Sonic Blaster™
User's Manual
Æ APPLIED ENGINEERING
A DIVISION OF AE RESEARCH CORPORATION
v1.2
Limited Warranty & Disclaimer
Applied Engineering warrants the Sonic Blaster card against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 5
years from the date of original retail purchase. Applied Engineering also warrants that, under normal use, the
magnetic media on which the included software is stored is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of 30 days from the date of original purchase. Any misuse, abuse, or non-Æ authorized alteration,
modification and/Or repair to the Applied Engineering product will void the warranty. This warranty will also be void if
you use the Æ product for any other purpose than its intended use. If you discover a defect, Applied Engineering
will, at its option, repair or replace only the Applied Engineering product, provided you return the product during the
warranty period. transportation prepaid. to Applied Engineering.
This warranty applies to the orIgInal retaIl purchase only. Therefore, please include
a
copy of the
original invoice or a small service charge may be applied. If the product is to be sent to Applied Engineering by mail,
the purchaser will insure the package or assume full responsibility for loss or damage during shipping. Prior to
returning the product for warranty consideration, call Applied Engineering Technical Support for a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number and shipping instructions.
Even though Applied Engineering has tested the software and reviewed the documentation, Applied Engineering
makes no warranty or representation, either express or implied. with respect to the manual or the software; their
quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. As a result. the software and manual are
sold as is.’ and you, the purchaser, &e assuming the entire risk as to their quality and performance.
In no event will Applied Engineering be liable for loss or damages of any kind caused either directly or indirectly by the
use or possession of its products, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. The Applied Engineering
Warranty is for the Applied Engineering Product itself. In particular, Applied Engineering shall have no liability for any
other equipment used in conjunction with Applied Engineering products nor for programs or data stored in or used with
Applied Engineering products, including the costs of recovering such equipment, programs, or data.
The warranty and remedies set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others, oral or written, express or implied.
No Applied Engineering dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification, extension, or addition to
this warranty.
ml. manual and the software (computer programs) described herein are copyrighted by Applied Engineering with all
rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual or the programs may not be copied, in whole or in part, without
the written consent of Applied Engineering, except in the normal use of the software or to make an archival copy.
This exception does not allow copies to be made for others, whether or not sold, but all of the materials purchased
(with all archive copies) may be sold, loaned, or given to another person. Under the law, copying includes translating
into another language or format. You may use this software on any computer owned by you but extra copies cannot
be made for this purpose.
Applied Engineering cannot guarantee that you will receive notice of revisions to the software, documentation, or
products described in this manual. Be sure to check with your dealer or Applied Engineering for information on
possible updates. However, Applied Engineering reserves the right to make any improvements to Applied
Engineering products without any responsibility toward upgrading previously released products.
Apple and Apple los are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
ProDOS and GS/OS are trademarks of Apple Computer. Inc.
Applied Engineering is a registered trademark of Applied Engineering.
Sonic Blaster and RamKeeper are trademarks of Applied Engineering.
Radio Shack is a registered trademark of Tandy Corporation.
Zany Golf is a trademark of Electronic Arts. Tomahawk is a trademark of DataSoft. Forth and Inches is a trademark
of Accolade. Silent Service is a trademark of Microprose. Winter Games is a trademark of Epyx, Inc.
©Copyright 1988.1990 Applied Engineering
080390
Applied Engineering
P.O. Box 5100
Carroliton, Texas 75011
Sales; (214) 241-6060 9AM - 11 PM (CST) 7 days
Technical Support: (214) 241-6069 9AM - 12:30& 1:35 - 5 PM (CST) Monday-Friday
(The Technical Support telephone lines cannot be accessed through the Sales department.)
Table Of Contents
INTRODUCTION
-
WHAT YOU HAVE
V
The Board
v
v
The Manual
Part One
Sonic Blaster --The Hardware
CHAPTER ONE- GETTING STARTED
3
Where It Goes
3
A Note about Volume Control
Now What?
10
10
Part Two
INTRODUCTION
-
START, LOOK. AND LISTEN
1 3
Running the Software
Booting the Software
13
14
14
From the Startup Disk
Other Launchers
14
14
15
15
Sample Session
Repetitive Play, Volume and Rate
What's Next?
Table of Contents
1
THE SCREEN
17
The Sound Graph
The Select Ear
The Cassette Label
Single Play/Continuous Play
17
17
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
21
Volume
Playback Sample Rate
Record Sample Rate
Record Level
Max Block
Select Region
CHAPTER TWO - THE “FILE” OPTIONS
23
New ( -N)
Open ( -O)
Append...
Save ( -S)
Formats Recognized
23
23
24
24
25
28
Choose Printer...
ii
Sonic Blaster
CHAPTER THREE THE “EDIT” OPTIONS
-
3 1
31
31
31
31
31
32
32
33
33
Undo ( -Z)
Cut ( -X)
Paste ( -V)
A Note about the Clipboard
Mixing
Mix Settings
Select All ( -A)
3 5
35
35
35
35
35
36
CHAPTER FOUR
Zooming
-
THE “VIEW” OPTIONS
Zoom ( -M)
Zoom In ( -+[plus])
Zoom Out ( --[minus])
Full View ( -F) Oscilloscope
CHAPTER FIVE
-
THE “EFFECTS” OPTIONS
3 7
37
37
39
39
39
39
Backwards
Echo...
Fade Down
Fade Up
Phase Shift
Shift
Table of Contents iii
CHAPTER SIX THE “SETUP" OPTIONS
-
4 1
41
41
42
42
42
42
42
Playback Channel...
Effects Channel...
Auto Gain
Play Clipboard ( -X)
Default Play Rate
Set Record To Play Rate
Display Dots
CHAPTER SEVEN
-
THE “SOUNDS” OPTIONS
4 3
43
43
Display Channel 1
List of Open Sound Files
Ap p en d ices
C: Adapter s
4 5
62
62
63
Returning a Product
Packing
iv
Sonic Blaster
INTRODUCTION
What You Have
The Board
Welcome to the world of...
SOUND!
The Sonic Blaster is an audio digitizer and playback system.
Once installed, your IIGS thunders into a whole new dimension.
You've seen the GS incredible graphics, now hear its powerful
roar.
The board is easy to install. It will work in slots 1, 2, or 6.
External connections are provided so you can quickly and easily
connect line inputs and speaker outputs.
The Software
Connect your CD player, phono, tuner, tape player, VCR, or
microphone to the external input connector and record pieces of
your favorite songs, TV shows, or noises you make with your
own mouth, hands, nose, pets, etc.
The included Super Hi-Res software lets you digitize in mono or
stereo. Variable record and playback rates as well as volume
setting are also provided in the control panel.
But wait! There’s more...
Audio Art, the second disk, contains an aural spectrum of
sounds. We’ve pulled several files from Æ’s vast “library o
sounds” and put them on disk for you. Feel free to make
modifications to these files but make a backup copy of this disk
first to keep the original files in their pure form.
The Manual
Notes and warnings throughout the manual will help you to
better understand what you’re dealing with. They appear as
shown in the example following;
Introduction
.
What You Have
V
Note: This indicates a special note or warning. Pay close
attention to these entries.
Sonic Blaster is the full name of the product. In this manual,
we’ll sometimes call it SB for short.
Part I, Sonic Blaster--The Hardware, describes the card, tells you
what you need to use it, and takes you through the installation
of the Sonic Blaster.
Part II, Sonic Blaster--The Software, begins by giving you a quick
run through of what the Sonic Blaster software can do. The rest
of the chapters in the section detail each menus options. The
chapters are in the same order as the menus for easy reference.
The Appendices tell you how to copy the SB program to your
RAM, ROM, or hard disk, how to work around problems you
may encounter, what adapters you may need, and more.
The Glossary contains most of the terms used in the manual
with which you may not be familiar.
Any comments or suggestions regarding this manual or any
other ,~manual, will be greatly appreciated both by Æ and by
others who use our products.
Please address any comments or suggestions to:
Applied Engineering
P.O. Box 5100
Carrollton, Texas 75011
Attention:
Manager, Technical Publications
vi
Sonic Blaster
PART 1
Sonic Blaster
- - The Hardware
Part 1
-
The Hardware
1
Sonic Blaster
2
Part 1 -The Hardware
CHAPTER ONE
Getting Started
What You Need
To effectively use the Sonic Blaster, you need:
à
à
A IIGs with at least 512K expanded memory (768K total).
A p a ir of ext er n a l sp ea k er s; amplified or non-amplified
will work. The Sonic Blasters sound will actually come
out the GS’ speaker but to really get the thumping stereo
sound, you’ll need stereo speakers.
Some external speakers are amplified. Some have
volume controls. If you don’t already have a pair of
speakers to connect to the Sonic Blaster, shop around for
a pair that give you the sound you want.
If you have a stereo tuner, you can connect the tuner to
the Sonic Blaster and control the speaker volume with
your tuner.
à
à
Some adapter s may be required to allow your speakers to
connect to the Sonic Blaster’s mini stereo plug.
(Appendix C details some of the adapters available at
any Radio Shack®.)
A P h illp ' s scr ewd r iver is the only tool you’ll need to
install the Sonic Blaster.
Where It Goes
We recommend installing the Sonic Blaster into slot 2. You can
also use it in slot 1 or slot 6. It will also work in slot 5 but most
GS users access the 3.5” drive through this port.
Decide which slot you’ll put the Sonic Blaster into according to
how you want to use it and your current use of the slots.
Playback Only
If you want to use the card for stereo playback only, you can put
the card in slots 1-6 without changing the Slot setting to “Your
Card”. For example, you can insert the card into slot 5, leave the
Slot setting set to “Smart Port” and still play back sounds from
games, music software, and the Sonic Blaster software.
Ch. 1- Getting Started
3
Recording and Saving Changes
To record or save changes to a file using the Sonic Blaster
software, you should install the card in slot 1, 2, or 6 and set the
Slot option to ‘Your Card.’ If the Slot option is not set to ‘Your
Card” the software will give you the error message, “Requires
AE Sonic Blaster Card”because it cannot “see” the Sonic
Blaster card.
