Computer Concepts Lark User manual

Lark
User Guide
Gaddesden Place, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 6EX
Tel [phone] — Fax [phone]
Entail — [email protected]

©Computer Concepts 1994
Manual issue 1.4
June 1994
All rights reserved. No part of this publication, hardware or software may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission of Computer Concepts
Ltd. Such written permission must be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in
any form in a retrieval system of any nature.
Computer Concepts Ltd. have no direct control over the use to which this product is put and
therefore offer no warranty, implied or otherwise, relating to its use for any purpose other than
that for which it is intended.
The product described in this manual is the subject of continual development and, while all
efforts are taken to ensure that the information given is correct, Computer Concepts Ltd.
cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage resulting from the use or misuse of this
product.
Trademarks:
Lark is a trademark of Wild Vision Ltd.
Acorn is a trademark of Acorn Computers Ltd.
All other trademarks are acknowledged.
Acknow|edgements
We would like to acknowledge the assistance of Acorn Computers Ltd. in the
implementation of the Acorn M1D1 module, and in granting a licence to
distribute the MID1 module.
Thanks also due to Clares Micro Supplies for permission to supply the sample
MID1 files on disc 3.

Contents
About this manual
Typographic conventions
Mouse buttons
1. Introduction 1
What the Lark can do 1
System requirements 1
Possible extras 2
The internal speaker 2
What's on the discs... 3
Specification 3
2. Installation 5
What you should have received... 6
Fitting the Lark card
Archimedes & A5000 7
Risc PC 13
A3000 15
Initial testing (all computer types) 16
Copying the software 16
Updating !System 16
Before using Lark for the first time 17
Testing your Lark 18
3. Getting started 19
Connecting a microphone 19
Connecting an audio input 20
Connecting the audio output (active speakers) 20
Connecting headphones or passive speakers 21
Playback using the computer's internal speaker 21
Playback using external speakers 21
Connection to MIDI 22

4. The software suite 23
Audio Works 23
AudioCtri 24
MIDI 27
Piano 29
5. If problems occur... 31
6. Technical information 39
Lark link positions 39
Stereo line-level socket: pin~out. 40

About this manua|
This manual describes the key aspects of the Lark package: the
expansion card itself, hardware connections and peripherals, and
the associated software. It describes in depth the use of software
applications that are provided exclusively with this product.
However, only the briefest details are given for 'stand alone'
programs for which separate manuals exist. Information about
using these applications can be found in the relevant user guides as
listed in the section What you should have received.
It is assumed that you have a basic knowledge of the RISC OS
conventions and are familiar with standard applications. If this is
not the case, we suggest that you first read the Welcome Guide
supplied with the computer.
Typographic conventions
This manual uses these conventions:
Menu options are shown like this: Preferences.
Dialogue box switches are shown like this: Mute.
Where you use the keyboard for control, the name of the key is
shown in italics. (For example, Return.)
Mouse buttons
We use the Acorn convention for the three mouse buttons:
the left-hand button is called Select,
the middle button is called Menu,
the right-hand button is called Adjust.
Where we say click on something but do not specify a mouse
button, use Select.
Page i

Introduction
What the Lark can do:
It can record sound samples from an external source and manipu-
late them in a wide variety of ways. You can save the samples to
disc in any of several different formats, some suitable for use on
other types of computer.
The Lark provides a high-quality stereo sound output. Using this,
you can output sound samples to, for example, a hi-fi system.
The Lark also includes a MIDI interface. This lets you interface
third-party software on the computer to MIDI-compatible peri-
pherals such as keyboards. The Lark's MID] interpreter also
enables you to use the card as a MIDI device in the same way as a
synthesizer (though you don't get a keyboard).
As with all new software, the best way to gain an appreciation of
the capabilities of these programs is to experiment. If you have
any problems, refer first to the troubleshooting sections of your
manuals. Remember that there are also separate Audio Works and
MIDI manuals.
Please return your product registration card to ensure swift
technical support and eligibility for any future software upgrades.
System requirements
The Lark can be used with Acorn computers with standard, half-
width expansion slots. (These include the A300/A400 series
Archimedes, A540, A5000 and Risc PC computers. The A3000 is also
suitable with certain limitations.) The Lark is not suitable for
A3010, A3020, A4000 or A4 portable computers.
Page 1

