Frequently Asked Questions
The following list is composed of the most common questions we receive from people that are new to buzz. This is not the first place to look more experienced buzzers. If you are more experienced, you will find everything you need on http://go.to/buzzfaq. If you are sure your question is not answered there, post a new topic and you'll get an answer soon.
  1. Is Buzz Multi-Platform?
    Buzz currently supports the entire line of 32bit Windows operating systems including Win9x, WinNT, and Win2000.


  2. Who is developing Buzz?
    Oskari Tammelin (of Finland) is the main developer from Buzz, while the machines and support is provided by a growing community of fanatics spread across the entire world.


  3. I just Downloaded Buzz, and its not making any noise?!
    The first step to Buzzing, is to setup your "Waveout" device in "View/Preferences/Wave Out" (Tab)


  4. Is Buzz Open-Source?
    No. The main development and binaries of Buzz are handled by Oskari, although all information you need to develop machines is standard installed with Buzz, and available to all.


  5. Does Buzz Support MIDI?
    Yes. In two different ways. First, after configuring your MIDI input settings, you can play and record notes just like with other MIDI-supporting software. This is accomplished by the machines itsself. Not all machines support MIDI-in, but the latest ones (e.g Zephod Voidsynth, MX7, FSM Infector) do. Second, the Buzz core supports audio parameter control via MIDI Continuos Controllers (the knobs found on most MIDI synths). While this does not sound powerful at first, it is. It gives users physical access to thousands of parameters for hundreds of machines.


  6. What native file Formats does Buzz Use/Accept?
    The native song file format of Buzz is .BMX. This file contains a machine layout, patterns, sequence, and all samples associated with one song. A .BMW is the same file, without the embedded samples. For Samples, Buzz accepts all standard Windows .WAV files, and for Instruments, Buzz accepts .XI multi-samples Fast Tracker Files. While the Buzz machines too could be considered media files, they all retain the generic .DLL extension. For machine presets, Buzz uses a proprietary .PRS file. Lastly, the HDD recorder in Buzz writes 44Khz 16bit Stereo .WAV Files.


  7. Does Buzz support VST plugins and soundfonts?
    Through tons of hard work, Rout has brought us two [among others] important machines; both of which extend the functionality of Buzz by adding support for additional files/technologies. First off, Routs VST Plugin Loader was one of the initial breakthroughs in Buzz, giving a free engine for Steinbergs VST Plugin architecture. Secondly, Routs Sound Font Loader has enabled us to load standard .SF2 multi-sampled Sound Fonts. VTS2 is beein initiated but not yet finished with the VST2 loader by a team of top-developers: Rout, Zephod, Arguru and FSM. This initiative isn't finished for now, yet maybe in the future Buzz will be compatible with VST2 too.


  8. Does Buzz work in Wine? [Windows Emulation]
    Reports have confirmed that Buzz is nearly functional [although not officially tested] to function under Wine. There are of course, a few unfunctional areas [such as the CPU Monitor which will attempt to fool you into thinking your entire song is wasting 4% of your CPU].
  9. Is it hard to switch from IT to Buzz?
    Not with this overly informative Converting from Impulse Tracker to Buzz document written by Skaven.
  10. What do I get for Registering?
    Besides your name in the Buzz About Box, you'll have the warm feeling in your heart knowing that you've helped Oskari buy yet another bottle of cheap Finnish liquor.


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