AlgoMusic presents
The M42 Nebula VSTi






The M42 Nebula VSTi represents a new sound set of sonic exploration. Combining algorithmic rhythmic elements, giant pad and space sounds which can be manipulated in real time, as well as a unique warp
function, the M42 brings the quality of virtual instruments to a new level. The M42 is named after the great nebula located in the constellation of Orion.


M42 Nebula VSTi
Feature set

* Two synths, each with 4 mode filter, 2 envelope generators, LFO, Pulsar and a complex modulation matrix.

* synth 1 (DCO) is a virtual analog synth with 5 different waveforms :triangle, saw, square, pulse1, pulse2. It can be independently tuned from synth 2.

* synth 2 (SFO) is a sample oscillator with 5 different types of pad sounds: Fantasy, Analog, Strings, Vintage, and Voices. Both have mono-modes with legato settings and portamento

* Two unique modules: The Pulsar and Arpeggiator which when run together can create complex rhythms and arpeggiation effects. The arpeggiator is very different then the usual arpeggiators as it receives its waveform structure from the LFO and is not dependent on chords played on the keyboard. The Pulsar creates rhythms as well as a sample hold generator. All are synced to the host BPM. ( Beats Per Minute)This design was inspired by Klaus Shultz's timeless electronic music piece called "Totem".

* Global section for each voice: MIDI channel (2 voice multi-timbre)

Bend range for pitch bend wheel, auto-vibrato, (The delay rate has

already been set, so simply entering a value (using the arrow keys)

will provide a smooth vibrato into the sound. However using the Mod wheel will also bring this parameter into play) split hi and low for keyboard split functions.

* Effects section includes stereo chorus, BPM synced X-delay, auto-panner, and mixer.

* Warp module: X-Y joystick with a unique distortion-filter for warping sounds and creating distortion and lead effects.

* 128 presets programmed by Tim Conrardy (a leading sound designer).

=====================

The M42 demo version is also available. The only restriction in the demo is an audio beep every 60 seconds. However, you can still save and load patches! Included is a 128 preset bank by reknown sound designer Tim Conrardy. Also included is a default bank to create your own patches as well as a full manual in HTML format.

The price is only $45.00 USD / 37 Euros
Orders can now be processed using the Share-it! system.

Please visit the download page at http://algomusic.nl
There, you download the demo, the manual, and the blank FXB bank, as well as order a full copy for only $45.00 USD/ 37 Euro !

For more information, visit the products page with MP3 audio examples composed by Tim Conrardy. These examples showcase the capabilities of the M42.

To hear what KvRists say about the M42 (while exploring the demo) go here:

http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40908&sid=1caa0407aa7183f 44aabe10384855851

Explore the furthest spaces of your musical mind with the M42 Nebula Vsti !

Your AlgoMusic Team
http://www.algomusic.nl

ordered

note to jeff. PORT SYNTHEDIT TO MAC

thass what you get for braggin about your pipe organ

vurt wrote:

thass what you get for braggin about your pipe organ

Mr. Leading Sounddesigner, does that synth support 88khz operation (and actually make use of that sampling rate)?

thank you;)

rav

xRAVENx wrote:

Mr. Leading Sounddesigner, does that synth support 88khz operation (and actually make use of that sampling rate)? thank you;) rav

OK ..you make me blush ...I said " A " leading sound designer..as I am not the only one. Lord knows theres some good sound designers here at KvR and Patch Arena.

RE: 88KHZ operation: a good question. The DR does the coding on the synths,and I do the presets,manual and "public figure" so he may know more about it. It is SE, if that answers anything. It does use regular SoundFonts. As a matter of fact, we decided NOT to embedd the SF2 inside it, so you could replace the SF2 that is there with one of your own, and simply rename it.We are going to have an alternate SF2 for download as well, as part of our support for this synth, so we can create new sound sets.

BTW: thanks guys for being patient while we set up the Share-it! thing. Was I glad when our test order went thru!!

TC

nah just teasing, your patches are great

the soundfonts are 44khz I assume? (that would mean 88khz operation would only introduce more aliasing ultimately I suppose)


thanks

rav

vurt wrote:

ordered

Hey! Our first customer...thanks Vurt. Love to hear what you come up with it sometime!

TC

Tim, the M42 is very impressive.

best of luck with the purchases, I'm sure there will be many!

Bruce

It's mine!

Purchased it as soon as I got home and got online.. I was out or I'd have ordered it sooner! It's downloading now.. w00t!

I guess nobody will see me for the rest of the week now. And I suppose I'll be up all night playing with it!

Very interesting synth, I'm not sure it's exactly what I need but I'm tempted...

Also very interested in Stratoblaster, is the beta making any noises we can hear yet?

Yeah, I agree about the presets, they are excellent. I have held alot of resistance to the synthedit world, but it was easier when I was Mac platform only & could not use them Outstanding work like this one go a long way towards deconstructing my ignorant prejudice..that means ,"I like it alot.."

Good work!

edit: I forgot to ask..what's the next Messier object you'll be naming the next synth after? I've seen em all through my big 11 inch..(that's gonna raise some eyebrows..)

sickle666 wrote:

Yeah, I agree about the presets, they are excellent. I have held alot of resistance to the synthedit world, but it was easier when I was Mac platform only & could not use them Outstanding work like this one go a long way towards deconstructing my ignorant prejudice..that means ,"I like it alot.." Good work! edit: I forgot to ask..what's the next Messier object you'll be naming the next synth after? I've seen em all through my big 11 inch..(that's gonna raise some eyebrows..)

11" reflecting? I am GREEN! and I'm saving up to get a 6". Recently picked up astronomy again. Yes..plenty of messier objects as well a NGC objects to make synths with ..amd we were even thinking of doing a series like that.M31 is alrady taken however with Alesis Andromedia, but maybe M51 would be good. Spectactular Galaxy.

RE: Stratoblaster: We have a very good beta, and it sounds excellent, but we want to do improvements. The only problem is the download: it has 60 MB's of samples which would make a huge download, unless we make it available on CD, which might be possible with the Sharit system. We shall see.

The SID synth however would be probably our next synth. We have several others that we have been experimenting with as well. ( with lots of algorithmic elements)Just need to refine them..so this is just the beginning ( is that ELP?_)

TC

60mb is a lot of samples but I'll download it anyway for a really good rhythm / lead guitar monster...

M51..ok, I'm rusty..lemme see..that would be the "Whirlpool Galaxy", eh?

It's been awhile, & as far as size goes, it's like the ladies say:

It ain't the size of the mirror, it's the polish on the parabola

edit: as far as inspiration from the heavens goes..nothing beats "Omega Centuari"..Now THAT would be a synth name to live up to..& for all those who have no idea what we are talking about:

http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/AAO/images/captions/aat089.html

sickle666 wrote:

M51..ok, I'm rusty..lemme see..that would be the "Whirlpool Galaxy", eh? It's been awhile, & as far as size goes, it's like the ladies say: It ain't the size of the mirror, it's the polish on the parabola

Yep: The Whirlpool Galaxy! what a concept for a synth! I can just imagine.

BTW: Be sure to pick up the freeware to go in your AlgoMusic folder with M42 (on the freeware page)ARPY and PhadiZ. Cool little synths!

EDIT: that sure is an impressive Star cluster! That would make a cool concept as well.

TC

O/T

only 10" here and the polish has seen better days
,and with the light pollution round here i thought deep sky objects would be a bit of a challenge.
but i've been looking into using an adapted wecam and this -
http://aberrator.astronomy.net/registax/
Looking at what people have done with this it's pretty incredible and free
- when i get it set up i'll post some images

btw M42, does that mean it'll only work in orion

oh and just ordering now

I hate soundfonts.

Tim,
are there sound design tips'n tricks included in the m42 package (and your messenger number)?

ladies and gentlemen,we are floating in space




without the buzz of the demo version i am in heaven/the heavens

sirens of the soul

check music cafe for details but first track using my new toy

After testing it I have to say that I am impressed, a fantastic synthesizer with a really especial sound, the programming of sounds is very high quality and the patches are all first class !

Now only I need to discover how to assign the modulation wheel and the velocity ( among others ) to some of the parameters...

Congratulations for this great synthesizer and with this price I think you have reached a new record of the "more for less" category.

Saludos

M42?

http://www.cbrd.co.uk/motorway/42.shtml

Bit of a rubbish motorway if you ask me. I'm more of an M62 man meself..over the moors.....

any plans to release an algorithmic midi sequencer type plug in?

Jaybez wrote:

any plans to release an algorithmic midi sequencer type plug in?

sounds like a job for XOXOS !!!

anythng i say at this point will underwhelm. (okay, check link)

aah.. nice synth guys :p

xRAVENx wrote:

Tim, are there sound design tips'n tricks included in the m42 package (and your messenger number)?

Actually: THERE IS! In the manual I have tips and tricks on how to get Totem sounds, a quick start guide and plenty of pics. Let us know what you guys think of the manual, as this was my first one ( well..not true..I did lots of tutorials for Atari-MIDI stuff, if you go to my Atari site)
...and come to think of it: I do not have a messenger number. I get tied up too much on these forums! so thats my chat.

Vurt: can't wait to check out that MP3....doing there now.

Thanks for the comments guys!

TC

Jaybez wrote:

any plans to release an algorithmic midi sequencer type plug in?

Yes...we have one in the works and just needs to be refined. It's a two voice algorithmic synth and sounds very cool.Maybe it will become the M51

But I love Xoxos's work. Sometimes they are rather cryptic ( like Dr T ) but thats what makes them fun.

TC

krraqk wrote:

After testing it I have to say that I am impressed, a fantastic synthesizer with a really especial sound, the programming of sounds is very high quality and the patches are all first class ! Now only I need to discover how to assign the modulation wheel and the velocity ( among others ) to some of the parameters... Congratulations for this great synthesizer and with this price I think you have reached a new record of the "more for less" category. Saludos

Thanks for the comments
RE: Mod wheel and velocity. Good Q. I may have to ask the DR on this, but we do have a CC chart in the manual, so if your sequencer can map CC's to CC's then try that method. I have M42 mapped to my UC-16 and it works well. Nothing like Knobs!

And you hit it on the head with the More for Less concept...that was our goal for this synth,( and all our upcoming products) or..I could use the old Atari saying ( being the Atari fanataic I am) : "POWER WITHOUT THE PRICE "

TC

vurt wrote:

sirens of the soul check music cafe for details but first track using my new toy

Vurt: Very Cool Track! I see you like the WARP stuff on M42. Was the violin M42 as well? If it is..did you use your own SF2?..unless it was a preset..M42 strings? We do have a pretty good String SF2 in there. The drums were great at the end as well. Good job on the vocals mangling :-)Nice Track..and well worth a listen!

TC

Hengy wrote:

O/T only 10" here and the polish has seen better days ,and with the light pollution round here i thought deep sky objects would be a bit of a challenge. but i've been looking into using an adapted wecam and this - http://aberrator.astronomy.net/registax/ Looking at what people have done with this it's pretty incredible and free - when i get it set up i'll post some images btw M42, does that mean it'll only work in orion oh and just ordering now

Yeah: saw this in Sky and Telescope this month...and really caught my interest.I am shopping for a scope now, but can't spend a lot.

Seems like Space and VSTi's go well together..and surprised to see some true "space heads" here!

TC

donkey tugger wrote:

M42? http://www.cbrd.co.uk/motorway/42.shtml Bit of a rubbish motorway if you ask me. I'm more of an M62 man meself..over the moors.....

with Myra...

krraqk wrote:

Now only I need to discover how to assign the modulation wheel and the velocity ( among others ) to some of the parameters... Congratulations for this great synthesizer and with this price I think you have reached a new record of the "more for less" category. Saludos

Ok..got an answer from the DR.:
======
A: The modwheel is not assignable atm, but it will be -most likely- next
update.We'll also add external joystick control for the warpmodule

=====

However as I said before, many hosts allows CC mapping. You will find the CC map for M42 in the manual download.

TC

TC

Quote:

Yeah: saw this in Sky and Telescope this month...and really caught my interest.I am shopping for a scope now, but can't spend a lot.

well i won't upset you by telling you how much i paid for my 10" meade (i rescued it from a skip )


didn't see this in S&T, heard about it from someone who's been using it, but glad to see it's getting publicity

Quote:

and surprised to see some true "space heads" here!

and i like astronomy as well

And what about custom CC map?A 'Midi Learn' maybe or external CC-map file?

MrdR wrote:

And what about custom CC map?A 'Midi Learn' maybe or external CC-map file?

I think MIDI learn has been implemented in SE, but heard it's still in developement, so we decided not to put it in and simply created the CC chart you see in the manual.

However apps like EnergyXT allow you to map whatever CC you want to want to another one. I would look into the details of your sequncer/host and see if it has this feature.

Thanks for the Q's.

TC

Quote:

Ok..got an answer from the DR.: ====== A: The modwheel is not assignable atm, but it will be -most likely- next update.We'll also add external joystick control for the warpmodule ===== However as I said before, many hosts allows CC mapping. You will find the CC map for M42 in the manual download.

hmmm...sad, nothing replaces the control via velocity or aftertouch for some things. I will consider seriously a "free" controller mapping adding to this velocity, key position, aftertouch etc.

I know I can do that remapping with my host (SX 2) but its an unnecessary complication in my opinion, because it is important to keep this information with the patch ( in this aspect Cameleon is an authentic delight )

I hope you will consider it soon.

Saludos

krraqk wrote:

Quote: Ok..got an answer from the DR.: ====== A: The modwheel is not assignable atm, but it will be -most likely- next update.We'll also add external joystick control for the warpmodule ===== However as I said before, many hosts allows CC mapping. You will find the CC map for M42 in the manual download. hmmm...sad, nothing replaces the control via velocity or aftertouch for some things. I will consider seriously a "free" controller mapping adding to this velocity, key position, aftertouch etc. I know I can do that remapping with my host (SX 2) but its an unnecessary complication in my opinion, because it is important to keep this information with the patch ( in this aspect Cameleon is an authentic delight ) I hope you will consider it soon. Saludos

Your absolutly right about aftertouch and velocity. Programming Cameleon right now and see what you mean I wrote the DR on this. We might look into how stable the SE MIDI learn function is. Thank you for the suggs...they are right on!

TC

munchkin wrote:

donkey tugger wrote: M42? http://www.cbrd.co.uk/motorway/42.shtml Bit of a rubbish motorway if you ask me. I'm more of an M62 man meself..over the moors..... with Myra...

ian bradey and myra hindley,they were very very friendly





thanks for the comments on the track tim,no the strings here are cellofan.but yeah the warp feature is fun havent checked all presets yet gimme a chance its a monster
sure i will have more to put up altho im currently listenin to a version of shine on you crazy diamond using 3 nebulas

Has I have already said, this synth is amazing, it sounds like pure and smooth silk, and what for me matters it sounds very musical and inspiring.


Im more and more convinced that its the Tim Conrardy hand the reason for this musicality. I hope you will do more (and more!) patches and SF banks expanding the beautiful sound of this synth.

Well, I have decided to purchase it NOW, but I cant see how to purchase it in the web page!


I am blind or its not possible to buy it?

Saludos

page 1 of this thread direct link to buying synth
you will not regret it

Quote:

page 1 of this thread direct link to buying synth you will not regret it

Thanks but I cant reach the purchase link.

You mean the http://www.algomusic.nl page right?

Im like crazy clicking around all the pages but I dont see any link to the purchase page.

Even clicking in the shareit icon dont do nothing.

It has been removed or what?

