Tropez 1.1


README.WRI
Copyright (c) 1995 Turtle Beach Systems. All rights reserved. Tropez is a trademark of Turtle Beach Systems, Inc.


This file contains important information that became available after the printed documentation went to press. If you enlarge the Write window to its maximum size, this document will be easier to read. To do so, click the Maximize button in the top-right corner of the window or open the Control menu in the top-left corner of the Write window (press ALT+SPACEBAR), and then choose the Maximize command.

To move through the document, press the PG UP or PG DOWN keys or click the arrows at the top and bottom of the scroll bar along the right side of the Write window.

To print the document, choose the Print command from the File menu.


Customer Support via CompuServe, America Online, or Internet
An excellent alternative to customer support via phone or mail is using CompuServe, America Online, or Internet, three of the leading online systems in the world. 

Turtle Beach maintains several active forums on CompuServe. For customer support contact Turtle Beach at 71333,2432 in forums MIDIVEN Section 2 and MULTIVEN Section 16 or GO TURTLE (multimedia vendors' forum) and GO TBMIDI (MIDI vendor’s forum). 

For Turtle Beach customer support via America Online, the Screen Name is TURTLE BCH and the Keyword is TURTLE.

For support via Internet,  contact Turtle Beach customer support at SUPPORT@TBEACH.COM.


Customer Support via BeachComber Bulletin Board
The BeachComber bulletin board is available 24 hours a day. The bulletin board can be reached at either (717) 767-0250, up to 38,400 baud, eight (8) data bits, No parity bits, one (1) stop bit; OR (717) 767-5934, 2400 baud, eight (8) data bits, No parity bits, one (1) stop bit via modem. The BeachComber bulletin board maintains product demonstrations, sound files, MIDI files, and helpful information for Turtle Beach products.


Customer Support via Telephone
If you encounter problems or have questions about installing Tropez, call the Turtle Beach customer support staff at (717) 764-5265, Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time. At all other times, leave a message and the call will be returned. Or fax user problems--Attention: Customer Support--to (717) 767-6033.

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Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95 Important Installation Note
If you are performing Tropez’s DOS installation program, be sure you are starting from a native DOS prompt, and not a MS-DOS box. Installing from the enhanced mode DOS box will lead your Windows to repeatedly crash.

Installing the Tropez in Windows 95
If you are installing the Tropez in Windows 95 it is important that you take the following steps to ensure that the installation is performed correctly. Prior to installation, please note the resources (IRQ, DMA, and I/O) currently in use by any cards installed in your system. Turtle Beach recommends that the Tropez be the first peripheral card that you attempt to install to minimize conflicts with other parts of the computer. 

1. Go to the Start button on the Windows 95 taskbar and select 'Shut Down'.
2. Select 'Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode?' and press OK. This will shut down Windows 95 and bring you to a DOS prompt.
3. Insert the first disk of the Tropez installation program into your floppy drive and type 'A:' (or the letter corresponding to your floppy drive) and press the Enter key.
4. Type 'INSTALL' and press the Enter key causing the Tropez installation program to start.
5. During the Tropez installation you will be asked several questions regarding resouces to be used by the Tropez. It is important that you select resources not in use by cards currently installed in your system. This will allow you to complete the Tropez installation smoothly.

Tropez Applications in Windows 95
Most of the applications supplied with the Tropez work in the Windows 95 environment. There are some exceptions as noted:

1. The Sierra audio rack does not work in Stealth mode.

2. Microwave may cause problems when used as an OLE server.

3. The Turtle Beach CD player shows a white rectangle to the right of the main controls. This does not affect the operation of the program.


New Tropez Driver
A new version of the WaveFront driver (TROPMIDI.DRV) will auto-detect if the card has been initialized. If Tropez has been initialized, it will not re-load the WaveFront operating system. This will decrease the boot time for Windows. It will also not disable Tropez when it exits Windows.

This new driver will allow you to load samples to your Tropez under Windows, and have them retained after exiting Windows.

Additional DOS Utility
TZSETUP.EXE is a graphical interface DOS utility that allows you to configure all parameters of the sound card without having to re-run the installation. With this utility you can make changes to the sound card configuration, CD-ROM configuration, MIDI configuration, DOS boot setup, SoundBlaster input and output, and Windows Sound System input and output. 