à
à
If you’re not using slot 6, put the card in there and leave
the Slots option set to “Your Card”
If you have an external modem connected to the GS
modem port, put it in slot 2 and toggle between the
Sonic Blaster and the modem with the Control Panel’s
Slots option.
à
If you have an internal modem and a printer connected
to the GS’ printer port, put it in slot 1 and toggle between
Sonic Blaster and the printer with the Control Panel’s
Slots option.
The Slots option setting will be discussed more in step 12 of the
next chapter.
RamKeeper Users
You’ll need to take your RamKeeper out of its slot during the
installation. Before beginning the installation, back up your
ROM disk and disconnect both the transformer and the battery.
You will not need to remove the RamKeeper’s connector plate.
The rest will be explained in Chapter 2.
CHAPTER Two
Putting It In
1.) TURN OFF THE APPLE’S POWER SWITCH. Never
install or remove a card while the computer is on.
However, you need to leave the computer plugged in
throughout the installation to allow the power supply to
discharge static electricity from your body.
2.) Remove the cover from the Apple. Press in the two
latches in the rear of the case with your forefingers
while using the heel of your hand to pull the lid up and
towards you. (See below.)
3.) Touch the power supply to remove any static electricity
from your body. Do not skip this step! A static shock
can damage the chips on your card and/or the chips on
your computer’s motherboard.
Remove the IIGS cover
Touch the power supply case
4 . ) R em ove t h e p la st ic p la t e fr om t h e b a ck p la n e if it still
covers the large opening closest to the slot in which you
plan to install the Sonic Blaster. If this opening is
already being used, you may need to do some
rearranging; the hole must be close enough to the card
for the SBs backplate connector to reach.
Remove the plastic plate
5) Remove the Sonic Blaster from its anti-static bag. Hold
the card by its edges, like a photograph.
6) Plug the card into slot 2, 1 or 6 (in order from most
recommended to acceptable) by inserting the fingers of
the circuit board into the slot. The fingers will enter the
slot with some friction, and will then seat firmly.
6
Sonic Blaster - The Hardware
7) Connect the mounting plate to the opening in the back
panel using the hardware provided. Partially insert one
screw into the bottom hole of the connector then slide
this screw over the notch at the bottom of the opening.
Make sure the writing (“OUT” and “IN”) is right side
up. Insert the top screw and tighten both screws.
*
Notes The six-pin female connector at the end of the
mounting plate cable should be connected to the six-pin
connector on the SB. Make sure it is still firmly
connected.
Partially Insert bottom screw
(lettering should be upright)
Connect the plate
*
Important! You must connect the mounting plate to the
back panel of the computer for proper grounding. If you
do not, Sonic Blaster cannot function properly.
8) Now attach the loose end of the Ensoniq Input/Output
(E-I/O) cable to the seven-pin audio connector on the
IIGS motherboard. The cable is keyed so that it will fit
easily in one direction only.
Ch. 2 - Putting It In
7
Connect the E-I/O cable to the motherboard
8a) If you have a card in the Memory Expansion slot, you
may need to remove it to plug in the E-I/O cable. In the
case of RamKeepers, be sure to back up your ROM disk
before unplugging the transformer and battery. You
don’t need to unscrew the RamKeeper’s Connector plate;
simply remove the RamKeeper from the Memory
Expansion slot and then plug in the cable. Don’t
reinstall the RamKeeper yet.
8b) If you’ve taken your RamKeeper out of the slot, reinsert
it now. Make sure that the insulator is still in position
before reconnecting the power. At the end of the SB
installation, follow the directions in the RamKeeper
manual for setting up the ROM disk.
8c) The other end of the E-I/O cable should be connected to
the seven-pin connector on the SB. Make sure it is still
firmly connected.
9) Connect the line from your speakers or stereo amplifier
to the SB’s “OUT” connector on the back of your IIGS.
(The cable from your speaker or amplifier may require
an adapter to connect to Sonic Blaster’s stereo mini plug.
See Appendix C for adapter information.)
10) Set the card’s volume pots located along the top edge of
the card.
8
Sonic Blaster - The Hardware
There are several ways to control the Sonic Blasters
output volume. The different methods are explained
more in the following section, “A Note About Volume
Control.’ Right now, however, you’ll need to Set the
volume on the card itself:
à
à
If you have an amplifier connected or if you’re using
amplified speakers, turn the volume on the card up a
very little bit. The arrows will be pointed almost
straight left. (See illustration following.)
If you don’t have an amplifier or amplified speakers
connected, set the card’s volume to about one-quarter.
The arrows will be pointed to the left at about 315˚. (See
illustration following.)
Volume Pots
set to low
Volume Pots
Cables to Connector set to medium Cables to Connector
Plate
Plate
Volume setting
w/ amplifier connected
Volume setting
w/o amplifier connected
11) Replace the Apple’s cover.
12) Now, use the Control Panel to set the slot setting for the
Sonic Blasters slot to, “Your Card.”
If you plan to use the Sonic Blaster for playback only,
you can skip this step. (Refer to the section “Where It
Goes” on page 1 for details.)
If you don’t know how to change the settings in the
Control Panel, refer to your Apple IIGS Owner’s Guide
for instructions on setting the slot using the Control
Panel.
Installation is complete!
Ch. 2 - Putting it in
9
A Note about Volume Control
Rarely will you want to turn up the Sonic Blasters volume pots
all the way. The settings described in step 10 should provide you
with a good top-end volume.
Control the volume range with the volume knob of your
amplifier (if connected) or the volume knob of the speakers (if
equipped).
Most well-written games and sound programs will allow you to
control the volume from inside the program. If not, control it
using the methods above.
The volume setting in the IIGS Control Panel will control the
output of the GS internal speaker and earphone jack but will
have no effect on speakers connected to the Sonic Blaster
connector.
Now What?
Now your Sonic Blaster is ready to
Boot up your favorite GS-specific game and hear the roar. The.
Sonic Blaster greatly enhances the sound of GS games and other
programs that use the Ensoniq chip. Such games as
Tomahawk™, Zany Golf™, Silent Service™, Fourth and Inches™
and Winter Games™ take on a whole new dimension when
played through Sonic Blaster.
Boot up the included Super Hi-Res software to put the card
through its loops. Sonic Blaster’s software is very easy to use but
you’ll probably want to at least read the Introduction of Part II to
get an idea of what it can do.
10
Sonic Blaster - The Hardware
PART II
Sonic Blaster
-- The Software
Part II - The Software
11
Æ
Sonic Blaster
12
Sonic BIaster - The Software
INTRODUCTION
Start, Look, and Listen
Sonic Blaster’s software has a Mac-like interface that makes the
program’s use extremely intuitive. If you’ve experienced the GS’
Finder or if you’ve ever used a Macintosh before, you’ll be
familiar with many of the menu options and how to use them.
You should already be comfortable with such phrases as “Click
and Drag,” “Full-Down Menus,” “Select,””Eat all your
vegetables,””I have to wash my hair,” and “Can you hold?’---.
If the first three terms sound foreign to you, you’ll need to refer
to the IIGS User’s Manual or the IIGS Guided Tour disk that were
provided with your computer.
About the Sonic Blaster Disks
The startup disk contains the GS/OS files necessary to run the
program and access your disk drives. The entire GS/OS system
is not included. We recommend that you see your Apple dealer
for upgrading to GS/OS if you don’t have it already.
The second disk, Audio Art, contains several sound files we’ve
made for you to experiment with.
Running the Software
Before you run the software, do the following:
1) M a k e a cop y of the Sonic Blaster disk.
Use either System Utilities (included on your GS System disk),
the Finder, Filer or your favorite copy program to make the copy.
*
Note: From here on, when we refer to the Sonic Blaster
disk, we mean the COPY you have just made.
2) Copy the pr ogr am to your har d disk, ROM disk or RAM
disk if you plan to run it from any of those locations.
For information on loading the program to your ROM
disk, RAM disk, or hard disk see Appendix A.
3) Format several disks under ProDOS so you’ll have a
place to save your “work.” (Sonic Blaster does not
support formatting.)
Intro. - Start, Look, and Listen
13
Booting the Software
From the Startup Disk
1) Insert the Sonic Blaster startup disk into your boot drive.
2) Turn on the computer.
3) The disk will automatically load the SB software.
From the Finder
I)
With the computer on and the Finder loaded, insert
your Sonic Blaster startup disk into a 3.5” drive.
2) Double-dick the disk icon to open its window.
3) Double-click the icon SONIC.SYS16 to run the
application.
Other Launchers
Follow the instructions for the launcher you use to run the
application SONIC.SYS16.
Sample Session
Following is a short example of how you can use the Sonic
Blaster to play back and edit sound files.
To play a sound file
I)
Click and drag down the File menu until the Open
option is selected and then release the mouse button.
This opens a catalog of your current online disk.
2) If the Audio Art disk is not the current disk cataloged,
make sure it is an accessible drive, and then click on the
“Disk button until its name appears above the catalog
wind ow.
3) Double click on any sound file in the catalog window
called to open that file.
You can also open the file by clicking once on the filename to
highlight it and then clicking on the Open button.
4) The software will tell you that it is loading the file and
will display a bar showing you what proportion of the
file has been loaded and how much is left to load.
5) When the file is loaded, you will see the sound graph at
the bottom of your monitor.
14
Sonic Blaster - The Software
The sound graph is a visual representation of your files sound
wave. The pathname of the sound file is displayed at the top of
the sound graph window.
6) Click on the Play button.
The sound file you have loaded will now play.
Repetitive Play, Volume and Rate
1) Click the Continuous Play button then press Play
again.
The file will play over and over again.
2) While the file is playing, click and drag the "thumbs"
(white squares) under the Volume and Playback
Sample Rate headings to vary the volume and speed.
*
Note: You can also click on the arrows at either end of
the bars to change Volume, Playback Sample Rate, etc.
