Sample Grabber Pro v1.8 by Brutal PPE/PCE/PRO Coders
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─── S·a·m·p·l·e G·r·a·b·b·e·r P·r·o·f·e·s·s·i·o·n·a·l V·1.8 ───
Copyright (c) 1994-1995 by Jay Dee.
┌ ─═·Contents·═─ ┐
│
──═╬─ ■∙ Important Note ─┐
║ ■∙ Disclaimer │
│ ■∙ About │
│ ■∙ How to use SGPro │
│ ■∙ System Requirements │
│ ■∙ Questions & answers │
│ ■∙ Copyright │
│ ■∙ Distribution │
│ ■∙ Contacts │
│ ■∙ Greetings & Fuckings ║
└─ ■∙ Next version preview ─╬═──
│
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Important Note |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
The development of this software took much money and time. So if You
find this utility useful and You want to continue using it longer than
1 (one) week evaluation period You must register it. For registering
information refer to SGPRO.REG Anyone who will use this software
longer than two weeks without registering will be considered to be a
lamer!
Remember: if You like the software - support the author!
P.S. You can, moreover, You MUST upload this archive to ANY BBS You have
access to.
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| Disclaimer |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
This program was tested on several systems but I can't guarantee that
it is free of bugs. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I'm not responsible for any
direct (or indirect) damage caused by use (or misuse) of this software.
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| About SGPro |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
Sample Grabber Pro (hereafter referred to as SGPro) is a menu-driven
program capable of playing and accurate extraction of samples from
various music modules. (It seems to You that You have already read this
somewhere someday.. strange feeling :) Ripped samples can than be used
in Your own productions, even if You don't have original composer.
WARNING! Some samples are copyrighted by their owners! I cannot be held
responsible for any copyright violations.
SGPro can save samples in various formats like Amiga and PC RAW, Scream
Tracker v3.x (ST3), Farandole Composer (FSM), Ultra Tracker (UWF), Digi-
Traker (SPL), X-Tracker (DSF) and Fast Tracker v2.x (IFF)
The main advantage of SGPro among other rippers is an ability to play
samples before You grab them. It doesn't, however, means that SGPro is a
sample player so do not expect extraordinary sound output quality. At
least on devices others than GUS :)
Module file formats supported by current version of this utility are
listed below:
╔─∙───────────────────────════∙════─────────────────────∙─╗
║ ·File Format Created By· ·Extension· ·Support· ║
║ ──══════════════════════── ──═════════── ──═══════── ║
│ │
│ ■ Chuck Biscuits and Black Artist CBA [x] Full │
│ ■ Composer 669 669 [x] Full │
│ ■ Digital Sound Interface Kit DSM [x] Full │
│ ■ Digital Tracker F030 DTM [x] Full │
│ ■ DigiTraker (upto v2.3) MDL [+] Partial │
│ ■ DigiTrekker DTM [x] Full │
│ ■ DMP File Converter (DSMI) AMF [+] Partial │
│ ■ Dynamic Studio PRO v1.0 DSM [-] Detect │
│ ■ Extreme's Tracker AMS [+] Partial │
│ ■ Farandole Composer FAR [x] Full │
│ ■ Fast Tracker v2.x XM [x] Full │
│ ■ Funk Tracker FNK [+] Partial │
│ ■ Grave composer (aka MOD's Grave) WOW [x] Full │
│ ■ Inertia Module Editor INR [-] Detect │
│ ■ Liquid Tracker LIQ [x] Full │
│ ■ MOD Editors Family MOD [x] Full │
│ ■ MED v2.x MED [-] Detect │
│ ■ Multi Tracker MTM [x] Full │
│ ■ Oktalyzer OKT [x] Full │
│ ■ OctaMED MED [-] Detect │
│ ■ OMNI Player File Converter GDM [x] Full │
│ ■ Poly Tracker PTM [x] Full │
│ ■ ProTracker Studio PSM [x] Full │
│ ■ Purple Player File Converter DPP [x] Full │
│ ■ Scream Tracker v2.x STM [x] Full │
│ ■ Scream Tracker v3.x S3M/S3X [x] Full │
│ ■ Sound Club SN [-] Detect │
│ ■ Sound Wave Pro CDM [-] Detect │
│ ■ Ultra Tracker v1.3-1.6 ULT [x] Full │
│ ■ UNIS669 669 [x] Full │
│ ■ X-Tracker DMF [+] Partial │
║ ──═══════════════════════════════════════════════════── ║
║ Total 31 trackers ║
╚─∙───────────────────────════∙════─────────────────────∙─╝
NOTE: Not all files carrying .PSM extension are fully compatible. You
will be unable to load some incompatible .PSMs into Sample Grabber
Professional.
