The New 24-bit soundfonts!

2006-09-09 10:26 pm

I am currently building a system around the new SoundBlaster X-Fi Platinum and I am a veteran NWC user who is brand new at NWC2. I am wondering if NWC2 has added or is adding all of the necessary features to deal with the capabilities of this new soundfont format. Please excuse me if this sounds like a stupid question......

Re: The New 24-bit soundfonts!

Reply #1 – 2006-09-10 03:01 am

G'day Betty,
umm, NWC only deals in MIDI, so if the controls don't exist in or aren't accessible from MIDI then the answer is no. NWC2 does not support whatever enhancements may be in this new format. (This is not to say that you can't set 'em up outside of NWC)

However, NWC also doesn't directly support the entire MIDI spec. either. One area of enhancement that I know has been put on the wish list is improved access to MIDI "controllers" - these are commands that can be used to directly control many aspects of MIDI reproduction.

I believe MIDI "Sysex" access has also been requested - this would allow for "System Exclusive" commands to be sent to your MIDI device.

The downside of supporting Sysex and enhancements for specific soundcards/MIDI devices is that your music becomes less portable.

E.G if you used a command that your new card supports and mine doesn't, I can't hear what you're trying to achieve, so you can't successfully share your music with me in NWC or MIDI format.

That said, the same doesn't apply to the full MIDI spec. we currently all use. I believe that a full implementation of that specification would be beneficial.

And that being said, NWC is, primarily, a notation product. The fact that it is also a very easy and rather powerful sequencer is a big bonus that I, for one, greatly appreciate.