Saludos

click the buy icon to the left of the share it logo

I like this

ordering now

those crazy Dutchmen hey, they know their business

(erg leuke synth, ik had nog geen vaste pad synth, bedankt )

Incomprehensibly in IE do not appear the "buy it" icon, I have had to launch mozilla to be able to see it!

Now all is ok the only problem is that my credit card expired the first day of April 8(

Seems that I need to go to my bank...

Thanks for your help.

Saludos

krraqk wrote:

Incomprehensibly in IE do not appear the "buy it" icon, I have had to launch mozilla to be able to see it! Now all is ok the only problem is that my credit card expired the first day of April 8( Seems that I need to go to my bank... Thanks for your help. Saludos

worked fine in IE here..

>>The M42 is named after the great nebula located in the constellation of Orion.

Yeah right. Obviously, the "M42" is a reference to the old Pentax screw mount lenses, to give the synth a hint of retro-cool.

krraqk wrote:

Has I have already said, this synth is amazing, it sounds like pure and smooth silk, and what for me matters it sounds very musical and inspiring. Im more and more convinced that its the Tim Conrardy hand the reason for this musicality. I hope you will do more (and more!) patches and SF banks expanding the beautiful sound of this synth. Well, I have decided to purchase it NOW, but I cant see how to purchase it in the web page! I am blind or its not possible to buy it? Saludos

Hi Saludos
Thanks for the comments..I hope you get your credit card stuff fixed, and glad you finally saw the BUY button on the download page.

Our next plans for the synth is to make a new SF2 with more banks to expand the sound pallette of M42. The DR is an expert in SoundFonts ( and Vienna..which is not all that user friendly)so he is designing a new one. Once that is done, I can create a new preset bank for it...and looking forward to it, as the first initial bank were my experiments ( as are most of my patches anyway

We would love to hear user presets if anyone is up to it.We just got a set from DizzyHelix which are excellent!!The M42 is fairly easy to program, and you can use the factory presets as starters. In the empty bank is a "default" sound which serves as a starting point. Read the tips in the manual about creating Totem sounds and getting the ARP to work. It's all in the mod matrix, the X-Delay and the BPM settings.

Send them to support * at * algomusic.nl . You can use the empty bank on the download page or FXP is fine as well. Have some fun. soon, ( hopefully) we will have USER banks available on the download page.

TC

Tim,

up to what sample and bitrate does the sf2 format support samples please? (e.g. does it do 88/24 by any chance?)
Thinking about making a bank or so if thats possible.


rav

xRAVENx wrote:

Tim, up to what sample and bitrate does the sf2 format support samples please? (e.g. does it do 88/24 by any chance?) Thinking about making a bank or so if thats possible. rav

Ok...just got the answer from the DR. :

======

A: No, I don't think so. For all I know the SF format supports up to 48/16.

Note: the M42 itself processes all signals internally at 32 bits floating
point.
Output depends on the host, so either 16 bit integer, or 32 bit floating
point samples.

======

Hope this helps! Let us know how you fair with the bank.Excellent possabilities here. We kept the banks in catagories so that how they are labeled on the synth ( SFO section)

TC

damn man.. this is a really nice synth

I'm having serious fun with this
this is the surprise buy of the year for me

happy happy joy joy


fickin' 'ell mate I can't get over it
the sound is bloody addictive


you sold your soul to the devil for this, didn't you?

you've got little horns sticking out of your head, right?

speak in tongues maybe?

spaceman wrote:

damn man.. this is a really nice synth I'm having serious fun with this happy happy joy joy

Considering you are THE Space Man, this is the right synth for you! Time to fly!

TC

it's the sequences that make this so special.. every patch is like a mini-song dead easy to program as well

can you make one in dark blue and dark grey for me please?

When loading the Default bank, i get this error msg:



..and loading in and renaming the presets doesnt work here either....

WinXP/OPlat 5.xxx etc

Ive done about 10 presets, but i gave up after that, too much trouble. I saved them in .prs and .fxp, but not much lick. Had probs with this before with some SE stuff.

Kriminal wrote:

When loading the Default bank, i get this error msg: ..and loading in and renaming the presets doesnt work here either.... WinXP/OPlat 5.xxx etc Ive done about 10 presets, but i gave up after that, too much trouble. I saved them in .prs and .fxp, but not much lick. Had probs with this before with some SE stuff.

Hi Dave

Ok...just tried this..and you are right...that error message comes ( trying in tracktion) but this is what I did:

1.After loading the default bank, the error message comes up, but the SF2 appears to be working fine. Saved the original FXB to the same DIR that M42.DLL was in ( just as an experiment)
2.Created a new patch in slot one. Renamed the patch. Seemed to work fine.
3.Saved the FXB with a new name to the same DIR that M42.dll is in ( it may not matter anyway)
4.Reloaded the original default FXB. No error message this time.
5.Then reloaded my newly created FXB..loaded fine and the new patch name is there.
6.Also tried saving as FXP. Of course, you have to rename the patch in the bank FIRST before saving it as FXP, as thats where the patch name comes from.( not the file name)

Hope this helps: I can give my new default bank to the DR and have him upload that, and see if that helps. Thanks for catching this...it is much appreciated.

TC

Thanks for that.

There are 10 sounds here if you can use them. Not sure how diff they are to others, havent spent too much time with this (been busy with another beasty )

http://kriminal.phreque.com/M42.zip

Kriminal wrote:

Thanks for that. There are 10 sounds here if you can use them. Not sure how diff they are to others, havent spent too much time with this (been busy with another beasty ) http://kriminal.phreque.com/M42.zip

Darn: they will not load in Tracktion or XT. We will look into this. Wonder if theres a problem with SE and Orion?

TC

This synth is addicting to play. Sound wise I like to go against character, so in M42's case, trying for an analog lead. Not at all bad, good overall sound and then lots of movement and changes over time.

This is excellent proof that analog modeling is branching out with specialty synths that still sound good doing what they are typically known for and for the spacey, druggy sounds that M42 Nebula is going to be known for.

It's particularly good for the value in that the CPU use is low and there are so many good sounds to work on, let alone create, that this synth is one of the types I point to when I show friends and new users to what's going on in the electronic world.

Great work guys, after working with a bunch of cool stuff that can make your head explode with it's complexity it's nice to come back to a well laid out synth that does exactly what you expect and sounds teriffic.

This is one I'll be taking about frequently for great work and great value.

Hey Tim -

Would you and the DR please stop making synths like this? I can't get my hands off the keyboard and I'd really like to sleep sometime
tonight...mwerr...

Seriously, I love M42. I was noodling through the included patches, and when I hit the "M42 Strings" I just about fell out of my chair.

gnu23 wrote:

Hey Tim - Would you and the DR please stop making synths like this? I can't get my hands off the keyboard and I'd really like to sleep sometime tonight...mwerr... Seriously, I love M42. I was noodling through the included patches, and when I hit the "M42 Strings" I just about fell out of my chair.

I just about did the same after I made that patch. Played it today on a MIDI guitar ( a casio DG-20) and it's a full string sound.It's that String SF2 the DR made.

Actually, playing M42 with a MIDI guitar is something. I can trigger off SEQunces on the bottom strings, and play a lead with the top 2 strings while the sequence is playing. The RYM patches sound great when playing full chords, and the leads really come out of the woodwork. I highly recommend a MIDI guitar with this one. Playing the M42 Bass sounds is a kick as well.

TIP: Try slowing down your host to 90 BMP or so, and the RYM, SEQ and ARP patches become more alive.

But I am afraid you won't get much sleep because the DR and I are still planning and scheemming on what to do NEXT!

TC

cool!

It's funny you mentioned slowing down the tempo, I spent three hours (for me, a small eternity) slowing down the tempo and making drifting sounds, almost melodic when played carefully.

Three patches and you have an entire song's worth of sound. I used a string section patch I made in Ozone 3 and ran it through Sonar's Lexicon Reverb feeding into O3 and it was indescribable. Very organic, very present.

I'm really looking forward to your algorithmic based work, I spent 10 years of my life working on this and writing extensively as a multiple practicum finishing off my university degree.

It almost hurts waiting for the next creation.

tconrardy wrote:

gnu23 wrote: Hey Tim - Would you and the DR please stop making synths like this? I can't get my hands off the keyboard and I'd really like to sleep sometime tonight...mwerr... Seriously, I love M42. I was noodling through the included patches, and when I hit the "M42 Strings" I just about fell out of my chair. I just about did the same after I made that patch. Played it today on a MIDI guitar ( a casio DG-20) and it's a full string sound.It's that String SF2 the DR made. Actually, playing M42 with a MIDI guitar is something. I can trigger off SEQunces on the bottom strings, and play a lead with the top 2 strings while the sequence is playing. The RYM patches sound great when playing full chords, and the leads really come out of the woodwork. I highly recommend a MIDI guitar with this one. Playing the M42 Bass sounds is a kick as well. TIP: Try slowing down your host to 90 BMP or so, and the RYM, SEQ and ARP patches become more alive. But I am afraid you won't get much sleep because the DR and I are still planning and scheemming on what to do NEXT! TC

Fantastic synth Tim & Dr!

Any chance that the pan and chorus LFOs might be host synced someday?

Good work and thanks,

futari

tconrardy wrote:

TIP: Try slowing down your host to 90 BMP or so, and the RYM, SEQ and ARP patches become more alive.

slowing down?
thats about double my normal working speed

tconrardy wrote:

gnu23 wrote: Hey Tim - Would you and the DR please stop making synths like this? I can't get my hands off the keyboard and I'd really like to sleep sometime tonight...mwerr... Seriously, I love M42. I was noodling through the included patches, and when I hit the "M42 Strings" I just about fell out of my chair. I just about did the same after I made that patch. Played it today on a MIDI guitar ( a casio DG-20) and it's a full string sound.It's that String SF2 the DR made. Actually, playing M42 with a MIDI guitar is something. I can trigger off SEQunces on the bottom strings, and play a lead with the top 2 strings while the sequence is playing. The RYM patches sound great when playing full chords, and the leads really come out of the woodwork. I highly recommend a MIDI guitar with this one. Playing the M42 Bass sounds is a kick as well. TIP: Try slowing down your host to 90 BMP or so, and the RYM, SEQ and ARP patches become more alive. But I am afraid you won't get much sleep because the DR and I are still planning and scheemming on what to do NEXT! TC

I have a Casio MG or PG series (can't remember which - looks and plays like a good Strat). I haven't used it for synths in ages - it didn't track fast-attack sounds very well...but it was beautiful for pads. Dangit - looks like I'm going to have to wrangle some cables again!

Quote:

Fantastic synth Tim & Dr! Any chance that the pan and chorus LFOs might be host synced someday? Good work and thanks, futari

A good idea...as all the rest of the stuff is BPM synced! I will pass this to the DR.

TC

tconrardy wrote:

Quote: Fantastic synth Tim & Dr! Any chance that the pan and chorus LFOs might be host synced someday? Good work and thanks, futari A good idea...as all the rest of the stuff is BPM synced! I will pass this to the DR. TC

and internal patch management

Quote:

[quote="spaceman and internal patch management

I asked the DR on this and he said that internal patch managment is not implemented in SE yet.But Jeff is always doing updates...so who knows!

BTW: anybody else having trouble saving patches?

TC

First off, "hey". I'm more a lurker here than a poster, but love KVR.

I hope this a valid question - and I admit I haven't read this whole thread, nor do I necessarily understand the limits (if any) of SE synths. But here goes:

is it possible that a future release would load any wave file in the Soundfont bank?

EDIT: to clarify - load a wave file instead having to create and load a user SF.

I really dig this synth. It creates just amazing, beautiful textures, etc.

- regards - o3j

OzoneJunkie wrote:

First off, "hey". I'm more a lurker here than a poster, but love KVR. I hope this a valid question - and I admit I haven't read this whole thread, nor do I necessarily understand the limits (if any) of SE synths. But here goes: is it possible that a future release would load any wave file in the Soundfont bank? EDIT: to clarify - load a wave file instead having to create and load a user SF. I really dig this synth. It creates just amazing, beautiful textures, etc. - regards - o3j

Thanks for the comments and for coming out of Lurk Mode

Got an answer from the DR:
=================================
Sorry, no, that will be not possible, not now, not ever.
Why?
Sampling basics.
Imagine, ONE wavefile, stretched all over the keyboard... It would sound
like Donald Duck on dope.
A typical soundfont is a set of VERY carefully looped wavefiles, very often
up to 4 samples/octave!

================

Actually what the DR says makes sense. A soundFont is much better then just a wave file. This was the reason why Glenn of Crystal fame decided to have SF2 support and not wave support: because in a SF2 you have Multi-samples, which is much better!

There are lots of Freebie SF2's on the net as well. You can also make your own using the free SF2 editor from Creative Labs( Vienna) however some find this app a bit user unfriendly.Takes some getting used too.

However: we are working on a new Sound set SF2 for M42..so hang on!

TC

Thanks for the detailed response, Tim. Makes sense

I guess the only justification/arguement I could make for wishing for wave file support is when one just wants to send a single wave through the cool processing the synth is doing, and not planning on playing the sample on more than a 1/2 octave range or so.

Anyway, cheers.

I am really annoyed with Tim Conrardy and DR Ambient for two reasons:

1. I need to sleep. I can't with this thing installed on my computer.

2. I need to save money. I can't, I need to buy this thing. (Actually I can save money, because the synth is dirt cheap, but complaint 1 is still valid)

HelgeG wrote:

I am really annoyed with Tim Conrardy and DR Ambient for two reasons: 1. I need to sleep. I can't with this thing installed on my computer. 2. I need to save money. I can't, I need to buy this thing. (Actually I can save money, because the synth is dirt cheap, but complaint 1 is still valid)

Boy..it sure seems like it's an epedemic now: People just can't sleep with an M42 installed.

My sugg to you is to make a sequence loop of one note, and let it play one of the Totem patches. Relax the eyes, and travel to other dream worlds.

so..it can HELP you sleep ...and M42 will get into your subconsious mind...and there is NO escape!


TC

tconrardy wrote:

My sugg to you is to make a sequence loop of one note, and let it play one of the Totem patches. Relax the eyes, and travel to other dream worlds. so..it can HELP you sleep ...and M42 will get into your subconsious mind...and there is NO escape!

Currently I still get the high pitched beep every now and again that keeps me from drifting away, but soon I shall be completely lost...

Seriously though, thanks for an utterly brilliant synth, it is right up my street. As soon as my next salary is due, I'll place an order.

TC
neat synth !
any way of paying for this with PayPal dollars ?

APK

APK77 wrote:

TC neat synth ! any way of paying for this with PayPal dollars ? APK

Hi..we got your email as well. Just wanted to discuss it with the DR first, but he is in Holland , and I am in the states ( CA)so theres a bit of a time diff.

My initial thoughts is that we wanted to use the ShareIt system to keep track of all payments for M42, so it's all in one place. To pay by Shareit, you don't need to sign up with them, you just go thru the usual process of buying something on the net using a credit card.

But I want to see what the DR says. I have a PayPal account as well.Maybe something can be arranged, but my initial thought still stands.It's good business and less messy to keep everything in one place for good records.

TC

Yep, understandable.
Email me tomorrow if it turns out to be a live option. Thanks.

Tim if you are so kind and have the time to answer me I have some questions:

With the demo (yes yet with the demo my Visa is not here yet 8() I cant save my own patches in the internal memory of the synth, is it possible with the full version? modify a preset, name it and save it?
Its possible to load and save different patches banks?

How I can load a new SF bank? What sounds of the sf bank will be used?

Excuse me if Im asking something already answered here is very late and Im a little tired.

Saludos.

