SynthMaster 2.5.0.27 VST/VSTi/AU for Win/Mac, Download and try the DEMO now on either platform!

[fmr]

Hi everyone,

We are very glad to announce our first crossplatform release for SynthMaster 2.5

Here's a list of changes for v2.5.0.9:

1. NEW: The GUI framework is upgraded to VSTGUI 3.6
2: NEW: SynthMaster VSTi is available on both Windows and Mac OSX (10.5 and above) platforms
3: NEW: Added "Online" preset browser so that registered users can upload and share their presets
4: NEW: Users don't have to enter serial numbers anymore when starting SynthMaster, as the serial number key file is placed inside the zip archive when user downloads it.
5: NEW: SynthMaster comes with 3 different skins plus the development skin!

Windows 32 bit build is available for registered users at:
http://www.kv331audio.com/DownloadFile.aspx?fileID=42

Mac OSX 32 bit (Intel) build is available for registered users at:
http://www.kv331audio.com/DownloadFile.aspx?fileID=43

However, there's a general Mac OSX problem with the zip file you download on OSX:

The zip file has folder hierarchy such as:

Library/Application Support/KV331 Audio/SynthMaster
Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST

When you try to copy the Library folder extracted from the zip file Mac OSX tries to REPLACE, NOT OVERWRITE the Library folder.

I mean, that's a SERIOUS issue. The replace could delete some folders

This is an issue with Mac OS X. In Mac OS X, when we copy a folder over another with the same name, it doesn't merge contents, like Windows does. Instead, it deletes the previous one and replaces it with a new one. So, it's better to make a general warning upon download, to prevent users of deleting their own presets, or modified ones. They definitely have to backup any folder that have user data and manually copy files later.

[kv331]

This is an issue with Mac OS X. In Mac OS X, when we copy a folder over another with the same name, it doesn't merge contents, like Windows does. Instead, it deletes the previous one and replaces it with a new one. So, it's better to make a general warning upon download, to prevent users of deleting their own presets, or modified ones. They definitely have to backup any folder that have user data and manually copy files later.

This is a real showstopper for me. Is there a script that can fix this issue? Like using the unix CP command?

EDIT: It's time to add support for allowing users to save their presets on their own "documents" folders, so that no preset folders would be lost.

[Ingonator]

I just installed the Windows version of Synthmaster 2.5 and the new GUIs are really nice !!

Switching the GUIs works perfectly in Ableton Live 8 but it didn't work with the free Tobybear MiniHost so far.

[kv331]

Switching the GUIs works perfectly in Ableton Live 8 but it didn't work with the free Tobybear MiniHost so far.

I think Tobybear doesnt close/reopen a plugin window once it loads the plugin. Or maybe I should just notify the host app to close/open/refresh the plugin window?

[Aloysius]

This is the first time I've downloaded an alpha-beta (whatever it's called) in ages. Wish me luck!!!

Live 8.1.4 crashed immediately on loading the VSTi. Serious error. I tried a couple of times. I'm going to uninstall it now 'cause I'm working on some music.

[kv331]

Live 8.1.4 crashed immediately on loading the VSTi. Serious error. i'm going to uninstall it now.

Will debug the crashes tonight.

[KrisM]

Regarding the folder hierarchy:

Some plugins that don't have an installer are setup thusly:

When you open the dmg file, it has a shortcut to the plugin folders and the folder the data is to go to. the user just drags the pertinent file across and voila. Installed where it needs to be, and nothing is overwritten and no need to worry about where to unzip it to.

[PLUGIN DATA] --> [/Applications Folder (or wherever)]
[AU plugin] --> [/library/audio/plugins/components]
[VST plugin] --> [/library/audio/plugins/VST]

I have no idea how these are actually done, though

[S-N-S]

this also crashes ableton live intro 8,1,4 when putting it in a midi-track

[kv331]

Dear KVR community,

We're proud to announce our latest crossplatform release for SynthMaster 2.5 VST/VSTi: Alpha build #16

With this build, we have exciting new features, aside from the many fixes:

1. Added "Vector" type oscillators: Now vector synthesis is possible in SynthMaster! And all the modulations that were available for other types of oscillators are possible for "vector" oscillators, such as Frequency Modulation, Phase Modulation, Ring/Amplitude Modulation, Hard Sync, Pulse Width Modulation:



In our next build we will introduce a novel concept: 2D envelopes. 2D envelopes will be very crucial in showing the true power of vector oscillators.

