AndrewTheArt's Beat2x Beat Generator

What it is
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A very simple "step file" (.bxe) generator for the Beat2x interpreter. Runs in Windows under the .NET framework (C#) and possibly Linux with Mono (not 100% sure on compatibility, though).

It basically plays any .wav, .mp3, .ogg , and possily other formats, while allowing you to create a .bxe file simultaneously with some key presses. It certainly beats going into Audacity and looking for the milliseconds.

Requirements
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(1) It accepts the .wav, .mp3, and .ogg file formats (and possibly/probably more. I haven't tried any more than this).

(2) No support for "patterns" yet (DEFINES) - this should come in a future update.

(3) You need to have the .NET framework installed to run this program. You can install it for Windows by following this link - 

http://tinyurl.com/758p8


(4) Other than this, simply run "Beat2x Beat Generator.exe" in the "Files" folder, or use the shortcut to that file I've created for you. You will of course need to keep the entire "Beat2x Beat Generator v3" folder on your computer somewhere for later use.

Recent Updates/Enhancements as of 6/17/07
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(1) OGG Support added in v3! This is an exciting development because this is the native format taken by Beat2x on the gp2x. However, the ogg wrapper I used seems to be a little slow - bear with it, please.

(2) New offset/delay controls to make up for the user's delayed reaction time after the timer stops and the recording starts (extremely important). Allows one to compensate for a dealy in the music and to generally fix problems with the audio and notes being out of sync on the gp2x.

(3) Now prompts the user to convert a non OGG (mp3, wav, etc) file into a OGG file by opening the file in a portable version of Audacity.

(4) Graphical addition that (as the user records the file) allows one to see what the file will basically look like on the gp2x screen!!

Past Additions
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(1) Now allows for use of arrow keys for recording instead of alphabetical keys!!! (Actually, you can use both now - your choice)
(2) Major GUI Upgrade
(1) Accepts any kid of .wav, .ogg, or .mp3 file, possibly even the .midi format. (Haven't tried MIDI yet)
(2) Much more stable (more exception catching)
(3) Interface inprovements
(4) Ability to create multiple files without the porgram crashing
(5) Automatic creation of the .bxe file (versus renaming a .txt file)


FAQ
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Q. How can I put the files onto the gp2x and play it back in the Beat2x Game
A. A wonderful tutorial on who to use the .bxe file this program creates us located here - http://www.gp2x.de/cgi-bin/cfiles.cgi?0,0,0,0,23,1364.

Q. On the gp2x, the audio and notes are not in sync.
A. This is probably becuase the program's internal timer begins as soon as the timer hits "0" - meaning that you need to be ready to hit the keys you desire as soon as the timer runs out. You can also use the delay/offset function added in version 3 to insert a delay after the timer hits 0 to give you a few milliseconds to react.


Comments on Kraven's Beat Generator
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This was in no way to compete with Kraven's Pascal-based Step generator. I have the original idea, released a relatively crappy product, and he decided to improve on it. Now I'm releasing a more stable and functional product for your enjoyment. In fact, we're probably going to be working together on making a Beat2X step generator suite for all your Step2X needs (= So don't worry.


Important Notes for Linux Users - You CAN'T run this program (sorry!)
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Mono (a implementation of the .NET framework for Linux) does NOT currently run this program.
However, if it ever works one day, you will need to grab a copy of the "winmm.dll" file located in a WIndows install's system32 directory.
I would have included it by default, but thought some people might be annoyed by seeing it in the zip folder :P


Credits
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Programmed entirely by Andrew Stein (AndrewTheArt)  
Contact: andrewtheartist@hotmail.com


Version
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3.0 
Created 6/17/07