From mailserv@gaia.ucs.orst.edu Thu May 26 17:26:04 1994
Precedence: Bulk
Date: Thu May 26 15:04:38 PDT 1994
From: gus-music-request@gaia.ucs.orst.edu (GUS Musician's Server)
Reply-To: gus-music@gaia.ucs.orst.edu (GUS Musician's Digest)
Subject: GUS Musician's Digest V7 #21

GUS Musician's Digest       Thu, 26 May 94 15:04 PST     Volume 7: Issue  21  

Today's Topics:
                       3.53 installation disks
                          Good Gus Software
                        GUS synth "emulation"
                         Just to let you know
                           Lost MIDI notes
                   RE Musical Sampler Libraries...
                       Re the Reverbbbbbbbbb...
                    Windows Drivers - 2 questions

Standard Info:
	- Meta-info about the GUS can be found at the end of the Digest.
	- Before you ask a question, please READ THE FAQ.

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

Date: Thu, 26 May 94 14:41:02 CDT
From: Chevnut@osuunx.ucc.okstate.edu
Subject: 3.53 installation disks

        I have installed all of the 3.53 disk set late last night (early
morning).  Anyway, the following is what I have found out about it so
far:

        - Complete installation of new patches over the old ones (3.1f)
          I'm not sure if they are better or not, but they are newer.
        - New Patch Manager that supports multiple banks, playing
          samples from disk, and modifying your ini. (Really nice)
        - New windows drivers that have DMA buffering (Seem to work
          better, especially with MOD players)
        - New GUSMOD (haven't tried it out yet)
        - New playmidi (with cool logo), and playfile (both seem to work

          including recording)
        - New MIXER that has percentage volume labels
        - New SBOS (haven't tried it out yet either, I had 3.something)
        - New ULTRASND.INI including bank names like MPB uses

        I think that is everything that I have found so far.  Overall, I
would say that everyone should get this upgrade especially if you write
or listen to MIDI music through DOS or Windows.  The new Windows
features for modifying your .INI file, buffering the DMA, and support of
multiple banks have already allowed me to make better use of all my
patches.

        Just MHO,  The Tramp

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 94 10:06:00 PDT
From: "Ford, Richard            x2056" <rford@infocomp.csir.co.za>
Subject: Good Gus Software
Message-ID: <2DE385A4@smtpgat2.csir.co.za>

Hi all

This sounds VERY interesting :) (I like people who also have a solution to go 
with the 'problem')  I myself have not noticed a 'GUS decline', and in fact I 
have just ordered my GUS MAX :) :) (eat your eart out...)  However, 'the GUS 
SoundWorks' family...great idea!  This might start a groundswell...If enough 
of us are interested and push for this, there might be a chance of something 
happening... 

How about a process (not toooooo formal though...)

1. McQ (sorry, I lost your name in my haste to reply :) ) are you willing to 
   at least own the process of collecting all the replies?  If so, please 
   keep us in the picture.

2. if there is enough interest and ideas then what about the programmers 
   amongst us developing modules?  We could have:

   . a generic 'look and feel' front-end interface for the GUS SoundWorks 
     family which hooks into...
   . a sort of 'winsock' socket/interface to which the module programmers
     should adhere.  We could then add modules as and when they are approved 
     by the group

   (it could end up as the 'Internet Programmer Group'!)

Ok - ideas

1. I like the idea of morphing waves in creating samples from scratch (as 
   proposed by a previous mail) - Corel Draw for waves...

2. Same type of environment as point 1 but for programming sound cards.  The 
   'Corel Draw type' environment gives us a graphic representation of the 
   voice.  We then tweak it's parameters, whilst hearing the results.  The 
   final output is a file containing the sysex messages which we can then 
   embed in good ole' Cakewalk. 
 
I look forward to seeing/hearing what happens...

Regards - Richard

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 11:14:20 +1000
From: David Mitchell <davidm@hparc7.aus.hp.com>
Subject: GUS synth "emulation"

Someone suggested, some time back, that the GUS would be a great "synth
emulator" (my term) in that it should be possible to get it to:
- combine short wave segments a la Korg Wavestation series
- combine various sine waves a la Yamaha DX-series
- (you get the idea - it should be possible to emulate pretty much any
existing synth process, using the PCs CPU and the GUS as a sound source.  You
could use Windows/OS2/whatever as a *great* sound programming environment,
which would be far better than the usual small LCD display on most production
model synths)

Is anyone doing this, or is it even practical given the speed of the CPU?
It'd obviously be pretty painful if you had to wait hours for the PC/GUS to
generate a sound from the parameters you specified on your "GUS Wavestation
look-alike"; it'd be great if it could do this in real-time, but it might
not be practical.

