ZX Format #07: Using the Riff Tracker MOD-Editor for General Sound

RIFF TRACKER  
MOD-EDITOR FOR GS  

music by Volga Soft  
(C) STS/Volga Soft 1996-1997.  

This description is intended for users with some experience working with music editors on SPECCY and beyond.  

HELLO, Spectrum friends! Well, it seems that the second version of ~ RIFF TRACKER ~ is finally complete.  

The first version was not widely distributed (editor's note).  

This version of the editor will only work with the firmware version of at least 1.4 in GENERAL SOUND!  

So. Let's load "R.T.".  

If everything is fine, you will enter the main menu after loading.  

If there was a failure during loading for any reason, a corresponding message will appear (for example, when launching R.T. from the 48th mode, or in the absence of General Sound, etc.).  

So, the main menu:  

EDIT - enter pattern editing mode.  

Before you is the standard menu for most trackers. First comes the line number, then the note, octave, sample number (two-byte 00-1F), command, and command argument (also two-byte).  

Control of the small cursor is done with the cursor buttons and the I '&' K buttons - up and down to the line.  

Control buttons:  

2 3  5 6 7  
Q W ER T Y U  
─  
S D  G H J  
Z X CV B N M  

Octave switching is done with the buttons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 while holding down Symbol Shift.  

In this version, only buttons 3-4-5 work. The others should function in the next version; right now they do not work due to the inability of the board ~GENERAL SOUND~ to play such notes, as they are not in standard MODs, but I hope that Stinger will fix this minor flaw.  

Let's describe the hotkeys in editing mode:  

TRUE VIDEO - scroll up  
INV VIDEO - scroll down  

together with Symbol Shift  
Q - decrease position  
W - increase position  

R - previous pattern  
T - next pattern  

A - decrease Step  
S - increase Step  

. - start of block  
, - end of block  

Y - transpose block down  
U - transpose block up  

E - brutally erase block from memory  

" - play pattern  

K - delete marking  

C - copy marked block to cursor position  

H - help with commands (you probably won't remember everything at once)  

I - insert pattern into table  

D - delete pattern from table  

Z - erase pattern content  

X - erase all patterns  

I - move up 1 line  

K - move down 1 line,  

and cursor buttons also work  

Edit - exit pattern editing.  

PLAY - plays the entire melody.  

STOP - stops playback.  

CONTINUE - continues playback from the point where the STOP button was pressed.  

DISK OPT. - takes you to the disk options submenu:  

LOAD SONG  
LOAD MOD  
SAVE SONG  
SAVE MOD  

These are all the options from RIFF TRACKER.  

There are also two (for now):  

D.S. SONG  
D.S. MOD  

These are options for converting music from DIGITAL STUDIO, and when converting MOD, samples are extracted, both 4-bit from the standard DS module and 8-bit from the version for sovox. However, I have my own version and haven't seen anyone else's, but I hope everything will go smoothly here. Yes, pay attention to the fact that DS has 4 octaves, while R.T. only has 3, or rather translates to 3 octaves.  

By the way, converting from DS to MOD can take a significant amount of time, so don't worry too much.  

Now, about that interesting little window located at the beginning of the second third of the screen: this window is not simple, it is golden, and it is intended for titling the composition. It can only be called from the disk options.  

EXIT, wherever it appears - is the exit to the main menu.  

The ABOUT button is not very interesting due to its monotony. You shouldn't press it too often.  

SETUP - will allow you to forcibly disable on some glitchy computers:  

Kempston MOUSE  
Kempston JOYSTICK  
and also change the disk drive.  

The arrow buttons change the value in the windows to the left or above you.  

Now let's take a look at the sample editor (almost an editor). First, the picture:  

SMP.ED. - will take you to the sample editor. Well, it still has a long way to go to become a normal editor, of course.  

Sample editor buttons:  

LOAD - load a sample, but not as it may seem at first glance. First, you need to select the desired sample in the directory and press ENTER.  

The selected sample will move to the right window but will not load.  

You need to place all the samples you need in the right window. Then press the REL button. All samples will be loaded one by one. This inconvenience is inevitable, and I ask you not to blame me. This is a limitation of the firmware of the music board - after all, it was created for SOUNDING TOYS, and for writing a music editor, some amount of refinement needs to be made to the firmware, which is actually being done at a not very hurried pace.  

DEL - erases the selected sample.  

SAVE - unloads the selected sample.  

The buttons at the bottom are for setting the volume, looping, and note offset of the instrument.  

Let's only break down the last one:  

FINETUNE - sets the smooth note offset of this instrument. I don't know what to measure it in, it just changes the pitch very smoothly.  

If suddenly everything freezes or resets, if there are individual errors or shortcomings, and they will be found, rest assured, and if you haven't found them, then you haven't used the editor much, in this case, please don't hesitate to inform the author about all the glitches.  

Phone in St. Petersburg (812)535-30-65 (Vladimir)  

Then in the next versions, I hope there will be fewer or none at all.  

Well, that's all, I guess. Until we meet again, friends.  

