PiKTrix goodies / User Manual & more documentation later

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Version 1.9 (in all versions & all soundbank packages)
---------------

• Instrument_Maker.bat has been modified (removal of the now obsolete 3rd part with assignments in the software interface and support for the characters '!' and '&')

• Change from 96 sounds to 128 sounds from this update in all versions

• Revision of all .ass indexes (Key min, key max, pitch note) for better correspondence

• All loop settings are now saved (continued from incomplete previous update) for plugin background/foreground switching

• The transposition padlock has been reversed (lock to keep the current transposition displayed)

• Modules .sem updated on Qi-Rack 64 & VST3

• Arpeggiator revision:
     * 'Write' activates the writing of notes without the need to activate the arpeggiator
     * Removal of the dead note after releasing the chord (in 'Hold off' mode)
     * 'Down' mode and 'randomize' now work correctly

• 'Matrix Cables': the cables are visually connected again and better placed (to the nearest pixel)

• Loading the correct wheel settings in each respective preset

• Better Package (deletion of residual files in 'Custum List' directory and good presets in the '_Install' directory)

I don't know yet if I will start a new project for the KVRDC2023. I think I got a little behind on all of this. Good luck to all participants

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Hi, it's been a while...

I have revised the architecture of PiKTriX Ony and modernized some functions. Even if the project is seriously lacking in documentation, I think that the PiKTriX Ony interface is increasingly intuitive (Dropdown list on Bank / Program for example without complicated installation).

In principle, the blue padlock to the right of the preset name must always be closed to remember the instrument preselection (security when you add new PiKTriX sound banks)

The installation of the project is much better (Windows installation compiled with Inno Setup) and I recently had to request a re-evaluation from Google so that they no longer block my project. If this is still the case, I will have to choose another storage method!

Actually, only PiKTrix Ony versions are present in the package. Just the time to achieve the Qi-Rack versions... PiKTrix 2.0 soon with SFZ support format (Synthedit 1.5)

All the soundbank of the ~~~~ Link ~~~~~ section have been updated (click to the web shortcut to download these). And the installation is easier with the specially designed installer for all Windows computers...

PiKTrix Ony version 1.92 :

• PiKTrix now benefits from a better, more intuitive installation with custom choices. and soundbank easier to install

• Bank / Program list have been redesigned (with Pop-menu and sub-menu)

• The various functions of PiKTrix have been modernized

• No need to file~pitch.txt now. (.ass support the pitch modification on all midi note audio modules)

• PiKTrix detects when the instrument is changed by the user and correctly reloads all assignment settings after...

• The KVR page has benefited from a facelift to get to the essentials and see all the sound banks to download

<<<See it at here>>>... Sorry for the videos which are now a bit outdated

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New version of PiKTrix Ony 1.93

a lot of bug fix and Multilayer support with VEL LOW & VEL HIGH parameters (in the .ass files) and a new integrated soundbank : Orchestron
But the Qi-Rack version is not yet updated (this version has been removed temporary)

• New parameters in .ass files with 'Vel Low' and 'Vel High' assignments for creating velocity-responsive multilayer instruments.
  
  * The 128 Pitch Offset are also written in the .ass files
  * The velocity adjustment panel is located with the EQ and KEY MIN / KEY MAX tools just to the right of the Midi In switch. Select the correct window with the up and down arrows on the right corner
  * Each audio player (128 in total) corresponds to one line of the ~patch.pkt file. On each line can be assigned a base note named 'PITCH NOTE' with a KEY MIN / KEY MAX and VEL LOW / VEL HIGH range. To update an instrument with the new VEL LOW / VEL HIGH parameters, press the 'RESET' button in the VELOCITY panel...
  * ~pitch.txt files are no longer useful and no longer routed with ~patch.pkt but can be imported from the pitch menu (right click 4th column next to BANK / PROGRAM / SOUND)

• New mode of using presets with 'PKT Presets' (this mode is selected by default)
  
  * To change the mode and switch to VST Preset, click on the last line of the PiKTrix logo menu
  * The preset manager is modified according to the selected plugin mode
  * VST->PKT Preset is used to transfer VST presets to PKT. The .pktfactorypreset and .pktuserpreset presets are installed with
  the software in the directory C:\Users\[...]\Documents\VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Ony_64 and
  C:\Users\[...]\Documents\VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Ony_VST3

• Improved support with Preset Name and Category Name parameter (the Top Label pink or blue & green when sounds are loaded) and also when preset are saved & loaded

• Improved support for the plugin window in Open GUI (the window remains frozen on the same parameters before closing)

• The list of automatable parameters has been revised

• All 'PiKTrix' soundbanks have been updated

• *** NEW SOUNDBANK *** : Orchestron
  included in the installation package of PiKTrix

• 'Open Editor' can be configured from the PiKTrix interface (right click on the 'Open Editor' button)

• Fixed other minor bugs...

