Alcatech RCP-2001-A, RCP-2001-B, RCP-1001 User Manual

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RC V3

RCP-1001

RCP-2001-A

RCP-2001-B

BPM Studio 4 Pro

Content

BPM Studio

Introduction 1

The installation of software 2 and of remote control units

Description of the program 3

1.01. About this manual ....................................... 8

1.02. System requirements .................................. 8

1.03. Package contents ........................................ 9

2.01. Software installation .................................... 9

2.02. Connection of remote control units ............... 12

2.03. Hardware reset ............................................ 12

2.04. The First Program Start ............................... 13

2.05. Defining Remote Control Unit Parameters .... 13

2.06. Defining Driver and Audio Parameters ........ 14

3.01. The Program Window of BPM Studio ....... 16

3.02. Player ........................................................ 17

3.02.1. Basic Functions .......................................... 17

3.02.2. Working with DirectCue keys ....................... 18

3.02.3. Pitch and Master Tempo ............................. 18

3.02.4. Fine Adjustment of Sliders ........................... 19

3.02.5. Realtime BPM Counter ............................... 19

3.02.6. The Player Window ..................................... 20

3.03. Playlist ....................................................... 21

3.03.1. Basic Functions ......................................... 21

3.03.2. Waitlist, Single List Mode ............................ 22

3.03.3. Ajustable Column Width and Content ........ 23

3.04. Preview Player ........................................... 14

3.05. File- and Playlist archive ........................... 22

3.05.1. File Archive ................................................ 24

3.05.2. Playlist Archive ............................................ 26

3.05.3. Playlist History Function .............................. 26

3.05.4. Adjustable Column Width and Content ........ 27

3.05.5. Sor ting Order .............................................. 27

3.06. Loop Sampler ........................................... 28

3.06.1. Using the Loop Sampler ............................. 28

3.06.2. The Loop Sampler display .......................... 29

3.07. Sample Player ...................................... 29

3.07.1. Editing Samples, and Assigning to keys ...... 30

BPM Studio

Content

Description of the program 3

3.08. Sample Editor ........................................... 31

3.08.1. Sample Block functions .............................. 31

3.08.2. Sample Channel functions ......................... 31

3.09. Cross Fader ............................................... 33

3.10. BPM Counter ............................................. 34

3.10.1. Monitor Player of BPM Counter .................. 34

3.10.2. BPM deter mining in manual mode .............. 35

3.10.3. BPM deter mining in automatic mode .......... 35

3.11. File Editor ................................................. 36

3.11.1. Loading and displaying a title ....................... 36

3.11.2. Adjusting display range ............................... 36

3.11.3. Marking ranges, and exporting into files ....... 37

3.11.4. Adjusting volume and pitch ......................... 37

3.11.5. The Toolbar ................................................. 37

3.11.6. Functions of different markers ..................... 37

3.11.7. Working with Cue Points .............................. 38

3.12. File Info Box ............................................... 39

3.13. Mixer .......................................................... 40

3.13.1. Audio channels ............................................ 40

3.13.2. The Equalizer .............................................. 41

3.13.3. Loading and stor ing equalizer settings ......... 41

3.13.4. Recoder ..................................................... 42

3.13.5. Compressor/Limiter (AGC) ......................... 43

3.14. MP3 Stream Modul .................................. 46

3.15. CD-Player / CD Writer ............................... 48

3.15.1. CD-Reader ................................................. 48

3.15.2. Encoding Audio-CDs ................................... 48

3.15.3. CDDB-Quer y ............................................... 49

3.15.4. Copying Audio CDs (Ripping) ...................... 49

3.15.5. "CD at once" Mode of theCD Player ............ 50

3.15.6. Encoder ..................................................... 50

3.15.7. CD-Writer ................................................... 51

3.15.8. Creating Audio-CDs .................................... 52

3.15.9. Creating Daten-CDs ................................... 53

3.15.10. System test in test mode ............................ 54

3.15.11. Deleting CD-RW's ....................................... 54

Content

BPM Studio

Description of the program 3

3.16. BPM Print Designer ................................. 55

3.16.1. Star ting BPM Print Designer ........................ 55

3.16.2. Expor t list window ....................................... 56

3.16.3. Print preview window ................................... 58

3.17. BPM Studio Server Components ............. 60

3.18. BPM Studio File Formats .......................... 61

3.19. Program Options ...................................... 62

3.19.1. Presets ....................................................... 62

3.19.2. Options ..................................................... 63

3.19.3. Audio I/O .................................................... 65

3.19.4. Stor ing ........................................................ 67

3.19.5. CDDA-Copy ................................................. 68

3.19.6. CD-Writer ................................................... 70

3.19.7. Remote Control ........................................... 73

3.19.8. User Administration ..................................... 75

3.19.9. Ser ver components ..................................... 76

3.20. Additional Functions ................................. 77

3.20.1. Normalize Function ...................................... 77

3.20.2. Suchen Dialog ............................................. 77

3.20.3. Monitor Functions ........................................ 77

3.20.4. The BPM Database ..................................... 78

3.20.5. The PreAmp Function (Limiter) ................... 78

3.20.6. The Backup- and Update Functions ............. 78

3.20.7. Interface for Visualisation Plugins ............... 78

3.21. User Administration ................................. 79

3.21.1. In General ................................................... 79

3.21.2. User specific settings ................................. 79

3.21.3. Example Configurations .............................. 81

3.22. Network Functions ................................... 82

3.22.1. Adressing MP3 files .................................... 82

3.22.2. Network File Archives .................................. 83

3.22.3. Example Configuration ................................. 85

BPM Studio

Content

First Steps with 4 BPM Studio Software

4.01. Where can I get MP3 files? ...................... 86

4.02. How can I play MP3 files? ......................... 86

4.03. Beat-Matching with BPM Studio ............... 87

4.04. How do I work with Playlists? ................. 89

4.04.1. Adding titles to a Playlist ............................ 89

4.04.2. Modifying the title order ............................... 89

4.04.3. Stor ing a Playlist ......................................... 90

4.04.4. Loading a Playlist from hard drive ............... 90

4.04.5. Drag&Drop functionality of Playlists ............ 90

4.04.6. Adding a Playlist to the Archive ................... 90

4.04.7. Loading a Playlist from the Archive

into a player ................................................ 91

4.04.8. Merging a Playlist to an already loaded list .. 91

4.04.9. Adding title sequences of a Playlist

to an already loaded list .............................. 91

4.04.10. Screening titles ............................................ 91

4.05. Creating Fades between titles .................. 92

4.06. How can I change title information? ......... 94

4.07. Ripping and Archiving of Audio-CDs ....... 95

4.08. How do I use the Sampler most efficient? 98

4.08.1. Single Play ................................................. 98

4.08.2. Scratch Mode .............................................. 99

4.08.3. Configur ing the Sample Player .................... 99

ALCATech RC Units:

Remote Control RC V3 5

Remote Control RCP-1001 6

Remote Control 7 RCP-2001 A+B8

5.01. RC V3 view ................................................ 100

5.02. RC V3 description ....................................... 101

5.03. RC V3 and fader start .................................. 104

6.01. RCP-1001 view ........................................... 106

6.02. RCP-1001 description ................................. 107

6.03. RCP-1001 and fader start ............................ 112

7.01. RCP-2001-A front view ............................... 113

7.02. RCP-2001-B front view .............................. 114

7.03. RCP-2001 reverse view .............................. 114

Content

BPM Studio

Professional work 8 with the Remote Control RCP-2001

Appendix 9

7.04. RCP-2001 description ................................. 115

7.05. RCP-2001 and fader start ........................... 122

8.01. Working with Loop Player ......................... 124

8.01.1. Recording and reproduction of the loop ....... 124

8.01.2. Recording using AutoLoop function ............. 125

8.01.3. Loop stor ing ................................................ 126

8.01.4 Loop storing by a DirectCue key .................. 126

8.01.5. Loop stor ing by a Sample Player key ........... 126

8.01.6. Deleting of the Loop Player ......................... 126

8.01.7. Editing a Loop ............................................. 127

8.01.8. Beat-Stepping ............................................. 127

8.02. Working with DirectCue buttons .............. 130

8.02.1. Define a standard Cue-Point ....................... 130

8.02.2. Editing of a Cue-Point ................................. 130

8.02.3. Beat-Stepping .............................................. 131

8.02.4. Stor ing of a Cue-Point by a DirectCue key ... 131

8.02.5. Setting DirectCue Points on-the-fly .............. 132

8.02.6. Editing of DirectCue Points ......................... 132

8.02.7. Deleting of DirectCue Points ....................... 132

8.02.8. Deleting of all DirectCue Points

and the Loop Player .................................... 132

8.03. Beat-Stepping .......................................... 133

9.01. Keyboard use .............................................. 134

9.02. Tips and instructions ................................... 136

9.03. Support, Contakt ........................................ 137

9.04. Glossary .................................................... 138

BPM Studio

Introduction

Congratulations to your purchase of BPM Studio!

With BPM Studio software and control units from ALCATech, you have exceptional systems for audio editing and administration at your disposition. With your purchase, you hav e chosen to follow a completely new way in multimedia applications. BPM studio is a next generation audio-player, providing all new ways of playing, editing, and archiving audio files. These systems have been developed explicitly for dance clubs and DJs, although, due to their wide spectrum of features, they are utilized in many other areas as well. Currently BPM Studio is the only software on the market, capable of playing and archiving different audio file formats to the extend it does. An unparalleled feature is the opportunity to conveniently control the system with 19” rack mount control units. An e xperienced Team of DJs has tested this software in professional use, while still in it’s development phase. It is subject to frequent quality control, and improvement. A modern design, ergonomic user interface, and the remote control units allow for save handling even under most difficult circumstances. You will be surprised about the many new opportunities BPM Studio will offer you, regardless if you are an entrylevel user or a professional. To ensure that you will be able to take advantage of the programs extensive features, and wo rk effectively with it, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly study this manual. BPM Studio is available as professional level MP-3 DJ software, supporting remote control operation by one or more 19” controllers. Different controllers are available, distinguishing themselves by different numbers of available features, and price. You can determine the version you have purchased, by chec king the sticker on your box. Also available in this product family is BPM Studio Gastro, ( a six fold MP-3 player, capable of serving audio output to six independent areas of a building) and a personal edition. More information about this product is available on our web page, or at your nearest retail store.

1.01. About this Manual

The BPM Studio Manual provides detailed information about operating soft- and hardware. It is intended to help you with your initial phase of working with this system, and to provide answers to frequently asked questions. It is recommended to install the software before studying this manual. To do so, follow the instructions in the following chapter. Also, this chapter covers system requirements, and delivered supply. This manual requires you to be familiar with your operating systems major functions and conventions, as well as knowing how to use your mouse. Bold and underlined terms are covered more extensively at another part of the manual. This part of the manual covers functions of different control units . Please be aware that not all functions are available at all control units.

1.02. System Requirement

To use BPM Studio you need the following

 IBM compatible Pentium® PC at least III-700  128 MB RAM (better are 512 MB)  20 MB available hard drive space

for program files  SVGA graphics adapter with a minimum resolution of 1024x768  16 Bit sound card (better a professional

multichannel sound card)

 40x CD-ROM Drive  Windows® 98, Windows® ME,

Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP

 Parallel port LPT1 or USB Port for dongle  Serial port COM 1 or 2

(if an ALCATech RC unit is used)

Installation

BPM Studio

1.03. Supply

Please make sure that following parts are present:

1. BPM Studio Pro CD

2. Dongle (Hardware Copy Protection for printer port LPT1

3. Manual

4. Registering post card

5. RC unit with, depending on box sticker, with

- Power supply unit

- serial cable

(or USB Port, optionally)

2.1. Software Installation

This program needs to be installed to your hard drive from your CD. It can not be e xecuted directly from CD. Whenev er working with BPM Studio, the supplied dongle needs to be installed to your

computers printer port LPT1 (or USB Port)

If you are installing an upgrade to version 4, you must install into the original directory, if you want to further use the file archive and user administration settings. Please refer to paragraph 10 of this chapter.

3.) Insert your installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.

4.) If your PC has auto notify enabled, the installation program will now be started. If this isn’t the case, choose run in your Windows start menu, and enter: ”D:\setup”, D representing your CD-ROM drives drive letter.

5.) Now the setup for the main application, additional modules, and the online manuals will start.

Choose install BPM Studio to start the installation.

1.) Plug the supplied dongle into the printer port LPT1 (or USB Port) of your PC. (If you have already installed a printer on this port, simply link your dongle between printer cable and your PC’s printer port.)

2.) If you have purchased BPM Studio together with a 19” control unit, connect it to a serial port, (COM1, COM2), using the supplied serial cable. Also connect your unit with the power supply unit to a wall outlet. Read also 2.2., Connecting the control unit

6.) Clicking [YES] will confirm the installation. You can still abort at this point. If you confirm, installation files will be copied to your hard drive.

7.) Now setup will prompt you to ensure that no other applications are running during the installation process. At this point too , you still have the option to abort the installation, by clicking on [CANCEL]

BPM Studio

8.) If you proceed by clicking [next], setup will display the ALCATech end user license agreement

Please read it carefully and only continue the installation process if you agree to adhere to the license terms. Confirm you agree with the license agreement by clicking the [YES] button.

Installation

9.) At this point register your version of Dongle Server Tools to your name by entering your first and last name and, if applicable, your companies name. Click [NEXT] to confirm.

10.) Now, optionally, you can specify a path for the program files, other than the default. It is recommended though to use the default path, since this simplifies possible support questions later on. The path to the default directory is: c:\program files\alcatech\BMP Studio Pro.

If you install an upgrade from BPM Studio light, or Home, and you want to keep using your file archive and user administration settings, you have to install the upgrade into the old directory. If

this is the case, specify the path by using the [BROWSE] button. (e.g. C:\program files\alcatech\BPM Studio Home).

If you are not sure where these files are located, you can determine the path the working directory by right clicking on the BMP Studio icon on your desktop, and choosing “properties”. The field TARGET indicates the location of these files. By clicking [NEXT] you can proceed to the next step.

Installation

BPM Studio

11.) The following dialog box confir ms that new entries have been created into the Windo ws start menu for BPM Studio LE, and other useful links.

Of course you have the option to use another, already existing group, or to rename this entry. You can always go back by clicking the [BACK] button.

12.) The unpacked program files will now be copied to your hard drive, according to the previously defined parameters. Throughout this process you will continuously be informed about installation progress, and remaining storage capacity of your hard drive

13.) Upon completing this process, according entries will be added to your Windows registry, and program shortcuts will be created in the start menu:

Please be patient at this point, since this may take a little while

14.) In order to complete and apply changes made to your system, a Windows restart is now required. You also have the option to cancel and restart the system later, this is not recommended though.

After a system reboot several shortcuts will be added to the windows start menu.

Also, a BPM Studio icon has been created on the desktop. Now you can start BPM Studio for the first time.

BPM Studio

2.02. Connecting the Remote Control Unit

1.) Connect the control unit [38] to a free serial port of your PC (e.g. COM2) using the supplied cable. You may also use a different cable, as long as the length does not exceed a maximum of 15 meters (45 ft.). It is recommended to use cables not longer than 10 meters. (30 ft.)

2.) Connect the supplied power supply unit [39] with the control unit, and plug in to a power outlet.

The connection of the Remote Control is also possible by USB Port. Therefore a special USBserial adapter is available by ALCATech.

Installation

2.03. Hardware Reset

Control units RCV-1001 and RCP-2001 come with own integrated processors and firmware. Should stable operation ever be disrupted by external influence, the control unit can be restarted by pushing the reset button. If the software is running, it will automatically detect if the control unit has proceeded it’s internal boot process, and resume normal operation. To reset, push in sequence the track-selector and cue key of play er A and B. Upon pushing the last key (cue key of pla y er B) the unit will reset, and reboot. After completed system boot, the display will show a message stating that the unit is working again.

Installation

BPM Studio

2.04. The First Program Start

Double click the program icon on the desktop or, from your windows start menu choose:

programs -> ALCATech -> BPM Studio. The prog ram will now start, and ask if you want the small player to be default player for MP3 files. If you do not want the player to be your default program for such files, click no. You can also prevent this dialog from showing at the next program start, by checking the “don’t ask me again” check box.

Upon this, the program will search for all local MP-3 files on your system, The search result will be shown in the “HARD DRIVE” group in File Archive.

Now the PC’s serial ports defined in the program options will be scanned for ALCATech remote control units. If one is found, the program will announce so. Now you can start your work. Read our step-by-step instructions how to get familiar with the hard- and software, and how to create file and play lists.

2.05. Defining Remote Control Unit Parameters

BPM Studio remote control units allow for variable, individual settings. Thus, for example, the pitch slider can be used either to adjust the pitch value or, alternatively as the player’s volume control. T o adjust such settings, choose “options” in the players pop up menu (Right click into the play list area), and click on the control unit tab.

In this tab you can, depending on your control unit model, make different adjustments, and modifications. Please refer to detail descriptions, ALCATech remote control units, from chapter 6 on later in this manual, for this. Also refer to program options, chapter 3.7.

BPM Studio

Installation

2.06. Defining Driver and Audio parameters

BPM studio offers extensive features, and therefore requires more system resources than simpler MP-3 players like WinAMP™ f or example. The capability of playing 10 MP-3 files simultaneously, or various channel signal output for example, demand a well configured PC. Further BPM Studio offers extensive possibilities to manipulate audio engine settings. The audio engine represents the core of BPM Studio, and is responsible for highest quality play backs with shortest possible remote control latency intervals.

Therefore make sure of the following:

1.) Every sound card in your system must have it’s own, assigned IRQ. This interrupt can not be shared with other system components.

2.) Also the serial port used to connect the remote control unit must have it’s own, unshared interrupt.

3.) Background programs, like real time virus scanners, power- and print management, etc. should be deactivated.

4.) For utmost compatibility to various different sound cards, BPM Studio provides various different driver models:

Kernel driver:

the fastest

Direct Sound driver:

drivers up to150..300ms (!)

