Path: chuka.playstation.co.uk!scea!greg_labrec@interactive.sony.com
From: Stan Weaver <stan_weaver@interactive.sony.com>
Newsgroups: scea.yaroze.freetalk
Subject: Re: Adding music to games
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 11:39:23 -0800
Organization: Sony Computer Entertainment America
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Manny Najera wrote:

"Has anyone out there made their own midi music, specifically for the
Yaroze?  I want to add my own music to my game, but I don't want to use
the general midi instruments.  I want to make music with samples and
drum loops.  I need to know what programs I can use to make midi music
with samples, and how to change that over to the SEQ and VAB formats."


Hi Manny,

In general, the process goes something like this....

1) Find a sound source you want to use (i.e. keyboard patch, CD,
screaming "BLARGH!!!"  into a microphone, whatever).  If you're doing
MIDI music, now's the time to compose that using a sequencer of some
kind (Performer, Vision, or some warez program).  You can also use a MOD
player if you prefer, but it must be able to save out the sequence as a
Standard MIDI File Type 1 AND save out the sample as either an AIFF or
.WAV.

2) Convert the sound file to something you can manipulate on your
computer by using a sampler or some other digital recording system (like
ProTools, SoundBlaster, or something like that).

3) Manipulate the sound file in a waveform editor of some kind
(SoundDesigner II, Alchemy, CoolEdit, etc.).  If you want the sound to
be looping (like for instruments or whatever), now's the time when you
find the best loop points and assign the loop markers (making sure they
are on 28 sample boundaries, of course).

4) If it isn't already in the necessary format, convert the sound file
to that format (.WAV, AIFF) and convert the file to the Sony VAG format
using AIFF2VAG or WAV2VAG.

6) Pack your VAGs into a VAB using VAB Tool (or roll your own by
creating DEF file, etc.).

7) Double check your work, if possible, using VAB Tool and a Sound Card
of some type.  If you don't have VAB Tool already, you can get it on the
Yaroze web site (at SCEA it is in files/utilities).

8) If your using a MIDI and if it isn't already in the necessary format,
convert the sequence file to that format (SMF1) and convert the file to
the Sony SEQ format using SMF2SEQ.


Now you're ready to load the files using the procedures outlined in the
manuals.


Hope this helps!  Let me know if you have any other questions.


All the best,

Stan


Stan Weaver
Audio Tools Technician
SCEA