Bezier Synthesis

PC Windows Installation

The software is written as a Java application and requires the installation of the latest version of the Java Software Environment to provide all the support classes. This is not normally installed on PCs when they're delivered from the shop and so must be specifically downloaded.

Additionally, the synthesizer requires a Midi keyboard and (perhaps) a Midi USB interface box. (Older PCs sometimes allow direct connection of Midi cables to the joystick port using a special adaptor - if this applies to you then you won't need the Midi USB interface)

It might be possible to control the synthesizer using a Virtual Midi Keyboard and a Virtual Midi Port but I haven't attempted this - please let me know if you can get it working this way and I'll add the instructions to this page

Downloads

You need to download the following items:

• Java development kit (The recommended download is version J2SE 1.5.0 beta or later)
• Bezier synthesizer java software

Installation

• Download and install J2SE from Sun's web site
• Unzip bezmac.zip:
• The file plumstoneserv.jar is only required for Mac OS X and so may be ignored or deleted.
  If you're interested in running Java software on Macs then click here for more on the Plum Stone Project
• Drag and drop BezierWaves.jar to a suitable directory of your choice

Running the Software

• Attach the Midi keyboard to the computer via the Midi-USB interface box.
  It is important to do this before starting the synthesizer.
• Start the BezierWaves program by double clicking on its jar file
• When BezierWaves starts up, setup the appropriate values on its popup dialogue box:
• The Midi Input device - this must be set to Midi input device
• The sampling rate - 48000 recommended
• The write buffer length - try to find the lowest value that will work without causing the sound to break up.
  Caution: if you set this value too low, then the sound becomes fractured.
• Maximum polyphony - You can probably set this quite safely to six or eight
• Once the software is running, try selecting from the list of preset voices, or playing with the controls.
  Note that there is a short delay when you change to a different preset voice.
• In the unlikely event of an error occuring, an alert box will pop-up.

Quick User Guide

Quick user guide to the software