I finally feel comfortable enough to release this to the public. I have worked on it for about a week and a bit and have it running on my Serato setup pretty nicely. This program will sit in the background and allow you to play WAV files through the sound card using custom key combinations. No need to switch over to it and press a key. You just press your chosen key combination and it works.


Requirements:

GlobalFX currently runs on XP SP2 or Vista. It uses the Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 and this will be installed from the net by the installer if it is not installed.


Installation/Setup:

Extract the archive and run the 'setup.exe'. If you don't have the Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 installed (more than likely you don't) it will install it. You will need to run a cable from the line out of your computer sound card to a channel on the mixer that you will use. Once installed it will create a shortcut on your desktop and in your start menu.


How to use it:

After you load it you basically select ADD and start adding your WAV files. You can adjust the volume it will play back at by default and the key combination. You can setup a key combination using CTRL, ALT, SHIFT, WIN and any of the F Keys, 0-9 or A-Z. This should give you more than enough options. I use CTRL+F1 - CTRL+F12 even though the CTRL+F3 and CTRL+F8 is used by Serato (I don't use them).


Uninstall:

Go to your control panel and remove it through the Add/Remove programs.


Known Issues:

None at this moment that I know of. However who knows what I missed. Feel free to send me any bugs you find.


Disclaimer:

I am not a programmer but managed to put this together. It does nothing destructive to your system. Other than the .NET installation it installs all its files to the "C:\program files\globalfx" folder and only modifies the INI file sitting in that folder when run. With this being said, still be careful. I'm not responsible for anything it may do to your computer. Please test it heavily at home before taking it out for a live trial. If anything goes wrong please shoot me a PM or reply to the thread and hopefully I will be able to figure it out.


Future Releases:

This is still in beta (hence the 0.5 tag) so there may be bugs. I am also open to feature suggestions. I will take them and if I know how will try to implement them. At this point I don't have anything else I plan to add as it does everything that I wanted it to do.


Download Link:

www.djknockz.com

Looks interesting. Thanks for sharing your app :)

Issue:
Does not work on x64 (at least XP, assuming vista too).

I'll try it out on my gig laptop later!


Any of you all know where I can get the basic air horns and stuff by the way? I deleted mine a long time ago since they never got used

is there a way i can put it on my laptop without going on the net i dont use it for the net at all?

You can download the full .NET 3.5 package and install that first.

www.microsoft.com

Scroll down and download the full .net redistributable.

only prob with this program.
only supports WAV files. :(

most of my stuff is mp3.

Ya.. I'm still trying to figure out how to handle the mp3's nicely so that I can play more than one at a time how i want. I'm not really a programmer so this is a small project for me.

At least its easy to convert the mp3 to wav using winamp. I didn't think it would be a major problem as its mainly for drops and samples. Small clips.

In the future I plan to add mp3 support.

^^thanks for doing this..man seriously. you got great intensions. and ill be waiting for the upgrade version. keep up the great work. olny prob with converting mp3 to WAV is you loose sound quality. Ohh and for get using winamp to convert.

Use Razorlame.
top notch converter
+free
www.dors.de

converting mp3 to wav you lose no sound quality, wav is uncompressed.

plus who ares about 100% sound quality on an air horn? :-p

Very cool Knockz!

im looking for a solution for mac? Any suggestions?

Nice! Finally!

New version.

I have updated the program to v0.7.0.1.

Here is a list of the important changes since v0.5.

[0.7.0.1]
- Now supports both MP3 and WAV files.
- Now minimizes to the system tray. Can restore with a double click.
- Can assign a key to stop all playing samples by leaving the file name blank.
- Few small bug fixes to avoid program crashing.
- Logs of program code updates for efficiency.

You will need to uninstall the previous version and resetup all of your samples as I have made significant changes to the data file. In the future it should upgrade properly.

Any problems feel free to PM me or let me know in the thread. I have been using this on both my XP and Vista machine with no problems at all.

