From e45d09b35967d385bfd9eda55234715336fde7c4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2024 10:25:38 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 1/3] A brand new FAQ! All these answers are wrong. Well, some of them are sure to be, but they're things that need answering and I penciled in something. _Please_ correct me! --- README.md | 74 ++-------------------- doc/1-intro/README.md | 4 ++ doc/1-intro/faq.md | 138 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ doc/README.md | 2 + 4 files changed, 148 insertions(+), 70 deletions(-) create mode 100644 doc/1-intro/faq.md diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index a1a7ae87c..6dad5e062 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ the biggest multi-system chiptune tracker ever made! -[downloads](#downloads) | [discussion/help](#quick-references) | [developer info](#developer-info) | [Unix/Linux packages](#packages) | [FAQ](#frequently-asked-questions) +[downloads](#downloads) | [help/discussion](#quick-references) | [developer info](#developer-info) | [Unix/Linux packages](#packages) --- ## downloads @@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ for other operating systems, you may [build the source](#developer-info). - AY-3-8910/YM2149(F) used in several computers and game consoles - Commodore VIC used in the VIC-20 - Microchip AY8930 - - TI SN76489 used in Sega Master System and BBC Micro + - TI SN76489 used in Sega Master System, BBC Micro, and many others - PC Speaker - Philips SAA1099 used in SAM Coupé - OKI MSM5232 used in some arcade boards @@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ for other operating systems, you may [build the source](#developer-info). - Generic PCM DAC - mix and match sound chips! - over 200 ready to use presets from computers, game consoles and arcade boards... - - ...or create your own - up to 32 of them or a total of 128 channels! + - ...or create your own presets - up to 32 chips or a total of 128 channels! - DefleMask compatibility - loads .dmf modules from all versions (beta 1 to 1.1.9) - saves .dmf modules - both modern and legacy @@ -138,8 +138,8 @@ for other operating systems, you may [build the source](#developer-info). --- # quick references +- **help**: check out the [documentation](doc/README.md), [quick start guide](doc/1-intro/quickstart.md), and [FAQ](doc/1-intro/faq.md) - **discussion**: see the [Discussions](https://github.com/tildearrow/furnace/discussions) section. -- **help**: check out the [documentation](doc/README.md). ## packages @@ -331,73 +331,7 @@ this will play a compatible file and enable the commands view. **note that console mode may not work correctly on Windows. you may have to quit using the Task Manager.** --- -# frequently asked questions -> where's the manual? - -it is in [doc/](doc/README.md). - -> is there a tutorial? - -[a video tutorial of tracker concepts is available on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q37XuOLz0jw). thanks Button Masher! - -> can I import VGM or NSF? - -nope. it's a feature that's been requested many times, but I don't have plans to implement that yet. - -for NSF import, you can use [a modified version of FamiTracker called NSFImport](http://rainwarrior.ca/projects/nes/nsfimport.html), and then import the resulting .ftm into Furnace. -it's all speed 1 though, so don't expect any songs to be nicely laid out with instruments and all. - -> how about MIDI? can I import these? - -nope. it's not implemented. - -also, Furnace isn't a MIDI tracker. - -> it doesn't open under macOS! - -this is due to Apple's application signing policy. a workaround is to right click on the Furnace app icon and select Open. - -> it says "Furnace" is damaged and can't be opened! - -**as of Monterey, this workaround no longer works (especially on ARM).** yeah, Apple has decided to be strict on the matter. -if you happen to be on that version (or later), use this workaround instead (on a Terminal): - -``` -xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/Furnace.app -``` - -(replace /path/to/ with the path where Furnace.app is located) - -you may need to log out and/or reboot after doing this. - -> I've lost my song! - -Furnace keeps backups of the songs you've worked on before. go to **file > restore backup**. - -> .spc export? - -**not yet!** coming in 0.7 though, eventually... - -> ROM export? - -**not yet!