#============================================= M o o s i q u e version 1.0 User Manual © Roland Andersson, Mikael Andreen, Björn Lanneskog & Einar Pehrson ============================================= INTRODUCTION Moosique is a MIDI composer's tool for Java. The main purpose of the application is to play and compose music. While being intended for novices, some expert functions are provided. GETTING STARTED Since Moosique is an application bundled as a JAR file, it is run by executing the following command: java -jar moosique.jar. USING MOOSIQUE References to the red numbers in this overview picture is marked [ no. ] e.g. [ 3 ] in the manual. CREATING A MIDI SONG Upon execution, the program will automatically create a MIDI sequence containing three tracks - unless a MIDI file is given as a command-line argument. (See section "COMMAND-LINE SYNTAX"). At any time a new MIDI sequence can be created by selecting New from the File menu. EDITING There are different properties that can be edited by the user. For every track in an combo box the tracks instrument [ 1 ] and channel [ 2 ] can easily be changed.. The output status of a track can be modified by clicking on the mute button [ 3 ] (the specific track is not played) or the solo button [ 4 ] (the specific track is the only track played). SAVING AND LOADING FILES A file created or edited in Moosique can be saved to the standard MIDI file format by using the Save and Save As options from the File menu [ 5 ]. In order to load files, choose Open from the File menu or give the filename as a command-line parameter upon execution (see section "COMMAND-LINE SYNTAX"). If the current sequence has not yet been saved, a dialog will be displayed prompting the user to save or discard the sequence before creating or opening a new one. PLAY A MIDI SONG By selecting the Playback menu [ 6 ] or clicking on one of the playback buttons [ 7 ] the MIDI song who is loaded can be played, stopped or paused. PREFERENCES By default, the application will use the Java standard synthesizer and sequencer. The MIDI device setup can be accessed by selecting Preferences from the Edit menu. COMMAND-LINE SYNTAX (FOR EXPERTS) java -jar moosique.jar [-N] [filename] -N Starts playback of the given MIDI file without creating with user interface. If no filenamne is given -N is ignored. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS For Moosique to run properly, the Java Runtime Machine installed on the computer must be version 1.3 or later. To play music it is needed to have a soundcard that supports MIDI installed (see your soundcard manual for information). TROUBLESHOOTING Problem: The required MIDI devices cannot be allocated. Solution: Call Moosique Support at +46-70-6017917 or +46-31-298879. GLOSSARY Channel - In ordinary language, a channel is a path for passing data. In MIDI, channels are used to separate different sections of a song that are going to play together. Each channel is assigned to a single instrument in any particular instant of time. One channel is usually reserved for a percussion voice. Pitch - The property of a musical tone, determined by frequency. Sequencer - So called because such a program arranges melodic and harmonic patterns in successive positions. Strictly speaking, one should define a sequencer has something that stores note-on and note-off events in memory, then plays them back. Synthesizer - A device driven by a microprocessor, which contains a programmable chip. Examples of instruments that can control synthesizers: Guitar, keyboard, wind, string, drum controllers. The keyboard itself does not produce musical sound. A synthesizer circuit, built into the keyboard, accomplishes this function. Originally, a synthesizer was so called because it synthesized acoustic instruments. Nowdays, the term refers to the sound- generating circuitry of any MIDI gear. Another term is sound module. Time Signature - In traditional musical notations, this is expressed as a fractional sign, like 3/4. The denominator indicates the unit for the beat; the numerator shows the number of notes per measure. Track - In MIDI, the term "track" designates a location where one records or plays back a musical message usually a portion of the total arrangement. To illustrate, one might record an oboe melody line on Track Two, then record a bowed bass line on Track Three. When played, the sounds can be simultaneous. Most MIDI software now accommodates 64 tracks of music, enough for a rich orchestral sound. Important: Tracks are purely for convenience; channels are required. Transpose - To perform a musical composition in a different key. Both synthesizers and sequencers can carry out this function. Velocity The MIDI way of determining how hard a note is pressed on the keyboard controller.