Messages

Each song folder will consist in various assets. Here's a proposal on how to name the files :

/[SxExx] Full Song Name/    ? replace with the actual title, ie: [S1E25] Pinkie Pie's Singing Telegram/
      notes.txt                         ? lyrics file
      song.mp3                       ? song file
      video.avi                         ? background video file
      cover.jpg                         ? CD cover art
      wallpaper.jpg                  ? background art (will be seen upon loading a song)


This is only a proposal, in order to make things consistent. Comments are encouraged.

First issue with this forum's configuration: new users could not post new topics, or reply in a thread. This should now be fixed, everyone can now jump in the discussion!  :P

[Interface basics]

Composer is a song editor, capable of exporting to the UltraStar / Performous file format. This is so far my tool of choice to edit karaoke files, so here's a quick look on how it works.

You can download it here:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/performous/files/editor/1.0/



This is the main window. This is where you'll spend most of your time working on the rhythm and pitch. At first, it will be completely empty, and you'll be greeted by a small how-to screen providing a few directions.

You may want to load a music file and throw in some lyrics at this point.

On the left side, you'll notice a keyboard. This will help you greatly with setting the pitch, syllable by syllable.
If you click on the keyboard, you can play a note.

Let's get into the details.

Interface basics



There are a few things to notice in the "Playback" zone of this screen.
- The Play button, obviously, will start the music playback.
- "Grab Playback" means that the score will scroll automatically during the playback.
- "Synthesizer" is an interesting option. If checked, each note you added will be played with its current pitch. This makes it easy to check if it's in tune.


Note properties
- Normal notes: the usual
- "Golden" notes: the player will gain extra points if they consistently sing well the segment (from its start to its end).
- "Freestyle": no given pitch, it's up to the player. No points are awarded for these parts.


Phrase beginning: This is important for the overall timing. Each syllable starting a phrase HAS to be checked as such; that will start a new line in the Karaoke player.
Syllable starting a phrase will receive a red mark, as seen on the above picture.


How to sync a song
You'll need a background music file and some lyrics.

The first thing you will want to do in Composer is to find the correct rhythm for all syllables.
When you first load a song, Composer will try to guess both the rhythm and pitch of the lyrics you first paste in it. This isn't always accurate, but sometimes can be a good start.

As seen here:

The background trace is what Composer thinks what the lyrics should be in text and pitch. That's a wild guess.

Rhythm
You'll have to break down the whole lyrics into syllables. Then, specify on which syllable each phrase starts.

Once done, it's only a matter of dragging the speech bubbles on screen so they coincide with the lyrics you hear when pressing the "Play" button. This usually requires some trial and error, and you'll need to work phrase by phrase. Use the "Time Phrase" button to repeat the same phrase over and over again.

Once you're happy with the timing, move on to the next phrase. Repeat until the end of the song.

Pitch
Simply drag the speech bubbles to the desired pitch. You can also select a bubble by clicking on it, then move it with your keyboard's arrow keys.

Repeat for each syllable.

[Download page]

Download page

Performous is actually UltraStar-NG's new name. It is a fork of the original Ultrastar project, and changed name when its dev team decided to add support for more instruments. Performous not only support karaoke files, it can also be used to play Stepmania and Frets-on-Fire song packs, making it an all-around software for rhythm games.
Head to the download page and pick the installer for your OS.
Ubuntu users can simply click <a href="apt://performous">this link</a>, since the game is already available in the official repositories.

Song library
Songs are located in the "songs" subdirectory of your Performous install.
http://wiki.performous.org/index.php/Songs

Sound setup
Head to the preferences. You'll find a list of all your system's sound cards and sound sinks; this works like a grid.



Move the microphone icon on the line of the sound card you wish to use. Singstar microphones will be on a "USB Microphones" line, or something akin. Two players can use the same sound card if it has various inputs. For instance  Singstar microphones consist in an external USB sound card with a Stereo microphone input; the first player uses its left channel as a mono input, and the second player uses the right channel as a mono input.

Check that the output is on the sound card you'll want to use (this should already be the case, without doing anything) or just use your OS' default sink.