** coming in 0.7 though, eventually... - -> Roland MT-32 support? - -MT-32 is used with MIDI in 99.999% of situations. it lacks a direct register interface. - -also, Furnace is not a MIDI tracker.... - -> my .dmf song sounds odd at a certain point - -Furnace's .dmf compatibility isn't perfect and it's mostly because DefleMask does things different. - -> my song sounds terrible after saving as .dmf! - -you should only save as .dmf if you're really sure, because the DefleMask format has several limitations. save in Furnace song format instead (.fur). - ---- # footnotes copyright (C) 2021-2024 tildearrow and contributors. diff --git a/doc/1-intro/README.md b/doc/1-intro/README.md index e3c72a170..14e9e95d3 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/README.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/README.md @@ -29,3 +29,7 @@ once familiar with the tracker, look to [9-guides](../9-guides/README.md) for us [How to Learn Chiptune Trackers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q37XuOLz0jw): video tutorial created by Button Masher. covers the basic mechanics of chiptune tracking using Furnace for demonstration. [Furnace Tutorials](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCELB6AsTZUnwv0PC5AAGHjvg47F44YQ1): video tutorials created by Spinning Square Waves. be noted that these may not apply to the current version. + +# questions? + +see the [frequently asked questions](faq.md). diff --git a/doc/1-intro/faq.md b/doc/1-intro/faq.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..2c7e54edc --- /dev/null +++ b/doc/1-intro/faq.md @@ -0,0 +1,138 @@ +# frequently asked questions + +## general + +### how do I use Furnace? + +the [quick start guide](quickstart.md) and [concepts list](concepts.md) are great first steps in getting used to the tracker way. after that, try exploring the demo songs to learn more about how to get the sounds you want. + +### is there an Android build? + +yes and no. Furnace has been successfully built for Android and it even has some rudimentary touch UI support, but it's extremely unfinished and extremely unsupported. there are many good reasons that it's not in the official releases yet. + +### is there an iOS build? + +nope. + +### will Furnace ever have a piano roll or DAW interface? + +there are no plans for this. + +### I've lost my song – what do I do? + +Furnace keeps backups of the songs you've worked on before. go to **file > restore backup**. + +## tracking + +### how do I compose in 6/8, 5/4, or other time signatures? + +set the pattern length to a multiple of the number of beats (6 or 5 as mentioned above). don't forget to change the row highlight values to match! + +### how do I track triplets, quintuplets, or other tuplets? + +there are two common methods: +- use delay commands (`EDxx`) to offset notes into their correct places. this is good for the occasional set of tuplets, but if you expect to use a lot of them... +- plan ahead for the song to have them by making your pattern length a multiple of that number. remember to adjust row highlight values to match. + +depending on the tempo of the song, it may only be possible to get perfectly even tuplets by changing the tick rate. mind that the result may not be authentic to hardware. + +### why do certain notes not play low enough, high enough, or in tune? + +each chip has its own set of limitations regarding what frequencies it can play. if these limits are likely to be found in normal tracking, they'll be mentioned in [that chip's documentation](../7-systems/). + +### does Furnace support tunings other than twelve tone equal temperament? + +no. both tracker and format are built on that scale and tuning. + +### can I add effects to the output like EQ or reverb? + +not yet, but it's in the early planning stages. + +## chips + +### will Furnace support the Sony PlayStation? + +it's in the plans, with no target date. + +### will Furnace support the Sega Saturn? + +it also is in the plans, with no target date. + +### will Furnace support more Yamaha FM chips? + +once a chip has an available emulation cores written in C++ and licensed under GPL2, it'll be considered for addition. + +### will Furnace support the Nintendo 64? + +the N64 lacks any form of audio synthesizer chip. many games use MIDI or XM or other such formats internally, but everything is mixed in software and sent to a simple stereo DAC. + +### will Furnace support this obscure PCM-only chip? + +probably not, as with very few exceptions these are effectively all the same. + +### will Furnace support the Roland MT-32? + +no. MT-32 is used with MIDI in 99.999% of situations. it lacks a direct register interface. + +also, Furnace is not a MIDI tracker.... + +## importing + +### will Furnace import MIDI files? + +nope. Furnace is not a MIDI tracker. + +### why does this imported file sound wrong? + +Furnace makes every attempt to import non-Furnace files