will work perfectly.

    >>> I have mailed ID Software (makers of DOOM) for their recommendation
        of the best MIDI card/module as playback device for their
        music in their games. 
        
        American McGee answered:  "Roland Sound Canvas , no doubt."

        I have asked for permission from American McGee to quote
        his reply. As you can see he agreed.

   
        Thoes of you who wish to "preview" the SCC-1 and the Roland Sound
        Canvas patches, can do this if they have The 7th Guest game.
        On the 2nd CD, the music is recorderd ENTIERLY using a SC-55
        with minor sound processing effects (i.e external mixers, effects
        makers and so on are not used).
        You can find the description of the songs on the CD, in the
        7th Guest manual.



11.  Do I need any drivers for running some games ?
==================================================

    The SCC-1 doesn't use ANY drivers in DOS when running games.
    The only drivers that are being use are the one that are supplied with
    the game you are playing. (For example - Miles Drivers).

    In Windows the only driver needed is the one that comes with the Windows
    diskette i.e. Roland MPU-401 driver.


12. What are RAP-10/SC-7/SC-55/SCD-10/15 modules ?
==================================================

   RAP-10  - General MIDI compatible, can record and play digital
             sound at studio quality.
             Uses the SC-7 Synthesis, only GM compatible,
             28 MAX polyphony. 128 Tones, 6 drum set.

   SC-7/SCDB-10   - Roland's low cost General MIDI upgrade, only 128
                    tones, 6 drum sets, 28 MAX polyphony. NOT GS compatible.
                    The SC-7 is the External Module (in a box), while
                    the SCDB-10 is the DaughterBoard for the SB-16 Wave-
                    Blaster connector.

   SC-55/SC-55mkII/SCDB-15 - The SC-55 is the Original Sound Canvas 
                             from which the SCC-1 was created. Actually
                             the SCC-1 is the SC-55 without its box.
                             just the card itself.

                             SC-55mkII is the new revised Sound Canvas
                             engine, which have a default of 354
                             instruments (the extra 37 instruments are 
                             mainly effects). The new mkII standard
                             now defines a 28 Max Polyphony instead
                             of 24 of the original SC-55.
                             There some minor changed is the MIDI 
                             implementation of some controllers, but
                             nothing spectacular.
                            
                             SCDB-15 is the SC-55mkii on a DoughterBoard
                             for the SB-16 WaveBlaster connector.
                             Pity that Roland do not have a stand-alone
                             card. The SCDB-15 is GS compatible.
                             Too bad it uses the onboard MPU-401 emulation
                             of the SB-16 because its is not 100%
                             compatible with the MT-32 mode, which requires
                             a SmartMode commands to be 100% compatible.


    SC-88   - The newest and the most sophisticated Sound Canvas
              module. Comes with: 652 Tones, including 22 Drum sets,
              2 SFX sets, 64! MAX Polyphony. The best canvas there is.
              Price range from 850-900$ :).
              The SC-88 is an External Module.. i.e in a BOX.
   
 According to Rich.H , the SCDB-10/SC-7 Patches are far from being as good
 as the SCC-1/Other SCs, mainly due to ROM size reduction on those cards.
 

   
13. Does it work with other cards ? i.e. PAS16/SB ?
==================================================

   The SCC-1 works perfectly with other cards, I have tested it on
   the Pro Studio 16. The only hardware you need is a RCA Left + RCA Right
   cable with a MINI-PL that connects to the Line-in of the PAS 16.

   Make sure you use your Original MVSOUND.SYS that came with your card !
   MVSOUND 3.25 is beta and buggy and should not be used.
   Some PAS16 have different mixers, thus when using different MVSOUND.SYS
   it will set the card differently. Again, make sure you use the one
   you got on the diskettes.


14. How can I control the Effects of the SCC-1 ?
===============================================

    The Effects are controlled through SYSEX messages.

    The simplest way to use the effects is to get a GS Sequencer,
    one of the best (OR THE BEST) is the Cubase Score 1.0x from Stienberg

    There are many GS Editors that allow you to change the effects
    while playing a MIDI song. See Question # 21.

