Which Host? – right now (poll)

[mn]

Sonar 4PE, FL Studio 5, Adobe Audition - usually in that order of preference, for me. Both S4PE and FL5 host "subhosts" like EnergyXT on a regular basis. To me S4PE is (of what I have) best mix of MIDI/audio, while I prefer FL5's piano roll (is draw/erase without clicking an interface button that hard a concept?) and the step sequencing/playlist makes quick prototyping easy (so I often use it as VST in S4PE), and for audio only live recording stuff I usually go with AA. For a live performance MIDI type thing I would probably go with eXT.

Occasionally mess about with others like P5 or Tracktion as a learning experience. Also have WaveLab 5 but have not used much yet. Have a handful of other "lessers" like Magix Music Maker and whatnot, but they are only "also-haves" at this point.

[_niko_]

S4PE is it for me

Played around with Tracktion a little, but think I am gonna stick with Sonar.

Niko

[Kerrydan]

Gasp!
Where's Plogue Bidule?!

No voting from this feller until I see Plogue Bidule on the list.
Thanx,
-K

[Spe3D]

Gasp!
Where's Plogue Bidule?!

No voting from this feller until I see Plogue Bidule on the list.
Thanx,
-K

Click 'other' I will count up the votes for hosts that were not listed, but posted in the thread, if you list more than one host in a post, I will count the first one if its not in the poll list.

I cannot edit the poll list now the vote has started.

At the end of the poll I will amend the first text post to include these votes in the thread and hosts those votes relate to.

Best regards,

Spe3d

:O)

[jens]

eXT over here

[sailorboy]

xt, ah?
i have to take a look

[Kerrydan]

Click 'other' I will count up the votes for hosts that were not listed, but posted in the thread, if you list more than one host in a post, I will count the first one if its not in the poll list.

I cannot edit the poll list now the vote has started.

Aww, that's too bad. Oh well, I voted Other. Consider this my vote for Bidule.

Now, let me play devil's advocate here.
What if you end up with more Other votes than Other mentions in posts? Unless they read your reply to my post, they won't know to leave a post with the name of their 'Other' host, or might not have the time to do so.

Seems to me that would skew the results in favour of the hosts whose names are in the list. The results definitely would not be representative of what readers are actually using the most. For example, I know exactly why you put MusE in the list, but I would be really shocked if there are more serious MusE users reading this thread than serious Bidule users.

(Yeah, yeah. I'll shut up now.)
-K

[jens]

xt, ah?
i have to take a look

yes, you should - it's getting better pretty much on a daily basis (really!!!)

[Spe3D]

Hi! Kerrydan,

There is a similar post I made in the first part of the thread, just after Ben mentioned Logic. – on page three I will make another post etc.

I know people don’t read every page, and this is why I post after the question is raised, as it will again in the future. If Other is hit lots then there will be lots of additions to the first text at the end of the poll with their votes.

Sorry for missing out Bidule and Logic and live – so far.

Best regards,

Spe3d

[jens]

xt, ah?
i have to take a look

yes, you should - it's getting better pretty much on a daily basis (really!!!)

here are the updates of the last six months:

Code: Select all

Version 1.2.9 - 21-november-2004
-Multipage window docking
-Alt+click to split notes in Piano roll
-Slice notes in any number of equal parts in MIDI editor composer
-Added MIDI Program change support in MIDI editor
-Improved responsiveness in sequencer when editing midi, audio and envelopes events in loop mode
-Drag and drop tracks in sequencer
-Drag and drop multiple parts between tracks in sequencer
-MIDI/envelope tracks now displays the name of the VST the track is assigned to for improved overview
-Right-click will now select a track in sequencer before the popup menu
-Tab key now works in File window
-Better precision when zooming (at cursor pos) with mouse wheel
-Dropping a sample into an audio part in the sequencer now doesnt resize the part
-Added sampler icon
-Position and visible state of VSTs in sequencer are now saved
-eXT will now popup a message if ASIO.dll is not found
-Skinning window frame now works in color mode (and not only bmp as it used to be)
-Fixed problem with multi ins and outs in the VST version
-Fixed bug with note off in sampler in multi preset mode
-Fixed bug with syncing delay in sampler to tempo
-Fixed bug with clicks and pops when using the delay as send fx in sampler
-Fixed error with 'Show param' menu in sequencer when using the sampler
-Fixed issue with renaming ghost parts in sequencer
-Fixed crash with using pitch bend on sampler (without opening the sampler editor at least one time)
-Fixed timing bug on envelope tracks in sequencer
-Fixed no sound prob when adding new track and VSTi to sequencer while playing
-Fixed crash with double-clicking on VST output menu button in sequencer mixer

