The Music MegaBase® Catalog (MMBC) lets users browse, filter, export and print information about their music collection as drawn from the reference listings for more than 4,000 HIT-MUSIC recordings—spanning five decades of radio airplay.

The MMBC ships with thousands of music entries pre-classified by genre, tempo, artist, title, decade of release, and more.  This permits users to instantly search, sort, filter and edit the content (i.e., the "catalog data")—without having to spend hundreds of hours entering the basic information.  (See sample music lists here.)

In the MMBC, each Catalog-listed song includes data for Title, Artist, Music Type, Decade of Release, and Audio File Content classification; and most entries also include information for Tempo, Gender of Lead Vocalist, Artist Type (such as Group, Duet, or Solo), and more.

Yes, some online music stores offer catalogs with 5, 10, or even 15 million selections—but most of those "songs" are not familiar to audiences.  Since a universe with millions of audio recordings only contains a small percentage of HIT recordings (meaning songs that are widely recognized by the general population), the laborious task of browsing through millions of titles to accurately isolate a few hit tracks is extremely inefficient—even with currently deployed Web store filter techniques. 

In a lifetime, most people will recognize less than 5,000 songs.  The challenge of listing your top 1,000 or even 500 songs can be difficult.  Prove it with this test:  How quickly can you name and YOUR favorite 300 songs?  

[NOTE: Keep in mind that 10,000 is one percent of one million.  So—1,000 songs represents a very small fraction of 10 million songs.]

Because a catalog of 10 million or more songs is mathematically impossible for any single person to comprehend, the Music MegaBase® Catalog prevents hours of wasted time by limiting its catalog listings to established HIT recordings, while allowing users to customize their copy of the MMBC by entering songs not already contained in the catalog.

(How many songs can any one person theoretically listen to in an entire lifetime?  Read more about the innovative and patent-pending Codentity® MUSIC SEARCH initiative here.)

Requirements:  Microsoft® Access™ (and includes FREE Access™ Runtime license and files), plus Windows Media® Player Series 9 ActiveX® controls, on the Windows® XP or Windows® 7 operating system.***  (See Access™ compatibility table here.)

Download Price: $   (Published at time of release) 

Genuine Concurrent Audio Stream Reproduction

The Codentity® True Blend™ Media Player System (MPS) adds automated or manual transition mixing to the hit-music reference database known as the—Music MegaBase® Catalog (MMBC).  The True Blend™ MPS offers automatic timing calculation and control that executes smooth, gapless, concurrently OVERLAPPING or concurrently ADJOINED transitions.

Compare True Blend™ performance with majority of other music sequencing software designs that produce automatic transitions which generally consist of a premature fade OUT followed by an unnatural fade IN—a so-called "DIP and CLIP" effect (explained below).  The mobile DJ, audio events producer, and home music enthusiast will instantly appreciate the superior transition effects, automatic level set, smooth fades, and clear graphics presentation of the True Blend™ MPS.

Natural Transitions Every Time

True Blend™ knows when to execute overlapped or adjoined transitions.  As a result, for a first track (i.e. song) that concludes, for example, with a fade, the second track (i.e. next track) is automatically started by the system and heard to overlap the fading end of the first track. 

Example 1 demonstrates how the Codentity® True Blend™ Media Player System will concurrently reproduce (i.e. overlap) audio from both players—using a standard 2-channel (stereo) PC sound card.  In the graphic below, the Player 1 audio level (500) is depicted as fading out.  Observe that the Player 2 audio level (600) is seen starting at full volume at a point in time before Player 1 audio concludes.  The overlapped interval is depicted by the shaded lines (1100). 

Example 1: True Blend™ overlapping transition

Alternatively, as demonstrated in the next illustration, where the first track ends "cold", the second track is automatically started by the True Blend™ Media Player system and heard to adjoin the abrupt end of the first track.

In Example 2, the Player 1 audio level (500) is depicted as ending cold.  Observe that the Player 2 audio level (600) is seen starting at full volume at the point in time when Player 1 audio concludes (1200).  Using a standard 2-channel PC sound card, the Codentity® True Blend™ Media Player System will concurrently reproduce adjoined audio from both players.