MME Wave driver:

buffer size, and program chosen options

ASIO/EASI driver:

defined manually in the ASIO drivers program options

4..13ms, this driver is definitely

20..30ms, when emulating

70..180ms, depending on

20..50ms, latency is usually

This suggests to prefer the Kernel, or Direct Sound driver, since both work on the kernel level of the operating system, and therefore operate rather independent from the systems user resource. The ASIO, and Wave drivers also wo rk rather stable, and are especially suitable for background music, like in dance schools, restaurants, etc. BPM Studio supports Wave drivers, since they are available for almost any sound card, and usually provide smooth operation. Normally they are also deployable under Windows NT.

Direct Sound Driver:

This is the fastest and most stable common driver . Depending on hardware outfit, it allows switching from Cue to Play within 20 to 30ms. For the demanding DJ, who is very conscious about mixing on single-beat level accuracy, utilizing the Cue/Play- and loop functions to accomplish this, this driver is essential. Although, if your sound card is compatible with the kernel driver, it should be preferred, since it has even shorter latency intervals while still maintaining stability.

Kernel Driver:

This device driver, developed by ALCATech, addresses the sound card on a very low kernel mode level. Due to the ver y high priority kernel drivers have within the system, they provide shortest latency intervals from 4..13ms, while still maintaining system stability. The ker nel driver utilizes common driver functionalities like direct sound for example, and therefore supports many different cards, even models that, for the reason of unavailable direct sound drivers, had to be used with ASIO wave drivers, and therefore tended to produce drop outs. Ex version 4.2 the Kernel driver is also able to

operate under Windows® 2000 and Windows® XP . So, this operating systems can be used as full multimedia systems, too.

Especially the new DirectCue, and loop functions require minimal latency intervals, and fastest reaction times. Therefore you should try to keep latency and buffer size to a minimum.

Installation

BPM Studio

ASIO Driver:

This driver developed by Steinberg, serves as interface for many multi channel sound cards. It is usually a bit slower than direct sound driver, and, in user mode, tends to drop out, if system resources are low. For the most practical operations, where background music is the only objective, they work sufficiently well and stable though. Usually latency is anywhere between 6 and 50ms, and can usually be adjusted in the driver options. T o a vert drop outs when using BPM Studio, latency should be set to 20..46ms. The best value is usually determined by trying out. Some tested cards have been reported to operate unstable, when used with this driver.

EASI driver:

This drivers, developed by Ematic, perfor mance in regards of stability , and functionality equals the ASIO drivers. As a matter of f act, it was dev eloped as Ematics answer to Steinberg’s ASIO. All statements made about the ASIO, can be applied to the EASI as well, since these two drivers hardly differ at all, although the Ematic driver is only sporadically supported, and therefore is of almost no importance.

Wave driver (wave out):

This is a very stable driver that can be used instead of direct sound drivers, although it has higher latency times. On multi channel cards not supporting direct sound, or ASIO drivers, this is the only possibility though, to address different channels separately. This driver is well suitable for background music, but hardly for live DJs at all. Latency times are located between 120 and 200ms.

All important audio engine, and sound driver settings are defined on the “Audio IO” tab , located in the program options. Read in the according chapter 3.7. How to adjust BPM Studio’s sound card utilization to fit your needs.

Should you encounter problems playing titles with BPM Studio try at first to change the following parameters.

Size of BPM Studio’s internal buffer. Change this value if you occasionally experience dropouts when playing titles, or the players don’t start right.

Size of the drivers buffer. Change this value if you can not achieve clean audio playback. (This value can only be edited when using wave drivers.

Lowest Latency

BPM Studio operates with smallest buffer sizes, and latency times. Deactivate this check box if you experience difficulties with your sound card.

This option enables you to manually enter the latency interval of your driver. If necessar y increase this value until you achieve clean playback.

Select the driver most suitable for your needs res. available fo r your sound card in BPM Studio. If you should encounter difficulties in using BPM Studio, change the driver type.

To use BPM Studio’s monitor functions, you have to perform a sound card test. Further information about this can be found in the according chapter: Monitor functions.

BPM Studio

The Program Window

3.01. The Program Window of BPM Studio

The program window contains following modules:

Player A Player B Play list for player A Play list for player B Sample Player BPM File Archive

The lower and center areas (play list, and file archive) are multi functional.

The appearance of the program window can be changed completely. (Skin support) In program options (Chapter 3.18.), choose a skin you like. On the ALCATech website, (www.alcatech.com) a “design-pack” with tools and hints for your own skin creation is available for download.

The center are, containing both play lists, can be switched to single play list, or wait list view. The lower area displays optionally either file archive, mixer, or CD-player/ripper. Read the referring sections on how to switch to the according sub modules. The following chapter covers structure, and functionality of these modules in detail. To quickly get into working with BPM Studio, we recommend the step-by-step instructions in chapter 4.

Player

3.02. Player

BPM Studio

If a title has been ripped using the CDat-once feature, Chapter 3.15..5, you can navigate with the right muse button, and the track keys within this title.

Loop/Search keys:

3.2.1. Basic Functions

The player controls playback of audio files and one or more CD-ROM drives, if audio CDs are inserted. Besides the functions of a analog CD players, a vast number of additional features is available, which are only achie vable by utilizing a PC. Str ucture and ergonomic design allow for professional use, and make readjusting from commercial double-CD-players easy. All titles can easily be inserted and played from a play list, or a BPM file archive by drag&drop. Also simply double clicking on it in the according play list, can load, and start playing a title. Further, it is possible to start a title from your hard drive over the pop up menu. Also at the remote control unit (only RCP 1001 and 2001), by using the track selector button, titles can be selected and started.

Track Keys:

Jumps to the beginning of the title If title has played less than two seconds, jumps to previous title.

Jumps to the next title in the play list.

Position slider.

Left mouse button:

button remains pressed, search speed will continuously be increased.

Right mouse button:

mode, if mouse button remains pressed, player will continue search at constant speed. If the search keys are used with the right mouse button during regular play mode, they behave like common fast forward and fast back keys.

go into loop mode, if mouse

Player will go into loop

Player will

Play mode (switch):

Single play stops the player at the end

title will be started immediately.

of the current title, otherwise the next

Loop, repeats current title indefinitely

Shuffle, plays titles in random order Tempo, switches between pitch and

master speed

Main functions:

Play / Pause: When switching from

pause to play , the main cue-point will be newly set. When the player is

button will slow it down, if the player is stopped, right clicking will accelerate it. (BRAKE function.)

running, pressing the right mouse

BPM Studio

Player

Stops the player, and repositions to current cue point. When holding this button for 2 sec., it can reposition either to current cue point, or title start.

Plays title from last cue point on.

Optionally, the alter native cue point function can be activated in the program options. This will cause the player to play as long as the CUP key remains held. Upon releasing it, the player will reposition back to the cue point.

3.02.2. Working with DirectCue buttons

DirectCue buttons offer the ability to start a title from up to 6 cue point positions on, by pressing a button. The cue points can optionally be placed on the player display via the pop up menu. A light blue dot, indicates that a cue point has been assigned to a particular button.

3.02.3 Pitch, and Master Speed

With these two functions the playback speed of a title is manipulated, and subsequently, the BPM value. Pitch function, contrary to master speed also raises the audio frequency . These two functions are used for title speed adjustment when mixing. The

universal buttons and , can be programmed for different

variation ranges. Assigned by default are:

Pitch:

A: +/- 8%, B: +/- 16%, and C: +/- 24%

Master Tempo:

A: +/- 4%, B: +/- 8%, and C: +/- 12%

Switches pitch function on or of for this particular player

Pitch Bend, decreases speed continuously

Pitch Bend increases speed continuously

BPM Match, assumes the BPM value of the other player

An orange dot indicates the cue point currently loaded into the player. To save any given position within a title as cue point, click on the M icon in the display, and subsequent click a cue point button, to assign the marked position to it. With the X icon, cue points can be deleted, using the same procedure. You’ll find a detailed description in chapter 4. First Steps.

with right muse button:

Title will be faded out, and if single play

option is off, the next title in play list will start.

DirectCue points will not be loaded, when in auto-fade mode. Please DO NOT use this mode if you want to use stored DirectCues.

Player

BPM Studio

3.02.4. Fine Adjustment of Sliders

When you click on the scale beside a slider, the pitch range will be changed continuously in 0.1% increments. Thus, depending on mouse pointer position, a value can in- and decreased by very fine nuances.

Player popup menu

Remove a title from the player Load a file directly into the player Retrieves file infor mation Starts the file editor Starts the BPM counter Opens the search dialog box Applies the normalize function on this title Exports this title as WAVE or MP-3 Change title information in the ID3-tag Deletes all defined cue points, fades and playcounter Starts the BPM print designer Opens the program options dialog

3.02.5. Real Time BPM Counter

Both players automatically calculate the exact BPM value of a title, if no value is indicated in the titles ID3-tag. Via pop up menu, ranges from

50..100, 75..150, 100..200, and 150..300, are available, and can easily be inserted into the titles ID3-tag, so that it is not necessary anymore to determine a title’s BPM rate with a separate counter. By clicking [RESET] in the pop up menu, the counter will anew determine the BPM rate, which is useful, for example, to check applied modifications to the ID3-tag.

BPM Studio

Player

3.02.6 The Player Window

In general, the player window is divided in two areas. To the upper left hand area, a titles position within a play list is indicated (TRACK) The center area indicates optionally either past play time (ELAPSED), or remaining play time (REMAIN) You can easily switch between these two modes by either clicking in the area, or on the [TIME] button. You can also switch by pressing the according button on the remote control unit.

10 seconds before play time elapses, this display will start to blink in red, thus indicating the upcoming end of this title.

The top right area optionally indicates the BPM of a particular title (this information is retrieved out of he titles ID3-tag), or it’s pitch value. As before, here you can also define these settings by simply clicking into the area. The bottom left area shows a resource meter (audio data buffer size), followed by a spectrum analyzer. In this display the following modes are available, to be s witched also by mouse clic k into the display area:

OFF (very efficient on resources)

Standard balance display

32 Frequencies display with peak levels

32 Frequencies display without peak levels

64 Frequencies display with peak levels

64 Frequencies display without peak levels

Amplitude, chronological

Scrolling title and performer information

The pop up menu allows you to switch between spectrum analyzer, and cue point buttons menu

Play List

3.03. The Play List

BPM Studio

The following functions are also available:

Creates an empty play list Loads an existing play list Stores a created list to your hard drive. Adds a title to a play list

3.03.1. Basic Functions

Every player has an individual play list. Play lists are used to conveniently arrange ev erything from small title sequences, up to whole event orders. Within the play list, title, performer, BPM, and pla y length of an audio file are displayed. The blue bar marks a title. All play lists can be stored as play list files. (*.lst) Generally there are three ways to insert titles into a play list: The pop up menu’ s [load] function, with

drag&drop out of an archive, or with the button. The title sequence can also be

manipulated, by using drag&drop. A red arrow

assists in this task.

Titles can be send to the player by either drag&drop functionality, or the pop up menu in the player itself. Depending on program settings, the title will then either automatically start, or be loaded, and pause. Die ability to store play lists, allows you to create complete event orders, for events, music genres, show interludes and more. Even importing play lists of other software, like for example WinAMP™ is possible. BPM Studio imports the *.m3u, and *.pls formats.

Titles already in use by the player, (minimum 1 min.) are marked in red.

Deletes an title from a list. Marks all titles in a list Opens the File Info Box

The right hand play list areas consists of a status window, and the monitor player status window functions can be switched to display with a mouse click.

Displays how many titles are in a particular playlist

Indicates the overall play time of a list

Indicates the remaining play time of a list

Due to the ability to store play lists with their according crossfader effects, you can create complete event orders, for events, music genres, show interludes and more. The actual titles though, are only saved once on your system, ev en if they appear in different play lists. Read also chapter Crossfader about how to assign pre defined cross fading effects to titles, or to generate own fades.

BPM Studio

Play List

3.03.2 Wait List, Single List Mode

Aside from the possibility to have different play lists for every player, there is another display variation, the wait list. In this mode , both play lists are merged to one. With crossfader functions

and you can switch between single

list display (play list mode) and dual list display

Pop Up menu for play list

Load title into player Play Title in Monitor Player Remove title from play list Delete title from hard drive Add title to play list Show File Info Box for marked file Starts the file editor Starts the BPM counter for this file Opens the search dialog Starts the normalize function Exports a chosen file into WAVE, or MP-3 format Exchange the artist or title in the ID-3 tag deletes cue points, fades, and play counter Starts the BPM Print Designer Open program options dialog

(wait list mode) When switching from dual to single list display , files will be merged in a comb pattern. When switching back from single to dual mode titles will be arranged in a “even – odd” pattern to the left and right, beginning with title A. Odd numbered titles will be assigned to player A, e ve n numbered titles to player B.

Play List, Preview Player

BPM Studio

3.03.3. Adjustable Column Width and Content

The columns in the play list can freely be resized, or assigned to fields of the ID-3 tag. For example you can display annotations in place of the version, and reduce the column width for artist. To change a column’s width, point the mouse pointer into the head row between to columns. It will change into a bi-directional arrow. Now click, hold, and move to your liking.

The content of a column can be changed as follows: Right click into the head row of the column you want to change.

Here you can choose what content should be displayed in this column. With the “Align” function, you can set the justification of this column to left or right.

With “Reset”, you can restore the default settings. This is especially useful if a column has accidentally been deleted.

Drag&Drop:

Refer to chapter 4.4. (How to w ork with play lists), for a detailed description of BPM Studios drag&drop functionality.

3.4. Preview Player

Preview players are used to screen titles, marked in the play list.

If the “double click loads player” is disabled in program options, a simple double click on a play list entry will start or stop the preview player. To the right of the player a small peak level indicator is located.

The player’s display optionally indicates elapsed time, remaining time, or number of titles in play list.

Preview player controls:

Jump to previous list title Play Stop Jump to next list title

Position slider

Actual play time

The archives preview player can also be controlled with the sample player keys <, 0, and >. Where < serves as BACK, > as FORWARD, and 0 as START, and STOP

BPM Studio

3.5. File- and playlist archive

File- and playlist archive

The many available features of the file and play list archive make it a ideal tool to manage your titles, play lists, and programs, and program archives.

3.05.1 File Archive

By clicking the button in the lower area of mixer, and CD pla yer interfac e, you can change

into the archive mode. The master archive, containing all mp-3 files on your system can be

accessed with the button. Here titles can be categorized by genre, release date, dance

style or other criteria. BPM Studio does not limit the number of categories, and sub categories to be created. The y will be display ed in the left-hand window of file archives. The right hand window shows the content of these categories, like titles, performers, BPM (if available), and play time.

When creating categories, do not use special characters like / or \. Windows will interpret these as sub-directories, which may cause difficulties.

The buttons and allow you to import titles from your hard drives into these categories.

This can also be accomplished by using File Archive’s pop up menu. Once available files have been imported, they can conveniently be dragged, and dropped within categories. (Be reminded though that this will only change a files list position, not it’s location on your hard drive!) This allows convenient, most simple sorting, and archiving of your titles. Also by dragging and dropping, audio files are added to, and positioned in play lists. More functions are available with following buttons:

removes marked files

selects all files in a list inverts the selection

cancels the selection

automatic sorting opens the File Info Box

opens title search dialog

When creating categories, do not use special characters like / or \. Windows will interpret these as sub-directories, which may cause difficulties.

Automatic sorting creates a new file archive structure with all artists as categories, and CD names as sub categories. Clicking on this button again will switch back to the previous view.

File- and playlist archive

Pop up menu in category list

Creates a new category Adds a new sub category Removes a category Renames the category Delete a category’s content Display all categories Closes all categories Opens the search dialog Adds files to a certain category Updates the archive (See additional functions) Back up / restore your files Starts the normalize function Activate/deactivate automatic sort function Starts the BPM Print Designer Open program options dialog

Pop up menu in both archives title lists

BPM Studio

Plays with monitor-player Remove title from list Delete title from hard drive Add titles Opens the File Info Box Opens the file editor Starts BPM Counter Opens the search dialog Starts the normalize function Export file as wave or MP3 Resets Cue, fades, play counter Starts BPM Print Designer Open program options dialog

BPM Studio

File- and playlist archive

3.05.2 Play list Archive

The play list archive is used to conveniently manage play lists of, for example, events, programs, or artists. All play lists can be stored in flexible categories. Loading complete play lists into the player is accomplished by using the same drag & drop functionality as with a single title. You can access the play list archive by clicking

on (If you want to access play list archive from Mixer or Player, you have to switch

to archive mode first by clicking

Not like in file archive, the title sequence will not be changed, and titles can be positioned at multiple locations if they are to be played more

than once. With dragging and dropping, par ts of play lists can be copied and pasted in another list, or as new selection. Buttons in the lower row of the archive, function the same as buttons described in 3.5.1.

3.05.3. Play List History Function

BPM Studio automatically creates a “PLAYED SONGS” category. In this category play logs will be created containing information about what titles have been played on a particular date. This allows you to analyze successful events, and to reuse parts of them at another occasion – simply by dragging and dropping. Also, pr inting of lists of played titles for license royalty payments, or event promoter billing, are no problem with BPM

Print Designer.

Pop up menu of Category list

Create new category Add new play list Remove category, or play list Rename category, or play list Delete content of category Show all sub-categories Close all sub-categories Open search dialog Add files to list Start BPM Print Designer Open Program Options Dialog

File- and playlist archive

BPM Studio

Monitor switch for player A and B. If the monitor player

has it’s own sound card assigned, and monitor functions are enabled in the systems options ( I/O register tab), player A and B output can be configured on monitor out.

In the right lower corner of the file

archive a status display , and another pre view pla yer , f or screening of selected titles, can be found. In the status display the number of titles in the current play list is indicated.

3.05.4. Adjustable column width, and contents

(File Archive and Play List Archive)

The columns in the play list can now be assigned to ID3 tag fields, and resized. F or example, assign annotations to the field that displays the version number, or resize the column for the artist’s name. This way you can configure File Archive to best suit your needs. To change a column width, move your mouse pointer over the line between two columns in the head row of a play list. The mouse pointer will change into a bi-directional arrow. Clic k and hold, and move the line to your liking.

The information a column contains can be changed as follows: Right click the column you wish to modify in the head row, a pop up menu will appear.

In this pop up menu chose what information your column is supposed to display. The “ALIGNMENT” option allows you to choose the columns justification, right or left aligned.

With “RESET”, you can restore the default settings. This is par ticularly useful, if a column has been deleted by accident.