3) Click Stop (or press option-S) when you’re ready to
move on.
Effects
1)
Select a section of the file by clicking and dragging
within the graph.
The section selected will have an inverse background and wave
pattern from the rest of the graph. Push Play to hear the
selection.
2) Click and drag down the Effects menu.
3) Try out the different options; select Backwards then
click Play again, select a different section (by clicking
and dragging) and Echoit, Fade Upanother selection,
keep going, get crazy, have some fun...
keep going, g-g-g-get cra-cra-cra-crazy, evah some fun, fun,
fun, fun, fu...
4) When you've jumbled up the selection beyond
recognition, dose it by either clicking on the small box
in the upper left corner of the graph window or by
selecting Close from the File window.
*
Note; When you close a window you’ll be asked if you
want to save changes to that file. Click No to leave the
file in its original form. If you want to save your
changes, select Save As from the File menu and give
your audio art a name.
Intro. - Start, Look, and Listen
15
What’s Next?
Use the rest of the manual as reference. The next chapter gives a
detailed description of the screen contents. The rest of the
chapters in Part II itemize and describe each of the options
offered in the menus in the order in which they appear starting
with the File options and proceeding to the right.
The Appendices offer everything from instruction on how to
load the program to your RAM, ROM, or hard disk to some
information about adapters you may need and their catalog
numbers.
16
SonIc Blaster - The Software
CHAPTER ONE
The Screen
File Edit View Effects Setup Sounds
/AEROM/SOUNDS/SAMPLE.SESSION
The Sonic Blaster Screen
*
Note: SAMPLE. SESSION is not an included file.
The Sonic Blaster screen presents you with a super-simple
interface and a wealth of information.
The Sound Graph
The sound graph is the window at the bottom of the screen. It
contains the sound wave of the sound file currently selected.
The Select Bar
The select bar, the straight flashing line within the sound graph,
lets you choose the part of the file you want to work with.
->
You can play the entire file when the select bar is
flashing (nothing is selected) or by choosing Select
All ( -A) from the Edit menu.
-> To play only a small portion of the file, click and drag
over the portion to select it and then click Play.
->
Select from the beginning of the graph to the pointer
position by holding down the command ( ) key while
clicking the mouse.
Ch. 1 - The Screen
17
->
->
Select from the pointer position to the visible end of the
graph by holding down the option key while clicking the
mouse
Extend your selection to the left or right without
changing your anchor point by holding down the shift
key while dragging the pointer to the left or right.
The Keyboard Help... option under the Apple menu
presents you with a quick reminder of what the mouse/keyboard
commands are. (See graphic following.)
Stop, Play, Pause, and Record
The Stop, Play, Pause, and Record buttons perform the same
functions as they do on a tape recorder. Click on the buttons
above the word to begin that function. The keyboard
alternatives for all four functions are given in the Keyboard
Help menu. (See below.)
Keyboard Help
Player Controls: Play
Stop
(option) P
(option) S
Pause (option)W
Record (option) R
These keys can be used along with mouse selection
Extend selection
Select to end
Select from beginning
(shift key
(option)
(command)
Keyboard Help window
Stop, Play, and Pause affect the currently displayed sound file.
Record opens a new file called, Untitled# (where # is a
sequential number) into which it places the inputed sounds.
Before recording:
1) Go to the Setup menu to set your Record Channel
option for mono or stereo record,
2) Set your record level automatically using Auto Gain
(under the setup menu) or set it manually using the
VU meters and Record Level bar on screen or the
Oscilloscope screen (under the View menu).
18
Sonic Blaster - The Software
3) If you have several windows open, you may want to
close them (save if desired) to compress the available
memory and get a larger Max B lock onto which you can
record.
*
Note: While recording, the GS will be completely
occupied with digitizing; all other functions (VU meters,
mouse, etc.) are disabled.
The Cassette Label
The number on the cassette label tells how many bytes the file
occupies in memory. When working with stereo files, the
cassette label gives the combined bytes for both Channel 1 and
Channel 2. The SAMPLE.SESSION file shown above is 38,152
bytes -- about 38K.
Single Play/Continuous Play
If you want the selected portion to play only once, select the
Single Play button. If you want it to play in a continuous loop,
click the Continuous Play button.
VU On/VU Off
The VU meter is a visual representation of the input levels
being sent from the device you have connected to the Sonic
Blasters IN connector. Turn it On or Off by clicking the
appropriate button. Use the VU meter in conjunction with
Record Level to get the best sound. (See Record Level
following.)
Volume
The Volume bar lets you control the amplitude of the playback.
The volume will also be affected by the position of the volume
knobs on the SB and any amplifier you may have connected.
Playback Sample Rate
The Playback Sample Rate bar lets you control how fast or slow
(in Hertz) the file is played back. You can change this setting
even while in play mode. If the sound file you load in contains
the information about the speed at which it was originally
recorded, the Playback Sample Rate will be set accordingly. If
the file contains only raw data, playback will be set to the default
setting of 22,085 Hz. You can then adjust the rate until it sounds
correct and save it in a format that will remember the playback
rate you have set; AE, AIFF, 2:1, or 2.67:1 formats all save the
playback rate information with the file.
Ch. 1-The Screen
19
Record Sample Rate
Record Sample Rate bar allows you to set the Hz at which you
record. A higher Sample Rate means a higher quality recording
produced and a larger memory block used.
In general, voice recordings require lower sample rates (7,000
and up) while music (especially from CD’s) require higher
sample rates (we recommend the maximum, 15,184 for stereo
and 30,368 for mono).
Record Level
Record Level adjusts the input level from your source
connected to the Sonic Blasters IN connector. The record level
should be set so that the VU meter bars bounce up to but do not
continuously bang against the top of their columns.
Record Level allows for a broad range of input--anything from
mike level (low level input) to line level input (medium) to
speaker level (high).
You can also set the record level from the Oscilloscope option
under the view menu or have Sonic Blaster set it for you
automatically with the Auto Gain option under the Setup
menu. Both of these option are explained in their respective
chapters.
Play Time
Play Time shows how long, in seconds, the currently displayed
file is.
Max Block
Max Block shows the amount of contiguous (unfragmented)
memory available to the program at any given time. Notice that
the amount of memory available will decrease slightly as you
open the menus. This is because their images are being loaded
into RAM for faster access. The Max Block number is important
to know because this tells you the largest recording you can
make.
*
Note: If the Max Block doesn't seem to be increasing as
you close files, it is because a file that is still open is held
into a certain place in memory. For best memory
allocation, close (and save if desired) all windows and
then reopen only the ones with which you want to work
or begin your recording.
20
Sonic Blaster - The Software
Select Region
Select Region tells you how many bytes you currently have
selected. In the example screen, the selected area is bytes.
If you’ve selected the entire window (by choosing Select All
[ -A] or by dragging across the entire wave when set to Full
view), and the number on the cassette label is slightly different
from the number in the Select Region, don’t worry; this is due
to rounding. If the number on the label is about twice the
number of the Select Region, you’re working with a stereo file;
each channel is half of the entire file’s value.
Resolution
Resolution is a ratio of how many sound samples per screen
pixel are being displayed. 1:1 means that every horizontal pixel
in the sound graph represents one sound sample. Resolution
will vary from file to file and changes (by a factor of 2 or .5) as
you use the Zoom In/Zoom Out options under the View menu.
Ch. 1 -The Screen 21
Æ
Sonic Blaster
22
Sonic BIaster - The Software
CHAPTER Two
The “File” Options
Click and hold on the File menu on the left side of the menu
bar. You'll be presented with the following options:
New ( -N)
The New command creates a sound graph at the bottom part of
the screen with the name
# (where # is an appended
Untitled
number). New graphs are a good scratchpad on which to
combine different sound files. The new sound graph will have
626 bytes of silence when in mono mode or 1252 bytes of silence
in stereo mode. (Choose between mono or stereo with the
Record Channel option under the Setup menu before opening a
new window.)
You’ll almost always want to get rid of the silence by choosing
Select All ( -A) before pasting in a section you have copied or
cut from another file.
*
Note: The program automatically opens a new, empty
window when you record. Before recording:
1) Go to the Setup menu to set your Record Channel
option for mono or stereo record,
2) Set your record level automatically using Auto Gain
(under the setup menu) or set it manually using the
VU meters and Record Level bar on screen or the
Oscilloscope screen (under the View menu).
3) If you have several windows open, you may want to
close them (save if desired) to compress the available
memory and get a larger Max Block onto which you can
record.
Open ( -O)
The Open command allows you to load a prerecorded sound file
stored on disk.
*
Note: Because sound files are memory intensive, they
take longer to load than do text files. You will find the
load time greatly decreased by copying the files to and
loading them from a RAM or ROM disk.
The "File" Options
23
For more information on ROM disks, see "RamKeeper"
in the glossary.
For more information on RAM disks, refer to your IIGS
Owner’s Manual.
Append...
The Append option will open a file and stick it beginning-to-end
with the currently open file automatically and seamlessly. This
option gives you the ability to load a single file as large as your
memory allows instead of limiting the size of the file to the size
of a single floppy disk.
Use this option to quickly piece back together a file you have
stored to different disks or to stick together two different files
without having to: I) open, 2) select all, 3) copy, 4) change
windows, and 5) paste.
The first file opened will determine the playback setting for the
appended files and whether the file will be stereo or mono.
-> If you open a stereo file and then append a mono file to
it, the mono file will be split into two channels (not true
stereo but split mono).
-> If you open a mono file and append a stereo file to it, the
two channels of the stereo file will be combined into one
mono channel.
Close ( -W)
Close a file with this command or by clicking on the square in
the upper left corner of the sound graph window.
If you have made changes to the file without saving them, a
dialog box will appear asking if you want to save changes to this
file before closing.
Click No’ to keep the file as it was when loaded or as it
was when it was last saved.
Click Yes’ to save the file in its current state.
Click Cancel to stop the ‘Close’ and return you to the
program with the file still loaded.