NOTE: MOD's Grave files can be recognized ONLY by .WOW extension, so do
not rename these files.
NOTE: Currently SGPro only supports .MDLs, .DMFs and .AMSs with unpacked
samples.
NOTE: ULT pattern depacking routine is veeeeeeeryyyyyyy slooooooow..
NOTE: SGPro was tested with CBA files from ExpOZe music disk but as long
there are no official fileformat specs, SGPro may be incomptaible
with other files..
HINT: .AMF/.AMS modules CAN be processed if You specify an offset of the
first sample in file as a second command line parameter. Gonna fix
this someday..
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| How to Use SGPro |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
The usage of this menu-driven program is very easy (and i guess You all
already know this :), so You shouldn't have any problems, but still here
is a short guide.
Once You've made up Your mind about the module You want to extract
samples from, just type at the DOS prompt: SGPRO.EXE filename.ext,
filename.ext is the name of Your module. There are no command line
options available. Also note that for practical reasons wildcards are
not allowed, too.
First thing SGPro does is Sound Blaster detection. It searches through
all possible SB addresses ($210-$260). In case SB was not detected,
SGPro will try to find a Gravis UltraSound (lateron referred to as GUS)
and if it will fail agian then SGPro will try to output sound to DAC at
LPT1:. In case of successful SB/GUS detection You should hear a pop.
Next SGPro validates the specified file. If Sample Grabber Pro finds
Your module to be valid, it will load sample descriptions. This might
take a little (the time depends much on module type - the major time-
wasters are .ULTs and .PSMs, so don't worry if it takes minutes to load
samples from ULT on Your grandma's AT 12MHz :). After that You will see
the main screen. The SGPro outlook changed after version 1.2, so now all
You will see a FULL-screen sample selector. The first field is sample
number, then there is sample name. Then there is a field that tells You
about sample format: it can be 16Bit, 8Bit or AdLib (FM) sample. 'AdLib'
string in this field means that You have just loaded .S3M with AdLib
samples. These samples can not be played within SGPro - You must save
sample to disk first and then load it into ST3 to hear it. (Also note
that AdLib samples are ALWAYS saved in ST3 format.) Then there is a very
important field - Sample Length. If it is empty this means that this
sample is not saved in module and You will never hear it. Next two
fields show You Repeat Starting and Repeat Ending points. And finally
the last field shows the speed of middle C note. With SGPro v1.7 You can
increase/decrease this value by pressing +/- keys. This is equivalent to
playing sample in one octave higher/lower. (Note that the higher rate a
sample has - the lower playback quality You will get on devices others
than GUS and Covox). At the bottom of the screen there is a status line
telling You what fileformat will be used for saving samples, what sound
device will be used for sound output and current system status.
Once You saw this amazing desktop, use cursor-up and cursor-down keys
to select the sample. Then press a key from Q to U to hear how this
sample sounds. With SGPro v1.5 and above You can play sample in reversed
form. Just hold down ONE of shift-keys and a key from the above range.
Pressing + and - keys will increase and decrease base speed of a sample.
The sound output device is selectable via F3. Only one sample is stored
in memory at a time, so there may be a short delay before SGPro plays
sample for the first time. Samples are ALWAYS played on maximum volume
so it is highly not recommended to listen samples with headphones on
maximum volume.
With SGPro v1.0 and above You can always redescribe samples - just press
ENTER on sample You wanna describe. (This feature WON'T work with unused
samples.) This feature was added because many module writers use sample
names to enter song messages.. So now You can enter more meaningful
description You want to use. This is only useful when You are saving
sample in ST3 format as long as others do not support any sample info..
Sample name field length is limited to 28 chars in ST3, so You may enter
as long description as You wish, but ST3 will use only 28 first chars in
any case. Also note that changes You made will NOT be written to the
module being processed. BTW: Pressing ESC when entering description will
cancel the changes made.
When You have found the sample You want to extract press F2, when it is
under cursor. Status line should read 'Saving sample' (If it doesn't
then take a GOOD look at Sample Length. Maybe the sample is unused? :)
With SGPro v1.5 and above You can hold down ONE of Shift-keys to save
sample in reversed form.