Contents of the publication: ZX Format #07

• From the Authors
  Update on SMUC, distribution issues, and plans for future ZX Format issues. Authors address outdated SMUC info and distribution problems of ZF-6. Upcoming content includes game descriptions and new projects.
• Аторы журнала
  Contact information and editorial team details for ZX-Format No.7. Provides mailing and electronic addresses, as well as contact phone numbers. Information on the availability of their website and specific contact instructions.
• Содержание номера
  The article provides an overview of notable software releases on the St. Petersburg market for autumn. It also includes detailed descriptions of games, programming tips, and hardware projects. Interviews, philosophical tales, and reader letters enrich the issue.
• Игрушки - Welcome
  An overview of software novelties for ZX Spectrum, including games like 'Los Angeles Drugs Bust' and 'Jungle Warfare'. Each game description provides insights into graphics, gameplay, and features. A variety of genres from action to strategy are covered, showcasing the diversity of software offerings.
• Игрушки - Алешкин А.В.
  The article describes the game 'TAI-PAN' as an arcade-economic game set in the 19th-century East, focusing on trading and survival amidst pirates and danger. It details the gameplay mechanics, such as trading goods, managing finances, and navigating seas with different ships. Despite its engaging plot and interface, the game didn't achieve much popularity in Russia.
• Игрушки - Soft
  A whimsical narrative in a fantastical world where colors converse with the Last, a character recounting tales of ancient humans, coders, and a mysterious past. The story explores themes of language, translation, and the creation of 'the Last' amidst fantastical beings like flying hippos and sea giraffes. It serves as a fictional narrative with humorous elements, blending science fiction with satire.
• Игрушки - Alex ASP
  A parody on Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' named 'Bored of the Rings' by Delta 4 is explored. The text references adaptations, humorous adventures of characters like Fordo and Bimbo, and differing versions from Delta 4 over the years. Anticipated prequels and correspondence excerpts with Delta 4's Fergus McNeill are mentioned.
• Игрушки - Гил-Гелад
  The article provides a detailed guide on navigating the 3D Construction Kit interface for ZX Spectrum. It explains menu options for file management, game setup, and in-game conditions. Additionally, it covers object creation, editing, and logic implementation within the program.
• Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
  The article concludes the description of BB commands and provides tips on their usage. It details the usage of the CLOCK command for time and alarm management on ZX Spectrum. Additionally, it explains the SORT command for array sorting and introduces new logical and mathematical functions.
• Программистам - Angel
  Introduction to assembly programming for beginners, covering basic concepts and commands. Detailed explanation of processor registers and flags, with examples. Offers practical advice on transitioning from Basic to assembly language.
• Программистам - GreenFort
  Discussion on fast calculations in assembler for tasks like vector graphics and astronomy. Describes procedures for binary division and multiplication, with examples for different byte sizes. Highlights the adaptability of these methods for increased precision.
• Программистам - TP, Stinger
  Detailed technical description of the Mod file format for music composition on ZX Spectrum, focusing on structure and data offsets for title, instruments, and patterns.
• Программистам - Research
  The article describes the capabilities and limitations of the Convert program, focusing on its use for converting images to the BMC format. It includes technical details about the program's functions, such as dithering methods, sprite and screen format output, and the removal of extraneous dots. Additionally, the article briefly discusses the source code of X-Color and its potential applications.
• Обзор
  The article discusses the ENLiGHT'97 demo-party held in St. Petersburg on August 24, 1997, featuring platforms like Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. The event attracted around 1100 delegates, leading to overcrowding and technical issues, which caused the cancellation of the second day. Despite these issues, the event was generally enjoyable, and there is hope for another event in 1998.
• Обзор
  Review of VideoFAIR exhibition in Manezh with highlights on video and audio equipment. Amiga-service and various companies showcased their technological advancements in video editing and broadcast systems. Notable innovations include 3D laser-scanned displays and professional audio solutions.
• Железо - Nemo
  Discussion of KAY technology export to decentralize Spectrum production. Highlights potential benefits and challenges of local manufacturing. Emphasizes quality assurance and support systems.
• Железо
  The article describes the development of a new Scorpion motherboard, focusing on enhancing graphics, speed, and compatibility with modern peripherals like IBM keyboards and mice. It introduces the GMX (Graphic Memory Extension) board, designed to upgrade existing Scorpion models to match the capabilities of the new motherboard. The GMX board offers significant improvements in memory, graphics, and processing speed, while maintaining compatibility with ZX Spectrum and Pentagon standards.
• Железо
  The article provides a detailed overview of two popular audio amplifiers for ZX Spectrum users in St. Petersburg. It highlights the advantages and specifications of the 2 X 2W low-voltage amplifier and the 2 X 22W car amplifier. The article also includes a price list and ordering instructions through the 'Nemo' company.
• Примьера
  The article describes the improvements and features of the Turbo Assembler version 1.1 for ZX Spectrum. It highlights the differences from version 1.0, such as bug fixes, screen size changes, and added features like line editor and syntax checking. It also details the memory allocation and provides a guide on using the editor and compiler functions.
