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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

2031.0. "Rhapsody Sequencer for Macintosh" by KALLON::EIRIKUR (Hallgrimsson, CDA Product Mgmt.) Tue Jun 20 1989 22:56

		Demo version of Rhapsody MIDI Sequencer V1.0
    
    RT95::mac$recent:RHAPSODY_MIDI_SEQUENCER_DEMO_V10.STUFFIT

    This is a brand new MIDI sequencer from a brand new company.  It has
    most of the features of packages such as Master Tracks Pro, and
    Performer.  When I called asking about the copy protection status, the
    developer called me back and was very willing to discuss the program. 
    It comes with a quick tutorial in MacWrite format, and one demo
    sequence.

    The primary differentiating feature of this product is the concept of
    "Patterns."  All data is recorded into and edited as a part of a
    pattern.  Patterns are used like themes or motifs and instances of
    patterns are pasted into tracks. Patterns can be dragged around in (and
    between) tracks, transposed, grouped.  Edits to a pattern are inherited
    by all instances.

    It's a V1.0 product, and I think there are some rough edges, but it
    looks like a contender.

    This is a fully-functional demo, the only thing it won't do is save to
    disk files.  NO timeout!  

    The product isn't copy-protected (yay!)  Built-in Sysex Librarian and
    generic Sysex editor. Sysex and controller events can occur anywhere in
    a pattern.

    Take a look.  I've ordered it and will post a full review in the
    appropriate places when I have worked with the real thing.
        
	Eirikur


    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
2031.1Problems with MAC II??TROA01::HITCHMOUGHThu Jun 22 1989 12:2717
    I downloaded this last night (thanks for the pointer) but it failed
    to work on my MAC II. Everything appeared o.k. except that a jumble
    of notes appeared on the MIDI out and then nothing else. This happened
    every time I reset the MIDI port setting. (I tried both ports).
    
    All the screen functions worked o.k., I just couldn't get anything
    to play.
    
    It certainly looks interesting although a bit jumbled and like Erikur
    said, it has a few rough edges particuarily around the U.I. which
    I think is a bit cluttered.
    
    I'd be interested to hear your report when you get your full blown
    copy.
    
    Ken
    
2031.2"patterns"RDGENG::MCNAUGHTONBruce, IE Process and QualityThu Jun 22 1989 13:2212
    PRO 24 III also uses the concept of "patterns" and then arranging the
    patterns into a song.   Its very easy to create an entire song with
    very little entry.

    It did take some time for me to understand how to use this approach
    effectively.  

    I think that CUBASE (the next version) may be using a different
    approach.

    Regards,
    Bruce
2031.3It's SUPPOSED to work....KALLON::EIRIKURHallgrimsson, CDA Product Mgmt.Thu Jun 22 1989 15:166
    re .1: Gee, the developer told me on the phone that it worked on a Mac
    II.  I'll bring it in to work and try it on the Mac II here when I get
    my real copy.
    
    	Eirikur
    
2031.4It didn't quite not work!TROA01::HITCHMOUGHThu Jun 22 1989 16:1017
    Erikur, it essentially worked except that the MIDI out was all screwed
    up so if you run it on a MAC II that has no SGUs connected you won't
    see anything wrong.
    
    I ran my MTP to make sure that everything there was o.k. and there
    were no problems so I assumed it was Rhapsody. I had a MIDI data
    stream monitor on the MIDI port also and didn't see what I expected
    to see. 
    
    I recall there being some problems with other sequencers (even MTP)
    on the MAC II because of it having different timing or sound chip
    architecture (or something like that) and maybe that's where the
    problem lies.
    
    Ken
    
    
2031.5CubaseWOTVAX::KENTMon Jun 26 1989 13:1615
    
    
    Re -2
    
    Bruce..
    
    Still working the Cubase thing. Still looks good.
    Still based on patterns but much more friendly with the visual tape. 
    Built in Human Clock.
    Built in Midi-effects.
    Stave editing but no printing.
    I am not sure I would fork out the full price for it
    But will pay for the upgrade.
    						Paul.
                                 
