I am considering developing a version of my MusicWonk software specifically for SFP. This would be a set of algorithmic sequencing modules that go way beyond the trusty old step sequencer. Check out the web site, and you will get the idea of what I mean. Also you can download the PC software for a full featured free 30 day trial, and really give it a spin.
My question is, is a version of this for SFP something Scope/Pulsar people would be interested in? If so, what sort of devices would be most interesting? Any ideas or suggestions would be very welcome.
For those who don't know, MusicWonk is a Windows program that produces MIDI music based on algorithmic rules. It provides interactive, plug-together modules, similar in concept to Pulsar/Scope, but for the MIDI score, not the audio. It is little like MAX, but a lot easier to use, a lot easier to make a good interface with, and no less powerful. Also, it has been tested extensively with Pulsar/Scope.
John Dunn
Algorithmic Arts
http://algoart.com
Algorithmic sequencing for SFP
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blazesboylan
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Karma produces riff-like interactions to your playing in real time, sort of a arpeggiator on steroids. MusicWonk will do this but with 2 differences: 1. it does not use the same canned riffs for everyone, you create your own (originality at the cost of extra work - it is always thus); and 2. it does a whole lot more, and is more of a composing system than simply a riff generator.
But that is not to say a Karma-like module wouldn't be useful for SFP. Right now, I'm open to suggestions, and all suggestions are welcome.
One thing I'm very interested in hearing opinions on, is whether these modules should live in the Modular shell, where they could produce pitch, control, and gate outputs to directly interact with other modules; or should they live out in the routing window?
I run into a kind of circular logic on this. It seems to me they would be more useful to have in the routing window and be available to all synths, not just the Modular. But to do this, they would need to produce MIDI to communicate to the other synths. But MusicWonk, which does exactly that, already exists and works great with Pulsar, so why bother? But if I make if for the modular framework only, how many people would be interested? Round and round.
My inclination is to make it for the Modular because so many cool controls could be added to what is already the best sounding Modular synth available at any price. But that assumes enough people are using the Modular to make adding to it something more than tilting windmills. So I'm asking you, the user community, what do you suggest?
But that is not to say a Karma-like module wouldn't be useful for SFP. Right now, I'm open to suggestions, and all suggestions are welcome.
One thing I'm very interested in hearing opinions on, is whether these modules should live in the Modular shell, where they could produce pitch, control, and gate outputs to directly interact with other modules; or should they live out in the routing window?
I run into a kind of circular logic on this. It seems to me they would be more useful to have in the routing window and be available to all synths, not just the Modular. But to do this, they would need to produce MIDI to communicate to the other synths. But MusicWonk, which does exactly that, already exists and works great with Pulsar, so why bother? But if I make if for the modular framework only, how many people would be interested? Round and round.
My inclination is to make it for the Modular because so many cool controls could be added to what is already the best sounding Modular synth available at any price. But that assumes enough people are using the Modular to make adding to it something more than tilting windmills. So I'm asking you, the user community, what do you suggest?
I would say that if the software already works just fine for midi control then Modular sounds very interesting indeed.
For reference I believe that Flexor sold a lot better than the new Timeworks reverb. Meaning that Modular definately seems to be a focus for at least this part of the Creamware community.
Of course it probably also depends on price if its just a set of modular addons and not a complete system.
For reference I believe that Flexor sold a lot better than the new Timeworks reverb. Meaning that Modular definately seems to be a focus for at least this part of the Creamware community.
Of course it probably also depends on price if its just a set of modular addons and not a complete system.
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blazesboylan
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Mod III would be great here, but maybe Mod II would be more widely usable. Not sure if it makes a difference from a development standpoint?
Incidentally I haven't had a chance to install the demo yet. But I can think of all kinds of uses for the MIDI control module. Trigger a program change from a control message (or vice-versa). Trigger a nice logarithmic curve fade-in on a mixer channel. Create a BPM-based auto-pan. Etc. And that's just the simple stuff!
