Opcode Studio Vision

[inkwarp]

If you really are young, you're really lucky, mostly software is amazing, I dreamed of this stuff when I was 18, but the cost at that time was in the tens of thousands for what we can have now for a couple grand.

i totally agree, it's s wonderful thing and i can't wait to get in there and make music and play, most days now..
this isn't just a change, this is a true revolution.

[memyselfandus]

[memyselfandus]

1984

[memyselfandus]

Chronological list of sound modules (90's era)

1986 yamaha fb01
1986 Orla DSE9
1987 Yamaha TX1P
1987 roland mt32 multi timbre sound module
1988 Roland MT100 sequencer / sound module
1989 Roland CM64 LA/PCM sound module.
1989 Roland CM32P PCM sound module
1989 Roland CM32L LA sound module
1990 emu proformance piano module
1991 Yamaha TG100 midi interface / synth module
1991 Roland SC55
1991 Roland MT120 digital sequencer / sound module
1991 Roland CM500 GS/LA Sound Module
1991 Roland CM300 gs sound module
1991 MOVED: Roland SB55 halfrack size Sequencer
1992 Roland sc155
1992 Roland SC7 midi interface / synth module
1992 BOSS Dr. Synth DS330 AKA Roland SC33
1993 Yamaha CBXT3
1993 Roland SD35
1993 Roland SC55ST mid interface / synth module
1993 roland p55 sound canvas piano module
1993 korg AG10 midi interface / synth module
1993 Korg 05R/W midi interface / synth module
1994 Yamaha Mu5
1994 Roland MGS64 19" rack mount GS sound module
1994 MT120s digital sequencer / sound module
1994 Yamaha TG300 midi interface / synth module
1994 yamaha mu80 midi interface / module
1994 Roland sc88 midi interface / synth module
1994 Roland SC50 midi interface / sound module
-------------------
1995 Yamaha MU50 midi interface / synth module
1995 korg X5DR midi interface / synth module
1995 EMU Sound Engine midi interface / GM MIDI Module
1995 Akai SG01v
1996 Yamaha Mu10 midi interface / sound module
1997 Yamaha MU100R midi interface / synth module
1997 Yamaha mu100
1997 Korg NS5R
1998 Yamaha MU15
1998 Yamaha MU128
1999 yamaha mu2000
1999 Roland JV1010
2000 RolandED SC8820
2002 Edirol SD20
2003 Edirol SD80
2007 Roland MT90U
2010 Edirol SD50
? Kawai GMega
(?) Yamaha SYXG100plus PVL SoftSynth
(?) yamaha MDP5
Vintage Korg O3 Symphony Orchestra Module Synth

[memyselfandus]

1984

[memyselfandus]

equipment mentioned:
commodore 64/128
yamaha dx7
yamaha fb-01
ensoniq Mirage
ensoniq sq-1

music programs 1988
Moog Producer (kurzweil/moog)
advanced music system (firebird)
algorithmic composer (dr t)
caged artist editors (dr t)
convertible plus (dr t)
cz-patch (dr t)
casio sound disk (sonus)
cz-rider (dr t)
double-banked programmer/librarian (sonus)
dx-patch editor/librarian (dr t)
dx-tx pdouble banked librarian/programmer (sonus)
echo plys (dr T)
FB01 Design (Sonus)
GlassTracks (sonus)
Instant Music (electronic arts)
keyboard controlled sequencer (dr t)
? ensoniq mirage editor ? (dr t)
virtuoso 64 (chipmunk)
master tracks (passport)
master tracks pro (passport)
midi/4 plus (passport)
midi/8 plus (passport)
midi processor (sonus)
miditech 64 (sonus)
the music shop for midi (passport)
the music studio (activision)
the music system (firebird)
passport MIDI voice editor for FB01 (passport)
RX librarian (sonus)
songwriter (thunder mountain)
sound file (blank software)
super sequencer series (sonus)

[memyselfandus]

Opcode Timeline

1986 MIDIMAC sequencer (vision prototype)
1989 Vision
1989 Audio Vision ("Studio Vision" prototype)
1990 EZ Vision
1990 v1.0 Studio Vision (For Mac)
1990 v1.0 OMS
1994 v2.0.3 Studio Vision (For Mac)
1995 v2.0 Vision 2.5 (for windows)
1996 v2.0 OMS (first introduced /w Studio Vision 3.0)
1997 v2.3.2 OMS
1997 Studio Vision 3.5 (first quarter - for mac)
1998 Studio Vision 4.0 (4th quarter - for mac

[memyselfandus]

Thomas Dolby talks tech

http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/tho ... ess-632747

How were you sequencing in those early days?

