MML

Music Macro Language

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The PLAY command in SE Basic IV uses a version of Music Macro Language (MML). Other than note names (c, d, e, f, g, a, b), instructions are case-insensitive. Upper case notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) are one octave higher than the current octave. Phrases in square brackets ( [, ] ) are played twice. Brackets can be nested up to four levels. A closing bracket without a matching opening bracket loops the preceding phrase indefinitely. Comments can be enclosed between single quote marks ( ' ). The other instructions are:

• r is a rest.
• - before a note flattens it.
• + or # before a note sharpens it.
• & indicates tied notes.
• o sets the octave (1 to 8).
• l sets the note length (0 to 9) as classic MML, or triplets (10 to 12).
• t sets the tempo in beats per minute (BPM) (32 to 255).
• v sets the volume (0 to 15`) and switches off envelopes on that channel.
• s sets the ENVELOPE waveform (0 to 15) and activates it.
• m sets the modulation frequency (1 to 65536).
• h sets the MIDI channel (1 to 16).
• z sends a command (0 to 255) to the MIDI port.
• x exits the PLAY command immediately.
• > increases the octave by one.
• < decreases the octave by one

The defaults are:

• note length: quarter note
• octave: 4
• tempo: 120
• volume: 15