This application will also allow you to modify your Windows settings.

All changes take place immediately when you exit this DOS utility, except for CD-ROM configuration and DOS boot setup which require you to reboot the computer. 


CD-ROM Note
If you add a CD-ROM drive to your system after you have installed Tropez’s software, you must use the DOS utility TZSSETUP to enable the CD-ROM. If you do not, it will not function.

Un-installing Tropez
If you ever need to uninstall your Tropez, follow these steps:

1. Delete entire \tropez directory (or whatever directory you installed to).
2. Delete ctl3dv2.dll if not being used by a non-Tropez application.
3. Delete tbmixer.ini, stratos.ini, wave.ini, mousplay.ini, wfcp.ini, wfpatch.ini, 	tropez.ini, maui.ini from \windows.
4. Delete threed.vbx if not being used by a non-Tropez application.
5. Delete msmixmgr.dll from \windows\system.
6. Delete wfgate.dll and wfsysex.dll from \windows.
7. Delete olecli.dll and olesvr.dll from \windows\system.
8. Delete the following from \windows\system:
	opl3.drv
	vsndsys.386
	tropmidi.drv	
	tropez.drv
9. Restore midimap.old to midimap.cfg (assuming midimap.old is the MIDI Mapper 	in use right before Tropez was installed).
10. Delete the following from \windows\system:
	slider2.vbx
	kbdlist.vbx
	gauge.vbx
	wfenvlop.vbx
	spin.vbx
11. Delete helprint.dll and riopatch.ini from \windows
12. Delete program group Tropez
13. In system.ini:
	Delete msmixmgr.dll from the DRIVERS= line under [BOOT] section if 		another application is not using the Windows Sound System Mixer 			Manager.
	Under [386Enh]:	
		Delete line: "device=vsndsys.386". 
	Under [drivers]:	
		Delete any line with value: tropez.drv, tropmidi.drv, or opl3.drv.
	Delete whole sections [sndsys.drv], [opl3.drv], and [tropmidi.drv].

	
Additional WFDOS Command Lines
There are two additional WFDOS command line options.

/G 	Resets Tropez’s patches to their General MIDI state, since this does not occur 	when exiting Windows.

/S	Prevents a tone from being heard when setting your volume.

To reset the MIDI patches for a Tropez at I/O port 330 enter:

	WFDOS /a330 /G

An explanation and additional examples of setting WFDOS command lines can be found on page 51 and 52 of the Tropes User’s Guide.

Low Priority on the TB Mixer
In general, you will not need to use the "Low Priority Input" button on the TB Mixer.  There are a few applications (such as "Voice Pilot," included with the Windows Sound System software) that make use of the input levels shown after clicking on the Low Priority Input button, but most applications do not. If you wish to set input levels for applications such as Sound Recorder, Quick Recorder, Wave SE, or MicroWave, click on the Wave Input button and adjust the levels shown.


Tropez Demonstration
The Tropez sound card comes with a demonstration program. To use the demonstration program, double click the icon labeled Tropez Demo from the Tropez program group.

To listen, select either Jazz, Rock, New Age, or Orchestral and click on the Play button.

To listen to a different selection while a selection is playing, click on the new selection, then click on the play button.

Click on the stop button to cease playing your selection.

MicroWave and OLE
MicroWave is functionally compatible with OLE 1.0, and with the identical functions in OLE 2.0. However, MicroWave will not function with OLE 2.0 specific calls.


Problems Recording or Playing Back .WAV Audio
If you are experiencing problems recording or playing back .WAV audio, enter the Windows Control Panel and open the Drivers section. Edit the CS31BA11 Business Audio, WSS 2.0 Enhanced driver and choose Half Duplex. Restart your machine and try recording or playing back .WAV audio.  NOTE: In this configuration, simultaneous .WAV record and playback is not available.


Recording Through Multiple Inputs
Although Tropez has multiple inputs, you can only record through one audio input at a time.


Using the Line In Jack on Tropez
If you are using headphone out jack on your CD-ROM drive through the Line In jack on the back of Tropez, you may notice that the volume is quite loud. To remedy this, adjust the output level on the input mixer or turn down the volume knob on your CD-ROM drive.