as accurately and completely as possible, but there are fundamental differences between formats that cannot be directly translated. an import from a non-Furnace format should always be considered the starting point of a conversion, not a final product. + +### can I import VGM or NSF? + +nope. it's a feature that's been requested many times, but there are no plans to implement it. + +for NSF import, you can use [a modified version of FamiTracker called NSFImport](http://rainwarrior.ca/projects/nes/nsfimport.html) and then import the resulting .ftm into Furnace. +it's all speed 1 though, so don't expect any songs to be nicely laid out with instruments and all. + +### how can I use an SF2 soundfont? + +one way is to use [OpenMPT](https://openmpt.org/) to open the SF2 file, and save WAV files from there. + +### how do I import instruments from this SNES game? + +use [split700](https://github.com/gocha/split700) to extract the BRR samples from an SPC. there is presently no way to import envelopes or other parameters. + +### how do I import instruments from this Sega Genesis game? + +extract FM patches from a VGM file using [vgm2pre](https://github.com/vgmtool/vgm2pre) or similar tool. bear in mind that these are only the parameters for the FM synth, and the way the instrument is heard in-game may include pitch bends or other effects that can't be extracted. + +for PSG instruments, see the next question. + +### how do I import instruments from this NES/SMS/GB/C64/etc. game? + +PSG chips (such as those in the systems mentioned) don't have any inherent concept of instruments or patches. all of that is handled in software, and each sound driver has its own way of doing things. generally, the only option is to recreate the instrument from scratch. + +## exporting + +### will Furnace export MIDI files? + +nope. Furnace is not a MIDI tracker. + +### why does this exported VGM sound weird when I play it in other software? + +just as Furnace offers a choice of emulation cores, VGM players may use different cores with varying degrees of accuracy. also, some aspects of a song may not be supported by the VGM format, such as chip clock speeds or mixer levels. + +### why does this exported DMF sound wrong in DefleMask? + +while Furnace did start life as a DMF player, it's grown in functionality quite a bit, and many Furnace features simply don't exist in that format. there are also cases where the emulation cores in DefleMask sound different from those available in Furnace. + +### when will Furnace be able to export to a ROM for a particular system or an emulated music format? + +each system will need its own method of converting Furnace tracker files into code that can be played back on hardware. this requires writing a driver for the hardware in question, which is no small task. that having been said, there are several efforts in progress, both for direct export from Furnace itself and external converters such as [furSPC](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furSPC), [furNES](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furNES), and [furC64](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furC64). + +### can Furnace export MP3/OGG/FLAC files? + +not presently. for now, use an external converter such as ffmpeg. + +## more help + +if a question isn't answered within this manual, check in the [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/tildearrow/furnace/discussions) to see if it's answered there, and post if needed. diff --git a/doc/README.md b/doc/README.md index be719e561..1bbb73426 100644 --- a/doc/README.md +++ b/doc/README.md @@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ this is the manual for Furnace, the chiptune tracker. the index follows. 1. [introduction](1-intro/README.md) + - [quick start guide](1-intro/quickstart.md) + - [FAQ](1-intro/faq.md) 2. [interface](2-interface/README.md) 3. [patterns](3-pattern/README.md) 4. [instruments](4-instrument/README.md) From e25208bf11c27f0b64a0679d5378937003e3f4fb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2024 14:57:26 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 2/3] A bunch of fixes to the FAQ. It's better now! --- README.md | 4 ++-- doc/1-intro/README.md | 2 +- doc/1-intro/faq.md | 26 +++++++++++--------------- doc/README.md | 4 ++-- 4 files changed, 16 insertions(+), 20 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 6dad5e062..5dae40538 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ the biggest multi-system chiptune tracker ever made! -[downloads](#downloads) | [help/discussion](#quick-references) | [developer info](#developer-info) | [Unix/Linux