TimewARP 2600 Thoughts (desired features)

[MitchK1989]

I apologize for not getting back to you. I had a problem with my mail system, and I am in the process of trying to move to a different service provider to get more reliable email service. You should just need to write me for more authorization for this circumstance.

I am planning on re-working the copy protection. I would like to make it less intrusive and easier for end users. This is a difficult subject for both developers and end users, and I am trying to determine the best route going forward.

On this topic, because I do feel it is relevant, what products do this properly in your opinion?

Best regards,

Jim

Just thought I'd pipe in to say how happy I am with u-he, vember audio, and ableton... something that just requires me to copy-paste some numbers or in the case of ableton just pressing an "authorize online" button in the app itself.

[breakmixer]

D16 are my favourites when it comes to protection, I always know it will be a very easy process, the products are always re-sellable, yet I've never resold any,

I support D16 the most and have every product,

Also a thumbs up to Sonic Projects & GSi!

These type of Devs have got it right, easy installation and no hassle activation...

I hate challenge response(N.I), use dongles but don't like them(ilok and e-licenser), just a serial number or key file will do! I also like to see my name on the plugin, that does not bother me!

[HunterKiller]

Tabs can often be confusing too.

Really?
Think Sylenth1 or Zebra/Ace, pretty simple, right!?
Keeps everything neat and not to mention: opens up a lot of possibilities.

Well, in the context of Zebra and Sylenth1, you don't have a "cable" based UI so yeah, it works great, but when you're working with wires and all of the sudden something is on another tab you've broken the paradigm. Frankly, I'd be fine with loosing the cables ala a Vaz Modular or having two views.

It all depends on how Jim plans to connect the Effects page and the Sequencer page to the Synth page.

[metrosonic]

1. Step Sequencer/Sequencers... (let's define this because I have had a lot of people ask for more than a just a 1601...)

The step sequencers that to my mind currently deliver the best user experience are stand alone; products like Thesys & Numerology. The reason they succeed is that they focus on the positive elements afforded by CV based sequence control but they don't hide that power behind an arcane hardware emulation.

I'm a massive fan of the XILS Lab synths but the step sequencers are a major PITA to work with (because they rely too much on a hardware control metaphor - that coupled with the tiny interface areas handed over to the step sequencing functionality!). So whatever you do with the TimeARP 2600, I'd like to see any potential step sequencer meld the benefits of the modulation capabilities of your original emulation but couple it with a user interface that acknowledges we're working with software.

JM
------------
http://soundcloud.com/leftside-wobble

[JimHeintzFromSifuAudio]

D16 are my favourites when it comes to protection, I always know it will be a very easy process, the products are always re-sellable, yet I've never resold any,

I support D16 the most and have every product,

Also a thumbs up to Sonic Projects & GSi!

These type of Devs have got it right, easy installation and no hassle activation...

I hate challenge response(N.I), use dongles but don't like them(ilok and e-licenser), just a serial number or key file will do! I also like to see my name on the plugin, that does not bother me!

How do the D16 products handle registration? Does it use a license request, or some sort of online activation? I looked at their website, but the I could not find a complete description of their process.

[JimHeintzFromSifuAudio]

Tabs can often be confusing too.

Really?
Think Sylenth1 or Zebra/Ace, pretty simple, right!?
Keeps everything neat and not to mention: opens up a lot of possibilities.

Well, in the context of Zebra and Sylenth1, you don't have a "cable" based UI so yeah, it works great, but when you're working with wires and all of the sudden something is on another tab you've broken the paradigm. Frankly, I'd be fine with loosing the cables ala a Vaz Modular or having two views.

It all depends on how Jim plans to connect the Effects page and the Sequencer page to the Synth page.

I am still trying to work this out. I want it to be completely patchable, yet still clean and easy to understand. I don't believe that TimewARP 2600 would be the same product if I were to remove the cables completely... At it's heart it needs to remain an ARP 2600.

[metrosonic]

At it's heart it needs to remain an ARP 2600.