Double-check for lag / latency with a test song.

[Download page]

Download page

Setting up UltraStar Deluxe (USDX) is pretty straightforward. Head to the download page and pick the release fitting your OS. Ubuntu 12.04 users, please not that USDX has not been yet updated to use the newest version of ffmpeg and therefor will not work on your system (or at least, not without hassle); please use Performous instead till then.

Once installed, there are two things to consider: configuring your song library, and configuring your audio system (microphones, and eventually extra sound cards).

Song Library
Ultrastar DX songs are located, by default, in its installation folder. You'll find a /songs/ subfolder here, that's where you will want to place your karaoke library (by simply copying over the files).
Songs consist actually of subfolder, each of which containing a few files: the music, the background elements, and the lyrics themselves.
Try installing a sample test song to sort things out. You'll also be able to use it to set up your audio system.

Setting up audio
You'll need to pay attention to a few things here:
- Sound output: should be already set up, but if you have specific needs, fill them in!
- Sound input: you'll want to set up your microphone in UltraStar preferences. Before that, check they are correctly working from your OS; they fire up USDX and set them up in the preferences. You can also use the official Singstar microphones - note that they will provide their own USB soundcard, so you'll have to specify USDX not to use your system's default sound card for input - more info here.
- Lag / latency. Please test a sample track and ensure you don't need to adjust the audio or video latency before going any further. You might have a lot of latency if you're using a audio setup (external amplifier) ou HDMI display (mainly TV sets; if you're using one, set it to its "Game"mode when possible to avoid latency).

[Important]

So far, all the ressources are gathered in a MediaFire folder. I'm in the process of moving everything to DropBox.

Done. There's now a Dropbox folder shared between all users, PM me if you wish to gain access to it.
This shared folder contain every resources we currently have validated, including audio, video, and test files.

Important
If you do not have a Dropbox account yet (you'll need one for that), do not create it yet. Just ask me and I'll send you an invite - we'll have more free space for stuff that way!

[How to sync songs]

How to sync songs

This is a quick, small, and messy how-to as a general guideline.

Basic steps:
- Pick a song (get its source MP3 file from the Ressources topic)
- Post in its dedicated topic that you're working on it (or create the dedicated post)
- Find its lyrics (clean them up as necessary, ie. punctuation should be removed)
- Find the song's BPM
- Open both in your Karaoke editor of choice
- Start with the rhythm first, syllable by syllable
- Adjust the pitch when you feel the rhythm is right
- Share your work on the dedicated topic.

Task can of course be divided, since syncing the lyrics and adjusting the pitch requires different skills. Every bit helps!

Also feel free to try songs already made by other users, and post any helpful criticism you may have.

He said yes! This will certainly spice things up a bit.

Awaiting CaptainComedy's approval to use his work on the unofficial soundtrack in this project ( http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/12/full-high-quality-pony-music-album.html )

Direct link to the music files: http://www.mediafire.com/?rdhhrpyc0d6d3

[Ressources]

This is your singing telegram
I hope it finds you well
You're invited to a party
'cause we think you're really swell

Gummy's turning one year old
So help us celebrate
The cake will be delicious
The festivities first-rate

There will be games and dancing
Bob for apples, cut-a-rug
And when the party's over
We'll gather 'round for a group hug

No need to bring a gift
Being there will be enough
Birthdays mean having fun with friends
Not getting lots of stuff

It won't be the same without you
So we hope that you say "yes"
So please, oh please, RSVP
And come and be our guest

Ressources
English track with vocals (Stereo)
Instrumental track (Stereo)
Background video

[With vocals]

All of these tracks are taken from CaptainComedy's awesome work.