Version 1.2.8 - 26-october-2004
-New sampler comp
-Drag and drop sampel presets (.xts), SF2 presets and instruments into sequencer
-New Main browser (F3), use it to drag and drop VSTs, wav samples and xt sampler presets (.xts) and SF2 presets, instruments and samples into the current project
-Fixed a prob with buffer size detection in ASIO dll
-Fixed an issue with changing ASIO device
-Fixed issue with VST version clipping audio output
-Fixed prob with skins not looking right until eXT was reloaded
-Fixed an issue with nesting multiple eXT's within eXT's
-Ctrl+space on MIDI track in sequencer will open the VST the track is routed to
-eXT VST version can now have multiple audio intputs and outputs (if supported by host)
-Mute MIDI/Audio/Envelope parts in sequencer (ctrl + m)
-Fixed an overdubbing issue with midi loop recording in sequencer
-Improved VST sync in main window and sequencer comp
-Better looking MIDI and audio cables in main window
-Added Pitch Bend support to controller view in MIDI Editor
-Added on/off button for Snap in sequencer, MIDI editor and Audio editor
-Press 'x' to toggle snap on/off
-New Marker tracks in sequencer with optional autozoom, autogroup and autoloop select
-Position and size of editor window in sequencer are now saved and restored
-Insert fx are now pre fader and send fx are now optional pre/post fader in sequencer
-Sequencer audio out can now be automated by MIDI cc
-Tempo selector in sequencer with internal or external clock
-Metronome in sequencer with count-in (wav requiered)
-Song position in bars/beats/ticks and hours/mins/secs in sequencer. Rigth-click to select format
-Changed background drawing in the piano roll to highlight flats instead of every other beat
-Higher zoom out level
-Dragging envelope curve points now works more logical
-Press 'r' to toggle record enable on/off in seq
-Press 'b' to toggle metronome on/off in seq
-Middle click volume and VST param faders in GUI to activate MIDI Learn
-'Move up' now work with insert fx on audio tracks in sequencer
-New tracks in sequencer are now by default named after track mode: 'midi', 'audio', 'folder' and 'envelope'
-There are now 4 gate modes in the Groove editor. 'Note lenght', 'Q', 'Q - no overlap' and 'Q - Legato'
-Slicing clips in Audio part editor now snaps to grid and not clip start position
-Fixed crash with 'Move To' menu, when no track selected
-Pan now works on frozen VST outputs
-Fixed problem with disk streaming and pitching wav down 2-3 octaves
-Custom groove support in sequencer with time offset, velocity and note length
-Envelope track can be routed to Groove strength for sample accurate automation
-Middle-click groove strength selector in gui for MIDI learn
-Double-click midi fx, insert fx, send fx and groove to open editors in sequencer mixer
-Fixed problem with freeze and rename VST in sequencer
-'Create folder' on right-click in open/save/folder window
-Trigger MIDI parts with CC
-Click middle mouse button on trigger key/cc control to activate MIDI learn in MIDI part performer
-Added 'play group' support in MIDI Part performer (used to be called transporter)
-Added 'mute group' support in MIDI Part performer
-Change order of parts in MIDI Part performer
-Fixed issue with Insert point in envelope when in Run mode, would stop playabck
-Fixed issue with restoring VST program on some plug-ins
-Fixed a crash problem when loading eXT patches via 'File->Load bank' in Cubase
-Saving chords without root note, now reloads properly
-Fixed problem with ghosting MIDI parts on multiple tracks in sequencer
-Delete doubles
-Save prompt may be disabled in energyXT.ini, add the section [options] with the line saveptrompt=0
-Fixed an issue with save on exit, when you click Cancel in file dialog, or try to save with a bad filename, eXT will not exit

Version 1.2.7 - 7-july-2004
- Added 'Random notes' to Composer in MIDI editor, works well with pre-sliced loops and basslines
- Added support for 24/32-bit playback and recording
- Select 16, 24 or 32-bit on VST multiout freeze
- Use Alt + mouse click to insert automation events on envelope tracks
- Re-arrange mixer items in main mixer
- Copy/paste part color
- Added power button to Inputs (audio recording) section in sequencer mixer
- MIDI learn now also works on Insert FX
- Added a "Quick select" velocity/cc menu in MIDI Editor, the menu shows only cc's already used in part
- Add new cc view now automatically picks a cc used in part 
- Manually enter velocity and cc values in MIDI Editor
- Velocity/cc view can be resized in MIDI Editor
- Event list in MIDI editor now displays velocity
- Double-click events in event list to display same type in velocity/cc view
- Optional auto-follow song position in sequencer
- VST param faders in main and sequencer mixer now displays the real param value instead of 0-127
- Use Ctrl + Del to delete selected track in sequencer
- Use Ctrl + Ins to insert tracks in sequencer, will insert same type as selected
- The send channels in the Mixer comp are now labeled as 'Sends' and not as 'Audio outs'
- Auto name audio parts to filename in sequencer comp, when adding wavs
- Use 'w' to toggle mouse wheel behaviour in MIDI editor
- Added an error message if trying to overwrite a read-only file
- Color of clipping leds may be changed
- VST power button now works, and is also saved with song
- Fixed issue with deleting bitmaps in GUI editor
- Fixed mouse wheel issue in MIDI part editor
- Fixed an issue with error message on shutdown/new on some PC's
- Fixed prob with MIDI patcher output names on right-click popup menu
- Fixed crash with Inserting a new part in empty arrangement in seq comp
- Fixed a folder track save/restore problem (when first track in sequencer was a folder)
- Added GUI item for horizontal splitter 
Version 1.26 - 18-june-2004
- New Envelope (automation) track in sequencer comp, with ghost parts and MIDI fx support
- Open/save envelope part templates inside sequencer
- Sequencer now has mini transporter (play, stop, rewind) in main mixer
- Improved audio streaming
- Faster waveform drawing
- Drawing of parts in sequenecer are now easier on the eye
- Clip/gain leds in main mixer, sequencer comp and mixer comp
- Ctrl + D to duplicate selected part(s)
- Mouse wheel scrolling in MIDI and Audio part comp
- Copy/paste audio parts now works
- Select/move/copy now with auto-scrolling if dragging mouse outside screen
- Added minimize and maximize/restore button in SA (F12 to minimize)
- USe ctrl + mouse-wheel to zoom in Sequencer, MIDI Part and Audio Part
- New MIDI leds on MIDI tracks in sequencer
- New speedbuttons for selecting prior/next VST program in main and seq mixer 
- MIDI file import now reads track names and midi channel
- Semi-transparent menus
- Fixed a MIDI triggering issue in Audio part on samples longer than loop
- Fixed a prob with saving large vst chunks of data
- Fixed problem with external MIDI out, no more 0000000 messages
- Fixed prob with gluing parts that had space in between
- Fixed issue with send fx not working on newly added outputs until next reload

