MSF Online Preset Exchange—Discuss

[David]

I don't want to de-rail the thread…

THIS is exactly what this thread is really about, NOT a derail:)

Regarding how byzantine and confusing all these processes are, I have the impression that the needed Device/Device Presets system is not actually built yet, probably because it's not seen as needed until the other versions of MSF are rolled out, the ones that will only be able to use Devices, and won't have access to Edit mode.

Certainly there are VERY few Devices available so far, from any source, that I know of, besides the few that come with the install, one or two in the MSF Global Preset Exchange (which are mixed in there indistinguishably from non-devices), and the ones I keep foisting on the world in this thread, which I do because IMO, Device design and the ability to save Presets for them is where MSF REALLY starts to get interesting. So far, I seem to be virtually alone in this, amongst any preset makers I'm aware of!

[werzel]

So David, now that you have a .dpc filename, what's next?

[arachnaut]

I would like to get started making devices and presets, but I am not over the beginning, learning phases yet.
I get started, get confused, wait a bit and start again.
So far I have not left the confusion phase.

I have two different computers running MSF and they both seem to be different.
When I imported Simon's SF for MSF presets, they seem fine on both, but one system always complains about a folder. Image below.

Clipboard 1.png

I have searched the registry and all the XML files in AppData and ProgramData for the string but it eludes me, so I might just erase everything and start afresh when the next update happens.

I need to feel comfortable that I understand the logical file structures and where devices, presets, etc. are located as well as the names for things.

But I am lost. Just about everything has a preset menu, but I have no idea what I load or save there and how that fits in the big picture. I am exaggerating my confusion, but not by much.

[David]

So David, now that you have a .dpc filename, what's next?

Total and merciless domination of yet another realm in which I'm the only inhabitant and can detect no objects.

[David]

I would like to get started making devices and presets, but I am not over the beginning, learning phases yet.
I get started, get confused, wait a bit and start again.
So far I have not left the confusion phase.

I have two different computers running MSF and they both seem to be different.
When I imported Simon's SF for MSF presets, they seem fine on both, but one system always complains about a folder. Image below.
Clipboard 1.png
I have searched the registry and all the XML files in AppData and ProgramData for the string but it eludes me, so I might just erase everything and start afresh when the next update happens.

I need to feel comfortable that I understand the logical file structures and where devices, presets, etc. are located as well as the names for things.

But I am lost. Just about everything has a preset menu, but I have no idea what I load or save there and how that fits in the big picture. I am exaggerating my confusion, but not by much.

Except for the dual computer part, I've been exactly there, too. Fortunately, I seem to have wandered away from that place, and the view feels like it's considerably clearer wherever I am now, though much remains hidden, I've no doubt (unknown unknowns!). And I'll be glad to help if I can, if only with directions if not explanations. Feel free to PM with questions, set up a time for a chat/screenshare, whatever, anytime.

As for Preset folders and browsers everywhere, all named identically and none locatable outside of themselves in any useful way I've yet found—xml files being beyond my ken—I've definitely gotten over being driven MAD by that, tho nothing about that has changed or appears change-able. Complaints don't help, that much I've learned:)

What does a bit is not having more than one open at a time whenever possible. Also, familiarity, which is almost as handy as understanding.

One other thing: It seems that Exchange files can't be re-downloaded if lost (and every Preset browser I believe has its own Exchange—and backup function) so be sure to invoke the backup option for anything you've done an Exchange query on before deleting. Particularly MSF and MXXX.

[arachnaut]

I'm fairly used to being lost for a while, Reaktor taught me that. So I just need time. I feel comfortable navigating XML files and I have an XML capable editor.

Another confusion. The preset backup.

I have no idea why only 198 presets are being backed up, there are many more than that (see below).
Use the 'Backup' label from the top of the Preset to do that.
The backup file keeps growing, but it is in binary form, probably compressed, so I have no idea what goes on in there.
Maybe it means 198 new presets since the last backup?