Amen to that Jim!

JM
------------
http://soundcloud.com/leftside-wobble

[JimHeintzFromSifuAudio]

1. Step Sequencer/Sequencers... (let's define this because I have had a lot of people ask for more than a just a 1601...)

The step sequencers that to my mind currently deliver the best user experience are stand alone; products like Thesys & Numerology. The reason they succeed is that they focus on the positive elements afforded by CV based sequence control but they don't hide that power behind an arcane hardware emulation.

I'm a massive fan of the XILS Lab synths but the step sequencers are a major PITA to work with (because they rely too much on a hardware control metaphor - that coupled with the tiny interface areas handed over to the step sequencing functionality!). So whatever you do with the TimeARP 2600, I'd like to see any potential step sequencer meld the benefits of the modulation capabilities of your original emulation but couple it with a user interface that acknowledges we're working with software.

JM
------------
http://soundcloud.com/leftside-wobble

There might be a middle ground here. I am still trying to work out how things will come together regarding this. I have looked at a lot of different sequencer designs over the years, and definitely want to make it completely patchable, and probably offer some sort of polyphony option.

What would be the desired maximum screen size for a "large mode"? I think the idea of offering a couple of different sizes could offer a way to put both a sequencer and the front panel together. Currently TimewARP 2600 is 1010x623.

[robgxmn]

How do the D16 products handle registration? Does it use a license request, or some sort of online activation? I looked at their website, but the I could not find a complete description of their process.

You log into your user page and download a .reg file, which you put in the same folder as the .dll of the vst.

It's not tied to hardware, no challenge/response, or anything. It just has your registration info encrypted in it and unlocks the demo version to full.

[metrosonic]

What would be the desired maximum screen size for a "large mode"? I think the idea of offering a couple of different sizes could offer a way to put both a sequencer and the front panel together. Currently TimewARP 2600 is 1010x623.

I think something that fits a 1280x1024 display (many laptop musicians or users with second monitors are restricted by this resolution) is probably the maximum you could go to. I'd still personally prefer to see a sequencer in a separate tab if it's functionality required a substantial amount of visual real estate.

As I mentioned before, whilst the XILS Lab synths are great they try to squeeze too much functionality into too small a space as can be seen here - http://audio.accordo.it/articles/2010/0 ... size1.html

[breakmixer]

How do the D16 products handle registration? Does it use a license request, or some sort of online activation? I looked at their website, but the I could not find a complete description of their process.

You log into your user page and download a .reg file, which you put in the same folder as the .dll of the vst.

It's not tied to hardware, no challenge/response, or anything. It just has your registration info encrypted in it and unlocks the demo version to full.

Yes it's very simple, I cannot remember, something like browse to it and it unlocks the demo, maybe you can do it more ways than 1, I cannot remember but know it's dead easy and flawless...

In your downloads page you get the installer, PDF Manual and reg key!

[breakmixer]

From D16 website

•How to register plug-in with licence key file?

If You're registering our product:

◦Load it to host application
◦Open plug-in's window
◦Click OPTIONS button at the GUI and menu will be pulled down
◦Choose About menu item
◦Click Browse button (at the bottom)to load key file from the location where You saved it.

[LBN]

Registration key files or simple serial numbers are my preferred. They can be easily saved with the installer file for backup. It makes reinstalling your system easier. It also means you aren't dependent upon a company being in business to use your software. I know there are companies that say they will release unlock codes if they should ever have to go out of business but if there's one thing I've learned in decades of computers it is to only buy what's available and not promises. And we've seen more than one example around here of a developer going out of business and customers unable to reactivate their software.

[breakmixer]

As for pricing, bring your prices in line with GForce's Emu's, It is well known your emulation is 'held in higher esteem' than Arturia's, but I was always put off by the price first and foremostly!

[bill45]

Win 7 x64 , please.
I'd like to get a frankenstein lead sound.I have not quite been
able to get this with other 2600 emulations.I think edger plugged his 2600
into an svt.