RapidComposer v5 beta feedback and discussion

[musicdevelopments]

Hi.

With b13, (Win 10, standalone) I unchecked 'Skip plug-ins in the black list', then started a VST scan.

RC immediately crashed.

I will be happy to send in a crash report if someone will advise me where to find it. Thanks.

Hi Steve,

there is no crash report on Windows unfortunately. If you send me the name of the plug-in that crashes I'll try to reproduce it, but at the moment I am done with crashing .dll files. I never recommended scanning VST2 dll's anyway.
I created a crashing VST and VST3 plug-in, which crashes with access violation. It is perfectly handled by beta13, at least on Windows 11, without closing RapidComposer.

The exception handling works if the plug-in crashes during initialization. I am not sure (and I don't think) that it is able to handle crashes in other threads created by the plug-in. Most probably not. Also, other scenarios like crashes during opening the plug-in window, or crash during audio processing is not handled (but none of these happen during scanning).

Thanks,
Attila

[sj1]

Hi Attila,

FWIW, this plugin crashes RC when scanned: Chordz

It's nice, free, functional little plug that is loading fine in Bitwig, for example.

If you like, you can download it here: https://codefn42.com/chordz/index.html

But if you are done, you are done. Musical stuff awaits!

I appreciate your comments.

[BluGenes]

ok, this is the result I get now:



nice!

One suggestion, the start up process for RC, you should show a short pop up saying that the library load is starting.. I think it would be a little bit better knowing rather than all of a sudden it finishes and get the message..

[musicdevelopments]

Hi Attila,

FWIW, this plugin crashes RC when scanned: Chordz

It's nice, free, functional little plug that is loading fine in Bitwig, for example.

Hi Steve,

that was very helpful, thanks. I managed to fix the loading of Chordz so it won't crash anymore.

Thanks!
Attila

[sj1]

Hi Steve,

that was very helpful, thanks. I managed to fix the loading of Chordz so it won't crash anymore.

Thanks!
Attila

That's great! Thanks much for checking into it and solving it.

Incidentally, I have here also, from the same source, NoteMapper and VSTNotepad.

These also crash when loaded in RC, like Chordz did. Do you think it likely the Chordz fix will fix them all?

[musicdevelopments]

Yes, I am pretty sure they will work. The problem was that the structure describing the VST plug-in (AEffect) included a "user data" field which was used by both Chordz and RapidComposer at the same time... I solved this by not using it at all. I am not sure if it is documented anywhere who can use that user data, but it does not matter anymore.

Thanks,
Attila

[musicdevelopments]

RapidComposer v5.0b14 is available!

The work never stops. Thank you everyone, for all the feedback!

Improvements:

• Improved compatibility with some VST plug-ins which crashed before
• Improved crash-proofness when loading a VST plug-in. Not just the initialization, but other plug-in operations are guarded with exceptions.
• [macOS] Fixed: standalone application window resizing did not work well
• Fixed: soundfonts were not loaded from other locations, only from RapidComposerV5/Soundfonts
• Fixed: phrase had the wrong length when dragged from the Phrase Editor
• Fixed an embarrassing crash when displaying help for the master track

[lovemusic15]

Hi lovemusic,

The drop-down menu is for simple rhythm presets so that the user does not have to start editing from scratch. Selecting a preset will overwrite the whole rhythm pattern.
I am going to watch the videos that you uploaded, but I think you misunderstand the Rhythm Lab. It does not analyse anything, it just creates a simpler pattern from all available notes by using probabilities.

Thanks,
Attila
[/quote]

[lovemusic15]

Thanks for your feedback. I have created a video demonstrating everything I suggested previously in a simple and digestible format.

[BluGenes]

Could be my connection, but, getting "error connecting to sever"..

EDIT: nevermind, got it..

[BluGenes]

Awesome and exceptional work, yea, pun intended. lol.. Hope to see the updated manual.. I think I get the new rhythm lab, but, want to see the official guide before I make any comments on it, myself.

Only thing about that is the ability save something labbed up.. other than applying, then extracting from that to the library, which, is an ok work flow for me, but, maybe not for others.. you know how that goes.. any plans for this?

The ability to add FX just so rocks now.. thanks for that!

[sj1]

Yes, I am pretty sure they will work. The problem was that the structure describing the VST plug-in (AEffect) included a "user data" field which was used by both Chordz and RapidComposer at the same time... I solved this by not using it at all. I am not sure if it is documented anywhere who can use that user data, but it does not matter anymore.

Looking good here, thanks!

RC - CodeFN42.jpg

[musicdevelopments]

Great, thanks for the feedback!

[musicdevelopments]

Only thing about that is the ability save something labbed up.. other than applying, then extracting from that to the library, which, is an ok work flow for me, but, maybe not for others.. you know how that goes.. any plans for this?

Very good point, BluGenes!
Today I have implemented saving the rhythm generators rather than just the patterns. Similarly to saving phrase generator presets. When you highlight the small 'database' button in the top line between "Rhythm:" and "Length:" you can replace the rhythm with a single click in the rhythm browser so your saved presets are immediately available.

[BluGenes]

Only thing about that is the ability save something labbed up.. other than applying, then extracting from that to the library, which, is an ok work flow for me, but, maybe not for others.. you know how that goes.. any plans for this?

Very good point, BluGenes!
Today I have implemented saving the rhythm generators rather than just the patterns. Similarly to saving phrase generator presets. When you highlight the small 'database' button in the top line between "Rhythm:" and "Length:" you can replace the rhythm with a single click in the rhythm browser so your saved presets are immediately available.

Ahh the best getting better! You make this fun, you really do.. lol

seriously, making music with this just gets better.

edit: had an idea, and I'll just email you.. yea, something you won't have to code.. lol