Using the Second MIDI Port
The diagram on page 20 of the Tropez User’s Guide shows the location of the second MIDI port. To use this MIDI port, some hardware and software adjustments must be made. You will also need a joystick connector and MIDI cable. Both of these products are available from Turtle Beach Sales at 800-645-5640.

Hardware Adjustments
1. Connect the joystick connector to the second MIDI port (labeled JP1 on the     	diagram on page 20 of the Tropez User’s Guide), insuring that the red stripe 	on the joystick connector ribbon lines up with pin 1 on the MIDI port (JP1).

2. Connect the joystick connector to the back of your computer by removing one 	of the cover plates and installing the connector cable. Most computers are 	installed with these cover plates to add devices such as this cable. There 	should be no reason to use one of your ISA slots.

3. Connect the MIDI cable to the end of the joystick connector.

Software Adjustments
	DOS Adjustments
	1. Run the TZSETUP.EXE utility.
	2. Select MIDI Options and enable External MIDI.

	Windows Adjustments
	1. The default address for MPU-401 is  the same as Tropez (I/O 330). Change 		the MPU I/O address to 300.
	2. Copy MPU401.DRV into the WINDOWS/SYSTEM directory. (MPU401.DRV 			will be found on Disk 1 of the Tropez Installation program.)
	3. Add the needed lines to make SYSTEM.INI directory match the one below:

		[drivers]
		midimapper=midimap.drv
		timer=timer.drv

		WAVE=tropez.drv
		AUX=tropez.drv
		MIXER=tropez.drv
		MIDI=tropmidi.drv
		MIDI1=opl3.drv
		MIDI2=mpu401.drv

		[mpu401.drv]
		Port=300
		Int=9
	

Additional Information for the Tropez Control Panel

Control Panel Messages
The following messages are part of the Tropez Control Panel Messages system:

Additional Error Message:
E-31:
Stereo drums not allowed!

Problem:
You attempted to download or assign a stereo file to a drum patch.

Remedy:
The Tropez Control Panel does not allow stereo files to be used as drum replacements. Only monaural files can be used to replace drum samples. Try replacing or assigning a monaural file to the drum patch.

Additional Fatal Error Message:
FE-4:
Wrong version of WFGATE.DLL!

Problem:
The Gatekeeper DLL (WFGATE.DLL) found by the Control Panel is not a correct version. The correct version is 1.2. Earlier versions are not usable by the Tropez Control Panel.


Command Line Options
The following are additional Command Line Options for the Tropez Control Panel:

/Z<WaveFront synthesizer name>

Starts the Control Panel with the synthesizer named on the command line. The name is the WaveFront name assigned by the Gatekeeper DLL (in the case of Tropez, 'Tropez' would be the name to use). If an unrecognizable name is used, the Control Panel defaults to the first installed WaveFront synthesizer.

/Y<WaveFront synthesizer number>

Starts the Control Panel with the synthesizer referenced on the command line. The number is the WaveFront reference assigned by the Gatekeeper DLL. If an unrecognizable name is used, the Control Panel defaults to the first installed WaveFront synthesizer. This number is 0 based.

/M<.WSS file name>

Starts the Control Panel and loads the .WSS (WaveFront Sample Set) file specified.

/W<.WAV file pathname>

Starts the Control Panel and loads the .WAV file specified. If no program is specified (see /P), the .WAV file will be loaded into the first instrument, Acoustic Grand Piano.

/P<program number>

Starts the Control Panel and loads the .WAV file specified with the /W parameter into the specified program number. This number is 0 based and should not exceed 127. To load to drums, specify D followed by the drum number (such as 'D14', for the Electric Snare).


Import/Export Menu Items
In order to maintain compatibility with older patch or sample set files, the Control Panel has Import and Export menu items under the File Menu. Import allows you to read and Export allows you to write older style WaveFront Sample Set files (.WSS).


Drum Pitch Shifting
Note that when storing a sample to replace a drum patch, the drum's pitch is not adjusted to be centered around the note of the replaced drum. The pitch can be adjusted so the frequency is correct by using the Control Panel's pitch assignment slider in the Edit dialog box.


A Word About <NO ASSIGNMENT>
The <NO ASSIGNMENT> replacement instrument is no longer available because of the way the Gatekeeper DLL handles sample and patch memory allocation. Ignore any references to <NO ASSIGNMENT> in the Tropez User’s Guide.