"At first, it was just synths and a two-track tape machine; no sequencing at all. Around the time of the first album [1982's The Golden Age of Wireless], I got a PPG Wave Computer, which allowed you to sequence 16 voices of wavetable synth, plus one of the early PPG drum modules. It was all kinda clunky and crude in a rather engaging way, but I felt like I had the sequencing power of Tangerine Dream.

"During the 80s, the race towards the future just went on and on. Each NAMM show unveiled a machine that literally rewrote the rules, like the Fairlight. I'm not in any way claiming to be a pioneer of electronic music, but I honestly felt like I was making sounds that I'd never heard before... we all were."

Rumour has it that you were a very early Mac convert.

"The Atari was affordable in Britain, but the Macintosh was just as affordable in the US.I spent a lot of time over there, so I was able to get my hands on one. I had a very good working relationship with Opcode and Digidesign in the 80s and was quite heavily involved in their beta programme. That led me to Sound Tools, then Pro Tools, and the realisation that computers and music were, at some point, going to become inseparable.

[chk071]

I'll eat my non existant hat if there's really anything in a 20 year old sequencer from the beginning of the DAW game which is not featured in any modern host in a much easier to use way than it had been at that time. I mean, come on, time hasn't stood still since then, and computers are way more powerful, and more accessible software wise than it has been more than 20 years ago. Of course, you can still use your woodstove instead of your microwave to warm your meals up, but a microwave is arguably the easier, more accessible and more effective way to do it.

[memyselfandus]

Benge is taking his synths back to the future

http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/ben ... ure-625590

What software were you using before Digital Performer?

"The first program I used was Studio Vision on the Atari. I could see which way things were moving, though, so I got myself a Mac as soon as Opcode made Studio Vision available for it. Sadly, Opcode went under and, being on a Mac, I had quite a bit of choice available to me. Performer was the one that seemed most similar to Studio Vision, so I ended up with that. I dabbled with Pro Tools but I was lost without sequencing. I tried Logic, too, but the interface left me a bit bewildered; it seemed over-designed.

"Once you've settled on a platform - for better or worse - I think it's very difficult to
make a change. I tried it recently with Ableton, and the learning curve is just too steep. There's literally years and years of knowledge that has to be re-learned.

"And, audio-wise, I honestly think that Performer can hold its own with any other platform. It certainly sounds better than Logic. I'm not that technical, but maybe it's got something to do with the floating-point processing. Or maybe it's the way it works with the MOTU interfaces; understandably, they work so well together."

[memyselfandus]

Opcode Overture 1996





A partial view of Overture's score window-- click on it to see the full window (23k).

Simply Powerful

Overture--easy to use Macintosh notation software that's powerful enough to satisfy today's demanding musician. Its intuitive interface uses tear off palettes to keep all of Overture's professional features a mere keystroke or mouse click away. Overture helps you meet tight deadlines with features like Step Entry, which lets you quickly enter or delete notes, rests, rhythmic slashes and chord symbols via MIDI or the computer keyboard. Functions in Overture are active without switching modes, so you spend your time creating music, not searching menus. From complete orchestrations to single measure examples, nothing helps you score faster than Overture.

Unsurpassed MIDI
Overture has powerful sequencer capabilities that surpass other notation programs. It's got the basic features you'd expect--reading and writing standard MIDI files, 480 ppq resolution and tape deck style controls with punch-in/punch-out, wait for note and count off (it also opens Vision files directly!). In addition, Overture offers complete MIDI playback of all dynamics, repeats and endings. Beyond the basics, the piano roll view allows graphic editing of your performance using our unique Strip Chart for editing controllers, velocity and more. This lets you add performance nuances that a notated score can't show. When you're done, play your piece back as notated, in swing, or as you originally recorded it. Your scores will sound as good as they look.

Precision Page Layout
The score window in Overture makes musical notation faster and more flexible than ever before--assuring you that "what you see is what you get." You control all elements with the mouse or computer keyboard, not convoluted dialog boxes or arcane tools. The ability to nudge notes one pixel at a time, hide and show, zoom in and out, or scale any portion of the score, allows you to fine tune your work in as much detail as you like. Extensive text handling functions make it easy to add or edit lyrics, page text, floating text, measure text and rehearsal marks.

