Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi all,
>
>  We have prepared an Evolver/Poly comprehensive update. We have
>  posted it as a beta for now as we do not have all the support
>  documents prepared yet but we took special care in order to assure
>  the quality of this software was high. It is an extensive remake of
>  any previous version and is loaded with many exciting new features
>  that I am sure you will find very innovative and useful. Both Mac
>  and PC versions share the same look. The Mac version features
>  Virtual Midi interface that acts like a bridge between the software
>  sequencers, the editor and the hardware.
>
>  There is an extensive CC mapping function to program parameter
>  mapping that allows the sequencers to adjust any poly/evolver
>  parameter using sequencer's cc mixers or cc hardware controllers
>  to play and record in real time. In addition there is a new look for
>  the editing panel that follows the hardware keyboard signal flow
>  layout.
>
>  For the Poly, there is a new simplified mode that will allow you to
>  quickly edit not only the combo settings but also all programs on
>  four channels.
>
>  As for registration codes, the version 4 PC and MAC accepts only
>  the "Mac" reg code. I All PC users will need a new reg code for this
>  upgrade (which is going to be the same as current Mac code).
>
>  If you would like to check it out for free as a demo for now please
>  direct your browsero to:
>
>  www.soundtower.com/evolver
>
>  Any and all comments welcome.
>
>  See you in NAMM if are there this week.
>
>  best regards
>  Derek
>
>  www.soundtower.com
>
>

Hi Derek/Soundtower,

This are my first impressions:

1. Great to see that you have implemented the new signalflow layout but
if you haved tested it on a 15" screen you will see that part of the
layout is
outside the screen and you have to scroll to see it. The scroll
function in the
edit window doesn\ufffdt even work with my MacbookPro mousepad. I made a
new layout sketch (attached to this mail) that fits a 15" screen by
rearanging
parts to group them so they, in my opinion, make sense.

2. Rotating the knobs with the mouse is frustrating. I can\ufffdt just
klick and drag
the mouse up and down to change the value. I have to rotate around the
knob
center to do it. Not that user friendly.

3. I would like to see drop manues on, for ex. destination windows,
instead of the
separate window we have had on previous versions.

4. Sorry to pick on this, but the overall graphical implementation,
for ex. the knobs
and the brown envelopes in the signalflow layout doesn\ufffdt look fresh to
me. It\ufffds 2008
and the evolver isn\ufffdt a retro synth. And you even forgot both the
evolver and
dave smith logo.

Looking forward to the finnished product,

Best
Magnus

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On Jan 15, 2008 5:14 PM, Magnus Liljebergh <m_liljebergh@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Derek,
>
> Sorry to brake it to you but it´s all about a userfriendly interface,
> not realism in this case. You probably own an Ipod or mac and
> understand why they are so popular. If we where talking about
> modulating a vintage synth to VST a would totally agree with you.
> But that´s not the case.
>

> I don't have a problem with the circular knob movement.
> I would like to see the sequence editor and sliders respond to a
> single click & drag across them,
> rather than having to click on each slider and then drag. i.e. more
> of a painting motion (if that makes any sense).
>
> jmw
>
>
>

>
>
> A small "bug" I just noticed on the Mac version:
>
> The "edit view" menu doesn't indicate which mode (generic or flow) is
> selected.
> a check mark next to the currently selected choice would be helpful.
>
> jmw
>
>