packages](#packages) +[downloads](#downloads) | [discussion/help](#quick-references) | [developer info](#developer-info) | [Unix/Linux packages](#packages) --- ## downloads @@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ for other operating systems, you may [build the source](#developer-info). --- # quick references -- **help**: check out the [documentation](doc/README.md), [quick start guide](doc/1-intro/quickstart.md), and [FAQ](doc/1-intro/faq.md) +- **help**: check out the [documentation](doc/README.md), [quick start guide](doc/1-intro/quickstart.md), and [frequently asked questions (FAQ)](doc/1-intro/faq.md). - **discussion**: see the [Discussions](https://github.com/tildearrow/furnace/discussions) section. ## packages diff --git a/doc/1-intro/README.md b/doc/1-intro/README.md index 14e9e95d3..7b7b63c6c 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/README.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/README.md @@ -30,6 +30,6 @@ once familiar with the tracker, look to [9-guides](../9-guides/README.md) for us [Furnace Tutorials](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCELB6AsTZUnwv0PC5AAGHjvg47F44YQ1): video tutorials created by Spinning Square Waves. be noted that these may not apply to the current version. -# questions? +## for more information see the [frequently asked questions](faq.md). diff --git a/doc/1-intro/faq.md b/doc/1-intro/faq.md index 2c7e54edc..d163e8a22 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/faq.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/faq.md @@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ the [quick start guide](quickstart.md) and [concepts list](concepts.md) are grea ### is there an Android build? -yes and no. Furnace has been successfully built for Android and it even has some rudimentary touch UI support, but it's extremely unfinished and extremely unsupported. there are many good reasons that it's not in the official releases yet. +yes and no. Furnace can be successfully built for Android and it even has some rudimentary touch UI support, but it's extremely unfinished and extremely unsupported. there are many good reasons that it's not in the official releases yet. ### is there an iOS build? @@ -22,19 +22,19 @@ there are no plans for this. Furnace keeps backups of the songs you've worked on before. go to **file > restore backup**. -## tracking +## workflow ### how do I compose in 6/8, 5/4, or other time signatures? set the pattern length to a multiple of the number of beats (6 or 5 as mentioned above). don't forget to change the row highlight values to match! -### how do I track triplets, quintuplets, or other tuplets? +### how do I do triplets, quintuplets, or other tuplets? there are two common methods: - use delay commands (`EDxx`) to offset notes into their correct places. this is good for the occasional set of tuplets, but if you expect to use a lot of them... - plan ahead for the song to have them by making your pattern length a multiple of that number. remember to adjust row highlight values to match. -depending on the tempo of the song, it may only be possible to get perfectly even tuplets by changing the tick rate. mind that the result may not be authentic to hardware. +depending on the tempo of the song, it may only be possible to get perfectly even tuplets by changing the tick rate. mind that this may hinder playback in games or sound engines that use the vertical blank interval for their timing. ### why do certain notes not play low enough, high enough, or in tune? @@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ no. both tracker and format are built on that scale and tuning. ### can I add effects to the output like EQ or reverb? -not yet, but it's in the early planning stages. +not yet, but it's in the early development stage. ## chips @@ -58,10 +58,6 @@ it's in the plans, with no target date. it also is in the plans, with no target date. -### will Furnace support more Yamaha FM chips? - -once a chip has an available emulation cores written in C++ and licensed under GPL2, it'll be considered for addition. - ### will Furnace support the Nintendo 64? the N64 lacks any form of audio synthesizer chip. many games use MIDI or XM or other such formats internally, but everything is mixed in software and sent to a simple stereo DAC. @@ -84,7 +80,7 @@ nope. Furnace is not a MIDI tracker. ### why does this imported file sound wrong? -Furnace makes every attempt to import non-Furnace files as accurately and completely as possible, but there are fundamental differences between formats that cannot be directly translated. an import from a non-Furnace format should always be considered