LinnStrument Firmware v1.2.0 released

Official support for: rogerlinndesign.com
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Hi everyone,

Firmware v1.2.0 is out with a lot of great new features!

The firmware installers can be downloaded from here:
linnstrument-firmware-1.2.0-macosx.zip
linnstrument-firmware-1.2.0-windows.zip

Here are the changes since v1.1.2:
  • New Feature: Vibrato chords in one-channel mode.

    Formerly if MIDI Mode = One Channel and two or more notes were held, pitch bend was disabled, preventing vibrato or pitch slides. Because Pitch Bend messages apply to all notes on the channel, this is how we prevented the problem of all held notes changing pitch when a pitch slide was performed on only one of those notes. Now, pitch bend is still disabled when sliding a note from pad to pad, but it is enabled for vibrato (pitch movement within the note pad), permitting vibrato of chords or a melody note while a chord is also held.
  • New Feature: Support for new MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) specification.

    LinnStrument now supports the new MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) specification (http://bit.ly/mpe-spec) for simple connection between sound generators and polyphonic expression instruments like LinnStrument, Seaboard or Continuum. MPE mode is a subset of LinnStrument’s Channel Per Note mode and is enabled by holding the Channel Per Note pad, causing it to change to the accent color. While active, the Left split's Main channel is always 1 and its Per-Note Channels are a contiguous block from 2 to as high as 16, and Right split's Main channel is always 16 and its Per-Note Channels are a contiguous block from 15 to as low as 1.
  • New Feature: User Firmware Mode.

    A new User Firmware Mode has been added, which when enabled causes LinnStrument to only send basic touch messages. This is useful for software writers who wish to write computer applications for LinnStrument without LinnStrument’s functions hampering their application. Details about this are explained in user_firmware_mode.txt in the source code.
  • Enhancement: Strum feature now also strums "open" strings (rows).

    Before when using the split-keyboard Strum feature (Per-Split Settings > Special column), you could only strum touched rows. Now if an untouched row is strummed, its lowest note pitch will play, similar to strumming open strings on a guitar.
  • New feature: Left-Hand mode.

    For left-handed players who prefer to play standing with a guitar strap, a new left-handed mode changes the direction of increasing pitch from the normal left-to-right to right-to-left. To enable this mode, turn on Global Settings > 1st column > 4th pad from the bottom.
  • New Feature: CC Faders mode now supports any CC number for each fader.

    The CC FADERS feature (Per-Split Settings > Special column) now permits each of the 8 horizontal faders to use any Control Change number. In Per-Split Settings, hold down CC FADERS and the screen will display a large number and 8 blue lights on the right edge, one of which is lit in green to indicate which of the 8 faders is selected. Select one of these 8 lights to select a fader, then adjust its CC number by swiping left or right. Note that these 8 assignments are unique for the left and right splits. Press Left Split or Right Split to view/edit the left or right split’s 8 assignments.
  • New Feature: Low Row's “X=CC1” option now supports any CC number, as well as new Fader operation.

    Select Per-Split Settings and hold “X=CC1”, then the screen will display large characters. Swipe up or down to switch between the following two settings, and left or right to edit each setting’s value:
    1. Hold/Fader select: Select “HLD” (Hold mode) for same operation as in previous version wherein you must hold the low row to send the CC value, and a zero value is sent when you release. Or select “FDR” (Fader mode) for sample operation as CC FADERS, in which pressing on the Low Row changes the length of the light bar and sends a value between 0 and 127.
    2. CC#: 0 though 127. If other than 1, the “CC=1” pad’s light will change to the Accent color.
  • New Feature: Low Row's “XYZ=16-18” option now supports any CC numbers, as well as new Fader operation.

    Select Per-Split Settings then hold “XYZ=CC16-18”, then the screen will display large characters. Swipe up or down to switch between the following four settings, and left or right to edit each setting’s value:
    1. Hold/Fader select: Select “HLD” (Hold mode) for same operation as in previous version wherein you must hold the low row to send the CC value, and a zero value is sent when you release. Or select “FDR” (Fader mode) for same operation as CC FADERS, in which pressing on the Low Row changes the length of the light bar and sends an X-axis value between 0 and 127.
    2. X CC#: Select CC for X axis (X0 - X99).
    3. Y CC#: Select CC for Y axis (Y0 - Y99).
    4. Z CC#: Select CC for Z axis (Z0 - Z99).
    If any of the CC numbers are not set to the default values, the “XYZ=16-18” pad will light in the accent color.
  • New feature: Panel/Foot Switches’ CC65 option now support any CC number.

    Select Global Settings and in the Assign Switch column, hold "CC65”, then the screen will display “65” in large letters. Swipe left or right to edit the value between 0 and 127. If set to any value other than the default 65, the “CC65” pad will light in light blue instead of the normal blue.
  • UI Change: To select any Bend Range, now hold "+/-24" pad instead of pressing 5th pad from top.