    Remember: The moment you turn off/reset your machine, all of
	      Effects and other parameters will be RESET
	      to the SCC-1 power-on defaults.

15. SYSEX Messages examples, taken from the SCC-1 Manual.
=========================================================
The SYSEX messages are 7bit HEX numbers.

GS RESET SYSEX -> F0H 41H 10H 42H 12H 40H 00H 7FH 00H 41H F7H

   Description of
   bytes:
		 F0H     Exclusive Status
		 41H     ID Number   (41 = Roland)
		 10H     Device ID   (Device ID Number=17)
		 42H     Model ID    (GS)
		 12H     Command ID  (DT1)
		 40H     Address MSB
		 00H     :
		 7FH     Address LSB
		 00H     Data        (GS Reset)
		 41H     Checksum
		 F7H     EOX         (End OF Exclusive)

Please note: Every SYSEX messages have a checksum, which MUST be
	     calculated by yourself. the SCC-1 DOES NOT IGNORE
	     this checksum like other cards do (AWE32).
	     The checksum is used to detect errors when communicating
	     with other devices (mostly due to bad MIDI cables).

Another Example:

Set Reverb Macro to ROOM 3:  F0H 41H 10H 42H 12H 40H 01H 30H 02H 0DH F7H

	     40H 01H 30H = The address of where the macro is
	     02H = change the macro to ROOM 3
	     0DH = the Checksum.

The Checksum is Calculated like this:
		    40H+01H+30H+02H=64+1+48+2=115(sum)
		    115(sum) /128 = 0(quotient)...115(remainder)
		    checksum=128 - 115(remainder)= 13 = 0DH


16. What is The Roland SCC-1B ?
===============================

  Tnx to Brian Moore, for the info on this one:

  The SCC-1B is basically the same card. The "B" is for Bundled software
  that comes with the card. This includes - Band-In-the-Box,
  and BalladeGS.


17. Does the SCC-1 require a DMA/IRQs ?
======================================

   The SCC-1 requires ONE (1) IRQ and an I/O Address.
   Available IRQs: 2,3,4,5,6,7
   Address: 330,332,334,336
   Default: IRQ 2, I/O 330.

   I was advised by several musicians from where I bought the card,
   that IRQ 2 doesn't always work with DOS EXTENDED games/warez
   so I use IRQ 5 at the moment - works great.
  
   It is VERY recommended not to change the I/O address.
  
   
+---------------------Adaptec SCSI Controller Warning---------------------+
|                                                                         |
|  I was told that these controllers default BOOT address is set          |
|  to 330H, the same as the SCC-1. You must CHANGE it to avoid conflicts  |
|  with the SCC-1. DO NOT CHANGE the SCC-1 Address !, many games          |
|  do not have an option to change the I/O address , thus no music        |
|  will be played. if you cannot change the BOOT address of your          |
|  ADAPTEC card, contact ADAPTEC for an upgrade of your controller's ROM. |
|                                                                         |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+


18. What is in the SCC-1 package ?
==================================

    You Should get in the package:

    5.25 + 3.5 Utility diskettes
    Two midi cables (mini connectors)
    Two MONO RCA to PL converters.
    Two RCA cables - for Left and Right.
    The Card itself :)
    A yellow Manual.

    Utility diskettes version 2.0 and up have an additional installation
    info for the utilities.

    >>> New SCC-1/Bs come with an addendum page that describes the
        new tone table of 354 patches ( Although my SCC-1 has 354
        sounds , i didn't get any addendum page :( )

19. What does the UTILITY Diskette Contain ?
============================================

Both the SCC-1 and the SCC-1B contain almost the same utilities.
The SCC-1B contains BalladGS and Band In the Box which are the extra
software that SCC-1 users do not have.

The BIG difference between the SCC-1 and the SCC-1B utilities 
is some new MIDI SYSEX data for MT-32 Emulation, CM-64 Emulation,
and a new DOS based MIDI Player that replaces the MPUPLAY.EXE in the SCC-1
diskette. Also, the SCC-1B contains an MPU-401 Driver for Windows, which
is not necessary anymore because all Windows version since 3.1 have this
driver on the installation diskette.