EPS File Capture
Need a couple of measures for a brochure, textbook example, test or multimedia presentation? Just click and drag over any section of the score to capture it as a separate file, then save the data as either a PICT or an EPS file. The EPS files can be placed into professional page layout programs like Pagemaker or Quark XPress, with resolution limited only by your output device. PICT files can be opened and manipulated in programs like MacDraw or Superpaint, or even placed into your favorite multimedia program.

Drum Mappings
No more hassles with trying to notate drum parts, Overture handles all the dirty work. Play your drumkit over the entire range of the MIDI instrument and Overture will remap the notes onto a five line percussion staff. You can load a drum library map, or create a new one. Notate both closed and open hi-hats on the same line with an X and circle-X. For more clarity, you can even choose which staff lines show.

Opcode Design
Overture is exactly what you would expect from a company with 10 years of experience with music industry professionals. Overture is OMS compatible so it works in concert with Opcode's professional products including Vision, Studio Vision Pro, Galaxy Plus Editors, the Studio 4 and the Studio 5LX. To give you complete studio integration, it also works in conjunction with other OMS supported software and hardware. Overture delivers unrivaled power, integration and ease--don't start your next masterpiece without it.

Overture Essentials

Staff/Score

64 staves per system, unlimited number of systems
8 voices per stave--each assignable to an OMS (MIDI) device
0 - 16 lines per staff, choose which lines show, i.e. lines 1 and 5 only
Hide, show or scale any staff from 25% - 250%
Hide or show various staff elements including staff lines, key signature, time signature, barlines and clefs
Automatic tiling
32,768 measures per score
Scrolling score window during playback
34" x 44" maximum page size
View/Edit Windows
Page layout--what you see and edit IS what you get
Piano roll MIDI data window (graphic like Vision's)
Zoom score from 10% - 800%
Staff Types/Clefs
G (treble clef) G (8va) G (8vb)
F (bass clef) F (8vb)
C (movable-tenor, alto, soprano, mezzo soprano clefs)
Percussion with staff line, notehead and MIDI pitch mapping
Tablature with fingering, hide stems
Meters/Keys
Multiple meters and complex meters
Different meters between staves are supported graphically
Noteheads
[Noteheads Image]
Supports all note marks and ornaments--intelligent placement but can be manually adjusted
Accidentals can be dragged anywhere
Fingering can be attached to notes
Rhythmic
128th note to triple dotted whole notes
Tuplets from 1 - 99 over 1 - 99
Beam patterns are automatic or user defined
Beaming: cross staff, cross barline, feathered
Adjustable beam height and angles
Nested repeats and endings with MIDI playback
Input Methods
Computer mouse
Computer keyboard
MIDI controller/keyboard real time and step time
Read standard MIDI file, quantize each track differently
Read Vision/Musicshop/EZ Vision files directly
Paste any PICT into score
Chords
Support user defined symbols/suffixes in libraries
Automatic chord recognition in step entry (MIDI) mode
Mouse click and computer keyboard entry of chords
Chords transpose
Text
Lyrics--8 verses for each voice--mass entry, paste from word processor
Rehearsal marks
Page text including footer, header, titling with page numbers, date and time
Measure and system text
Preferences
Engraver settings
Libraries for: allotment table, chord symbol, drum maps
MIDI playback: as recorded (MIDI data), as written or in swing
Templates using System 7 stationery
MIDI
Records all MIDI events, including notes, controllers, aftertouch, pitch bend, key velocity, etc.
Graphic editing including Strip Chart for drawing in controller data
OMS compatible--supports multiport interfaces including MIDI Time Piece, Studio 4 and Studio 5LX
MIDI playback of all rests, dynamics, trills, repeats, tremolos
Assign MIDI values to dynamics for playback (pppp to ffff)
Tape deck style MIDI transport controls with punch in/out and wait for note.
480 parts per quarter capture of MIDI
Output
Postscript & Quick Draw (TrueType) printers
EPS and PICT file capture
Part extraction with auto transpose and combine multimeasure rests
Standard MIDI files
Transposition
Chromatic
Diatonic
Enharmonic
Includes notes and chord symbols
Editing
All elements (notes, stems, beams, accidentals, ornaments, fingerings, staves, clefs, barlines, all text including lyrics, chord symbols, dynamic markings) can be clicked and dragged or nudged with arrow keys
Option-drag to copy is supported
Automatic recognition of elements--edit any item without switching tools
Copy/paste/merge/paste special for pasting only certain elements
Hide, show or scale any element 25 - 250%
Automatic or manual voicing and transcription, including retranscribe
Beat charts are user modifiable including copy and paste
Step entry includes notes, rests, rhythmic slashes and chord symbols.
System Requirements
Macintosh 68020 or Power Macintosh Native
System 7.0 or later
2Mb application RAM on 68k Macs, 4Mb application RAM on Power Macs
3MB Hard disk space.