1 . Introduction
If your computer meets these system requirements:
• RISC OS 3.1 or greater,
• at least 2 Megabytes of RAM (memory),
then you can use Lark for:
• audio sample capture and playback through the stereo
connector on the Lark,
• MID] connection.
Outputting sound samples through the Lark requires an ARM3 or
faster processor. (Suitable processors are standard on the A540,
A5000 and Risc PC; the ARM3 is available as an upgrade to other
computers.) Use of the Lark with ARM2 is untested and thus not
recommended.
Possible extras:
Depending on which features of the Lark package you wish to use,
you will also need some or all of the following:
• audio equipment with line-level input/output, such as hi-fi
equipment, CD player, or amplifier,
• microphone,
• MIDI equipment,
• 'Active' or `MultiMedia' speakers,
• ordinary speakers (connected via headphone socket),
• headphones.
The interna| speaker
On all except A3000 and early A300/A400 series Archimedes, you
can connect the computer's internal speaker direct to the Lark. The
speaker can then play samples at higher quality than the internal
sound system provides.
If you do not connect the internal speaker to Lark, you can only
play samples through the speaker using the internal sound system.
Audio playback using the Lark is always possible through external
speakers via the stereo connector on the back panel of the card or
the headphone socket.
Page 2

1. Introduction
What's on the discs...
Disc 1:
lAudioCtrl– this has two uses:
• to play audio samples, and
• to set-up audio parameters.
!AudioWrks– use this to record and play back audio samples.
For information on these applications, refer to the AudioWorks
manual. For information on using !AudioCtrl to set up the Lark
audio parameters refer to 4. The software suite.
!SysMerge– this updates the !System directory on your computer.
This is detailed later.
Disc 2:
This disc contains a selection of audio samples.
Disc 3:
Sample MIDI files, plus Piano Voice, an example of how to use
your Lark as a synthesizer.
Specification
Input connectors: 5-pin D1N connector (stereo line-level in).
3.5mm jack socket (for external micro-
phone) – see note below.
Output connectors: 5-pin D1N connector as above. 3.
5mm jack socket for headphones.
Extra connections: 15-pin HD D-type connector with pig-tail
attachment for MIDI connection.
Ribbon cable attachment for internal
connection to VIDC sound system (not on .
A3000).
Suitable input spec: 1V r.m.s. or 2V r.m.s. (link selectable)
stereo or mono line-level up to 48 kHz
sample rate.
Max input without damage: 6V p-p.
Output formats: Stereo line-level output, 1V r.m.s., 2.8V p-p
Page 3

1. Introduction
On-board storage: 2 x 1KB F1FO
A-D conversion: 16-bit
File formats supported: 8-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit, linear signed, linear
unsigned, VIDC logarithmic, p-law logarith-
mic, mono and stereo samples, import/
export of Microsoft WAV, Armadeus, Data-
Vox, SoundTracker, and RawData formats.
Power requirement: +5V from computer,
-5V from computer or generated on card.
Note regarding jack sockets:
There are two standard types of 3.5mm jack: European and
Japanese. The jack sockets on the Lark are European specification (
which is of higher quality). Computer Concepts can supply an
adaptor if your equipment uses Japanese specification jacks. The
adaptor is free; return the voucher enclosed with the package.
Page 4

Installation
Caution!
Static electricity can damage the Lark expansion card. Store the
card in its protective bag until you install it, and do not allow
the card to come into contact with static-productive materials
such as man-made fibres, wool, polystyrene or plastic bags not
designated anti-static. If possible, handle the card by the back
panel only and first discharge any static build up from your
hands by touching one of the metal screws on the computer
case.
No special skills are required to fit the Lark. However, the
suppliers cannot accept responsibility for any damage that
may result from incorrect installation. If in any doubt,
consult your local supplier.
The Lark is suitable for installation in any Archimedes, A5000 or
Risc PC with a backplane fitted. It may also be used with the
A3000 using the external expansion slot. In all cases your
attention is drawn to System requirements.
The card is not suitable for installation in the A3010, A3020, A4
portable or A4000, which cannot accept standard expansion cards.
Tools
The only tool required is a No. 2 (medium) cross-head screwdriver.
Page 5