Looks like a very interesting synth. Different than the standard VA/FM/Additive/Rompler common synths. Does it have any of the P4 Denormal problems?

krraqk wrote:

Tim if you are so kind and have the time to answer me I have some questions: With the demo (yes yet with the demo my Visa is not here yet 8() I cant save my own patches in the internal memory of the synth, is it possible with the full version? modify a preset, name it and save it? Its possible to load and save different patches banks? How I can load a new SF bank? What sounds of the sf bank will be used? Excuse me if Im asking something already answered here is very late and Im a little tired. Saludos.

Hi Saludos

You should be able to save FXP and FXB using your host. M42 does not have an internal preset manager, but uses the hosts system. As we state on the site, the only limitation in the demo is the beep every minute or so. You can save your patches/banks in FXP/FXB format.

RE: SF2's: All you have to do is rename your soundfont the same as the one in M42. But I would back up, or put an X in the extension of the factory SF2, as the factory bank uses it.

TC

AnotherBob wrote:

Looks like a very interesting synth. Different than the standard VA/FM/Additive/Rompler common synths. Does it have any of the P4 Denormal problems?

Hi "bob"

Not that I am aware of. I have a P4, and it is fine on it. It is SE if that tells you anything. I think Jeff would have fixed anything like that.

and..it does sound different then the usual breed of synths out there. It seems to have a character all it's own, just like a DX7, a D50, or a Virus.

TC

Quote:

Hi Saludos...

Hi Tim, "saludos" is not my name, to say "saludos" in spanish is just like saying "greetings" in english.

My real name is Enrique

Hehe, not problem at all, funny.

krraqk wrote:

Quote: Hi Saludos... Hi Tim, "saludos" is not my name, to say "saludos" in spanish is just like saying "greetings" in english. My real name is Enrique Hehe, not problem at all, funny.

He he...thats why I got a D in french
Maybe I should take up Elvish

TC

Tried the demo, bought the thing and having now lots of fun programming it... A good piece of work, well worth my hard earned $$

Synth design is all about trade-offs - especially flexibility versus usability. Some features that could be good to have will be never touched by most users while the added complexity of their existence will affect them all. I think M42 has a good balance on this aspect. I have some suggestions that I believe can add good sonic capabilities without significant impact on the CPU usage or programming interface. But then it is just my .02!

That said, here follows my wish list:

- Syncable chorus and pan rates, but as an *option*, please! Syncable effects are great, make things easy and predictable but for this very same reason are sometimes just boring.

- On the same line: some modulation effects have sweet spots for modulation rates. "Natural vibrato" for example, along the tradition of the singing human voice and the string instruments family, occurs for modulation rates about 5Hz~7Hz. PWM also usually requires a narrow range of modulation rates. I think that to have the *option* for a free-running LFO (non-synced) would be a nice extra.

- I know this is tougher to implement (modulation matrix modifications, etc) but an additional LFO, at least for the DCO, would also be a nice plus! Maybe a simpler one, not synced, not "arpable", just for a touch of those modulation effects...

- A fine tune control with a range of about +/- 100 cents. The reason is that when using heavy pitch modulation (arp/warp) the resulting final pitch sometimes "is not quite there". The resulting sound is great most of the time but I would like to have another (finer) degree of control in addition to the modulation amount on the matrix.

- A noise source (white/pink)

- Some routing options for the FX section, e.g. send switches on the DCO and SFO for chorus, x-delay and pan. Maybe individual amount controls too, but then it could become more complex than really needed. Switches would be OK IMHO.

Regards,
Boin

boin wrote:

Tried the demo, bought the thing and having now lots of fun programming it... A good piece of work, well worth my hard earned $$ I have some suggestions that I believe can add good sonic capabilities without significant impact on the CPU usage or programming interface. But then it is just my .02! That said, here follows my wish list: - On the same line: some modulation effects have sweet spots for modulation rates. "Natural vibrato" SNIP Regards, Boin

Thanks for all these great suggs...I will pass them on to the DR. Glad you are actually programming your own sounds. If you have any patches you would like to share, we would love to hear them, or you can load them to Patch Arena.

RE: Natural Vibrato: we do have a seperate vibrato just for the natural vibrato sound. The settings are in the Global window. You can also use MOD wheel to activate this as well, but if you simply put in a setting in the global window to 2 or 3, it creates a natural sounding vibrato effect. The rate however is pre-set.

BTW: I created a new empty bank. The problem was that I had created that bank using a previous beta version of M42, and not the current version, thus the error message. The DR should be uploading it any time now

TC

Add me to the purchased list. Future titles to consider:

M31 (head on collision in 2.7 light years)
M82 (I love seeing the destruction of a galaxy, especially @ ultraviolet wavelengths (& no, that wll NOT load into a wavestation..)
M1 The progenitor to atomic frustration..(this has filter writen all over it..) a nuetron star that rotates 80X per minute sends a VErY discombobulated signal..

I KNOW MY ATRONOMY!! I can second guess you guys any day..dare me & hint @ the next release name

Quote:

RE: SF2's: All you have to do is rename your soundfont the same as the one in M42. But I would back up, or put an X in the extension of the factory SF2, as the factory bank uses it.

Is planned to have different sf2 accesible from inside Nebula? That would increase a lot the sound palette in a simple but efficacious way.

Is not for this purpose the "bank" parameter in the SFO section? At this time the value field can only change from 61 to 64 and I cant hear any sound variation changing it.

Finally purchased Nebula, at last I can forget the horrible buzz and can concentrate in the beatiful sound that it do.

Saludos

krraqk wrote:

Quote: RE: SF2's: All you have to do is rename your soundfont the same as the one in M42. But I would back up, or put an X in the extension of the factory SF2, as the factory bank uses it. Is planned to have different sf2 accesible from inside Nebula? That would increase a lot the sound palette in a simple but efficacious way. Is not for this purpose the "bank" parameter in the SFO section? At this time the value field can only change from 61 to 64 and I cant hear any sound variation changing it. Finally purchased Nebula, at last I can forget the horrible buzz and can concentrate in the beatiful sound that it do. Saludos

Hi again and glad you joined the M42 space brigad! Here is what the DR says about the soundfont:

===============

About the SF bank: The bankformat is 4 banks, with each 5 Soundfonts, so 20
at max.
The M42 works well with either the standard bank, or with a "full" bank.
Anything in between may give strange results, this is almost certain a SE
issue.
I expect the full bank to be ready in a few days, there are real some good
sounds in it, but it will a big download...

=================

So goodies are coming up for M42ers! Right now the SF2 in M42 is only 1 bank..but this new one will expand it greatly.

TC

I made a new demo song using M42

Intersteller.MP3

http://www.algomusic.nl/ARimages/Intersteller.mp3

Its all MIDI guitar and drum loops from a CM magizine disc. The previous thread on M42 had a post when someone dropped drum loops, and an M42 and they synced up nicely. I tried it, and was amazed at the sound and how well it works. The patch I used to start everything was called " RYM Intersteller " , thus the name of the piece. It has a unique modulation in which a pulse wave switches between two soundfonts and makes a cool kind of pallette. I also used some Warp sounds: Hendrixite and feedbacker. These are a lot of fun to play on MIDI guitar. Also playing the Space Bass which seemed to fit well in the piece. PAD Universe and LED Orion was used as well. To fill in the rythm I used RYM Pyson Beat, which added that downward modulation effect.All rendered in Traction! The only processing I did was some "Classic Reverb" on the Warp Feedbacker and "Classic EQ" on the other parts.

Would love comments on this ( guess I should post in the Cafe, but thought it revelant here.)

anybody else try any pieces with M42?

BTW: we have updated the site with a NEW Blank Patch bank which also includes the Factory bank, and a the Manual in Word95 format for those that are having any trouble with displaying correctly the HTML format.


TC

Two words sprang to mind when I loaded this into Orion and fiddled...


F*CK ME !!!!

Gobsmacked. No choice really but to buy it. I would have ordered at twice the price with no question. Out comes the plastic!



Tim, I love what you managed to squeeze out of Rhino (and they're pretty much the only presets I have ever used) and now I think that I want to marry you
If developers keep chucking pad synths out like this, there'll never be a reason to get Atmosphere.

Quote:

=============== About the SF bank: The bankformat is 4 banks, with each 5 Soundfonts, so 20 at max. The M42 works well with either the standard bank, or with a "full" bank. Anything in between may give strange results, this is almost certain a SE issue. I expect the full bank to be ready in a few days, there are real some good sounds in it, but it will a big download... ================= So goodies are coming up for M42ers! Right now the SF2 in M42 is only 1 bank..but this new one will expand it greatly.

GREAT!!

When you say "with each 5 Soundfonts" this mean that the first 5 soundfonts of a bank are the only ones used, right?

Enrique C.

Vurt has done a very cool song using Nebula (as he likes to call it )and posted it on the KvR cafe:

http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41726

Its long, but its like a journey. Good use of the SEQ and ARP patches with Warp and a fantastic PAD that comes out for a very dramatic effect. Have a listen.

Something tells me this synth will become a "cult" classic

TC

GREAT!!

When you say "with each 5 Soundfonts" this mean that the first 5 soundfonts of a bank are the only ones used, right?

Enrique C.[/quote]

Right!

Dr A.

[quote="tconrardy"]Vurt has done a very cool song using Nebula (as he likes to call it )and posted it on the KvR cafe:

http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41726

Nebula is fine.
Nebby is not.
Nice piece, Vurt!

When I load M42 into Orion I don't seem to have accessto the presets. The drop down list contains only the one preset called default. What am I doing wrong?

Congratulations on a great synth and great presets.

I'm recording in Sonar, and I'm wondering
if interactive use of the Warp control can
be recorded in Sonar? My first experiments
don't seem to be recording movements of
the Warp control.

...Tim...

keykitman wrote:

Congratulations on a great synth and great presets. I'm recording in Sonar, and I'm wondering if interactive use of the Warp control can be recorded in Sonar? My first experiments don't seem to be recording movements of the Warp control.

I couldn't get it to record this automation in Sonar either, however it does work perfectly in Project5 (using the same VST Adapter). In Project5, the parameters show up as two NRPN's called "0". One controls the x-axis, while the other controls the y-axis.

Knowing this, you can try to create a MIDI Track Envelope to control the "0" parameters in Sonar. The only problem is that, since they are both the same name, you can only automate along one axis.

When arming a track for automation, I tried to reassign a track automation control to the "0" NRPN, but that causes Sonar to crash in a reproducible manner. Not sure what the problem is, but I wonder if the name of the parameter has to do with this? Either way, it is strange that it works perfectly in Project5 but not Sonar 3.

keykitman wrote:

Congratulations on a great synth and great presets. I'm recording in Sonar, and I'm wondering if interactive use of the Warp control can be recorded in Sonar? My first experiments don't seem to be recording movements of the Warp control. ...Tim...

Hi TimT..glad to see you aboard.
This same Q came up on a previous post on M42.
My advice was to map CC's to CC's inside your host. ..or use a controller knob box and simply assign the assigned CC for the joystick: CC#12 ( X) and CC#13 ( Y) respectivly. I use a UC-16 and have been able to record the X-Y movements in this manner.
We are also looking into a MIDI learn function for the next update possibly. Have to see if it is stable enough to implement. However we have a full CC chart for all parameters in the manual which is available on the download page at http://www.algomusic.nl

TC

m7b52000 wrote:

When I load M42 into Orion I don't seem to have accessto the presets. The drop down list contains only the one preset called default. What am I doing wrong?

Vurt might be able to answer you, as I don't have Orion, but Vurt has been using it successfully ( and he's now a Nebula addict ) VURT?? Calling VURT!

TC

Hi Tim, I think this synth is brilliant and I know I'm going to have a lot of fun using it. I'm another lurker on KVR and the M42 has forced me out of hiding to post this. I'm also into astronomy, I've got a Meade EX 105 EC UHTC. I'm thinking it's going to be rather cool to record some tracks with M42 and go out star gazing with my Meade whilst listening to the tracks,mmmm.

m7b52000 wrote:

When I load M42 into Orion I don't seem to have accessto the presets. The drop down list contains only the one preset called default. What am I doing wrong?

Works fine here, clicking on the preset window in the toolbar brings the whole list up.

kekaboy wrote:

Hi Tim, I think this synth is brilliant and I know I'm going to have a lot of fun using it. I'm another lurker on KVR and the M42 has forced me out of hiding to post this. I'm also into astronomy, I've got a Meade EX 105 EC UHTC. I'm thinking it's going to be rather cool to record some tracks with M42 and go out star gazing with my Meade whilst listening to the tracks,mmmm.

That makes two lurkers come out of the woodwork ;-)That Mead sounds cool...and a great idea! Think I'll do the same. I am shopping for a new scope, but I have a very small one which is OK for Jupiter, moon, M42 ( of course)and such. Can't wait to get my new scope. Then put on my MP3 player with nebula tunes and explore the sky! Thanks for the great idea!

TC

Tim-

Used to have a Meade 10" LX200. Wish I still owned it. Star gazing is lots of fun.

So the reports are, I should get this new vst, right guys? Your pleased??

spikey wrote:

Tim- Used to have a Meade 10" LX200. Wish I still owned it. Star gazing is lots of fun. So the reports are, I should get this new vst, right guys? Your pleased??

Absolutly! ..but I am biased

BTW: For fun I had Nebula in EnergyXT and tried the preset generator on it: you can make some cool sounds with this! Choose a RYM and a PAD and blend them. Nice combo's and usable patches. Anybody with XT can try it! ( even with the demo )

TC

TC

Wow! Very nicely done. Smooth, spacey tone, a beautifull UI and a great set of features.

Of course, this wouldn't be K-v-R if I didn't have some know-it-all suggestions too!

First, the XY control: While the sound of the Warp distortion has a wonderfull attitude, I think you're limiting the usefulness of the XY control if its dedicated to this feature. Why not have X and Y as MOD sources and add Warp Amount and Warp Filter as MOD destinations?

Since GUI space is limited, I'd suggest removing the double-bevel bordering of the three main sections. One border, the rails and the text are adequate to give the 3D effect and this could give you the extra room for the necessary two additional lines per oscillator in the matrix. The horizontal space needed for two extra columns would be a little trickier. Removing the bevel would get some... Moving the Oscillator number just inside the DCO and SFO labels would get some more... Positioning the grey selection buttons directly above their corresponding rectangular leds and putting the parameter labels to the right directly above the led labels would allow the sections to be edged a little closer together without removing white-space...

Some other GUI stuff: The use of somber tones with splashes of color are really cool in the UI. The Global settings and the Warp thing really draw attention. I'd like to see a bit more of this... I'd alter the LED colors for the envelopes and the MOD matrix to help draw the eye around the GUI. In addition, the grey orb could stand some color too.

Also, the "M42" and the ADSR graphics could use some anti-aliasing. They both have jaggies... In contrast, the "NEBULA SYNTHESIZER" looks perfect.


Please take a look at the screenshot I altered. Took a few hours to do in mspaint!

http://wave.prohosting.com/jzero/m42suggest.html

Once again, fantastic synth. Its the first SE creation I'm seriously considering for purchase.

-jzero

tconrardy wrote:

m7b52000 wrote: When I load M42 into Orion I don't seem to have accessto the presets. The drop down list contains only the one preset called default. What am I doing wrong? Vurt might be able to answer you, as I don't have Orion, but Vurt has been using it successfully ( and he's now a Nebula addict ) VURT?? Calling VURT! TC

hmm no probs here at all
you using the demo or the full version?
either way im sure i had access to presets in demo version too?
but same as krim just hit the window and get a drop down list as always?

did you put all the data files in the same folder?not just the dll?

jzero said :

"First, the XY control: While the sound of the Warp distortion has a wonderfull attitude, I think you're limiting the usefulness of the XY control if its dedicated to this feature. Why not have X and Y as MOD sources and add Warp Amount and Warp Filter as MOD destinations?"