the starting point of a conversion, not a final product. +There are fundamental differences between formats that cannot be directly translated. an import should always be considered the starting point of a conversion, not a final product. ### can I import VGM or NSF? @@ -95,7 +91,7 @@ it's all speed 1 though, so don't expect any songs to be nicely laid out with in ### how can I use an SF2 soundfont? -one way is to use [OpenMPT](https://openmpt.org/) to open the SF2 file, and save WAV files from there. +one way is to use [OpenMPT](https://openmpt.org/) to open the SF2 file, and save WAV files from there. [Polyphone](https://www.polyphone.io/) is another way. ### how do I import instruments from this SNES game? @@ -119,7 +115,7 @@ nope. Furnace is not a MIDI tracker. ### why does this exported VGM sound weird when I play it in other software? -just as Furnace offers a choice of emulation cores, VGM players may use different cores with varying degrees of accuracy. also, some aspects of a song may not be supported by the VGM format, such as chip clock speeds or mixer levels. +just as Furnace offers a choice of emulation cores, VGM players may use different cores with varying degrees of accuracy. also, some aspects of a song may not be supported by the VGM format, such as chip clock speeds. ### why does this exported DMF sound wrong in DefleMask? @@ -127,12 +123,12 @@ while Furnace did start life as a DMF player, it's grown in functionality quite ### when will Furnace be able to export to a ROM for a particular system or an emulated music format? -each system will need its own method of converting Furnace tracker files into code that can be played back on hardware. this requires writing a driver for the hardware in question, which is no small task. that having been said, there are several efforts in progress, both for direct export from Furnace itself and external converters such as [furSPC](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furSPC), [furNES](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furNES), and [furC64](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furC64). +each system will need its own method of converting Furnace songs into code that can be played back on hardware. this requires writing a driver for the hardware in question, which is no small task. that having been said, there are several efforts in progress, both for direct export from Furnace itself and external converters such as [furSPC](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furSPC), [furNES](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furNES), and [furC64](https://github.com/AnnoyedArt1256/furC64). ### can Furnace export MP3/OGG/FLAC files? -not presently. for now, use an external converter such as ffmpeg. +not presently. for now, use an external converter such as FFmpeg. -## more help +## other if a question isn't answered within this manual, check in the [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/tildearrow/furnace/discussions) to see if it's answered there, and post if needed. diff --git a/doc/README.md b/doc/README.md index 1bbb73426..897aeeb86 100644 --- a/doc/README.md +++ b/doc/README.md @@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ this is the manual for Furnace, the chiptune tracker. the index follows. 1. [introduction](1-intro/README.md) - - [quick start guide](1-intro/quickstart.md) - - [FAQ](1-intro/faq.md) + - [quick start guide](1-intro/quickstart.md) + - [FAQ](1-intro/faq.md) 2. [interface](2-interface/README.md) 3. [patterns](3-pattern/README.md) 4. [instruments](4-instrument/README.md) From 615c2b01cc373fcb28437462b840d4c8f717cd1e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:21:45 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 3/3] Last couple edits on the FAQ. It might be ready now! --- doc/1-intro/faq.md | 4 ---- 1 file changed, 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/faq.md b/doc/1-intro/faq.md index d163e8a22..5b3ae510a 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/faq.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/faq.md @@ -40,10 +40,6 @@ depending on the tempo of the song, it may only be possible to get perfectly eve each chip has its own set of limitations regarding what frequencies it can play. if these limits are likely to be found in normal tracking, they'll be mentioned in [that chip's documentation](../7-systems/). -### does Furnace support tunings other than twelve tone equal temperament? - -no. both tracker and format are built on that scale and tuning. - ### can I add effects to the output like EQ or reverb? not yet, but it's in the early development stage.