[memyselfandus]

Galaxy is a universal librarian software package designed to help musicians organize, store, and retrieve vast numbers of sounds and setups for synthesizers and other MIDI devices. Galaxy's supported device list is extensive. It is a truly universal librarian because it allows users to program their own 'librarian modules' to work with almost any MIDI device capable of system exclusive communications. Galaxy can also export patch names to Opcode's professional sequencer, Vision, automatically ensuring that subsequent changes to names always get exported.

Requirements: Macintosh Plus or larger with 1 Meg or more; MIDI interface; MIDI synthesizer or module.

Galaxy Plus Editors--Integrated Editors and Universal Librarian
Macintosh
Galaxy Plus Editors is the industry standard for sound creation, editing, storage, and management. Galaxy's supported device list is extensive. It gives you amazingly simple visual control over your sounds, with a graphic representation of synthesizer parameters on your Mac screen. Every patch in your studio is available to edit with a minimum number of mouse clicks.

[memyselfandus]

Price List = March 1996
==========================

This 'virtual' price list is 'virtually' correct at the time of going to
press. The prices are in pounds sterling and include VAT at 17.5% but not
carriage unless otherwise stated. Where carriage is included, this is
carriage to any address in the UK mainland. All specifications are subject
to change without notification. E & OE. Etc.

If you have any questions about any price or product listed here please
email us or phone on one of the above numbers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Name |Sequencer|Notation|Audio|For PC|For Mac|Price|
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Cakewalk Pro Audio | * | | * | * | | 339 |
|Cakewalk Pro v3 | * | | | * | | 199 |
|Cakewalk Home Studio | * | | | * | | 99 |
|Cakewalk Express | * | | | * | | 69 |
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Cubase Score | * | * | | * | * | 399 |
|Cubase v2.8 | * | | | * | * | 299 |
|Cubasis Audio | * | | * | * | | 249 |
|Cubasis | * | | | * | * | 149 |
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Emagic Logic Audio | * | * | * | | * | 649 |
|Emagic Logic | * | * | | * | * | 399 |
|Emagic Micro Logic | * | * | | * | * | 99 |
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Samplitude Studio | | | * | * | | 399 |
|Samplitude Pro | | | * | * | | 249 |
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Software Audio Workshop 4 | | | * | * | | 499 |
|Software Audio Workshop 16| | | * | * | | 799 |
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Encore v4 | | * | | * | * | 399 |
|Encore Academic (v3) | | * | | * | * | 299 |
|Rhapsody | | * | | * | | 249 |
|Musictime | | * | | * | * | 99 |
|--------------------------|---------|--------|-----|------|-------|-----|
|Personal Composer 44 stave| | * | | * | | 199 |
|Personal Composer 16 stave| | * | | * | | 99 |
|Personal Composer 8 stave | | * | | * | | 69 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sample Editing Software for PC
------------------------------
Wave for Windows..........................................69
ReSample Pro..............................................99
Fast Eddie...............................................129
EdDitor Plus.............................................299

Accompaniment Software
----------------------
Band in a Box v6 (Win or Mac).............................89
Jammer Pro V2 (Win)......................................125

Instructional Software
----------------------
The Miracle Piano Tuition System (Win or Mac).............79
The Pianist (Win or Mac)..................................49
The Pianist Vol 2 Upgrade (Win or Mac)....................49
Jazz Pianist (Win or Mac).................................49
Jazz Guitarist (Win or Mac)...............................49
New Orleans Pianist (Win or Mac)..........................49
Ragtime Pianist (Win or Mac)..............................49

Midi Librarians
---------------
Solo Quest (Win)..........................................99
Midi Quest (Win or Mac)..................................219

Sound Cards for PC
------------------
Digital Audio Labs CardD Plus............................699
Digital Audio Labs I/O CardD.............................249
Digital Audio Labs Digital Only CardD....................399
Digital Audio Labs CardD Plus with I/O CardD.............899
Turtle Beach Tahiti......................................269
Turtle Beach TBS2000.....................................169
Turtle Beach Tropez......................................239
Turtle Beach Maui........................................129
Steinberg X-DMC...........................................99
Yamaha DB-50XG Daughterboard.............................149
Yamaha SW-20 Sound Edge..................................179