3.05.5. Sorting Order

(Only File Archive)

Titles in File Archive are arranged in alphabetical order. By double clicking into a head row, titles will arranged in order of this columns content. A little arrow in the head row marks this column.

BPM Studio

3.06. Loop Sampler

Loop Sampler

3.06.1. Using the Loop Sampler

Sample will be played into it’ s original direction

Sample will be played backwards Sample will be played alternating

forward and backward

With the loop sampler it is possible to clip sequences from the title playing in the according player, quickly and efficiently; for further processing like editing, playing, or storing for later use. For each pla y er , a loop sampler is a v ailable ,

which can be opened by clicking the [LOOP] button. Loop samplers are independent modules,

which do by no means hinder regular operation of BPM Studio Pro. The oper ation mode of loop samplers is indicated by a blinking, red

dot in the player’ s displa y, located between TIME and PITCH/BPM. It can also be seen in the resource meter of the loop sampler. A red dot stands for recording, while a green dot means playback. In the program options, remote control unit tab, the record, stop, and play functions of the loop sampler can be assigned to the multi purpose

buttons and . Thus it is possible to control loop samplers, without having to display

them.

Sample will be played to monitor channel, instead of player channel

Starts recording Stops both playback and recording Plays the sample Opens a dialog box, to save sample

as file

In the “save file” dialog box, either wave or mp-3 file format can be chosen for the sample

Moves the start point

Moves samples endpoint

Adjusts output level from –99.9 dB to 0 dB

You can drag and drop samples on a player button.

Adjusts playback speed in a range from –20% to +20%

Sample Player

BPM Studio

By utilizing the “+” and “-“ buttons, values can be adjusted with millisecond accuracy. Adjustments can also be made by utilizing the keyboard. The tab key switches back and f orth between the four controllers. Cursor keys change values in millisecond steps, and page up and /down apply 10-millisecond-steps.

3.06.2. The Loop Sampler Display

This display is divided in three parts. To the lower left a resource meter for the sample buffer can be found. The sample buffer is a reserved RAM area of limited size. When exceeding this limit, which is indicated by the resource meter, reaching 100%, the sample will randomly loop through, and only the last recorded part not exceeding the available, reserved memory will be recorded.

3.07. Sample Player

The sample player can manage up to 9 samples, which are available for immediate playback by clicking the according button. A three color LED indicates the player’s status. Green stands for READY, the sample player is ready to go, orange stands for ready in scratch mode. A red LED indicates that the sample player is loading data. While loading, playback is not possible.

The sample player consists of nine, numbered buttons. Each one can be assigned to a particular sample. The maximum sample length depends on available RAM. If a button has a sample

The display to the top right represents the sample graphically. The display right below it shows the following parameters:

- current volume

- current pitch

- Time difference between start of the

sample anddefined insertion point (P-IN)

- Time difference between start of the sample and defined ending point. (P-OUT)

If you want to use the sample at a later time, you have to save it to disk. When dragging a sample on the player, and dropping it, a merely temporary file will be created.

assigned, the number on it appears raised. When clicking this button, the assigned sample will be played. When “SINGLE PLAY” in the program’s pop up menu is deactivated, simultaneous playback of more than one sample is possible.

Sample player has two different pla ybac k modes. In start/stop mode, clicking on the button will start the sample. Clicking on it again will stop it. When in SCRATCH MODE, a button click will start the sample, and every subsequent click will start it anew. You can switch between these two modes either in the pop up menu, or with the keyboards scroll key. The VOLUME control of the sample pla y er allow s adjusting output volume independently from the two player’s volume. With the PITCH control, the sample’s playback speed can be smoothly adjusted. By right clicking on the control you can reset to the zero position.

BPM Studio

Sample Player

With the two and buttons, the sample player output can be assigned to either player A,

or player B. This is only necessary though, if the sample player does not have it’s own sound card assigned, res., if only two output channels are available. (Depending on hard and software outfit of your system) When both players are used with one sound card, these buttons are of no importance. In the pop up menu a LOOP function can be activated, that will play the sample until the assigned number key is clicked again. The pop up menu is opened by right clicking a number

key ( ).

Sample Player Popup Menu

Play sample (equivalent to clicking the button) Activates / deactivates the loop function for this sample

3.07.1. Editing Samples, and Assigning them to Keys

There are two different ways to assign a sample to a number key. Either in the pop up menu, or by dragging it from a play list or the BPM File Archive, or with the sample editor. If a sample exceeds the allowable file length of 20 seconds, it will automatically be reduced to the allowable value when loaded.

Please be aware that you need at least 128 MB RAM, if you want to assign full 50 second length samples to all nine channels.

Loads a audio file directly from your hard drive for this key Removes assignment for this key Deletes complete sample block 1 to 9 Opens File Info Box Opens the File Editor Opens the Sample Editor Prevents simultaneous playback of several samples Switches between scratch mode, and Start/Stop mode Opens the Program Options Dialog

Sample Editor

3.08. Sample Editor

BPM Studio

The sample editor allows editing of all 9 channels of the sample player. It is possible to make adjustments like LOOP, VOLUME, PITCH FADE IN, and FADE OUT. The nine channels form a sample block, in which any number, or all adjustments can be saved

as*.SMP-file by using the button.

3.08.1 Sample Block Functions

The buttons, located at the window’s bottom, ref er to the whole sample block.

Opens a dialog box for loading of previously saved sample blocks

Opens save dialog box

Deletes all files in the open sample block

Adopts all current settings, and closes the editor window.

Closes the sample editor, discarding all current settings

3.08.2 Sample Channel Functions

Following settings will be adjusted for each sample individually:

When LOOP function is active, (see also sample player pop up menu) the sample will be played in an endless loop.

BPM Studio

Sample Editor

Volume adjustment for this sample

Pitch value adjustment for this sample in a range from –20% to +20%

Defining the fade in time for this file between 0 and 5 sec. (Depending on file size)

Defining the fade out time for this file between 0 and 5 sec. (Depending on file size)

All these functions can be easily reset to 0 by right clicking into the green display, or on the controls. All adjustments can be performed while playing a file.

Popup Menu in Sample Editor

Plays a sample (same as clicking on PLAY button) Activates / deactivates loop function for this button Load a sample from harddisk Deletes settings for this channel Opens File Info Box for this file Opens the File Editor for this sample

Plays the sample on the monitor channel Opens a dialog box for loading samples

into the sample channel. Previously

loaded file will be replaced.

Opens the File Editor, for even more ways of manipulating this file. (Refer

to Editing MP-3 Files in file editor)

Use Sample Editor to save files that have previously been assigned a key in the sample block out of Loop Sampler.

More information, current sound card test results, program updates, and frequently asked questions can be found on our web site at www.alcatech.de

Cross Fader

3.9. Cross Fader

BPM Studio

The Cross-Fader is used to fade between player A, and player B. It can be set to either manual, or automatic mode. The automatic mode can be switched on and off, by

clicking the button. When automatic mode is

active, the fader will by itself fade to the other player , at the end of a title. The fade sequence can be adjusted in the pop up menu of Cross-Fader, via

predefined fades, or by moving the pre set red and blue curve with your mouse pointer. Dragging and dropping assigns a fade to a title. It will always be assigned to the title’s end. All subsequent titles in the play list will now have the same fade effect assigned; up the point where another effect is assigned to a title. Titles in the play list with assigned fades are marked with a blue underline. If a already assigned fade is supposed to be modified, the edited fade needs to be reconfirmed by dragging and dropping again. This prevents unwanted overwriting of already assigned fades. All fades will be stored in the play list file.

A red, blinking button, in the upper left-hand corner of the display indicates active auto mode. It will automatically be deactivated as soon as the buttons [CUE], [CUE/PLAY], or [START/

STOP] are clicked in either pla yer. With the button, the fade can be initiated ahead of time,

by using the current titles assigned fade.

When auto mode is not active, fade is initiated by clicking the button, it will be ex ecuted with the predefined settings shown in the display. This

way it will alwa ys use the predefined settings, and not the settings assigned to a particular file. switches to single list view.

The fade duration is adjusted with the F ADE TIME control, where as, it is important to mind that this refers to the whole time frame. Meaning, if the window isn’t completely filled, the real fade time shortens accordingly.

Adjusting fade time

A manually controlled fade can be created with the MANUAL FADE control

Fader between pla yer A and B

To the top right of the display, the balancing of both channels while fading can be observed. The vertical white line indicates the actual position on the time axis.

In single play list mode, the Cross-Fader appears in a modified layout. Since this mode is normally used during auto fading, six pre defined fade settings have been added to choose from. Also the sliders allow for more accurate adjustment. In the bottom are you can switch back to dual list

view by clicking the button.

BPM Studio

When using the MANUAL FADE control, the set fade mode is disregarded

Pop Up menu in Cross-Fader

Default fade mode

Fade modes 1 to 6

Arrests the display res. the edit field of Cross-Fader Switches between clock, and fader interface

3.10. BPM Counter

In automatic mode, the base beat of a title is determined by utilizing special filters. The progr am measures these frequencies, and analyzes them. In manual mode, the value is determined by keystrokes.

Cross Fader, BPM Counter

This module accurately determines the BPMs (beats-per-minute) of a title and, if desired, saves this value to the ID3-tag and a internal BPMDatabase. Two different modes are available.

3.10.1. Monitor Player of BPM Counter

Beat Counter provides it’s own player to play titles to be measured, the Monitor-Player. By utilizing the position slider it is possible to quickly navigate to a

given point in a title. Above the slider, elapsed playtime, and signal level are indicated. The lower three buttons are used to control playback.

BPM Counter

BPM Studio

3.10.2. BPM Determining in Manual Mode

Switch counter to manual. Start the title in Monitor-Player.

The space key on your keyboard will function as trigger. Press it at every

occurring base beat.

The program now counts every base beat, indicating so by a red, blinking field. If

no input is recognized for more than two seconds, the counter will reset to 0.

Watch the displayed BPM value. Once it stops increasing, you can leave the BPM counter by clicking the [OK] button. The deter mined value will be entered into the BPM database, and displayed in the play list

3.10.3. BPM Determining in Auto Mode

Since it can happen that a title can not be correctly displayed with a standard filter (e.g. red area doesn’t blink, but stays red), this filter can be modified. To do so, activate [Filter Correction] in the lower left corner of the filter window.

Upon starting analyzing, you can now adjust the filter frequency range, so that the red area will blink exactly once per beat, and thus will provide clean results. The horizontal bar can be modified in position, and width, thus changing the filter curve. The vertical slider changes the filter intensity (Amplitude). The so created frequency range will be displayed visually.

After this process is complete the determined values will be entered into the ID3 tag, added to the internal BPM Database, and indicated in the play list.

Switch counter to Auto. Confirm by either clicking

the [start] button, or starting a title in Monitor Player. The module will now analyze the title using the same procedure as the automatic beat counters in the players. Independent of these though, the beat of a title will be filtered, and analyzed. Now watch the BPM display, and the red area. When the shown value does not increase anymore, and the blinking is completely synchronized with the title’s beat, it can be assumed that the beat value has been accurately determined.

BPM Studio

3.11. File Editor

File Editor

With the file editor it is possible to cut sequences out of a file, or to set cue points with single beat accuracy. All applied settings like volume, pitch control, cue in, and cue out will be detected by the players and applied, and can also be saved in Play Lists.

3.11.1. Loading and displaying a Title

When loading an audio file for the first time, initially, peaks will be created, and saved.

This procedure does not make any changes to the file, it remains in it’s original condition. Peaks will be stored on the local hard drive. In pr ogram options, you can define if these peaks are to be deleted after your done working with the program (more storage efficient), or if they should be saved. (More time efficient)

Once loaded the file will be graphically displayed. The field editor consists of two windows, of which the lower one always displa ys the file in it’s whole length. This way you always have a complete overview of the file, and are able to quickly navigate within it. The top window is used to edit, set cue- start- and endpoints, or to select a certain area for export to a file.

3.11.2. Adjusting Display Range

There are two ways of modifying the top part of the window: Either adjust the width, or move the area bar back and forth between the

File Editor

BPM Studio

bottom, and upper window. The upper window always shows the area, marked in the lower window.

When marking areas with the magnifying function by right clicking and moving the mouse pointer, the inverted area will be

magnified, and displayed in both windows. The area selection can be made on both windows.

By double clicking into the inverted area you can switch between zoomed and overall view.

3.11.3. Marking ranges, and exporting into files

Deactivate the magnifier function , and mark an area in the upper or lower window by holding

right mouse button and moving. The marked area

will appear red. To modify keep right mouse button pressed, to open pop up menu, with options like zoom, play, and

save as *.wav or *.mp3 single right click. Save as file, if you wish to work with selection at a later point.

The Toolbar

Stops playback in file editor

Starts playback in file editor

Jumps to beginning of selected area. If no area selected, jumps to title start, if playback is stopped, sets locator back

to title start

Plays marked area in a endless loop

Assigns magnifier function to right mouse button

Displays the audio file in wave for mat

Displays audio file as dots

3.11.5. Functions of different markers

The file editor recognizes four different markers, which can be used to mark different positions or areas within an audio file. All markers can be edited via pop up menu in the in the marker row, or moved with the mouse pointer.

3.11.4. Adjusting volume and pitch

The volume control allows to set output volume between –20 to 0 dB

The pitch range can be modified by +/- 20%

The + and – keys allow fine adjusting these values. They will be saved, and applied when loading file into player. The set pitch value will be added on top of the value the player is set for.

The red locator – indicates the current play

and pause positions, and can equals the position sliders in players, and Monitor Players. This marker can be positioned by left click.

BPM Studio

File Editor

The blue entrance and end markers –

mark the beginning and end of a title. They, also, can be moved either with the mouse pointer, or via pop up menu. Once placed, the position slider in the players will use these markers as new start and endpoint of a title.

The yellow cue point marker s – indicate cue

points. They also can be moved with the mouse pointer. Via the pop up menu in the marker row, additional cue points can be inserted

The blue cue point marker – indicates the

active cue point. The active point is defined by either in the cue point list to the top right, the pop up menu, or the CUP button in the player.

3.11.7. Working with cue points

A cue point is a position within a title recognized by players as start point. The CUE button in players navigates to these points, and the CUP button starts playback from this point on. (Equal to CUE and PLAY) The file editor can assign up to nine cue points within each title.

Since players have only one CUE and CUP button, one of these points will be defined as standard cue point. This point will be used as default whenever CUE or CUP is clicked. T o manage cue points, the file editors cue point list, in the upper right corner is used. Here the cue points are listed with their exact location (1/1000sec. Accuracy) The current cue point is marked with a blue bar. When playing the title in the field editor, this bar travels, and always indicates the last passed cue point.

Adds a cue point

Deletes selected cue point

Defines selected cue point as standard

Plays title form selected cue point on, places

locator to selected cue point

Ex version 4.2 of BPM Studio the cue points defined within the File Editor are also wrapped as DirectCue points when loading the title.

Marker Row Popup Menu

Defines current cuepoint as standard Deletes current cuepoint Places start marker at this position Places endmarker at this position.

File Info Box

3.12. File Info Box

BPM Studio

The “GENRE” field generates a drop down menu, allowing you to assign titles to different styles. This way you can categorize titles, which allows for convenient searching later on.

The File Info Box allows editing the entire ID3 tag. In the program options you can choose to save this information in the new ID3v3 format, or to keep the old ID3 format. If the File Info Box is opened from multiple selections, an additional drop down menu appears, allowing you to select, and edit particular titles.

If you want to change an entry for all selected titles mark the related checkbox for this entry and confirm with OK.

Confirms changes

Cancels without saving changes Retrieves additional inf ormation if

the file has been ripped from CD

by using CD-at-once. This button only appears if the whole CD has been ripped as one title

Starts the BPM Counter for that

title

Opens this title in file editor.

BPM Studio

3.13. Mixer

Mixer

The Mixer contains of four components, which are displayed as pairs. In standard view, to the left the audio channels are located, and the equalizer to the right. In the master channel (sum of all audio signal sources) a Compressor /

The mixer merges all internal, and external audio sources. For players A and B, and the CD-ROM drive frequency ranges can be adjusted and corrected. The AGC is responsible for a steady, constant output level, and prevents through a limiter overload of the connected P A system. With the Recorder it is possible to record the audio signal from an external audio source (MIC or LINE IN). Recordings can also be done from the currently loaded program of both players. Recordings can be saved as either *.mp3 or *.wav files, or they can also be sent to a streaming server.

Level indicators can be turned off in the program options. This saves system resources.

limiter module (AGC – Automatic-Gain-Control) can be switched into the channel, by clicking the

button, below the master volume control. Optionally the equalizer display can be replaced with the recorder by clicking the button.

3.13.1. Audio Channels

The audio mixer has four internal stereo inputs (Players A and B, CD-ROM drive, and Sampler), and two stereo outputs (Master, Monitor). The recorder supports two sound card inputs (MIC and LINE IN). The lev el control allows adjusting the volume for ever y single stereo channel separately . A level indicator to the right of the control indicates the volume. The dB values of the individual channels are indicated to the top right. Using the panning field to the top right, the channel balance can be shifted. A right click resets to zero. Channels can be muted by clicking the [MUTE] button.

MIxer

BPM Studio

Each input channel’s monitor button (Players A and B, CD-ROM, and Sampler), allows to route the audio signal through the MONITOR output channel, where it can be played independently from titles currently played by the players. This requires of course that the monitor options are enabled in the program options, and that the monitor has disposition over it’s own sound card.

T o the left of the channel designation beat displays for every input channel can be found. The MASTER-Output controls the overall volume of all four input channels. Located close by, is the AGC Module button, indicating by a little LED in it’s center if it is active or not.

All control can be reset to a value of –1.0dB by simply right clicking on them.

3.13.2. The Equaliz er

permanently, the overall amplification of the equalizer is set to high, which can cause distortions. In this case it is recommended activate the PREAMP (Limiter) function, or to make according adjustments to the equalizer settings.

The to start the recorder click on the button

3.13.3. Loading and Storing Equalizer Settings

BPM Studio supports loading and saving of as many different equalizer settings as you lik e. Also, predefined templates are available. To manage your settings use the “Presets” function in the equalizer’s pop up menu.