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New version of PiKTrix 1.94

The Qi-Rack versions have been reconditioned and reintegrated with some new functions in the arpeggiator in particular

• modified arpeggiator with notably saving and loading of .arp files on the fly (Qi-Rack version only)
  see in the 'PiKTrix Contents\Arp' folder to see and reorganize the .arp files

• Preset have been updated and renamed (Patch list with more intuitive category order)

• More complete installation with Qi-Rack versions

• Fix other minor bugs...

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New version of PiKTrix 1.95

The Qi-Rack version have been fix (Arp mode, Work fine with all layers, palette, graphic bugs...). A new soudbank 'Food for Hit' included (various chords on pad sheets) and enhanced polyphony and 'Bloc Note' function...

• Polyphony of 10 sounds max on each of the 128 audio players (instead of 4) and 'Bloc Note' option in each audio player for more fluidity in its use

• Better audio quality when sounds repeat

• 'Midi in' arp mode flows better in the Qi-Rack version (when one of the layers is not active in Arp mode, it still sends the notes coming from the midi in unless Midi in is disabled)

• When 'Manual Slide' is enabled, it activates the filter (medal) by default

• FX mode inversion (previously activated bypass. Now activates effects)

• New sound bank !!! 'Food for Heat'

• Fixed graphical bugs, preset and other missing connections and other minor bugs

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New version of PiKTrix 1.96

A lot of correction have been made. New Features in ONY Versions with the 'PERF Buttons' (we can save 5 notes chords on the fly or manually and transpose it with the keyboard. 6 possibles perfs buttons...)

• In the Ony versions, the 6 green buttons, now called 'Perf buttons', have been redesigned to allow you to record chords with up to five notes.
  * Right-click on one of the 'Perf buttons' to manually record each note of the chord or record on the fly from your connected MIDI keyboard a triggered chord after selecting the 'Store Note' option (the button turns red while waiting for the notes to be triggered).
  * In 'Store Note' mode, the notes will be ordered from lowest to highest.
  * Chords will be modified according to the transposition settings (recorded without these settings beforehand).
  * The FiltoMotion Gate is activated when the perf buttons are pressed (if FiltoMotion is active).
  * [PERF Chords] : .perf files are created or updated with each change to the 'Perf Buttons' (see the folder located in VST3 Presets).
  Ability to import or save .perf files from the disk menu

• In the Qi-Rack versions, the ergonomics of the Chord Pads have been improved:
  * Annoying note duplication has been fixed when Chord Pads are controlled by an external MIDI interface (in Hold mode).
  * A confirmation message appears when clicking on the Bank/Program label to minimize accidents (opening the lock can change the instrument).

• In all versions:
  * Improved PKT presets supported by Qi-Rack versions (option selected by default). Do not put VST3 presets in the following directories:
  
  [...]\Documents\VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Ony_64 and
  [...]\Documents\VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Ony_VST3
  
  but rather store them in the appropriate subdirectories ([PERF Chords]\, [PKT Presets]\, [VST3 Factory Presets]\, [VST3 User Presets]\).
  This allows you to exit the session from your sequencer and then reload with the same settings without having to worry about saving the presets...
  
  * Right-click on the mascot to reset the labels to the correct colors (Reset color label)
  * Updated audio players (ED_Sampling)
  * Fixed other minor bugs

Recommendations:

DO NOT DISCONNECT MANUALLY THE AUDIO CABLES IN QI-RACK VERSIONS BUT USE INSTEAD THE MATRIX CABLES

* deselect all layers for make appear the ALL LAYERS Panel et use Matrix choose the good matrix cables
* if you disconnect audio cables manually, you must reload all the sounds...

