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                                  MrcMidi

     Program to convert Super MRC format files to standard midi format

Written by Simon Craythorn
With thanks to Malcom Pass

Copyright 1994 Simon Craythorn


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Introduction.

The Roland stand alone sequencers (MC50, MC50 mkII and MC500 mkII) save their
sequenced data in a format called Super MRC.  When using only this sequencer
the file is fine, but if you use a PC based sequencer for doing most of your
work, or as I do, share work with others this format can be a pain.  Roland
supply a program to convert the data, but at around 20 minutes per file each
way this isn't something you want to do on a regular basis.  So as a
computer programmer first and a musician second I set about solving the
problem.

After pouring over file dumps for many hours I have come up with this
program, which will at least convert from MRC to MIDI.  My next task is to
write the software to go the other way.

I have tested the software on a number of files and all have converted
successfully.  The only inaccuracy I have found is the Tempo Changes are
sometimes up to 1 bpm out.  I am currently working on this and will upload a
new file if I get any success.


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Installation.

Installation is simple.  Just copy the MRCMIDI.EXE file to a convenient spot
on your hard disk, I suggest making a directory called \MRCMIDI or storing
it in your sequencers directory.

From windows, selected the program group you wish the Icon to appear in,
select NEW from the FILE MENU and enter the full path name for the program.

If you have done this correctly a naff icon should appear in the relevant
group (I'm a programmer not a graphic designer!!).


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Use.

Double click on the icon and a window will open with a menu bar.  You can use
the convert routine strait away by selecting CONVERT from the menu and then
selecting CONVERT MRC TO MIDI.

You will be asked for a disk.  Insert the MRC disk that you wish to convert
from.  A list of song names will appear in the box.  Enter the name of the 
file that you wish the converted song to be saved to (MRCMIDI.MID is the
default.)  Select the song you want to convert and press the convert button.

A convert status box will appear which will show which track is currently
being converted.  Once the conversion is finished you can import the file
into your favourite PC sequencer.


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Preferences.

You can set the floppy drive letter and the default output file name by
selecting PREFERENCES from the FILE menu.  The default file can include a
full path name if required.


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General Notes.

The output assignments from the MC50 are carried across to the MIDI file and
you should be aware of this if you only have one midi port in your PC. 
However some sequencers may not see these settings, I have 2 PC sequencers, 
WinJammer and Cubase Score.  WinJammer recognises the port and Cubase does
not!

I'm am not sure if the calculation for Tempo is as accurate as it could be,
I will work on this.

Converting from midi to mrc.  This is not currently possible, however I will
look at doing this as soon as I can.

Rhythm Tracks.  Rhythm tracks are not converted and should be changed to
ordinary track data before giving the file for conversion.  The main reason
for this is that MIDI files cannot handle this type of data, so I would only have
to write the conversion process into the program and come up with the same
results.  Also when converting the file back to MRC I would not be able to
remake the rhythm track anyhow.

I have tested this program on a number of songs and not encountered any
problems, however, if you do have a problem I will gladly look at it but
you will have to send me a copy of the MRC file that is causing the problem.
This is easy to do, just go to convert the file and from the list box count
how many files it appears down the list (Start at 0).  The filename will be
TNB0000x.SNG where x is the number down the list where the file appears.
(x is also in hex, so count 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,F).

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Please feel free to contact me with any problems or suggestions.  I can be
contacted through Compuserve Email 70374,57.  I call in about 3 or 4 times a
week so should get most messages fairly quickly.
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THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE BUT IS THE COPYRIGHT OF
SIMON CRAYTHORN, PAIGNTON, DEVON, ENGLAND.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RE-DISTRIBUTE
THIS PROGRAM AS YOU WISH BUT THIS README FILE MUST ACCOMPANY THE PROGRAM.
YOU MAY NOT MODIFY OR RENAME THIS PROGRAM OR ANY OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY WAY.