Sample can be saved in ST3 fileformat, Amiga (signed) RAW, PC (unsigned)
RAW, Farandole Composer, X-Tracker, DigiTraker and Ultra Tracker sample
formats. The file type is selectable via F4. Samples are saved to disk
using filenames like filename.xxx where xxx is the number of sample in
module and filename is the name of file specified at startup. For
example: You started SGPro with the following command line: SGPRO.EXE
JD-BODY.S3M, the sample #4 then will be saved as JD-BODY.4 Easy, huh?
This was done to avoid confusion between samples from different modules
saved in one directory. Samples are saved in last selected (via F4)
format, so You shouldn't use F4-F2-F4-F2-etc to save samples, just
F4-F2-F2-F2 :) Also in SGPro v1.5 and above the information about output
fileformat is saved in executable file (SGPRO.EXE) so that the next time
You start SGPro it will automatically configure itself to the output
format You used last, so that You shouldn't select it once again.. Note,
that You should NEVER try to re-compress the executable, otherwise it
will never start..
In case of any error the status line will read 'Error saving sample..'
With SGPro v1.6 and up You can read the in-song message, without leaving
Sample Grabber Pro. Just press F9 key to enter in-song message viewer.
To scroll message use Up and Down keys. If You wanna dump the message
to disk, just press F2. Note, that this function shows a MESSAGE, if the
processsed file is one of the following types: ULT, 669, MTM, DMF & MDL.
If all other cases You will see a formatted samples list. This was done
because many composers use samplles names to write messages, if their
favourite tracker doesn't have message editor..
And here comes a quick keyboard reference:
■ ESC -- Quit
■ F1 -- No elp is available since v0.9 Read dox CAREFULLY!
■ F2 -- Save
■ F3 -- Select sound device
■ F4 -- Select output file format
■ F9 -- View in-song message. Keys available in this mode:
■ -- Scroll message up
■ -- Scroll message down
■ F2 -- Save message to disk
■ ENTER, ESC, F10 -- Quit message viewer
■ F10 -- Quit
■ -- Move cursor up (and what You expected? :)
■ -- Move cursor down
■ PageUp -- Move cursor up 20 rows
■ PageDown -- Move cursor down 20 rows
■ ENTER -- Edit sample text. Keys available in this mode:
■ -- Move cursor to the end of the sample text
■ -- Move cursor to the start of the sample text
■ ESC -- Quit and restore the previous sample text
■ ENTER -- Quit and use entered sample text
■ Space -- Play sample (Middle C)
■ Q-U -- Play sample (Middle C-B)
■ + -- Double sample's C2Spd (one octave up)
■ - -- Halve sample's C2Spd (one octave down)
Since version 1.2 the command line version of SGPro was added to help
You to extract all samples from module FAST! This utility will be
updated as often as main program. Command line version can run on any
hardware configuration, so if You fail to run standart SGPro, try this
before You start complaining :)
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Hardware requirements |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
Processor : You must have at least 286 processor to run main program.
(Sorry poor 8086 users. The only choice for You is command
line version of SGPro..) Also note that for better results
do not use any protected mode software - this is the way to
incorrect SB output and possible lock-ups.. PM won't affect
Covox/GUS playing in any way, but still there is a chance of
lock-ups..
Video Card: Version 1.0 and up will run on any video card. It uses
standard 80x25 alpha video mode. On CGA and MDA cards the
screen will look weird but still You can understand what's
going on.. also you may try to use command line version of
SGPro, but better buy a VGA, man! :)
Audio Card: It is recommended (but not necessary if You only wish to
save samples, but how are You gonna compose music then? :)
that You have a Sound Blaster compatible card, UltraSound or
DAC on LPT1 (aka Covox) in order to play samples. You can
also play samples on internal PC speaker. However this is
HIGHLY not recommended, because of low sound quality.
Memory : Sample Grabber Pro itself needs about 50k and it allocates a
130k buffer in base memory (NOT XMS or EMS!) for it's needs
at start-up. The program woun't run if less than that amount
of memory is available. Command line version needs only 65k
of system memory to run.
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Questions & Answers |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
Q: Exactly why do You want me to use Sample Grabber PRO, not something
else?
A: Easy. Just imagine You wanna grab samples. To do this You must have
a composer the track was composed in. Now imagine how many different
trackers are used now? Right. All of them will eat PLENTY of Your HD
space. And when using SGPro all You need is ~20k for .EXE file, that
supports all (atleast most of) popular trackers. Got the difference?
