MOTU FreeStyle Version 2.0
January 16, 1997
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (MOTU) today unveiled
FreeStyle(TM) Version 2.0, a major upgrade of MOTU's innovative, "trackless" MIDI sequencer software (Screen shot available). The upgrade boasts major feature enhancements and 100% PowerPC native code for
optimum performance on Power Macintosh computers. Well-known for its innovative MIDI
sequencing features, FreeStyle(TM) now introduces another sequencing first with its new Sense
Tempo feature, which allows users to record into their computer without having to follow a
metronome as they play.
FreeStyle 2.0's new Sense Tempo feature lets users play their MIDI keyboard without listening to
a metronome click or drum loop. As the user plays, FreeStyle 2.0 captures every nuance of the
performance at 960 parts per quarter note, the highest timing resolution offered by any sequencer
on the market today. As recording continues, FreeStyle applies sophisticated notation transcription
technology, which displays music notation in real time on the computer screen. FreeStyle's Sense
Tempo feature automatically identifies where the beats and measure boundaries are in the user's
performance and displays the notation accordingly. The final result is readable music notation that
plays with all of the nuance of the original performance. And users also enjoys being able to view
and edit their music right away with beats and barlines in FreeStyle that match what they played.
FreeStyle 2.0 also provides several new beat adjustment features, which allow the user to align
FreeStyle's beats and barlines with a preexisting MIDI performance. For example, the user may
have a standard MIDI file recorded without a metronome in another program. With the Identify
Beats feature, the user can simply click on notes in the graphic editor or notation window to identify
them as downbeats. The Adjust Beats feature lets users drag barlines and beats in FreeStyle's
graphic editor to match the displayed notes, "scrubbing" the music as they drag so they can easily
zero in on the correct downbeat. And finally, the Record Beats feature lets users simply tap along
while listening to their pre-recorded rubato performance to tell FreeStyle where the beats are. After
using any combination of these features, users can choose to listen to their music with its original
tempo and feel, or they can temporarily switch to "Constant" tempo mode to hear it at a perfectly
straight tempo. And all of these beat adjustment features preserve the user's original performance
exactly as it was played.
FreeStyle 2.0 now supports tempo changes. Users can graphically draw tempo changes in the
graphic editor. Or they can record tempo slider movements in real time as their music plays.
Tempo maps can also be imported from standard MIDI files. Lastly, tempos can be recorded with
FreeStyle's Sense Tempo feature, described earlier. FreeStyle's tempo slider introduces another
innovating sequencer feature: "% variable" tempo mode. This mode lets users speed up or slow
down an entire piece of music - even music that already has tempo changes - with a simple
adjustment of the tempo slider.
FreeStyle 2.0 lets users change meter and key signature anywhere in their music. Several
convenient methods are provided. When changing key, FreeStyle lets users choose to keep the
notes at the same pitch while FreeStyle automatically re-spells them correctly in the new key. Or
users can choose to can transpose the notes altogether to the new key.
FreeStyle 2.0 now provides SMPTE synchronization. Users can slave FreeStyle to a tape deck to
record vocals and other audio tracks that are precisely synchronized with their MIDI performance in
FreeStyle. Users can also now lock FreeStyle to a video tape recorder to write music for film or TV.
All frame rates are supported. FreeStyle 2.0 also transmits MIDI Time Code (MTC), which allows
users to synchronize FreeStyle with popular hard disk recorders such as the Roland VS-880(TM).
One of FreeStyle's early innovations was a unique, dynamic MIDI channel allocation feature that
helps users avoid running out of MIDI channels on their synthesizer or sound module. Version 2
builds on this concept by allowing users to lock players to a specific MIDI channel, which is useful
for working with samplers and other MIDI devices that require specific MIDI channel assignments.
FreeStyle 2.0 also lets users create layered sounds with ease. For example, to create a stack of
brass sounds, the user can just hold down the shift key on the computer keyboard while choosing
several of their favorite brass sounds from FreeStyle's convenient pop-up sound menus. The layered
sound can then be named and saved for future projects.
Many sequencers allow users to place MIDI patch changes in their sequences so that the sound
being used for a track can change in midstream during playback. FreeStyle 2.0 takes this much
further by allowing users to change to a layered sound - or even an entirely different MIDI instrument
- at any time.
FreeStyle 2.0 builds on its highly-recognized automated notation transcription technology with
many new notation enhancements. FreeStyle players can now have a score transposition as well
as a transposition for individually printed parts. Players also now have a recording transposition.
This allows users to read a Bb trumpet part, for example, and record it in Bb while the rest of the
orchestra plays in concert key.
FreeStyle 2.0 also now has intelligent note-spelling algorithms. For example, it correctly spells
chromatic runs with sharps when they go up and flats when they go down. In addition, FreeStyle's
takes into account more complex factors, such as the current key signature, mode (major or minor)
and voice leading. Users can also adjust note spellings manually.
Other new features include note velocity and duration scaling, an extensive MIDI Monitor window
that shows MIDI input and MIDI output activity, nameable takes, and a new Duplicate Take
command.
FreeStyle 2.0 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 1997. It will be available as an upgrade to all
existing FreeStyle Version 1 users. For more information, visit their web site at www.motu.com. | 