I'd second that

APK

Quote:

Please take a look at the screenshot I altered. Took a few hours to do in mspaint! http://wave.prohosting.com/jzero/m42suggest.html Once again, fantastic synth. Its the first SE creation I'm seriously considering for purchase.

That is great work and a real inspiration! Thanks to going to all the trouble. We will have a look at these types of options. I am not the GUI man ..the DR is,,but I will pass it on. Glad you find this synth inspiring. It seems to be changing peoples minds about SE synths...but there are a lot of other nice SE synths as well.

TC

tconrardy wrote:

That is great work and a real inspiration! Thanks to going to all the trouble.

Glad you liked it.

tconrardy wrote:

We will have a look at these types of options... Glad you find this synth inspiring.

I really do. Its PWM sounds are nice and rich. I've yet to figure out the Arp, but the pulsar and the LFO combined with 1/4 and 1/4T cross-delay yield some really nice echo filter changes. The use of the Soundfont as a means to offer a more complex waveform with low cpu overhead was a good choice.

I really like M42. It reminds me of Vanguard. It doesn't have a thousand features. But the ones it includes are quite compelling. I really like these new synths that have everything on one screen.

Quote:

I've yet to figure out the Arp

It's quite simple really.

1.Turn ON the ARP by putting in a value in the ARP dialog ( in the LFO section)For example, a setting of 5 will make the arp go in 5ths.

2.Choose a waveform and rate for the LFO. Try a saw for now and switch to hear the different results with each waveform after step 3.

3.Have the LFO with a destination to Pitch in the mod matrix. The depth controls turns into semitone increments.

THATS IT!

Check out the SEQ and ARP presets in the factory bank for examples. There are some SEQ patches that are actually split keyboards, so you can play an ARP on the bottom keyboard, and play a lead/melody with the upper keyboard.



TC

ok,were not perfect here yet,but as you can see tim is taking on suggestions here and im sure the dr will if he can implement them,as the ideas the rest of the guys are coming up with are spot on,and i know that tim will want to use this synth himself and therefore will want good ideas implementing,catch my drift

anyway that aside,i have heard comments regarding the old synth edit misconception.aside from the fact that over the past year and a half since i started making computer music i have used and still use many synth edit synths that sound great.that said just listen to this little fellers mp3 demo,try the demo and then get out your credit card


whether a synth is made in synth edit or coded in language or whatever as musicians should it not be the sound we are interested in?its kinda like the old schoolyard arguments about who had the best trainers

yes im stoned and im also sorry to rant on when im stoned but this is a great synth and i KNOW from real world conversations there are some idiots here who wont even d/l the demo

I have been playing around with the demo all week. This is a really nice synth and I will more than likely be purchasing it. (I am broke for awhile so I will have to make due with the demo). My hat is off to you Tim and the Dr. As a Space music fan I think this will fit right in with my music. My one question is why is the volume so low compared to other synths I am using. It might be my setup but I have to turn the volume up on my card and then everythig else gets too loud. Anyway to put in some sort of Gain to help boost the levels. Thanks for making this fantastic machine. Just beatiful.

the vsti output channel has a really weird name.. could you maybe turn that into "M42" instead Doc?

thanks!

rav
P.S. sytrus has the same prob

My problem is solved


Changed to internal preset from orion internal bank in preferences

m7b52000 wrote:

My problem is solved Changed to internal preset from orion internal bank in preferences

ahh...good! Glad you figured it out. It's a bit of detective work at times.

TC

Quote:

anyway that aside,i have heard comments regarding the old synth edit misconception.

Hi vurt,

Yeah, that's a very persistent misunderstanding.
SE's internal processing is in 32 bit -floating point-, and -ALL- modulation is at full audiorate.

Tim and I have been working more than 3 months -full time- on the M42, and I can't recall that it ever crashed on me.

Yes OK, but SE is still in beta, they say, so it can't be any good.
Well, ATM I'm studying the SE SDK a bit more in detail, so that in the future I will be able to code my own modules.

Let me tell you: SE is the work of a genius. Period.

Quote:

My one question is why is the volume so low compared to other synths I am using. It might be my setup but I have to turn the volume up on my card and then everythig else gets too loud.

Hi,

It is?
Thanks for reporting. Will look at it.

Hi all

Just to let you know that I made a bank of 30 NEW presets for AlgoMusic's Freebie PhadiZ. It's on Patch Arena now, with a writeup about PhadiZ on the front page ( thanks Alex)

http://www.patcharena.com/index.php

Also check out Patch Arena when you are there: great resource!

It will also be soon on the the algomusic.nl site.

BTW: PhadiZ sounds great with an M42 nebula as well as an ARPY. Talk about ultimate layered ambient!

TC

jzero wrote:

Wow! Very nicely done. Smooth, spacey tone, a beautifull UI and a great set of features. Of course, this wouldn't be K-v-R if I didn't have some know-it-all suggestions too! First, the XY control: While the sound of the Warp distortion has a wonderfull attitude, I think you're limiting the usefulness of the XY control if its dedicated to this feature. Why not have X and Y as MOD sources and add Warp Amount and Warp Filter as MOD destinations? Since GUI space is limited, I'd suggest removing the double-bevel bordering of the three main sections. One border, the rails and the text are adequate to give the 3D effect and this could give you the extra room for the necessary two additional lines per oscillator in the matrix. The horizontal space needed for two extra columns would be a little trickier. Removing the bevel would get some... Moving the Oscillator number just inside the DCO and SFO labels would get some more... Positioning the grey selection buttons directly above their corresponding rectangular leds and putting the parameter labels to the right directly above the led labels would allow the sections to be edged a little closer together without removing white-space... Some other GUI stuff: The use of somber tones with splashes of color are really cool in the UI. The Global settings and the Warp thing really draw attention. I'd like to see a bit more of this... I'd alter the LED colors for the envelopes and the MOD matrix to help draw the eye around the GUI. In addition, the grey orb could stand some color too. Also, the "M42" and the ADSR graphics could use some anti-aliasing. They both have jaggies... In contrast, the "NEBULA SYNTHESIZER" looks perfect. Please take a look at the screenshot I altered. Took a few hours to do in mspaint! http://wave.prohosting.com/jzero/m42suggest.html Once again, fantastic synth. Its the first SE creation I'm seriously considering for purchase. -jzero

Cheers, jzero!

Thanks for this.
mspaint: nothing wrong with it, use it myself.
Unfortunately SE doesn't allow to split the selector switches like you do, at least not atm.
But it's a cool idea.
I also like the idea to sync (as an option) the chorus/flanger/panner.

Quote:

Quote: Quote: My one question is why is the volume so low compared to other synths I am using. It might be my setup but I have to turn the volume up on my card and then everythig else gets too loud. Hi, It is?

Yes I have the same problem, would be nice to have a bit more gain and also a master volume control in order to not touch the synt1/2 balance.

krraqk wrote:

Quote: Quote: Quote: My one question is why is the volume so low compared to other synths I am using. It might be my setup but I have to turn the volume up on my card and then everythig else gets too loud. Hi, It is? Yes I have the same problem, would be nice to have a bit more gain and also a master volume control in order to not touch the synt1/2 balance.

This sounds like a good idea as well. Thanks for the sugg. The DR knows about this issue ( see above) so I am sure we will be looking into it. However, you can still get great sound from the nebula.

BTW: The DR sent sent me the new version of the M42 SF2: and it sounds GREAT! 5 sounds per catagory.( Fantasy, Synth, Strings, Vintage and Voice) It's going to be a big download, but not too bad.This will greatly expand the sound pallette even more for the Pad section. I will announce when we are ready for this.


TC

Got paid today, so first thing I did this morning was to get the Nebula. Very nice to play it without the beeps, and I am reluctant to leave home for work today

HI all

There is now a new SoundFont Bank for M42 nebula. This greatly expands the sound pallette of the Nebula. I plan to make another preset bank that uses these new sound samples. The DR has done a great job in creating these new soundfonts. Not an easy task!

Here is the Info:

http://www.algomusic.nl/downloads.html

Download: M42V1.0.sfpack. This is the full soundfont bank for the M42.(packed: 19.6MB, unpacked: 36.5MB).
Installation: Expand and replace the old soundfont. You need sfpack to expand the archive. Sfpack is freeware and can be found on the web.


You can get SFPack here:

http://www.personalcopy.com/sfpack.htm

TC

lol - I just got the email seconds ago, while I was reading this thread! Got it all downloaded, I can't wait to get home and play with this!

Keep up the excellent work!

edit: gratuitous sarcasm removed - please see below

err..that app won't recognize the downloaded file..suggestions?

The manufacture post most spirit to the essential sound quality update! The item is similar to the oddigy. waiting for distributing!!!

sickle666 wrote:

err..that app won't recognize the downloaded file..suggestions?

Thats funny: try dragging the sfpack file into the application ( like you would a stuffit archive)

=======

EDIT: Ok, downloaded this version, and unzipped it. Then dragged the M42_V1.0.sfpack file into the SFPACK.EXE and it came up. Just select the file and select GO, and it unarchives it.Thats should do it!!

============

I already had SFpack on my machine and simply googled a location for it.

Anybody else having problems?

BTW: been going thru the new samples, and they are amazing. More strings, including some solo strings, and one that sounds just like a mellotron! In the Vintage bank, there is a very good FM piano sound along with a Hammond organ.The vocal section has some very nice layers, plus some good atmospheric sounds in the Fantasy bank.

To access the banks, simply click on the Bank Dialog ( in the SFO section) to scroll thru b1-thru b4 for each catagory.

TC

I've just been having (another) play with the demo, and , as everybody else has said, this is, indeed, a quality bit of work, but one small thing occurs to me... Why did you not use a button stack rather than an LED stack for the various selectors (You could make the small button look like the LED) .. I personally feel that it would be less confusing to the user to select the option directly and save having to 'scroll' through the options..!

But as I said, a quality bit of work, rightly revered.

"Thats funny: try dragging the sfpack file into the application ( like you would a stuffit archive)

=======

EDIT: Ok, downloaded this version, and unzipped it. Then dragged the M42_V1.0.sfpack file into the SFPACK.EXE and it came up. Just select the file and select GO, and it unarchives it.Thats should do it!!"

I did that also. I used every trick I knew..dragging did not work, file services did not work, nor dragging into the application window. It does not recognize the file even after assigning it to the app manually. I'll try re-downloading it again I guess..

Quote:

I did that also. I used every trick I knew..dragging did not work, file services did not work, nor dragging into the application window. It does not recognize the file even after assigning it to the app manually. I'll try re-downloading it again I guess..

That might be the problem. It's a rather large download ( 18MB)so maybe it got corrupted on the way down. Sorry for the hassel. as they say on Forest Gump: "It happens"

TC

can't even load the site page..traffic must be heavy. I'll try later

Hi All

According to the DR, here are the new sound names for the new SF2:

B1:

BellSyn
Saw
Strings
Organic
AChoir

B2:

French Horn
Unison
String Concerto (Cello/Viola split)
B3 Organ
ParaD

B3:

Cosmic
2Wish4
Solina Strings
DXPiano
Tintopia

B4:

Prophet
SynBrass
Mellotron Strings
Dream
StarZ

TC

ianweb123 wrote:

I've just been having (another) play with the demo, and , as everybody else has said, this is, indeed, a quality bit of work, but one small thing occurs to me... Why did you not use a button stack rather than an LED stack for the various selectors (You could make the small button look like the LED) .. I personally feel that it would be less confusing to the user to select the option directly and save having to 'scroll' through the options..! But as I said, a quality bit of work, rightly revered.

Hi Ian

Thanks for the suggs. Thats a lot coming from an excellent SE dev like you.

Here is the DR's response and also some more site news:

===============

A: The button stack uses much more spacing (vertically) between the
elements, that's why...

BTW: For those who had problems installing the new SF bank:
There's a link to a gif now on the Download page: "Your M42 dir should look
like this."

==================

TC

re-downloaded to desktop, process went through fine, All is well in the universe..

sickle666 wrote:

re-downloaded to desktop, process went through fine, All is well in the universe..

WHEW!! Glad it worked..yeah...these things happen and the only thing you can do is: TRY AGAIN!

All is well in universe indeed!

TC

tconrardy wrote:

HI all There is now a new SoundFont Bank for M42 nebula. This greatly expands the sound pallette of the Nebula. I plan to make another preset bank that uses these new sound samples. The DR has done a great job in creating these new soundfonts. Not an easy task! Here is the Info: http://www.algomusic.nl/downloads.html Download: M42V1.0.sfpack. This is the full soundfont bank for the M42.(packed: 19.6MB, unpacked: 36.5MB). Installation: Expand and replace the old soundfont. You need sfpack to expand the archive. Sfpack is freeware and can be found on the web. You can get SFPack here: http://www.personalcopy.com/sfpack.htm TC

Hi Tim,

If you are going to use up all the available banks in the sound font for factory patches then it might be a good idea to either allow for:

- selecting some user banks in the sound font (b1, b2, b3, b4, u1, u2, u3, u4) or

- allowing the Nebula patch to select the soundfont to be used with the specific patch. (i.e. all the factory patches use M42_V1.0.sf2 and user patches can use a different sound font if they wish)

I think the current SE will support both options and it seems the latter will give you the most headroom for expansion.

f

new vurt demo track using 6 nebulas and some compression,no other fx at all
carnage



edited to add link

vurt wrote:

new vurt demo track using 6 nebulas and some compression,no other fx at all carnage edited to add link

Very COOOL Track Vurt! That bass line is nice as well as toward the end atmosphere stuff. Definitly in the deep nebula's ! The organ is also nice as well as that lead sound ( though somewhat discordant...but that sounds like it was on purpose, thus the piece title :-)Good Job!

It's only about 2MB too..so a little easier on the download time

TC

discordant is my middle name


well its edward really but oh well

glad you liked it and yes only 2 meg which for me was the hardest part,being able to stop its just such a beautiful synth to play and i cant wait to hear far better users than me putting it to use

futari wrote:

tconrardy wrote: HI all There is now a new SoundFont Bank for M42 nebula. This greatly expands the sound pallette of the Nebula. I plan to make another preset bank that uses these new sound samples. The DR has done a great job in creating these new soundfonts. Not an easy task! Here is the Info: http://www.algomusic.nl/downloads.html Download: M42V1.0.sfpack. This is the full soundfont bank for the M42.(packed: 19.6MB, unpacked: 36.5MB). Installation: Expand and replace the old soundfont. You need sfpack to expand the archive. Sfpack is freeware and can be found on the web. You can get SFPack here: http://www.personalcopy.com/sfpack.htm TC Hi Tim, If you are going to use up all the available banks in the sound font for factory patches then it might be a good idea to either allow for: - selecting some user banks in the sound font (b1, b2, b3, b4, u1, u2, u3, u4) or - allowing the Nebula patch to select the soundfont to be used with the specific patch. (i.e. all the factory patches use M42_V1.0.sf2 and user patches can use a different sound font if they wish) I think the current SE will support both options and it seems the latter will give you the most headroom for expansion. f

well..we do have an option for those skilled in creating soundfonts: you can replace the factory one with one of your own by simply renaming it.The SF2 is not embedded into the DLL.It is seperate. You could keep all the b1's in so the factory bank works, and replace the b2,3,4 with SF2's of your own.(using a soundfont editing app like Vienna)

I am not sure on the SF2 limitations in SE, the DR knows more then I do, but we can consider the above.
But the way it is now, there is plenty of possabilities.We don't want to make this a sample player/rompler. They are only "waveforms" in which you can create your own textures from. Just like Glenns's Crystal and his use of SF2's.