2031.6Demo sequence appears to be the problem.DDIF::EIRIKURHallgrimsson, CDA Product Mgmt.Tue Jul 04 1989 22:5322
    Another person downloaded the demo and commented on the program not
    working properly.  I took another look and it appears that the demo
    sequence is either screwed-up or VERY idiosyncratic.  If you have the
    demo version, try recording a pattern.  It worked fine for me.
    
    I now have the full version of the program.  I'm not ready to do a full
    review yet, but it hasn't ever crashed on me, and I haven't found
    anything it can't do.  (Actually, it doesn't seem to know about release
    velocity....)  It is rather awkward in places, particularly in regard
    to what and when is affected by "snap-to" settings, and what is
    affected by entries in the Edit menu.  I think I got my money's worth,
    but perhaps I should have spent more :-)
    
    I'm finding that I'm not quite the composer I thought I was.  I have
    always produced fairly nice stuff using music-generating tools on the
    Mac, and thought all I needed to do to get from keyboard doodles to
    compositions was to add structure via a sequencer.  Guess again.  It's
    a shame.  I'm a GOOD doodler.
    
    	Eirikur
    
    
2031.7DFLAT::DICKSONWed Aug 16 1989 19:174
    Will Rhapsody take a "human clock" input?  I am looking for something
    like Finale's feature where after you have recoreded a sequence you can
    go back and tell the program where the beats fall, to make up for
    sloppy tempos, rubato, and so on.
2031.8V1.2 arrived. Free update!KALLON::EIRIKURACA/S & CDA Product Mgr.Fri Oct 20 1989 15:1815
Guess what showed up in the mail the other day.  A free upgrade to Rhapsody
V1.2, supporting (and including) the Apple MIDI Manager package and Patchbay
Desk Accessory.   This is clearly the first package to support this new
facility.

V1.2 adds some better stuff in the drum programming view, and grouping of
pattern instances.  This thing is coming along.  It's still a bit cryptic, and
I'm still using my MMT-8 for most daily stuff.  I plan to upload "serious
compositions" to Rhapsody for final arranging.

	Eirikur


    

2031.9MARVIN::SCOTTBArry A. ScottThu Nov 09 1989 23:314
	So this  is the company that p***ed off Apple by shipping
	Field Test MIDI manager software to paying customers!

		Barry (wait for 1.2 of MIDI manager devo kit)
2031.10Wanted: MIDI ManagerHPSRAD::NORCROSSCirrus EngineeringFri Nov 10 1989 13:284
Is it possible for  anyone  who  has the MIDI Manager software to upload
     the files to the Macintosh archives on RT95::  ?

/Mitch (waiting for any version of the MIDI Manager)
2031.11KOBAL::DICKSONFri Nov 10 1989 14:207
    I got mine from APDA.  Stuff you buy from APDA is not public domain,
    but licensed.  Apple licenses others to include it with their products,
    just like it licenses them to distribute the operating system.
    
    I am awaiting delivery of the latest update to my sequencer, which
    claims support for the MIDI Manager.  I will be interested to see
    whether they include a copy of MM itself.
2031.12If it is in the free demo...KALLON::EIRIKURCDA Product ManagerFri Nov 10 1989 14:5110
>          <<< Note 2031.10 by HPSRAD::NORCROSS "Cirrus Engineering" >>>
>                           -< Wanted: MIDI Manager >-

Mitch,
	I will check to see if the MIDI Munger (an Apple person called it this
in my presence) is included in the Rhapsody V1.2 free demo.  If true,
I will then upload the Rhapsody 1.2 demo.

	Eirikur

2031.13min. h/w config?RTL::LAPINEThu May 03 1990 12:283
What is the minimum hardware configuration for Rhapsody?
The documentation doesn't say ...

2031.14KALLON::EIRIKUREirikur HallgrimssonFri May 04 1990 18:585
    I am sure that it runs on a vanilla Mac Plus.  I don't know about a
    512Ke.
    
    	Eirikur