1) Easy Previewing: From the the "load" window I can highlight any FXP, FXP, PST or PRS file and the results are reflected live in the plug-in so I can play the preset before choosing to load it. I can also individually audition any of the individual presets within a bank and load only that preset into the existing bank as I so choose. I can navigate through these menus with either the arrow keys or my mouse. This also extends to movement within the bank outside the load window. Also, the load window allows me to have essentially instant access to any preset I use frequently anywhere on my computer (see later points).
1a) Easy "auditioning": An extension on the last point, but the loader lets you use a virtual keyboard with easy one key transposition up or down several octaves, making it easy to audition even without a midi controller.
2)Shortcuts in the Load Window: The load window allows you to add or delete shortcuts to frequently used folders simply so that you can have rapid access to them for both import and export purposes.
3)Integrated Bank Browser: As long as the plug-in works of FXP or FXB files, you can use the Polac presets browser to move through the presets you currently have loaded and turn on or off the numerical display of the patch number.
4)Easy copy and paste: I can quickly and copy and paste any program in the current bank (or still on the clipboard from another) to any slot in a currently loaded bank.
5)Simple rename: The rename dialog allows me to copy and paste from the preset file name etc.
6)Preset Morphing/Randomization features: I will skip these for now but the manual is at http://www.xlutop.com/buzz/ if you are curious.
7)The "Favorites" organizer: Quite possibly the single most important feature. Favorites allows you to store and organize any preset in the bank you are working with and drap and drop them among folders within the favorites directory. Presets are sorted alphabetically within each folder and to export a bank file, all you have to do is select the relevant files (which must all be in the same folder at this point)right click and hit save. Of course, it is easeir to create a new folder for each bank you are working on and just drag and drop (CTRL to copy etc) the files from any other folder to your "virtual bank" as it were before saving. One note is that bank files so far always seem to default to a standard 128 slots so your presets will be repeated in any remaining slots in the file.
"Prefer built-in" vs. "Prefer favorites": This allows you to set the default browser mode so that can choose which set of presets you easily see. More importantly, you can access your ENTIRE favorites collection, sub-menus and all, from this menu and preview any preset by right clicking any preset(instead of left clicking to load it) no matter what bank you currently have loaded, allowing you to make additions to exisiting banks by replacing individual programs.9) Loader preset management almost regardless of plug-ins system: For example, take some of the older Arturia synths, like original Moog Modular V. The preset management system left a lot to be desired here and browsing was a real pain. With the Polac loader I could use the internal system for those plug-ins just like I would for any other and even build banks.
Okay, I want to get back to working on my current bank of Vanguard patches. I hope to hear people chime in with their advice, favorite hosts for this topic etc. I know that some of these things are availbe in other hosts but I have yet to find another one that combines all of them. Enlighten me: I love to find easier ways to do things.