2. Installation
What you shou|d have received
Check that you have received the following:
• Lark expansion card in anti-static packaging,
• this manual,
• AudioWorks manual,
• MID1 manual,
• three floppy discs,
• ribbon cable,
• MID1 cable,
• half-width blanking panel + T-piece,
• registration card.
The fitting instructions are divided into three sections
dependent on which type of computer you have. The
sections are for:
• Archimedes (A300 series, A400 series & A540) and
A5000,
• Risc PC,
• A3000.
After following the appropriate set of fitting instructions,
continue reading from Initial testing (all computer types)
on page 16.
Page 6

2. Installation
Fitting the Lark card — Archimedes & A5000
Disconnect power
Before installing the Lark, switch off the power to the computer.
However, leave the power lead connected. Disconnect all other leads
to the computer. Remove anything (such as a monitor) that may be
on top of the case.
Remove the computer's cover — Archimedes only
1 Remove the five screws that secure the cover:
2 Slide the cover back off the computer.
3 If you have an A305 or A310 computer – Ensure a backplane
is fitted. This is a vertically mounted circuit card, positioned
approximately half-way across the main circuit board. It
provides two or four sockets into which expansion cards
can be fitted.
Other types of computer – the backplane is already fitted.
Page 7

2. Installation
Remove the computer's cover — A5000 only
The cover is secured by six screws (three each side) located
underneath the case. Take care tilting or lifting the A5000 as the
screw-heads can scratch a wooden or polished surface.
Remove all six screws. The cover should then slide back off the
computer. •
The card position
With no expansion cards fitted, the rear panel of the main unit
consists of three metal blanking plates, each secured to the case by
screws at both ends.
The lowest plate (containing various sockets) is secured to the main
circuit board. Do not remove this plate during expansion card
installation. The upper two plates are temporary fitments that are
removed when expansion cards, such as the Lark card, are installed.
One standard width expansion card occupies half the width of the
back panel. The numbers 0...3 on the diagram above indicate the
positions in which expansion cards may be fitted. With a two-socket
backplane only positions 0 and 2 are available.
Connecting the ribbon cable...
The ribbon cable supplied is for connecting the Lark to the
computer's internal sound system.
Note that separate instructions are given for the connection of the
internal speaker direct to the Lark. However, it is advisable to
connect both sets of cables at the same time, if you are opting to do
so.
Page 8

2. Installation
Caution!
Incorrectly connecting the ribbon cable can damage your computer.
Carefully follow the instructions in this manual and pay particular
attention to the orientation of the cable. The suppliers of Lark cannot be
held liable for any damage that results from incorrect installation. If in
any doubt contact your local supplier.
Because of hardware differences you need to know exactly which
type of computer you have. The front panel of the computer shows
the model number. The options are:
• Archimedes 300 & 400 series,
• Archimedes 400/1 series,
• Archimedes 540,
• A5000.
The ribbon cable may seem longer than necessary but this lets it
reach any expansion card slot. Carefully fold any surplus cable
under the expansion card to make sure it doesn't snag with the
computer's cover.
If an existing expansion card is already fitted in the lower slot, the
connector on the computer may be slightly obscured.
The dark band in the following diagrams denotes the red stripe on
one edge of the cable.
...on an Archimedes 300 & 400
series
The cable plugs into connector PL2 on the far
right of the Archimedes circuit board, partly
under the right-hand expansion card (looking
from the front of the machine). Note that the
rearmost pin on the Lark card connects to the
rearmost pin on the Archimedes circuit
board.
There may be two plastic-covered links on PL2.
Remove them but keep them in a safe place.
You may need them in the future if you change
your monitor. The Archimedes User Guide
gives more details. (Look under Connecting the
monitor.)
Page 9