TC

vurt wrote:

discordant is my middle name well its edward really but oh well glad you liked it and yes only 2 meg which for me was the hardest part,being able to stop its just such a beautiful synth to play and i cant wait to hear far better users than me putting it to use

Hi "Edward"

I guess it is hard to STOP at times. Your other piece was 14MB and nice and long, but a real journey piece. This one is shorter, but goes in and out of textures. I also notice some short stopping, then you pick it up again. The end part is really fantastic: lots of nebulas

anybody else use a Nebula for a piece yet?

BTW: we have several MP3's on the product page which I did. All done in Tracktion

TC

Hi Tim,

Have just spent 2 hrs downloading latest fonts but currently unable to dowload SFPack 'Page Cannot be Displayed' Have tried for the past hour. Thoughts just occured to me (given that you wanted to control DB of purchasers):

1) Would it be possible to notify legit purchasers via email that new functionality is available?
2) Are you intending to release new version including new fonts and patches to legit purchasers to avoid us trying to piece together new stuff that (in my case doesn't work)

Love the synth but not the marketing!

Mark Paige wrote:

Hi Tim, Have just spent 2 hrs downloading latest fonts but currently unable to dowload SFPack 'Page Cannot be Displayed' Have tried for the past hour. Thoughts just occured to me (given that you wanted to control DB of purchasers): 1) Would it be possible to notify legit purchasers via email that new functionality is available? 2) Are you intending to release new version including new fonts and patches to legit purchasers to avoid us trying to piece together new stuff that (in my case doesn't work) Love the synth but not the marketing!

Hi Mark...yes..we have a mailing list now of all M42 nebula costomers and will inform them of any new updates.

and it took me two hours as well to download it

Regarding SFpack, it is now on the download page at the http://www.algomusic.nl site, so no need to go to that other 3rd party page. SFPack is meant for SoundFonts which is why we choose it over ZIP or RAR.

We are very new to this and are bound to make some blunders. But it's the only way we learn.Thanks for being patient with us.

TC

Tim,

Brilliant support - only 5 mins! Have now downloaded SFP from new source - thanks.

Appreciate you're new to this game but hope that future developments won't include going through this routine. Ideally V2 should be released with all new functions included, to allow us to get on with this thing called... music.

PS Apart from creating superb patches do you have a day job?

Mark Paige wrote:

Tim, Brilliant support - only 5 mins! Have now downloaded SFP from new source - thanks. Appreciate you're new to this game but hope that future developments won't include going through this routine. Ideally V2 should be released with all new functions included, to allow us to get on with this thing called... music. PS Apart from creating superb patches do you have a day job?

I am disabled due to a Vertigo condition, and literally housebound. But this enabled me to get into sound design. Hope to make enough regular income to get off disability and make sound design my proffession.

I was an excell whiz doing all the Quality Charts for Sanmina however.

TC

Tim,

I apologise - wasn't meaning to pry - as I'm away from home so often I find time precious and just wondered how anyone could understand so many new synths so quickly. I guess all of us at K-v-R wish you the best in this venture - but hten again just look at the responses!

Best regards - Mark

Mark Paige wrote:

Tim, I apologise - wasn't meaning to pry - as I'm away from home so often I find time precious and just wondered how anyone could understand so many new synths so quickly. I guess all of us at K-v-R wish you the best in this venture - but hten again just look at the responses! Best regards - Mark

hehe..yeah..I guess I know alot of synths now: it's just a matter of trying things out and all my patches are really experiments to see what I can get out of the synth. ( the "What IF" syndrone )

But I look at my condition as a good thing. If it did not happen, I would not have had the time to get into sound design, going to NAMM and meeting lots of great people. I have been an advid user of this forum ( rather addicted now)AlgoMusic is now an outlet for me, as well as the other Dev's I have worked with...and I still like to do patches for freeware for all to enjoy. ( like the PahdiZ patches now on PA)



TC

Quote:

[quote="tconrardy..and I still like to do patches for freeware for all to enjoy. ( like the PhadiZ patches now on PA) TC

.....and I keep true to my word.

Heres a NEW bank of free sounds for ConcreteFX's freeware Ensembler Lite VSTi

http://tamw.atari-users.net/EnsemblerLite_TC_1.zip


Just did 'em tonight ! It's a pretty good pad synth and can do more then string sounds. Theres leads, pads ( of course) and SFX using the ring mod.

I will put them on Patch Arena as well.

ENJOY!

TC

thanks man, I feel the love..

well..that may just be my imagination..Did I mention I see dead people?

(thanks TC)

sickle666 wrote:

thanks man, I feel the love.. well..that may just be my imagination..Did I mention I see dead people? (thanks TC)

so you have been on the Paths of the Dead wth Aragorn and company? ( oh no...that LOTR side of me is coming out....gotta grab a Nebula!)

Maybe our next VSTi will be "Rivendell Vsti" with choir,violin and Harp SF2's ..hey...GOOD IDEA!

TC

Finally bought this beauty. Man without that beep I can actually make some music with this now. Thanks Tim this is one great sounding synth. I love all the arps and seq and rythmic abilities this baby has. I just have to figure out how to program her and make her bow to my commands. Will be checking out the manual tonight and maybe get a new bank made (in about a year, )

Soniccat wrote:

Finally bought this beauty. Man without that beep I can actually make some music with this now. Thanks Tim this is one great sounding synth. I love all the arps and seq and rythmic abilities this baby has. I just have to figure out how to program her and make her bow to my commands. Will be checking out the manual tonight and maybe get a new bank made (in about a year, )

Hi and thanks...welcome aboard the nebula train
Looking forward to any banks you make as well...and I don't think it will take you a year!

Talking about that, I just finished off a bank of 30 presets that show off the new SF2 ROM soundset. Should be on the website soon. I will announce when it is there. These can be loaded into the demo as well, but requires the new SF2 available on the download page.

http://www.algomusic.nl

For those looking at this late in the game, the M42 Nebula is a new kind of synth capable of rythmic stuff ( like Klaus Shutze's Totem piece)Space pads, leads and FX as well as a neat Warp distortion-filter module. At $45.00, it's power without the price. Fairly easy to program as well. Have a look at the above link for more info. Demo is available: the only restriction is a beep every minute or so, but you can still save and load. Hopefully the beep will drive you into space far enough to get the real Nebula

TC

Hi all

some news:

A new bank of 30 sounds designed by Tim Conrardy. Pads, RYM's, Leads, and ARPs . Requires the new SF2 ROM for M42. This bank is meant to showcase the samples in the new soundset.


http://www.algomusic.nl/ARimages/TC_m42_2.fxb


This is only 30 presets, and I plan to do more, but this should get you started. It would be great to hear from others on thier exploration of this synth.

TC

Just bought this incredible synth. For a Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze fan for more than 30 years it´s a must have. Excellent work, Tim, thanks.

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

Just bought this incredible synth. For a Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze fan for more than 30 years it´s a must have. Excellent work, Tim, thanks.

Funny you should mention TD, as the DR did a previous program called AEX, the Tangerine Dream machine:





Info on it here: http://tamw.atari-users.net/aex.htm


It is for the Atari Platform but can work on PC thru emulation. However this 256 color version only runs on a true-blue Atari Falcon! There are many examples of what it sounds like on my music page : http://tamw.atari-users.net/mp3tim.htm

Anduin is a good example:

http://www.artsong.org/cnf/Warehouse/2213019_anduin.mp3

(about 6 megs)

I grew up in this era of electronic music as well. Klause Shulzes Totem ( from Picture Music)was one of my fav pieces, along with Mirage.You can hear these influences in the Nebula VSTi as well.

TC

Ok, another happy customer here
Nebula is a beauty. Just one minute of thought if I would buy it, I think I made a personal record!
It's just what I needed for a long time now ..

tconrardy wrote:

Anduin is a good example: http://www.artsong.org/cnf/Warehouse/2213019_anduin.mp3

Nice one, I like it. Could really be from a TD or Klaus Schulze album (I mean this in a very positive sense).

Many thanks for the new bank of patches...I never thought I'd see Gentle Giant again.......

Are there any plans to write an AEX for the PC? I've never had anything but disasters with Atari emulators

ejr wrote:

Many thanks for the new bank of patches...I never thought I'd see Gentle Giant again....... Are there any plans to write an AEX for the PC? I've never had anything but disasters with Atari emulators

Hi all and thanks for the comments. Gentle Giant is one of my all time fav bands! Sure wish they would get back together again...everyone else is. Just saw YES at the San Jose Arena, and that was a great show ( but not great acoustics in the arena)


RE: Atari emulators. Have you tried Steem?

http://tamw.atari-users.net/steem.htm

This is THE Atari emulator for PC. All the other algorithmic programs on my site and even Dr T's KCS works on it very well. The faster the machine, the better.

RE: PC program like AEX. Funny you should say this, as the DR and I are working on another one that will sound pretty much the same as AEX but is VST!It's called Dr Groove ( for now :-)Lots of things under the hat coming up.Maybe even a effect version of the Pulsar and ARP modules. You never know !

TC

Thanks for that...I'll have to try Steem out

ejr wrote:

Thanks for that...I'll have to try Steem out

I was explorint TC's site when I ran across Steem. Works great on XP Professional. I downloaded the Caged Artist stuff for my ancient CZ-101, MT-32, and K1. All of it worked like a champ. Went on to download everything else that looked interesting. I wasn't intending to hit Tim's bandwidth that hard...eep!

gnu23 wrote:

ejr wrote: Thanks for that...I'll have to try Steem out I was explorint TC's site when I ran across Steem. Works great on XP Professional. I downloaded the Caged Artist stuff for my ancient CZ-101, MT-32, and K1. All of it worked like a champ. Went on to download everything else that looked interesting. I wasn't intending to hit Tim's bandwidth that hard...eep!

HEY HEY! This is just what I hope KvRists would do here. There are so many great tools that were created on the Atari platform, including bread and butter stuff as well as really far out algorithmic stuff, and all you have to do is install Steem and download the apps.



Here is a cool program called ISEQ that was based on a dream I had. Full story here:

http://tamw.atari-users.net/grid.htm

The Grid Sequencer
Features:

1. Start,Stop with space bar or mouse.
2. Random Grid entries
3. Random Pitch entries
4. MIDI Channel selection
5. seven clock rates
6. Eight BPM settings
7. Patch Change (SND)
8. Transposition +12 to -12
9. Selectable Start and End points
10. 17x24 grid
11. Selectable pitch row.
12. Pitch/Scale editor in seperate window
13. Midi Clock Out
14. Save performance as Standard MIDI file.
15. Save as Grid Sequencer format.
16.All functions can use mouse or keyboard shortcuts with help screen.
17. General MIDI ( GM) patch display screen.

==============================
Getting somewhat off topic, but the DR and I came from an Atari background. It was exploring these types of apps that came together to create AlgoMusic. We were at first going to do SoundFont with Algorithmic loops created from these various programs ( and we might get back into finishing a few: they are quite unique)but then got into VSTi technology and saw a way to further explore these algorithmic options we wanted.

TC

tconrardy wrote:

Just saw YES at the San Jose Arena, and that was a great show PC program like AEX. Funny you should say this, as the DR and I are working on another one that will sound pretty much the same as AEX but is VST!It's called Dr Groove ( for now :-)Lots of things under the hat coming up.

I´ll probably see YES in June in Munich (for the 4th time) - I love their music.

Concerning AEX/Dr Groove as VST: Do you already know when it will be released, presumably?

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

tconrardy wrote: Just saw YES at the San Jose Arena, and that was a great show PC program like AEX. Funny you should say this, as the DR and I are working on another one that will sound pretty much the same as AEX but is VST!It's called Dr Groove ( for now :-)Lots of things under the hat coming up. I´ll probably see YES in June in Munich (for the 4th time) - I love their music. Concerning AEX/Dr Groove as VST: Do you already know when it will be released, presumably?

The DR is still working on it. So it's still beta. The sound is very promising however and will be like a "rebirth/ AEX" type of thing. Thanks for the interest!

Hope you enjoy the YES show when it comes. They have a very complicated MIDI-Robodrum setup that is very cool and described on thier website ( http;//www.yesworld.com )for when they do a full side of Topographic Oceans called "Ritual" . Plus they do an acoustic set which is nice. I did a review of the San Jose show and it's on the Yes World hub.



TC

I can´t find a polyphony setting option in M42. Isn´t it possible to set the polyphony to a user defined value, and if not, how many voices can it play?

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

Hi Andreas

I just wrote the DR with the Q, as it is SE related and I am not that knowlegble on that front. He is on another time table then I however ( he is in Holland, I am in California , USA )There are MONO modes however, but don't know the actual poly value. I will post the answer when I get the answer from the DR.

EDIT: The poly settings are NOT user defined, but it may be a good idea and will consider it for the next update.

BTW: been working on completing my 2nd bank for M42. On 50 now

TC

Sorry, Tim, for being so impatient - thanks for the information.

tconrardy wrote:

BTW: been working on completing my 2nd bank for M42. On 50 now

Looking forward to this new bank .

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

Sorry, Tim, for being so impatient - thanks for the information.

AHHHH...just got the answer from the DR, and I did not even know this myself:

===================
A:The answer is that polyphony is set to 6 voices for each synth. It cannot
be set by the user, unfortunately
================
To be honest, I never really had any problem with playing chords and notes falling out. I think with this synth, a few notes go a long way.

TC

Thanks for this information, Tim. I was asking that because of the low CPU load of M42 compared to Rhino, for example. The 6 notes polyphony limit could be the reason for this, because I was surprised that even when playing simultaneously more than 10 notes* of presets with long release times the CPU load didn´t go up. But you´re right, this isn´t really a limitation.

* But I´m not a monster, I don´t have more than 10 fingers ..... on each hand

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

* But I´m not a monster, I don´t have more than 10 fingers

well theres something wrong woth you i only have 8 fingers.are you a witch?

vurt, I edited this sentence ...

your no witch your a martian


he comes in peace,lets kill him

vurt wrote:

your no witch your a martian

No, look at my signature

your a martian disguised as a 20 fingered babboon with a zipper that conceals smiley frisbys are you monkeytron?

vurt wrote:

your a martian disguised as a 20 fingered babboon with a zipper that conceals smiley frisbys are you monkeytron?

no.......he's a....... Nebatron

Ok...THAT WAS BAD!

see ya around like a donut

TC

"don't run! we come in peace!"<continues firing with raygun>

It seems to me like the volume is really low with this synth?

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

Thanks for this information, Tim. I was asking that because of the low CPU load of M42 compared to Rhino, for example. The 6 notes polyphony limit could be the reason for this, because I was surprised that even when playing simultaneously more than 10 notes* of presets with long release times the CPU load didn´t go up. But you´re right, this isn´t really a limitation.