The equalizer is used to adjust and correct frequency ranges of Players A, B, and the CD player. Individual player settings can be opened

by clicking buttons , and be activated and deactivated by clicking . The

controls allow to adjust every single one of all 14 frequency ranges individually. These settings are graphically displayed in a curve, located in the display above the controls. By r ight clicking into

the display, or a click on the button, this curve will be reset to linear frequency ranges.

If the red OVERFLOW LED comes one

BPM Studio

The Equalizer Popup Menu

Mixer

Limiter function

Signal Subsidizing

Opens the equalizer settings menu Resets settings back to zero Displays the Program Options

3.13.4. Recorder

The button in the equalizer opens the recorder. The MIC and LINE controls are used to

manipulate two input signals of any sound card. Too choose a sound card use the controls pop up menu. Also, the MP3-Stream-Module can be chosen there. The RECORD IN control is used to manipulate the overall recording, and transmitting level.

The button starts recording, res. transmitting. The button allows to

adjust recording levels before doing so. The current recording is marked by a red dot, and a counting elapsed time counter ( ).

Ends recording. If you have recorded

in WAVE or MP3 format, a dialog box will appear asking you to define name, and in what directory

this file should be saved. automatically starts recording, if a predefined input star ts to

receive audio data.

In the menu point “RECORDING FORMAT” you can determine to what file type your audio data is to be converted. Available are WAVE format (resource efficient), MP3 file (storage capacity efficient), MP3 Stream to a streaming server, or output to a Visualizations Plugins interface. Streaming module and visualization interface are subject another point in this manual. The

button leads back to equalizer.

Mixer, AGC

BPM Studio

Recorder Popup menu

Select sound card for recording Select file format fore recording Dialog for program options Save settings Opens search dialog System functions Exit BPM Studio

To record a current program, all vir tual devices need to be assigned to the same, duplex capable, sound card. The windows mixer settings for this card need to be set on enable WAVE recording and LOOP functions. And this card needs to be chosen as recording device in the RECORDER field.

3.13.5. Compressor/Limiter (AGC)

Especially when recording MP3 files serious differences in volume level may occur. Reason for this are usually differently mastered CDs, or deferring encoding parameters, when different

The AGC-Modul is developed primary for using with background music or predefined playlists. So this module will be work only in Autofade Mode in the current program version.

encoding software is used. The AGC module compensates these differences in real time, and provides a stable audio output signal. The module can be adjusted in three level-, and two time parameters.

BPM Studio

AGC

Threshold

(Adjustment level –60 to 0 dB)

This parameter defines the trigger level of the control. Soft passages or silence at the beginning and end of a title will not be changed to avoid negative impact on a titles total dynamic. This also prevents unwanted increasing and amplifying of unwanted background noise.

Targ et

(Adjustment level –21 to -3 dB)

This is the predefined target output level. AGC will try to raise or lower every level that is louder or quieter than the threshold level.

Scope

(Adjustment level 0 to 21 dB)

This value defines the max. amplification or diminution, thus defining the intensity of the control. If, f or example, a peak lev el exceeds more than the scope value over the target, it will only be decreased by the max. Scope value.

Attack

(Adjustment level from 1 to 500ms)

With this parameter the latency of this control can be adjusted. Peak levels lasting shorter than this value, will not be recognized by the AGC.

Release

(Adjustment level 1 to 500ms)

This parameter defines how long it takes for the intervention to abate res. how long it takes to go back to regular output level.

The Limiter also allows to restrict very short peak levels, which the AGC would not address, since the AGC response time is way shorter than the duration of exposure it would take to overmodulate, or even damage equipment.

Limiter

(Adjustment level –18 to 0 dB)

The limiter restricts levels at very short reaction time. It’s pur pose is to restr ict the signal level, to protect devices in the following signal course like external mixers, cross overs, output stages, and speakers from over modulation and overloading. Below it’s predefined trigger level it sta ys inactive.

Input / Output

(Adjustment level –12 to 12 dB)

These two controls allow a linear adjustment of input and output signal. The displayed bars represent signal level before and after the change .

Displays within the AGC Module

The display within the AGC modules consists of the compressor display (left), and the limiter display (right). If the amplification indicator is positioned in the center, the signal loops through the AGC module without modification. If the indicator travels below the zero lev el, the input signal is too strong, and is weakened by the module in accordance with predefined parameters. Vice Versa, the signal will be amplified, if the indicator travels abov e the zero lev el.

The red bar in the top right hand corner indicates the trigger level of the limiter. The peak level at the AGC’s signal output is marked in yellow. As long as this marker moves below the red area, no modifications will be applied. Should this marker touch the red area, the signal will rapidly be lowered to the defined maximum peak level.

The AGC only works in the auto fade mode. Even if the AGC is active, it will not be of any effect if auto fade is not active.

AGC

BPM Studio

AGC Presets

For quick deployment of AGC, five pre defined parameter sets are available. These are adjusted situation specific. Select a preset most suitable for your need, and fine adjust it for your purpose.

starts and stops the AGC module

Mixer switches back to the mixer audio channels.

Work method of the AGC

Following is a quick description of the work method of AGC at different input lev els. (See also diagram on next page) All shown values are standard values and can be, depending on application, changed.

Up to point A the AGC does not take effect, since the input level does not reach the threshold level of –42dB. From point A on, the AGC gets active, trying to raise the output level to the target of –15dB since scope is set to a value of 15dB, the signal can only be amplified by 15dB.

From point B on, the input signal is less den 15dB (Scope) smaller than the target, and the AGC is now able to define the output level to accurately –15dB. The volume difference between point B, and point C will be balanced out, since in any case the deviation is less than the 15dB scope.

From point C on the input signal is more than 15dB stronger. The AGC lowers the signal by 15dB. Meanwhile the output signal exceeds the 10dB limit set by the limiter, and will immediately cut off. At point D then, the volume difference of input signal to target is lower than the scope value, and the AGC can level to the –15dB target again. Between E and F, the amplification reaches it’s limit of 15dB again. From point F on, the input lev el will again fall short of the action range of the AGC, and the input signal will again be routed to the output unchanged.

In this diagram it is assumed that changes are made without delay. If according values are defined for attack and release, the controls triggerand fade behavior is delayed accordingly.

BPM Studio

3.14. MP3 Streaming Modul

MP3 Streaming Modul

This module allows you to directly send an MP3

stream in an internal network, or to a streaming server in the

Internet. The streaming module appears automatically, if you select “Streaming” in the recorders pop up menu. You can hide the module by clicking in its top right corner, and reopen it by clicking the according icon in the task bar. Anyway, it stays active as long “Streaming” is selected as recording format in the recorders pop up menu.

With the two SET buttons settings for server and file format can be defined. These settings have to match the settings of the stream-server. Currently supported protocols are Shoutcast and Icecast.

This field indicates the current server. The set button opens the server settings dialog, where various configurations can be created and stored.

In this field the file format for the stream can be defined. Please select these settings in consideration of your available bandwidth.

PROFILES:

Allows naming and saving of different configurations

SERVER:

Define URL: or IP Address of the selected stream server

PORT, PASSWORD:

Are also to be defined in accordance with the stream server’s settings.

MP3 Streaming Modul

Use the check marks to select the desired transfer protocol Shoutcast and Icecast are currently used by the stream server providers shoutcast.com and icecast.com. These are free for noncommercial use. More information can be obtained on the according web sites. The following informations are used to publish your “radio station” in ser ver directories.

BPM Studio

If the two [AUTO]-checkboxes are marked, the actual title and URL will be adopted from BPM Studio (provided auto fade is active) and the server settings dialog, and entered into the directory.

Opens the web browser and navigates to the servers status page

Establishes connection to the server

if you have checked the “Public Ser ver” check box.

Send Meta info causes title- and artist name to be sent along

This information is sent parallel to your MP-3 stream. You can enter e.g. the title of your show, and your web URL:

Terminates the connection to the stream server. (This should always be done before exiting

BPM Studio)

Even with marked AUTO checkbox, title information will only be sent properly, if auto fade mode is active.

BPM Studio

3.15. CD Player / CD Writer

CD Player / CD Wr iter

The CD player / CD-writer provides all functions necessary to work with CDs. Here, reading in CDs, and compressing to MP3 format is accomplished. You can also burn titles on CD-Rs as audio CD to be played with conventional CD players, or as data CD for back up purposes.

To do so, three different modules are available:

, and

, with buttons located in the center

area of the CD player.

3.15.1. CD-Reader ( ):

With this module, also called CD Player, you can use your CD-ROM drive as fully functional audio CD player . All functions like Pitch, Master-Speed, Pitch Bend, Cue-Points, etc. are av ailable without restrictions. The playback can be routed through a separate sound card channel, and will be treated as separate audio channel in the mixer . Also , MP3 files can be played with this player. Simply drag a title out of a Play List or archive, and drop it on the CD player; and use it this way conveniently as Monitor Player!

Whenever an audio track is loaded in one of the players the CD ROM drive will be locked. It can be unlocked by either choosing “Remove” in the players pop up menu, or by pressing the eject button.

The Play List and the player module are similar in structure and handling to the two main players and the Play Lists. The CD-Reader also functions as device for reading in audio CDs, and copying them to hard drive. Read also in chapter 4 step-by step instructions for copying, and compressing audio CDs.

3.15.2. Encoding audio CDs

Generally encoding (compressing into MP3 format) can be done in two different ways. Either by saving an audio file in WAVE format and later on conversion or by immediate compression to MP3 while reading in. This choice is made in the Program Options, on the register tab CDDA-Copy

/ Configuration / . If this checkbox is marked, copying and encoding will

be done in a one step process. When compressing large numbers of audio CDs it is recommended to read all of these in, in highspeed mode as wave format, and then batch compress them in Encoder Mode over night, for example.

The CD Player also supports MP3, and WAVE formats, thus, it can be used as third MP3 player, or as convenient preview player.

CD Player / CD Wr iter

BPM Studio

3.15.3. CDDB-Query

Upon inserting an audio CD in the CD-ROM drive, the titles in the Play List will appear as numbered

tracks. Now click the button. Provided so configured in windows, the PC will

connect to the Internet, logs on to the CDDB (database for administration of title information of audio CDs) and attempts to find information about the inserted CD.

If successful the information will be transmitted, and displayed in the Play List. These informations will also be saved on your PC, so that they’ll be available when this CD is inserted again.

Query for several CDs (Batch-Function):

As soon as an audio CD is inserted, BPM Studio will store the CD code. With the next CDDB query , it will be attempted to retrieve all information, for CDs not yet identified. You can save time, by inserting audio CDs, wait till their track numbers are displayed, and then click on the CDDB query

button . Now all title lists of these CDs (if available) will be retrieved, and be

available when the CD is inserted again. After completion the Internet connection will be terminated. You can also establish the connection manually via the pop up menu of the CDDB – button. On the CDDA-Copy register tab in Program Options different CDDB servers can be selected.

3.15.4. Copying Audio CDs (Ripping):

After successful CDDB query all CD titles will be displayed in the Play List.

If no information has been available for this CD in the CDDB database, you can now enter it manually in the File Info Box. Now mark the titles to be read in with the left-

hand check box, and click on

All marked titles will now be read in. Progress is displayed in a status window.

Information downloaded from the CDDB server will be stored by BPM Studio, and will be available without being online.

It is mandatory to enter title information manually , or to download it from CDDB, BEFORE titles are being ripped. Otherwise BPM Studio can only use CD-Code, and track numbers as file name.

BPM Studio

If the “encode during copy” function, on the CDD A register tab of Program Options is active, read in titles will immediately compressed into the MP3 format, and stored in the according folder. This folder can be defined in the “storing” register tab in Program Options. After successful encoding all titles will automatically be listed in the “NEW FILES” or “NEUE DATEIEN” category of file archive. For more clearness a subfolder for the current date will be created. (See picture on top of page)

CD Player / CD Wr iter

3.15.5. “CD at once” Mode of CD player

The “CD at once” mode allows to rip and archive a whole CD as one single title. This is useful if you, for example, want to read in a mixed CD seamlessly, to replay it as a single title later on. Also when reading in particular albums, of which the title order needs to stay unchanged, it makes sense to read in the CD in one piece. To do so start the copying process with the pop up menu

(right mouse button) of the button.

All titles will be ripped as single track, and also added to the file archive as single title.

But information about single titles won’t be lost! The button “MORE”, in the File Info Box, the

whole title list of the original CD can be displayed, provided it has been ripped with the “CD-at-once” mode.

It is also possible to select single titles with the Player or the remote control unit (only RCP-1001 and 2001) directly. If you click the track buttons of Player with the right mouse button, the next title (or previous) within one of these “CD-at-once” titles will be started. Equally you can use the track selector buttons [12] of the remote control units RCP-1001, and RCP-2001 to navigate within one of these CDat-once tracks by pushing, and turning it at the same time. The subtitles will then shown in the VFD display

3.15.6. Encoder ( ):

The encoder converts WAVE files Info the MP3 format. Here you will find all previously read in audio-CDs, if you do not have activated the “COPY/ENCODE” option in the Program Options, before ripping. Also, the encoder can convert other, already present W A VE files, that ha ve been ripped with other programs. Simply drag them out f the Windows Explorer, and drop them on the

encoder Play List, or, add with the button.

CD Player / CD Wr iter

BPM Studio

For screening, and controlling also the CD Player can be used. The files can be played, controlled, and edited with the File-Editor. Following, the marked part will be transferred to the MP3 format

by clicking the button.

After compression is completed, you’ll find a new entry in the BPM file archive under NEW FILES with the actual date, in which the compressed files are being stored. This folder can be renamed with the RENAME button, or you can assign those titles to other present categories.

Eject button opens and closes the selected CD-ROM drive.

CD-ROM Selection field. Here you can select the CD-ROM drive

to be displayed.

Starts copying selected titles. By right clicking you can open a pop up menu, allowing you

to copy a whole CD as CD-at-once track

Starts the CDDB-Inquiry. The right click pop up menu allows

you to manually establish a connection to the Internet, if a connection is available in the Windows system settings.

3.15.7. CD-Writer ( ):

Produce your own audio CDs with your own mix or compilation - all with only one program: BPM Studio. The integrated burner supports all common CD writers and media. Even burning MP3 files is no problem. Thus you can conveniently create backup copies, and quickly transfer pla y lists with the according tracks to another system.

Before you start to create CDs, we recommend that you make yourself familiar with the handling of CD-R's, and CD-RW's. Also check the CD Writer settings on the according register tab in the Program Options. In this manual, chapter Program Options, you'll find all important instructions and explanations to optimally configure your CD Recorder. Once set up, the BPM Studio CD writer allows you to very simply and quickly create Audio- and Data-CDs.

Generally start a new CD project with the button. In the following dialog you can decide

whether to create a Data- or a Audio-CD:

(Only active in the Encoder)

Starts the encoding procedure

for selected titles.

BPM Studio

3.15.8. Creating Audio CDs

Select this mode if you want to create a CD that can be played with any common CD player or changer. The maximum play length depends on the type of media you use, and vary between 74 and 80 minutes.

After confirming the dialog box by clicking [OK] the selected CD format will be displayed in the track list status bar.

Place the media to be recorded into the Recorder. The CD status indicator below the track list gives you information about this media, and the Recorder itself.

Now you can load any title or whole Play Lists in the writers track list. This can be

done in different ways

1.) Drag & Drop from the from Play Lists, file

archive, or Play List archive.

2.) Via the clipboard, with “copy” and “paste”

(Ctrl – C / Ctrl – V)

3.) With the button you can load any Play

List present on the hard drive.

CD Player / CD Wr iter

(Pay attention not to exceeding the media’s maximum play length when assembling the title list. If you do, an according message will warn you before the write process.) The title order can be modified by Drag&Drop.

Start writing with the button. In the following dialog fields, progress can be monitored,

and modified.

At first, the Cue-Sheet will be created. It contains information that will be written onto the media parallel to the audio data, such as starting points, title length and (if the Recorder supports this function) CD text information. Upon completion, a dialog with the calculated data will appear.

4.) With the button you can selected

tracks directly from your hard drive.

The status bar to the left indicates overall length of the CD. Additionally a status bar below the track list displays the remaining capacity of the media.

It is not necessary to convert MP3 files into the WAVE format. All tracks can be loaded into the writer as MP3s. Decompression is done in real time during the burn process.

Here you can check if all the data is correct, if so confirm with [next] and start the wr iting process. Of course you can still abort with [cancel]

Please avoid writing CDs over a network. If you use BPM Studio in a network, the CD Writer should be local, with the MP3 or WAVE files to be burned.

CD Player / CD Wr iter

BPM Studio

The following status windows keeps you informed about the whole writing process

After successfully writing the CD, the drives slide will open, and you can take out .the CD

3.15.9. Creating data CDs

Select this mode if you would like to copy MP3 files already present on your system to a CD, that can later on be played on a PC with a standard CD ROM drive installed. Thus, you can back up files easily , or transfer them to another computer. The maximum available drive capacity depends on the used media, and usually varies between 650 to 700 MB.

Start a new CD project by clicking the button. In the following dialog box select ‘Data-

CD”

Now insert the media into the Recorder. The CD status window to the right below the status bar indicates, as when creating audio CDs, the contents of the CD, and the Recorder.

Now you can load selected titles, complete Play Lists into the Recorder.

This can be done in various ways:

1.) Drag & Drop from the from Play Lists, file archive, or Play List archive.

2.) Via the clipboard, with “copy” and “paste” (Ctrl – C / Ctrl – V)

3.) With the button you can load any Play List present on the hard drive.

4.) With the button you can selected tracks directly from your hard drive.

The status bar to the left shows how much storage space on the media is already in use. Additionally a status bar to the right below the track list indicates the required disk space. (Pay attention not to exceed the media’s maximum play length when assembling the title list. If you do, an according message will warn you before the write process.)

The selected mode will be indicated in the status bar to the left.

Please make sure that with BPM Studio only work you authored, or work of which you are explicitly allowed by author or someone in lieu, will be copied. Otherwise you might commit the offense of copyright fraud, which is a federal felony, or be held liable by the author, or designated people in lieu of.

BPM Studio

CD Player / CD Wr iter

Start the writing process by clicking the button. In the f ollowing dialog field you can control

the progress and manipulate the writing process. Explanations of the according dialog boxes can be found in the previous chapter “Audio-CD”

3.15.10. Systemtest in test mode

If you start the writing process with the

button, it will only be simulated. Your

computer will perform all actions that it would perform in a real write, with the exception that the laser will be disabled. This is ver y useful to test the system performance. The media will not be changed in this mode.

