Closest alternative to AIR Music Technology's Ignite

[rrichard63]

I'm looking for a sketchpad type of tool for getting musical ideas down quickly after a miminal learning curve. It will also be used for very quickly putting together backing tracks for practice. I use Windows computers.

One approach to this is the Band In a Box of 20 years ago. Unfortunately, today's Band In a Box is so bloated with accumulated features, options, menus, libraries etc. that I am finding it unlearnable. Looking superficially at Jammer, it appears to suffer from the same kind bloat.

Another very promising approach is AIR Music Technology's Ignite. I was really intrigued by the description and demonstration video on Pro Tools Expert. Exactly what I want. Then I found out that:

(1) You have to go through hell to install it -- involving either or both of (a) uninstalling and reinstalling iLok and/or (b) setting your system clock back a year or two during the installation. Inexcusable.

(2) Unless you have one of the keyboards it was originally designed for, it's purely a matter of luck whether it will work with your hardware MIDI controller or controllers. And it won't work at all with controllers connected via 5-pin DIN. It's USB only.

Both problems reflect it's origins as a free product distributed through hardware manufacturers. But it's been a paid product available to everyone for almost two years now. Not fixing these issues in that period of time tells me that AIR Music doesn't really want to support the product.

What's the closest thing to Ignite for Windows that has active support from its developer?

Thanks in advance.

[Aryaroman]

I'm looking for a sketchpad type of tool for getting musical ideas down quickly after a miminal learning curve. It will also be used for very quickly putting together backing tracks for practice. I use Windows computers.

One approach to this is the Band In a Box of 20 years ago. Unfortunately, today's Band In a Box is so bloated with accumulated features, options, menus, libraries etc. that I am finding it unlearnable. Looking superficially at Jammer, it appears to suffer from the same kind bloat.

Another very promising approach is AIR Music Technology's Ignite. I was really intrigued by the description and demonstration video on Pro Tools Expert. Exactly what I want. Then I found out that:

(1) You have to go through hell to install it -- involving either or both of (a) uninstalling and reinstalling iLok and/or (b) setting your system clock back a year or two during the installation. Inexcusable.

(2) Unless you have one of the keyboards it was originally designed for, it's purely a matter of luck whether it will work with your hardware MIDI controller or controllers. And it won't work at all with controllers connected via 5-pin DIN. It's USB only.

Both problems reflect it's origins as a free product distributed through hardware manufacturers. But it's been a paid product available to everyone for almost two years now. Not fixing these issues in that period of time tells me that AIR Music doesn't really want to support the product.

What's the closest thing to Ignite for Windows that has active support from its developer?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, better stay clear of ILok.

Roland's Sound Canvas could be what you're looking for. Or Korg's M1. Very old rompler-style sound though. I hate to say it, but when it comes to just plain simple sketching, without all the fuss and a learning curve, a good hardware workstation is still quite a functional option, like the Yamaha Motif-series.

Band in a Box, though, now that's a blast from the past!

[freestylerap143]

I am also interested. Please let me know also if you find one.