I'm asking this (almost) purely out of interest; I don't have the time or
synth knowledge to implement any of this myself, but I'd happily act as a
beta tester for anybody who was doing this 8->.  Gee, I wonder if there would
be any other potential beta testers out there...

Just hoping to stimulate some more discussion on a great idea...

Dave Mitchell

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

Date: Tue, 24 May 94 13:47:25
From: paul.malcolm@gravis.com
Subject: Just to let you know

TO: gus-music@mail.orst.edu

Just to Let You Know #13
------------------------

There is a lot of information in here. So be ready for a long one <grin>

Gravis Analog/Pro and MicroSoft Flight Simulator Pac
 ---------------------------------------------------
TORONTO:   AED
VANCOUVER: AED
OTC BBS:   GRVSF

      Advanced Gravis Announces "Flight Pac" and "Flight Pac Pro"
 Gravis Analog or Analog Pro Joysticks with Microsoft Flight Simulator

     First ever combination of top selling entertainment products.

Vancouver, British Columbia -- May 23, 1994 -- Advanced Gravis Computer
Technology Ltd. of Burnaby, British Columbia today announced the Flight
Pac and Flight Pac Pro, a combination of two leading flight/gaming
products, the Gravis Analog or Analog Pro Joystick and the Microsoft
aviation program Flight Simulator.  The Gravis Analog and Analog Pro
Joystick are the first products ever to be sold together with the #1
selling PC consumer title in history, the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Flight Pac and Flight Pac Pro begin shipping May 23 and will be
available only for a limited time.

To create an appealing offer, Gravis will enhance the two products
with "Flight Pac" stickers and special packaging, all shrink-wrapped
to create distinctive, eye-catching retail units.  In addition,
Gravis will provide shelf talkers and ad slicks for retail promotions.
"Flight simulation is a fast growing niche of the computer games market.
This combination of two complementary brand name products at such a low
price point should prove to be a highly appealing package for those
consumers looking for the excitement of computer aviation aerobatics,"
said Bryan Del Rizzo, marketing communications executive for
Advanced Gravis.

Flight Pac, at a suggested retail price of $69.95, combines the thrill
of Flight Simulator's photo-realistic scenery and authentic flight
sounds with the precision of the Gravis Analog Joystick.  The Gravis
Analog Joystick features a foam-padded pistol grip handle, three fire
buttons and eight adjustable handle tension settings.  Since its
inception nearly ten years ago, the Gravis Analog Joystick has drawn
rave reviews from both users and publications including Computer
Shopper which rated it "the world's best joystick."

Flight Pac Pro features the Gravis Analog Pro Joystick, designed
specifically for flight simulations and action arcade games.  Gravis
Analog Pro sports five fire buttons, eight adjustable handle
tension settings and built-in throttle control that turns the Microsoft
Flight Simulator into a high altitude, hold onto your hat, sky soaring
adventure.  Flight Pac Pro will have a suggested retail price of $79.95.

"Both products are immensely popular individually, and combined, we
expect this package to be a huge hit," said Advanced Gravis President,
Grant Russell.  "The Gravis Analog and Analog Pro Joysticks are natural
companions for the Microsoft Flight Simulator.  Our joysticks are well
known for their superior engineering and quality construction and Flight
Simulator creates the most vividly real aerial experience on land.
Together, it's a marriage made for the heavens."

In addition to the Gravis Analog and Gravis Analog Pro Joysticks,
Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. also designs, manufactures
and markets high quality microcomputer peripherals including the new
Phoenix Flight & Weapons Control System,  PC GamePad, MouseStick II,
Mac GamePad, and UltraSound MAX, a true wavetable synthesis audio card.


UltraSound MAX Released
-----------------------
The UltraSound MAX is now shipping. The first units went out on
94/05/13 and we are already back ordered. You should see MAX units
on your local retail shelves within the coming weeks. The MAX
has a suggested retail price of $299US.

