RapidComposer v5 beta feedback and discussion

[sj1]

Clicking on another keyboard focus area does not deselect the master track chords. How can I reproduce this?

Hi. I sent you a video via PM.

[sj1]

Hi.

I observe that when I export a MIDI file of a track containing phrases with chord generators then I get MIDI chord data matching the RC Master Track.

However, if I copy the track and convert those phrases to Absolute Notes, then the MIDI chord data that comes out with a MIDI file export no longer matches the chords on the RC Master Track.

Is this a bug, or do I need more clarity on what happens during conversion to Absolute Notes? (IOW, should I expect this difference, which BTW breaks the workflow I was hoping for and discussing up above?)

Attached is a test-bed file that can be used as a common starting point for this.

[sj1]

Export chords as MIDI" menu item added in the file menu

RC - Export Chords As MIDI 01.jpg

That's a really great addition. Very direct and to-the-point. Thanks much for that!

[BluGenes]

I noticed that the keyboard component doesn't visualize when you click a phrase already in the composition, but only when in play back.. can this be added?

[sj1]

Hi.

It would be nice if instead of just a fixed number of chords to generate for the Master Track (e.g. via 'G', or the Dice) we could specify a range.

IOW, instead of exactly 20 chords, like this:

RC - Number of Chords.jpg

It would be nice to say, "give me between 16 and 20 chords".

[sj1]

Hi. Please allow a keyboard shortcut to be defined for 'Export chords as MIDI'. Thanks!

Also, ability to 'Export Selected chords as MIDI' is desirable.

[sj1]

Hi. For consideration - Automation of MT Chord (re-)Generation and Exporting Chords as MIDI.

1. First level would simply be a combined menu item for a single Generate-and-Export operation. You could put it in the MT inspector, or in the File menu or both. (or is there another preferable place?) Invoking this with a keyboard shortcut would make for a pretty fast manual workflow.

2. To potentially go even further - What can be done once can be automated to be done multiple times in succession. It would be super convenient to be able to supply a FileName and number (N) and then be able to generate FileName-01.mid thru FileName-0N.mid (each containing a different set of chords) all in a single operation.

3. Another useful alternative would be like #2, but instead of multiple output MIDI files, the output would be one t1 MIDI file with multiple tracks with a different chord progression on each track.

Can you tell I really like the RC chord progression generation features?
They are tremendously empowering for Rapid Composition!

[sj1]

Hi.

Is anyone else here working RC with external multi-timbral hardware?

Setting up for the first time to drive my Yamaha Motif XF, I find that no matter where I stop the transport I get hung notes.

Is there a trick to prevent this? Is RC properly handling the closing out of open notes when sending to an external device?

[sj1]

Hi.

Q. Is there a way to expand/contract the vertical size of a selection of several tracks all at once?

Like this:

https://www.screencast.com/t/2EkodwJ4vgXt

If not, it would be a very helpful addition IMO. Thanks!

[sj1]

For now, I have mapped 'Panic, all sounds off' to the Esc key

RC - Mapping All Notes Off 01.jpg

and so I touch that when necessary, which as I say, is every time the transport stops.

I don't know if there is a deeper algorithmic issue that should be addressed wrt. driving the external outs, but if there is not a more appropriate/permanent way to address the situation then adding an user-selectable option to send 'Panic, all sounds off' when the transport stops should restore a normal workflow here.

[musicdevelopments]

Hello Attila. I press the keyboard icon + play = crash. Beta 5.3

Hello lulukom,

many thanks, I was able to find and fix this bug.

Thanks!
Attila

[musicdevelopments]

Q. Is there a way to expand/contract the vertical size of a selection of several tracks all at once?

Ctrl+vertical drag over the tracks expands all tracks at once.

[musicdevelopments]

Hi.

Is anyone else here working RC with external multi-timbral hardware?

Setting up for the first time to drive my Yamaha Motif XF, I find that no matter where I stop the transport I get hung notes.

Is there a trick to prevent this? Is RC properly handling the closing out of open notes when sending to an external device?

Yes, RC closes open notes. I just checked this with a virtual cable and a MIDI monitor. It sends note off's for each individual note when you stop, albeit with 0 velocity. I think that cannot be a problem. The 'all notes off' event is not used because many software and hardware synths had issues with that in the past.

[BluGenes]

In my experience, it has always been the sustain CC that causes this.. (CC 60 I think)..

[sj1]

Yes, RC closes open notes. I just checked this with a virtual cable and a MIDI monitor. It sends note off's for each individual note when you stop, albeit with 0 velocity. I think that cannot be a problem.

That's good to know, thanks for confirming that.

The 'all notes off' event is not used because many software and hardware synths had issues with that in the past.

OK, so there is a known reason for not sending the 'all notes off' event as a default on transport stop.

It does seem thought that as a user-selectable (non-default) option the ability to send the 'all notes off' event on transport stop could/would solve some problems that arise in the field (such as the one I'm observing).