Midi Interfaces for PC
----------------------
Music Quest PC Midi Card..................................75
Music Quest Note/1........................................99
Music Quest Note/1+......................................125
Music Quest 2Port/SE.....................................185
Nusic Quest 8Port/SE.....................................399
Voyetra V-24s............................................249
Voyetra V-22..............................................99
Voyetra VP-11............................................119
The Midi Edge............................................129
Key Electronics MS-124...................................149
Key Electronics MP-128x..................................179
Key Electronics MP-128n..................................179
Key Electronics MP-128s..................................279
Midiman Winman 2x2........................................95
Midiman Winman 1x1........................................49
Midiman MM-401............................................69
Midiman Portman 2x4......................................119
Midiman Portman PC/P......................................79
Midiman Portman PC/S......................................79
Midiman Desktop Music Kit (with Sound Card Midi Adaptor)..99
Midiman Desktop Music Kit (with Winman 1x1)..............115
Midiman Desktop Music Kit (with MM-401)..................135
MPC-401 mk 2..............................................79
Sound Card Midi Adaptor...................................25

Midi Interfaces for Mac
-----------------------
Altech Midiface LX........................................50
Altech Midiface EX........................................60
Midiman Macman............................................49
Midiman Mini Macman.......................................39
Midiman Mac Syncman......................................199
Midiman Desktop Music Kit (with Mini Macman)..............99
Midiman Desktop Music Kit (with Macman)..................109

Multimedia Speakers
-------------------
Yamaha YST-MSW10..........................................99
Yamaha YST-MS10...........................................59
Yamaha YST-MS5............................................49
Koss Hard Drivers.........................................30

Midi Mother Keyboards
---------------------
Fatar Studio 1176........................................699
Fatar Studio 1100........................................749
Fatar Studio 900.........................................549
Fatar Studio 610 Plus....................................299
Fatar Studio 610.........................................225
Fatar Studio 49...........................................99
Fatar MP1................................................249
Roland A-30..............................................349
Goldstar GMK-49..........................................159
Yamaha CBX-K1............................................129
Casio GZ-5................................................64
Evolution MK-10...........................................59

Home Keyboads
-------------
Casio CTK-650............................................249
Casio CTK-630............................................269
Casio CTK-530............................................179

SPECIAL PACKAGE DEALS
---------------------
Tahiti & Cubasis Audio...................................489
Tahiti & Cakewalk Pro Audio..............................549
Tahiti & DB-50XG.........................................399
Midi Edge & DB-50XG......................................249

This is the first edition of our price list. If you have any problems
reading it, please let us know. This list is not a complete list, so if
there is something you are lookig for that you can't see here, please let
us know.

[memyselfandus]

Software used to make music for old NES games

Akito Nakatsuka - Family BASIC
Alberto Gonzalez - Compact Editor
Barry Leitch - MODTracker for Commodore Amiga
Brad Fuller - Music V Language
Charles Deenen - Hex Code Written Directly on NES
Dave Warhol - Cakewalk and a program he created that used his own voice patches
Dave Wise, Jonathan Dunn - Hex Code
Doug Brandon - CuBase (Atari ST)
Earl Vickers - Music V Language
Ed Bogas - Atari Music Studio
Elliot Delman & Steven Samler - Digital Performer
Frank Klepacki - Dr. T KCS on Commodore Amiga
Gavan Anderson - Hex Code
George Sanger - Digital Performer
Hirohiko Takayama - Assembley Hex Code on MS-DOS
Hirokazu Tanaka - Family BASIC
Jeroen Tel - Hex code with his own program for MS-DOS
Kinuyo Yamashita - Hex code.
Koji Kondo - Family BASIC
Mark Knight - CuBase on Atari ST with Silver Box that emulated NES chip.
Mark Van Hecke - Dr. T KCS on Atari ST using FB-01.
Marshall Parker - Hex Code
Neil Baldwin - Hex Code.
Paul Webb - Hex Code
Paul Wilkinson - Cakewalk and Hex Code
Rob Wallace - Digital Orchestrator
Tania Smith - Hex Code
Zap Ajisai - Music Maker

[deastman]

My first sequencer was MIDIMAC 1.0, which was the original incarnation of Vision. It really could barely do anything beyond record notes and play them back. I think the only way to edit your recordings was to scroll through a list of events, kind of like a tracker. I had a very basic Opcode MIDI interface, the name of which I forget.. Studio Plus, maybe? I was pretty blown away when Vision first came out, because it was such a huge improvement over MIDIMAC.