24
Sonic Blaster - The Software
Save ( -S)
Use this option to save changes you have made to a file, if you
have just created the file, you will be presented with the Save
As.. dialog box (see Save As... below), if you made changes to a
.
file that already has a name, the file will be saved under the
same name.
*
Note: If you try to save changes to a locked file you’ll be
told that the file is locked and asked if you want to
replace it with the new information anyway. If you
answer Yes, the new file will replace the old and the file
will be locked again. If you select No, no save will be made.
Save As...
Save As... gives you a chance to name an untitled file or save
an already named file with a different name and /or under a
different format.
When this option is selected, you’re shown a dialog box like the
one shown below:
Current Disk
Catalog Window
File Formats
Save as screen
Scroll through the disk catalog by moving the thumb in the
scroll bar or by clicking on the up or down arrows.
Disks online will be displayed in turn as you dick this box. The
name of the currently selected disk is displayed at the top of the
catalog screen (AEROM/SOUNDS in the example above). The
amount available and total amount are also displayed (551 free
out of 3199 in the example).
The "File” Options
25
If the disk you want to save to is not currently online, eject a
disk, that is, if no other drive is available, and insert the correct
disk into the drive. The disk will be found as you circulate back
through the online disks.
*
Note: If you discover that there is not enough room on
your data disk to store the file, you can save to another
formatted disk or Cancel the Save and make more
room on the disk by using Delete from the Edit menu
to get rid of any unwanted files. If the file is too large to
fit on a single floppy, you’ll need to break it up into
several files and save to multiple disk. Refer to App. E
for instructions.
New Folders can be created with the name that is in the title box
when you click the New Folder option. If a file or folder already
has that name, a new folder will not be created. Once the folder
is created, you can double click on it to open, name your sound
sample, and then save it in the new folder.
Open folders by selecting them in the catalog window and
clicking this button or by double clicking on them in the catalog
window.
Close the folder you currently have open by clicking this
option or by clicking on the pathname located above the catalog
window.
Save the sound file by the name that is currently in the Save
Wave As: box when you click this button. The file will be saved
to the directory currently selected in the format selected.
*
Note~ As stated earlier, if you try to save changes to a
locked file you’ll be told that the file is locked and asked
if you want to replace it with the new information
anyway. If you answer Yes, the new file will replace the
old and the file will be locked again. If you select No,
no save will be made.
Cancel returns you to the edit mode.
Formats Recognized
The Sonic Blaster software lets you play and save sound files
from and to many different formats. It uses it’s own format
(AE), Apple’s standard sound file format (AIFF), Raw Data
format (straight binary form), and 2:1 and 2.67:1 compressed.
26
Sonic Blaster -The Software
AF Format is Sonic Blasters own filetype. This is the default
format for saving files. You’ll save the file you want to use as
your startup sound in this format.
AIFF Format is the Apple Standard format.
2:1 Compressed is a format which does some squeezing to save
the same amount of information in half the space.
2.67:1 Compressed same as above but compacting even more.
This difference between 2:1 and 2.67:1 will be most noticeable on
very large files.
The most noticeable difference between a compressed files and a
non-compressed file is the amount of space it takes to store the
file. Another difference is that the fidelity may be slightly
decreased by the compression. The quality loss is very slight,
especially in the case of voice recordings. Try saving a file in
both the compressed formats and compare disk space used and
quality with the original.
Raw Data is a mono file saved in straight binary format. This
means that information, such as the speed at which the file was
recorded, is not saved in this format. If you’re saving a file
recorded in stereo as raw data, the two channels will be
combined into one channel and saved as a mono file. When
raw data files are loaded, the playback rate is set to the default
setting of 22085 Hz.
*
Note: If you plan to use a program or desk accessory that
plays back sound files, other than the ones provided
with the Sonic Blaster, you’ll need to find Out the
program’s or desk accessory’s default playback rate (if it
does not let you set the playback rate) and record your
sound files at that speed before saving as Raw Data.
Try saving the same file in the different formats and then play
them back and check the amount of memory used to determine
if you can tell a difference.
The "File" Options
27
Delete...
Delete is extremely useful for getting rid of files you no longer
want in order to make room for new files. When you choose
Delete, you’ll be presented with the open screen. However, the
Open button is now the Delete button. Choose the disk that
contains the file you want to delete. If the file is in a folder,
double click on the folder to open it. Click on the file to delete
and then click Delete. You’ll be asked if you want to delete the
file you’ve selected ~a safety precaution). Click Yes to delete or
No to return to the main screen without deleting the file.
*
Note~ If you click on a folder and then click Delete, the
folder will simply be opened, not deleted. Files can be
deleted only one at a time.
Print ( -P)
The Print option presents you with the standard IIGS Print dialog
box.
Set to this mode for print
of graph
Does not apply
Set page range to “All"
Choose this setting to
print only pathname and
Soled how many copies
you want to make
resolution
Set to this mode for
tractor-feed paper
Set to this mode for
single-feed paper
Dialog box for Print option
Sonic Blaster will print the sound graph, the file’s title, and the Resolution
factor.
Page Setup
The Page Setup option, when selected, displays the standard IIGS
Page Setup dialog box.
28
Sonic Blaster - The Software
Select size of paper
you're using
Select to print 1/2 size
Does not apply
Select “Condensed” for
sharpest printout
Prints vertically
Prints horizontally
Dialog box for Page Setup option
Choose Printer...
Lets you specify your printer arrangement. Select the printer you
have online, the port to which it is connected and whether it is
an AppleTalk connection or a direct connection.
Click on printer you're
using
Click on port to which
printer is connected
Click on connection
you're using.
Dialog box for Choose Printer option
The "File" Options
29
Æ
Sonic Blaster
30
Sonic BIaster - The Software
CHAPTER THREE
The “Edit” Options
Undo ( -Z)
After you’ve made a change to the file, you can select Undo to
cancel the most recent modification. The Undo command will be
followed by the most recent option you’ve selected, for example,
Undo Paste or Undo Echo. If Undo isn’t an option for the change
you’ve made, the undo command will be dimmed.
Cut ( -X)
After you’ve selected a portion of the graph, choose Cut to
remove the selection from the screen and copy it to the GS
clipboard. You can then paste it to another location on the same
file or to a different file. The selection will remain in the
clipboard until something else is pasted in to take its place or
until you quit the program.
Copy ( -C)
Choosing Copy when a portion of the file is selected will copy
the selection to the clipboard without removing the selection
from the screen.
Paste ( -V)
Selecting Paste copies the current contents of the clipboard into
file at the selection bar position. If a section of the file is selected
when you choose paste, the clipboard contents will replace the
selection. If a selection was recorded at a different rate from the
file you paste it into, the pasted selection will be played at the
rate of the file into which you paste it.
A Note about the Clipboard
The Sonic Blaster’s clipboard is a local clipboard; it can be used
only for the Sonic Blaster program. Once you quit the program,
whatever you currently have pasted to the clipboard is lost.
Ch. 3 - The "Edit" Options
31
Mixing
Mix Settings and Mix enable you to Join selected portions of
files together. A sound segment copied to the clipboard can be
mixed with the selected portion of an active file. Use the SB’s
mixing capability to create background noises for your files. You
patriotic music in the background of a presidential speech or add
subliminal messages to muzac.
Mix Settings
The Mix Settings option lets you choose how loud you want the
clipboard in relation to the currently selected sample.
To use the Mix Settings option, follow these steps:
1) Select Mix Settings to display the dialog box below.
Mix Settings dialog box
2) Use the Set Mix Ratio slide bar to determine the
amplitude ratio of the sample currently in the clipboard
to the sample currently selected in the active window.
If you want the clipboard sample to be as loud as the
window segment, you would split the Mix Ratio bar to
50/50. If you want the clipboard sample to be
background and the window sample to be foreground,
you would move the thumb on the slide bar or click the
left end box of the slide bar to increase the Sample
percentage and decrease the Clipboard percentage.
3) Click the Ok box to activate the settings or the Cancel box
to leave the settings as they were when you entered the
Mix Settings dialog.
*
Note: The Mix Setting is saved in the Preferences file.
After selecting the Mix Settings, you’re ready to do the actual
mixing.
32
Sonic Blaster - The Software
Mix
Select the Mix option to begin mixing the clipboard sample with
the selected sample of the active window.
When mixing segments, keep in mind the following rules:
à
à
à
à
à
à
à
The mix option will be inactive until you have a
segment selected in the active window.
Listen to the clipboard sample before mixing using the
Play Clipboard command ( -*) under the Setup menu.
Samples recorded at different rates will be mixed at the
different rates and may sound peculiar together.
You can undo a mix immediately after use the Mix
command.
If the clipboard sample is shorter than the selected
segment, it will end before the selected sample ends.
You will need enough memory to copy the sample you
want to mix to the clipboard.
Mixing the clipboard contents with a selected segment of
a file will not increase the size of the file.
Select All ( -A)
Select All has the same effect as dragging the selection bar from
the sound graphs beginning to its end. If you notice that the
Select Region shows only half the value shown on the cassette
label after you’ve used Select All while the file is in Full View,
this is because you’re working with a stereo file. The cassette
label shows the total bytes of Channel 1 and Channel 2
combined.
Ch. 3
-
The "Edit" Options
33
Æ
Sonic Blaster
34
Sonic BIaster - The Software
CHAPTER FOUR
The ‘View” Options
Zooming
In the Zoom modes, described below, you can magnify portions
of the sound pattern. In these enlarged views, you can select
very small parts of the wave and use the edit functions to fine
tune the file--cut out unwanted noise or unwanted silence, fine
the exact location at which a sound begins, piece together sounds
without popping, etc. As you zoom, the calculated number of
samples per pixel will be displayed next to Resolution on the
screen.
Zoom ( -M)
Use the Zoom option to magnify a selected portion of the sound
wave to fill the sound graph window.
Zoom In ( -+(plus))
Select Zoom In to condense the view of the wave by 1/2. The
wave is condensed from the beginning.