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New version of PiKTrix 1.97

• In ONY versions: Improved 'PERF Buttons' (ability to add a PERF parameter by right-clicking on one of the 6 PERFs)
  * The [PERF] icon activates or not the saved preselection of parameters on each of the 6 buttons
  * If (perf) is displayed in parentheses, the parameter is selected. Selecting a parameter (perf) deactivates it and it will be displayed in the (add) section. Selecting (add) will take into account the parameter to reload the captured snapshot when 'Store Perf' is launched using the same right-click menu.
  * Chords can be recorded and played back on the fly after executing the 'Store Note' option using the same buttons (which momentarily turn red until a chord is recorded on your MIDI keyboard).
  * If you don't want to restart the notes of the chord (5 notes max), you will have to deactivate [Click On] (in the 'Click Off' position then).
  * Velocity is now also taken into account. You can manually set each note of the chord in the same menu (below 'Reset Notes') by selecting each of these five notes and changing the pitch and velocity.
  * The .perf files are saved each time a chord is modified (add), (perf), or chord configured. By default, they are named like the current preset with the .perf extension. The .perf files contain all the values ​​of the selected and unselected parameters of each [PERF BUTTON'] as well as the notes and velocities of each chord and the selection of off/on samples.

• In Qi-Rack versions: The arpeggiator has been revised and corrected as well as the midi streams (duplicates removed).
  * All Factory Presets have been reworked with ready-to-use arpeggiator settings
  * Background Cables have been removed to make way for a more intuitive interface (right-click on the circle where the cable could be connected to select its origin or destination, or right-click on the connection to deselect the cable that appears at the top of the list). You can find the Cable Matrix in All Layers mode (deselect the current layer by clicking on one of the four lit lights) in the top right corner by checking/unchecking the boxes corresponding to the origin and destination junctions. Do not right-click on the cables to 'Remove Cable', otherwise they will no longer be visible in this session and will clear the sounds from memory. (Reload again to hear them.)
  * No .perf files are available for the Qi-Rack versions yet, but they will be available in future releases (with Chord settings on each of the 10 pads coupled with the arpeggiators and Morph A and B fader settings).

• In all versions: The 'midi in' power button has been replaced by 'sample off/on' to activate or deactivate the sample of the current line.
  * You can see which lines are enabled or disabled by clicking on the sound selection index list (the third black column with green text).
  Enabled lines are preceded by the character ♫ (two rowed eighth notes) and deactivated lines by the character :
  * An unnamed line of .wav sounds cannot be activated in any case (line audio player disabled)
  * By right-clicking on 'Sample off/on', you can also select all audio players simultaneously or deselect them all (Reset all samples to 'on', Reset all samples
  to 'off'). Double-clicking on [Sample off/on] activates only the selected sound (in the note range indicated by the LOW / HIGH Range, of course).
  * You can also now enable the 'Bloc Note' option in this same menu to allow the full range of the selected sound to be played on the single selected sound.
  This is similar to the 'Bloc Note' activation button that existed previously, but whose location has been replaced in this new version by the 'SD Card' button.
  In Bloc Note mode, a pink light is displayed below the power button instead of the green one when 'Bloc Note' mode is disabled.
  * WARNING: It is not recommended to enable all audio players when many lines are linked to .wav sounds and all tracks are LowNote / HighNote are set to 0 and 127 respectively to avoid cacaphony or processor overload, especially after performing a 'Reset Layer All (All Notes)' with the floppy disk menu
  * The 'DISK MENU' has been improved (categories separated by dashes) / Save instrument as...). 'Save instrument as...' save the current instrument configuration (duplicate) to a new filename, ~patch.pkt. If an .ass file is associated with the .pkt, it will also be duplicated. This is useful for creating new assignments based on an existing instrument. New options 'Load .perf file (with chords)', 'Save .perf files', 'Reload current .perf file'
  * Manage <USER BANK> is now operational again, with all its functions (Add instrument / Replace instrument / Delete bank / Delete instrument / Insert instrument).
  Batches have been corrected and should allow you to customize the <USER BANK> with this graphical interface (drop-down menu of the last soundbank accessible from
  the first black column with green text).
  * Changing the preset number in the label on the left allows you to access the target preset more easily. The list of sounds in the 'Welcome to PiKTrix' preset also displays the preset numbers associated with the sounds (only one sound is extracted from each preset).

• The 'Welcome to PiKTrix' preset has been modified and its instrument 'Welcome to PiKTrix~patch.pkt/.ass' improved to leave a single sound '35_GalaxyPad.wav' but you
  can return to the old configuration one sound on each note by doing 'Reset Layer Range (single note)' and activating all audio players [Reset all samples to 'on'] (Right click on the sample activation button)

• The 'Preset Manager' menu (disk in the label) has been simplified and improved (works in both PKT Preset and VST Preset modes) and allows you to use both formats (import / save, etc...)

• Be sure to use only PKT Presets, as they are more functional and flexible for the PiKTrix interface. The left/right arrows to the left of the label only work in this mode. However, you can manage VST Presets (Load VST Preset / Save VST Preset / Load VST Bank / Save VST Bank).

• Fixed many more or less minor bugs...

