16.00 - removing the 32-bit plugin support

[MeldaProduction]

Hey folks, so, V16 won't be big, it will be mainly about some further optimizations, but I want to make it a major update, since it won't be "forwards compatible" - meaning that it will use a different storage system (so way faster loading/saving of everything), which the old versions won't be able to read. So once you save your project, you won't be able to load it with older versions. This is quite normal, but I want to highlight that anyways.

Now I'd like to also exploit the opportunity to drop the 32-bit plugin support. Many other devs already did that, I think it's time for Melda too. So this is just a notice, just in case many of you would start screaming like "nononono... we want to stay in 20ths century" haha

[SirkusPi]

I preemptively voice my support for dropping 32-bit. Not that having it available hurts me personally; but I understand it's a pain for you as a developer to maintain, and I expect there will likely be people complaining, so I just want to be on record as saying I believe your decision as to where to (and where not to) focus your development time is completely fair and rational. And I wish you good luck dealing with the likely blowback!

[SeeingInMidi]

Hope to see cpu optimizations for smart interpolation if possible.

[ElevatedBeing]

Yes, drop 32-bit. More dev time for other things.

[ralfrobert]

Yes, drop 32-bit. More dev time for other things.

+1

No more ancient hardware here any more.

[vectorwarrior]

Yep, would love to see 32bit gone, every install I install them into a folder and then delete them... it's a minor pain. I guess as long as you keep the oldest version with 32bit support accessible in the website somewhere then it's not a problem as it's super old tech and it'll be rare for people to want to use them.

[vanerio]

Nice!
Considering that it is an irreversible change, maybe it is convenient to match some parameters between MSF and some plugins (like the vibrato rate or depth)

[MeldaProduction]

Nice!
Considering that it is an irreversible change, maybe it is convenient to match some parameters between MSF and some plugins (like the vibrato rate or depth)

You misunderstood, backwards compatibility is a must! I was talking about forward compatibility (if it is even defined), meaning that old versions can read (at least partially) settings created by newer versions.

[TommyC81]

I'm in support of dropping 32bit - focus on the future! Great to hear that more optimization is inbound!

And, as alluded to by vanerio, I'm also in support of fixing some legacy items kept a certain way only for backwards compatibility - perhaps by incorporating functionality to convert pre-v16 settings/presets to post-v16 settings/presets and thus technically maintaining backwards compatibility?

[SirkusPi]

I'm (happily) amazed at all the responses coming out in support of dropping 32 bit. Where are all the naysayers I was expecting? Have we finally turned the corner and gotten to the point where everyone can acknowledge that yes, technology does indeed march forward, and sometimes older technologies get left behind? If so, then I welcome this new era of understanding!

[edkilp]

I am also in favor of dropping 32bit. Just don't jump the gun and assume that HDD's are a thing of the past just yet!

[DarkStar]

Naysayer here

I have a 32-bit DAW that I sometimes use. What would be handy is to have v15.xx 32-bit plug-ins and v16.xx 64-bit plug-ins. Or will the common App Data files be a problem?

[rasmusklump]

I think it is a good idea to abandon the 32 bit plugins.
But IF the 15.xx are included in 32 bit installing them is an absolute no go. I don't even want to unselect them during every install.

[Kr3eM]

Naysayer here

I have a 32-bit DAW that I sometimes use. What would be handy is to have v15.xx 32-bit plug-ins and v16.xx 64-bit plug-ins. Or will the common App Data files be a problem?

I still use a few 32bit versions as well... I would still like to be able to use them (have no need for them to be further developt)...

however, I understand dropping them.

[rasmusklump]

Well, you just can continue to use the 15 version....