>
> Hi all,
> 
> We have prepared an Evolver/Poly comprehensive update. We have 
> posted it as a beta for now as we do not have all the support 
> documents prepared yet but we took special care in order to assure 
> the quality of this software was high. It is an extensive remake of 
> any previous version and is loaded with many exciting new features  
> that I am sure you will find very innovative and useful. Both Mac  
> and PC versions share the same look. The Mac version features 
> Virtual Midi interface that acts like a bridge between the software  
> sequencers, the editor and the hardware.
> 
> There is an extensive CC mapping function to program parameter 
> mapping that allows the sequencers to adjust any poly/evolver 
> parameter using sequencer's cc mixers or cc hardware  controllers  
> to play and record in real time. In addition there is a new look for 
> the editing panel that follows the hardware keyboard signal flow 
> layout.
> 
> For the Poly, there is a new simplified mode that will allow you to 
> quickly edit not only the combo settings but also all programs on 
> four channels. 
> 
> As for registration codes, the  version 4 PC and MAC accepts only 
> the "Mac" reg code. I All PC users will need a new reg code for this 
> upgrade  (which is going to be the same as current Mac code).
> 
> If you would like to check it out for free as a demo for now please 
> direct your browsero to: 
> 
> www.soundtower.com/evolver
> 
> Any and all comments welcome.
> 
> See you in NAMM if are there this week.
> 
> best regards
> Derek
> 
> www.soundtower.com
>

Great stuff - I've yet to see a truly competent editor/librarian for
the Evolver, so an update is very welcome here.

Here are my thoughts on the beta:

1) Selecting a patch renders the name unreadable in the list due to
dark blue selection colour and black text - perhaps ought to be white.
Not a huge problem given the name is doubled at the top, but still
it's inelegant.

2) The editor's not very unusable on a 1280x1024 resolution due to
having to scroll across to see all the controls. Also, the scroll bar
blinks needlessly for some reason. Otherwise I like the design of the
editor - similar to SoundDiver, and a huge improvement on the old
interface.

3) Mouse control: Yeah, as mentioned the circular control may mean you
can select values accurately, but it's also pretty hard on the wrist.
Linear scrolling is much easier and doesn't rely on the pointer's
relative position, only vertical movement - much better. Ideally we'd
have an option to switch between the two. Most sequencers have options
for circular/linear for VSTs - arguably the standard on-screen
interfacing paradigm. For linear control, holding down a modifier for
finer control would be handy - again this is the standard within
Cubase for VSTs.

4) Mouse wheel: Why have you chosen to reverse the mouse wheel's
function? Every other app follows the standard up/down scroll for
up/down value control respectively. I don't understand why you'd
chosen to do the opposite. Why force people to get used to another way
of working?

5) Having to manually click 'close' after selecting a modulation
destination becomes rather tiresome after a while - should it not
simply close once you have made a selection, as the drop-down ones do?
At the very least, being able to double-click to select and close
would help.

I haven't been able to test anything else in depth as it's too
frustrating due to the UI issues above. I know I sound rather blunt
with some of the comments, and I don't mean to insult or belittle your
efforts, but I'm just a little frustrated at the lack of a decent
editor (and that applies to all my synths - I never thought I'd miss
SoundDiver, but to be honest it still hasn't been bettered yet by a
long shot. The Vyzor editor looks nice, but is still a pain to use due
to the cumbersome SoundQuest foundation. Please examine some VST
interfaces for inspiration, such as those from NI, Ohm Force and PSP -
I know you can turn this into a cracking piece of software.

Regards,
Chris.

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "soundtower_helpdesk"
helpdesk@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> We have prepared an Evolver/Poly comprehensive update. We have
> posted it as a beta for now as we do not have all the support
> documents prepared yet but we took special care in order to assure
> the quality of this software was high. It is an extensive remake of
> any previous version and is loaded with many exciting new features
> that I am sure you will find very innovative and useful. Both Mac
> and PC versions share the same look. The Mac version features
> Virtual Midi interface that acts like a bridge between the software
> sequencers, the editor and the hardware.
>
> There is an extensive CC mapping function to program parameter
> mapping that allows the sequencers to adjust any poly/evolver
> parameter using sequencer's cc mixers or cc hardware controllers
> to play and record in real time. In addition there is a new look for
> the editing panel that follows the hardware keyboard signal flow
> layout.
>
> For the Poly, there is a new simplified mode that will allow you to
> quickly edit not only the combo settings but also all programs on
> four channels.
>
> As for registration codes, the version 4 PC and MAC accepts only
> the "Mac" reg code. I All PC users will need a new reg code for this
> upgrade (which is going to be the same as current Mac code).
>
> If you would like to check it out for free as a demo for now please
> direct your browsero to:
>
> www.soundtower.com/evolver
>
> Any and all comments welcome.
>
> See you in NAMM if are there this week.
>
> best regards
> Derek
>
> www.soundtower.com
>

