Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

I wasn't thinking in terms of strict databases, but that certainly can be 
done later with ease once enought actual patches (and then later banks) are 
created. First, if we stick to collecting individual files we can simply 
have a list or folder containing files file name that includes the author's 
initials (optional) (waldorf style) but stated first rather than after (for 
sorting ease) hence:

"category.initials_sound-name.location.suffix"

e.g. "bass.RIS_moog1.B45.mid" or "lead.SKI_dxsqueal.A13.syx"

After we have enough single patches to make up banks, then anyone can simply 
construct banks adhering (hopefully) to the following naming format:

"bank.name-of-bank.suffix" (is location of bank required? If so then 
bank.name-of-bank.location.suffix")

I don't believe a category is necessary for banks since the name can be 
descriptive itself.

Once there are bank files, they should be accompanied by a simple readme.txt 
file that lists the included patches. Indeed a proper zipped bank package 
should have the bank file, the readme.txt file and all the individual files 
zipped up and all represented in both .mid and .syx format.

Databases for the purpose listing these things can be made by individuals 
such as you me or anyone whenever. The only thing I see technically missing 
from the naming spec is a create date, however i am unsure how important 
such is. Technically the original file uploaded should have a date stamp.

I think we are making progress towards a standard naming scheme which will 
be helpful to maintain maximum user information and sortability.

Of course, if Dave implements the highly desired compare/temp patch which 
will load any new single file into the temp patch location, then we can do 
away with the location field completely (except perhaps for bank files if 
necessary at all). Technically all the fields except name and suffix become 
optional (although desired). Currently we really *need* the location if 
anyone is know where the patch will be loaded.

Ravi


>From: "Ski <ex5tech@...>" <ex5tech@...>
>Reply-To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
>To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Evolver] Re: Patch Contest / User Forum Soundset
>Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2003 05:46:35 -0000
>
>Establishing a good set of sound categories, and a standard
>nomenclature for the filenames IS still quite important.  It will be
>a HUGE asset as the list of user files grows.  It will also make
>keeping such a database doable.  We have tons of EX5 format files.
>The EX5 has categories built into the file names, however, some
>people don't use them, or don't use them well.  As a result, it's a
>lot more difficult prospect for us to create a *useful* database of
>EX5 patches (or "Voices", as Yamaha calls them).  We're working on
>it, though.
>
>I thought of one other little problem regarding Evolver FILE
>nomenclature with respect to the database you'd like to make, Ravi.
>Given that SOME files will be BANK files, we'll need to be sure that
>all BANK files come with a complete patch list, too.  Patch names on
>the patch list would need to use the same format nomenclature as the
>single patch file names.  Your database would then need a minimum of
>four fields:
>
>1) The three part patch name (category.sound_name.location)
>
>2) The three part file name in which the patch exists
>(category.collection_name.location)
>
>3) The patch author
>
>4) Date authored
>
>Ideally, you'd want to break items 1 and 2 into separate component
>fields, giving you a total of 8 fields.  Actually I guess you *could*
>drop the "category" and "location" part of the FILE name in the
>database, since it would essentially be redundant with the info for
>each of the individual patches.  You'd need to keep that info in the
>actual name of the file, though.
>
>BTW, this discussion is getting a bit fragged (multiple
>threads/emails).  Once this project gets underway, it might be easier
>to follow if we make a single project specific thread in the EX5Tech
>forums.  Of course, that's only if everyone's agreeable.  I don't
>want to risk losing participants if some of them dislike forums.  And
>again, if we run out of space in the Yahoo group, or have any other
>problems with people uploading files, I can get them via email and
>host them at ex5tech.com.
>
>
>Ski
>www.ex5tech.com
>EX5Tech Evolver forum:
>http://www.ex5tech.com/ex5ubb_cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=23
>
>
>--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "Ravi Sharma" <noision1@h...>
>wrote:
> > It seems that a patch collection instead a contest is more
>palatable. That
> > is cool that a contest is unnecesary to have people contribute.
> >
> > Even if there are eventually whole banks of sounds made, I would
>prefer that
> > we also keep a database of all the sounds as singles and with
>whatever
> > category naming structure we agree upon. I know that I rarely enjoy
>throwing
> > in a whole bank at a time, but do enjoy "browsing" through
>individual
> > patches and grabbing what I want.
> >
> > Ravi
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > >From: not known <spectralab1@y...>
> > >Reply-To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> > >To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> > >Subject: Re: [Evolver] Re: Patch Contest / User Forum Soundset
> > >Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2003 22:07:55 -0500 (EST)
> > >
> > >I've got plenty of patches I'd be willing to throw
> > >into a User set. I'm one of those who is reluctant to
> > >participate in contests, but I am quite inclined to
> > >contribute to something like this...
> > >
> >
> >_____________________________________________________________________
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