Download:
www.djknockz.com

yeah knocks good going if only everyone would keep the updates coming like this

^^yup, hay
what eva happened to that flossyfx dude??

New Version 0.8.0.0

Sorry to update to a new version already.. but I just added a feature I think a few people may like. I just figured out how to add effects so I have added the echo/flanger/reverb effects so you can apply them to your samples. Right now it uses the default settings for each effect but in the next version I will be adding the option to fine tune the features. Note... the effects only apply to the length of the sample so if you find your echo cutting off you can add a bunch of blank space to the end of the sample to give it time.

No need to uninstall the previous version, you can upgrade from any version after 0.5.

[0.8.0.0]
- Added the ability to assign effects to a sample (echo/flanger/reverb)
- Fixed a bug with the tray icon not being removed upon restore.
- The last playing sample is now highlighted in the list.

Once again.. let me know of any problems or bugs you find via PM, Email or this thread.

Subscribe to this thread to stay up to date.

Download:
www.djknockz.com

im curious,
havent installed any of this on my vista lappy yet. but did start to install the beta version so i could upgrade. but it says i need to install .NET Framework 3.5 to install. i went to microsoft website to check on it. but it looks like 3.5 is suppose to run w/ vista sp1 that my lappy dose not have yet "thanks microsoft :(" due to me having a hp lappy thats not yet capible of haveing sp1 yet due to driver issues. if i intalled .NET Framework 3.5 would i have serious problems w/ my pc??? hope you or someone eles could answer this for me.


Thanks

Hi DJ BuddyLove... I only put the disclaimer to save my ass.. :). I really can't see anything going wrong by installing the program. Anything that can go wrong can be fixed by an uninstall.

The .Net 3.5 installer can be found at:
www.microsoft.com

You don't need Vista sp1. You probably already have .NET 1 or .NET 2 already installed. 3.5 is justa newer version.

I have this program running on 3 machines. Two of them are XP SP2 and one of them is Vista (no sp1).

On my serato machine I map the samples to the F1-F12 keys and use the mouse to change the modes if I have to. I only use relative mode anyways.

good lookin

downloading now and can`t wait to use it

Thanks.. if you use vista then you will need to turn off the UAC for it to work. I will be releasing a new one that will work on vista without turning off the UAC in the next few days. Just waiting on some feed back and adding another requested feature.

Should work perfectly fine on xp.

This sampler is exactly what I've been looking for.
Many thanks Knockz for your work.

Knockz, you are a lifesaver. Thank you so much!

also in your next upcoming version, it would great to put in an option to choose soundcard globalfx should used. b/c i've notice that when i used asio sound card to play my music there's a conflict with globalfx as it try to use asio also then i would get an error with my music software. Ps is possible that you cancreate a vst plug in option, i absolutely love your sampler

Thanks, the soundcard option I will look into.

As for the VST plug in option, I probably won't be able to do. I'm not sure how to work with plugins and vst stuff. Its probably over my head with programming.

Also my goal with this program is to keep it as minimal as possible so that it doesn't use up too many resources. Since it is running in the background with scratchlive I don't want it to affect the scratchlive performance. Some people are pushing thier machines to the edge just running scratchlive alone.

for some reason the link doesnt work. can u upload it to rapidshare or something similar?

Here is another link: www.mediafire.com

Sorry about that guys... our servers are affected by the explosion in the server room at theplanet.com. I will have a new version though in the next few days to release. I've been working with some people with german keyboards and got it working.

twcmaster thank you for reuploading it. Hey knockz thank you for creating this amazing program! i'm looking forward for the upcoming version.

Knocks. Do you know of any reason why all the Funtions keys (F1 through F9) work as hotkeys, but no other keys will work. I am using Vista. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I just uploaded a new version. Hopefully the website doesn't go down again. I think we have most of the problems with the site ironed out.

I recommend uninstalling any previous versions and installing this one. You may need to re add your samples depending on what version you are using. However it should upgrade fine from any version after 0.5.