2. Installation
...on an Archimedes 400/1 series
This is similar to the 300 series except that PL2
is towards the centre of the circuit board, partly
under the left-hand expansion card.
...on an Archimedes 540
The cable plugs into connector LK9, which is
towards the rear of the Archimedes circuit
board (looking from the front of the machine).
Note the orientation of the cable as shown in
the diagram.
...on an A5000
The cable plugs into connector LK3, which is
towards the centre of the A5000 circuit
board. Note that the cable is twisted through
180°; the rearmost pin on the Lark connects
to the frontmost pin on the A5000 circuit
board.
A component close to LK3 may prevent you
plugging the ribbon cable fully home. In most
cases you can still plug in the cable
sufficiently to make good contact.
Page 10

2. Installation
Connecting the internal speaker
It is possible, but not essential, to use the internal speaker as an
output device for the Lark. The speaker then plays back both the
normal sound system from the computer and sounds from the Lark.
To do this requires:
• disconnecting the cable leading from the speaker to the
motherboard of the computer and
• plugging the cable onto link LK5 on the Lark card. You can
plug the cable in either way round.
The speaker cable may not be long enough to reach the Lark card. (
This depends on the type of computer and which slot you plug Lark
into.) In this case, return the voucher enclosed with Lark for a free
extension cable.
The diagrams below indicate the location of the links on the
motherboard of the A5000 and A540.
Left: A540 Right: A5000
If you have an A300/A400 series or A540 Archimedes, you cannot
connect the speaker cable.
Fitting the expansion card
Unscrew and remove the chosen blanking plate from the rear of
the case. The Lark card can be fitted into any position.
The Lark expansion card may now be inserted (usually from the
rear) and, whilst held horizontally, pushed into a corresponding
backplane socket. The backplane is supported by a strong metal
bar; however it is advisable to support it with one hand whilst
Page 11

2. Installation
pushing the expansion card into place with the other hand.
If the Lark expansion card is fitted adjacent to another card, bolt
their rear panels together after installation using the T-piece
provided. However, if no adjacent card is present, screw the half-
width blanking plate supplied to the Lark rear panel.
Replace any screws that you removed from the blanking plate.
Ensure that the Lark expansion card is screwed to an adjacent
expansion card or to the half-width blanking plate.
The Lark card is now fitted ready for initial testing. Replace the
cover by sliding it back onto the computer from the rear. Replace
the securing screws.
Page 12

2. Installation
Fitting the Lark card — Risc PC
Disconnect power
Before installing the Lark, switch off the power to the computer.
However, leave the power lead connected. Disconnect all other leads
to the computer. Remove anything (such as a monitor) that may be
on top of the case.
Remove the computer's cover
The cover is secured by two clips at the back of the case. Turn
these. Lift the lid from the back and remove. (The Risc PC
documentation details this operation.)
Expansion card positioning
At the back of the Risc PC are two or more blanking plates. The
best position for Lark is the bottom slot. (If necessary, move any
expansion card to another slot.)
Connecting the ribbon cable.
The ribbon cable supplied is for connecting the Lark to the
computer's internal sound system.
Caution!
Incorrectly connecting the ribbon cable can damage your computer.
Carefully follow the instructions in this manual and pay particular
attention to the orientation of the cable. The suppliers of Lark cannot be
held liable for any damage that results from incorrect installation. If in
any doubt contact your local supplier.
Connecting the internal speaker
It is possible, but not essential, to use the internal speaker as an
output device for the Lark. The speaker then plays back both the
normal sound system from the computer and sounds from the Lark.
This operation is described below.
Page 13

2. Installation
1 Unplug the ribbon cable from the Lark card.
2 LK13 is located close to power supply. Plug the ribbon cable
into LK13 with the cable to the right (when viewed from the
front of the Risc PC).
3 Thread the cable through the case work to the left so that it
is clear of the expansion card slot.
4 If you wish to connect the internal speaker to Lark:
Unplug the speaker cable from LK11 on the motherboard.
5 Plug in the Lark card.
6 Plug the ribbon cable into LK7 on Lark. Note that the cable
is twisted.
7 If you wish to connect the internal speaker to Lark:
Plug the speaker cable into LK5 on Lark.
8 Plug in any other expansion cards.
Page 14