The Big Push

It has been quite some time since my last update. Since the midterm evaluation period ended, I’ve been working on implementing the sample loading and playback and haven’t taken the time to post updates. It has been problematic to say the least. I can say that TFMX playback is functional… if you consider static noise to be music. As the big push towards the final deadlines and weeks of coding looms, I’ve devised a restructured plan to help myself stay on course and hopefully make up for my original schedule, which has pretty much gone out the window.

  • Objective: Implement sample loading and playback.
    This is the most critical portion of the entire TFMX project. The samples are stored in a separate smpl.* file from the rest of the TFMX data located in mdat.* and loaded via the macro commands tied to each note. They are then played back according to certain parameters set in the note and macro data. I’ve been working on implementing the specific macro commands which relate to sample playback but some issues are still in the way.
    Obstacles: The sample loading is relatively simple and has already been taken care of. There might be some useful optimizations or modifications to the loading structure that will take place later, but the current system of loading the whole sample file into memory will work for now. A handful of the macro commands relating to sample playback have also been implemented. Problems are occurring in the playback of the samples which could be related to speed or timing issues. I am working to solve these problems and also improve some of the other mechanisms related to the timing system. Completion of this task will solve one of the major lingering problems and allow me to finalize the TFMX system.
    Estimated completion time: Friday, July 25th.
  • Objective: Implement effects commands.
    After the sample playback is in place, I will implement the commands which apply effects to playback. These include note transposition, portamento, vibrato, envelope, and volume slides.
    Obstacles: Some of these effects introduce complex problems. The ones related to period manipulation will be more difficult to handle and will likely require some restructuring of playback routines to allow for the effect manipulation to take place. I anticipate there will be some problems here but that I will be able to rely on code used in the other tracker players to resolve many of my issues. I will also focus on only initially implementing the effects which are nessecary for Monkey Island playback.
    Estimated completion time: Thursday, July 31st.
  • Objective: Optimize and build Monkey Island interface
    Another crucial task coming up will be to optimize the code, fix any memory problems, and try to reduce the memory burden as much as possible. I will implement any withstanding pattern/macro commands and resolve any bugs or little quirks related to the Monkey Island TFMX files. The next step will be to implement the interface for the Monkey Island game to have access to the TFMX engine and playback the required audio during game play. At this stage, I’m sure other developers will have many recommendations for improvement or optimization as well.
    Obstacles: This should be a straight-forward cleanup task that should bring to light any remaining issues or problems. Building the interface for Monkey Island should also be simple as the I believe the playback routine code is already partially implemented. I believe enlisting the help of some of the other developers’ expertise on memory issues should help optimize the engine as well.
    Estimated completion time: Monday, August 4th.

At that point, we will be awfully close to the closing time so I cannot realistically say that I will a functional MaxTrax player on the table for the final deadline on August 18th. I will definitely begin working on it as soon as possible and continue to work on it until my commitment is completed, even if that takes us past the final deadline. I will also continue to improve the TFMX engine after the deadline as well. Right now my priorities are on finalizing TFMX and completing the required testing and debugging. After that is complete, I will reevaluate the goals for a MaxTrax player.