Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

hello,

OK I sent an email to Dave listing some of the
problems that users on this list and some customers of
mine have had with the Evolver and Poly Evolver
editing software [MAC version] and he replied after
talking it over with Mark @ Sound Tower. Here is how
the conversation went (my original email first, with
his reply, then his response, irrelevant dealer info
snipped):

DAVE << hello,

On the editor problems, I'm not
sure what you are referring to, since I havent heard
any major complaints. What are the problems?? >>

SHAWN << Thanks...I suppose they aren't the most major
but ... I am referring to the MAC editor of
both the Evolver and the Poly Evolver, not the PC
version. The problems seem to include both receiving
bank dumps from the Editor to the Evolver, and also
sending them from the Evolver to the editor. I've had
2 people tell me that they can't get it to work.
I have also seen people mentioning the following:
"genetics" patches don't dump properly or sound as
expected from the window readout. Also that the editor
is sluggish on OSX compared to OS9.

Mark at Sound Tower was communicative at first but
less than helpful lately ... I can't test these for
myself as I only use PC. Any idea if they've been
fixed or are being worked on? Maybe the later works
properly but was just a bad experience with a single
person, but I've heard the first part from more
than one person.

Thanks for the continued support,

Shawn Cleary
schism@... >>

--------------------------
DAVE:

<< Shawn-

A couple notes that might help (from Mark):

On the bank dumps, The solution is simple - The editor
uses OX coreAUDIO system that has to be set in
SYSTEM_PREFERENCES/AUDIOMIDISETUP by adding a "device"
interface that your evolver/poly is connected to. I
will add this info or even pop OX AUDIOMIDISETUP
window in the editor's MidiSetup in a next update.

It can be sluggish when there is not enought RAM on a
system and Virtual Memory is pumped from HD for OX
double-buffering. Otherwise it is OK -  I'ts been
tested it on 200Mhz with 512Mb. BTW - the editor
really doesnt run on os9, so if someone is doing that
it would be cool to find out how!

I also don't have a Mac, so I'm a bit in the blind.
Mark is also checking into the genetics, but I havent
heard any complaints from any other mac editor users.

Hope that all helps!

-Dave >>

---------------------------------

So anyone having problems please check and see if this
helps them.

Good luck!

Shawn Cleary
schism@...


	
		
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Hi, thanks for the update.

I tried this:

> On the bank dumps, The solution is simple - The editor
> uses OX coreAUDIO system that has to be set in
> SYSTEM_PREFERENCES/AUDIOMIDISETUP by adding a "device"
> interface that your evolver/poly is connected to. I
> will add this info or even pop OX AUDIOMIDISETUP
> window in the editor's MidiSetup in a next update.

I still cannot get the receive all banks (or single banks) to work on my system.
When I click on the start button the little red MIDI light flashes on both the editor and 
the Evolver but then nothing happens.

I'll try e-mailing Soundtower.  If I get a reply, I'll post it here.

John Mazzei
>

I would have really liked to have got the editor, but I tried the demo and it looked
rubbish to me, like a cheap hack.  The way the envelope display didn’t update, and the
overall sluggish feel, plus the problems reported here, boy, I’d rather use the knobs.
Pity.  I like using a graphic interface, especially for the sequencer.  Keep us
posted, I may get it if it improves.

I think Dave should make a remote knob box. To me,
interface is important, i HATE editing from a
computer. Also for playing live, i dont sequence
anything, i dont use a computer on stage (kind of
takes away from the whole "live" thing) this interface
seems to really limit its use live. When i read the
poly evolver was going to be 1u i was bummed, i think
it would be nice as an indigo sized synth OR at least
have the remote knob box...
my 2 cents
-Josh


	
		
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I use the editor profile for Evolver that comes with Unisyn. I think 
it's great . I could never do what I do without it.  I use the knobs 
on the Evolver but only after I've completely set up a patch using 
the editor. 


--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, Alex <zero@z...> wrote:
> I would have really liked to have got the editor, but I tried the 
demo and it looked
> rubbish to me, like a cheap hack.  The way the envelope 
display didn’t update, and the
> overall sluggish feel, plus the problems reported here, boy, 
I’d rather use the knobs.
> Pity.  I like using a graphic interface, especially for the 
sequencer.  Keep us
> posted, I may get it if it improves.

hello,

Replies inline...