I will upload the new DOS based player and the new Emulation data
from the SCC-1B diskette.

Check ftp site -  128.252.135.4 /pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/midi for the following:

        1. SCC1B-U.ZIP - Contains the NEW DOS Player and the new SYSEX
                         data for emulating the MT-32 and CM-64 modules.
 
        2. SCC201U.ZIP - SCC-1 Utility diskette version 2.01.
                         This one contains a newer CHKSCC program than
                         the one in the SCC-1B diskette.

>>>>> IF you have NEWER versions of the UTILITY diskette for the SCC-1
      or SCC-1B please contact me!

      My latest SCC-1 util diskette is 2.01
      My latest SCC-1B util diskette is 1.00 (according to the time stamp)
                         
20. Does the SCC-1 support MIDI Aftertouch ?
============================================

    Yes, the SCC-1 supports MIDI Aftertouch, BUT - it is not turned
    ON when you power-up your machine, i.e. you must send a SYSEX
    message to enable it.

    Some say its stupid, but Roland said that they didn't enable it so as
    to conform to the GS standard.

    Here are several Examples on how to enable Channel and Polyphonic
    Aftertouch Receive. 

    REMEMBER: Unless you specify the following SYSEX, the SCC-1
    DOES NOT Respond to Aftertouch touch messages.

    NOTE: - My keyboard doesn't support Aftertouch, so I don't have
	    any way to test this. please contact me if it works.

    h = Hexadecimal BASE.
    d = Decimal BASE.

    Enable Channel Aftertouch Receive on part x:

			F0h 41h 10h 42h 12h 40h 1xh 04h 01h CSh F7h

   x = Part number 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0,A,B,C,D,E,F

   CS = Checksum - calculated like this: 

		Let say we enable it on part 1:
		40h + 11h + 04h + 01h =56h
		Convert 56h to decimal base = 86
		then, 128 - 86 = 42.
		now convert 42 decimal, to Hex base = 2A <- CHECKSUM !
			
		SYSEX WILL BE: F0 41 10 42 12 40 11 04 01 2A F7
		
	    

    Enable Polyphonic Aftertouch Receive on part x:
			
			F0h 41h 10h 42h 12h 40h 1xh 07h 01h CSh F7h

   x = Part number 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0,A,B,C,D,E,F

   CS = Checksum - calculated like this: 

		Let say we enable it on part 1:
		40h + 11h + 07h + 01h =59h
		Convert 59h to decimal base = 89
		than, 128 - 89 = 39
		now convert 39 decimal, to Hex base = 27 <- CHECKSUM !
		
		SYSEX WILL BE: F0h 41h 10h 42h 12h 40h 11h 07h 01h 27h F7h

			
21. Does GS SYSEX and the effects work in DOS and in Windows ?
==============================================================

    Yes, the GS SYSEX and Effects are not platform dependent for
    some cards like the AWE32. You can send/set the card
    SYSEX in any platform, and in any mode.


22. Does the sound quality of SCC-1 get reduced when I connect it through
    a 2nd sound card ?  - (for example PAS16/SB16 and so on....)
=========================================================================

    Well, some patches in SCC-1 are too "loud" for onboard
    mixers in the PAS16 and SB16. For this reason, I recommend
    buying an External Mixer (powered one), with two Inputs
    and ONE output , even the cheapest External mixer
    will do better than the one on those cards.

    When too loud patches are playing through the onboard mixers
    you will get sound distortions - like clipping  - a "rrrrrr"
    type sound.


23. Are there any utilities for SCC-1 that I should get ?
=========================================================
    Well for those who plan to switch rapidly from GS mode
    to MT-32 mode, I recommends to get a small program
    called SCMODE.ZIP by Mark Fontana.

    SCMODE switches between MT-32 mode and GS mode very quickly
    as opposed to the utility that comes with the SCC-1
    by Roland. SCMODE is for DOS only.
 
    My brother and I have created a similar program for
    Windows.

    Due to many Sequencers and MIDI players that 
    sometimes play wrong notes/events/instruments when
    the previous MIDI was a GS MIDI that changed some
    of the Sound Canvas parameters,  The next
    MID file to play will sound WRONG unless
    it will GS reset the Sound Canvas itself.