I also noticed I can play my MIDI guitar with full chords ( and these sound good when you do a RYM patch ! ) So that may be why I never noticed the 6 voice poly. I also noticed you don't need to play a lot of notes to get things moving. Lots of movement when you only play 2 or 3 notes. ( especially with the autopanner)

BTW: up to 60 on my new bank

TC

ATS wrote:

It seems to me like the volume is really low with this synth?

well...I have a confession to make. The reason for the low vol is not because of the synth. It's because I never turned up the volumes properly on the factory bank. If you try the 30 preset bank thats new on the site, you will hear a big difference. I guess I never noticed it when I was creating the initial factory bank. Once I get some more time, I can go thru them again. In the meantime, try turning up the vol 1 and 2 on the mixer, and you will hear a big differance.

well..even us Sound Designers aren't perfect

TC

tconrardy wrote:

BTW: up to 160 on my new bank

tconrardy wrote:

ATS wrote: It seems to me like the volume is really low with this synth? well...I have a confession to make. The reason for the low vol is not because of the synth. It's because I never turned up the volumes properly on the factory bank. If you try the 30 preset bank thats new on the site, you will hear a big difference. I guess I never noticed it when I was creating the initial factory bank. Once I get some more time, I can go thru them again. In the meantime, try turning up the vol 1 and 2 on the mixer, and you will hear a big differance. well..even us Sound Designers aren't perfect TC

ok, I'll do that, thanks.

Hi all

Just came across another cool Tip on how to create phrases with the ARP function. I have been designing my new bank, and came across this trick:

1.Mute one synth so you only hear the one you are working one. For this example, use synth 1 with a saw waveform.

2.On the LFO, set the ARP to +5, Ramp wave and 1/4 Rate.

3. On the Pulsar, set it to 1/4 Rate and Mode P. Do NOT turn on the Sample Hold!!

4.Now heres the meat: on the Mod Matrix set LFO to Pitch with a depth of 26. Now set the Pulsar to Pitch with a depth of 37 or so. This is the trick: adding the Pulsar to pitch allows you to create phrases with the ARP! Try changing the depth to create different Phrases.

5.Now you can set up Synth 2 with a different counter phrase. On the LFO try ARP to +5, Triangle with 1/1 rate.

6.Also try different rates on the x-delay for different ryhmic structures.

This is turning out to be a lot of fun and very different sounding. You can hear these once I get my new bank done. Now on 70 presets :-)However, please try this technique and see if you can get it to work for you. You can even try this on the demo ( and SAVE the patch as well) HAVE FUN!

TC

EDIT: the server barfed

But: anybody else come up with any tips when exploring this synth?

TC

Wow! Nice synth, this M42. Some of those RYM patches on Tim's 2nd bank are something else. Since I've never been a nob twiddler I tend to value a synth by the preset banks, this is a demo that may actually be registered. Good work!

tconrardy wrote:

EDIT: the server barfed But: anybody else come up with any tips when exploring this synth? TC

explore and have fun

Koorby wrote:

Wow! Nice synth, this M42. Some of those RYM patches on Tim's 2nd bank are something else. Since I've never been a nob twiddler I tend to value a synth by the preset banks, this is a demo that may actually be registered. Good work!

well..you haven't heard nothing yet since I just discovered that new SEQ technique described above. This synth tends to always surprise me. The more you dig, the more space treasures you find. The other thing I have found, is on some patches, you have to HOLD the note or chord for a while and hear it unfold.Those algorithmic things keep on changing the sound in very subtle ways.

On Patch # 84 !

( and I wish 184 Andreas )

TC

tconrardy wrote:

On Patch # 841 TC

sheesh get some sleep

vurt wrote:

tconrardy wrote: On Patch # 841 TC sheesh get some sleep

But Big Tick calles me the "Cyborg who never sleeps"
so no can do

On Patch 101 !
and I confess, I am using XT's preset maker and tweaking the results on some patches. Heck..it's an algosynth, so may as well use algo techniques on it

TC

if it sounds good it sounds good

Orion Platinum has a genetic thingy where it morphs between two parent patches. I thought about goofing with that some. I'd rather take on operating a VLA than start tweaking the M42..

sickle666 wrote:

Orion Platinum has a genetic thingy where it morphs between two parent patches. I thought about goofing with that some. I'd rather take on operating a VLA than start tweaking the M42..

I have heard about this function in Orion. XT has a pretty good Preset generator. You can blend, mix and randomize two seed patches. Sometimes I use a RYM and an ARP patch and see what comes up. Or two LED patches in making leads. However after it's generated, I usually go in and fine tweak it, or even alter it completly until it hits the " sound" (you just get a feeling, and you stop)

However sometimes I start from the default M42 preset ( as that what it's there for) and try things out from scratch. On M42 all the parameters are in front of you, so it's fairly easy to program. I suggest using the CC chart in the manual, and put parameters on knobs, for those that have knobs boxes or controllers with knobs. Makes a big differance.

On patch 111 !! I expect to finish today and upload to the site. I will announce when it's ready.

TC

Hi all

Had a Q on why the LFO was too fast at the slowest rate setting.

The answer is that it is synced to your hosts BPM ( Beats Per Minute) so if you slow your host down, the LFO ( and everything else) slows down! I have found that with ARP, SEQ and RYM patches, slower speeds sounds great! Now if you are a Vurt: 5 BPM's sounds about right

Thought I would pass that tip along.

TC

ok I've succumbed to the demo and have sent in my order.
now for the long share-it wait!

this is nice work, tim & the doc.

welcome aboard the starship nebula gary
in orion it rocks(meteors i suppose)


you will love it

bluedad wrote:

ok I've succumbed to the demo and have sent in my order. now for the long share-it wait! this is nice work, tim & the doc.

shouln't be too long. In the mail you get from Shareit with the licence Key, we have made it automatic so you get the download link at the same time...so NO WAITING!!

You can start exploring space pretty soon. Remember to get the new SF2 rom and the new bank as well on the download page at http://www.algomusic.nl

Good to have you aboard BlueDad!

TC

I'm using it in all my songs at the moment. Well worth the money. Great for evolving sounds and really unique pads. If only the gui wasn't so large...sigh...

I use it in Sonar. To try out sounds I use the piano roll which I situate on the right of the screen. If I move nebula too far over to the left it's difficult to get at the presets - if I move it to the right to get at the presets it covers up the piano roll. If that makes any sense then you'll know how irritating it is. I like the concept used on z3ta+ where there is a keyboard strip to audition sounds. I want to audition the sounds with my mouse as I don't always have my keyboard controller connected. Any chance of an audition strip?

munchkin wrote:

I'm using it in all my songs at the moment. Well worth the money. Great for evolving sounds and really unique pads. If only the gui wasn't so large...sigh... I use it in Sonar. To try out sounds I use the piano roll which I situate on the right of the screen. If I move nebula too far over to the left it's difficult to get at the presets - if I move it to the right to get at the presets it covers up the piano roll. If that makes any sense then you'll know how irritating it is. I like the concept used on z3ta+ where there is a keyboard strip to audition sounds. I want to audition the sounds with my mouse as I don't always have my keyboard controller connected. Any chance of an audition strip?

I know where your coming from. We can think about this for the next update. However as I recall, there are some free VSTi virtual keyboards you can get to audition without a regular MIDI controller.( Trollo?) Is there a way in Sonar to audition the patches without the Edit/ GUI being on the screen? XT and Tracktion can do this.Just an idea.

EDIT: BTW, It would be great to hear one of your M42 songs sometime!

TC

Damn I wish I had some money to buy this. Right now its free synths for me...

Pretty cool though

tconrardy wrote:

munchkin wrote: I'm using it in all my songs at the moment. Well worth the money. Great for evolving sounds and really unique pads. If only the gui wasn't so large...sigh... I use it in Sonar. To try out sounds I use the piano roll which I situate on the right of the screen. If I move nebula too far over to the left it's difficult to get at the presets - if I move it to the right to get at the presets it covers up the piano roll. If that makes any sense then you'll know how irritating it is. I like the concept used on z3ta+ where there is a keyboard strip to audition sounds. I want to audition the sounds with my mouse as I don't always have my keyboard controller connected. Any chance of an audition strip? I know where your coming from. We can think about this for the next update. However as I recall, there are some free VSTi virtual keyboards you can get to audition without a regular MIDI controller.( Trollo?) Is there a way in Sonar to audition the patches without the Edit/ GUI being on the screen? XT and Tracktion can do this.Just an idea. EDIT: BTW, It would be great to hear one of your M42 songs sometime! TC

Unfortunately I don't think this is possible in Sonar. It's also a bit fiddly getting a virtual keyboard to work with Sonar. Thanks for considering some sort of auditioning method.

I've used a Nebula pad in Party 24 but the new songs I'm working on use it a lot more.

Would it be possible to allow user definable CC's in a future upgrade as my K5000 doesnt send the really usefull CC messages. Failing that how about a multi CC remapper plug in to go in front of M42...all I can find is ones that will only re map 1 cc.

ejr wrote:

Would it be possible to allow user definable CC's in a future upgrade as my K5000 doesnt send the really usefull CC messages. Failing that how about a multi CC remapper plug in to go in front of M42...all I can find is ones that will only re map 1 cc.

Have to ask the DR on this one! But EnergyXT will do what you want!!! I would download the demo and try it, and then GET IT: well worth the money!

There is the possability of MIDI Learn, but we have to check on how stable it is on SE.

TC

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

tconrardy wrote: ... looking forward to any demos!! As soon as I´ll have time the next days, I´ll do a 20 min. TD track.

I posted an only about 7 min. chaotic M42Nebula space travel track in the music cafe:
http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=518771#518771

AndreasEhrhardt wrote:

AndreasEhrhardt wrote: tconrardy wrote: ... looking forward to any demos!! As soon as I´ll have time the next days, I´ll do a 20 min. TD track. I posted an only about 7 min. chaotic M42Nebula space travel track in the music cafe: http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=518771#518771

This is a great demo showing all sorts of the unique textures that the Nebula can do. Good keyboard playing as well. Gave me chills at parts. What a wild space ride indeed!!

TC

Thanks, Tim. Really a great synth with very fine patches made by you.

munchkin wrote:

I'm using it in all my songs at the moment. Well worth the money. Great for evolving sounds and really unique pads. I've used a Nebula pad in Party 24 but the new songs I'm working on use it a lot more.

Finally listening to this. Is the M42 the vocal-rythmic type pad in the background which comes by itself in middle? Very Nice! A rock'in piece!

TC

munchkin wrote:

I want to audition the sounds with my mouse as I don't always have my keyboard controller connected. Any chance of an audition strip?

Hi munchkin,
We may have a solution for you. Check your kvr inbox

DrA.

Hi,

i'm a very happy customer since a few weeks.Two questions:
1) I wonder if there'll be a manual at some time which explains the rhythmic/algorithmic features .
2) The synth uses quite a lot of CPU , are there plans for optimising ?

Regards,
p.

plastique wrote:

Hi, i'm a very happy customer since a few weeks.Two questions: 1) I wonder if there'll be a manual at some time which explains the rhythmic/algorithmic features . 2) The synth uses quite a lot of CPU , are there plans for optimising ? Regards, p.

Hi Plastique

1. Did you get the manual download from the downloads page at the web site? That pretty much explains it, but if it's still fuzzy, I can try to explain it some more.

Remember there is the new SF2 ROM bringing a total of 20 samples to choose from . The new 128 Patches on the download page exploit this as well.

2. We are collecting ideas for a version 2. We will see about CPU optimization. However since it was created in SE, there are limitations.

Thanks for finding this original thread and bring it up again! there was quite a bit of response! Keep 'em coming!

TC

Tim,

That's a nice synth you have there. I don't use synths much - since i do orch stuff - but when i heard the M42 i was impressed, especially for it's price point. I'll probably get it for my orch comps.
I've never heard any 'pad' synths, except for Angelina. Are the Atmoshere and Morphology synths similar to the M42. Thanx!

Tim

------------------
WordSong Productions
www.wordsong.info

Artdude wrote:

Tim, That's a nice synth you have there. I don't use synths much - since i do orch stuff - but when i heard the M42 i was impressed, especially for it's price point. I'll probably get it for my orch comps. I've never heard any 'pad' synths, except for Angelina. Are the Atmoshere and Morphology synths similar to the M42. Thanx! Tim ------------------ WordSong Productions www.wordsong.info

Hi Tim ( from another Tim(e) )

Atmosphere and morphology are basically hi end romplers and are somewhat pricy...but heard good things about them. M42 uses more synthisis and also has some unique modules absent in the other two...but these are tools, and all have thier place.

TC

tconrardy wrote:

Did you get the manual download from the downloads page at the web site? That pretty much explains it, but if it's still fuzzy, I can try to explain it some more.

i didn't know it was already available in the download section of your site , until now.
It indeed explains a lot of what i have been asking myself ,thanks!

p.

bravo
a very great synth, one to make you playing all the night.
this synth does not appear in the user ratings list and i think, it would be more popular if it was in this list.
so if every one who adore this synth make a little review, it will appear and Algomusic will have more customer.
for those who like the sound and to stay in the constallation of Orion, look at the ultran synth provided by Orion Platinum virtual studio, it's a little more complicated to create your soundscape but with 4 osc and a well constructed soundfont you can obtain this kind of sound.
Other advantage, it is very light on the cpu and you can have 32 voices of polyphony
i know that the price of the product is not the same but when you love you don't count your money.
chao
Chris

carrieres wrote:

bravo a very great synth, one to make you playing all the night. this synth does not appear in the user ratings list and i think, it would be more popular if it was in this list. so if every one who adore this synth make a little review, it will appear and Algomusic will have more customer. Chris

If more users could do this...that would be great!!...and also would like to hear how you use the Nebula in your own music.

TC

tconrardy wrote:

AHHHH...just got the answer from the DR, and I did not even know this myself: =================== A:The answer is that polyphony is set to 6 voices for each synth. It cannot be set by the user, unfortunately ================ TC

i am reading the documentation for SynthEdit and find :

Quote:

Polyphony SynthEdit defaults to 6 voice polyphony. However you change this, up to the maximum of 128 supported by MIDI. To access a synth's polyphony setting, right click it, choose 'Properties'. VST Synths control their own polyphony

So polyphony can be set by the developper
chao
chris

carrieres wrote:

tconrardy wrote: TC i am reading the documentation for SynthEdit and find : Quote: Polyphony SynthEdit defaults to 6 voice polyphony. However you change this, up to the maximum of 128 supported by MIDI. To access a synth's polyphony setting, right click it, choose 'Properties'. VST Synths control their own polyphony So polyphony can be set by the developper chao chris

Looks like you are right...I think the DR set it to 6 voice...I think that may be enough for most pad work. You can also play it in MONO ( set by user) see the LED and BAS patches. However do you think more POLY is needed?? ( anybody)

TC

tconrardy wrote:

carrieres wrote: tconrardy wrote: TC i am reading the documentation for SynthEdit and find : Quote: Polyphony SynthEdit defaults to 6 voice polyphony. However you change this, up to the maximum of 128 supported by MIDI. To access a synth's polyphony setting, right click it, choose 'Properties'. VST Synths control their own polyphony So polyphony can be set by the developper chao chris Looks like you are right...I think the DR set it to 6 voice...I think that may be enough for most pad work. You can also play it in MONO ( set by user) see the LED and BAS patches. However do you think more POLY is needed?? ( anybody) TC

@TC- I'm happy with the polyphony as it is. I haven't needed anything more than 6 yet. Just my opinion, though, and I wouldn't argue if it went above 6 in an update.

Also, I posted a review this evening.

i thinks 6 voices is short, it reminds me old synths 20 years ago
sounds with long release will be cut, no
please release me, let me go go go go go gogogogogogo
this synth does not let you sleep
good night it's 1 AM here.
chris

carrieres wrote:

i thinks 6 voices is short, it reminds me old synths 20 years ago sounds with long release will be cut, no please release me, let me go go go go go gogogogogogo this synth does not let you sleep good night it's 1 AM here. chris

well...our moto is..we AIM to please..so chock up another item for ver 2.

anybody else with suggs for ver 2? ( oh boy...opening a VURT box here, cuase when KvR gets going..THEY GO!