3.15.11. Deleting CD-RW’s

(If supported by the Recorder)

If a CD-RW (CD rewriteable) already containing data is inserted into the drive, you can delete this

data by clicking the button.

Adding another Session:

(Data CD only)

You can add data to an unfinished media that contains data already, in a new session. To do so, the “import session” function on the CD-Writer register tab in Program Options must be enabled. When inserting such a media, the used storage capacity will be indicated in the status bar.

Eject button opens the tray of the selected Recorder.

Important Note

A list of all supported CD Recorders can be found in the version history , which is delivered with ev ery version of BPM Studio. Please have understanding for the fact that we can not support every CD Recorder on the market. This is not the objective of BPM Studio, and it does not claim to be a full-featured CD recording program. Much more BPM Studio is primarily a DJ system for live performing.

Please make sure that in case of problems with burning CDs the first step should bee to reduce the speed. Not ever y media can record at any speed. Anyway you should disable auto load for every available CD player ; otherwise problems may arise, especially when burning CDs. Should there be any further problems consult the following website:

http://www.disc4you.de/kompendien/cd/ (German)

http://www.brennmeister.com/articles/aspi/ (German)

http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~aa571/aspi.htm (English)

http://www.goldenhawk.com/firmware_body.html (English)

We recommend paying especial attention to sites concerning firmware upgrades, and ASPI drivers.

Select Recorder field. Select here which Recorder is to be used.

BPM Print Designer

3.16. BPM Print Designer

BPM Studio

Need to print a Play List? Need a printed summary of a particular categor y, or complete archive? A list of titles played last Saturday to report to the promoter, or the GEMA? A taker asks for your repertoire? All this is no problem with the BPM Print Designer! Printouts can be fitted to any need with extensive selections of sorting orders, and a variety of possible adjustments. Of course print previews are also possible. To use lists in other programs, they can be saved as text files , as well as in other formats.

3.16.1. Starting BPM Print Designer

The BPM Print Designer can be started from within File Archive, Play List Archive, or the different Play Lists via the according pop up menu entries.

Depending on selected category or Play List, up to three selections can be made:

Print Group:

Titles of selected category will be adopted into Print Designer for printout,

Print Group with Subgroups:

All titles in a selected category, including all subcategories will be adopted into Print Designer for printout.

Print Archive:

All titles of all categories, and subcategories will be adopted into Print Designer

Now the main screen of Print Designer will be displayed, with all selected titles. Here you have the opportunity to make various adjustments, and to choose which title information is to be printed.

BPM Studio

BPM Print Designer

3.16.2. Export List Window

Selecting Fields to be Printed:

First select all fields that are to appear on the printout. To do so, open the pull down menu

And select the desired fields of the ID3 tag.

Change order of columns:

The head row of the title column can be dragged, and inserted at a selected position:

Thus you can adjust the order of columns to your liking.

By clicking into the bottom right corner of BPM Print Designer, and holding the mouse button, you can adjust the window size of the main screen.

Adjusting column width:

In the head row, clic k on the marker between two columns:

Keep the mouse button pressed, and move the pointer sideways.

Thus the separator between two columns can be moved, and the column width is adjusted.

Automatically adjust column width: If you check the checkbox, all columns will be adjusted to the longest entry in

this column.

Selection of sorting order:

The titles to be printed can be sorted by any or several columns. For a simple sort, by only one column, just click on the head row of the column. This row will be marked with a little arrow. With another click in this column you can switch between ascending, and descending order. The arrow will indicate the selected order. Another way to select the column by which to sort is the pull down menu.

BPM Print Designer

BPM Studio

Multiple sorting:

Use this feature to define your sorting order by more than one column. When check box

is selected, the arrow to indicate

sorting order changes to yellow, and will be marked with a 1. Now you can select more columns by holding down the ‘SHIFT” key, and clicking on the selected columns. Additional arrows will then be numbered in consecutive order.

The list will now be sorted by column 1, and subsequently by column 2, and so on. Thus you can, for example sort a list by artist, and within the artist sor t by release date. (See screenshot)

Modifying printout fonts:

The “FONT” button opens a window in which, windows compliant” font, style, size, and

color can be selected.

Exporting lists to file:

BPM Print Designer offers the ability to export lists in various

formats for further processing with other programs. For a list of available file formats see screenshot. In the dialog box file name, and target folder are entered. The pulldown menu determines the file format.

Print preview:

The “PREVIEW” button allows you to switch between the main

screens column view , and the print preview. When in preview mode, more features are available to finish the document. Also a zoo m function is available.

Exiting BPM Print Designer:

Designers options will be stored, and available at next start. This makes it easy to print different categories in the same design.

The [EXIT] button exits the

module. All made adjustments,

and modifications in the Print

BPM Studio

BPM Print Designer

3.16.3. Print preview window:

The print preview is used to manipulate the overall layout, and additional, useful information can be added to the list.

Zoom functions:

Downsize the view in steps

Enlarge the view in steps

Zooms on whole Page Zooms to fit page width

Navigating within several print pages:

Jumps to first Page Jumps to previous page Jumps to next page Jumps to last page

Page layout adjustment, and additional functions:

The “Settings” button opens a fourfold toolbox. Here, the following settings can be adjusted:

Direction: Define

if page is to be printed on as landscape or portray.

Page setup: Here the margins are defined. You have the possibility to choose a measurement unit of your choice.

Stretch: List will be adjusted to the overall

page width.

BPM Print Designer

BPM Studio

Show title

Select if a page title should be printed. The following fields you can enter a page title, and choose a font.

This button defines the justification of the page title. (Aligned left, aligned

center, aligned right)

Show margins

Show margins in preview.

Show grid lines

Prints the lines between columns and rows of a list.

On this tab settings for the head rows of all pages are entered. Analog to this, on the forth register tab the footer settings are defined.

Show Header

Select this check box if a head row should be printed on every page. In the following fields, text and font for this head row can be entered.

This button defines the justification of the head row. (Aligned left, aligned

center, aligned right)

Additionally to the regular text, four variables fields are available, which

will be updated while printing {PAGES} automatically adds page numbers

{NUMPAGES} adds the number of pages {DATE} Adds the current date {TIME} Adds current time

Show Header Line

Prints a line between the head row and the page title. In the following fields you can define color and width of this line.

On this tab the parameters for the footer are entered.

Show footer:

Select this check box if footer should be printed on every page. In the following fields, text and font f or this f ooter can be entered.

BPM Studio

BPM Print Designer, Server Components

This button defines the justification of the footer. (Aligned left, aligned

center, aligned right)

Additionally to the regular text, 4 four variables fields are available, which

will be updated while printing {PAGES} automatically adds page numbers

{NUMPAGES} adds the number of pages {DATE} Adds the current date {TIME} Adds current time

Show Footer Line

Prints a line between the page content and the footer. In the following fields you can define color and width of this line.

Start printing:

many pages, and copies of the document you need.

The “Close’ button will lead you bac k to the export

list window, in case you wish to make changes there.

If possible avoid printing and audio playback at the same time. If the selected printer should not be ready when the printout is started, the windows time-out may cause the playback to stop, and interrupt communication with the remote control unit.

3.17. BPM Studio Server Components

The “PRINT” key star ts the print out. Before this though, you can enter how

The BPM Studio server components are a universal interface to control the most software functions remotely. This functionality has been developed mainly to be able to cross platf orm with other programs. Since the interface is based on open standards though, control is available via standard protocols like HTTP or Telnet. This enables you to control different w orkstations (PCs with BPM Studio installed) that are located in different rooms. If the server component is activated (Register tab “Server” in Program Options) BPM Studio will establish an HTTP- and a Telnet-Server. The HTTP-server por t and the Telnet por t are freely configurable. Be aware though, that when controlling a component over

a network the reaction time on a released signal may be delayed.

Both servers make many important functions available via a command prompt or also as a URL.

Complete documentation is provided on the BPM Studio Webserver at http://localhost:port/ cmds.html

Please have understanding for the fact that only limited support is available when implementing this interface, especially in very specific implementation cases.

BPM Studio File Formats

3.18. BPM-Studio File Formats

BPM Studio

This chapter is supposed to give you a better understanding of the file formats, and endings supported by BPM Studio. Some of them can be deleted, for others it is recommended to leave them on your hard drive.

*.grp, *.idx, *.gps, *.plg, *.lst:

These files are used for the file- Play List archive . The *.gps, and *.idx files contain information about the structure of File- and Play List archive. F or all titles in a major category of the File Archive, a [category name].grp file will be created containing all title information for this category. The Play List categories can be found in the *.plg files, and the Play Lists are stored as *.lst files. These are compatible with the directly store- and loadable Play Lists.

eq.eqp:

File for equalizer presets

Bpm.set:

Encrypted file for user information

*.bml, colors.cfg:

This file contains the skins for BPM Studio. The bitmaps are contained in the *.bml files, colors are defined in the file colors.cfg.

*,cut:

The cut format is available in the editors export function. In this case it is not the marked area that will be saved, but the Cue-P oints, and marker information as links. Information that would otherwise only be available in the Play List or the file archive can be backed up separately this wa y.

*.~*:

Tilde files are created automatically as back ups of all files of File- and Play List Archive. (Either when exiting the program, or, when auto save is active, every 15 minutes.

*.scn:

Scan files will be created when needed by BPM Studio to position exactly in VBR files or v ery long MP3 files. They should not be deleted for:

1.) The Cue-Points will not be restored correctly

since BPM Studio can’t jump to the exact position, which can cause a “jump” after addressing the Cue-Point.

2.) The *.scn files in auto play mode would have

to be generated anew, to determine the actual lenght of the title.

*.mem:

Files for the saved files for the sampler functions of all files. (A.B.Exit-Loop)

*.cue:

Files for the Cue-Points of each file. *.mem and *.cue files can be deleted. Of course

all Cue-Points of a loop will be lost, it still can be useful to clean up every once in a while though

*.sdd:

Files for the peak files of the wave editor. They serve the editor in navigating in, and loading of files. These files can be deleted, the loading will take longer though.

BPM Studio

3.19. Program Options

Program Options

From any given pop up menu via

options, the programs basic settings can be opened. These are split in 8 different areas, which can be selected on the 8 different register tabs.

Presets – Language and Internet options

3.19.1 Preset – Language and Internet options

Language Pack:

Select here your language preference. Should your language not yet be supported by BPM Studio you can, provided you’re interested, order our SDK language pack, and create a translation for your language.

Skin Pack:

Here you can select a skin. The list will display all available skins compatible with this version of BPM Studio installed in the folder ...\BPM Studio\Skins\. The download area of the ALCATech website, information about new or updated skins can be obtained.

Options - General settings Audio I/O – Sound card configuration Storing – Defining directories CDDA-Copy – Adjusting CD parameters CD-Writer – Settings for CD-Recorder Remote Control Unit – Configuring the remote

control unit

User – User administration Server – Server components configuration

Match Speed:

Defines the time for BPM match

Pitch Range:

Defines the pitch area for sliders. This value will be overwritten when clicking on one of the three pitch area buttons. (see also 3.2./ player)

Bend Speed:

Defines the pitch bend area

Brake Speed:

Defines the time for the Brake function

Navigation:

Not all register tabs will be shown, use these buttons to navigate back and forth

Program Options

3.19.2. Options – General Settings

Load Wave Files

Scans for WAVE files at program starts, and loads such files

Load Sub Directories

Program will load all subsequent directories of a selected folder

Soft Pitch and Bend

Changes

Allows for smooth operation of the sliders, and simulates the inertia of a vinyl album when using pitch bend.

Double Click loads

Player

When double clicking a title in a Play List it will not be loaded into the preview player, but into the main player.

Ask before loading a player

Performs a security inquiry before the next title will be loaded

Reload File in Single Play Mode

If Single Play is activated, the current track will be repeated on end

BPM Studio

optimize title transitions in auto fade mode. This function will only work properly, if the title has been edited with the normalize function from version 4 on.

Check Play Lists when loading

When loading a Play List, presence of all list titles on the hard drive will be confirmed.

Show Playlist Columns

Shows vertical lines in head rows, and Explorer

Blink Display before file is done

10 sec. prior to the end of the current title, the display will blink in red.

Use Normalization if file is normalized

When check box is activated the settings of the normalized audio file will be used; otherwise they will be disregarded.

Use Silence Detection in AutoPlay

When activated, possible silence at the end of the title will be skipped. This is done to

Show Mixer Levels

Activates level indicator in Mixer. (Requires some system resources)

Show Mixer beats

Activates beat indicator in Mixer

Remove Files from Playlist if played

The title will automatically removed from the Play List, once played.

BPM Studio

Program Options

Auto Cue (Skip Silence)

Possible silence at the beginning of the title will be skipped

Auto BPM

Activates the automatic beat counter in the payers

Auto Save

All settings and the state of the file archive will be stored every 15 minutes

Alternate Bitmap Drawing

Use this option if you experience problems with your display, for example the slider look distorted.

Change Screen Resolituin on Startup

At program start, the windows monitor resolution will automatically be set to 800x600

Delete Editor Peakfiles

At program end the peak files generated by File Editor will be deleted.

Scan VBR files

Activate this checkbox to enable exact positioning in files with variable bit rates

Save ID3 tags

This program modifies the ID3 tag of the original MP3 File

Write ID3v3 tags

The program writes the ID3 tag with the version

3. (It will not be accessible by older MP3 players anymore)

Lock Main Window Position

The position of the program’s main window on the screen will be locked

Show Tooltips

Activates the “hints” function (Requires some system resource)

Alternate Cue-Play function

With this function activated, the player will play as long as the CUP button is held. Once released, the player will jump back to the Cue-Point.

Cue-Memory Directstart

Upon clicking a DirectCue button the player will immediately be started with the Cue-Point, res. with the stored loop. When this checkbox is not selected, and the player is in pause res. cue, CuePoints will merely be loaded into the player and will not start until the

[EXIT/LOOP]

on, in any case a DirectCue button will start the title

Start as exclusive shell application

With this function, BPM Studio will be the exclusive application under Windows. Upon activating, a reset will be initiated, after which BPM Studio will be the exclusive application.

Aggressive refresh

This option causes a quicker display of the level indicator, the spectrum analyzer, and the title scrolling. On systems of lesser performance system resources can be freed, by deactivating this mode.

Ask before removing a file

When activated, a confirmation will be required before a title is removed from the player

Hidden menus

This option causes all pop up menus to be reduced to the important functions. The complete menu can be viewed though by clicking on the last entry. If this is not selected, all entries will be shown.

Create Data Backup

If this checkbox is selected, BPM Studio creates a backup of the current File- and Playlist Archive at each startup. By this way the last 10 program startups are stored. Those backup files can be used for restore by the Backup Function. The files are located in the program folder under Data/ Backup.

button is clicked. If the player is

[PLAY/PAUSE]

res. the

Program Options

3.19.3. Audio I/OConfiguring the Sound Card

Driver

Here the device driver is selected (Direct Sound), WAVE, ASIO, EASI, or Kernel driver), the settings of the ASIO driver can be configured right here.

Monitor

Defines on which sound card, res. which channel the pre view player output will be assigned

Player A, Player B, Sampler, CD-Player:

Via the pull down menu every device can have a sound card res. a stereo channel of multi channel sound card assigned.

Below the selected output channel the actual latency time of the according driver is indicated

Buffer Size

Defines the size of the WAVE Out buffer. The higher the value, the higher the program stability. It takes a little bit longer to write into the buffer though, which can be noticed by short delays when switching from Cue to Play, and back

BPM Studio

Soft Fades

BPM Studio fades all audio signals in, and out, smoothly before any audio title or cue. Thus it prevents possible disturbing noises / crackling.

Use Monitor

Activates the mixer monitor-function of the sound card/s. Prior to activating, the sound card test needs to be performed.

Preload Size

Size of the internal playback buffer. Manipulate this value if you experience dropouts during playing, or the players don’t start clean.

Auto-Cue Level

Here the trigger level for the auto cue function (skip silence at title beginning) can be defined. This value can be set from –inf (absolute silence) to –30 dB (a quiet level).

Lowest Latency

The Kernel Driver operates with a very small buffer , and shortest latency times. Deactiv ate this function if you experience playback difficulties, or drop outs with your sound card.

Starts the sound card test. More information is provided in the Monitor-Functions

BPM Studio

Program Options

(Only if Kernel Driver has been selected)

the dialog for latency adjustment:

Select the audio driver:

Select the driver to modify

Driver Latency

Here you can manipulate the driver’s latency times. F or a minimal delay between a button being pushed, and the reaction of the sound card; meaning, for a rapid response of the Cue-, Play, and Direct Cue buttons and Loop functions, this value should be kept as small as possible. Only increase this value if you experience problems with playback.

Opens

ASIO-Driver settings

(Only if ASIO driver is selected)

buttons, located beside the pulldown menus of the virtual devices you can access the ASIO Driver settings for a particular device.

Please refer also to chapter 2.5 / Adjusting audio parameters!

With the config

Program Options

3.19.4. Storing Defining directories

Default Search Directory

In this folder all relevant application data will be stored. That for example would be the default Play List s, the categories, and subcategories of the File Archive, Sample-Block information, the equalizer presets, and the CDDB title information of previously read in CDs. It is recommended not to change this folder. If you want to access this file archive from another version of BPM Studio, the folder needs to open to “file sharing”

BPM Studio

Directory for the Ripper

In this folder the WAVE files to be compressed will be stored temporarily. This path can lead to another, bigger hard drive. For example if you would like to rip sev eral CDs first and then encode them in one process. (See also CDDA options – copying, encoding)

Directory for MP3 encoding

In this folders the MP3 files will be stored after compression. It is recommended to create a separate folder (e.g. C:\MP3) in which all titles will be stored. This will make it easy to upg rade the system later on with additional hard drives. BPM Studio automatically scans all logical drives for present titles, if the original path should not be present anymore.

Directory for recorded files

Default folder for WAVE- and MP3 files for the Recorder. If an extended mix is to be recorded in WAVE format, the file can easily exceed several GBs. For this, you can specify another folder on another hard drive.

Filenames

Here the filename, which later on will be generated by programs, will be defined. It is recommended to keep default values. In case you have a large file archive of already present files without ID3 tags, and want to read it into BPM Studio, you can change the assignment temporarily.