<< I still cannot get the receive all banks (or single
banks) to work on my system. When I click on the start
button the little red MIDI light flashes on 
both the editor and the Evolver but then nothing
happens. >>

Is this the case with everyone else? Unfortunately I
don't have a MAC so I can't try it. If this is the
case then I'll follow-up with Dave as well.

<< I would have really liked to have got the editor,
but I tried the demo and it looked rubbish to me, like
a cheap hack. The way the envelope display 
didn\u2019t update, and the overall sluggish feel, plus
the problems reported here, boy, I\u2019d rather use the
knobs. Pity. I like using a graphic interface,
especially for the sequencer. Keep us posted, I may
get it if it improves. >>

I agree, the graphics are a bit dated (I call them
"Win98-like) but the editor does offer a lot of
functionality. In particular it helps when making
quick edits on the sequencer (with all those mod
destinations) and also when "drawing in" waveforms.
Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and put up
with something less than adequate.

<< I think Dave should make a remote knob box. To me,
interface is important, i HATE editing from a
computer. Also for playing live, i dont sequence
anything, i dont use a computer on stage (kind of
takes away from the whole "live" thing) this interface
seems to really limit its use live. When i read the
poly evolver was going to be 1u i was bummed, i think
it would be nice as an indigo sized synth OR at least
have the remote knob box... >>

I suppose that Dave was looking at two things 1.
keeping costs low and 2. ease of manufacturing. I
think that some outsourcing is involved here...if that
is the case then maintenance becomes a big issue too.

But in general, I agree with you Josh. I'm not sure
that there is a big market for a knob box, given a
couple of things: 1. so many exist already and the DSI
box might work exclusively with his products (so users
couldn't have a multifunctional box, though this could
be avoided with work) 2. a ton of Evolvers have sold
but Poly sales are a bit more limited due to the
pricetag, plus a nice knob box would cost at least as
much an Evolver itself - and I say this because while
not exactly knobby the Evolver does have a "better"
interface.

_But_ ... I was thinking a Poly Evolver in a casing
similar to the Virus or like you said Indigo (if he
could add keys for not much more, remember that most
boards use Fatars and there are licensing fees etc)
would just eat the market. I am somewhat surprised by
how the new Moogs are selling...I expected them to
sell a lot but not this many. Of course Moog is using
their old name while Dave doesn't for one reason or
another, and a lot of people wouldn't equate DSI and
SQI, but anyway...I really like the DSI color scheme
and would love a cool tabletop with lots of knobs. Oi,
maybe some day...

Thanks, Shawn


	
		
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Hey Shawn,

Could you recommend a knob box? I have never used one,
but would make an exception for something Dave Smith
makes. I noticed a while back you posted a potiential
trade for a prophet vs for a poly evolver...do you not
like the poly? How close to the vs does it sound...or
is it even compairable. i have yet to see a real live
poly evolver but cant wait. I wonder how hard it would
be to make it into a tabletop or indigo sized
synth...if he did that i think it would be a great
complement to all the voyager owners!
Thanks
Josh


	
		
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Hi Everybody,

I decided to join this list to help solve any problems with 
EvolverMAC version. I will open a source code to see what may be 
preventing this software to work on some systems. In a next couple of 
days with your help I hope to compile and post EvolverMac program 
that should met your expectations. The biggest issue seem to be 
receiving data from the evolver. Simply, the reason might be that I 
mixed up something with model Evolver/Poly modes. I apologize for any 
inconvenience that this might have caused but I can assure you I will 
fix all this very soon and I am here to support both the Evolver and 
the editing software.

www.soundtower.com

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, Modular Fan <synthtrader@y...> 
wrote:

> hello,
> 
> OK I sent an email to Dave listing some of the
> problems that users on this list and some customers of
> mine have had with the Evolver and Poly Evolver
> editing software [MAC version] and he replied after
> talking it over with Mark @ Sound Tower. Here is how
> the conversation went (my original email first, with
> his reply, then his response, irrelevant dealer info
> snipped):
> 
> DAVE << hello,
> 
> On the editor problems, I'm not
> sure what you are referring to, since I havent heard
> any major complaints. What are the problems?? >>
> 
> SHAWN << Thanks...I suppose they aren't the most major
> but ... I am referring to the MAC editor of
> both the Evolver and the Poly Evolver, not the PC
> version. The problems seem to include both receiving
> bank dumps from the Editor to the Evolver, and also
> sending them from the Evolver to the editor. I've had
> 2 people tell me that they can't get it to work.
> I have also seen people mentioning the following:
> "genetics" patches don't dump properly or sound as
> expected from the window readout. Also that the editor
> is sluggish on OSX compared to OS9.
> 
> Mark at Sound Tower was communicative at first but
> less than helpful lately ... I can't test these for
> myself as I only use PC. Any idea if they've been
> fixed or are being worked on? Maybe the later works
> properly but was just a bad experience with a single
> person, but I've heard the first part from more
> than one person.
> 
> Thanks for the continued support,
> 
> Shawn Cleary
> schism@t... >>
> 
> --------------------------
> DAVE:
> 
> << Shawn-
> 
> A couple notes that might help (from Mark):
> 
> On the bank dumps, The solution is simple - The editor
> uses OX coreAUDIO system that has to be set in
> SYSTEM_PREFERENCES/AUDIOMIDISETUP by adding a "device"
> interface that your evolver/poly is connected to. I
> will add this info or even pop OX AUDIOMIDISETUP
> window in the editor's MidiSetup in a next update.
> 
> It can be sluggish when there is not enought RAM on a
> system and Virtual Memory is pumped from HD for OX
> double-buffering. Otherwise it is OK -  I'ts been
> tested it on 200Mhz with 512Mb. BTW - the editor
> really doesnt run on os9, so if someone is doing that
> it would be cool to find out how!
> 
> I also don't have a Mac, so I'm a bit in the blind.
> Mark is also checking into the genetics, but I havent
> heard any complaints from any other mac editor users.
> 
> Hope that all helps!
> 
> -Dave >>
> 
> ---------------------------------
> 
> So anyone having problems please check and see if this
> helps them.
> 
> Good luck!
> 
> Shawn Cleary
> schism@t...
> 
> 
> 	
> 		
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Friends.  Fun.  Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger.
> http://messenger.yahoo.com/

Sorry to alter the subject somewhat but...

	Since your here, does the PC version support using an evolver and
polyevolver in chain mode?  If so what do you suggest as the correct way to
connect the midi cables and setup the software.

Thanks,

> -----Original Message-----
> From: soundt2003 [mailto:list@...]
> Subject: [Evolver] Re: UPDATE - Evolver / Poly Evolver problems
>
> Hi Everybody,
>
> I decided to join this list to help solve any problems with
> EvolverMAC version. I will open a source code to see what may be
> preventing this software to work on some systems. In a next couple of
> days with your help I hope to compile and post EvolverMac program
> that should met your expectations. The biggest issue seem to be
> receiving data from the evolver. Simply, the reason might be that I
> mixed up something with model Evolver/Poly modes. I apologize for any
> inconvenience that this might have caused but I can assure you I will
> fix all this very soon and I am here to support both the Evolver and
> the editing software.
>
> www.soundtower.com

Hi all,

I know he's serious about this because Mark and I have been
communicating frequently on this and even did some long distance
troubleshooting with my system last week. 

All of us Mac folks may have some resolution soon.  Thanks Mark!

John Mazzei


--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "soundt2003" <list@s...> wrote:

> Hi Everybody,
> 
> I decided to join this list to help solve any problems with 
> EvolverMAC version. I will open a source code to see what may be 
> preventing this software to work on some systems. In a next couple of 
> days with your help I hope to compile and post EvolverMac program 
> that should met your expectations. The biggest issue seem to be 
> receiving data from the evolver. Simply, the reason might be that I 
> mixed up something with model Evolver/Poly modes. I apologize for any 
> inconvenience that this might have caused but I can assure you I will 
> fix all this very soon and I am here to support both the Evolver and 
> the editing software.
> 
> www.soundtower.com
>