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

I don't have a problem with the circular knob movement.
I would like to see the sequence editor and sliders respond to a
single click & drag across them,
rather than having to click on each slider and then drag. i.e. more
of a painting motion (if that makes any sense).

jmw

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> Thanks Derek - that's what I was looking for.
>
>
> Any chance on implementing "pen mode" in the generic editor?
> perhaps having the sliders snap to cursor position on click rather  
> than increment.
>
> jmw
>
>
>
>
> On Jan 18, 2008, at 12:41 AM, SoundTower_Help Desk wrote:
>
>>
>> Hi John,
>> Thanks for the note.
>>
>> There are two modes already implemented to deal with this. If you  
>> go into the squencer window you will see the options for pen mode  
>> and slider. This should give you the flexibility you need.
>>
>> Best regards
>> Derek
>>
>> John Wieczorek <evening@...> wrote:
>> I don't have a problem with the circular knob movement.
>> I would like to see the sequence editor and sliders respond to a
>> single click & drag across them,
>> rather than having to click on each slider and then drag. i.e. more
>> of a painting motion (if that makes any sense).
>>
>> jmw
>>
>>
>>
>> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo!  
>> Search.
>>
>
>
>

Hi Derek,

I think nobody here is expecting shiny, 3D animated swooshing graphics

with a 3 botton input display (Apple). You missenterpreted what I mentioned

earlier about user friend interfaces. I was refering to simple and understandable

layouts with knobs that should be easy to tweat even if you are using a mousepad.

A wheel mouse to get linear scrolling doesn\ufffdt do it for me, it\ufffds to slow.

A totally agree with you about function before design. But this can be achieved

with easy methods without compromising one another. Have a look at the simple

graphics Ableton Live uses. The have rotary knobs with linear scrolling. ;)

My comment on the graphics earlier where more about choosing different knob

graphics (more realistic) and menu/envelope colors (brown isn\ufffdt that hot, it\ufffds 2008)

showned in the example I sent you. Easy changes. No CPU performance lost.

18 jan 2008 kl. 06.35 skrev SoundTower_Help Desk:

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the detailed note. Very kind.

This kind of input is exaclty why we release a beta version. It is to catch all possible issues before final release.

Yes we acknowledge that as fare as controls go there are many other ways to changing parameter values. I could perhaps suggest that if you like a linear approach use the mouse wheel for now. The mouse wheel linear change is easer to implement as far as programming goes. I believe that we will make it option based on your note as well as the other you refered to.

Thanks for pointing it out, most of us are use to knobs here as we use the hardware while programming.

But we understand the concerns and it will be addressed.

As far a resolution is concerned it is tough to show all parameters. It does not leave us much room to manouver but we will make a version will self adjust automatically for 1400 x 900 screnn resolutions or greater.

The mouse wheel direction choice: the delta x/y can be reversed and put into options.

Selecting with out closeing allows you to select destination for lots of parameters without having to reopen the window. When you are into more than mod contrtols you will see the value. You don't have to close the window each time; just click on another destination to have it assigned.

In our experience other menu forms will not be as freindly.

The problem with look of the vst example is that it is limiting. We have to sacrifice bitmaps for the sake of usability and functionality of the software. The look is a concern but we cannot sacrifice functionality for look.

Trust me if we were to present a few knobs a time we could go for a 3-d look that would rival Apples double buffered output but then we would be accussed of selling out and who knows what else.

Thanks again for the great suggestions. They will be implemented as mentioned above.

best regards
Derek

Chris Leary com> wrote:

Great stuff - I've yet to see a truly competent editor/librarian for
the Evolver, so an update is very welcome here.

Here are my thoughts on the beta:

1) Selecting a patch renders the name unreadable in the list due to
dark blue selection colour and black text - perhaps ought to be white.
Not a huge problem given the name is doubled at the top, but still
it's inelegant.