Version 1.25 - 25-may-2004
- Audio multi-in in standalone version
- Multi-track audio recording in sequencer
- VST version(s) now can slave to host's transporter/position 
- Sequencer VST freeze now includes the VST name in the filename (wav)
- External MIDI out in Standalone version
- MIDI FX on midi tracks in sequencer
- 'VST search' in main window and sequencer (very usefull!)
- MIDI learn
- CC to VST param automation scaling and invert
- Sequencer now supports VSTs that can sync playback to host
- Use mouse wheel over the loop/pos view to zoom in/out in sequencer
- Standalone can now be minimixe from the taskbar
- Record chords with midi keyboard in Chords comp
- Quantize 'selection only' in midi part and sequencer
- Note length quantize
- Rename VST's in sequencer
- Select Part color in sequencer
- Mute notes in MIDI part and sequencer (shortcut = n) 
- Arp will now MIDI thru all CC events
- Split and glue MIDI parts in sequencer
- Import MIDI files in sequencer (browse + drag and drop)
- Envelope comp now optmized and only sends new cc values when needed
- Fixed prob with saving 24-bit files
- Multi-select, move and copy clips in Audio Part
- Move clips with keyboard shortcuts in Audio Part (SA only)
- Audio Parts comp now shows up in main mixer
- Added 'position view' to Audio Part editor
- Audio part, use return to start/stop active part
- Show VST params on send effects inside sequencer mixer
- Route midi tracks to send and insert effects in sequencer
- Support for triplets in Sequencer and MIDI Part
- Grid lines now adjust to edit/snap automatically
- Backspace doubles as delete button
- Song position bar in sequencer
- Change order of insert effects in sequencer
- Moved all ASIO/MIDI settings from the main toolbar into the driver window
- Support for bitmaps with alpha color (transparent) in GUI
- Renaming VST id is now restored after save

- in between there are always public betas every few days

[sailorboy]

xt, ah?
i have to take a look

yes, you should - it's getting better pretty much on a daily basis (really!!!)

thank jens , works in similar wya as fl?

[Sascha Franck]

In order of appearance:
- Logic 5.5.1 PC
- Cubase SX 3

Tracktion might deliver some fun during the next weeks as well, but I would take a bet that I wouldn't use it as a host for anything serious at all(might try for some mastering though).
Oh, and WaveLab 3 for editing, but that's less than hosting...

[jens]

In order of appearance:
- Logic 5.5.1 PC
- Cubase SX 3

Tracktion might deliver some fun during the next weeks as well, but I would take a bet that I wouldn't use it as a host for anything serious at all(might try for some mastering though).

when it comes to audio editing it's so much more powerful that the other two

(due to it's object-orientation )

[Ben [KVR]]

doesn't it only host AU's?

and to make an AU, you gotta get Apple's permission, and have them assign you an AU vendor code?

which can and has taken months, delaying the development and release of plugins?

doesn't seem any more 'open standard' than ReWire, in fact, to these eyes, arguably less

As far as I am aware both the VST and AU (CoreAudio) SDKs are freely downloadable and can be utilised by all, without any kind of "qualification". Which means anyone can use either SDK to create a host or plug-in.

Of course they both require you to sign a license agreement and conform to various licensing restrictions (displaying copyright, logos, etc.) but they are effectively "open".

ReWire isn't a plug-in architecture AFAIAC, plus it is only available to registered companies and not just anyone.

[Muff Wiggler]

isn't waiting for apple to approve your application, and issue you your unique AU vendor ID a kind of qualificaion, and additionally a 'registration' of your company with Apple?

thanks for responding on this...a few times I've tried to troll this debate out of KvR, but no-one ever bites!