VocalEasel/mma/util

Short usage file for timsplit.py.

This program is used to create a set of wav tracks from a MMA
input file. You need MMA, the input file and timidity.
The command:

	  timsplit.py somefile.mma

will determine the tracks in the MMA file, create temporary MIDIs for
each track and then wav files using timidity. 

Also created is a mix file with all the tracks. This is called "bg.wav".
It is a mono file to save on some transfer times between the computer
and the recorder. Change if you want.

Conversion takes a few minutes, depending on the soundfont you're using
and the size of the MIDI file. Be patient.

Note that this is a total re-write of the original program. It now 
uses the new -T option in MMA to limit the track generation.

The nice thing about this new timsplit is that it will split percussion tracks.

I've had good success with the following:

  1. use timsplit with a decent soundfont to create tracks,
  2. use timidity to create a mix track of the mma file,
  3. copy the mix to my Zoom H4 recorder into a project file,
  4. play/create lots of sax tracks while listening to the mix (4 track mode on the H4),
  5. copy the sax tracks the split tracks from (1) into audacity,
  6. edit the tracks,
  7. publish the song and become rich and famous!

bvdp, March 2008.