    SCMODE.ZIP should be found at: ftp.cs.ruu.nl [131.211.80.17]
    /pub/MIDI/PROGRAMS/MSDOS

    GSRESET.ZIP (my program)
    can be found at the same site at:/pub/MIDI/PROGRAMS/MSWINDOWS
    and at 128.252.135.4 /pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/midi

    For those who wish to tweak the card's parameters, here
    are several programs I encountered: <all of these are shareware>

    Song Canvas     - DOS -        /pub/MIDI/PROGRAMS/MSDOS/CANVAS.ZIP

    CanvasMan 4.62  - WIN -        This one is one heck of a GS editor,
				   it also has CanQuest (TM), a huge
				   help file on every parameter
				   in the GS mode. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
				   can be found at:
				   128.252.135.4 (wuarchive),
				   /pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/canvas45.zip

    PVICanvas       - WIN -        /pub/MIDI/PROGRAMS/MSWINDOWS/PVICANx.zip

    PlayPak         - DOS -        This is a DOS based sequencer, which
				   I found useful as a MIDI Player
				   for DOS.

				   I use it as my general MIDI
				   player, because it does not
				   analyze anything in the MID file,
				   it just sends it over to MPU-401 unit,
				   thus playing almost every MID
				   file, in any format. (0,1 and MFF)
				   Can be found at:
				   ftp.cs.ruu.nl [131.211.80.17]
				   /pub/MIDI/PROGRAMS/MSDOS/playpak.exe



    If you have more, please contact me.
    >>> I'm very interested in DOS based MIDI players.



24. Where to get more information about the SCC-1 and other Roland
    equipment.
==================================================================

    Roland's Address for Snail Mail:

    Roland Corporation US
    7200 Dominion Circle
    Los Angeles,CA,90040-3696
    U.S.A
    TEL:        (213)-685-5141
    FAX:        (213)-722-0911
		(213)-726-8865
    CompuServe: ID # 72662,376
    Email -   : 72662.376@compuserve.com
		Tnx to Eddie (lotter@cc.und.ac.za) for CIS ID#
 
   ATTENTION: - I mailed this ID #, and so far have NOT got any answer.
		 Check it out.

    If anyone has Roland's BBS Number Please add it up
    or contact me.


25. Is there away to "preview" a Roland Sound Canvas without buying one ?
=========================================================================

Well Yes There is :)

Thoes of you who wish to "preview" the SCC-1 and the Roland Sound
Canvas patches, can do this if they have The 7th Guest game.

On the 2nd CD, the music is recorderd ENTIERLY using a SC-55 with minor sound 
processing devices (i.e effects makers and so on are not used).

You can find the description of the songs, in the
7th Guest manual.

Ofcourse thoes of you who dont have this fine game, can always ask a decent
music store to demonstrate one for you.(at least our Roland Branch in 
Israel has a SC-55 and a SC-88 connected to a PC to demonstrate 
it to customers.)

APPENDIX A - Parameters that can be tweaked in GS mode.
=======================================================


I got several e-mails requesting some information regarding what
parameters can be changed in GS mode.
The following parameters are categorized according to CanvasMan 1.20
for Windows. Each parameter has its limits.

Basic Part Settings #1:
				     Description (NOT FOR ALL)
Part Level              0   - 127
Part Panpot             -64 - 63     Pan value. - for Left. + for right
Chorus Send             0   - 127    Chorus level at start up
Reverb Send             0   - 127    Reverb Level at start up
Key Shift               -24 - 24
Pitch                  -120 - 120
KeyRange Low            0   - 127
KeyRange Hi             0   - 127
Pitch Bend              -24 - 24
Mod Depth               0   - 127
Velocity S Depth        0   - 127    Higher value, gives louder sound
Velocity S Offset       0   - 127

Basic Part Setting #2:

Mono/Poly               Mono/Poly
Assign Mode             Limited Multi/Single/Full Multi
Vibrato Rate            -50 - 50
Vibrato Depth           -50 - 50
Vibrato Delay           -50 - 50
Cutoff Frequency        -50 - 16\
Resonance               -50 - 50 \
Attack Time             -50 - 50  > Changing those will create a NEW patch.
Decay Time              -50 - 50 /
Release Time            -50 - 50/

Tone/Rhythm/Voice Reserve

	Rhythm Maps #1 ---> You can use TWO Drum sets in one MIDI song
	Rhythm Maps #2      if you will enable the Rhythm Maps On Part 11

	Voice Reserve - See Stealing Notes/Voice Reserve.