Version: 0.8.3.1
Download: www.djknockz.com
Change log: www.djknockz.com

Let me know if you have any problems. I'd like to iron out any bugs.

Quality program, just what i've been looking for!

I used it last night on my radio show but what i noticed is that some of the samples from the program came out a bit too quite. I had to have all the gain and eq's on max.

I know i could adjust this by re-sampling my Jingles but they are at the peek levels already.

Is there any chance you could increase the vol. adjustment on your next addition?

Keep up the good work.

DJ Eazy B

Easy B. Try adusting your main computer volume. That sould fix the problem.

I've had everything on max.

I'm guessing this could just be my sound card which came with my Sony laptop.

I'm not really feeling to go out and buy an amp/sound booster for it.

Knockz is there any chance of tweaking the software to make it go lounder?

For different volumes between the samples, that has always been a pain for me. Even though you think they all sound the same, once you play them together one is louder than the other. I usually just adjust the volumes on the louder samples down to match the quieter ones. If you go the other way you may distort some samples.

As for the overall volume. If you play the sample through something like winamp does it come out louder?

I'm trying to record a session without Serato, just hooking up my mixer to the mic input of my Sony laptop. Audacity is running, recording the audio from the tables, but the track doesn't record the samples played on GlobalFX.
Tips anybody?

First off, you MUST use the "line" input to record a line level output which impedence is arround -10dcb. A mic input impedence is around -40dcb, just like your turntable, that is why we use a pre amp(AKA mixer) before it gets introduced to a line level output. Then you should set your levels on which ever program your using to around -3dcb at most. You could also run a limiter plug-in to limit the volume to the desired thresh hold once you have recorded your mix. That way you can 'normalize" the overal RMS volume and still have a mix that is loud and without the clipping. Just a little tip on recording. Check out this mix tape I made last month, www.esnips.com(160kbs)
. Notice the volume never changes, it is constant through out the whole mix with smooth transitions. More tips on recording? Just ask.

Now, if you have a session input on your mixer like the TTM57sl and TTM56 or Pioneer 909, then you can hook the output of your laptop to the input of your session in or if you have an extra chanel you could use that as well. Even the effex input will do. Now you would have full volume control of your samples being played by using your mixer's fader or knob.

Rounge, thanks for the good info! What limiter software do you use?

I suggest using a multitrack program for creating compilation mixes so that way incase you mess up on a mix you could always back track, punch in on another track and re start your mix. Saves a lot of time as appose to just starting completly over. You can also create cool intros and mega mixes for every one to enjoy. Check out my mix and let me know what you think. www.esnips.com.

I personaly use Adobi Audition 2.0(formaly Cool Edit) This has its own limiter plug in, or you could use Sony Sound Forge vst plug-in or if you work with pro tools use the included plug-in. Basicly each limiter works the same, and if it is a VST plug in you can incorperate it with any program that accepts vst plug-ins. plus it is very easy to under stand. I recomend using a setting of -0.01 for the thresh hold (technicly 0 dcb for digital recording is considerd clipping) I also master my mix by using a frequency compressor, (which is also included with Adobi Audition) that way you can bring out the mix with a PUNCH, amplify the desired frequency's and give it an in your face sound.

You should also record at the highest sample rate possibe that your sound card can handle. I use 96000hz per sec. with 32 bit resolution, this takes up more hard drive space but obviously will give you the best sound with minimal noise, or simply just use 44100hz per sec. at 32 bit or 24 bit. This high bit rate will be slightly noticable to the untrained ear, but trust me, this will capture the full depth of your signal. You could alway resample to 16 bit (CD) quality with dither on once you have masterd your "mix down".

