CompuServe Thread

Chris, my version of Dr.T's KCS/LevelII is 3.54 although a few weeks ago T. DiMuzio (who since then left Dr.T's) told me there was a new v3.57 out. I haven't as yet found out what's different as MIDICVend is further down my forum list and since weeks ago yesterday was the first time a Dr.T's rep actually got online. KCS is great featurewise, I love 'Open Mode' (did the first half of Tubular Bells in it, perfect for such things!). It has 48 tracks now which are all visible at the same time, has a WB 2.0 look interface, Graphical Editor TIGER, Score Printing Utility QUICKSCORE and a MIDI mixing module (32 faders) which are MPE modules which means you can load/close them as need arises/memory requires, they exchange data in realtime i.e. you just call up QuickScore from the MPE menu, and have your current sequence/song in there without haveing to save/load it first. The only problem in my eyes is that you get inaccurate timing when doing things like pulldown menus etc. while playing back a MIDI sequence. Maybe they've done something about it, maybe not, we will see. I haven't though tried to increase the programs priority (which you can do in KCS) which might solve the problem if rather unelegantly (other programs I could mention don't suffer from this kind of behaviour). Copyist is a great program although I haven't worked with it in the last three years or so. You should go for the DTP version though, because of the restriction in the number of pages you can do in Copyist Apprentice (10 pages max., DTP = 100 pages, but that's the figures of three years ago, maybe that has changed, too, since then). I they're real bargains I will certainly go for X-Or and maybe (money allowing) Copyist DTP as well. But then again, I don't own B&Ppro (but on second thoughts, B&P doesn't do nice scores, and I don't know about a modular Editor/Librarian for it…) ;v) A plus for B&P might be its support for several MIDI interfaces so you're not stuck with the 1 Out/16channels restriction KCS still(?) has… Ciao, // Chris coming in from Germany \X/ on AutoPilot 1.051……….

Chris, The latest version of KCS is not copy protected. I also don't like the program. I strongly recommend Bars&Pipes Pro. There's no comparison between the programs. B&P Pro wins hands down. Dom Fontana –> Sent from NY via AP <–

Chris, I use (and like) both KCS and Bars&Pipes_Pro. They are different animals, KCS is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. The main program is a no-frills data cruncher, the included Tiger program adds a very usable graphic interface. Bars&Pipes does a much better job of handling music synced to video and overall is more adept at representing data in more musical conventions. KCS dropped the copy protection awhile back, they also cleaned up the interface giving it a 2.0 look. At that price I'd say KCS is a very good deal. Copyist DTP at that price is a downright STEAL! I use Bars&Pipes almost exclusively now, they actively support the Amiga and that's reason enough to support them. However, I often feel like an unsolicited beta tester. They need a test team who uses the program in real life circumstances, situations where clients are paying you money and looking over your sholder. Howard – via Whap!