Example 2: True Blend™ adjoined (abutted) transition

As visually demonstrated by the examples 1 and 2 above, with the True Blend™ Media Player System, the volume of the second track is not arbitrarily modified by the transition logic.  Each track's audio begins playing at its normal level in every instance—and at the optimally-timed moment with regard to the creative content of the preceding track.

Bottom line: With True Blend™, the start of the second track does not cause the first track to fade out prematurely—an event that occurs with most DSP cross fade methods.  And since True Blend™ automatically recognizes the difference between fade end and cold end audio tracks, True Blend™ can execute completely natural transitions without user intervention.  This is perfect for mobile DJs, audio events producers, and home entertainment systems. 

 TIP:  The True Blend™ Media Player System (MPS) automatically computes optimal PLAY times, starts the next event, and fades the preceding event (when appropriate).  However, for users who wish to have precise control of timing, the MPS enables direct assignment of PLAY times for each track—to within a tolerance of 1/4 second.  The volume level (from 0 to 100 per cent) for any discrete audio track can also be specified and saved.  During playback, the MPS will automatically set the assigned volume every time.  This is true even when a track is loaded from named ATL Image Manager playlists (because the assigned volume is saved with other track data in the ATL image).

Next, keep the benefits of True Blend™ technology in mind as you read our comparative analysis of typical cross fade designs.

Simulated Cross Fades Can Be Unnatural

DSP (digital signal processing) cross fades utilize a variety of techniques to select a changeover point between two tracks, and then simulate a multi-player transition—in ONE media player.  As a consequence, with DSP cross fades, the volume of the second track is often arbitrarily modified by the transition logic.  (True Blend™ uses two independent players—read more below.) 

DSP cross fade designs generally produce a gradual fade OUT of a first track, paired with a gradual fade IN of a second track.  This is not natural.

Example 3: Typical DSP transitions executed in other products

In Example 3 above, the Player 1 audio level for track 1 (500.1) is illustrated as ending with a FORCED fade out—even in situations where the content ends cold.  Observe that the Player 1 audio level for track 2 (500.2) is shown starting at a reduced volume—i.e. fading in—even when the content should start at full volume.  The affected "dip and clip" interval is depicted by the shaded lines (1300).  These unfortunate results are often produced by DSP designs that simulate transitions by executing in a single media player object.

 NOTE:  Example 3 represents one DSP-executed cross fade transition.  Each transition will be different.  In some cases, for example, a DSP cross fade transition may force a fade OUT of track 1 (500.1) by reducing its level to 20% of full volume.  And, at that point, it might then start track 2 (500.2) at 20% of full volume as part of a forced fade IN.  Or, in some instances, where the contributing factors may include the evaluation of a track's waveform, the DSP algorithm might start track 2 at 80%, or even 100%, of its mastered audio level. 

Testing various DSP-type automix solutions has revealed that products from different DSP vendors produce different degrees of acceptable transitions.  And those degrees of "transition fidelity" (i.e. conformance to the audio sound design) vary depending on the paired songs utilized in the transition.  With DPS cross fades, results are not universally consistent—and therefore cannot be reliable.

Too complicate matters, there is now a DSP music transition solution that arbitrarily truncates (i.e. deletes) entire sections of a music track's creative content in order to produce what it determines to be a desirable transition.   This design can produce an acceptable "beat-matched" segue (i.e. transition), however it frequently comes at the expense of radically altering a song's original production design.

In any case, DSP transition behavior is often unnatural and quite different from the patent-pending True Blend™ Media Player System (MPS) which reproduces each track in its OWN player—and, therefore, is not subject to arbitrary fade outs and fade ins.  This advantage, among other things, permits the Codentity® True Blend™ MPS logic to independently control audio track attributes such as PLAY length, audio levels, fade slopes, etc.  And this independence is what permits the True Blend™ MPS to perform genuine overlapped or seamlessly adjoined audio transitions.

