Tool for Converting Stage Programs to Stage 4 Format

[Mr_-G-]

I suggested Christian (Florence) to have a way of identifying programs that share the exact same parameters (therefore 100% duplicates, for cleanup).

Long ago I tried to write a similar application to identify duplicates in DX7 patches (which are thousands in the net, and many are duplicates with different names). The issue that prevents this to achieve full functionality is that some parameters which are set to a given value might be non-consequential to the sound generated will appear as "set differently" across identically sounding patches. So it is not just a matter of checking whether the stored values are the same or not, but one needs some kind of awareness of which values make a difference to the sound. Example in a NS2 or 3: two identical organ settings (with all the other sections OFF) might appear "different" if the settings in the piano sections differ. The piano being OFF does not contribute to the sound, yet settings like the sample name are stored in the patch.

[cookie]

You're totally correct : this is why the requirements are very different from users to users.
Selfishly, I know I copied many programs in different locations with only transpose changes, therefore wanted a simple way to identify them !
Will play with the export when I have some time.

Fred

[Carmona]

Its my case... have the resources but dont want to rebuild all my programs...

[SuperStage]

I don't think a conversion program, if even possible, would be effective due to the change in architecture, especially with the new synth and effects section.
I upgraded from a NS3 to NS4 and had the full 400 mostly custom programs to convert and I was dreading the task of reprogramming. Once I figured out the new architecture of the NS4 and learned how to use multi part and single part presets, it was a relatively quick process, not to mention a valuable way to learn the capabilities of the keyboard. Once I had my NS4 programmed, I kept my NS3 for another 30 days so I could A/B them in both recording and live situations and even though the organ and synth sections are basically the same, the NS4 definitely sounds better, especially with the synth and effects I have since sold my NS3 and the only thing I really miss is the lack of song mode which have overcome by adding program changes to OnSong, which for the most part works at least as well, though it requires an iPad.

[WannitBBBad]

I don't think a conversion program, if even possible, would be effective due to the change in architecture, especially with the new synth and effects section....

Synth architecture aside, I was thinking the process of creating organ, piano, and synth NS4 presets from existing NS3 panels would be fairly straightforward, however the NS4 processing compromise of the organ presets covering both organs with effects applied to both does complicate it. As you noted, being able to pull up individual presets for the piano, organ, and synth can definitely speed up the process of recreating patches.