Stereo Drum Samples
In previous Control Panels, drums could be replaced with stereo samples. This is no longer true; drums can now only be replaced with a mono sample.


WavePatch/Control Panel Data Synchronization
This version of the Control Panel is WavePatch friendly. WavePatch is the WaveFront patch editor that allows the user the finest level of control over the parameters and functions of the WaveFront synthesizer on board the Tropez sound card. The Control Panel attempts to synchronize its data with WavePatch, however, in certain instances the information displayed in the Control Panel will not seem accurate. The Control Panel allows editing of samples that have been stored with either WavePatch or the Control Panel but heavy duty WaveFront synthesizer adjustments should be done with WavePatch.


Tropez Questions & Answers

The following are common questions and answers pertaining to the installation and use of Tropez.

Installation Issues

Q. Once my installation was completed, I was unable to boot into Windows.

A. Chances are, you have a hardware conflict with another card in your system.
Boot into DOS and enter C:\TROPEZ\DOSAPPS. Once in the TROPEZ\DOSAPPS directory, type TZDIAG. This will run the DOS diagnostics. Run the diagnostics and verify working hardware addresses. Now reinstall the Tropez drivers following the standard install procedure. When the Windows hardware dialog appears, change the settings to match those you tested in DOS.


DOS Application Issues

Q. The audio levels for my DOS games wave audio and FM audio are not matched?

A. Use the TZACMIX.EXE utility to set the relative sound levels to more appropriate levels. Type TZACMIX  /? at the command line prompt to see the available options.

You can also set the relative sound levels to more appropriate levels by using the TZSETUP.EXE utility. After executing the utility, go into the Sound Blaster output section and adjust the levels. The next time you restart your computer, these values will be restored.

Q. How do I change the DOS configuration settings for the board?

A. Insert Install Disk #1 into your floppy drive and type a:\install. Once the install is running, select the reconfigure option.

You can also use the TZSETUP.EXE utility. After executing the utility, go into the Sound Card Setup section and select the new values you wish to try. After exiting TZSETUP, you can run TZDIAG.EXE to test the new settings.

Q. How do I change the DOS default startup volumes for the Tropez?
 
A.  Once your computer has booted to DOS, enter the Tropez\Dosapps directory and type the command TZACMIX.  All of the default levels will be displayed. Type TZACDOS  /? to display the switching options. Adjust your levels using this application. The resulting levels will be saved as the default DOS levels.

You can also use the TZSETUP.EXE program to modify these settings. The values you set in this application will be stored as the default startup values.

Q.  In some of my DOS games, the DOS Hot Key Mixer does not function?

A.  Some DOS games do not allow the DOS Hot Key Mixer to effect the volume levels.  Many of these games have their own level adjustments.


Windows Application Issues

Q.  How do I reconfigure my Windows hardware settings?

A.  Go into the Windows Control panel. Double click on the Drivers icon. Select the Tropez driver and press the Setup button. You can change all of the hardware settings from this dialog box. You will be prompted to restart windows if you make any changes, so that the changes will take effect.

Q. When I am preparing to record and I want to check the levels in the mixer, I notice a slight phase shift (fading in and out of sound) in the audio from my speakers. What is causing this phase shift?

A. The Turtle Beach mixer is designed for maximum user control. One capability allows you to switch between Master Out and Wave Input and hear the audio signal as output and input simultaneously. This means you can mute the sound in Master Out and switch to Wave Input to adjust the signal to an appropriate level for recording. This capability may lead to a slight phase shift in your output, but it will not be detectable in any .WAV file recording.

Windows 95 Configuration

Q.  Does my Tropez work with Windows 95?

A.  Yes, the Tropez works with Windows 95. Since Windows 95 is backward compatible with the Tropez, the Tropez is functional in Windows 95. You use and configure the Tropez card the same way in Windows 95 that you do in Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, or WIndows for Workgroups. Be careful when configuring your Tropez, however, because the Tropez is not a Plug and Play device. Turtle Beach's new Fall 1995 lineup including the Tropez Lite, the Tropez PnP, and the Pinnacle will be fully Plug and Play compatible.
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There is no further information available at this time..