    Before, you could select any Pitch Bend range by selecting the 5th pad from the top in the Per-Split Settings / Pitch Bend column. Now, the “+/- 24” selection can be changed to any value from 1 to 96. Select Per-Split Settings then hold Bend Range > “+/- 24”. The screen will display “24” in large numbers. Swipe left or right to edit the value. If set to any value other than the default 24, the “+/- 24” pad will light in the accent color.
  • UI Change: To select any CC for Timbre/Y, now hold CC74 pad instead of pressing 5th pad from top.

    Before, you could select any Control Change number for Timbre/Y control by selecting the 5th pad from the top in the Per-Split Settings > Timbre/Y column. Now, the “CC74” option is editable to use any CC number. Select Per-Split Settings then hold “CC74”. The screen will display “74” in large numbers. Swipe left or right to edit the value. If set to any value other than the default 74, the “CC74” pad will light in the accent color.
  • UI Change: To select any CC for Loudness/Z, hold CC11 pad instead of pressing 5th pad from top.

    Before, you could select any Control Change number for Loudness/Z control by selecting the 5th pad from the top in the Per-Split Settings > Loudness/Z column. Now, the “CC11” option is editable to use any CC number. Select Per-Split Settings then hold “CC11”. The screen will display “11” in large numbers. Swipe left or right to edit the value, including CHNPR (MIDI Channel Pressure messages) or PLYPR (MIDI Poly Pressure messages) at the end of the list. If set to any value other than the default 11, the “CC11” pad will light in the accent color.
  • Change: CC Faders messages now sent over Main channel.

    The CC FADERS feature formerly sent its CC messages over all enabled Per-Note or Per-Row channels. Now these messages are sent over the Main channel, which is more consistent with Channel Per Note or Channel Per Row operation, in which messages that apply to all voices are sent on the Main channel.
  • Enhancement: Quantize Hold now responds faster and more naturally to fast playing.
  • UI Change: Selecting Quantize Hold Slow mode now requires pressing QNT HOLD and QHOLD FAST together. This is now more consistent with other parts of the UI that require pressing 2 note pads.
  • Enhancement: Low Power mode now consumes less power and has slightly faster playing response.
  • Bug Fix: "Some notes not working" bug is fixed.

    Previously, in rare cases a LinnStrument would turn on with some note pads not working correctly or not working at all. This was caused by disconnecting power during or immediately after changing a setting, which interrupted a save to the interval flash memory, sometimes resulting in corruption of the internal Calibration settings. Now, whenever power is connected, the internal flash memory is checked for corruption and if found, all internal settings (including Calibration) are reset to default values and a warning message is displayed. If this occurs, check "Global Settings > Actions column > Calibration" to see if it is red. If so, you must perform a Calibration, described in the Panel Settings pages under "Global Settings > Actions column > Calibration"
  • Bug Fix: Lighting note pads from MIDI now light only the correct split.

    Formerly, if Split was on and MIDI CC messages 20-22 were received to light the note pad lights, messages received on either split’s channels would cause lights on both splits to light. This is now fixed so that these messages received on one split’s channels will only light that split and not both.
  • Bug Fix: If Channel Per Row mode is active, lighting note pads from MIDI now lights only the correct row.

    Formerly, if MIDI Mode = Channel Per Row and MIDI CC messages 20-22 (to light the note pads) were received on a specific row’s channel, the same note number would be lit on other rows. This is fixed.
  • Bug Fix: Settings saved after Reset.

    After performing a Reset Command (Global Settings > Actions column) then disconnecting and reconnecting power, LinnStrument would wake up with the settings as they were before the reset. This is fixed.
If you're upgrading from an earlier version, you can always find the complete change history on the LinnStrument Support page.

Geert
Moog software - LinnStrument - RackBlox - CableCube - Knobotron - Eigenharp Alpha/Tau/Pico - SendMIDI / ReceiveMIDI - MIDI Tape Recorder - Geco MIDI Leap - Steelstring Guitar - Electric Guitar - Vocals - Dynamod Games - Kung-fu

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Well done and thank you for this amazing work, just installed and still learning enjoying this fantastic instrument :D :love:

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Hi guys,

Thanks for the effort you have out into further developing the LinnStrument.

I'm still enjoying playing with it as more natural the more you play it.

In regards to the update, the LinnStrument feels more responsive with quick playing. I generally use it in one channel mode so far and build up my music in layers. I haven't encountered any problems so far with this update.

The new feature with the chord vibrato is an interesting one. I have used it with different types of instrument and was wondering if it was possible to be able to manipulate the value range of this vibrato/pitchbend feature? Maybe a quick setting that defines it range so it can be changed easily like the old pitchbend full range? The reason I ask is that some virtual instruments do not allow you to alter the sensitivity of the pitchbend range.

Thanks again for producing this amazing instrument.

Chris
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Windows 7 64bit, Cubase 8, Komplete 10 Ultimate
LinnStrument, Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol S61

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Great update!
I`d like to be able to use low row in CC FADERS mode too. Then it will be one CC less but one wor for pitch band... could be just perfect!