TC

how bout a built in Hydrogen-Alpha filter, with a 7 angstrom limit? I doubt anyone here has heard one of those yet..you'll be the first on the block!

>anybody else with suggs for ver 2?

How about a random generator for random sounds?

And most important: a better sound management please (f.e. like the freeware Synth 1!).

More polyphony (at least 32) would be IMHO better too.

tconrardy wrote:

However do you think more POLY is needed?? ( anybody)

It wouldn´t be bad, if the polyphony could be selected. But it shouldn´t be fixed to a higher value because then the CPU load would increase.

tconrardy wrote:

carrieres wrote: i thinks 6 voices is short, it reminds me old synths 20 years ago sounds with long release will be cut, no please release me, let me go go go go go gogogogogogo this synth does not let you sleep good night it's 1 AM here. chris well...our moto is..we AIM to please..so chock up another item for ver 2. anybody else with suggs for ver 2? ( oh boy...opening a VURT box here, cuase when KvR gets going..THEY GO! TC

For Version 2: A built-in patch blender/randomizer. Working with patches in eXT and MiniHost, I find that patches I create can wind up coming out sounding different when I reload the bank. Not sure why that happens, though, but it does, so having patch creation work handled inside the synth would be nice. That way the parameters get written correctly and come back correctly on each load.

gnu23 wrote:

tconrardy wrote: anybody else with suggs for ver 2? ( oh boy...opening a VURT box here, cuase when KvR gets going..THEY GO! TC For Version 2: A built-in patch blender/randomizer. Working with patches in eXT and MiniHost, I find that patches I create can wind up coming out sounding different when I reload the bank. Not sure why that happens, though, but it does, so having patch creation work handled inside the synth would be nice. That way the parameters get written correctly and come back correctly on each load.

I noticed that too, as I used XT to help me build patches for my second bank. This all depends on SE and if it can do internal patch management. I can post of the SE forum on Yahoo and ask. Who knows...maybe Jeff will do it!

TC

quite the same here as well i can't save any patches reliably in ext - with luck they open fine , or they open just as a default bank patch without remembering the changes i did ...

as a happy new owner , i second the vote for a patch generator ...

a pre-set indicator box with scroll arrows , a la crystal would be very handy ...

barring that , at least a check - mark next to the pre-set , in the menu ...

tconrardy wrote:

gnu23 wrote: tconrardy wrote: anybody else with suggs for ver 2? ( oh boy...opening a VURT box here, cuase when KvR gets going..THEY GO! TC For Version 2: A built-in patch blender/randomizer. Working with patches in eXT and MiniHost, I find that patches I create can wind up coming out sounding different when I reload the bank. Not sure why that happens, though, but it does, so having patch creation work handled inside the synth would be nice. That way the parameters get written correctly and come back correctly on each load. I noticed that too, as I used XT to help me build patches for my second bank. This all depends on SE and if it can do internal patch management. I can post of the SE forum on Yahoo and ask. Who knows...maybe Jeff will do it! TC

Ah - I was wondering if it was something in SE that would be the culprit. At any rate, I've always enjoyed creating patches and I've been working on a new bank for the M42. I'm up to around 42 or so right now. It'd be higher, but my internal quality control says, "No, not quite" about 5 times more often that it says, "Yep".

Fortunately, I always save a new patch as a .fxp before I bring into a .fxb, so I can work around the anomaly in the near term. By re-adding the original .fxp to the "messed up slot" in the .fxb, I can "restore" the patch.

gnu23 wrote:

Ah - I was wondering if it was something in SE that would be the culprit. At any rate, I've always enjoyed creating patches and I've been working on a new bank for the M42. I'm up to around 42 or so right now. It'd be higher, but my internal quality control says, "No, not quite" about 5 times more often that it says, "Yep". Fortunately, I always save a new patch as a .fxp before I bring into a .fxb, so I can work around the anomaly in the near term. By re-adding the original .fxp to the "messed up slot" in the .fxb, I can "restore" the patch.

Sounds like you are developing a workaround. Please let me know when you have a completed bank to your satifaction. I would enjoy hearing what users have created with it. It does not have to be a full 128 preset bank either. ( unless you REALLY want to!)


also to releterate: THE DEMO CAN SAVE PATCHES TOO! so if you create something in the demo, you can use it in the full version.

TC

OT somewhat for this thread, but astromically related: On June 8th is the VENUS TRANSIT of the sun. It will be visable in most parts of the world ( but not in California where I am! )This only happens every 100 or 200 years..so check it out. Heres a link with info:

http://www.spaceweather.com/

And be sure to play an M42 Nebula tune while you view it!

hey..maybe a tune can be created to represent this event: an IDEA!



Back to the keyboards!

TC

To paraphrase O'Shea Jackson

Regret it ? Nope
Bought it ? Yep
Listen to my big black boots as I step....

Fuckin awesome....every patch has delay effect but they do sound GREAT

Makes me want to take drugs again.

BC

basic channel wrote:

To paraphrase O'Shea Jackson Regret it ? Nope Bought it ? Yep Listen to my big black boots as I step.... Fuckin awesome....every patch has delay effect but they do sound GREAT Makes me want to take drugs again. BC

Heh, heh ...X-Bruce refered to it as a "druggy" synth, so I'm not surprised!

BUT there ARE patches that don't use any delay and thats the BAS ones ( exept for Space Bass, which I think has it) Just to set the record stright

Actually, I think it's the delay which really works in with the sounds to a large extent. Take out delay on any of the RYM or SEQ patches, and it sounds pretty dull.Since they are synced to host BMP, you can try dropping in some drum loops on your sequencer, and the M42 will play with it. Nice technique.

TC

I have more feature requests for 2.0:

One slower option each for LFO and Pulsar:
LFO 2/1
PSR 1/1

And two slower options for X-Delay:
1/2
1/2T

Removing the second bevel around each section will get you the needed vertical space for adding these speed options...

tconrardy wrote:

anybody else with suggs for ver 2? ( oh boy...opening a VURT box here, cuase when KvR gets going..THEY GO! TC

thanks for he patches tim ,make a completely different monster outa my little baby

tconrardy wrote:

Sounds like you are developing a workaround. Please let me know when you have a completed bank to your satifaction. I would enjoy hearing what users have created with it. It does not have to be a full 128 preset bank either. ( unless you REALLY want to!) also to releterate: THE DEMO CAN SAVE PATCHES TOO! so if you create something in the demo, you can use it in the full version. TC

Will do, Tim. I'd like to get 64 before I'd call it a proper bank and submit it/post it up.

Glad I stumbled onto this thread. Neat synth, good price, and it "just works" in Sonar. Sounds like I should purchase it.

Disclaimer: I didn't read this entire thread so I apologize in advance if this has already been answered but...

What form of copy protection does this synth use?

Thanks,
Brian

thenumber23 wrote:

Glad I stumbled onto this thread. Neat synth, good price, and it "just works" in Sonar. Sounds like I should purchase it. Disclaimer: I didn't read this entire thread so I apologize in advance if this has already been answered but... What form of copy protection does this synth use? Thanks, Brian

Hi Brian...and glad you saw this thread. To answer your Q, it uses a very simple code-password protected ZIP, so no funky copy protection. You can PACE to that

TC

gnu23 wrote:

Will do, Tim. I'd like to get 64 before I'd call it a proper bank and submit it/post it up.

Looking forward to that! We can even put it on the site ( with full credit ) as well...or put it on Patch Arena...then there will be a folder for M42 Nebula which would be cool.

VURT: It was great making patches for the VurtBox. I was able to tame it somewhat, and got some "normal" ( more or less) leads and pads from it. Sounds like you had the same relationship with Ian as I have with the DR. It was great being able to suggest something and then he would implement it. I really wanted to recreate Totem patches, and the only way was thru the Gate on the Mod Matrix which totally opened it up and allowed for some cool ryrhms to be created.Add BPM synced delays and LFO's as well as the algo-arp function and the Warper. Thats why M42 has a unique sound.

TC

tconrardy wrote:

ianweb123 wrote: I've just been having (another) play with the demo, and , as everybody else has said, this is, indeed, a quality bit of work, but one small thing occurs to me... Why did you not use a button stack rather than an LED stack for the various selectors (You could make the small button look like the LED) .. I personally feel that it would be less confusing to the user to select the option directly and save having to 'scroll' through the options..! But as I said, a quality bit of work, rightly revered. Hi Ian Thanks for the suggs. Thats a lot coming from an excellent SE dev like you. Here is the DR's response and also some more site news: =============== A: The button stack uses much more spacing (vertically) between the elements, that's why... ================== TC

Hey Tim and Dr. A ... I'd like to follow up on Ian's question about the interface ... I spent a while clicking directly on the LEDs and didn't even see the selector buttons until I boosted the display to make it unusually bright (for me) ... so I wonder if a little contrast could be added to the buttons or their edges?

Kevin

Thanks for the quick reply! This synth meets all my sales requirements - I just bought it.

Thanks,
Brian

jzero wrote:

I have more feature requests for 2.0: One slower option each for LFO and Pulsar: LFO 2/1 PSR 1/1 And two slower options for X-Delay: 1/2 1/2T Removing the second bevel around each section will get you the needed vertical space for adding these speed options...

Hi Jzero and all,

There are good reasons why we did what we did:-)

LFO & Pulsar: I agree there should be an option like that.
The problem is that they tend to "float" out of sync when run slower than 1/1.

X-Delay: Slower delay times are not as interesting as you might think, because 1/2 and 1/1 are -on- beat, and not "in between".

Hope this makes sense

I wouldn't mind if the LFO drifted out of sync at really slow speeds. It would just be nice not to require cutting the host tempo in half just to get slow LFOs. The one slower speed on the pulsar would be 1/1 so it shouldn't drift? If the X-Delay was on beat, it wouldn't necessarily be any less interesting since numerous other parameters could be syncopated or "off-beat".

Another thing or two I noticed. Some of the soundfonts don't reliably trigger notes when I play at the lowest extent of their ranges. I can play C3 and follow it with G#2, but when I play the same notes a little faster, the G#2 doesn't trigger. This is especially noticable with "Bank 61, Analog" or "Bank 64 Vintage". Conversely, "Bank 64, Voices" or "Bank 61 Vintage" work prefectly.

Also, why restrict soundfonts to the five categories and 4 banks? A simple file-open dialog to browse for whatever soundfont the user wants would be more flexible. Better yet, if you are considering a patch management system (like Synth1, FreeAlpha, etc.) these features could share code... things like favorite folders in a combobox, or the ability to assign patches or soundfonts to categories (Analog, String, Voice, Bass), etc.

In any case, thanks for a great synth.

jzero wrote:

I wouldn't mind if the LFO drifted out of sync at really slow speeds. It would just be nice not to require cutting the host tempo in half just to get slow LFOs. The one slower speed on the pulsar would be 1/1 so it shouldn't drift? If the X-Delay was on beat, it wouldn't necessarily be any less interesting since numerous other parameters could be syncopated or "off-beat". Another thing or two I noticed. Some of the soundfonts don't reliably trigger notes when I play at the lowest extent of their ranges. I can play C3 and follow it with G#2, but when I play the same notes a little faster, the G#2 doesn't trigger. This is especially noticable with "Bank 61, Analog" or "Bank 64 Vintage". Conversely, "Bank 64, Voices" or "Bank 61 Vintage" work prefectly. Also, why restrict soundfonts to the five categories and 4 banks? A simple file-open dialog to browse for whatever soundfont the user wants would be more flexible. Better yet, if you are considering a patch management system (like Synth1, FreeAlpha, etc.) these features could share code... things like favorite folders in a combobox, or the ability to assign patches or soundfonts to categories (Analog, String, Voice, Bass), etc. In any case, thanks for a great synth.

Hi,

Now...I hope I didn't sound offended? (I wasn't)
Hey, we -asked- for feedback ourselves (good or bad), so keep it coming.
I was just trying to explain why we had to made certain choices.
I will investigate the trigger problem you describe, I didn't notice, so thanks for that!

Restricting soundfonts: Here's why: SE doesn't support the full SF2 standard. It will load any SF, but it doesn't recognize all instrument layers, only the first one is recognized IIRC.
Furthermore, the SF Oscillator as it is now doesn't support a file-open dialog:-( It has only plugs for preset and bank, unless one would like to use the big & ugly black with green standard dialog.)

Internal patch management: we would love to do this, but again, we have to wait until it is implemented. Right now it isn't.

Glad the DR is here answering Q's I could not answer. We would still like any suggs for ver 2. Once we get a good working list, we can try to implement it.

TC

can you add a button that reminds me when to go to bed
i spent 6 hours the other day just noodlin away

tconrardy wrote:

We would still like any suggs for ver 2.

here are a few things i've been thinking could be useful additions:

- some slower lfo times (1 bar, 2 bars, 4 bars) would be helpfull
so we could still have long sweeps, even when working at higher
bpms.

- add an option to choose whether the wave mod destination
controls the waveform type or the waveform bank number,
so we could pick whether we are "wavesequencing" between
different sound types or within the same type.

thanks,
-ugo

I guess what I am missing most here is the option to not sync to host and set your own frequency/rate.

I'll be collecting the patches I create myself and once I have enough I'll share them here or through Patcharena

Mystahr wrote:

I guess what I am missing most here is the option to not sync to host and set your own frequency/rate. I'll be collecting the patches I create myself and once I have enough I'll share them here or through Patcharena

Hey...thats a good idea...then you can get the slow LFO's that everyone wants. I am sure the DR is watching this thread, so we will see what we can do.

Vurt: You will have to create your own button for that. Set your machine to turn off at a given time( possible???)

UGO: thanks for your suggs as well.

We can rely on KvR for good suggs!!

TC

ugo wrote:

tconrardy wrote: We would still like any suggs for ver 2. here are a few things i've been thinking could be useful additions: - some slower lfo times (1 bar, 2 bars, 4 bars) would be helpfull so we could still have long sweeps, even when working at higher bpms. - add an option to choose whether the wave mod destination controls the waveform type or the waveform bank number, so we could pick whether we are "wavesequencing" between different sound types or within the same type. thanks, -ugo

Cool!

vurt wrote:

can you add a button that reminds me when to go to bed

And I really thought you´d never sleep because of your 10.000+ posts in one and a half year (isn´t that called "workaholic"?).

i keep telling people im not one person,im an almagamation of several which is why sometimes i can appear to be online and posting for three or four days in a row,we do have jobs you know!

tconrardy wrote:

OT somewhat for this thread, but astromically related: On June 8th is the VENUS TRANSIT of the sun. It will be visable in most parts of the world ( but not in California where I am! )This only happens every 100 or 200 years..so check it out. Heres a link with info: http://www.spaceweather.com/ And be sure to play an M42 Nebula tune while you view it! hey..maybe a tune can be created to represent this event: an IDEA! Back to the keyboards! TC

IT's HERE!!! ( rather very soon!!) Get out your scopes, or tune into the web cast. Listen to Normals Venus Transit piece with M42's as well.( see the Cafe)

Sure wish I was not in California just for this event...oh well...deep space objects...

TC

edit: useless post

edit: useless post

sickle666 wrote:

how would you guys like to have to pass in front of THIS: http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/hotshots/2003_10_28/eit195c.mpg

kinda looks like the smoke in my room

edit: useless post

sickle666 wrote:

vurt wrote: sickle666 wrote: how would you guys like to have to pass in front of THIS: http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/hotshots/2003_10_28/eit195c.mpg kinda looks like the smoke in my room I hope your room's not 7,500 degrees Kelvin

My little 'ol studio is Well..with 2 PC's,( including a Muse Receptor), and 3 Atari computers humming away, it quickly becomes the "warmest" room in the house . But thats a good invirment to create "hot" patches ( Ok...that was bad..I admit it)

had a good time checking out the Transit however, and played Normals' M42 Venus Transist piece for several hours while venus transversed the face of the sun. Great music to space to!


