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Convert NSF Files to MP3s
indecks writes "This tutorial shows an easy way to convert NSF (NES Sound Format) files to mp3s so they can be played in normal media players, or even used as ringtones. Now I have the Super Mario Bros '1Up' sound for my text message notification, and I have Mega Man 3's 'Snakeman' stage music as my ringer. Sah-weet!" (The method demonstrated does require Windows, note.)
I just make sure none of my coworkers are around when I look at something tagged NSFW. It's easier than using steganography to hide the offending content in an mp3. Oh wait...
"What kind of music do pirates listen to?" -Paul Maud'dib
"Yeeeaaarrrrr n' Bee!!" -Stilgar, Leader of Sietch Tabr
... just use Winamp and get the .NSF plug in. Or any input plugin for any exotic format that you enjoy. And switch to the disk-writer output plugin. It's rather beautiful and has worked for, what, like 8 years now?
More Twoson than Cupertino
With Linux (or almost any other unix-like OS), you can just record off the sound card using ALSA-based tools.
For a slightly more obscure video game ringtone, you can use VGM2MIDI to turn your Sega Master System VGM music file into a perfectly useable MIDI ringtone. The FM processor in the Japanese version of the SMS made for much better music than the square and triangle waves the NES was capable of, and as a result the games have much better soundtracks for listening to.
I've got the Phantasy Star theme going right now, and it's better than most NES theme songs. Mario and Zelda are too pop culture, and just about anything else isn't worth the effort.
Don't worry, AC. We're talking noncommercial, personal use of only part of the game (the soundfiles) in a way that ain't cutting into Nintendo's profits. In other words, textbook fair use and legal as sea salt. Not that you are likely to have meant that comment to begin with.
(rot13) rpbzbab@tznvy.pbz
Man, I have the same sound set up for when I receive a text message.
One time, while my friend was giving me a tour of her workplace, as we were going through an older, disused part of the building, the other member of our group asked "what's in here?" We walked over to him to find out, and the instant that we opened the door, I got a text message. I don't do a lot of texting, and no one else knew about me having that sound set up on my phone.
It was perfect. We all just kinda looked at each other in disbelief for a good five seconds before we busted out laughing. I couldn't have planned it any better.
It's actually very easy. Here's what you do:
1. Install Windows XP SP3 or better, or Vista, on your PC. Ensure your system has a Core 2 Duo 3GHz or better, or equivalent.
2. If you haven't already, install Microsoft's .NET Runtime version 3 or better.
3. Install MyConvert 3.72b or better. Make sure you download the beta. You'll also need to find WIN32CRT.DLL, VB64RT6.DLL, and DECSS.DLL - copy these to your WINDOWS SYSTEM32 directory. Also install VBMP3LIB.OCX and LIBDOTGSM4.VBX, and copy them to the same directory to installed MyCovert 3.72b. I usually find a Google search will find repositories that include these files.
4. Have a play with MyConvert 3.72b. Note you have to press the big "OPEN" button to give it focus before you can actually press it to activate it. The OPEN button is the one that has a large "O" with a picture of a pen inside it. This will bring up the custom file selector which looks a bit like an iPod. From "Sources", highlight "MAME", then select "2600", "Speaker", "Audio", "\devices\system\audio\by-uid\0011-20494931-3185891928172-9321" (the middle seven digits will change depending on your system set up.)
5. Finally, plug an Atari 2600 into your TV, hold the phone near the TV speaker, plug the ET game in, switch it on, and on boot, record the noise it makes with your phone. Use your phone's "Use as ringtone" feature to make this your ring tone.
I hope this helps,
You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
Bow-ties are cool.