
		   DXED - Editor and Librarian for Yamaha DX7
				and compatibles

				   Version 2.0.1

		  	(C) Copyright Jon Morgan, 1989-2001


Part 1: Welcome !
=======================================

Thank you for choosing DXED.

DXED is a general purpose editor and librarian for the Yamaha DX7 and compatible 6 operator synthesisers. DXED is a DOS based program that will run under any version of Windows except Windows 2000. DXED's MIDI features are not compatible with Win2000 although you can edit and manage patches. 

You can run DXED without a MIDI interface, and create, edit and store voice patches, but to use DXED with your synth you will need an MPC compatible MIDI interface such as the Roland MPU-401 or compatible such as a Creative Labs Soundblaster soundcard with the optional MIDI kit. I have tested DXED with several soundcards - anything from the SB16 on should work fine.


Part 2: New this Version
=======================================

This is Version 2 of DXED and it is a full update of Version 1, originally released in 1989 ! 

The program has been substantially rewritten although it retains the "look and feel" of the original - and also its' compact size, only 25k !!

A major enhancement in this version is full support for all four DX7 file formats. You can now import and export voice data in the Yamaha 32 voice compressed format or a single uncompressed voices, both options either with or without sysex headers.


Part  3 : What can it do for me ?
=======================================

Here's some of DEXED's features :

* Full voice editing and library support for the DX7 and compatible 6 operator synths. 

* All voice data edited from a single screen

* Hear your results on the synth as you edit.

* Create and audition new patches easily using the RANDOMISE command.

* Practically unlimited library storage
 

	And best of all it is completely free !


DXED was written in 8086 assembler using Eric Isaacson's excellent A86 compiler. I wrote version 1 because I believed music software in general was too expensive and I wanted to make it easy and fun to program the DX7 and make its enormous untapped potential more accessible

Ten years on music software, like most software, has become much more affordable and powerful; the universal spread of sampling has made sound programming virtually obsolete. However I'm still convinced that FM has a future and there's a lot of untapped potential hanging round in these old machines.


Part 4: Software Installation Information
=======================================

Time was when you had to devote a whole chapter of a manual to installing and setting up software. Not any more ! DXED comes in a zip file. Assuming you have WinZip installed just click on the donwloaded zip file and install to the directory of your choice. DXED requires no additional files to run - it should automatically run in a DOS window but you might want to fiddle with the window settings.

MIDI setup
==========

The part everyone has fun with ! Here's how DXED initialises the MIDI interface.

When DXED starts it searches for a MIDI device at the following addresses and in the following order: 0330h,0300h and 0378h. It sends an initialisation (MPU reset) message and waits for a response. If there is no response from any of the addresses DXED posts an error message and you can't send or receive data from your synth. If the correct response is received then DXED attempts to find or allocate an interrupt to use for incoming data. To do this,it first searches for a Sound Blaster environment variable in your autoexec.bat file and if one is found uses the IRQ setting defined there. If no environment variable is found DXED uses IRQ5 by default.

I've explained this in some detail because it's important you understand that DXED does not communicate with your synth during initialisation - so it's still possible you've got your MIDI cables the wrong way round or the DX7 is switched off. 

Before you can receive and send data you must set up your DX7 as follows. On the front panel press MEMORY PROTECT/INTERNAL and then NO. This means you can now overwrite any voice data in the internal memory. Finally press the function button (brown) and button 8. Press button 8 again and then the YES button. Now you can get data from you synth.



Part 5: File List
=======================================

The Zip file contains the following files


DXED.com		the application

dx00.bin		screen file used by DXED
dx01.bin		screen file used by DXED
dx02.bin		screen file used by DXED
dx03.bin		screen file used by DXED
dx04.bin		screen file used by DXED
dx96.bin		screen file used by DXED
dx98.bin		screen file used by DXED

dxlib.dat		some public domain voices you can import

readme.txt		this readme file


Part 6: Disclaimer
=======================================

DXED is provided free "as is", and I make no warranty as to its accuracy or fitness for purpose. You are free to copy DXED and redistribute the Zip file provided you intend to make no commercial gain (directly or indirectly) from doing so and provided you include all the files as received in the Zip file and listed above. If you want to distribute DXED for commercial gain (directly or indirectly) then you must contact me at jonrmorgan@ntlworld.com

Whilst I have made every effort to ensure DXED is a robust application you are strongly advised to make backup copies of your voice data before you use DXED.

By using DXED you indicate your acceptance that in no event will I be liable to you for any damages, including but not limited to lost profits, lost savings or any other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or the inability to use DXED.


Part 7: Support
======================================

If you're really stuck, or just want to share your FM experience, e:mail me at 

	jonrmorgan@ntlworld.com


Make music !




Jon Morgan
September 2000





