Originally posted by The Pro:
explain exactly what you mean by "tweaking the files in Photoshop"
Hi Jim. For the very highest quality conversions, I scan the music at 300dpi & import into Photoshop. I then apply Photo shop 'image sharpen' and bump the 'image contrast' to further intensify the blacks. I also rotate the image so the staff lines run perfectly horizontally across the screen. I then reduce the image size to around 75 dpi and 1022 x766 (optimal size for MPPP screen display) and save it as a .PNG file. Via the Music Pad Manager Windows software, the .PNG is then converted into .fh format and imported into the Music Pad Pro. The above process sounds a lot more involved than it really is. It takes about 2-5 minutes to scan-convert each piece of sheet music in this manner. For music which is already in digital format (PDF, tiff, jpg, png, Band in a Box, GigMaster, Finale, Sibelius, etc) it's MUCH quicker directly into the MPPP conversion process. Unfortunately, one specific software program I use to create & store song lyrics & chords, ChordPro Manager:
http://www.mussoft.com/TabStyler.htm does not support printing to anything better than draft quality (72dpi). As a result, the conversions to .fh format look only minimally acceptable. Regretably the manufacterer of ChordPro no longer supports this product. Too bad, because I think ChordPro the best lyric/chords creation software out there because you are able to link the chords right up to the exact letter in a lyric word. Anybody know ANOTHER lyric/chord creation program that allows you to do this?
Originally posted by The Pro:
How large are the individual ".fh" files approximately and what is the memory capacity of the MPP?
The .fh file size for the HIGHEST quality scanned converted images is around 300kb per song page. For minimally acceptable lyric-chord sheets the size is as low as 6kb per image. Size is dependent on your image quality demands.
Onboard RAM memory is 32KB, but because the MPPP accepts USB remote outboard flash memory, the storage capacity via USB flash (pen) drive is pretty much limitless. I purchased a 1 gigabyte Lexar Secure USB Jump Drive which will theoretically hold my ENTIRE collection of music (thousands of songs). Memory constraints with the MPPP should never be a problem as USB flash drives are easily hot swapable (if needed).
Originally posted by The Pro:
Didn't you buy the upgraded version of the MPP with extra memory, and what form does that memory come in? Do standard USB memory devices work with it?
Yes, I purchased the newly improved 1022 x 766 screen resolution 'plus' version of which includes 32K internal memory, a 64mb Kingston USB flash drive, and rechargeable battery. In fact, Freehand now ONLY sells this newly upgraded version. The one without a built in rechareable battery is no longer available.
Originally posted by The Pro:
How do you transfer files into the MPP? Can yo plug this up to a computer so it'll show up as an external drive (for file transfer)?
Are you planning on using the music stand adapter or is the MPP just going to sit on your keyboard music stand?
Is the power supply a wall-wart or a standard AC cord? How much does the MPP weigh?
How do you adjust the brightness? Does the viewing angle make a difference?
Transfer to MPPP is easily done via the MusicPad Pro Windows utility software (drag-drop) & USB connection. An alternative method is to insert the USB Flash drive directly into your PC and copy over that way. I myself have opted to keep ALL my songs on the removeable USB drive. It's amazing to believe but your ENTIRE music sheet music library will probably fit a single USB flash drive.
As far as the music stand adapter goes, I will probably eventually opt to purchase it, or have my MPPP custom fitted (by a company called Tap Plastics) to mount securely on an existing stand. What I like about the MusicPad Pro is that it sits comfortably and securely on my Steinway Piano's music rack as well. The MPPP AC adapter power supply/recharger has it's small box unit situated mid-point in the power cord so as not to create the plug in point obstructive problems of the box-plug combo type power adapters. Weight of the MPPP is around 5 lbs, about the size and weight of a standard thick fakebook.
I find the brightness of the screen very good, and fully adjustable (from dim to bright). Another nice feature is the ability to custom change the color of the background as well as the notes themselves. The viewing angle & range is pretty good as well. Similar to a decent LCD computer LCD display. The non-glare touch screen is of hard plastic, much more durable and rugged than a typical LCD screen.
Originally posted by The Pro:
I believe that I will likely be joining you as an MPP buyer soon... I just want to be sure nothing new comes out at NAMM that's competitive
Though I'm not 100% positive, the ONLY other known competitor to Freehand is eStand. I spoke with the sales rep at eStand yesterday and he told me that their product is NOT EVEN ready for showcasing at NAMM yet. On top of this, their eStand has fewer features and will be priced MUCH HIGHER than the exisiting MPPP. Still, if any NAMM attendees here see a better product out there, I hope you'll share the info with me as I'll still be covered under the 30 day return policy after NAMM is over. Also, all NAMM attendees here: I hope you guys will 'take the time' to visit Freehand System's booth #6912. In addition to product demonstration, Jon Anderson of "Yes" will perform a concert with the "MusicPad Pro". Your impressions of the MPPP will be much appreciated.
Originally posted by The Pro:
the price is still to high for what this device is IMHO, but nothing else can match it currently. I'm also frightened as to what would ever happen if the screen went out on the MPP.
Yes, the price may be high and the initial input a bit timely, but a worthy investment for those of us of which MUSIC is our business. I cannot stress enough that (in addition to maintaining our image as carefree creative types) we MUST remain focussed & organized to succeed in the MUSIC biz as well. The MPPP helps in this regard.
Originally posted by The Pro:
BTW: I see that Sting, who reads music while performing live, is using an MPP on stage now.
Right, from Sting to Frank Sinatra, "top Pro" actors, musicians, and entertainers nearly all utilize a teleprompter these days for their shows. Watch the David Letterman, the Tonight show, or music awards shows. All TV cameras include a 'built in' teleprompter these days. Teleprompters which include dialog and/or music lyrics abound even though you don't see them hidden behind the camera. The KEY is just not to appear like you're actually STARING into it. A teleprompter (and MusicPad Pro . . . on stage) should be used as a prompt only and not read from line for line. For performances where you've not the main audience focus of attention (background music and/or casual gigs), reading from music is acceptable.
Originally posted by Walt Meyer:
1.Have you tried the Pad lying on it's side in landscape mode? This will make the font larger but fewer lines per sheet.
2. Have you tried the half sheet function?
Hi Walt, I indeed have tried the landscape mode and it truly does increases (doubles) the size of the notes & lyrics for very easy JUMBO note size reading, albeit having to turn the pages (tap on display screen) twice as often because fewer lines appear per page. This mode will definitely benefit those who are visually challenged. Not sure what you're referring to regarding the 'half sheet' function, but landscape mode seems to accomplish this as each page is blown so the top half of the music is displayed on page one, and the lower half of the music is displayed on page two, and so on.
Ok guys (and gals). If I end up keeping the MPPP (which it appears I will), I'll be bringing it with me to the Florida Synthzone Jam in April, so I hope this provides even more incentive for more SZ members here to attend as well: http://home.earthlink.net/~eastcoastjam/
Scott