True Blend™ Technology Is Superior

The True Blend™ MPS operates with TWO independent media player objects (and one standard sound card circuit).  True Blend™ does not use cross fades, so it does not rely on complex computed DSP cross fade timing estimates.  Therefore, True Blend™ does not enforce a fade out of the first track, and then present an unnatural fade in of the second track.  This means that with True Blend™, each track's audio level is played according to its original sound design, thereby matching the creative intention of the artist, and the expectation of the listener.

The MMBC True Blend™ MPS also provides a better automatic track selection and transition experience.  Unlike certain solutions that implement a DSP automix with software selected sequencing that arbitrarily truncates (i.e. removes) the first section of a first song, or eliminates the last section of a second song, in order to simulate a stylized beat match effect—the True Blend™ MPS performs overlapping transitions without removing creative content.

Codentity® True Blend™ technology is superior because it produces natural transitions EVERY TIME.  Compare that performance with DSP-computed operations that MIGHT produce a natural transition—but only in a minority of cases where the direct comparison of adjacent song characteristics can be effectively analyzed by the applied DSP logic.

More Accurate and Efficient Timing Calculations

Since the patent-pending technology in the True Blend™ MPS recognizes the specific sound design of each track without utilizing DSP overhead and DSP limitations, it can instantly distinguish between audio recordings (i.e., tracks) that resolve with a fade ending or a cold (i.e., abrupt) ending.  This capability, among other things, allows the system to automatically compute optimum timing values (play intervals) for each discrete track.  The optimum timing values are calculated in "real time" at the moment the transition command is activated.  Once timing values are known, the True Blend™ Media Player System configures transition events as naturally overlapping or, where appropriate, adjoined (i.e. tightly abutted) audio streams.

Further, with True Blend™, the live events sound producer, mobile DJ, or home entertainment enthusiast can choose to allow the system's automatic timer to control when the next transition begins; or the user can click the Play Next button to manually activate a transition at any time.  Since each track is played in an independent media player, random (i.e., manual) transition activation does not cause an abrupt cessation of first track audio when second track audio begins.  So, even in manually activated transitions, the fade settings of the True Blend™ MPS are automatically applied to the concluding first track while the starting second track is concurrently reproduced at its normal level.

Compare this True Blend™ Media Player System behavior with that of typical cross fade designs where the audio transition is executed from one media player.   During automatic cross fade mode, common to other digital media file mixing products, a manually activated advance from the first track to the second track will cancel DSP computations and cause the first track to stop immediately—in order to load and start the second track.

Cross fade implementations found in other products do not concurrently execute overlapped or adjoined audio streams like the True Blend™ MPS.  Consequently, their ability to provide optimally-timed transitions between, for example, a cold (i.e., abrupt) end track and a cold start track can be problematic.  However, with the True Blend™ MPS, a cold end first track will conclude at normal volume, and the start of the second track at normal volume will be closely aligned with, and where appropriate, slightly overlapped with, the end of the first track.

Additionally, with True Blend™, operator intervention is not required to determine track timing.  There is no need for the user to tell the system how long the so-called "creative content" portion of any particular song should be.  The patent-pending technology in the True Blend™ Media Player System manages all the calculations behind the scenes as each transition is executed!

Mobile DJs, for example, can invoke True Blend™ automation to execute perfectly-timed overlapping transitions while they are busy placing music requests on the active playlist, or away from the computer speaking with audience members, or across the room conducting sound checks.  And when desired, the mobile DJ can choose to end a track early by clicking the Play Next button.  The change to the next track will occur immediately, while preserving natural overlapping transitions.*

*And if the mobile DJ is using a wireless keyboard or wireless controller, he or she can execute a smooth transition from any "in range" point in the room—complete with auto fades and optimum playback levels.

Advanced Performance Control Features

True Blend™ also provides: automatic level-set (using a system default value or permitting the user to specify a precise level for any discrete track); automatic fades with user-configurable paired fade slopes (to shape the severity of the applied level reduction); the ability to turn auto fade off and substitute a user-invoked "shadow fade" (i.e., delayed fade) effect; an optional "preview" (i.e., sample) mode that accepts various limited play intervals for tracks on the live playlist; and even the capability for the user to specify, save, and then automatically apply the precise duration for any track in the system—to within a tolerance of 1/4 second!