And have You ever seen a music-oriented utility on PC which supports
SO many fileformats? Me - NOT!
Q: The sound from the PC speaker is awful (too noisy). What can i do?
Q: Machine is hanging up when I'm trying to play sample at a high
frequency rates. What's wrong?
Q: Machine is sometime hanging up when i'm playing sample on rapidly
changing speeds. Is it Ok?
A: DUDE! This utility is NOT a sample player - this is Sample Grabber
and it serves its main aim - allows You to GRAB samples, so do not
blame me for paying such little attention to playing routines. May be
in some ditant future i will implement a cool sound routine but right
now.. buy a GUS, man! SGPro works COOL with it!
Q: AdLib samples are not played. Is it Ok?
A: Sure it is :) Just save the sample and load it in ST3 to hear.
Q: What's wrong with GUS support?
A: SGPro fully supports this ultimate sound card - Gravis Ultra Sound.
But under some specific conditions You may experience some troubles..
After running some players/editors (i.e. after XTC-Player). You may
need to run ULTRINIT.EXE, supplied with the card.
Q: When i press both shift-keys and a notekey i hear nothing. What's up?
A: Read manual carefully! It says that You must press ONE shift-key, got
it? I don't know (to be honest - don't even care :) whether this is
SGPro bug or not..
Q: Does SGPro run under MS Windows?
A: Yes it works fine until You try to play sample - You'd better press
CTRL-ALT-DEL immediately to skip all the unpleasant sound :)
Q: How can I support Your work?
A: Just send me a letter with inclosed $15 or so and that will do.
Q: How can I please the author?
A: You know.. there are many ways.. :) but it will be great if You send
me a letter (look some lines up) or atleast a postcard with a nice
view to Your city.. (You know, my girlfriend loves postcards :)
Q: Exactly how can I contact the author?
A: :) Read the contacts section.
Q: Why should I contact You?
A: Heh, this one is easy - contact me just for fun! :) Or maybe You have
something urgent to tell me?
Q: Is there any way to get rid of that annoying delay in the end?
A: Well.. Kinda.. EASY way to do it.. Think for yourself, man!
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Copyright |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
This program was written by Jay Dee [aka Vladimir Sopot] and is
protected by international copyright laws. Any use in commercial way
without written permission from the author is prohibited. All rights
reserved. Portions copyright by TBH-Softworx.
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Distribution |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
This program is distributed on Shareware basis. That means that You have
7 days to decide if You will continue using this utility or not, and if
You decide to use this software longer You must register it with the
author. Read SGPRO.REG for additional info on registering.
The original archive package should contain the following files:
■ SGPRO.EXE The main program
■ SGPROCMD.EXE The command line version
■ SGPRO.DOX This documentation
■ SGPRO.HST Revision history file
■ SGPRO.REG Registration file
■ FIlE_ID.DIZ BBS description
These files MUST be inside the archive. If any of them are missing then
You probably got a damaged archive and possibly a virus in it. Beware!
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Contacts |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
You can contact me for any reason at:
Mail: Moscow, Russia, 117279
Ostrovityanova str, 37A-117
Vladimir Sopot [Jay Dee]
You can always call any board where You can find my name and leave me a
message, but before You do this check if i called this board lately..
NOTE for hardware manufacturers: if You want me to support Your audio
card feel free to provide me with technical info and/or hardware.
NOTE for software developers: if You want me to support Your tracker or
whatever, feel free to provide me with software and technical info.
NOTE for ShareWare libraries developers/distributors: this software MAY
BE NOT distributed on any kind of media without auther's written
permission. Contact me if You want to get one. You know i wanna
have some money, too :)
NOTE for ANYONE: if You own a copy of file format description i do not
support and/or You have a program that outputs files of that format
please send it to me. Your help in the development of this software
will be highly appreciated.
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Greetings & Fuckings |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
If You consider yourself being cool, consider yourself being greeted.. I
don't wanna greet anyone particular now..
Fuckings go out to everyone who use this utility and haven't registered!
Due to Your lame behavier i will not release any more bugfixed versions
of SGPro. Trust me - i know who You are!
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| Next Version Preview |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛
If You care about the future it doesn't mean i must do it, too :) Better
send me Your suggestions and we'll see how to make SGPro better..
╒══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╕
| LET THE SAMPLE BE WITH YOU! |
╘══════──────────────────────────--·────────·-───────────────────────────══════╛[ back to the prod ]