The possible adjustments on this register tab are of increasing importance when user administration, and network functionality become involved. Please refer to the according chapters in the manual, for more information.

BPM Studio

3.19.5. CDDA Copy

Defining CDDA- and compression parameters

Block Count

Number of blocks on a media, that will be read if the CD-ROM drive is accessed.

Read CD Text Infos

Audio CDs that have text on them, will be read (will not work with older Audio CDs, or on older CD ROM drives

Force Generic (NT)

Activate this option if you are having problems under Windows NT with a possibly loaded ASPI driver

Encode during Copy

Select this option if you want to read in audio CDs directly and convert them into MP3s, without temporarily storing them. Otherwise the ripper module will merely write files in the WAVE format, and copy them to their prospective folder. The conversion into the MP3 format will then be done in the encoder mode of the CD player / ripper.

CDDB Server

Here you can define the desired CDDB server. With a click on “GET LIST” the mirror server list will be loaded, and then the desired mirror server can be selected. When having problems with cddb.cddb.com try freecddb.freecddb.org.

Program Options

Your email settings

To register with a CDDB ser ver, your email address is required

CD-ROM

Select here the CD-ROM drive, for which adjustments are to be made.

Copy Mode: Burst Copy

Read and write access will be performed simultaneously

Copy Mode: Normal

Alternating read and write access will be performed

Copy Mode: Sector synchronization

In this mode an exact repositioning of the reader head is guaranteed in case the information flow should be interrupted. This is the safest mode, but also the slowest copy method.

Program Options

BPM Studio

CD Type

Here you can select out of the list of your CDROM drives. This setting is only necessary when you are experiencing problems while reading in CDs, and “AutoDetect” does not solve the problem.

Internal MP3 Code

When encoding, BPM Studio’s own internal code is used (Recommended). If additional codes are installed on your PC, they can also be selected here.

Write RIFF Wave

Writes a MP3-Wave-File, that is compressed, but can still be played on most Windows players.

Format

This selection field shows all audio compression codes available on a system. The BPM Studio’s own supplied MPEG Layer 3.

Format Options

Here the quality of the compression is defined. (Depending on file format). It should be at least a 128 kBit/s, 44,100 Khz stereo.

BPM Studio

3.19.6. CD Writer

Adjusting Recorder Parameters

CD-ROM

Select a Recorder out of a list of all Recorders available in the system. The following six checkboxes indicate which functions are supported by the selected Recorder. Functions not supported by the selected Recorder will be displayed in gray. (Inactive)

Speed

Here the burner speed is defined. MAX adjusts the speed to the maximum possible on the selected Recorder. Decrease the speed if you frequently receive errors caused by the performance of your system, or the used media.

Program Options

Record T rac k-at-once

Track-at-once (TAO) is a writing method that for once (similar to disc-at-once) burns single session discs, and for the other (mainly) can be used to create multi session discs – which would actually not be able with DAO per definition. With TAO the laser will be switched off after writing each particular track, moved to the PMA to update the temporary table of contents, repositioned to the end point of the previously burned track, and switched back on to continue.

Record Disc-at-once

Disc at Once is the writing method of choice when creating professional Audio-CDs and masters for commercial mass production. With this method a CD will be burned within one single session, and then closed. The laser writes without interruption the Lead-in with the table of contents, all tracks, and eventually the Lead-out. (This explains why a unusable through write interruption disc appears to be containing all tracks, even if the mistake occurred during the first track. The table of contents has been written first, thus the player “thinks” the listed tracks are really on the media.)

Record MCN and ISRCs

The ISRC-Code (“International Standard Recording Code”) identifies a recording (in general this means a track). In principal therefor every track of a CD should have a ISRC code, which identifies it uniquely. This protocol is only mastered by newer CD burners.

Record CD Text

A procedure developed by Sony® and Phillips®. With CD text audio players of the newest generation are capable of displaying name of artist, name of current title, and even annotations. The information of the ID3 tag will be added onto the media, if the Recorder supports this function

Example of CD-ROM drives capable of reading out CD-Text*:

- Plextor PX-40TS (SCSI)

- Sony CD-ROM CDU 711 (SCSI)

- Teac CD-524-EA-B (IDE)

- Teac CD-532-E-A (IDE)

- Teac CD-532-E-B (IDE)

- Teac CD-540 (IDE)

Program Options

BPM Studio

Following CD Recorders are currently capable to read and write CD-Text*:

- Teac 56S/58S later than Firmware 1.0j

(SCSI)

- Plexwriter 4220 later than Firmaware 1.02

(SCSI)

- Plexwriter 8220 (SCSI)

- Ricoh 7040 later than Firmware 1.20 (SCSI

& ATAPI)

- Ricoh 7060 later than Firmware 1.20 (SCSI

& ATAPI)

- Sony 948S later than Firmware 1.0h (SCSI)

- Sony CDX 100 / 110 / 120 / 130 / 140 / 145

- HP 8100 / 8110 / 8200 / 8210 / 9100 / 9110

(Same vendor as Sony)

T o find regular CD play ers capable of reading CDText, visit your local consumer electronics store.

Record on Rewriteable Discs

The Recorder supports writing on CD-RWs. Media that can be reused.

Record with Burn Proof

Burn Proof is a procedure developed by Sanyo® in which throughout the whole process of burning the Recorder’s internal buffer is monitored. When system performance becomes slow, or even critical, the drive notices that a buffer underrun is unavoidable – and stops the burning procedure at a suitable location. This gives the buffer time to reload, the data is compared and synchronized, and the writing process continues right after where it stopped. This averts the media to become unusable, if the data throughput should be interrupted again.

Import Sessions

Sessions already present on the CD will be imported, the CD may not be finished though. Select this option if you want to write more data on a multi session CD. Impor tant! When writing on a multi session CD without activated import, all previous sessions will be destroyed.

CD-ROM/XA

The CD-ROM/XA is a mixture of the specifications for CD-I, CD-ROM mode 2, and the current format for data CDs. Deactivate this option if you are having problems reading in the CDs created with BPM Studio. Some older CD-ROM dr ives do not support this format. When writing multi session CDs, this format is a requirement in most recorders.

Close Disc

Finalizes the CD after the burn procedure. Older CD-ROM drives can not read Data-CDs if they are not finalized. Audio CDs will always be finalized in general, since here it is not possible to write on the CD in several sessions.

Burn Proof

Activates the burn proof function of the recorder. (if any) Buffer underrun errors will be averted, and the burn process will be faster.

Eject Disc from Recorder

If this option is selected, the tray of the drive will automatically be opened when the burning

process is complete.

Test Mode

When in test mode, writing will only be simulated. All functions of a “real” burn will be performed, with the exception that the laser is switched of. Thus the media will not be changed or damaged. This mode is used for troubleshooting, to avoid to many plain media will turn out as scrap. Keep the function “Eject Disc from Recorder” activated, since many Recorders only allow another recording on the same media if it has been removed, put back into the device, and scanned back in anew.

* no Guarantee

BPM Studio

Program Options

Pregap (sec)

Here define the pause between tracks of a audio CD. For data CDs this function is obsolete.

File / Disc Caching

By using File / Disc caching, buffer underrun errors are mostly history. Also it allows for a more efficient use of the processor and other system reasources.

File/Disc Caching Options

Enable Caching

Enables File/Disc Caching

Cache Size (MB)

Select cache size in MB. (Minimum is 1MB, max. is 32MB) Recommended cache sizes depending on available RAM:

RAM Rec. Cache Size

64MB 2 to 4 MB 128MB 4 to 8 MB 256MB 8 to 16 MB

Please do not exceed the maximum cache size. This could cause performance to decrease even more, than it would without activated caching

Full to Empty Ratio (%)

Setting of data size to be read in, before the cache has to be refilled. If the ratio is 86% to 15% for example, the cache will be filled to a 100%, and after 15% of the data have been purged, refilled to a 100% again. (This cycle will be repeated, until no data to be cached is present anymore.) It has been proofed that this method is more efficient than trying to keep the cache filled to a 100% at any given time.

CPU priority Level

Selects the processor priority level of the cache process. For 99% of all systems the “normal” setting can be maintained.

A very extensive and clearly arranged documentation about CD-Rs, CD-RWs, Recorder, and file formats can be found at http:// www.disc4you.de/kompendien/cd/

Please pay attention also to troubleshooting hints in chapter 3.15. CD Player / CD Writer of this Manual!

Program Options

3.19.7. Remote Control

Configuring external control units

On this register tab the connected control units will be adjusted to your needs. Depending on how deployed, (local PC / DJ Case, portable PC, or notebook) hardware outfit (number of sound cards, hardware audio outfit), and type of remote control unit, different functions can be assigned to the sliders, and multi purpose buttons. The level of adjustability depends on the type of the connected remote control unit. Additional information can be found in the chapters of each particular unit.

Connecting 2 remote control units: BPM Studio PRO can be

operated with two remote control units simultaneously. Thus, the same system can be accessed from two different rooms. For each control unit separate options are available, like COM port, etc. Of course very control unit needs it’s own serial port. The two tabs to the lower left you can select options for control units 1 and 2:

Available control units can freely be combined with each other. Although, under certain circumstances, restrictions can arise from the fact that the sliders on the control units can not be automatically used.

BPM Studio

When using two control units whit sliders, one of them must always be dedicated as master

, the sliders of the other unit will stay

inactive. When combining a unit with sliders with a unit with pitch wheels, only sliders will work. The pitch wheels of the other unit will be disabled. When combining two units with pitch wheels, no restrictions apply, therefore this solution should be preferred.

RC Active

Should always be enabled at the connected remote control unit. If so, the program will check on start up if the unit is connected, and operational.

BPM Studio

Program Options

Selecting a COM port:

Slider A, Slider B

Select here which functions you wish to assign to the sliders of the two players. (Not with RCP2001-B).

Slider C

(Only RC V3)

Three functions are available: Sampler Pitch, Sampler Volume, and Manual Fade A/B. When setting as manual fader, crossfades between player A, and player B can be perfor med even without external mixer.

Switches A, B, C

Define here the functions of the multi purpose buttons of the two players. (Only RC V3) These settings also apply for the two players in the program!

Adjust Sliders

Activate this option when you have problems with the sliders. (Only RC V3)

Text Scrolling

Activates title scrolling in display (Needs some system resource)

Defines on which port the unit will be connected during the initial installation.

is the slider of the sample player.

Level Meters

(only RC V3) Shows lev el indicator in RC displa y. (Uses some system resource)

Activate this checkbox if a

to the fader start socket [36] or [37], and the players should be started automatically when blending in a particular channel

external mixer is connected

(Only RCP-1001

/ 2001)

Activate this checkbox if a

to the fader start socket [36] or [37], and the players should be stopped automatically when blending in a particular channel. Should this checkbox stay activated, the players will keep playing, even if the mixer controls are pulled down.

external mixer is connected

(Only RCP-1001 / 2001)

Activate this option if you

start socket of the remote control unit.

would like to use the pulse

(Only RCP-

1001 / 2001)

(only RC V3)

remote control unit sliders are calibrated. To do so place the 3 sliders into their center position and click on CALIBRATE. The slider position will be defined to 0.

With this button the

Program Options

3.19.8. User Administration

A detailed description of these features can be found at a later point in this manual later.

With the user administration, several users can work in the same system at different times, without influencing each other. Each user has his own program settings, for example play lists, file archives, skin (program appearance), Program Options, or the assignment of virtual devices to particular sound card channels. Further all modules can be activated/deactivated, user specifically. Each user can have his own File Archive, or access the (write protected) Master Archive. The user administration is activated by creating the first new user, or by creating a password for the administrator. From this point on a password inquiry will be performed at any every program start. The password field can also be left blank though.

Separate Settings

Settings for this user will be administrated separately in the Program Options

Seperate File Archive

User obtains own File Archive

File Archive read only

The user is not authorized to change the file archive (with no regards on if he has his own archive, or uses the administrators)

BPM Studio

Playlists read only

User can not save play lists

Enable delete files

User is authorized to use “Delete file from harddisk”

Enable program termination

The user is authorized to close BPM Studio (if inactive, the administrator password is required)

Enable Ripper/Encoder up to Enable

Encoder

Here BPM Studio modules can be activated, res. deactivated for this user.

Enable Options

User is authorized to change Program Options (regardless on if he uses his own, or the system administrators.

BPM Studio

3.19.9. Server components

Further informations about this feature can be found in the chapter BPM Studio Server Components.

The server components of BPM Studio offer functions that allow to remotely control the program via WebBrowser, or Telnet. On this register tab the most important parameters for both servers are defined. W e recommend maintaining the preset settings, as long as they do not cause conflicts with other PCs or Servers in the network.

Telnet Port:

Here the port number for the Telnet server is defined. Default is 23

HTTP Port:

Here the port number for the HTTP Server is defined. Default is 80. If the server is active, access to the PC with a web browser is possible. This is done, in the best case scenario, by entering http:// -followed by the IP address of the computer. If access is to be gained on the same computer, on which the program is installed, you can enter “localhost” instead of the IP address.

HTTP Doc path: The HTTP server will make this folder as main directory publicly available. It can contain proprietary information, e.g. web pages with control functions for BPM Studio

Program Options

HTTP Default Doc:

Define the file that will be displayed as start page if the user enters merely the IP address of the computer into his browser, without specifying a particular file.

If this checkbox is selected, both servers will be activated and BPM Studio is accessible, and can be controlled from every PC connected to the network. Provided appropriate measurements have not been taken against this.

Additional Functions

3.20. Additional Functions

BPM Studio

3.20.1. Normalize Function

Via the pop up menu in File Archive and the different play lists, the normalize-function can be activated. Use this function if a title playback is either too loud, or too quiet. If you activate this function in the categories window, all titles present on the system will be normalized. With large archives this procedure can take sever al days (!), therefore must only be applied to a title once. If new titles are added, this function will be applied, already normalized titles will not be scanned again though, which speeds up the procedure considerably. During normalization the Peak- and RMS Values of all titles are determined, and a average value for the titles volume is calculated. Upon this the loudest and most quiet title are known, and based on these values titles will be adjusted later on. Very quiet titles will be amplified, and very loud ones will be reduced in their volume. The dynamic mostly stays unchanged, since only one amplification factor is applied and no dynamic adjustment.

3.20.2. Search Dialog

The search dialog is also accessible via the pop up menu in BPM File Archive or the button

in the file lists. Here you can perf orm your search according to the following search criteria: BPM range, artist, title, title version and album. The search term or text string will always be compared exactly with the list entries. But you can also use

wildcards. Here some examples: WEST* will find all titles with WESTBAM, WESTERNHA GEN, etc. *HAGEN will find all titles like WESTERNHA GEN, NINA HAGEN, etc. *EN* finds all titles containing an EN, e.g. DEN HARROW, or X-PERIENCE. If the search was successful, a new folder SEARCH RESULTS will be created in BPM File Archive in which the search results will be listed. If this folder should exits already, all files in it will be overwritten.

3.20.3. Monitor Functions

For professional use of BPM Studio the monitor functions are essential. While a title in Player A, B, the Sample Player or the CD Player is played over the PA System, it is possible to listen to, or prescreen any other given external or internal signal source via headphone to e.g. screen titles, place Cue-Points, determinate the BPMs of a particular title, or equal out BPMs. The basic requirement for this is at least one additional sound card, or multiple channel sound card, to assign the monitor channels if BPM Studio to a dedicated audio channel. The monitor functions have to be enabled in the Program Options on the register tab Audio I/O. In the monitor area, a dedicated sound card will be assigned to the monitor channel. The f ollowing virtual devices utilize the monitor channel:

- All Preview-Players in the Play Lists and the BPM File Archive

- The preview player of the BPM Counter

- The monitor switch in the

main program

- The monitor buttons in the Mixer The volume of the monitor channel is adjusted

with the MONITOR control, in the Mixer

BPM Studio

Before the monitor functions can be used a sound card test, and synchronization need to be performed. Otherwise differing sample frequencies would cause runtime differences between monitor channel and player when playing. To synchronize sound cards proceed as follows: First select the desired driver. (Synchronization is necessary with Direct Sound, WAVE, and KERNEL driver. ) Then click on the button “Test Sound Card”. Each Sound Card will now be tested for 1 min. BPM Studio then analyzes the results, and synchronizes the Sound Cards. This test needs to be performed separately for WAVE and Direct Sound Driver, if both are to be used.

3.20.4. The Program internal BPM Database

BPM Studio disposes over it’s own database, in which the BPM values of all titles are stored. A basic supply of BPM values is included. Additional titles will be added through the File Info Box, or the BPM Counter. Whenever you add a new title to the system, the program checks if a BPM value is already available, and assigns it to the file. If a new MP3 file is loaded, that has a BPM Value in it’s ID3 tag already , then this tag will be adopted into the internal BPM database. If a value is already determined for this title, it will be updated.

3.20.5. The PreAmp-Function (Limiter)

Within the equalizer the PreAmp function can be activated. This is recommended if the red “OVERFLOW” LED stays on permanently. This means the overall amplification is to high, which may cause distortions.

Additional Functions

3.20.5. The back-up- and Update functions

Via the pop up menus of the Group window and the File Archive you can access the BackUp and Update function. The back up Function allows you to create a backup copy of the entire File Archive in a predefined folder. From there it can be restored later on. With this method a copy of the File Archive can be transferred to another PC also. The Update-Function offers two options. “Search Hard Drive” scans the entire system, including all connected network drives for play able titles, and lists them under NEW FILES + date. “Update Archive” removes all titles no longer present out of the File Archive, and lists all new titles in the NEW FILES category.

3.20.7. Interface for Visualization Plugins

Via the Recorder pop up menu the interface for WinAMP Visualization Plugins can be activated. In a list, the in the folder \BPM Studio\Studio\Plugin installed plugins are listed. Some of these plugins can be configured within the range of their functions. To do so, click on the button “Configure” and make the desired adjustments. To compensate for resource problems the “Priority” control is uses. ALCATech GmbH does not guarantee that BPM Studio will work with these Plugins.