True Blend™ MPS requires MMBC product.  (A promotional bundle will include the True Blend™ MPS with the Music MegaBase® Catalog Media Edition.)

Requirements:  Microsoft® Access™ (and includes FREE Access™ Runtime license and files), plus Windows Media® Player Series 9 ActiveX® controls, on the Windows® XP or Windows® 7 operating system.***  (See Access™ compatibility table here.)

Download Price: $   (Published at time of release and only available with MMBC product)  

Codentity License Manager (CLM) provides an easy-to-use interface where the user can monitor and modify the license status of Codentity software on his or her computing device.  CLM makes it easy to activate optional upgrades—without requiring re-installation.

Codentity License Manager also monitors operational actions and can detect unauthorized activities that may be a violation of the EULA (End User License Agreement).  When CLM recognizes activities that violate the terms of the EULA, it can inform the user, and guide them through the process of acceptable actions.  CLM protects the rights of the licensed user, and the rights of MMBC publisher Codentity LLC.  This allows Codentity to license our software products at a lower price.  Codentity License Manager requires MMBC product.

Download Price: $0   (CLM is included with the MMBC product)   

True Blend™ Media Player System (MPS) playlist information is stored in a dynamic playlist called—the ATL (Assigned Track List).  An ATL “image” is a collection of songs and related information saved as a named, ordered playlist.  The optional ATL Image Manager (IM) adds super-sized Create, Classify, Filter, Sort, Search, Load and Edit functions—to the basic playlist management capabilities in the True Blend® MPS.

Audio events producers and working DJs will appreciate the filter and sort power of the ATL Image Manager.  For example:  1) Create and name an ordered playlist.  2) Quickly add classification filter tags such as: Image Type (Office Party, Corporate Event, Sporting Event, House of Worship Venue); Music Type (Rock Mix, Retro Disco, Acoustic Vocals);  Job Code (for assignment to a specific client or venue); Priority Code (determines SORT order—A100 displays the associated playlist name ahead of F220 or H105 in summary list).  3) Instantly recall playlists based on one-click tag filters, then load selected playlists into the dynamic ATL in as fast as 1 second—so they can be ready for use by the True Blend™ players.

 IMPORTANT:   Unlike some other digital audio mixing software products, changing a playlist in the True Blend™ MPS does not interrupt audio playback.  This is possible because the MPS gets its playlist data from the ATL (Assigned Track List) which is stored outside the individual media players.

The ATL IM library retains each track's assigned audio level, timing cues, end style (i.e., fade or cold), and media file folder location; and the ATL IM instantly loads the songs from the selected image (i.e. playlist) to the live ATL.  The True Blend™ MPS then pulls data from the ATL and transfers the track hyperlinks into the respective True Blend™ player (either 1 or 2) during a PLAY event.  The user sets all this in motion with one or two clicks.

Plus, the ATL IM permits one-click data synchronization updates.  For example, imagine the user decides to assign a lower audio level, and shorter duration value*, to a specific track.  On the Image Data tab, the user can choose to click the Scan and Update Source button.  This will cause the named ATL Image Manager playlist to be updated to include the new level and timing values.  ATL Image Manager requires MMBC product. 

*NOTE: The True Blend Media Player System (MPS) automatically calculates optimum media file duration times without user intervention.  However, in cases where the user wishes to assign and save PRECISE timing for an audio track, True Blend™ MPS timing protocols enable the user to specify the track's play length to within 1/4 second.

Download Price: $   (Published at time of release)   

The optional Keyword Compositor™ (KWC) amplifies MMBC search power with a series of 56 specially-crafted keyword queries (search instructions).  30 “single action” keyword queries, plus 26 “compound action” keyword queries, allow the user to input a series of category keywords that quickly produce flexibly sorted results—greatly refining search and filter control.

