MicroBR Effects Patch Manager

[Soldier-B]

I'm not really sure how active these forums are, but I figured I'd post this anyway. I've been reading about how everybody shares their custom effects patches with each other, and decided there has to be an easier way. So I started working on a program which is able to read your song effects patches (EFFECTS3.BR1) and extract them each into individual files, as well as import them back. I'm also planning on having an patch editor built in. With this program you'll be able to make your patches, export them, and then just send the small file (256 bytes per patch) to who ever wants it.

-----------------------------------
Update:

Program is finished and available to download through this thread. It has been tested with a MicroBR and Windows XP. Just download the "Setup.msi" file and double click it to install the program. A shortcut will be added to your desktop as well as your Start/Programs list. The setup program is less than 1 mb so it shouldn't take long to download.

[guitarron]

I'm definitely interested in that-very ambitious project-please keep us posted

[Soldier-B]

Importing and exporting works...those are the most important right now. Patches get exported to an fxp file. I'm attaching a screen shot (not that it shows much) just incase anybody might have some better ideas than me.

[Soldier-B]

I'm almost finished. I decided to skip out on the patch editor for now, only because you can't really hear it on the computer while your editing. Everything works fine, I'm just adding a few finishing touches. This will definitely make sharing custom patches easier.

[Oldrottenhead]

hic

[Soldier-B]

Well...here it is. Should be pretty self explanitory to use.

Here's a quick rundown.

-------------------------------------------------------
Use the 1st button to open your EFFECTS3.BR1 file.

Use the 2nd button to save your EFFECTS3.BR1. (It will save to the last EFFECTS.BR1 file you opened)

Use the 3rd button to close you EFFECTS3.BR1 file. (Or you can just quit the program I suppose)

Select a patch from the list on the left. Use the 4th button to export the patch. It will ask you where you want to save the file.

Select a patch from the list on the left. Use the 5th button to import a patch. The imported patch will show up in the preview window.

If you make any changes to your patch list, don't forget to press the save (2nd) button before you quit. Otherwise your changes won't stay.
-------------------------------------------------------

Also, this program does require Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5...sorry for any inconveniences there.


EDIT: I've also include the "FXP" version of the SmplMnLD patch that 97teledlx posted up as an example.

[Pedro]

Hello there Soldier-B!

I tried your program and it works very nicely, I'm using Windows XP SP3 and Net Framework 3.5. The idea of exporting and importing patches using a computer program is a very good idea that has been on my mind for sometime and can surely help the Micro BR effect patch management throughout this world.

64Guitars thought about creating a program like that for Micro BR as well but went through a different path on his Micro BR Patch Documenter because of his prior experience with a similar program for the BR-864 that didn't gave the results he expected. In fact, your program is a lot similar to his one, have you used the 64Guitar's Micro BR Effect Patch Documenter?

The only problem I can think of is the Microsoft Net Framework, it is quite a large file, about 71MB in size. Isn't there a smaller package? The Java runtime is a lot smaller, maybe I just downloaded a different package.

This is a very nice work, I will have to experiment more with it and maybe rewrite the Share your Effect Patches tutorial to support your program if it is alright with you.

Thanks for sharing. 

[Soldier-B]

I was thinking about the .Net thing...I'm think I'm going to work on that this week. As far as 64Guitar's patch documenter, I used it during my tests of my program to make sure my results were matching. I also liked his idea about showing the settings for a patch when you select it, so I added that in too. It was definitely that program that peaked my interest in finding an easier way to share custom patches. Please feel free to share away, and kudos to 64guitars for the motivation.

[guitarron]

I'm not versed in the Microsoft Net Framework so please bear with me on this.
There is a shareware pattern arrangement program made by Tommy's toolbox that requires a Microsoft Net Framework to work-which i installed.
Is this not the same thing-or close to it?
I started a link regarding that issue some time back
http://microrecorders.org/community/rhythm-and-drums/drum-arranger-program-fails-to-initilaize/msg205/#msg205
It got that program running ok (elected to use the roland arranger instead)

[Soldier-B]

The .Net Framework has a few different versions, the newest one (3.5) supports all of the features of the older ones while adding new features. When you go to install my program it will automatically check to make sure you have .Net 3.5 and if you don't it will give you a link to the Microsoft website where you can download the .Net Framework.