More information about current sound card tests, program updates, and answ ers to frequently asked questions can be found on our website www.alcatech.de

User Administration

3.21. User Administration

3.21.1. In General

This section explains the work method of the BPM Studio user administration. Example configurations can be found at the end. The user administration enables different users to work at the same system independently. Additionally it is possible to assign different levels of access. Especially when more than one version of BPM Studio is in use in a network environment, the network functions and the user administration develop a synergistic effect and offer extensive administration possibilities. Please see also “Network functions”.

Activating the User Administration

To activate the user administration either a new user is created with the “NEW” button, or a password is defined for the system administrator. From this point on, a username and password inquiry is performed whenever the program is started. The password can be omitted.

BPM Studio

Defining Login and Logout passwords

In the “Login password” and “Logout” fields the passwords for program start, end exiting the program are defined. A password for exiting the program is usually not necessary though. If the field is left blank, no inquiry will be performed when exiting

Switching the active (logged in) users

Only exiting, and restarting BPM Studio can switch the active user. At the new program start, the other username needs to be selected.

3.21.2. User specific settings

The “User” register tab is divided into the global settings for a selected user, (left column), and the access restrictions for the BPM Studio modules (right column).

Separate Settings

When this checkbox is activated, all settings on the 6 register tabs in the Program Options will be stored separately. This can be done if the user logs on under his user name, and then defines his own settings in the Program Options. This is only possible though, if the “Options” Checkbox, in the right column of the user administration, is selected. This offers the opportunity that the user adjusts these settings once (or the administrator logged on under the users name), and the administrator then locks access to the Program Options. Other possible utilization is to serve different sound card settings. (Channel assignment or flexible configurations / notebook installations)

BPM Studio

User Administration

Separate File Archive

When this checkbox is marked off, a own File Archive will be created for this user . The user can configure this archive independently from the Master File Archive (which is maintained by the administrator) to his liking. If so though, he is responsible for backups, and actualization. For this the File Archive Function in the group windows pop up menu can be used. In network installations the users archive can be stored also on the server, or the Master File Archive of this server will be displayed for this user (read only). See also Network-Functions. If this is the case, the user can store his file archive also on the server. Or the Master File Archive can be displayed for this user . (Read only)

File Archive read only

This option is pretty much self-explanatory. If this checkbox is marked, the user will not be able to make modifications to the File Archive. This relates to the category structure, and play lists in these categories. Modifications to the titles themselves (in the ID3 tags) will be granted though. (If this is to be avoided, either the modules “BPM Counter” and “File properties” need to be disabled, or the checkboxes “wr ite ID3 tags” and “save ID3Vs tags” need to be deselected.)

Enable delete files

This checkbox activates the pop up menu option of File Archive and Play Lists to delete files from the hard drive. When deactivated, files can merely be removed out of the Play List and the File Archive. To deactivate this option can be helpful to avoid accidental file deleting.

Enable program termination

If this checkbox is selected, the logged on user can close BPM Studio. If previously a log out password has been defined it will be required though. If this checkbox is not marked, the administrator password is required to exit BPM Studio. If BPM Studio has been defined as exclusive shell application, and the PC is not accessible, this way it can be avoided that user gains unauthorized access to the system.

Checkboxes “ Ripper” to “ Mixer”

Here the different modules are activated / deactivated for a particular user

Enable Options

When selected, the user is authorized to modify the Program Options.

Play Lists read only

This checkbox deactivates the “SAVE LIST” button within all play-lists. This avoids lists being saved, or present lists to be overwritten. The user will only be able to access prepared play lists, he can change them while the program is running. Saving modifications at the end of the session is not possible though.

If a Master File Archive is accessible through the network, access will always be granted on a “read only” basis, even if “File Archive read only” checkbox is not selected.

If the “Separate Settings” checkbox is not selected, the user will have access to the same options as the system administrator.

User Administration

BPM Studio

3.21.3. Example Configurations

A given PC is used by the system administrator (e.g. the dance club owner) and two DJs. The owner keeps the File Archive current, and frequently adds new titles. Both DJs work with those titles available on the system. DJ 1 merely uses the File Archive provided by the owner, DJ 2 has created his own File Archive, and updates it himself. Both DJs work independently at different times.

( =selected, =not selected, !=necessary, *=recommendable, .=irrelevant)

DJ 1:

* Separate Settings ! Separate File Archive * File Archive read only . Playlists read only * Enable delete files . Enable Program termination

* Ripper . File Info . BPM Counter . File Editor . Sample Editor . Recorder . Mi x er

If you upgrade from BPM Studio Home to BPM Studio Pro, the settings of the use administration will not be automatically adopted. If so, please specify the old folder during the installation. Read also the more extensive explanation in the Update instructions.

DJ 2:

! Separate Settings ! Separate File Archive ! File Archive read only . Playlists read only * Enable delete files . Enable Program termination

* Ripper . File Info . BPM Counter . File Editor . Sample Editor . Recorder . Mi x er

* Options

BPM Studio

3.22. Network Functions

This part explains the extended network functions of BPM Studio. The first two subchapters separately explain the different functions. Following, different examples of application and example configurations are described. Since the network functions strongly interact with the user administration, it is recommended to consult the User Administration in your studies. Deploying BPM Studio in a network basically has the objective of serving MP3 files to clients from a central server, res. a client that also shares this task. Additionally , network wide access to file archives is possible.

Network Functions

Addressing MP3 files via the Drive letter

This form of addressing is predefined in the Program Options logical drive letter assignment on the “Storing” register tab. It is also a requirement for correct functioning of the network functionality in general, and the “Update” function in the File Archive. Also when you add MP3 files to the File Archive using the “+FILE” or “+DIR”, you usually select them via

Desktop\My Computer\[LW]:[Folder]. Addressing will follow the LW:\[Folder]\

[Subfolder]\*.mp3 pattern

3.22.1 Addressing MP3 Files

You can install BPM Studio on several client PCs, and then use a shared pool of MP3 files, which is basically a requirement when working with network file archives. Although we recommend the use of a 100Mbit network, but also 10Mbit networks of up to 5 clients are known to run smoothly. The folder /s with the MP3 files will be shared on the server PC. On the client PCs access can now be gained either over a network drive (recommended), or via the network client of Windows98.

Addressing via drive letter:

Example entry in a *.grp-file of the File Archive (Displayed with a word wrap, that is not present in the original file)

Track0=C:\PROGRAMME\ALCATECH\BPM-STUDIO PROFI\DATA\A-HA - EARLY MORNING.MP3|TAG|A-HA|EARLY MORNING||HEADLINES AND DEADLINES THE HITS OF AHA|||OTHER|MP3|0|179696|0|327680|0|0|-1|0|0|0|3|128|7|-1|0|0|0|-1|||0|

Example entry in a Playlist (Displayed with a word wrap, that is not present in the original file)

At the end of this page two example entries are shown. In the first section of the entry , the location of the files becomes obvious. Also, at initial program start, only logical drives, meaning local drives, and network drives will be scanned. A network drive can be connected in Windows Explorer -> connect network drive.

C:\MP3\EIFEL 65 - BLUE DABADI.MP3|TAG|EIFEL 65|BLUE DABADI||||HTTP:// WWW.BPMSTUDIO.DE||MP3|0|221152|0|327680|0|0|-1|0|0|0|3|128|8|-1|0|0|0|1019794890|||0|

Network Functions

BPM Studio

Addressing MP3 files via the computer name

If no network drives are supposed to installed on a client PC, for example if the client PC is connected to particular ser vers only randomly, it is possible to access the files through the Windows network client. Here also the files or folders are loaded with +DIR or +FILE, but now via the network neighborhood of Windows, not “My Computer” The address of the MP3 files will then be in form of\\[Computername]\[Folder]\

[Subfolder]\*.mp3

An example of a File Archive row, in which the file is addressed via the computer name, can be found at the end of this page. In place of the drive letter here \\HOLI\ (the computer name) and the name of the shared folder DATA1 are displayed. When using this method of addressing though, at every access a Windows name resolution needs to be performed, which can, under circumstances, lead to timing problems for example if the address of the WIN-SMasterbrowser changes. Until now though, dropouts due to this addressing method are unheard of. Be also reminded though, that the BPM File Archive “Update” functions don’t work correctly. In mobile use with local server connectivity it is recommended, to create a user for every place of use, and then load the files via the network client.

3.22.2. Network File-Archives

A BPM File Archive consists of a group of text files located at the DATA folder of the par ticular BPM Studio installation. The files Groups.gps and Groups.idx contain the folder directory of the File Archive. The *.grp files, like Default.grp, contain the paths to the different MP3 files. These files can be located on a local drive, a connected network drive, or on a PC addressed via \\[computer name]\ See also addressing via computer name. With no regards to the type of the file archives, it is always the MP3 files provided by the central server that are actually accessed. In general one tells apart between a Master File Archive, and user file archives. A Master File Archive will be provided by the server, and is only editable from there. It can be viewed on the clients in read only mode. Any given user can use this File Archive, without having to worry about updating or maintenance. This will be the network administrator’s task. A user file archive can be created on the client PCs or, similar to the Master File Archive, on the server. If the user file archive stored locally, there is no way to access it from another client PC. Modifications would have to be made by each particular user.

Addressing via the Network Client:

Example entry in a *.grp-file of the File Archive (Displayed with a word wrap, that is not present in the original file)

Track620=\\HOLI\DATA1\MP3\RUBRIKEN\HOUSE\WATERGATE - MADE OF ORLEANS.MP3|TAG|WATERGATE|MADE OF ORLEANS||DREAM DANCE - VOL.13 - DISC 1||||MP3|0|230400|0|327680|0|0|-1|0|0|0|3|128|8|-1|0|0|0|-1|||0|

BPM Studio

For this reason it is possible to store the user file archives on the server. This way the user can find his own, current archive on every client PC. All these settings can be adjusted in the user administration on the “Storing” register tab. What type of network file archives actually will be used, depends on the type of network, number of users, maintenance strategy, and other local circumstances. In general it is recommended to analyze these facts before the installation, and to coordinate with the network operator.

Creating a Master File Archive

When initially installing BPM Studio on the server (or the client PC that will later on provide server services) a default archive is created in the program folder under \DATA. This archive will not be deleted, even if new user accounts are created, and can be edited through the administrator account. The path to this File Archive is defined in the Program Options-> file storage. Additionally the equalizer presets (eq.eqp), and the locally stored CDDB (cdda.cdb) inquiry results are stored here. Also the default path to the encoded mp3 files is located here after the initial installation, which should at this point be modified to the shared folder for MP3 Files. (See also shared MP3 files)

T o be able to access this File Archiv e from a BPM Studio client on another PC, some adjustments are necessary. To begin with the folder \DATA in the BPM Studio directory must be unlocked in the file sharing options if Windows Explorer.

possibility to grant access to the whole drive c: of the server PC, for security reasons this ids not recommendable though)

(There is also the

Network Functions

On the client PCs a new drive letter will be created, and assigned to the shared DAT A folder. Afterwards, in the BPM Studio Program Options of the client PCs, the server PCs folder can be selected via this drive letter. When closing the Program Options, BPM Studio will now announce the presence of a File Archive, after a security inquiry, this Master File Archive will be displa yed, instead of the user File Archive.

Protected Access of Network File Archives

To ensure that current information is available on all clients, BPM Studio has two background functions.

1.) The File Archive can only be edited on the server, and will be provided to the clients in read only mode. BPM Studio automatically detects if a File Archive is located on the server, or no a client.

2.) Each client inquires the server in short intervals for modifications of the file archive, and updates its own archive accordingly.

Title search function when loading

When several PCs use a shared File Archive, it can not be guaranteed that a MP3 file will be located under the same drive letter, although it will be in the same folder res. the same directory. Therefore BPM Studio scans all logical drives for a file when it is loaded. This is also useful on standalone platforms, when additional hard drives are added to the system. BPM Studio will automatically scan for the same directory under

all other drive letter.

Network Functions

BPM Studio

3.22.3. Example Configuration

With this example the work method of network functions are explained.

A dance club with 1 server in the office, and 2 clients in different areas. All DJs wor k with the same File Archive provided by the dance club, but can make their own BPM Studio settings and adjustments on the clients. Archiving of new CDs, and File Archive maintenance are done at the server.

Configuration:

The MP3 files and a Master File Archive are saved on the server. The servers access the File Archive , and the files in “read only” mode.

Server:

The server is consists of a system drive C:\, two data drives D:\ and E:\, and a CD-ROM drive F:\. Reading in CDs is done locally in the office, which can be done during an event without any problems. T o do so , the server needs to have W98, and a version of BPM Studio Home installed. The User Administration on the server will be unmodified. On drive C:\, the BPM Studio \DATA folder, drive D:\ and drive E:\, will be opened for file sharing.

Client:

The client PCs will be configured as follows:

Three network drives, connected with the server: E:\ as the data directory of the ser ver F:\, G:\, with D:\ and E:\ of the server

Now, in BPM Studio , the data path will be modified from C:\program files\Alcatech\BPM Studio\DAT A to the server (D:\, since this is the logical drive connected with the server’s DATA folder). Thus the administrator of the client PC will hence use the Master File Archive. Modifications can from now on only be done on the server. After a restart of BPM Studio the Master File Archive will be loaded from the server, and the client will automatically log on to the server. If a title of the file archive is selected, BPM Studio scans the two connected network-drives for this title, and loads it.

Expansion for multi user:

More users can be created on the client, which will have their own settings, and will also be able to store their own play lists, while still being able to access the Master File Archive. To do so, the two new users will get entries into the user administration, get passwords, and the according entries will be made. Additionally , the “File Archive Write Protected“ function should be enabled.

System drive C:\, W98, BPM Studio Home or Professional Sound Card depending on intended purpose CD-ROM drive D:\

BPM Studio

4.1. Where can I get MP3 files?

BPM Studio will be delivered without any MP3 Files. Our systems are designed for you to copy your Audio CDs to your computers hard drive, and save them as MP3 Files. Thus you can be assured that there will be no loss in quality, and playability of the titles. But also the most MP3 titles from other systems, as well as MP2, and WAVE files can be played with BPM Studio. Stepby-step instructions on how to copy CDs, and creating a File Archive can be found in the First Steps chapter of this manual. You can also utilize other encoders from other vendors, be aware though, that quality differs between different encoders.

Lately, titles are offered for purchase in the MP3 file format already , these can usually used be with BPM Studio without problems.

Legal reminder:

BPM Studio may only be used to copy/encode titles if you are the author, or if the author, or a person owning the copyrights has authorized you to do so. Otherwise you take the risk that you make yourself liable to prosecution, res. to be held liable by the copyright owner. Please pay attention to laws and regulations regarding the use of MP3 files. You can inform yourself about these either with the regional office of the GEMA, or on the Internet at www.gema.de. If you use BPM Studio outside of Germany, please ref er to the according institutions representing artist, and record company rights.

4.2. How can I play MP3 files?

First Steps

BPM Studio offers two independent Players for playing MP3 files, which provide all functions of a professional double-CD-player for DJs. A requirement to use BPM Studio that there are already MP3 files saved on a PC. These will be read in, and displayed in the play lists, at the first program start after the installation. The players will automatically play the play list in descending order.

1.) At any given time titles can be added to the Play List by clicking the button at left

lower corner of the Play List The title selected in the File Archive will be added to the play list. If no title is selected, a Explorer window will open showing the directory of your hard drive(s). Select here the MP3 files to be inserted, and confirm with OK. The selected MP3 files will now be inserted into the play list.

2.) Load a given title out of a Play List or the File Archive into one of the two players by

Drag&Drop. To do so, move the mouse pointer over the title, press the left mouse button, and hold it down. The mouse pointer will change into two little musical notes. No w move the mouse pointer over one of the two players, and let go of the button. The title will be loaded into the player, and the red LED display over the on. A click on the playback. Alternatively you can start the title via the remote control unit also. The buttons

[PLAY] [CUE]

identical with the buttons unit.

In the following chapter read how you can mix MP3 files with single beat accuracy, and use the players professionally. In the Player chapter of this manual you can find detailed descriptions of all player functions.

[CUE]

[PLAY]

on the computer screen are

button will come

button starts the

[4] and [5]

on the

First Steps

BPM Studio

4.3. Beat Matching with BPM Studio

As when working with regular CD – players, single beat accurate mixing takes quite an amount of empathy and lots of practice. But to make the transition from CD to MP3 as easy as possible, the especially for BPM Studio developed remote control units and the extensive and versatile software allow you work with the same look & feel as with a high quality, conventional double CD player.

Single beat accurate mixing means a titles seamless transition into the next one, where the base beats of both titles can be heard simultaneously, but appear to be one. (3)

Only remote control units with Pitch Controls:

When this process is executed the pitch LED [25], and the pitch indicator in the equaled players display

[14f]

maintain its pitch value, until you position the pitch control on the remote control unit to the value indicated by the software. Following the pitch value of the adjusted player can be manipulated from this position on again. (With the pitch wheel of the RCP-2001-B this value can be manipulated again immediately)

Quick description of single beat accurate mixing:

1.) Select two titles that somewhat correspond

2.) Initially, move both pitch controls back to

will blink. The adjusted player will

in style and speed. Load these titles into the two players, e.g. via Drag&Drop out of the File Archive. Now the BPM value for both titles will automatically be determined, and be indicated in the top right corner of the player’s displays. (If this indicator shows PITCH, it can easily be switched to BPM by left clicking on it.

zero. To do so, right click on the slider scale of both pitch-controls.

During this process both titles play simultaneously for a certain time, which allows to create various effects. To achieve this it is necessary that both players play the titles at exactly the same speed. The BPM values (Beats per Minute) of both titles must be exactly equal. Also, the beats of both titles must be played simultaneously . (Beat synchronizing 3.). BPM Studio offers powerful tools to simplify beat matching. The real time BPM counter determines the BPM value of every title in real time. With the

[SET]

button [21] (also called BPM Match button) the BPM value of the other player (Master) is automatically adopted, and both title’s speed is automatically equaled.*

3.) Activate speed control (Pitch) with the button. The green pitch LED should now be

on in both players.

4.) In player B click on the BPM match button ( ), and observe the BPM indicator. The

BPM value of player A should be adopted. If this is not the case, then the difference between the two speeds is to small for the currently selected pitch range. By clicking

on the or button select a larger range, and try again to adjust by clicking on the oder button. (The BPM Match button is also available at the remote control

units.)

BPM Studio

5.) When the BPM values in both players are equal, the titles are played with the same speed. You can ensure this, if you star t Player B, and screen with headphones simultaneously to Player A.