Now what is also important when recording a mix with virtually no "noise" introduce in the recording is applying a "noise-gate". This plug in is similar to a limiter but comsider it the opposit. The goal here is to monitor the input level on your software(make sure your scale is at least (-70 to 0dcb). With your levels set on your mixer do not introduce any music through it just yet. If you notice any signal in the meter than that would be the noise level you are recieving. Now set the thresh hold level 1dcb above to which ever the peak level is at in your peticular signal, lets say say around -50dcb. This will basicly close the gate at the given thresh hold and prevent signal from entering into the recording so any thing below -50dcb will be cut off.Thus elimited noise from being recorded. You should also set a smooth release(slow setting) and a sharp attack (fast setting). This will give it a natural fade, if need be, also play with the thresh hold level untill it sounds right to you.

I would say record several db short of 0. then do the processing, after you are done tracking. If you put the limiter on while recording, you dont have the option of taking it off. Also I would say record at the highest rate the mix will end up (cd quality), unless you really plan to get something out of allot of extra processing in higher settings. If you are starting with cd or mp3 quality you wont really get anything out of recording at 96k.

otherwise, yup

Akiem, that is what I mentioned above about setting your levels around -3dcb, now that would be "sveral db short of 0" wouldn't it?. Puting the limiter on post recording was also mentioned("once you have recorded your mix")

Dont get me wrong, you are absolutly right about setting your sampling rate to which ever rate you plan on keeping, such as CD quality if your project is destined for a CD, now if it is destined for a DVD than obviously yes a higher sample rate would benifit, but as mentioned above if you keep a sampling rate of 44100hz(CD quality) but with a deeper bit rate such as 24 bit instead of 16bit, you will get more bits per second in turn will give you a much more true sound. This is also good when mastering your final mixdown,ie, adjusting freqs, aplying limiter etc. Now your final step would be to then down sample to 16 bit with "dither" on. Here is more info on down sampling from 24 bit to 16 bit with dither on and noise shaping. www.harmony-central.com

Right DJ Ronge, I was reading poorly.

and thanks for the link, thats a good one.

Thanks for all the advice. It looks like I have a lot to learn, but I appreciate you taking the time to share the info. Thanks!

Not a problem, any time.

bump. ppl still using this?

Definitely!!!!

yep

big up knockz.. nice program

Knocks.. I think i remember you from a while back.. you used to DJ a reggae show online back in the day.. not sure if u do it anymore.. but i remember it was pretty dope.. I think its you cuz I remember the name and you're from T.O.

i got this installed last night. works perfectly. there is no need in my mind to spend $99 bucks on kueit or any other drop sampler when this program exists. did i mention that its FREE?@!?

soundplant was nice, but this program is better because there is no need to alt-tab. it just works in the background while you have ssl up and running.

A little off topic but I was using GlobalFX with Scratch Live, I have purchased, and I am happily using ITCH, but it looks like it is not working with Itch, when I launch it I get "error with initialization", if Itch is open and the VCI-300 is plugged in. Otherwise if I launch GlobalFX first then Itch freezes, any one have any ideas?

Knockz I believe you are the author, any ideas?

how about a mac version!?

Wow... its been a while since I checked this thread. :) Glad its working for some people. I'm not really a programmer so putting this together was a bit of a challenge. But I eventually did it. I know some people have problems getting it work and I'm not sure what more I can really do. If you got it working your lucky. :)

SikkaSoundz... ya that was me. www.sensimedia.net. Don't do it anymore though because work has me busy now. But it was fun back in the day.

DJ Beware... I don't have Itch and am not sure whats happening. Maybe its having a compatibility problem with the Itch controller. Sorry.

DJ Anarki... I doubt it. I can barely program for windows I'm not even gonna try MAC. Besides I don't even have one.

Knockz, any way to assign a key without having to hit a Ctrl, Alt, or Shift key at the same time.

Thanks again for such a great program!

Yup... I assign the samples to my f1 to f12 keys since I don't really use them.

Wow, I must have been doing something wrong when I first tried it. Thanks again!!!!

Thanks for the response Knockz, I was able to get the progam woring without issue. One thing that would be extremely useful is the ability to control the volume and/or the soundcard you output the sound from.

Again Thanks for your hard work!

does anyone know of a similar software (global keys) that does work on mac, other than kueit?

bump