Scale Tuning Receive Flags

Receive Flags
	Pitch Band              ON/OFF
	Channel Aftertouch        "
	Program Change            "
	Control Change            "
	Polyphonic Aftertouch     "
	Note Message              "
	RPN                       "
	NRPN                      "
	Modulation                "
	Volume                    "
	Panpot                    "
	Expression                "
	Hold 1                    "
	Portamento                "
	Sostenuto                 "
	Soft                      "

Scale Tuning
	C,C#,D,D#,E,F,F#,G,G#,A,A#,B - All from -64 to 63

Modulation & Pitch Band - Same parameters for both, but different
controllers.

	Pitch                    -24 - 24
	TVF Cut                    0 - 127
	Ampl                       0 - 127
	LFO 1 - RC,PD,TVF,TVA      0 - 127
	LFO 2 - RC,PD,TVF,TVA      0 - 127

Aftertouch - Channel And Polyphonic has the same parameters, but are
different controllers.

	Pitch                    -24 - 24
	TVF Cut                    0 - 127
	Ampl                       0 - 127
	LFO 1 - RC,PD,TVF,TVA      0 - 127
	LFO 2 - RC,PD,TVF,TVA      0 - 127


Continuous Controllers 1 & 2

	#                          0 - 127
	Pitch                    -24 - 24
	TVF Cut                    0 - 127
	Ampl                       0 - 127
	LFO 1 - RC,PD,TVF,TVA      0 - 127
	LFO 2 - RC,PD,TVF,TVA      0 - 127



APPENDIX B - Voice Reserve and Part Sounding Priority
=====================================================

The SCC-1 has a maximum of 24 notes, that can be played at once at the
same time.

Now, some patches (sounds) use TWO voices (i.e. notes) thus the Maximum
polyphony will be reduced to 12 the moment such an instrument will be played.

When the 24 notes limit is exceeded, the SCC-1 activates a sophisticated
hardware based algorithm to steal notes from parts that are NOT vital
for the piece at the moment, according to the LOWEST Part Sound Priority.


Here is the Part Sound Priority scheme:

      Part Priority Ranking       Part No.
		 1                  10 (DRUMS)
		 2                   1
		 3                   2
		 4                   3
		 5                   4
		 6                   5
		 7                   6
		 8                   7
		 9                   8
		10                   9
		11                  11
		12                  12
		13                  13
		14                  14
		15                  15
		16                  16     < - The SCC-1 starts stealing
					       notes from HERE and goes
					       UP !

The SCC-1 has another algorithm, to deal with this kind of
situation. It is Called Voice Reserve

Voice Reserve - Voice Reserve is the capability of assigning a guaranteed
		minimum number of voices for a given part just in case
		the 24-voices limit is exceeded at some point.
		For Example, Part 1 is set to Voice Reserve of 6,
		which means that if all parts are trying
		to use more than 24 voices at once, part 1 is assured
		of getting at least 6 of them.

		Voice Reserve ensures this minimum regardless of how Part
		Priority is set.
		The Voice Reserve number of each part is as follows, so
		you can see again, why it is important to put the
		most important parts in channels 1-10.

		Part 1              6
		Part 2-10           2
		Part 11-16          0
						(quoted entirely
						    from page 12
						    of the manual)

Author's NOTE: With my over 20MB of MIDIs I haven't encountered even ONE
	       MID song that activated the Part Sounding Priority
	       or the Voice Reserve, or it was activated and it was
	       so good that I haven't noticed anything while playing
	       those MIDIs.


