Tech: sound effects on computer

Subject: RE: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: mcpiper
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 06:42 PM

Many thanks for all replies, all were helpful, Bernard's suggestion of Jazler was just right, it is just what I was after and a lot of fun.

Subject: RE: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: Tangledwood
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 06:13 PM

Not addressing the question directly, but I have a little USB keyboard, eKeys37, which comes with software, some of which includes sound effects. These can be played from the music keyboard which might be an easy option for you.
My main use for the keyboard is easier entry of tunes into software such as melody Assistant.

Subject: RE: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 01:57 PM

Just an afterthought... setting up things like hotkeys and so on aren't usually instant enough, which is why a cart player does the job better - there's no delay in playback. You can also set up a list of carts to autoplay, which is essential for radio, but may also be useful for a stage show.

Subject: RE: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 06:24 AM

What you really need is a 'virtual cart machine' programme, such as we use on the radio.

There are some free ones around, and some are better than others. The one that would probably do best for what you need is 'Jazler Show'... it doesn't assign key presses, you have to point with the mouse, but it can store an almost unlimited number of 'carts' for you to choose from. Make sure you pick Jazler Show, which is the free one!

If you don't like that one, do a search and find one you do like.

Subject: RE: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: Jack Campin
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 06:14 AM

You can actually do it in ABC - not sure how portable it is, but BarFly lets you specify any of the MIDI sounds as the timbre to use for a particular voice. Play the Stool of Repentance entirely in slaps of various pitches, make your own doggie Christmas carols, Listen to the Mockingbird in tweets, or sing What a Friend We have in Jesus in a chorus of phone rings, hoofbeats, door creaks and manic laughs.

Subject: RE: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 05:51 AM

Never tried it, but it should be possible to set up hot key combinations to initialise midi files, and produce the effect you're after.

I am sure there are some here who can say exactly how it's done.

Don T.

Subject: Tech: sound effects on computer
From: mcpiper
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 05:46 AM

Hi all, is it possible to use a computer as a sound effects desk by programming a specific sound to a key, e.g. g would be for gun shot t for thunder etc.