Maybe I will clear out one computer and restore from the other's backup and see what happens.

I like to experiment when necessary, but backup and restore should not be one of those experiments, should it?

Clipboard 1.png

[David]

^^^
Sorry no explanations to be had from me. But I did learn that you can drag files presets around in browsers, reorder them, create new folders to hide them away in, etc.

How are you liking the VSP presets, btw? Any Devices?

[arachnaut]

Addition to previous:

I used 7-zip to 'decompress' the backup and it completed with error, so what file I got is suspect.
However, it is an XML file with Instruments and presets, with the presets in that 'Copy/Paste compress format', and it has a lot more than 198 presets.

Clipboard 1.png

[arachnaut]

^^^
Sorry no explanations to be had from me. But I did learn that you can drag files presets around in browsers, reorder them, create new folders to hide them away in, etc.

How are you liking the VSP presets, btw? Any Devices?

Oh dear, I don't remember!

I got the pack and listened to some of them, I remember that. Then I got Simon's and listened to some of them as well.
But in all honesty I don't remember much because I never used them in any performance.

I typically will browse through presets and save the ones I like to a 'Favorites folder' with my structure, so when I get more comfortable I'll do that.

I usually just use other people's presets as starting points for my own extensions. Just a quick way to get started with a sound.

I have been involved in many different things lately, and I haven't gotten back into MSF. The delay has allowed me to forget most of what I knew.

I've watched a few Youtube videos lately - yours and Chandler's.

I've watched your intro youtube videos several times and they almost make sense until I start doing something on my own.

[arachnaut]

I decided to wipe out the second computer's Melda-awareness, download the newest bundles and use my other systems' backup preset file.

It seems to have worked, it looks like everything got restored:

Clipboard 1.png

[David]

^^^
Ditto with purchased presets, exactly. I knew I'd find Simon's fascinating to pick apart. Even saved a few as Devices, with a few more MPs assigned, so I can make my own Device Presets from them. I've found the Preset browsers' built-in Favorites function quite handy, fwiw…

Sounds like a lot more "doing something on [your] own" is called for:)

Excellent news/info with your wipe-out/backup; thanks!

[arachnaut]

I regularly get Simon's presets and when he comes out with a soundbank for some synth or effect that I don't have, I get that as well because his taste and mine seem to jive.

Browsing banks is a bit annoying because sort option doesn't 'stick' and the presets display in a random order.

[David]

"Browsing banks is a bit annoying because sort option doesn't 'stick' and the presets display in a random order."

Hmm… Not sure what you mean by Banks—not an MSF or Melda term/concept that I know of, in relation to Presets, that is. You mean browser folders, maybe?

All my Preset browsers for presets I created are arranged in as-made order by default, though I can easily drag individual items around and they seem to stay put (as when doing a variation of something and I want to keep the newer with the older), which is a unique freedom compared to any other preset-filing system I'm used to. The other Sort options are alphabetical, and Favorites only, right? Are there any others I haven't noticed? I've never seen a random one…except of course all those collections that are filled with randomly named presets, so they have to be remembered or re-saved to be of any use, no matter what order they're in. I do like the load-a-random-one option.

Yeah, I'd LOVE to have ALL Simon's patches as well as all his instruments, just a fantasy here, though. I'm always thrilled whenever he works on something I already own:)

[arachnaut]

I mean browsing a bank (or folder) of presets. If the preset list is open, you can sort them and use the arrows to navigate in sort order. Sort remains selected and colored as an option. But if you close the preset list and use the arrows on the top menu, the order is random again. If you re-open the preset list, sort is still colored. I'd call that a bug.

sorted presets.png

not-sorted.png

[David]

Hmm - yeah, I see that. I'd never kept Sort on before, since I prefer to stick with my dragged arrangement (can't really see any use for alphabetizing, except maybe to find something). I'm about to send a crash report; will mention this, too.