Zoom Out ( --(minus))
Steps you back from the wave giving you a wider view.
Full View ( -p)
Choose Fullview to display the file’s entire wave on the screen.
Oscilloscope
Choose Oscilloscope to set your input levels before recording.
The Oscilloscope gives you real-time feedback in response to
your input. Use the record level bar at the bottom of the
window to change your record level. You can also reset your 0
point to adjust for your particular card. With no input to the
card, the zero level should be fairly straight across the second
line from the bottom on the oscilloscope grid.
Click:
à
à
à
Channel 1 to see the input to Channel I (Left).
Channel 2 to see the input to Channel 2 (Right).
Pause to freeze the wave momentarily. Click Pause
again to continue real-time monitoring.
à
and drag the Record Level thumb to raise (right) or lower (left) the record
level.
Ch. 4 - The "View " Options 35
à
à
and drag the Zero Adjust thumb to move the
horizontal zero line up (right) or down (left). This
setting has no affect on the recorded sound.
OK when the record level is Set to your satisfaction.
The Oscilloscope option
Change Color
Select this from the menu and you'll be presented with a color
palette. Click on any of the four squares to change that color.
Adjust the color using the Red Green and Blue slide bars.
Click on the box
whose color you
want to change
The Change Color option
Click:
à
à
à
Default Color Table to return to the default Sonic
Blaster colors.
Cancel to return to the colors set before choosing the
Change Color option.
OK when you've found a color scheme you like.
The next time you start the program, the Colors will be the same as when
you last ran the program.
36
Sonic Blaster - The Software
CHAPTER FIVE
The “Effects” Options
The Effects options affect only the segment of the currently
selected window that you have highlighted by clicking and
dragging.
*
Note: When working with stereo files, you can select
the channel on which you want the effects to take place
with the Effects Channel option in the Setup Menu.
You're given the options Display Channel, and Both
Channels. You can, for example, echo Channel 1 while
Channel 2 remains unaffected.
The Effects Channel option cannot be selected when
working with a mono file. In mono files, all effects will
affect the single mono channel.
Am p lify...
First select the segment you want to amplify. Then select this
option from the menu. A window will appear allowing you to
select the percent of amplification (200% is twice as loud).
*
Note: When you increase the amplitude you also
increase the level of noise you have recorded. For the
cleanest sound, make sure that your recording levels are
set high enough to capture the sound but not high
enough to dip the sound. See Trouble Shooting in the
Appendices.
Backwards
The selected segment will be flip-flopped. This is your chance to
hear for yourself if there are any secret messages backwards-
masked into Rock-and-Roll songs. Play your own voice
backwards. Who knows? Maybe you, yourself, are sending out
messages so subtle you didn’t even notice.
Echo...
A window will appear allowing you to set the Echo
Amplification and the Echo Interval.
Ch. 5 - The "Effects" Options
37
Echo dialog box
à
Echo Amplification determines how loud the echo
will be.
-> 50%, the default setting, is a good setting for most
echos. each echo is at half the volume of the
previous.
-> A Setting of 100, will echo the sound at full
strength.
-> Settings above 100 will make it sound like the echo
is coming toward you. If echoed long or loud
enough, the sound will be clipped.
à
Echo Interval determines how much of the selected
segment will actually be echoed. Echos are usually
referred to in time intervals:
-> A 1/8 second echo is about equal to the resonance
in a bathroom.
-> A 1/4 second echo is like the echo in a large
hallway.
-> A 1/2 second echo is like the reverberation in a big
auditorium.
-> A 1 second echo is like yelling in a canyon.
Decide how you want your echo to sound, divide the
current playback by 8,4, 2, or 1 and then set Echo
Interval to that number.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
-> If you set the echo interval to a number larger than
the selected segment, nothing will happen.
-> On the longer echos, you’ll need to leave some
space for the sound to echo into.
38
Sonic Blaster- The Software
Fade Down
Fade Down will modify the selected segment to sound as if the
volume was gradually turned down toward the end of the
segment.
Fade Up
Fade Up will modify the beginning of the segment to make the
amplitude start low and build as if the volume was gradually
turned up.
Phase Shift
Phase Shift is for stereo waves. This effect gives you the same
result as reversing the positive and negative speaker wires of
one stereo speaker. Normally, stereo speaker cones move in and
out similarly (in phase). When you reverse the wires of one
speaker, it reverses the phase of that speaker so that when a
phase pushes one cone out, the other cone is moving back. This
creates what is called an ambient effect.
Phase Shift lets you reverse the phase of one channel without
changing the speaker wires. Try it out and hear the difference.
1) Open a stereo file.
2) Select the Effects Channel option under the Setup
menu.
3) Choose Display Channel from the Effects Channel dialog
box.
4) Click the Ok box.
5) Select the entire sample or the segment of the sample
you want to phase shift.
6) Select the Phase Shift option.
7) Play the sample.
shift
Select the Shift option to change the zero level of a selected
segment. Use the Shift option to match zero levels of two
segments and avoid the audible “click” that is played when a
sample makes a jump from one zero level to another.
1) Select the entire sample or the segment of the sample
you want to shift.
Ch. 5 - The "Effects" Options
39
2) Select the Shift option. The Shift dialog box (below)
displays the viewable portion of the screen.
Shift dialog box
3) Use the up and down slide bar to raise or lower the zero line.
4) Click the Ok box to shift the selection to the chosen level or
click the Cancel box to return to the active sound
graph.
When using the Shift option, keep the following things in
mind:
à
à
à
The Shift option will be inactive until you have a
segment selected in the active window.
The Shift option affects only the zero level; it doesn’t
affect the rate.
Shifting the zero level does not remove noise. It can,
however, introduce noise if the phase is shifted too high
or low
Silence
Silence replaces the selected segment with the sound of
nothing; a sound like you've never heard before.
40
Sonic Blaster - The Software
CHAPTER Six
The “Setup” Options
*
Note; Channel 1 is the same as Left and Channel 2 is the
same as Right on most stereo setups.
Playback Channel...
You can choose to playback through Channel 1 (left), Channel 2
(right), or Both Channels. Cancel leaves the settings as they were
before you choose the option.
Record Channel...
This option lets you select which channel you want to record
from.
à
à
Recording on both channels (stereo) cuts the maximum
Record Sample Rate down from 30,368 to 15,184.
If you have your input device set up for mono input,
and Set the Record Channel to Both Channels, you’ll
be recording sound on one channel and silence on one
channel.
*
Note; Most mono inputs feed to channel one. The VU
meter will show which channel is getting the input.
If you have a microphone inputing to Channel 1 and
have the Record Channel set to Channel 2, you’ll be
recording silence.
à
Sounds recorded on only one channel (mono) can be
played back through both channels using the Playback
Channel setting.
Effects Channel...
To activate this option, you must be working with a stereo
recording. Use the Effects Channel option to dictate whether the
Effects you select will affect both channels or just the channel
currently displayed. Using this option, you can play a segment
from one channel backwards while leaving the same segment
on the other channel the same.
Ch. 6-The "Setup" Options
41
Auto Gain
You must have some form of input to use this option. Auto
Gain will set the record level for you. This feature automatically
adjusts the level according to the highest input to help eliminate
clipping. Input the sound you’ll be recording, click Save to set
the level, then proceed with your recording. Move the thumb to
the right of the sound wave grid to manually set the maximum
level for clipping. In general, set the level dose to the second
row from the top of the grid. Experiment with the Clip Level
setting to see what the different levels will do.
Play Clipboard ( -X)
The Play Clipboard option lets you hear the sample currently in
the clipboard. The sample will play at the Playback Sample Rate
set for the currently active window.
Use the Play Clipboard command to hear the clipboard contents
before mixing. (Refer to the Mix command described earlier.)
Default Play Rate
This option will set the Playback Sample Rate back to what it was
when loaded. Raw Data format files will be set to 22085 Hz. All
other format files will be set to their original Playback Sample
Rate.
Set Play to Record Rate
This is the easy way to set your Playback Sample Rate to the same
setting as your Record Sample Rate.
Set Record To Play Rate
This is the easy way to set your Record Sample Rate to the same
setting as your Playback Sample Rate. Use this option to
match the playback speed of one file to the recording speed of the
next sample you record. For example, you may have a file that
was recorded at a very fast rate. To make your next recorded file
match the fast rate, select Set Record To Play Rate and then
record your new file. The new recording will be made at the
currently set Record Sample Rate so the new rate will match
the old rate. Now the two files can be edited together and won't
sound like Mr. Bill meets Lurch.
Display Dots
This option replaces the sound graph’s lines with dots. It has no
other affect on the file.
42
Sonic BIaster - The Software
CHAPTER S EVEN
The Sounds” Options
Display Channel 1
Shows the sound graph for Channel I of the current file.
Display Channel 2
Shows the sound graph for Channel 2 of the current file. This
option will be disabled for mono files.
*
Notes Unlike the Effects options, any Edit made to one
channels graph will also be made to the other channels
graph.
List of Open Sound Files
Pick the file you want to display from this list of currently open
files.
*
Note~ The program allows a maximum of eight files
open at the same time. Your computers memory and
the size of the files may mandate a smaller maximum.
Ch. 7 - The sound Options
43
APPENDICES
The following appendices are included for further reference and
reading enjoyment:
A - - Copying Sonic Blaster to RAM, ROM or Hard Disk
B - - Trouble Shooting
C - - Adapters
D - - The Introplay Program
E - - Saving Large Files to Multiple Disks
F - - Getting Help
44
Sonic Blaster
APPENDIX A
Copying Sonic Blaster to RAM, ROM or
Hard Disk
The System
If you want to run Sonic Blaster from your RAM, ROM or hard
disk, use the latest version of GS/OS. The GS/OS version we’ve
included with the Sonic Blaster was the latest at the time the
card was packaged. However, the Sonic Blaster disk does not
contain all of the GS/OS files, just those system files needed to
run the program and access any disk drives you may have
connected. Check with your Apple dealer for GS/OS upgrades
and documentation.