6.) Now prepare the second title to be mixed in, by setting a Cue Point directly in front of a beat. To do so start the player B with headphones.

First Steps

10.) Now you can start player B simultaneously

to a beat of player A by clicking the button. Player B will now play approximately

synchronous to player A.

11.) Now you can shortly slow down, or accelerate the player B with the and

7.) Stop player B at approximately the first beat of a new bar. BPM Studio will from now on remember this point a Cue Point

8.) Now start player A, and try to star t player B at a beat of player A. Y ou can try this sever al times by not stopping player B with the Pla y/ Pause button, but with the Cue button. Thus the player will return to the stored point, and will start from there on again. Should the two titles not be approximately synchronized, the Cue Point needs to be corrected as follows.

9.) Click one of the search buttons or

smartly. The player is now in loop

mode, and frequently repeats 160ms of the title from the Cue Point on. Through clicking these two buttons again (or with the jog shuttle dial at the remote control unit) you can now move this Cue Point forward, and backwards, within the title. By screening the title through headphones, and by observing the spectrum analyzer in the player’ s display , you can place the Cue Point exactly on the beginning of the beat. The loop mode will be ended by clicking the Cue- or Play button, and made adjustments will be adopted. When the Cue Point is placed so accurate that you can start player B approximately simultaneously with player A, not until then the title is prepared for accurate beat mixing.

buttons, and compare by

headphones when the beats will be exactly synchronous. If you discover that the titles become asynchronous after a little while, simply adjust the pitch value with the according control in the smallest, possible increments. For this the pitch wheel of the RCP-2001-B remote control unit is especially suitable.

After BPM equalizing with the button the adjusted player will block the use of RC’s Sliders. As soon as you position the pitch slider of the locked player to its true position at the remote control unit, the block will be removed, and thus the pitch value can be modified again, e.g. to make slight corrections. The PITCH indicator on the remote control unit will blink when blocked, and will show the difference between remote control unit slider, and real position of the slider, which simplifies positioning the remote control unit slider to its real position.

12.) From now on there are no limits to your

imagination when it comes to working with

the two synchronously playing titles.

Alternate between the two players by beat

or by bar with the manual fader, kill

frequencies at the external mixer, or just play

both titles parallel.

[SET]

First Steps

BPM Studio

4.4. How do I work with Playlists?

BPM Studio saves the title order in the play lists below the two players. The player will now play those titles in the order of this list. You can modify this list to your liking, add titles, delete titles, rearrange the title order, or save the list for further use. It is also possible to enter a title a couple of times repeatedly, or in different positions on the list. All modifications made to the list, (for example with the File Editor) will be stored, and will be available when loading this list again. In the Play List Archive you will manage all your play lists conveniently and you can even copy parts of one play list into another, or load complete lists into the player. During this process only the title information get modified, the MP3 files themselves will stay at their location.

This part of the manual only covers handling of single play lists. Read in the File- / Play List Archives what possibilities you have when archiving play lists.

4.4.1. Adding titles to a play list

1.) Click on the button, in the bottom left corner of the play list. The title selected from

the File Archive will now be inser ted into the play list at the predefined spot. If no title is selected, a Explorer window will open showing the root directory of your hard drive/ s.

2.) Now select the MP3 files to be inserted, and click OK to confirm. The selected titles will be inserted into the play list.

You can also pull complete play lists or categories from the File- and Play List archive into a play list. The titles will be added. Pull a complete play list, or category on a player, and the old list will be replaced with the new one.

4.4.2. Modifying the title order

Via Drag&Drop the order of titles can be modified. Click on a title, and drag it to another position within the list. A little red arrow to the left in the list simplifies sorting in.

BPM Studio

First Steps

4.4.3. Storing a Play List

Click on . An Explorer window will open in which you can specify a name, and a folder for

the play list to be saved. OK confir ms, and the play list will be stored under this name.

Y ou can also store the complete Pla y List in the Play List Archive, by dragging and dropping it on the group window. Upon doing so, you can renamed the newly created list.

You can also store the complete Play List in the Play List Archive, by dragging and dropping it on the group window. Upon doing so, you can renamed the newly created list.

4.4.4. Loading a Play List from Hard Drive

Click on . A Explorer window will open, from which you can load BPM Studio play lists (*.pls),

as well as other formats like for example WinAMP play lists. The previously loaded list will be lost though.

4.4.5. Drag&Drop functionality of Play Lists

BPM Studio offers various functions to conveniently assemble, load, and archive play lists. A central position in this functionality is presented by the Play List Archive . Here , the play lists can be stored in freely definable categories. Also, the play list history is located here. Switch

to the play list archive by clicking the button. The left window will now display the

different play list categories, and the right window (title list) will show the titles within a category selected to the left.

4.4.6. Adding a pla y list to the archive

Click into the head row of a play list window of a player, and hold the mouse button down.

Now drag the play list into the group window of the Play List Archive. There, a list symbol will appear beside the mouse pointer.

Drop the play list by letting go of the mouse button, it will now be added to the archive under the name PLAYLIST. Now choose [rename] in the pop up menu of this entry, and define a name that mak es sense for this list. You can also sort this new list into another category by Drag&Drop, or move it freely within the group window.

First Steps

BPM Studio

4.4.7. Loading a Play List from the Archive into a Player

In the group window of the Play List Archive click on the list to be loaded, and hold down the mouse button. A note symbol will appear beside the mouse pointer.

Now drag the selected play list on the desired player. Drop the list by letting go of the mouse button. This play list will now be loaded into the player, and the previous one will be replaced. Read how to amend, or insert a play list onto or into a already present list in the next chapter.

4.4.8. Merging a Play List to an already loaded List

Scroll to the end of the play list window of the desired player. In the group window of the Play List Archive click on the list to be loaded with the left mouse button, and hold it. A little note symbol appears beside the mouse pointer. Now drag the play list to the last title of the loaded play list, and drop it below. The new play list will be amended to the one already loaded.

4.4.9. Adding title sequences of a play

list to an already loaded list

In the group window select the desired play list containing the titles to be added. Then mark the desired titles by clicking right into the title window. By holding the [Ctrl] key down, you can select and deselect multiple titles. When all desired songs are selected, click on one of the selected titles, and drag the whole block into the play list window of the player, and drop them.

You can also, as when loading complete play lists, drag the selected titles directly on the player . Thus the selected titles will be loaded into the player, and the previous play list will be discarded.

4.4.10. Screening titles

With the preview player in the lower right hand corner of the play lists you can screen marked titles, without having to load them into a player.

The preview player of the File Archiv e can also be controlled with the Sample Player keys <, 0, and > of the remote control unit. 0 stops and starts the player, < and > are used for rewind and fast forward.

In chapter 3.3 all functions of the play list are extensively explained

You can also insert the new play list at any other desired spot within the loaded play list. The little red arrow to the left of the list simplifies this.

BPM Studio

4.5. Creating Fades between Titles

First Steps

The Cross-Fader enables automatic fades between the two players. Every single title of the play list can have a different fade assigned. Thus the fade can be adjusted exactly to the particular title.

1.) Screen the end of the title to be faded, and select a point from which on you wish to start fading out. Before doing so, switch the time indicator to REMAIN so you can observe the remaining playtime of the title.

2.) Adopt the remaining playtime of the title into the cross fader as fade time. To do so, adjust the FADE TIME control accordingly.

3.) Now pick up the end of the level curve of the title to be faded, by clicking the left mouse button on it.

The mouse pointer changes into a bi-directional arrow.

Move the end of the curve into the lower right hand corner of the cross fader display.

Now the last seconds of the title to be faded will be displayed in the cross fader’s display. The time will also be displayed. The title will be faded out in accordance with the adjusted level curve. If this curve is set like in this picture, the cross fader will start fading out slowly at half of the set fade time. By moving the start point of the fade curve you can adjust the time, in which the title will be faded out.

If you move the point all the way to the right for example, then the title will be played with the full volume all the way to the end.

If the start point of the curve is set all the way to the left, a slow, and continuos decrease of volume until the end of the title will be applied. But also any other desired fade pattern can be adjusted by Drag&Drop.

First Steps

BPM Studio

Assigning a fade to a title

When all adjustments have been made in the cross fader, the prepared fade needs to be

assigned to the according title. This is also accomplished by Drag&Drop. To do so, click on an empty spot within the cross fader display.

Drag the adjusted fade to the title in the play list, which it is to be assigned to. The mouse pointer will have a little cross fader symbol accompanying it:

Once the fade is assigned, this title will be marked with a little rectangle in front of the time column of the play list:

All following titles in the play list, will now have the same fade assigned, until another fade is assigned to one of the following titles. If an already assigned fade needs to be modified, the modified fade needs to be reassigned via Drag&Drop to confirm. This avoids unwanted modifications on previously assigned fades.

The Automatic-Mode will be switched on and off with . Only when automatic-mode is active, will the assigned fades be applied.

All functions will be explained extensively in the Cross Fader Chapter.

BPM Studio

4.6. How can I change title information?

First Steps

BPM Studio offers convenient options on how the informations attached to a title are managed. These informations are stored in the ID3 tags of the files themselves, and in the play list files (*.pls)

1.) Point the mouse pointer on the title to be modified.

2.) With the right mouse button / pop up menu select the “Properties” point. Alternatively

you can also use the button.

3.) The File Info Box will be opened:

Here all information contained in the ID3 tag will be displayed. If you want to modify any of the information, simply overwrite it, and confirm with OK. The information will be updated in the ID3 tag, as well as in the Play List.

To the right of the BPM field, the complete path to this MP3 file will be displayed. If there is not enough space, you can move the mouse pointer over it, and the whole path will be displayed as tool tip.

The “MORE” button will only appear if the selected file is a CD-at-once track. Read the CD-Player / CD-at-once chapter for further explanations.

With the BPM... button you can open the BPM Counter module, and be able to determine the BPM value directly out of the properties dialog, and save it.

Edit... will start the File Editor with the selected title.

In the chapter File Properties Dialog you can find further information and descriptions about modifying title information.

When you select several files, and open the File Properties Dialog, a checkbox will appear beside every entry. If this checkbox is marked, the modification in the according field will be applied to all titles. This is especially useful if several titles are to be assigned to a particular genre, or album title.

First Steps

BPM Studio

4.7. Ripping and Archiving Audio-CDs

BPM Studio does not only provide the means to professionally play and mix titles. Also many functions and perfected modules are available for copying and archiving audio-CDs. How you can transfer your existing CD collection to the BPM Studio system, is explained in the following section.

Requirements:

Music in the MP3 format occupies about 1 MB of hard drive space for 1 minute of music. This means that on a hard drive with 30 GB capacity approximately 8,000 to 10,000 titles with an average length of 3.5 minutes can be stored. The Audio-CDs are read in with the CD-ROM drive and copied to the hard drive. This procedure is also called “ripping”. The speed of this process mainly depends on the quality of the drive. But also the performance of the overall system is important, for example if copying and encoding are to be done in one single process.

After the installation of BPM Studio, MP3 files will be stored in the \DATA folder on drive C by default. W e recommend, when using the prog ram professionally, to install a second (or even more) additional hard drive/s, and to move the MP3 folder accordingly to the new hard drive. This can be done in the Program Options, “storage” register tab. Optimally create a \MP3 folder on the new hard drive, and select this folder as standard for MP3 files. BPM Studio will then store all ripped, and encoded files in this folder.

A large relief, when adopting title lists on the PC, is the global CD database on the Internet. There, the title information of the most known and current CDs are stored, and can be downloaded for free. BPM Studio has a built in CDDB inquiry function,

to be started over the button. If a particular CD can not be found in this database,

an alternative CDDB-database can be defined in the Program Options. Or, the information can be entered manually in the file properties dialog. To be able to use the CDDB inquiry you need a Internet connection either over the dial up network adapter of Windows, or through a real Internet connection through a masked network. Standard Proxy software for Windo ws only offers HTTP and FTP services. If you own a UNIX system as gateway, activate masquerading, and enter the IP Address of the gateway into the network settings of Windows. If you use programs like WinGate, or AVM KEN!, please activate the SOCKS Proxy in these programs, res. install the proper client software on the BPM Studio PC You can get more help from about this topic from your system administrator, or your local PC store .

We recommend to save all MP3 files in one folder. The BPM Studio File Archive and the hard drive directory stand in no relation to each other. If you move a file in the BPM Studio File Archive, the physical location on the hard drive remains unchanged. This way, it can get messy very easily, if you store files in different folders on your hard drive, and later on rearrange them in the File Archive.

BPM Studio

Ripping Audio-CDs:

1.) Switch to the CD-Player of BPM Studio by

clicking the button. Insert a audio-CD into the CD-ROM drive. After a couple of seconds,

all titles on the CD should appear in the players Play List. Since BPM Studio doesn’t know this CD yet, all titles will be displayed as TRACK – followed by their title number.

2.) Now click on the button.

Provided Windows has a Internet connection set up, the PC will log on to the Internet, connects to the CDDB (central disc data base for audio-CDs) and try’s to retrieve the information for the CD in the drive.

3.) After successful CDDB query all titles of the

CD will be listed.

If no information was provided in the CDDB for this particular CD, at this point enter them manually, in the file proper ties dialog. Now mark the titles to be read in with the according checkbox

to their left in the list, and click on . All marked titles will now be read in. The progress

will be displayed in a status window.

First Steps

After successful encoding all files will automatically listed in the File Archive’s “NEW FILES” category. For clearer appearance a subfolder with the current date will be created. (See also screen shot at end of page)

In the chapter CD Player you can read up more functions available for convenient audio-CD read in BPM Studio. You can, for example, read in whole CDs as one track, or retrieve the CD information for sever al CDs with one single CDDB query.

Creating a own File Archive:

BPM Studio can manage several ten thousands of titles. At such v ast numbers, it is easy to loose track, if titles are not assigned to different general categories. For this purpose the File Archive is used. In the screen shot to the side you can see an example structure of an archive of this kind. It consists of a number of categories, and sub categories that can be opened and closed by double click. After the initial installation or after reading in CDs you’ll find new titles here that can be assigned to categories according to your preference. The archive shown here consists of the following categories:

First Steps

BPM Studio

NEW FILES: This category will automatically created by the ripper, whenever new CDs are read in. The date, of when the CD was ripped, will be used as sub category. In this sub categor y you will then find all the titles that have been read in at this particular day .

FIND RESULTS: This category will be created from BPM Studio after the initial installation, when all hard drives are scanned for MP3 files. This categor y will contain sub categories, sorted by drive letter, in which all found MP3 files will be located.

DEFAULT: If you do not wish to make further modifications in different categories res. subcategories, you can sort in all titles here. Otherwise just leave the groups empty. This particular group/category is necessary for BPM Studio to work properly, and can not be deleted.

Drag&Drop out of the group window:

You can drag a whole group out of the group window (to the left in File Archive or Play List Archive), and drop it on a player. The previous play list will then be replaced with the new titles. If you drag the titles into a play list, they will all be amended to this list.

ARTIST: This category is created individually. As sub categories, different artists are defined. In one of these sub categories all titles of a certain ar tist present on the system are listed. This is ver y useful if you have a lot of titles from one particular artist, or whole albums are intended to be saved together. The sub category MIKE OLDFIELD for example contains a second branch sub category called TUBULAR BELLS, in which all titles of this particular album are saved.

TIME: This also individually created category utilizes different times as sub directories. Here titles are saved for which not the artist, but the release date is used as index.

Of course these are only examples. Every user should create a File Archive according to his own needs, and in the for him most overviewable fashion, so it can be browsed quickly during events. Independent of the File Archive structure, it is recommended to use the search function, to find a particular title.

Read in the File- and Play List Archive chapter about even more functions available in BPM Studio for archiving titles. You can, for example not only archive files, but whole Play Lists, in which the order of titles will also contain all fades.

BPM Studio

First Steps

4.8. How do I use the Sampler most efficient?

With the sampler of BPM Studio you can load short jingles, loops, and sound effects, and then replay them by the click of a button. The maximum length of such a sample in BPM Studio LE is 20 seconds. As in the two players the playback will start exactly when the sampler button is clicked. This is achieved by utilizing very fast Direct Sound

drivers, or the Kernel Driver developed by ALCAT ech. Learn now, how you can load and play samples with the sample player.

1.) Look up a jingle in your Play Lists. (You can

also use a regular title, merely 20 seconds will be loaded in the sampler though.

2.) Drag the title onto the desired button of the

sampler, e.g. . To do so, place your mouse pointer over the title, push the left

mouse button and hold it down, while you point at the desired button with the pointer now. The n let go. The sampler LED will shortly change its color from green to red, thus indicating that the sample has been loaded. When the sample is loaded completely, the digit on the Sampler Button will become brighter, this making it easier to determine which buttons have samples assigned.

3.) Now click on the sampler button. The sample will be played. For the duration of the sample playback can be stopped, by clicking the same button again (not in scratch mode). You can also start the sample with the number block on your PCs ke yboard or with the sample block of the remote control unit (not RCP-1001). These buttons work parallel

Through the pop up menu two different playback modes can be selected for the sample player.

4.8.1. Single Play:

When this option is activated (a little check mark can be seen in front of the entry) a possible still playing other sample will b stopped. Only ONE sample will be played at a time.

You can also load a sample directly from the hard drive, via the pop up menu. To do so point on the desired button, and click the right mouse button. In the appearing menu select “Load”, and select the desired file in the Explorer window popping up. Confirm with OK.

First Steps

BPM Studio

4.8.2. Scratch mode:

When this option is activated (a little check mark can be seen in front of the entry), upon clicking the same button again the sample will not be stopped, but restarted. With this function a sample can for example be play ed repeatedly to the beat of the title.

The volume of the sample player can be adjusted at the two the sample player, (Pitch) can be manipulated:

[VOLUME]

controls. Also the speed of

4.8.3. Configuring the Sample Player:

BPM Studio supports output of the different devices, through different sound card channels. If not enough channels are available though the sample player can share the two output channels of player A and B. In Program Options, register tab Audio I/O, simply the same channel as for player A, is entered for the sample player. When

using BPM Studio, the assignment keys

und are used to select if the output is

combined with that of player A or B. Please be aware that shifting the title takes a couple of seconds. This will also be indicated by the sampler LED, when turns green again, the sampler is ready.

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