Building Blocks, the modular sequencer from AuReality

Like the popular Lego system for children, that uses basic shapes to create complex material structures, Building Blocks is a modular MIDI architecture that uses modules to create almost any MIDI application that can be imagined. Building Blocks lets you drop modules on its workspace and connect them together with 'wires'. After defining the properties of the modules you can then have the structure's output be sent to MIDI. This way you can create all kinds of useful and musical interesting applications, like:
* arpeggiators
* LFO's
* melody and drum patterns
* controller remapping
* echoes
* autochords
* (MIDI) effects

In fact, almost anything that can be done, MIDI-wise, can be built with Building Blocks.
And...everything is done in realtime: the creation of modules, the (re)wiring of modules, the modification of their properties... whatever you do, you will immediately hear the result of your actions.
The MIDI output of Building Blocks can be recorded and saved as a MIDI file.
The program has an extended help system, written in HTML, that you can browse with your favourite Internet browser. Help is context-sensitive; for example, pressing F1 right after placing a module on the workspace pops up the help page describing this module, its usage and properties.  Several tutorials make you acquainted with the architecture of Building Blocks and teach you how to build your own structures.
In addition, you can load one of the many example structures provided.
There are seven module categories:
* The Input devices modules take input from the mouse or joystick for further processing.
* Math This category consists of modules that apply some arithmetic function to values.
* The MIDI In modules intercept and forward incoming MIDI messages.
* The MIDI Out modules produce the MIDI output of Building Blocks.
* The Sequence modules produce note or value sequences that can be processed in other modules or immediately sent to MIDI.
* Timed consists of modules that are controlled by Building Blocks' built-in timer. They provide various functionalities.
* Other, finally, completes the modules categories. These are modules that do not fit in one of the other categories.

System requirements

Processor
Building Blocks runs on computers using the Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system. The processor should be at least a Pentium 100 MHz. Building Blocks will run on slower systems but the performance will be too low. A 166 MHz or better is highly recommended for optimum performance.

Memory
Building Blocks does not need very much RAM. 4 MB is sufficient.  However, since it calls your Internet browser for displaying the help files, the memory required for this browser is a better measure for the memory needed. If you can run your Internet browser, you probably can run Building Blocks.

Screen
Though tested on various display settings, it is highly
recommended that you run Building Blocks in a 800x600 screen resolution with 16 bit colors, or better. The workspace in a 640x480 resolution is rather limited and a 8 bit color display will not properly display the gradient backgrounds used in Building Blocks.

Hard disk
The installation of Building Blocks takes about 6 Mb of your
hard disk.

Browser
You will need an Internet browser to be able to use the Building Blocks help system. The browser should support DDE calls. Netscape version 3.0 or higher and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher are OK, as well as Opera 3.0. For other browsers I don't know.

Installing
To install Building Blocks on your PC, run the SETUP program from the directory where you unpacked the Building Blocks archive, or from disk 1 if you have received a floppy version.

Running
To start Building Blocks, select "Building Blocks 1.1" from Windows's Start/Programs menu.
The first time you run Building Blocks you will be presented a dialog where you can select your default MIDI In and Out port. These settings can be changed later by selecting Options/General Options from the Tools menu.

Problem solving
If you experience problems running Building Blocks, you can consult the
FAQ on http://www.midiworld.com/AuReality
If the FAQ has no answer for your problems you may contact the author,
Paul Swennenhuis, at p.a.m.swennenhuis@rc.rug.nl

More information
For more information, browse to
http://www.midiworld.com/AuReality

or email the author, Paul Swennenhuis, at p.a.m.swennenhuis@rc.rug.nl