I think the $129 price on your website is quite reasonable. However maybe providing the same 30 day trial, or some kind of demo, for an SFP version would help entice folks?
Thanks John! Cheers,
Johann
Incidentally I haven't had a chance to install the demo yet. But I can think of all kinds of uses for the MIDI control module. Trigger a program change from a control message (or vice-versa). Trigger a nice logarithmic curve fade-in on a mixer channel. Create a BPM-based auto-pan. Etc. And that's just the simple stuff!
I think the $129 price on your website is quite reasonable. However maybe providing the same 30 day trial, or some kind of demo, for an SFP version would help entice folks?
Thanks John! Cheers,
Johann
OK, judging from the replies here, the email some of you have sent me (Thanks!), and - to be honest - my own predisposition, I've made some preliminary decisions on this:
1. I'm going to do this project. It will be for the Modular initially. If that goes well I may extend it beyond, but one thing at a time. It probably will work in both the Mod 2 and 3.
2. It's far too early to quote price, demo policy, etc. But it will generally be in line with what I'm doing with my other software, and with the Creamware policy.
3. Although Planet-Z is a great board for shared support and information, and for sure I will continue to read messages and even post from time to time - it is not fair to John Cooper to use it as a beta board for this project. So aside from answering a few specific questions if they are asked (as I am doing now), I will not be discussing this project further on this board, until I am ready to announce that the software is ready.
4. You are invited to become beta testers for this project. Usually I continue with the same best beta testers for a very long time, and they continue giving suggestions and doing tests for future versions.
5. Beta testers will get the software for free, but I require that they purchase MusicWonk or ArtWonk at the regular price. Those who already have either of these programs do not need to buy anything further.
6. In addition to this inner group of private testers, I usually have a public beta test just before releasing the software, but this pre-release group of testers do not get free software, just an early look at it. When and if I have a public beta on this, I will announce it here.
7. Everyone knows you can't predict when software will be ready, and this project hasn't even started yet. So I won't predict. No point in asking either. All I can say is that for the next few months this will be the #1 project at Algorithmic Arts.
8. If you want to beta test, email me directly: johndunn@algoart.com - I look forward to hearing from you, and you may be surprised at how much of what you ask for in beta gets into the final project.
John Dunn
Algorithmic Arts
http://algoart.com
1. I'm going to do this project. It will be for the Modular initially. If that goes well I may extend it beyond, but one thing at a time. It probably will work in both the Mod 2 and 3.
2. It's far too early to quote price, demo policy, etc. But it will generally be in line with what I'm doing with my other software, and with the Creamware policy.
3. Although Planet-Z is a great board for shared support and information, and for sure I will continue to read messages and even post from time to time - it is not fair to John Cooper to use it as a beta board for this project. So aside from answering a few specific questions if they are asked (as I am doing now), I will not be discussing this project further on this board, until I am ready to announce that the software is ready.
4. You are invited to become beta testers for this project. Usually I continue with the same best beta testers for a very long time, and they continue giving suggestions and doing tests for future versions.
5. Beta testers will get the software for free, but I require that they purchase MusicWonk or ArtWonk at the regular price. Those who already have either of these programs do not need to buy anything further.
6. In addition to this inner group of private testers, I usually have a public beta test just before releasing the software, but this pre-release group of testers do not get free software, just an early look at it. When and if I have a public beta on this, I will announce it here.
7. Everyone knows you can't predict when software will be ready, and this project hasn't even started yet. So I won't predict. No point in asking either. All I can say is that for the next few months this will be the #1 project at Algorithmic Arts.
8. If you want to beta test, email me directly: johndunn@algoart.com - I look forward to hearing from you, and you may be surprised at how much of what you ask for in beta gets into the final project.
John Dunn
Algorithmic Arts
http://algoart.com
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CreepJoint
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