2. Added "AudioIn" type oscillators. With this type of oscillator, SynthMaster now turns into a serious effect processor! To trigger "AudioIn" oscilators, we also added audio MIDI triggering, so that the envelope of the audio input can be used to trigger a MIDI note:



3. We improved our arpeggiator view, so that now it is possible to edit the lengths of steps as well:



4. Added global settings on the user interface. Initially the default global skin, global engine parameters, logging level and default basic wavetables can be edited from within the UI:



5. We improved the startup time of SynthMaster, by persisting preset metadata in an XML file. This way, the startup time improved significantly.

EDIT: The above screenshots are all taken from our prototype "development" skin.

[kv331]

And here's a "novel" feature we've recently added for our 2.5 release: 2 dimensional envelopes:



These envelopes will be very important when doing sound design with "vector" oscillators!

[Ingonator]

And here's a "novel" feature we've recently added for our 2.5 release: 2 dimensional envelopes:



These envelopes will be very important when doing sound design with "vector" oscillators!

Yeah. With those envelopes it looks really close to the Prophet VS or Korg Wavestation.

Two questions:
- Where is the middle position of the Vector OSC in this envelope?
In the Wavestation this is programmed with a "cross" like in the Vector OSC of Synthmaster.

- Is the starting point always at the lower left side of the 2D envelope?
In the Wavestation the position of all steps is free.

On the other hand the Wavestation's Mix envelope only has 5 steps so this is better in Synthmaster. Programmming the steps on the Wavestation is quite easy due to the "real" vector stick and the graphical display of the mix envelope.

Here's a picture of the mix envelope page of the Wavestation (hardware):

The percentages represent the mix of the current point. If all are 25% it's in the middle and the volume of all sounds is equal.
In the "Mixmod" menu the position could be additionally modulated by e.g. the LFO.

Given the fact that the original synth is already 20 years old the user interface of the hardware Wavestation is still one of the best IMO.

[Timfonie]

These are some great extra features!
It's very interesting to see Synthmaster being developed step by step into a real powerhouse synth (which is actually already is).

Vector 2d synthesis, audio-in with MIDI-note trigger ... have to try it out this weekend

[kv331]

Two questions:
- Where is the middle position of the Vector OSC in this envelope?
In the Wavestation this is programmed with a "cross" like in the Vector OSC of Synthmaster.

Let me expain in detail. So, we have 4 oscillators being mixed:

O4

O1 O2

O3

X-Index determines the mix ratio of Osc 1/2
Y-Index determines the mix ratio of Osc 3/4

Assuming that X-index and Y-index values of vector osc is zero, and they are fully (+) modulated with the 2D envelope X/Y values, based on the envelope position here are the mix ratios:

O1+O4 O4+0.5x(O1+O2) O2+O4


O1+0.5x(O3+O4) 0.5x(O1+O2+O3+O4) O2+0.5x(O3+O4)


O1+O3 O3+0.5x(O1+O2) O2+O3

- Is the starting point always at the lower left side of the 2D envelope?
In the Wavestation the position of all steps is free.

No you can place it anywhere on the graph! Maybe I should improve the X-Y display on the vector osc screen so it gives visual feedback as to at what range the modulators effect.

On the other hand the Wavestation's Mix envelope only has 5 steps so this is better in Synthmaster. Programmming the steps on the Wavestation is quite easy due to the "real" vector stick and the graphical display of the mix envelope.

We can have upto 16 points. Maybe what I should do is to add a "recording feature" to the 2D envelopes so that you draw the curve arbitrarily and it "records" it somehow!

[kv331]

Also, please keep in mind that the 2D envelopes are NOT only for vector oscillators. You can use their X/Y outputs to modulate any other voice parameters!

[Ingonator]

Also, please keep in mind that the 2D envelopes are NOT only for vector oscillators. You can use their X/Y outputs to modulate any other voice parameters!

Many thanks for explaining it, Bulent. In the next alpha i could see it myself...