TC

sickle666 wrote:

vurt wrote: sickle666 wrote: how would you guys like to have to pass in front of THIS: http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/hotshots/2003_10_28/eit195c.mpg kinda looks like the smoke in my room I hope your room's not 7,500 degrees Kelvin

my names john

yeah ...
who's this kelvin ?...

edit: useless post

edit: useless post

edit: useless post

i thought he meant that kid ...
you know ...
the one with the stuffed tiger ...

now he's getting all entropic on us ...

thats calvin
of calvin and hobbes

at least thats what i think your on about?
smokes cleared p here now anyway,but thanks for the concersn and no i dont think i was that hot
it has been bloody warm tho,which is why i opened a window and thats also how the smoke cleared

i'm just ... errmm ...
how do you brit's say it ?...
'takin the piss' ...

i was serious about the green smoke

edit: useless post

cmon man we were just foolin around
i am actually interested in astronomy myself and did actually take some time out to check it out,unfortunately it was a little cloudy so i couldnt get a clear view
more an occassional viewing if you get me


please dont take offence tho mate i didnt mean to upset you

errmmm ...

just having a little fun ...
had no intention of offending you ...

also ...

i'd be a little more careful about throwing that 'ignorance' label about ...

edit: useless post

guess all i can do here is apologise to tim
im sure you werent offended by me and normal(and aside from that keeps the thread up there)
you know for a fact were both users and very appreciative of your synth and im sure you probably know we have minor(at least in my case)interests in astronomy.but i also know you can take a a joke


so again tim sorry for it endin like that we tried to apologise

my apologies to tim , as well ...
this is his thread ...
can't see where vurt or i delivered any insults , but what do i know ...

i'm ignorant ...

normal wrote:

my apologies to tim , as well ... this is his thread ... can't see where vurt or i delivered any insults , but what do i know ... i'm ignorant ...

WOAH!! I wake up and find all sorts of stuff that was edited out.

But I guess the end result is that we are friends again...so thats OK by me.

"Apology Accepted" said Darth to the commander

(thats a joke)

BTW, the DR and I have been talking about Ver 2 and he has developed some cool stuff...now it's a matter of implementing. The only thing is that we might loose our original banks , so I might have to make a new one which would also cover the new features. Maybe there is a way around this, but we will see.

BTW2: I don't see a problem discussing some astronomy on this thread, since M42 is a Nebula I think it's great that some KvRists are actually "Backyard Astronomers" ...so KvR Astronomers: COME FORTH!

Tim

all patched up ...

and speaking of patches ...
(a segue to bring this back on topic) ...
happy to help out if you lose the ability to load the existing patch banks ...

what sort of additions / improvements are you considering ?...

normal wrote:

all patched up ... and speaking of patches ... (a segue to bring this back on topic) ... happy to help out if you lose the ability to load the existing patch banks ... what sort of additions / improvements are you considering ?...

some of it is TOP SECRET , but a lot of the stuff that members here have sugged ( and thanks)and that we feel we can impliment within the SE design.

If we do need help on patches...we might call upon you..that would be great!

TC

I have a Heretical suggestion. What would you feel about a tabbed or collapsable interface for non-mission critical elements of the synth?

I love the majesty of the full interface, but maybe some users would benefit from a collapsable/ scaled version.

Maybe even offer it in two seperate GUI versions:

1-in your face blow your mind mode

or

2-big things come in small packages mode

sickle666 wrote:

I have a Heretical suggestion. What would you feel about a tabbed or collapsable interface for non-mission critical elements of the synth? I love the majesty of the full interface, but maybe some users would benefit from a collapsable/ scaled version. Maybe even offer it in two seperate GUI versions: 1-in your face blow your mind mode or 2-big things come in small packages mode

yes...that is one of the things we are considering: a paged M42. 3 pages: synth1, synth2 and effects/ master. But maybe two GUI's would be cool as well. Thanks for the idea.

TC

a smaller interface is an excellent idea ...

normal wrote:

a smaller interface is an excellent idea ...

BUT:

I wanna have the Big Gun as well to razzle dazzle my ignorant nieghbors & co-workers

I may have missed the M42 launch, but when I finally climbed aboard it took me a long time to come back to Earth ...

The M42 Nebula was just what this synth-newbie needed - instant access to modern space sounds and synth rhythms and all easy to program - thanks Tim and the DR!

Tip for other Newbies:
Take any Bach Chorale or Fugue and simply assign some M42 sounds (something rhythmic for the bass line and something pulsating for the others) and you'll instantly create an engrossing musical (space) odyssey ...

Here's my wish list

Because M42 Nebula is a great 1st synth, I'd like to see:

(1) List the patches (pre-tweaking) used in the Demo and User songs.
(2) More programming tutorials (Tim - you could easily knock these off in one evening) grouped by RYM-ARP-SEQ sounds, SYN-LED-PAD sounds, SX sounds, KBD-BASS sounds: something like: when creating a PAD sound, adjusting the XXX will create more of a YYY sound ...
(3) Can we use our own sf2 sounds? If so, could a little tutorial be written?
(4) When programming RYM-SEQ-ARP sounds, there seems to be a drone sound plus the rhythm (or LFO/Pulsar) sound. Often, I want to hear only the rhythm (or post-LFO/Pulsar) sound. Please allow me to turn off the drone part. Adjusting down the S in the oscillator ADSR partially does what I want, but it seems to effect the rhythm part of the sound too.
(5) How to produce gradual LFO/Pulsar changes? Almost everything that I try results in a percussive-like effect. How do I make more of a continuous sweep or fade but with the same rhythmic qualities? Is this related to the often-mention user request of slower LFO frequencies? Or is this a feature that can be put into V2?
(6) Release an effects plug-in (simple chorus and X-Delay). This would serve two pruposes: (1) I can use other vst instruments but run them through Chorus/X-Delay effect so they would sit in the same "space" as M42. (2) I could have one master Chorus/X-Delay effect for many instances and then turn them off individually to save CPU (?).

What I'd like to see in V2:
(1) I'm not too keen on a simple V2 - I would rather see a whole new bigger-is-better instrument. If M42 was a simple Nebula - how 'bout a whole Galaxy (Universe!?)? I want more of everything: more waveforms, more envelope break points, *especially more Pulsar rhythms*, just more-more-more, even more oscillators?.
(2) I really prefer a tab/page GUI layout - one page per synth. This would about double the available screen space available for each synth. Please put the synth on/off button next to the tab though, so at all times a simple glance (or mouse click) would tell if a synth was on or off. Do not put the on/off button on any potentially hidden pages.
(3) A better sf2 module (more sounds) or ... ->

My biggest DREAM:

An M42-like effects plug-in, so I can use any vst instrument and get the great LFO/Pulsar/X-Delay effects ... I undertand that some functions do not carry over (e.g., PW modulation), but am I correct that most of the filter/LFO/Pulsar/X-Delay effects can be packaged into an effects plug-in? (please!)

Thanks again Tim and Dr Ambient,
YBaCuO

YBaCuO wrote:

I may have missed the M42 launch, but when I finally climbed aboard it took me a long time to come back to Earth ... The M42 Nebula was just what this synth-newbie needed - instant access to modern space sounds and synth rhythms and all easy to program - thanks Tim and the DR! Tip for other Newbies: Take any Bach Chorale or Fugue and simply assign some M42 sounds (something rhythmic for the bass line and something pulsating for the others) and you'll instantly create an engrossing musical (space) odyssey ... Here's my wish list Because M42 Nebula is a great 1st synth, I'd like to see: (1) List the patches (pre-tweaking) used in the Demo and User songs. (2) More programming tutorials (Tim - you could easily knock these off in one evening) grouped by RYM-ARP-SEQ sounds, SYN-LED-PAD sounds, SX sounds, KBD-BASS sounds: something like: when creating a PAD sound, adjusting the XXX will create more of a YYY sound ... (3) Can we use our own sf2 sounds? If so, could a little tutorial be written? (4) When programming RYM-SEQ-ARP sounds, there seems to be a drone sound plus the rhythm (or LFO/Pulsar) sound. Often, I want to hear only the rhythm (or post-LFO/Pulsar) sound. Please allow me to turn off the drone part. Adjusting down the S in the oscillator ADSR partially does what I want, but it seems to effect the rhythm part of the sound too. (5) How to produce gradual LFO/Pulsar changes? Almost everything that I try results in a percussive-like effect. How do I make more of a continuous sweep or fade but with the same rhythmic qualities? Is this related to the often-mention user request of slower LFO frequencies? Or is this a feature that can be put into V2? (6) Release an effects plug-in (simple chorus and X-Delay). This would serve two pruposes: (1) I can use other vst instruments but run them through Chorus/X-Delay effect so they would sit in the same "space" as M42. (2) I could have one master Chorus/X-Delay effect for many instances and then turn them off individually to save CPU (?). What I'd like to see in V2: (1) I'm not too keen on a simple V2 - I would rather see a whole new bigger-is-better instrument. If M42 was a simple Nebula - how 'bout a whole Galaxy (Universe!?)? I want more of everything: more waveforms, more envelope break points, *especially more Pulsar rhythms*, just more-more-more, even more oscillators?. (2) I really prefer a tab/page GUI layout - one page per synth. This would about double the available screen space available for each synth. Please put the synth on/off button next to the tab though, so at all times a simple glance (or mouse click) would tell if a synth was on or off. Do not put the on/off button on any potentially hidden pages. (3) A better sf2 module (more sounds) or ... -> My biggest DREAM: An M42-like effects plug-in, so I can use any vst instrument and get the great LFO/Pulsar/X-Delay effects ... I undertand that some functions do not carry over (e.g., PW modulation), but am I correct that most of the filter/LFO/Pulsar/X-Delay effects can be packaged into an effects plug-in? (please!) Thanks again Tim and Dr Ambient, YBaCuO

Hi YBaCuO,

Thanks for a great 'review', and a great piece
It's really such a encouraging experience to know that so many people like this synth so much!
To begin with the last Q: 'My biggest dream'
Tim and I have been discussing this some time ago and the answer is a definite YES!

The thing is: we haven't yet -really- decided what to do next. It is very tempting to start to work on v2 right away and try to add as much new features as possible.

On the other hand: perhaps it's better to wait with that until SE goes out of beta status.
There are several good reasons for this. To give one example: the soundfont oscillator in SE won't be updated until that happens.
So, by waiting a few months we may end up with a far better product.
And, of course, in that case we can start working on the fx version.

YBaCuO wrote:

...Often, I want to hear only the rhythm (or post-LFO/Pulsar) sound. Please allow me to turn off the drone part...

Oscillator 1 and Oscillator 2 can each be turned off independently. Also, you can use the mix sliders.

YBaCuO wrote:

...I want more of everything: more waveforms, more envelope break points, *especially more Pulsar rhythms*, just more-more-more, even more oscillators?.

I second that request for more pulsar rhythms. Perhaps have a seperate UI for customizing the pulsar rhythms? Is that the same as an adjustable speed trancegate? They seem to serve a similar purpose.

I think more oscillators would be taxing on the cpu. I'm fine with it as long as I can turn extra ones off and save the cpu.

More than envelope breakpoints, I'd prefer percussive curved slopes to the decay and release of the envelopes. (But then I'd just use Sytrus if I wanted multipoint envelopes)

YBaCuO wrote:

...I really prefer a tab/page GUI layout - one page per synth. This would about double the available screen space available for each synth. Please put the synth on/off button next to the tab...

I prefer the current "all on one screen look" but if tabs are in the future, that sounds like a good approach. Just try to keep the Warp(XY) control visible. Its puuuuurrrrrrty![/quote]

This is slightly OT, but does anyone know why SE synths don't bypass deactivated modules? For instance, if you only use 1 osc, and no effects, the cpu usage is the same as if you use both oscs and all effects. This is also the same with Superwave, et al.

For me the cpu-hit on SE-synths would be alot more tolerable if this wasn't the case...

YBaCuO wrote:

I may have missed the M42 launch, but when I finally climbed aboard it took me a long time to come back to Earth ... The M42 Nebula was just what this synth-newbie needed - instant access to modern space sounds and synth rhythms and all easy to program - thanks Tim and the DR! (2) More programming tutorials (Tim - you could easily knock these off in one evening) grouped by RYM-ARP-SEQ sounds, SYN-LED-PAD sounds, SX sounds, KBD-BASS sounds: something like: when creating a PAD sound, adjusting the XXX will create more of a YYY sound ... (3) Can we use our own sf2 sounds? If so, could a little tutorial be written? Thanks again Tim and Dr Ambient, YBaCuO

Hi...finally getting back to this...The tutorials sounds like a good idea...i can try it, although I do try to explain it in the manual. As far as SF2's...Yes...but you simply rename it to the one that M42 uses, so M42 will recogize it. But it is not in our scope to have a tutorial on creating your own SF2's...there are dedicated groups for that and also dedicated programs: ( Vienna)

floyd wrote:

This is slightly OT, but does anyone know why SE synths don't bypass deactivated modules? For instance, if you only use 1 osc, and no effects, the cpu usage is the same as if you use both oscs and all effects. This is also the same with Superwave, et al. For me the cpu-hit on SE-synths would be alot more tolerable if this wasn't the case...

Hi,

In SE the OSCs are always running, they cannot be switched off, so that's why. But there is a "sleep mode" for everything else, so turning off the effects should save some cpu. It does on my system

DrAmbient wrote:

In SE the OSCs are always running, they cannot be switched off

I vote for "No additonal oscillators" then. Users who are seeking this can use their host program to layer instances.

Hi all

We decided to concentrate on The M42 Nebula EFFECT version for our next project and wait until SE goes out of beta to do ver 2. It would be much better this way. Might be a little while, but the result would be worth waiting for. We have big plans for ver 2.

But..The EFFECT version is going to be cool as well!! What do you guys think??

TC

i want one that goes to 11 ...

tconrardy wrote:

The EFFECT version is going to be cool as well!! What do you guys think??

What will it do? X-Delay, Chorus, & Warp?
If it had Filter with LFO and Pulsar I could see myself enjoying it quite a bit!

If it needed to have less features, I'd enjoy these:
X-Delay, Filter with LFO

Also, back to my other post... perhaps an ajustable tempo trance-gate (where user could specify their own rhythms) would be more flexible than the pulsar?

fx version
normal can you just hear lesax through this


where do we sign?

I'm in. I'll even pre-order if that helps

I second the request for a trance-gate function.

Yah, the effects version would be stupendous. I'm eager to run my orchestral sounds through it!

And I'm hoping it will include the lfo/filter and pulsar as well as the x-delay/chorus/warp?.

I'll echo Vurt - where do I sign?

YBaCuO

YBaCuO wrote:

Yah, the effects version would be stupendous. I'm eager to run my orchestral sounds through it! And I'm hoping it will include the lfo/filter and pulsar as well as the x-delay/chorus/warp?. I'll echo Vurt - where do I sign? YBaCuO

As far as we can see now it will have everything the M42 synth has, except for the oscs and the arp.
I suppose we can have the EGs triggered by an envelope follower, and of course it will have our new (but topsecret) weapon Tim was mentioning in a previous post:-)
And, as it looks like now we also have a solution for the selectors, so you won't have to tediously step through all positions anymore, but can make a direct choice.