NES Font Advance
==================================

Thank you for downloading this SoundFont, NES Font Advance!
This SoundFont was created to allow musicians to create NES
and GameBoy style music by use of simplistic wave forms such
as variations of Square, Triangle, Saw, and Noise wave forms.

Both systems have 2 square channels, and a noise channel for
percussive effects. The NES had an additional triangle based
wave form. All channels are only able to play monophonic voices,
so you can't have chords in one channel. Although, with the 
multiple channels, it is possible to have a few chords. A thing
to keep in mind if you want to simulate a NES/GB when it comes 
to music.

The NES and GameBoy systems have several Square variations,
all included in this SoundFont to make your music more authentic
to the original NES/GB sound. The NES/GB was able to change the 
size of the Square's wave forms which gave it a variation in sound.
A crucial component to creating authentic sounding NES music.

The SoundFont has a few extras too. Two NES drum kits and a GameBoy
kit, utilizing common sounds in many various NES games mapped to GM
standards. The first kit has the toms found in the VRC6 version of
Castlevania 3, and the second has a sort of electronic sounding toms,
found in many of the Mega Man games. Othewise, they are the same.
The GameBoy drum kit has sounds found in many GB games, but mainly
taken from the Castlevania games. Can't tell what my favorite series
is yet?

There are also 2 extra synth sounds based on square wave forms used 
in the PCM channel from Belmont's Revenge on GB. They were used 
commonly as harpsichord and distorted guitar type sounds. I found
them interesting in sound, and really wanted to stick them in this
SoundFont. In fact, I'd like to put more various GB synths in the 
font too, if I get more time and decide to make updates. 

Another of the instruments is a GameBoy version of the saw wave, used
in many games too, through the PCM channel. The PCM channel was used 
mainly for triangle, saws, squares, and other variations of those 
primary wave forms. Many games have custom sounds, so its impossible
to include all of them. But many are just different types of saws and
triangle, to make it on par with the NES. Sometimes its even on par 
with the VRC6 add on for the NES, giving the GB saws. But, it is still
limited to 4 channels where as with a VRC6, the NES has a total of 8 
sound channels. 4 square, 1 triangle, 1 saw, noise, and PCM. Keep that
in mind too, when sequencing for authenticity!

When sequencing a NES song, remember that it has mono sound output!
Otherwise, if you throw sounds on the left and right channels, you
could jeopardize your deceit of making the listener feel its authentic.
The GB on the otherhand, is stereo, so feel free to toss stuff on 
whichever speaker you desire!

Also, I have included numerous synth leads and synth basses based on
the wav forms. Very simplistic, but it gives you an idea on how you can
use these samples other than for simply NES music, as they all have a 
use for other things, if you use your imagination. I included very
simple layering techniques, and haven't even touched on envelopes,
modulations, and filters to change the sounds and create all new
instruments for your musical use. This font is not only useful as an
authentic alternative to difficult NSF programming, but as a base
ingrediant in new sounds too. There are MANY things you can do with it!

Instrument mappings...

1 - 28......various leads and basses
29, 30......GB Square variations used in PCM channel
31..........GB Saw wave
38 - 43.....various GM style Synth Basses
79 - 85.....The main sounds for NES and GB
117.........The triangle "melodic tom" known so well from Megaman

Percussive mappings...

1...........NES drums w/ Konami Toms
2...........NES drums w/ Triangle style toms
8...........GameBoy drums

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For any comments or feedback, email me at mastertimothy@hotmail.com with
a comment of "NES Font Advance" in the title so I know its not spam.

This font is free, obviously, but I would appreciate it if people gave
credit where credit is due. Also, if you do use this font, please share
your music with me! I would love to hear how you utilize this font! That
is all I ask for the work I've put into making this.

- TP