Getting Started

In this document, ".ECW file" or "waveset" refers to a file with an extension of ".ECW" which stores articulation and sample data used by the MIDI synthesizer of sound cards equipped with an ES1370, ES1371, or ES1373 chip. These sound cards include the Ensoniq AudioPCI, the Sound Blaster! AudioPCI, the Sound Blaster! PCI64, the Sound Blaster! PCI128, and the Sound Blaster Live!. The file also includes some text describing the file and some mysterious data which seems to be vestigial and completely unnecessary.

DISCLAIMER

DISCLAIMER: THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED "AS IS". I verify the information contained in this list to the best of my ability, but I cannot be held responsible for any problems caused by use or misuse of the information.

Some file formats were not released by their creators, others are regarded as proprietary, which means that if your programs deal with them, you might be looking for trouble.

It is recommended that you make a backup copy of the original waveset file if you plan to make any alterations to it, because some values may cause your PC to crash or lock up during MIDI playback.

The .ECW file uses Intel byte order (LSB first).

Counts are given in DECIMAL, not hexadecimal. When TYPE is "string", the count is the length of the string in characters.

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