For example, it is easy to create a dynamic (i.e., composed "on-the-fly") layered keyword query that can find any track matching user-specified terms— such as: Music Type + Title + Artist + Tempo + MMB Dance Rating; or Year of Release + Title + Gender, or Chart Date by Range, and so on.  The associated Keyword Results (KWR) form provides 15 integrated sort and filter buttons to easily narrow or reclassify search results.

Users with the optional ATL Image Manager can also use the Keyword Compositor™ to find target songs and instantly place selected tracks on a 'live' playlist.  Keyword Compositor™ requires MMBC product. 

Download Price: $   (Published at time of release)    

The optional Keyword Query Toolset™ (KWT) presents 14 specially-targeted “single action” keyword queries (search instructions) that add greater precision to the powerful native search controls in the MMBC.  The associated Keyword Results (KWR) form provides 15 integrated sort and filter buttons to easily narrow or reclassify search results.  Examples of user-interactive KWT queries include: Title, Artist, Music Type, Year of Release, Tempo, Gender, File Path, and more.

Users with the optional ATL Image Manager can also use the Keyword Query Toolset™ to find target songs and instantly place selected tracks on a 'live' playlist.  Keyword Query Toolset™ requires MMBC product.

NOTE: The Keyword Query Toolset™ is a "feature-lite" version of the Keyword Compositor™.  If you acquire the Keyword Compositor™, there is no need to purchase the Keyword Query Toolset™.

Download Price: $   (Published at time of release)    

The optional Value Key Activation™ (VKA) secondary license provides a low-cost solution for users who wish to install and personalize their master copy of the MMBC on a first computer, and also use the software on a second computer.  The process is simple:

A) The user first installs the MMBC in Trial mode and, when ready, purchases an MMBC product license for his primary computer (perhaps a desktop PC in his or her office).

B) After the user has personalized the MMBC on the primary computer (by inserting hyperlinks to audio files or choosing to add optional products like the ATL Image Manager), the user COPIES the personalized MMBC file to a second computer (such as a laptop or Netbook device).

C) From Codentity License Manager (CLM) on the second computer, the user clicks to create a Value Key Token (VKT) for the second computer.

D) The user transmits the VKT to Codentity and purchases Value Key Activation.

E) After license verification and payment processing, Codentity emails a Value Key Confirmation Code (VKCC) to the user.  From the CLM Status tab on the second computer, the user submits the machine-specific Value Key Confirmation Code in the appropriate dialog box.  If the VKCC is correct, the MMBC and ALL its activated optional products will be enabled on the second computer.

Acquiring a Value Key Activation allows the user to install and activate the MMBC and its companion products on a second computing device at a sharply reduced price (when compared with the cost of purchasing individual licenses).  Value Key Activation requires MMBC product.*

*This policy is subject to change without notice and may be discontinued.   ADVISORY:  Codentity License Manager (CLM) contains license monitoring technology.  It can detect product tampering, date alterations, and other violations of the EULA (End User License Agreement).  Please conform the terms of the EULA. 

Download Price: $   (Published at time of release)    

The Media Player Mixer Express™ (MPMe) is a "virtual smart mixer" software product from Codentity LLC.  The MPMe blends superior search and play performance with live-assist automation and an innovative interface. The MPMe provides bold visual cues to DJs and sound producers as they control music and effects through SIX simultaneously available MP3, WAV or WMA capable media players—side-by-side, on one easy-to-read screen.

The next release of the Media Player Mixer Express™ (MPMe) has been postponed in order to permit final development of the Music MegaBase® Catalog (MMBC).  Click here to learn more.

Experienced DJs, comprehensive music selection, portable light trees, great sound equipment and affordable prices—Party Hits is the perfect choice for your next music and sound event.  Click here to learn more.

Since 1985, Paul McManus Recording (PMR) has specialized in the restoration and mastering of vintage recordings.  With the in-house capability to reproduce original multi-format session tapes and conduct direct to digital restoration, sweetening, mixing and mastering, PMR will bring new-life to your treasured recordings!  Click here to learn more.