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This update allows the low row to function both in HOLD and FADER mode (swipe left/right to switch while in config mode), I think it should do what you want or am I misunderstanding you?
RO-mix wrote:Great update!
I`d like to be able to use low row in CC FADERS mode too. Then it will be one CC less but one wor for pitch band... could be just perfect!
Moog software - LinnStrument - RackBlox - CableCube - Knobotron - Eigenharp Alpha/Tau/Pico - SendMIDI / ReceiveMIDI - MIDI Tape Recorder - Geco MIDI Leap - Steelstring Guitar - Electric Guitar - Vocals - Dynamod Games - Kung-fu

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CubaseChris wrote: The new feature with the chord vibrato is an interesting one. I have used it with different types of instrument and was wondering if it was possible to be able to manipulate the value range of this vibrato/pitchbend feature? Maybe a quick setting that defines it range so it can be changed easily like the old pitchbend full range? The reason I ask is that some virtual instruments do not allow you to alter the sensitivity of the pitchbend range.
Chris
Hi Chris,
I'm glad you like the update. Regarding the above quote, yhe Bend Range is set by the Bend Range parameter as before. Did I misunderstand your question?

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gbevin wrote:This update allows the low row to function both in HOLD and FADER mode (swipe left/right to switch while in config mode), I think it should do what you want or am I misunderstanding you?
RO-mix wrote:Great update!
I`d like to be able to use low row in CC FADERS mode too. Then it will be one CC less but one wor for pitch band... could be just perfect!
I think he wants CC Fader mode with only 7 faders (1-7) and row 0 is Low Row on the same split.

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Roger_Linn wrote:
CubaseChris wrote: The new feature with the chord vibrato is an interesting one. I have used it with different types of instrument and was wondering if it was possible to be able to manipulate the value range of this vibrato/pitchbend feature? Maybe a quick setting that defines it range so it can be changed easily like the old pitchbend full range? The reason I ask is that some virtual instruments do not allow you to alter the sensitivity of the pitchbend range.
Chris
Hi Chris,
I'm glad you like the update. Regarding the above quote, yhe Bend Range is set by the Bend Range parameter as before. Did I misunderstand your question?
Thanks for getting back to me Roger. Yes I wasn't quite sure about whether it could be rectified using the pitchbend range. I played with it again this evening. You are right, if you increase the pitchbend range then your vibrato movement in the chord mode moves less in pitch and so it becomes more subtle.

Thanks a lot.

Chris
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Windows 7 64bit, Cubase 8, Komplete 10 Ultimate
LinnStrument, Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol S61

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Hi Chris,
I understand now. One of the basic design principals of LinnStrument is that the bend range should always be set such that sliding a finger one note pad to either side results in a bend of exactly one semitone. So the vibrato range is set by the Bend Range, just like a violin or cello. For this reason, there isn't really any need to set a vibrato range that is different than the Bend Range. If you want a wide vibrato, wiggle your finger a lot; if you want a small vibrato, wiggle your finger a little.

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Hi Roger,

The problem I was encountering is that with some sample based VST instruments in Kontakt, you are unable to set the softwares pitchbend and so no matter how small your vibrato movements, it always sounded over the top and synthetic.

My remedy was to increase the LinnStrument pitchbend range so that the promotion of pitch change was far less in the VST.

This may be useful for others to know.

Kind regards,

Chris
-------------------------------------------------------------
Windows 7 64bit, Cubase 8, Komplete 10 Ultimate
LinnStrument, Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol S61

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Hi Chris,
I think you're making it more complex than it is. It's best to follow this simple rule: always set LinnStrument's Bend Range to the same value as used in the sound generator you're using. That way your pitch slides will always be correct (for example, sliding your finger up 12 note pads will always result in a one octave pitch slide), and vibratos and pitch slides integrate together seamlessly, just like on every acoustic stringed instrument. LinnStrument permits any bend range from +/-1 to 96 semitones, which will match every sound generator without exception.

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Hi Roger,

I'm afraid I have to disagree. My playing sensitivity with the pads is getting much better. In terms of chord vibrato for some instruments, it sounds awfully synthetic as they over pitch. Sometimes I am unable to set any software ranges and so if I match the pitchbend range to the synth, the effect is too much vibrato.

This is why I increase the bend range to minimise the chord vibrato effect. I understand what you are saying about matching the slide range, but when you are using chords, solo pitch slide is removed and so vibrato is left. I'm not wanting to slide into a solo note but I do want to decrease the pitch vibrato for chords which sometimes can be too much and sound unnatural.

I feel you may be misunderstanding what my original problem was.

best wishes,

Chris
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Windows 7 64bit, Cubase 8, Komplete 10 Ultimate
LinnStrument, Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol S61

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It's OK, Chris. If you don't mind that the pitch slides won't work properly or you don't use pitch slides, then it really doesn't matter. However you wish to use it is of course fine.

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Thanks for this firmware update. It installed easily and with no problems.

Are you planning to create a PDF of the manual for this version as you did with the previous version?

Thanks,

Tony

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Hi Tony,
We actually didn't create the PDF shown on our Panel Settings pages. A LinnStrument owner created that and sent it to us. I'm afraid there's not enough demand for a printable version of the only Panel Settings pages to devote the time to creating such a reformatting for each new OS version. If you'd like to do that and contribute it to others, we'd be happy to post it.
Sorry I don't have a better answer.

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