2) The editor's not very unusable on a 1280x1024 resolution due to
having to scroll across to see all the controls. Also, the scroll bar
blinks needlessly for some reason. Otherwise I like the design of the
editor - similar to SoundDiver, and a huge improvement on the old
interface.

3) Mouse control: Yeah, as mentioned the circular control may mean you
can select values accurately, but it's also pretty hard on the wrist.
Linear scrolling is much easier and doesn't rely on the pointer's
relative position, only vertical movement - much better. Ideally we'd
have an option to switch between the two. Most sequencers have options
for circular/linear for VSTs - arguably the standard on-screen
interfacing paradigm. For linear control, holding down a modifier for
finer control would be handy - again this is the standard within
Cubase for VSTs.

4) Mouse wheel: Why have you chosen to reverse the mouse wheel's
function? Every other app follows the standard up/down scroll for
up/down value control respectively. I don't understand why you'd
chosen to do the opposite. Why force people to get used to another way
of working?

5) Having to manually click 'close' after selecting a modulation
destination becomes rather tiresome after a while - should it not
simply close once you have made a selection, as the drop-down ones do?
At the very least, being able to double-click to select and close
would help.

I haven't been able to test anything else in depth as it's too
frustrating due to the UI issues above. I know I sound rather blunt
with some of the comments, and I don't mean to insult or belittle your
efforts, but I'm just a little frustrated at the lack of a decent
editor (and that applies to all my synths - I never thought I'd miss
SoundDiver, but to be honest it still hasn't been bettered yet by a
long shot. The Vyzor editor looks nice, but is still a pain to use due
to the cumbersome SoundQuest foundation. Please examine some VST
interfaces for inspiration, such as those from NI, Ohm Force and PSP -
I know you can turn this into a cracking piece of software.

Regards,
Chris.

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "soundtower_helpdesk"
helpdesk@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> We have prepared an Evolver/Poly comprehensive update. We have
> posted it as a beta for now as we do not have all the support
> documents prepared yet but we took special care in order to assure
> the quality of this software was high. It is an extensive remake of
> any previous version and is loaded with many exciting new features
> that I am sure you will find very innovative and useful. Both Mac
> and PC versions share the same look. The Mac version features
> Virtual Midi interface that acts like a bridge between the software
> sequencers, the editor and the hardware.
>
> There is an extensive CC mapping function to program parameter
> mapping that allows the sequencers to adjust any poly/evolver
> parameter using sequencer's cc mixers or cc hardware controllers
> to play and record in real time. In addition there is a new look for
> the editing panel that follows the hardware keyboard signal flow
> layout.
>
> For the Poly, there is a new simplified mode that will allow you to
> quickly edit not only the combo settings but also all programs on
> four channels.
>
> As for registration codes, the version 4 PC and MAC accepts only
> the "Mac" reg code. I All PC users will need a new reg code for this
> upgrade (which is going to be the same as current Mac code).
>
> If you would like to check it out for free as a demo for now please
> direct your browsero to:
>
> www.soundtower.com/evolver
>
> Any and all comments welcome.
>
> See you in NAMM if are there this week.
>
> best regards
> Derek
>
> www.soundtower.com
>

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Thanks Derek - that's what I was looking for.

Any chance on implementing "pen mode" in the generic editor?

perhaps having the sliders snap to cursor position on click rather than increment.

jmw

On Jan 18, 2008, at 12:41 AM, SoundTower_Help Desk wrote:

Hi John,

Thanks for the note.

There are two modes already implemented to deal with this. If you go into the squencer window you will see the options for pen mode and slider. This should give you the flexibility you need.

Best regards

Derek

John Wieczorek org> wrote:

I don't have a problem with the circular knob movement.
I would like to see the sequence editor and sliders respond to a
single click & drag across them,
rather than having to click on each slider and then drag. i.e. more
of a painting motion (if that makes any sense).

jmw

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

> and 4th oscillator knob rows would set each oscillator apart.
> 
> That's it for now.  Great stuff.
> 
> - Dan
>