With vocals
- Intro: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?h9x5e3zgq43431c
- Giggle: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?kiq7sk34osccgw1
- Oh, Gala: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?asiiqv85moz4e1u
- Pinkie's Ticket: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?l25bsfmicnn23s2
- Hop, skip, jump: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?3no9q36hiqygpn4
- Evil enchantress: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?guxp16grszjg4tx
- EE / Flutterguy: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?3ul8yu3u2e83h20
- Winter WU: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?momtcdqidnktfab
- Cupcakes: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ttz6wzcsdl4hdg5
- Art of the dress: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?0185o9wid44ywax
- Hush now: on hold (should we only make one track, or separated Fluttershy / SweetieBelle?)
- Crusaders: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?pz8vxy0v2r7ii6j
- Gotta share: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?b34vc525pnf2vvx
- Wonders: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?t94uitk1ahx7tm7
- Singing telegram: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?79874fwh8xl4ex7
- Pokey: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?y99iw4r9cjd6434
- At the gala: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?n1uu1lm9v9pj300

Intrumental tracks
- Intro: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?y6judh3z70l0dcr
- Ghostie: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?uiid7248v233z4z
- Gala: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?4rd3lwdl0jltyvx
- Pinkie's ticket: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?3tjddw696flwreg
- Hop, skip: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7n6j447eyxwkx48
- Evil enchantress 1: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?9dw70q95pmz2dff
- Evil enchantress 2: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ck74dmq19keryav
- Winter WU: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?1adbttft97bzz8s
- Cupcakes: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?qaw1x88nw8j55h9
- Art of the dress: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?rprx245crxtr4ot
- Hush now: on hold (should we only make one track, or separated Fluttershy / SweetieBelle?)
- CM crusaders: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?hnng0cch39l1i8c
- Gotta share: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?95ela61wcazc5zi
- Wonders: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?12bm36sg5b6v8em
- Singing telegram: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?65h53f2tz0vym5b
- Galloping gala: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?l769ur83n7ltqrn
- Pokey: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?hm2txij9mj6e4h8
- At the gala: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?2ku5cb0ltfp58s8

Work on the graphical assets for each S1 song is discussed here.

[Ressources]

Apparently, somepony already worked on this song. Will have to get in touch with him Myke Greywolf said we could use his chart, yay!


Here's a screenshot of this release in UltraStar Deluxe:

Three months of winter coolness
And awesome holidays
We've kept our hoovsies warm at home
Time off from work to play
But the food we've stored is runnin' out
And we can't grow in this cold
And even though I love my boots
This fashion's getting old

The time has come to welcome spring
And all things warm and green
But it's also time to say goodbye
It's winter we must clean
How can I help? I'm new, you see
What does everypony do?
How do I fit in without magic?
I haven't got a clue!

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

'Cause tomorrow spring–
-is here!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Bringing home the southern birds
A Pegasus' job begins
And clearing all the gloomy skies
To let the sunshine in
We move the clouds
And we melt the white snow
When the sun comes up
Its warmth and beauty will glow!

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Little critters hibernate
Under the snow and ice
We wake up all their sleepy heads
So quietly and nice
We help them gather up their food
Fix their homes below
We welcome back the southern birds
So their families can grow!

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

No easy task to clear the ground
Plant our tiny seeds
With proper care and sunshine
Everyone it feeds
Apples, carrots, celery stalks
Colorful flowers too
We must work so Very hard
It's just so much to do!

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Now that I know what they all do
I have to find my place
And help with all of my heart
Tough task ahead I face
How will I do without my magic
Help the Earth pony way
I wanna belong so I must
Do my best today,
Do my best today!

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Ressources
English track with vocals (Stereo)
Instrumental track (Stereo)
Background video

[Languages]

This thread is dedicated to quick questions and answers, for which you wouldn't want to create a whole new topic.

Languages
To make things easier, please use the english language in the General sections. Each country-specific subforum is allowed to use its own language, but please include a small summary in english in all major posts.

OwnCloud
OwnCloud is basically a shared folder between team members, containing all songs and allowing contributions from one another. It is similar to Dropbox, but self-hosted. Access is limited to project contributors (you can be one, too!).

Because the current one doesn't quite cut it. :P

Expected size: 256px × 34px
Expected format: PNG (alpha channel ok)

Any other improvements (such as smiley packs) are welcome too.

Spam prevention: all new registered members are now asked to create at least one post (even short) in this section.
Thanks!

