CompuServe Messages

I just picked up Dr. T's MT-32 editor/librarian. At $149 it's a bit expensive, but it REALLY does the job. Seems to multi-task ok, should work especially well with Dr. T's Keyboard Controlled Sequencer, ( wish I could afford to find out ) but haven't done too well yet with Deluxe Music Construction Set. You set up the timbres with Dr. T's and then go to DMCS, which doesn't send system exclusive data so it won't change your settings. Other software might be able to use the libraries directly. ( I hope!!! ) The user interface is quite functional without being TOO friendly, as in; Are you sure ? – Are you sure you're sure ? – Last chance ! etc. Most parameters can be set by either mouse or keyboard, which is MUCH better than having to move sliders around for everything. Also the mouse can be used to play the sounds, either the whole voice or just selected partial(s) or you can use an external MIDI device. MIDI Merge is also supported, so you could use a MIDI keyboard or sequencer to play while you edit the voice. All parameters are shown graphically in a sensible ( to me ) fashion, and Roland's somewhat unusual terminology is maintained. There is even a window for editing the rythm channel so you can use the notes which previously gave no sound or set the pan and reverb and so on. It is copy protected in the sense that you must keep the original disk as a key after you run the program from your backup or hard disk. Most important – no attempt was made to conform the MT-32 parameters to match the existing editors, it was either a remake of the Roland D50 editor or else it's a whole new program. GTK