SPCs are memory dumps from the SPC700 audio DSP on the SNES. Essentially, it's a very tiny program that contains the sequence data, the sample data, and the program to play those two things. In other words, what you're asking is "Can I turn a WAV or MP3 into a MID file?" The answer is no. The formats are completely and entirely not the same. SPC to MID, possible (check out SPC Tool, though I have no idea how to use it, or even if it works). SPC to IT, possible (openSPC did this). SPC to WAV or MP3, possible (you can do this with Winamp). It doesn't work the other way around.
For more info on how sound in the SNES works, check out this old site. Hopefully you've learned something. This information can be applied in other similar questions, so hopefully you can use it there as well. Mouser X over and out.
In other words, what you're asking is "Can I turn a WAV or MP3 into a MID file?"
Yeah, that's what I meant. I just wish I could do it, but oh well... Thanks for the quick reply.
by PokeParadox at 3:19 AM EST on February 26, 2007
There are programs that try to change WAV to MIDI... but obviously if you try to convert music with more than a single instrument in it, then the applications usually go nuts and you get an incomprehensible ash of notes.
Sure it can be done. Create a wav player using 6502 assembly. Make it think is is a sfx or something. But there would be limitations, for example it would be only 16-bit sound at around 32Khz or so...and then theres the 64Kb memory limit of 64Kb. That leaves around 1 second of sound...slightly more if adpcm is used.
MP3 would be pretty much impossible considering it needs a whole lot of processing power.
Okay...now you guys are confusing me... I tried dumping the files from a rom, but I downloaded atleast 5 different ones and they all had the same defect (static/pops and clicks) throughout the whole game. So, when I saved the SPC data (10 files), everyone of them sounded like ****. I played them back and recorded them as WAV files and remastered them and they sounded better, but I'm still not satisfied with the sound quality. So, the other day I found the original game on a website and purchased it for less than 10 dollars. When it arrives, I can easily rip the 10 files to my computer as WAV files and they will sound perfect. The only thing is that I can't help the SPC music sites with the work that will be done, because I will convert the files from WAV to MP3 at CD quality. My question is, can I submit the 10 MP3 files to the SPC music sites, so others will be able to enjoy the soundtrack as well or will they have to be SPC files? If that's true, it looks like the other people that want the soundtrack will be **** out of luck and that pisses me off. I wanna help, but there just isn't a good rom for this game out there. Me recording from the original source, which is the game itself will have perfect sound quality. Any help?
What's the game in question? Have you checked SNES Music? If you haven't, it's possible that it's already ripped. If you *have* checked their site, and it's not there, then look in the undumpable section of their site. Is the game listed in there? Also check in their most requested section, and "All known SNES games" sections as well. You can also check here for a list of SPC sets that Zophar's Domain has, that haven't been transfered to SNES Music's site. While Zophar's may be outdated, it's still an excellent source of info.
If none of the above links have been of any help, then I suggest you contact someone at SNESmusic.org, and ask them (the names on the bottom of that page would be your best bets). I'm sure they can help you dump the SPCs. Either that, or they'll add it to the undumpable section of their site. If that happens, then I suggest you record the tracks you want, and distribute them.
Also, what are you using to play the SPC files? What program, or plugin? And, what are you using to capture them? Do you use ZSNES? Do you use SNESAmp to play the SPCs? I can't say I've heard SNESAmp produce poor quality playback. Have you looked at the settings? Maybe there's something in there that can help you clean it up.
Anyway, I hope that was helpful. Mouser X over and out.
There are also streamed songs on SNES (you know, you can upload the next 64 kB of samples when the sound CPU is finished playing with the current one, etc). Tales of Phantasia intro uses that method and the new Breath of Fire retranslation intro has that as well.
The game in question is: Super Conflict - The Mideast. Both SNES Music and Zophar's Domain don't have it and it's not in the undumpable list. I've checked into all of this except contacting someone from the sites. SNES Music and Zophar's Domain are the two sites I wanted to contribute the soundtrack to. I use Meridian Advance and Winamp to play SPC files. I like Winamp better. I've downloaded a few different plug-ins for Winamp, but SNESamp seemed to play the files to Super Conflict more clearer than Meridian Advance. Also, Meridian Advance wouldn't play the "defeated" song, but Winamp could. I use zSNESw. I've played it on both the 1.42 and 1.51 versions...same problem (static/pops and clicks). I also downloaded the SNES9x emulator...same problem. I've tweaked around with the sound options and settings, but it didn't help much. I couldn't tell a difference. My guess is that it's in the rom itself, because my other roms don't have this problem.