*
Notes: Do not use any system other than GS/OS.
Where’s the Program?
The Sonic Blaster program itself is contained in the
SONIC .SYS16 file. The SBPARAMS file is created by the program
and adjusted each time you Quit the program. It contains the
program settings as they were when you last Quit the program.
The settings saved are: Color, Volume, VU On or Of f, Record
Sample Level, Record Sample Rate, Single or Continuous Play,
and the Setup menu’s settings for Playback Channel, Effects
Channel, Record Channel. and Auto Gain Clip Level.
Booting from the RAM Disk w/o Your Own System Loaded
To boot the program from a RAM disk, you’ll need to set up a
RAM disk of at least 448K. If you have enough memory, you can
create a RAM disk large enough to hold several sound files as
well as the program. (Refer to your IIGS Owner’s Guide for
direction on sizing the RAM disk.) However, keep in mind that
the more memory you use as RAM, the less the program has to
use to record and play sound files.
Initialize the RAM disk first and then copy the entire SB startup
disk to your RAM disk.
If copying with the Finder, do not drag the icon of the Sonic
Blaster disk onto the RAM disk icon. Instead:
1) Open the SB disk icon first
App. A - Copying Sonic Blaster...45
2) Select All ( -A)
3) Drag all the files to the RAM disk icon.
This allows the computer to find the files it needs to boot.
*
Note: Because this is an auto-start program, when you
boot it from the RAM disk and Quit ( -Q), you'll just be
returned to the program. You'll need to eject the disk
and reboot the computer to run a different program.
From RAM, ROM, or Hard Disk W/ GS/OS Intact
If your RAM, ROM, or hard disk is already set up with GS/OS,
simply copy the SONIC.SYS16 file from the Sonic Blaster disk to
the volume.
If you want to keep the current settings intact (color, volume,
etc.), you'll need to also copy the SBPARAMS file from the System
directory of the Sonic Blaster program disk to the System
directory of your boot disk.
You can also copy any sound files with which you plan to work
onto the RAM, ROM, or hard disk if there is room.
46
Sonic Blaster
APPENDIX B
Trouble Shooting
Strange Behavior in General
When the Sonic Blaster doesn’t seem to be playing or recording
properly, it’s probably do to a loose connection somewhere.
*
Important! You must connect the mounting plate to the
back panel of the computer for proper grounding. If you
do not, Sonic Blaster cannot function properly.
Check the cables connections to the card, to the motherboard
and to the back panel. Check the cards connection to the
expansion slot.
A quick and thorough visual inspection before calling Technical
Support can save you both time and trouble.
Reversed Speakers
If you notice that the stereo sound from a game, music program,
or other sound software is coming from the ‘wrong” speaker
(left instead of right or visa-versa), simply switch the speakers or
their plugs around. The Sonic Blaster uses the Apple standard
left (Our channel 1) and right (our channel 2) output assignment.
Some programs, however, have the channels reversed.
"Check startup device" message
If you’re trying to boot the program from a RAM disk, you must
initialize the RAM disk before copying the program disks files
onto it.
"Unable to load ProDOS" message
If you’re trying to boot the program from a ROM or RAM disk,
the system folder must be on the main level (the root directory)
of the ROM disk. If you dragged the icon of the program disk to
the ROM or RAM disk (using the Finder), all the boot files will
be in a folder of their own on the disk. You’ll need to open this
folder, use the Select All option, and drag the folder’s contents
to the ROM or RAM disk. You can then throw away the empty
folder out of which you have moved the files.
App. B - Trouble Shooting
47
Distorted Sound
à
Once again, is the SB’s connector plate screwed onto the
back panel? Is the other end securely connected to the
card? If not, the Sonic Blaster is not grounding properly.
à
à
Is the E-I/O cable connected to both the Sonic Blaster and
the motherboard?
Check your speaker wires. Are all the connections
secure? Are bare wires from the left and right wires or
the power and ground touching?
à
Are you clipping the sound? If the peaks of your sound
waves are flattened against the top and/or bottom of the
sound graph window (see below), you’re clipping. This
results in distorted sound. Turn down your record
level. Try using Auto Gain to set the record levels for
you.
An example of clipped sound
Sonic Blaster’s Error Messages
Cannot Set Record to Playback
The maximum Playback Sample Rate is higher than the
maximum Record Sample Rate so the record cannot always be
set equal to the playback rate. For example, if your Playback
Sample Rate is set to 43382, the Record Sample Rate cannot
match that setting.
Maximum number of windows opened
You’ll get this message when you have eight windows open
and you try to open another with the Open, New, or Record
commands. Close a few windows before proceeding.
Maximum of 2 Channels Supported
This error message appears when you try to open an AIFF
channel that has been recorded with more than two channels.
You won’t be able to open the file.
48
Sonic Blaster
Missing FORM/COMM/SSND chunk in AIFF file
This is a seldom, if ever, seen, error message that appears when
a sound file does not have some required information. You
wont be able to open the file.
Must have a 64K block to record
Must have a 128K block to record
If Max Blockshows less than 64K, you’ll get this message when
you try to record in mono. If Max Blockshows less than 128K,
you’ll get this message when you try to record in stereo. Even
though you close files to free up memory, the CS memory
manager may not join the newly freed pieces of memory
together. This is the same reason that the Max Blocksetting
may show you have 110K free before you record a l00K file and
still show 90K free when you finish the recording; the memory
manager does some memory resorting to put together and
make available fragmented pieces of memory.
Only 8 Bit Samples Supported
AIFF supports more than S bit samples. Sound files created on
the Macintosh, for example, may be 16 bit samples. You won’t
be able to open the file.
Playback speed is too fast
When this message appears, the file segment is too small to be
played at such a high speed. Slow down the Playback Sample
Rateor select a larger segment of the file. (Entering and
exiting the Control Panel while playing can also cause this
error).
Requires AE Sonic Blaster Card
The program can’t find the Sonic Blaster card. Make sure the
card is installed properly and that the slot containing the card is
set to “Your Card" in the Slots option of the Control Panel.
Requires GS/OS Operating System
You’ll need to boot from a disk containing GS/OS before you
can use the SB program.
Window must be open to Append
Before you can use the Append command, you must open a
window with the Open, New, or Record command. The
Append option will be enabled when you have a window
open.
Window must be open to Paste
Before you can use the Pastecommand, you must open a
window with the Open, New,or Recordcommand. The Paste
option will be enabled when you have a window open.
App. B - Trouble Shooting
49
APPENDIX C
Adapters
Speaker Connections
The Sonic Blaster uses the 1/8” stereo mini jack for input and
output. This is the same jack used by most portable stereos.
The Bose Roommate speakers and several other brands use the
1/8” jack and will need no adapters.
If your speaker wires (or wires from your amplifier) end in
phono plugs (often called RCA plugs), you’ll need the Stereo
Playback Y-Adapter. It adapts phono plugs to the Sonic Blaster’s
1/8” stereo mini jack. (Radio Shack Cat. No. 274-369.)
From Speaker Phono Plugs
Left and Right
(Ch1& Ch2)
To Sonic Blaster “OUT”
RS Cat. No. 274-369
Two Phono (RCA) Plugs to
1/8” Stereo Jack
If your speakers have button terminals (quick connect), you can
get two “mini phone plugs to stripped ends” and connect it to a
connector with “two 1/8” mono plugs to 1/8” stereo jack.” (2
cables--RS Cat. No. 42-2434 and I adapter--RS Cat. No. 274-375.)
From Speaker Wires
Left and Right
(Ch1 & Ch2)
To Sonic Blaster “OUT”
RS Cat. No. 42-2434
RS Cat. No. 274-375
1/8” Phone Plug to
Stripped Ends
Two 1/8” Mono Plugs to
1/8’ Stereo Jack
If you have a setup different from the ones mentioned, talk to
your local Radio Shack person or stereo/electrical supplies
person for the correct cables and adapters.
50 Sonic Blaster
CD, VCR, TV. Turntable and Amplifier Connections
If your VCR or TV has phono jacks for audio input and output,
you can use a “mini phone plug to phono plug cable (RS Cat.
No. 42-2444) for mono recording.
For Mono Record
To Audio “OUT’ of
VCR. CD, TV, etc.
To Sonic Blaster “IN”
RS Cat. No. 42-2444
Phone (RCA) Plug to
1/8” Phone Plug
If you have a stereo TV, or VCR or if your amplifier, CD player,
tuner, or turntable has phono jacks for left and right input
and/or output, use two of the same cables mentioned above and
a connector with ‘two 1/8” mono plugs to 1/8” stereo jack.” (2
cables—RS Cat. No. 42-2444 and 1 adapter—RS Cat. No. 274-375.)
For Stereo Record
To Audio ‘OUT” of
VCR, CD, TV, etc.
Left and Right
(Ch1& Ch2)
To Sonic Blaster “IN”
RS Cat. No. 42-2444
1/8” Phone Plug
to Phono (RCA) Plug
RS Cat. No. 274-375
Two 1/8” Mono Plugs to
1/8” Stereo Jack
If you can use the same connectors for output, double the order
(4 cables and 2 adapters) and connect phono plugs to Audio “IN”
and Sonic Blaster “OUT.”
If you have a setup different from the ones mentioned, talk to
your local Radio Shack person or stereo/electrical supplies
person for the correct cables and adapters.
Microphones
Chances are, you’ve got a microphone lying around the house
somewhere; maybe from an old tape recorder, from your
answering machine, or from your days in that garage band that
could have made it big if the right people could have heard you.
If you don’t have a mike around, you can buy a very
inexpensive one at Radio Shack or at many drug stores and
super markets.
App. C - Adapters
51
The microphones don’t need to be super high quality for voice
recordings, but the higher the quality input, the better the
recording (up to a point). Start out with a low-cost mike. (Try
Radio Shack’s Windscreen Dynamic Omni--RS Cat. No. 33-2001.)
For mono input, a mike with a 1/8’ mini stereo plug does not
need a Y-adapter.
