
	    		     X2Y Patch Convertor 

				   Version 2

		  	(C) Copyright Jon Morgan, 1993-2000


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

Thank you for choosing X2Y.

X2Y is a small (ie 6k !) but very powerful DOS utility that converts voice patches for the Yamaha DX7 and compatible synthesisers to equivalent patches for the Yamaha SYxx series synthesisers. To make it more usable it can be launched from X2Yv2, a windows based application included in this package.


Part 2 : What can it do for me ?
=======================================

X2Y can convert files containing DX7 voice patches in any one of four file formats :

	i)	Patches of single voices containing 155 bytes of data per voice. Such patches 			contain "raw" voice data without a sysex "wrapper"
	ii)	Patches of single voices that include an 8 byte sysex wrapper and therefore have 		163 bytes of data per voice
	iii)	32 voice Patch "banks" that contain compressed voice data, 128 bytes per voice, 		4096 bytes in total
	iv)	As iii) but with an 8 byte sysex wrapper, ie 5104 bytes per "bank"

Files can be of any length but all patches in the file must be of the same type.

There are two ways to run X2Y.com - at the DOS prompt after setting up X2Y.ini (see below) or by running X2Yv2.exe, a windows based "front-end" to X2Y. If you use X2Yv2.exe you don't have to setup X2Y.ini, and X2Y.com is launched from Windows.

Either way X2Y converts DX7 voice data to SYxx format and stores the output in a new file. Voices are converted to the SYxx series' 1 AFM voice format which is the direct equivalent of a DX7 voice. 

The conversion algorithms in X2Y have been designed to give the best possible compromise between maximising the use of the SY's more powerful features and sonic accuracy. In general I find DX voices are more vibrant, if less complex, than "native" programmed SY sounds and my aim was to get this stronger feel "hard wired" in the conversion.

Some simple chorus/reverb affects are also added in the conversion process - if you don't like these you can edit the template file "SYINIT.DAT" using my SY Manager application (take a back-up first!).


Part 3: Installing and running X2Y
=======================================

X2Y comes in a zip file. Assuming you have WinZip installed just click on the downloaded zip file and install the setup files to a temporary directory. Then run setup.exe to install the application.

Once setup has done its' job, your directory should contain the following files


X2Yv2.exe		the Windows application

X2Y.com			the X2Y conversion utility

X2Y.ini			initialisation file for X2Y.com

dxlib.dat		some public domain DX7 voices you use to test the application

syinit.dat		template file

readme.txt		this readme file

You now have two choices: you can edit the X2Y.ini file and then run X2Y.com directly, or just click on X2Yv2. 

I'll explain the procedure for editing X2Y below but unless you really want to get down and dirty, it's much easier just to run X2Yv2. When the application loads you are presented with a single "explorer" type window which shows a file listing of the installation directory. Unless you're burning to convert another file I suggest you do the following :

	*	Click on the dxlib.dat file - it will appear in the selection box

	*	Click OK - a status message should appear "Input file checked OK" 

	*	Type in the selection box the name of the file you want to contain your converted 		voices, eg "syvoices.dat"

	*	If you make a mistake or want to go back and choose a different input file click 		on the CANCEL button

	* 	When you're ready to convert your voices click on OK

	*	Depending on the size of your input file it may take a few seconds to create the 		output file - when this happens a status message will confirm conversion has 			suceeded.
	
	*	If you want to convert another file repeat the above steps - if you're done click 		on EXIT

Please note well that although X2Yv2 tries to confirm your input file contains valid DX7 voice data, it can only do this by checking the filesize and seeing if this corresponds to one of the four filetypes noted above. This does not guarantee the your file really is a DX7 file, just that it can be processed - ie "garbage in,garbage out" !

Running X2Y.com directly
=============================

When you click on OK to convert your voices X2Yv2 simply invokes X2Y.com which is where the real work is done. X2Y.com can be run "stand-alone" but if you prefer this method then you must first set up the initialisation file X2Y.ini. 

You do this by editing the file (MAKE A COPY FIRST !) using Notepad or an equivalent text editor. There are three parameters you need to enter: the input file type, and the full filenames of the input and output files. X2Y.ini contains information to help you set the code for the input file type. When defining the filenames, you must enter these in good old DOS 8.3 format.

Having set up X2Y.ini you can now click on X2Y.com and a DOS window should open which will show conversion progress or a termination error code - this can be checked against the list in X2Y.ini.


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

X2Yv2.exe and X2Y.com are provided free "as is", and I make no warranty as to their accuracy or fitness for purpose. You are free to copy X2Y 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 X2Y for commercial gain (directly or indirectly) then you must contact me at jonrmorgan@ntlworld.com

Whilst I have made every effort to ensure X2Y is robust you are strongly advised to make backup copies of your voice data before you use the application.

By using X2Y 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 X2Y.


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

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

	jonrmorgan@ntlworld.com


Make great music !




Jon Morgan

September 2000