[Various]

Mostly from MLP Wikia

Various

• MLP:FiM Theme Song
• MLP:FiM Theme Song (Remastered)
• MLP:FiM Full theme song
• Equestria Girls

Season 1

• S1E02 - Laughter Song
• S1E03 - Pinkie's Gala Fantasy Song
• S1E05 - Junior Speedsters Chant
• S1E07 - A Hop, a Skip and a Jump
• S1E09 - Evil Enchantress Song (Pinkie Pie)
• S1E09 - Evil Enchantress Song (Flutterguy)
• S1E11 - Winter Wrap Up (topic)
• S1E12 - Cupcake Song
• S1E14 - Art of the Dress
• S1E17 - Hush Now Lullaby
• S1E18 - Cutie Mark Crusaders Song (topic)
• S1E21 - You Gotta Share, You Gotta Care
• S1E23 - So Many Wonders
• S1E25 - Pinkie Pie's Singing Telegram (topic)
• S1E26 - At The Gala
• S1E26 - I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala
• S1E26 - Pony Pokey

Season 2

• S2E07 - Find a Pet Song
• S2E09 - Becoming Popular
• S2E11 - The Heart Carol
• S2E13 - Happy Monthiversary
• S2E13 - Piggy Dance
• S2E15 - The Flim Flam Brothers Song
• S2E17 - The Perfect Stallion
• S2E18 - Smile, Smile, Smile
• S2E18 - You're a Cranky Doodle Donkey
• S2E18 - Welcome Song
• S2E18 - Cranky Doodle Joy
• S2E25 - B.B.B.F.F.
• S2E26 - This Day Aria
• S2E26 - Love is in Bloom (topic)

Off-Topic

• Friendship is Witchcraft - Art of the Mattress
• Friendship is Witchcraft - Pinkie's Orphanage Song
• Friendship is Witchcraft - Pinkie's Brew (extended)
• Friendship is Witchcraft - Princess of the Night
• Friendship is Witchcraft - SweetieBot's Big Race

Automatic BPM detection yields these results:

[Tools]

Tools

Syncing music with lyrics and pitch requires the use of some tools to generate the karaoke files. Here's a list of what can be used, for a start:
http://wiki.performous.org/index.php/Creation_tools




You may want to check out Composer, made by the Performous team:
http://performous.org/composer

Then, there's also SongEasy: http://people.umass.edu/jvight/SongEasy/

A quick start guide is available in this topic : How to use Composer

(This post will be expanded with a more in-depth how-to)

[So what is UltraStar?]

There's a lot of singing in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Good singing. And awesome music too.
I'm pretty sure anyone who watched an episode felt the urge to sing along. Well, that's the very goal of the Karaoke Project!


The MLP:FiM Karaoke Project aims at creating quality song packs for Singstar clones, such as UltraStar or Performous.

So what is UltraStar?

UltraStar is a clone of SingStar, a music video game. UltraStar lets one or several players score points by singing along to a song or music video and match the pitch of the original song well. UltraStar displays lyrics as well as the correct notes similar to a piano roll. On top of the correct notes UltraStar displays the pitch recorded from the players.

UltraStar is basically to Singstar what Stepmania is to DDR. It's an open-source project, and allows for custom tracks designed by its users.

Aim of this project

The goal of the Karaoke Project is to provide songpacks for Ultrastar, for all possible languages.

- All tracks should be perfectly synced, with pitch-perfect on-screen vocals and an appropriate background video (no watermarks, color-corrected).
- SD versions are the regular releases, with stereo sound, while keeping a reasonable file size and allowing for a smooth playback on all computers.
- HD versions should be over-the-top, with (possibly) 5.1 surround sound and 1080p video.
- Vocals are here if you wish to sing along. Instrumental versions (or, when not possible to get the optimal file, voice-removed songs) will let you sing solo.
- A pack with only the txt files will also be released, if you do not wish to download the videos nor the songs.

First milestone: the english stereo pack.

Bronies, I'm counting on you to help!
There's a lot to do, including helping others out, providing lyrics, high-quality media, syncing, and misc suggestions. ;)