Some of the highlights and differences between the MAX and the
base UltraSound are:

     - 16-Bit recording
     - 4:1 ADPCM compression
     - 512K of on-board RAM standard
     - 3 CD-ROM data/audio connections for Mitsumi, Sony and Panasonic
     - Simultaneous record and playback (using two different DMAs)
     - MicroSoft Sound System compatible
     - V3.53 software (see explanation below for description)


TORONTO:   AED
VANCOUVER: AED
OTC BBS:   GRVSF

                 Advanced Gravis Ships UltraSound MAX

    Wavetable Synthesis Audio Board Features 16-bit, 48 kHz Recording,
              3 CD-ROM Interfaces and 3D Holographic Sound

Vancouver, British Columbia -- May 13, 1994 -- Advanced Gravis Computer
Technology Ltd. has announced it is shipping the latest addition to the
UltraSound line of high quality computer audio boards, the UltraSound
MAX.  With the introduction of UltraSound MAX, Advanced Gravis has
taken wavetable synthesis audio to new levels satisfying discriminating
audio enthusiasts, gamers and musicians.  The UltraSound MAX offers
16-bit professional recording capabilities along with CD quality
playback and immersive 3D Holographic Sound.

The UltraSound MAX offers realistic sound reproduction based on digital
sampling of real sounds.  Gravis' choice of a high quality analog to
digital converter and low noise board design helps to reduce the hiss
and noise during recording, and puts the performance of the UltraSound
MAX at the level of professional audio boards typically costing
hundreds of dollars more. UltraSound MAX also offers three types of
compression, including ADPCM, 4:1 16-bit A-Law and u-Law, which
reduces the disk space-crunch associated with digital recording by
a factor of up to four.  Simultaneous recording and playback up to
48 kHz is also supported.

UltraSound MAX features a unique RAM based wavetable system.
Developers and consumers can edit any of the existing instrument
and sound effects patches or they can create new sounds that can
supplement the standard General MIDI patch set of 192 instruments.

The DOS and Windows 3.1 software installation is completely automatic.
The configuration takes users through the installation and set up, and
even allows for multiple DOS configuration files.

"The UltraSound MAX represents Gravis' commitment to producing high
quality, yet economically priced multimedia solutions," said Grant
Russell, President of Advanced Gravis. "We've included some important
hardware features such as dedicated DSP's, simultaneous record and
playback in stereo, and 3 CD-ROM interfaces.  To enhance an
otherwise powerful product, we've even included a copy of this year's
hottest computer game, DOOM."

The Gravis UltraSound MAX works with all 386 and higher IBM PCs and
compatibles.  It features a 5.6 megabyte General MIDI patch set,
512K of onboard memory and supports applications for Windows 3.1,
MPC2, Sound Blaster, Roland and Windows Sound System.  The
proprietary CD ROM interfaces are designed for single or double speed
drives from Sony, Mitsumi and Panasonic.  The suggested retail price
of the UltraSound MAX is $299.95 U.S.

In addition to UltraSound MAX,  Advanced Gravis Computer Technology
Ltd. also designs, manufactures and markets high quality microcomputer
peripherals including the new Phoenix Flight & Weapons Control System,
Gravis Analog Pro Joystick, PC GamePad, MouseStick II, and Mac GamePad.


New Gravis Joystick Announced - Phoenix
 --------------------------------------
TORONTO:   AED
VANCOUVER: AED
OTC BBS:   GRVSF


 Advanced Gravis Launches the Phoenix Flight and Weapons Control System

             New, Sleek and Sexy Two Handed Joystick Features
                  46 User Defined Button Functions

Vancouver, British Columbia -- May 17, 1994 -- Advanced Gravis Computer
Technology Ltd. today announced the release of Phoenix, a radically
designed flight controller and joystick that offers consumers a wide
array of fully programmable flight and weapon control settings in a
unit that is plug 'n' play compatible with virtually all PC flight
games currently on the market.

Phoenix's unique asymmetric angular design was specially developed
as a total flight control system including analog and digital
throttle and rudder control in addition to 46 independent, user
defined, button functions.  Its sleek angular lines, industrial
textured surface, low profile base and navigational control arm
announce a new generation of flight controllers.

"This is the first flight controller that offers such easy-to-program
yet sophisticated controls for fire buttons, throttle and rudder
controls, aileron and elevator controls all in a device that PC users
can be confident is completely compatible with all their favorite
games," said Ron Haidenger, product manager.

        Fully Compatible and Easily Programmable

Other flight control products often require direct support from game
software.  Phoenix needs no special software support in the program
other than for a basic PC joystick and keyboard.  This means Phoenix
is plug 'n' play compatible with the latest and future flight simulator
and space combat games.  It can be used as a joystick with the simplest
of games or as a sophisticated controller with the most complex flight
and space simulation programs.

As flight controllers have become more sophisticated, some brands
require the skills of a rocket scientist to program the fire buttons and
maneuvering controls.  Advanced Gravis has solved this problem by
providing the Phoenix Control Console, a DOS based, windowing interface
through which flight enthusiasts can easily define and program button
functions and maneuvering controls.  In addition, the Phoenix
installation program performs a thorough system diagnostic to ensure
that the computer is free of common installation problems and confirms
that Phoenix is correctly installed.