For stereo input, either plug two mono mikes into a left and
right mono adapter (two 1/8” mono plugs to 1/8” stereo jack”
adapter--RS Cat. No. 274-375--see below) or try a dual head
microphone (RS Cat. No. 33-1065).
ToMono Microphones
Left and Right
(Ch1 & Ch2)
To Sonic Blaster "IN”
RS Cat. No. 274-375
Two 1/8” Mono Plugs to
1/8” Stereo Jack
If your mike cable ends in a 1/4” plug, you can use the 1/4”
phone plug to 1/8” lack (RS Cat. No. 274-047) for mono input.
To 1/4” Mono
Microphone Jack
To Sonic Blaster “IN”
RS Cat. No. 274-047
1/4” Mono Plug to
1/8” Jack
52
Sonic Blaster
APPENDIX D
The Introplay Program
The file Introplay, foundin the System/System.Setup folder
(subdirectory) of the Sonic Blaster program disk, will play the
sound file Introsound as the GS/OS startup screen is displayed.
We’ve included an Introsound file but you can easily create
your own.
To use the Introplay program when booting from RAM, ROM,
hard disk, or any other boot disk, copy Introplay and
Introsound from the System/System. Setup subdirectory of
the Sonic Blaster program disk to the System/System. Setup
subdirectory of your boot disk.
If you're booting the program from your copy of the SB program
disk, Introplay is already in place.
To create your own intro sound, run the Sonic master program
and save the file you want as your intro sound to the
System. Setup folder in the System folder on your boot disk.
The file must be saved as an AE Format file called Introsound.
*
Note: If you do not have the program setup correctly,
the computer will still boot but no sound file will be
played during the boot.
If you’re using the Startpic program to load a picture during
boot, the Introsound file will be played either before or after
Startpic depending upon which appears in the boot disk’s
directory first. If you want the picture loaded before the sound
file is played, copy startpic to the boot disk before you copy
Introsound to the boot disk. You may also use a disk utility,
like ProSel, to arrange the order.
The Introploy Program 53
APPENDIX E
Saving Large Files
to Multiple Disks
If you have a file that is larger than a single floppy disk, you can
break it up into two or more files and save it to separate disks.
You can then load it back into the program using the Append
option under the File menu.
To break up a file into several files, follow these instructions:
1) Hold down the key while clicking the mouse within the
sound graph of the file.
This will select a portion of the file from the beginning to the
point where you click the arrow.
2) Check the Select Region to see how much is selected.
3) Continue to hold down the key while dragging more
to the left or right within the sound graph until you
have selected a region the size you want to save.
Release the mouse button and key.
4) When you have the right size, Cut
it ( -X).
This moves the selected segment to the clipboard.
Don’t use the Copy command to move the segment to the
clipboard. You need to remove the segment from the sound
graph window.
5) Open a New file ( -N).
If you’re segmenting a stereo file, your Record Channel should be
set to Stereo Record before opening a new file. Otherwise, the two
channels will be combined into one mono file.
If you’re segmenting a mono file, set the Record Channel to
Channel 1 or Channel 2 before opening the new file. If you set
the Record Channel to Stereo Record, the mono file will be
pasted into both channels (not true stereo; just split mono) and
the size of the segment will be doubled.
6) Select All ( -A).
7) Paste ( -V) the sound segment into the sound graph
window
54
SonIc Blaster
The ‘silent wave used to create the window will be replaced
with the clipboard contents.
8) Save ( -S) the file to whatever disk you want. (Refer to
the Save instruction in Chapter 2 if you don't know
how to change volumes, etc.
End the file’s name with the sequence number, for example,
Laughs.I will be your first save, Laughs.2 your second, etc. This
will help you keep track of the files’ order to make Appending
easier.
9) Close the window you have just saved.
10) Return to the window you are segmenting.\
11) Check the size of the remaining segment as indicated on
the cassette label.
-> If the Select Region is too large to Save to your
other disk, repeat the steps above.
-> If the Select Region shows a size that can be saved
to disk, use the Save As command to rename the file
with the sequential number (Ex: Laughs.2). This
saves the extra steps of cutting, opening a new
window, selecting all, etc.
Segmenting is complete. You can now load the entire file back
into the program by opening the first file (File. 1) then
Appending the other files in sequence (File .2, File.3, etc.).
App. E - Saving Large Files
55
APPENDIX F
Try This!
(Tips and Hints)
Record Sample Rate
When deciding at what rate to record a sample, keep in mind
that the higher the sampling rate, the higher the sound quality
but the more memory used. We recommend that you
experiment to find out how the quality differs with lower
sampling rates for both voice and music recording. Notice that
the sound quality of voice recordings don’t improve much
above a record rate of about 7,000 Hz while music sound quality
drops dramatically when recorded at the lower rates.
In general, voice recordings require lower sample rates (around
7,000) while music (especially from CD’s) require higher sample
rates (we recommend the maximum, 15,184 for stereo and 30,368
for mono).
Stereo or Mono?
When deciding whether to record a file in stereo or mono,
consider these points;
à
Do you have a stereo signal?
If you have only a mono signal, there is no reason to record in
stereo; mono recordings can play back through both speakers.
à
à
In the stereo mode, your maximum record rate is cut in half (from
30,368 Hz to 15,184 Hz) although you can still play back at the
max. sampling rate.
If you want control of both left and right channel
outputs of a mono recording, you can:
1) Record the input in mono.
2) Paste it to a blank stereo file.
3) Edit the left and right channel separately. (See
"Effect Channel” p.41.)
This allows you to record and play back at a higher
sampling rate than if you make the recording in stereo.
(See also, “Traveling Sound” p. 56.)
56
Sonic Blaster
Fun Stuff
You’ve probably had a chance to mess around with the Sonic
Blaster software by the time you read this; we have, too. Here
are a few things we’ve tried at Applied...
Back Talk
Record a word or phrase forward, listen to it backwards, record
yourself saying it backwards and then flip it. How close can you
get it to sound like an intelligible word or phrase? One phrase
that sounds clear when reversed is “eem pleh” (‘help me).
*
Notes Remember that you’re working with the way
words sound (phonetics), not the way they look; spelling
a word backwards and reading it will usually not sound
intelligible when flipped around.
Traveling Sound
If you’ve played the Left . Cen . Right file through stereo
speakers, you’ve noticed that the sound moves from the left
speaker to the middle and then to the right speaker (hence the
name Left
.
Cen Right). Look at Channel I and 2 of the file.
.
Notice that Channel I has the first drum beat, Channel 2 has the
third drum beat, and both channels have the second drum beat.
You can make even mono files “travel” in this manner by
copying them into a stereo window, setting the Effects
Channel to Display Channel, then pasting in silence over a
section of the sound wave at the beginning of Channel One and
at the end of Channel 2. Using this technique you could record a
joke in mono, then have the left speaker ask the question (ex:
Why are 5 and 6 afraid of 7?) and have the right speaker answer
(Because 7, 8,9 and 10).
Answering Machines
Are people complaining about how boring your answering
machine messages are? Well, with a Sonic Blaster, some stutter,
and a little echo, even the most commonplace “I’m sorry. We
can’t come to the phone right now comes alive!
Some answering machines allow external inputs for leaving
messages. If yours does, it may be possible to connect the SB
directly to your machine. If not, place the machine near the SB
speakers, begin recording with your answering machine and play
the file you’ve created from Sonic Blaster.
App. F - Try This!
57
More Phone Fun
Hey Dad—I’m in jail
Imagine the surprise your parents will get when you call them
from jail (any police show will give you some good background
noise). Imagine the look on your child’s face when he/she gets a
call from Alvin and he actually calls them by name (fast playback
rate). Imagine how envious your friends will be when you call
them from your new car phone (highway ambiance, honking
horns, maybe even a crash). We’re not saying that you should
try any of these; but just imagine!
‘It’s a floor wax and a dessert topping
Ever talk to obnoxious phone salespeople who only let you say
‘Yes’ or “No”? Now you can let Sonic Blaster do the talking for
you. Record a “Yes” and “No” then select and play the
appropriate one. After you’re used to this, throw in a “Please,
tell me more!” and an “I’m not interested” for variety. Play
them at slower playback rates to send chills up their spine.
When they ask, tell them you live on Elm Street and your name
is Fred.
Twistin’
Tired of tangling your tongue with twisters? Let Sonic Blaster
say them faster. Record yourself saying a tounge twister once (ex:
The slick shiek’s sixth sick sheep) and then hit continuous play
and increase the playback rate. Toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy
boat...
58
Sonic Blaster
APPENDIX G
Programmers’ Reference
*
Note: This chapter contains technical information for
programmers interested in programming the Sonic
Blaster. It is not a programming tutorial, If you're not a
programmer you should ignore this information. Don't
look at it. Don’t even think about it. The card will run
fine without knowing what’s under the hood.
Identify the Sonic Blaster
The card resides in the following memory locations:
$CN00 ——>$5B
CNO1 ——>$5B
'
'
'
CNFF ——>$5B
AE File Format
The AE File Format attaches an ID header with the following
information to the sound file.
F iles
Bin a r y
Not es
ID
$4145504D
‘AEPM'
ASCII 4 byte MSB off
Type
2 bytes
0—AE Format
1—2:1
2—2.67:1
Channel
Length
2 bytes
4 bytes
0—Mono
1—Stereo
Length of sampled Sound
(per channel) does not
include header
Frequency
2 bytes
In Hz
Following the header is Channel 1 sampled data.
App. G- Programmers’ Reference
59
Notes About
Files
Binary Info Example File
ID
'AEPM'
Type
Channel
Length
Freq
0
0
AE Format
Mono Recording
10,246 byte file
Recorded at the Highest SB
Record Rate
10246
30368
10,246 8-bit
samples
In the case of stereo files, Channel 2 sampled data immediately
follows Channel 1 sampled data and does not require a separate
header.
Refer to the Apple Standard Sound File Format (SSND)
documentation for complete AIFF format information.
