From: hjv@phil.ruu.nl (Hendrik Jan Veenstra)
Subject: Re: ___ Please answer ___
Keywords: Moog, Quantization, MIDI, MPU-401, M-ROS
Organization: Department of Philosophy, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1993 20:03:27 GMT

heritier@delta4.frec.bull.fr (Franck HERITIER) writes:

>I have some (difficult for me) questions about music in general :

>-1- One of the first modular synthetizer is named MOOG. Where does its
>name come from ?

Robert Moog, the maker of the first modular synths.  I think he even invented
the concept of voltage control (is that correct?).

>-2- Quantization is a functionnality of a sequensor. Could you describe
>this function ?

Quantization is mainly used to pull notes 'straight on the beat'.  When you
record something in a sequencer by playing it on e.g. a keyboard, most notes
will be a little 'off track' -- i.e. a little early or late.  If you want all
notes to be exactly on -say- 1/16th borders, you quantize the recording to
1/16th.  Is used a lot with drum-tracks in pop/techno and the like.
Some sequencers have very sophisticted quantization mechanisms, which allow you
to design 'grooves' (e.g. a "jazz-feel-groove" where some beats come a bit
early or late, giving (or pretending to give :) a jazz-feel).  You can then use
this self-designed groove as a kind of 'quantization mask' so that e.g. all
1st beats will be straight, but all 2nd and 3rd beats will be a few
sequencer-ticks early.
Hope this is a bit clear...

>-3- Time Code SMPTE : What does it mean ?

SMPTE is a time-code mechanism, used to e.g. synchronize computers, synths,
video and tape.  SMPTE history goes back to the NASA for which it was created
to track space missions.  SMPTE is an acronym for the group that further
developed this code, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
SMPTE code is a real-time code that can be recorded on tape.  It is measured
in Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Frames and Subframes, all in all giving a 
resolution of 1/2400 second (!).  
If you have the proper equipment, you can record SMPTE code on a tape and then
let this timecode drive e.g. your computer (sequencer).  This way it's possible
to e.g. put SMPTEcode on one track of a multitrack recorder.  Then you let
the SMPTE track drive your sequencer, while you record vocals on another track
of the recorder.  Finally you run the tape once more, let the vocals play, let
the SMPTE drive the sequencer once more and make a mix-down to a master tape
(and thus there's no need to put the music to the multitrack first, thus saving
one 'overdub').
The fact that it's "realtime" code means that, once you've recorded one track
with SMPTE code, you can start the tape anywhere you want and the sequencer
will "lock in" at the right place -- so there's no need to start the tape at
the very beginning (0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds...)  Very handy if you want
to record something e.g. in the 16th minute of a piece.  When using
"non-realtime" time code, you would have to play the timecode from 0.00 on,
and thus wait for 16 minutes 'till the right spot appeared (and, o boy, if you
spoil the recording you can stat all over again :).  With SMPTE you cue the
tape to say the 15th minute and then start it.  The sequencer will lock in
and if you spoil the thing, you only have to rewind the tape a few seconds...

>-4- Was MPU-401 standard created by Roland ?

Dunno what this is...

>-5- Do you know M-ROS for Atari ST ? What is the name of the editor ?

MROS is a multitasking operating system for the Atari, designed by Steinberg.
It only works together with Steinberg software -- synth-editors, sample-editor
and the Cubase sequencer.  MROS allows you to switch back and forth between
various programs (e.g. between Cubase (the sequencer) and your (Steinberg)
synth-editor) without having to "quit" one of the programs.
I have no real experience with MROS, but it seems to work quite well. As for
Steinberg software: IMO it doesn't work too reliable (too many crashes),
although my experience with Steinberg is a bit outdated -- maybe things have
improved in the meantime...
BTW: cubase seems to be able to use SMPTE, but as far as I know this is a
timecode that is derived from the MIDI clock -- so no _real_ SMPTE.  Needn't
be a problem, but I'd thought I'd better mention it anyway.  The only sequencer
I know that uses _real_ SMPTE is Hybrid Arts' SMPTEtrack (for the Atari ST).
Personally my favourite -- very reliable (never crashed in 3+ years) and very
good syncing possibilities.  If you're considering buying a sequencer for the
ST, I would take a look at C-lab's Notator too -- sequencing and notation in
one package...

>Thanx very much for your answers.

Y're welcome -- hope the answers are somewhat useful.  If you want to know
more, don't hesitate to email me.

regards,
Hendrik Jan

--
Hendrik Jan Veenstra    hjv@phil.ruu.nl  *  How can I save my dreams
Dept. of Philosophy                      *  in the nightmare, in the flood
University of Utrecht                    *  But I try.
The Netherlands                          *
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