     Two-Handed Action

Phoenix's unique design combines an 8 button joystick with a multi-fire
navigational control arm for two handed maneuvering and firing.  With
one hand on the joystick, users manipulate the ailerons and elevators
to control pitch and yaw, while at the same time guiding the speed and
direction using th

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 10:58:36 GMT+0200
From: JANNE LAPPALAINEN <JANLAPPA@sara.cc.utu.fi>
Subject: Lost MIDI notes

>HI there, I posted this before, but didn't get any answers, so any help or
>opinion would be appreciated!!!
>
>I have a problem with lost/stuck notes while using GUS with Rec. Session
>and Cakewalk with MIDI. For example making ordinary drum tracks is almost
>impossible because sometimes some notes are delayed or not played at all from
>my keyboard. The problem gets even worse when using e.g. Patch Manager. 
>	I'm using homemade midi-box (according to FAQ) but that cannot be
>the problem, because I experimentally connected the output of my keyboard
>straightthe rx pin of GUS and the problem didn't disappear.
>	Well the next thing to check out was the keyboard, which is
>Korg DW-8000 (from somewhere late 80's, I suppose). I have read from this
>digest that some older keyboards may have trouble with their exotic midi
>implementations. I suspect this is not the case, because the Korg keyboard work
>fine when connected straight to my Yamaha TX81Z-module, no missing notes.
>Besides it has a midi option, which makes it send/receive only note data, so
>some weird sysex-data cannot mix up things. And its not SO old.
>	GUS is rev 3.4, computer 386DX 25MHz with Windows 3.11 and latest
>GUS software. Could it be something with the Windows drivers?? 
>
>Janne L.
>janlappa@sara.cc.utu.fi
>
>

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 94 11:11:00 PDT
From: "Ford, Richard            x2056" <rford@infocomp.csir.co.za>
Subject: RE Musical Sampler Libraries...
Message-ID: <2DE394DD@smtpgat2.csir.co.za>

Hi Marc

I saw your comments on 
> "Musical" samplers libraries ( like Roland , Ensoniq , etc..). They got 
>some damn good patches and thanks to a FMJ software called 2PAT, you can 
>transform them in GUS patches :)

What and where are these librarie please?

Thanks - Richard

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 94 10:29:00 PDT
From: "Ford, Richard            x2056" <rford@infocomp.csir.co.za>
Subject: Re the Reverbbbbbbbbb...
Message-ID: <2DE38B14@smtpgat2.csir.co.za>

Hi

In answer/tandem with Scott's comment on reverb - I also think there is a 
window of opportunity here...please someone jump in :)

The only reason I am looking at the RAP-10 is because it can playback WAV 
files with the same type of reverb applied to the midi instruments.   
However, the RAP is sure expensive...

Regards - Richard

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

Date: Thu, 26 May 94 13:53:33 EDT
From: ivan@molson.ho.att.com (Ivan Strom)
Subject: Windows Drivers - 2 questions

1) The ultrasnd.drv in the gus353 distribution gpf's on load.  Does anyone have this
working?  If so, could you post the relevant portions of your system.ini.
Doing a string scan on the binary, it appears radically different from former versions,
leaving me to question if this is in fact the .drv file.

2) Any word on updated drivers supporting patch caching?  There has been silence on
this for several months.

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 14:47:55 GMT
From: mminarik@prfdec.natur.cuni.cz (Marek Minarik)

Dear Sirs,

Please, let me shortly know about following issue:

I have heart a lot of superlatives about GUS - sound card, but
one is always missing. Is this card comparable with the commercial
music instruments (synthesis, sampling ..etc.), or this is only
to have good sound for a computer game ??

I am going to buy this card for my home MIDI/recording. Is it suitable
??


Thank you a lot for any comments.  

Yours sincerely

Marek Minarik 

e-mail: mminarik@prfdec.natur.cuni.cz  

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

Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 14:56:52 GMT
From: mminarik@prfdec.natur.cuni.cz (Marek Minarik)

Dear Sirs,

Please, let me shortly know about following issue:

I have heart a lot of superlatives about GUS - sound card, but
one is always missing. Is this card comparable with the commercial
music instruments (synthesis, sampling ..etc.), or this is only
to have good sound for a computer game ??

I am going to buy this card for my home MIDI/recording. Is it suitable
??


Thank you a lot for any comments.  

Yours sincerely

Marek Minarik 

e-mail: mminarik@prfdec.natur.cuni.cz  

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

End of GUS Musician's Digest V7 #21
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