• Примьера - STS
  Description of the Riff Tracker MOD-editor for General Sound, its features, and functionalities. Provides detailed instructions on using editing and sample management. Notes on the current version limitations and expected improvements.
• Примьера - Paul Atrides, Alex Noman
  Presentation of Oberon Creative Pack, consisting of ZX-WinWord and Sprite Cutter. ZX-WinWord is a text editor combining text and graphics with advanced features. Sprite Cutter allows sprite creation and manipulation in various formats.
• Примьера
  Presentation of the second demo version of the game Headball by ZX-Masters, discussing its features and improvements since the first demo. The game offers two-player mode, four levels, three types of projectiles, various options, and computer difficulty settings. Availability of Turbo mode and enhanced synchronization and animation make it unique among other Spectrum games.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with Digital Reality about ongoing projects like DOOM and Paradise Lost. Discussion of challenges and progress in game development. Preview of their submissions for the ENLiGHT event.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with members of the newly formed group EXTREME. They work on demos for Spectrum and Amiga platforms and discuss their team members and activities. The interview also touches upon the state of the Amiga scene in Moscow.
• Интервью - Борис Прытков
  Interview with Samara-based Spectrum enthusiasts discussing their achievements and challenges. Emphasis on community building and publication of Oberon magazine. Efforts to establish a Spectrum network and convert the game WALKER.
• Интервью - Борис Прытков
  The article is an interview with members of the group Flash inc. discussing their projects for ZX Spectrum and PC, including a music editor with an innovative interface and a new multicolor graphic editor.
• Интервью - Михаил Акимов
  Interview with Moscow-based group Progress discussing their current work on Spectrum demos, plans for future projects on Amiga, and opinions on the Russian demoscene.
• Интервью - Михаил Акимов
  Interview with Felix about changes in the tech landscape, the enduring appeal of Amiga despite PC dominance, and his work on 'Winnie the Pooh - 2' for Spectrum.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with Slash about the ENLiGHT event, including sponsorship issues, attendee behavior, and the quality of music and demos. Discussion of the current state of the Spectrum and Amiga markets. Commentary on music trackers and the future of hardware development.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with V. Mednonogov after ENLiGHT'97 discussing impressions of the event, future of Spectrum, and his current project 'Black Raven'. Mednonogov shares his views on new hardware and software development and the importance of copyright. He also discusses his plans for upcoming projects and the challenges faced in game development.
• Здесь был ты
  A satirical guide to gaining power and invisibility using magical rituals and Orbit gum.
• Здесь был ты - Saggitarius
  A contemplative novella about a man's existential journey after encountering a mysterious individual offering a device called the Stop Crane. Through flashbacks, the protagonist reflects on his life, uniqueness, and his desire to break free from societal constraints. Ultimately, he faces the moral dilemma of using the Stop Crane to transcend time and existence.
• Почта - Eagle Soft
  Critique of ZX-Spectrum software, highlighting the limitations of current programs and recommending the removal of outdated tools. Discussion on the limitations of assembly programs and the need for more efficient assemblers like M80. Evaluation of current music and graphic editors, with a focus on the redundancy of certain applications.
• Почта
  Discussion of reader inquiries on ZX Format distribution and content. Responses include details on acquiring issues and technical insights on the KAY-256 computer. The magazine also addresses criticism of its market outlook article.
• Почта
  This advertisement highlights XL Design Inc.'s software distribution campaign, offering games like 'Plutonia' and upcoming releases such as 'Mortal Kombat'. Mouse controllers are promoted with humorous selling points and pricing details. Studio LOGROS provides a wide range of software and peripherals, with options for local and remote purchases.
• Разное - Александр Сысоев
  The article discusses the creation of an RPG game by the OBERON GROUP, inspired by 'Eye of Beholder'. It describes the game's humorous plot set in a distant galaxy and the battle against invaders on a planet named Agima. The team invites musicians, artists, coders, and scriptwriters for collaboration.
• Разное - Viator
  The article describes the development of a new graphics editor called STATE OF THE ART for ZX Spectrum, aiming to improve upon existing editors like ART-STUDIO and ARTIST-2. The team AVALON, inspired by feedback from the SPECCY artist community, incorporates features from editors on Amiga and PC, while also addressing specific user requests. Key features include a user-friendly interface, enhanced magnify mode, advanced shape and window manipulation, and optimized performance.
• Разное
  Discussion on enhancing consumer quality of Spectrum computers without altering their technical specifications. Suggestions include improving existing support, developing platform ideology, and structural changes. The article also touches on the potential of electronic books and their commercial viability.
• Amiga Club - Максим Петров
  The article describes the author's admiration for the Amiga computer, emphasizing its aesthetic and technical merits compared to other platforms. It explores the author's programming experiences on Amiga, highlighting its efficiency and the impressive capabilities of its new hardware upgrades. The article concludes by reflecting on the unique community and passion of Amiga enthusiasts.