APPENDIX C - MIDI Players WARNING !
===================================

To save you a lot of testing and time, several MIDI players
usually in Windows, have a BUG or a problem while loading
Standard type 0 MIDI files, and analyzing them.

The player will load such a MIDI , analyze it and will play it
WRONGLY causing glitches, missing notes.

I encountered this with ONE MIDI file called L1002_06.MID.
It messed up CakeWalk Pro 2.0, MidiSoft MIDI Recording Studio 1.08TC and
Turtle Beach Karaoke.

The ONLY Player in WINDOWS that played it right, was Window's
own Media Player.


APPENDIX D - MIDI file types.
=============================

I have encountered several MIDI file formats  while working with
my SCC-1. Here are some:

Standard MIDI File Type 0
-------------------------
These are MIDI files that were recorded and saved on 1 track using MULTIPLE
channels.

Unless you split that track in your sequencer you cannot edit it right.
CakeWalk Pro 2.0, Cubase Score 1.0x DO NOT split those MIDIs.

CakeWalk Pro 2.0 has a script in CAL language to split such a MIDI
but it will not assign the instruments (PATCHES) for the tracks.

The best SPLITTER for those MIDIs is MidiSoft Recording Studio,
which automatically splits them, BUT doesn't always do it RIGHT, thus missing
a note here and there.

Tnx to Merlin Zener <merlin@merlin.edex.edu.au> for correcting me
about this subject.


Standard MIDI file type 1
-------------------------
The New standard that assigns each track and part to its own channel
creating a very easy MID file to edit using any Sequencer.

Standard MIDI file type 2
-------------------------
I have seen this message from WinJammer 2.24 when I tried to load
a ripped MID file from LucasArt's Tie Fighter game.
I have no idea what this file look likes because WinJammer refused
to load this kind of file. Every other sequencer I have refused
too , to load such files.


APPENDIX E - Effects
====================

The SCC-1 Reverb and Chorus effects are global effects.
You can not enable different types of each effect on different parts/channels
in your MIDI piece.
You can, however, specify the amount of each effect on any part of
the piece

Example: I have a MIDI song with - Piano, Guitar, and a Flute.
I use Reverb type Hall 2, and the Reverb amount for the Piano
is set to 40, Guitar to 10, and Flute to 64.


APPENDIX F - Does the SCC-1 have some DOWN sides ?
==================================================

Well, this one is hard to answer, almost any product has
some Ups and Downs.

From MY (MY ONLY) opinion the only down side of the SCC-1 is its MAX Poly,
limitation, of 24 notes at one time. Many NEW cards come with 28-32
MAX Poly.

But, On the other hand some musicians I talked to, say that
the 24 MAX POLY and its sophisticated algorithms for manipulating
cut-off notes, is so good that you cant hear them (cut-offs), 
if your piece was created like the specs in the manual.

As I mentioned before, till now (2 months after I purchased it, and
abused it in any possible way :) ), I haven't had any problems with
exceeding the 24 MAX Poly.


APPENDIX G - Where to get the SCC-1 cheap (US ONLY) ?
=====================================================

Tnx goes to Chris Alleyne Chin <tomservo@crl.com> for the following
info.

Chris said that he bought it at Price Club, through the Quest automated 
computer kiosk (a touch-screen ordering system). It was for $279, with
approx. $3.00 in shipping/handling. 
The package arrived three days later under Federal express at 
his house.                                           

Also he was told that the card can be found at CDW Computer Centers, Inc.
at the same price. Here is the address and phones:

(800)-326-4CDW
FAX (708) 465-6800
1020 E. Lake Cook Road
Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089

Note: Chris bought the SCC-1B, the one with the Extra software.

I was told that Computability now sells the SCC-1 for $270 (without
shipment), I don't have their address. Check it out.



APPENDIX H - The Mystery of the Lost Patches !
==============================================

As the SCC-1 FAQ author I get many e-mails each month from users that 
want to know more about it or/and  update the FAQ .

Several days ago I got an Email from Thibet.Rungrotkitiy@students.miami.edu
that he got a new page with his new SCC-1B manual. The new page contained
a list of the NEW Tone Table that the new Roland GS devices now use.