Setting Gain and Channel For Input
When setting gain and channel for input, write to the following
hardware location:
$C0n*16+$81
(write/read)
The format of the byte to write is:
| 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 |
x
x |
|
Gain - 0-31
0 - Ch 1
1 - Oh 2
0 - low level gain for high input
31 - high level gain for low input
*
Note: Bits 5 and 6 are not used.
This is all the information provided by the program. The rest is
done through the Ensoniq chip. Refer to the IIGS Hardware
Reference Manual for information about digitizing with the
Ensoniq.
60
Sonic Blaster
APPENDIX H
Getting Help
If you have a technical question relating to your Sonic Blaster
card or any other Applied Engineering product that is not
covered in the manual please contact the dealer from whom
you purchased the product. If you are experiencing difficulties
with one particular program, contact the programs author or
publisher.
In the event that the dealer or the publishers support personnel
cannot answer your question, call Applied Engineering
Technical Support. The support representatives are experienced
in the applications and uses of Applied Engineering products,
but in order to provide a quick and effective answer to your
question, they will need to know as much as possible about the
hardware and software specifically related to your question.
Please provide the technical support representative with the
following information:
à
à
The Applied Engineering product related to your
question and its revision number.
The original and current memory configuration of the
card (if applicable).
à
à
The model and revision of your computer.
What peripherals are being used and what cards are in
each slot.
à
à
The name, version, and revision level of the software
with which you are experiencing problems.
The results of any test programs, diagnostics, or
troubleshooting done by you, your dealer, or your
software publishers support department.
Ap p lied E n gin eer in g
T ech n ica l Su p p or t
(214) 241-6069
9AM to 12:30 PM & 1:35 PM to 5 PM(CST) Monday Friday
—
(Please call only the number above for technical support. Our
sales office cannot transfer calls to the support lines.)
Bu llet in Boa r d Syst em
(214) 241-6677
24 hours, 7 days a week
300/1200/2400 Baud, 8 Bit, No Parity, Full Duplex, MNP-5
App. G - Getting Help 61
Returning a Product
RMA Number , “Attention" Sheet, and Invoice
If your product needs to be returned, the technical support
representative will give you a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) number.
à
à
à
Record the RMA number for your own records.
Write the RMA number on your package label.
Fill Out the Return Form on back of the yellow sheet
marked “Attention!’ A complete form will greatly
reduce the time it takes to return your package.
à
Attach a copy of your original invoice to the form.
*
Warning~ If you don't include an invoice, products will
be treated as out of warranty products and will be
returned to you C.O.D. for the amount of the service
charge.
A completed form should look something like the one below.
62
Sonic Blaster
Packing
If you don’t have the original packing material, wrap the board
in anti-static material (preferably the anti-static bag in which the
card was originally shipped; however, aluminum foil will work
fine). Pack it in a sturdy box cushioned with wadded papers (i.e.
used computer paper or newspaper).
*
Warning: If your product is damaged due to inadequate
packing, your warranty will be void.
Include the return form and invoice.
Send the package, shipping prepaid, to:
RMA#__?__
Applied Engineering
Technical Support
3210 Belt Line Road, Suite 154
Dallas TX 75234
You should insure your package. Æ will not assume any
responsibility for inadequate packing or loss or damage during
shipping.
When We Receive
Our service department will use your completed form in an
attempt to duplicate the problem.
If it is determined that your product is defective due to a
manufacturing defect, your card will be repaired or replaced at
Æ's Option.
Any misuse, abuse, or non-Æ authorized alteration,
modification, and/or repair to the Applied Engineering product
will void the warranty. This warranty will also be void if you
use the Æ product for any purpose other than its intended use.
Your product will be fully tested before it is shipped back to you,
transportation prepaid, via UPS regular delivery.
Once your product is received by Technical Support, it will be
processed and delivered to our shipping department within 7 to
10 working days.
App.G - Getting Help
63
Glossary
AE Format
-
Sonic Blaster defaults to the AE format for saving files.
Information about the files record rate is saved along with the binary
information so that when the file is loaded back into the program, it will be set to
the same speed as it was recorded.
AIFF
-
This is Apples standard sound file format.
The Append option will open a file and attach it to the end of the file
Append
-
that is currently open. Use this option to quickly piece back together a file that
you have stored to different disks or to stick together two different files. The first
file opened will determine the playback setting for the appended files.
Auto Gain This setting, under the Effects menu, will automatically set the
-
recording level for the sound being received. This helps to eliminate clipping
(see below). You can’t record from the auto gain window. Send the loudest part
of segment of the sounds to be recorded to the Sonic Blaster while in the Auto
Gain window, click Save to set your levels, and then record from the main
screen.
Clipping- Clipping occurs when your input is too ‘hot.” (“hot” meaning intense
in a bad way, not “hot” as in “cool,” “hep,” “happening”). Clipping is evidenced
by wave forms that flatten out at the top or bottom of the sound graph. Lower
the input level or record level to prevent clipping. The Auto Gain option is also
an effective way to keep from dipping (see above).
Compressed Files These are files that have been in a form which reduces the
-
amount of space required to store them. One disadvantage to compressing files
is that during the compacting, a small amount of fidelity may be lost. This loss is
negligible for the most part. Try compressing some files and playing back the
compressed and non-compressed and listen for a difference.
Mini Stereo Jack The mini stereo jack is the connector used on Bose
-
Roommate speakers, Sony Walkman, and many other portable stereo systems.
This jack is becoming more popular because of its compactness. It incorporates
the left and right inputs into one connector.
Oscilloscope Sonic Blaster’s oscilloscope lets you see a real-time waveform of
-
the input received from the device connected to SB’s input connector. You Can’t
record from the oscilloscope screen. Set your record level in the oscilloscope
window (for both channels if recording in stereo) and then click OK to return to
the main screen where you can begin the recording.
64
Glossary
Pathname A pathname is a path of directories required to access a specific file
-
on a disk device. To reference a file named MYDATA on volume /MY.DISK you
would use a ‘path’ to the file /MY.DISK/MYDATA. Some files may be additional
directories and those directories may contain references to more files or more
directories. The main volume directory is called the ‘root directory.” Directories
within the root directory are called subdirectories. If you want to refer to a file
contained in a subdirectory, you must include those intermediate subdirectory
names in your full pathname. Say you have a volume called STREET and have a
subdirectory called HOUSE and have a file called ROOM the complete pathname to
access the file ROOM would be /STREET/HOUSE/ROOM. See: Prefix.
Phone Plugs/Jacks Phone plug (male connector) or jack (female connector) is a
-
single prong or single hole connector. The difference between the phone and
phono connectors is that the phono connectors have a circular metal extension
around the plug or hole.
Phone Plugs/Jacks The phono plug (male connector) or jack (female
-
connector), also called RCA plug/jack, is used by many record players, tuners, etc.
for connecting one to the other. It has a single prong or hole with a circular
metal extension around the plug or hole.
Playback Rate The rate in Hz (samples per second) at which the file is played.
-
You can change the Sonic Blasters Playback Sample Rate setting even while the
file is being played. A higher playback rate heightens the pitch and speed (think
helium). A lower playback rate lowers the pitch and speed (think horror films).
Prefix The ProDOS prefix is a standard default partial pathname that is added to
-
any file name you specify if your pathname is not fully qualified. A fully
qualified pathname is one that starts with the volume name followed by any
subdirectories that must be accessed to find the file in question. A prefix is used
to shorten the amount of typing you must do to specify a pathname to a file. As
an example, suppose you have a volume called NATION and that volume has a
subdirectory called STATE and you have a program file called CITY that is in the
STATE subdirectory. Without a prefix, you would have to use
/NATION/STATE/CITY as the pathname to your file. You could, however, Set the
prefix to /NATION/STATE and then you would only have to specify CITY as your
pathname; /NAT ION/STATEwould be automatically attached to the front of the
pathname you specified.
Prefix Directory
-
The Prefix Directory is the directory specified by the current
DISK/GAGES then the Prefix
ProDOS prefix; i.e., if the prefix is set as /MY
.
Directory would be the subdirectory called “GAMES” found in the /MY.DISK
volume directory.
Glossary
65
RamKeeper RamKeeper an Applied Engineering board which allows you to set
-
up your IIGS memory card as an electronic hard disk.” This means you can load
programs and data files at a super-fast rate from RAM without having to insert
and swap disks. Programs and data files can be retained in memory even after
the computer is shut off for instant access next time you power up.
Raw Data This is one of Sonic Blasters Save As... formats. In this form the
-
file is saved as straight binary information. Information, such as the rate at
which the file was recorded, will not be saved. You may want to save files in this
format to playback through a desk accessory that plays sound files. For this
purpose, you may want to determine at what speed the DA plays the binary files
and record your sound at that rate.
RCA Jack The RCA plug (male connector) or jack (female connector), also
-
called a phono plug/jack, this connector is used by many record players, tuners,
etc. for connecting one to the other.
RESET
-
If you get yourself into a part of the program and can’t leave, then as a
-RESET command. You execute this feature
and RESET keys simultaneously, followed by releasing
last resort you can usually use a
by holding down the
the RESET key.
*
Warning: If you use this option while a program is
trying to write to disk, you may damage the data on your
disk.
Sampling Rate This is the speed at which the computer takes information from
-
the sounds that are being sent to it. A faster sampling rate means higher quality
because the computer is recording more information in a given amount of time
than it does at a slower sampling rate. In general, use lower sampling rates for
voice (because there isn’t a lot happening during a voice input) and higher for
music (because there’s a lot going on). Refer to “Record Sample Rate” in
Appendix F for suggested sampling rates.
VU Meter VU stands for Volume Units. The two meters on the screen give
-
you a visual representation of the input levels the Sonic Blaster receives. Like
the Oscilloscope, the VU meter is an effective tool for setting the record level.
Waveform In relation to the Sonic Blaster, a waveform is a graphic
-
representation made up of binary information derived from samples in the
digitized recording.
66
Glossary
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