I asked him to send it over, and I tried the new patches (Banks) with
my 4 month old SCC-1 (NOT B) and IT WORKS - I have a 354 Total sounds.
Apparently Roland did not supply me with such an addendum to my SCC-1.

Here are the added patches : (PC# = Program Change #, CC0 = Bank Change #)

PC#	CCO	Tone name
1	8	Piano 1w
1	16	Piano 1d
2	8	Piano 2w
3	8	Piano 3w
4	8 	Honky-tonk w
5	16	E.Piano 1v
5	24	60's E.Piano
6	16	E.Piano 2v
7	16	Harpsi.w
7	24	Harpsi.o
12	8	Vib.w
13	8	Marinba w
15	9	Carillon
17	16	60's Organ 1
17	32	Organ 4
18	32	Organ 5
20	16	Church Org.3
25	16	Nylon Gt.0
25	32	Nylon Gt.2
29	16	Funk Gt.2
39	1	Synth Bass 101
40	16 	Rubber Bass
41	8	Slow Violin
53	32	Choir Aahs 2
58	1	Trombone 2
61	1	French Horn 2
63	16	AnalogBrass 1
64	16	AnalogBrass 2
81	1	Square
82	1	Saw
82	8	Doctor
99	1	Syn Mallet
103	1	Echo Piano
103	2	Echo Pan
105	1	Sitar 2
119	9	Elec Perc (Unreliable Pitch)
124	3	Bird 2    (Unreliable Pitch)


In Order to check that you have the new patches - load any GS based
Sequencer like - MIDI Session/Recording Studio 1.0X or 
Cake Walk Pro 3.0  (NOT 2.0)).

Load a one Instrument MIDI file (like Fure-Elise that comes with MIDI 
Session) and change the instrument to the new bank and program change.
Play the MIDI. IF you don't hear a thing this means that there is no 
instrument in the bank you have change to. Thus you have an OLDER SCC-1.

MIDI SESSION Users - MIDI Session defines Program Change 0 as Piano 1 
When you try the new patches find the Program change from this FAQ 
(For Example 124) and instead of selecting ProgramChange 124 , 
select Program Change 123 (i.e -1).Remember to Change the Bank #.
                     
CakeWalk Pro 3.0   - CakeWalk Pro 3.0 has an Instrument map for the GS mkII
instruments, select it for all channels accept channel 10 (DRUMS).

CakeWalk Pro 3.0 has some bugs in its Instrument map of the GS mkII - 
Several instruments from this FAQ are NOT in the instrument map, 
thus you must add them up.

The easiest way to added the instruments is to backup and EDIT the file
SRC.INS in the CakeWalk Pro 3.0 Directory, and find the current 
Bank # (like 8,16,3 and so on), and add the new instrument. 

Example:

CakeWalk Pro 3.0 is missing the Bird 2 patch in bank #3 - Find Bank #3 in the 
GS MKII section in the SRC.INS file, and add it up according
to the numbers in the section.
                     
IMPORTANT: CakeWalk Pro 3.0 is like MIDI Session - Program Change 0 = Piano 1
           thus any new patches you enter from this FAQ must be -1.
           Instead of PC# 124 (Bird 2) enter PC # "123 = Bird 2"
           
Although CakeWalk Pro 3.0 is missing the NAMES (ONLY NAMES) of several 
patches you can still use the patches as PCs (ProgramChange Numbers).
For Example if you don't want to edit the SRC.INS file,
Select BANK #3 in the patch window and Instrument number 123 (Remember
to -1 each patch number).
 
Okay, After you have completed editing the SRC.INS file, select Define 
Instruments from the Instrument box. Press the Import button to
Import SRC.INS file press Yes (because we are overwriting the previous
configurations).
                    
Thats it.




>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>     END OF FAQ     <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
,----------------------,----------------------------------------------,
|-----    ,--          |Tal Barenboim, Technical Consultant.          |
|  |      |__'         |talb@zeus.datasrv.co.il                       |
|  |al    |__'arenboim |Roland SCC-1 FAQ Author,@comp.ibm.pc.soundcard|
`----------------------'----------------------------------------------'