All the PiKTrix Products (Installer, soundbanks...) are on Buymeacoffee.com now !

Come take a look !!!

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New version of PiKTrix 1.98

First of all, I would just like to add a point not listed in the _read me.txt, a new option 'Reset Pitch Index' that appears in the disk right click menu to map each audio player to a midi note and therefore also to a Pitch Index. But that said, this option is just useful for sound bank designers. In theory not useful for just using presets or loading PiKTrix instruments with associated .ass files

• Fix bug to 'Reverse' mode on Ony versions

• New feature to install Soundbanks without the .wav files in the Hardware System (other repertory that 'C:\Program Files\Midi Mobiles\Soundbanks')
  * On PiKTrix software, choose 'Import .sbk file (external soundbanks)' and target in your Midi Mobiles soundbanks (download another all the newly updted midi mobiles soundbanks for find this file and the tree structure)
  * All the text files will be installed to the 'C:\Program Files\Midi Mobiles\Soundbanks' repertory without .wav resources (linked
  with the 'EXTERNAL_WAV.txt')

• Better load of .ass files (when you choose another instrument to reload or start the software) with new options in SAVE (store) / LOAD .ass files concerning the index of the current selected file and the Sample off/on mode (One Sample or All Sample)
  * Double click to 'Sample off/on button' to activate only the sample player of the current selected sound (One sample mode)
  * Click right to 'Sample off/on button' and select the [Reset all sample to 'on'] option to activate all the sample player (All sample mode)
  * See the last line of the menu (Click right to 'Sample off/on button') for determinate the sample off/on mode (before save an .ass file with [STORE] option right click to [ASS] button)

• The PiKTrix 'Sample Instruments Collector Tool' (1.98).rar' file contains now all the project not encapsulated on the 'PiKTrix Full Install.exe' file and you could just move the plugin repertory without install these (not recommanded). Practical to restore original files without install and choose the different options
  * 'PiKTrix Full Install.exe' is the better way to put the different versions of PiKTrix (Ony & Qi-Rack) in your VST Plugins repertory. It just copy the right files you want (check the boxes) on the folder you want (keep the installation without changed any setting is recommanded if you Don't know how install PiKTrix…
  * No Unistall files is ceated and needed in this version (just delete the files). The registery is not modified too

• Fix other minor bug

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PiKTrix major update to version 1.99 (a 2.00 before its time with all new feature)

Fix bug & FX improvements !
For a better overview and to summarize the comment, you can omit the salmon-colored text.

In ONY versions only:

• New QUANT DELAY and REVERB effects panels in the same location as the MIDI assignment panels (scroll with the down arrow in the top right of the panel or click on the QD/R names)
  * QUANT DELAY (QD) : 2 types of delay are possible Ping-Pong or Stereo.
  > [PING-PONG] plays on the projection of the echoing sound, once to the left and once to the right, repeated at regular intervals. If the SWING option is activated, this will slightly shift the Left/Right interval according to the potentiometer setting… The speed is determined solely by the quantization parameter set below Ping-Pong, which is therefore always synchronized.
  > [STEREO DELAY] is a kind of 'Echo' effect on both channels simultaneously, based on the programmed repetition of the sound. It can be synchronized either by quantization or manually when SWING is activated. The 'SWING' potentiometer then only allows you to determine an approximate speed, no longer synchronized by the HOST's tempo. SWING is therefore defined differently than in PING-PONG mode…
  * REVERB (R) : A simple yet effective reverb, which was lacking in previous versions of ONY.

• The Floppy Disk menu contains new options for saving/loading .perf files located by default in the directory:
  [...]\Documents\VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Ony_64\[PERF Chords] (or PiKTrix_Ony_VST3 depending on the version)
  The list in pink text in the PERF PANEL allows you to display and load any existing .perf files. First, you'll see those located in the current instrument's directory, then, separated by a line, those located in the directory 'VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Ony_64\[PERF Chords]\[SELECTED]' or PiKTrix_Ony_VST3, depending on the version. Before the [SELECTED] directory, you'll find the [PERF Chords] directory, which is the default location for saving .perf files...

In QI-RACK versions only:

• Fixed a bug concerning FaderMorph and FiltoMotion (only the click buttons were programmable. Now all controls are linked).

• Improved PHAZER and DELAY effects
  * PHAZER has changed radically, although visually it looks almost the same as before and is getting a little closer to a true phaser effect.
  > The resonance allows you to accentuate the effect more or less. It should be set almost full to truly hear the effect.
  > Phase is a left-right offset of the effect, also linked to the delay feedback (don't overuse it).
  > Center should normally remain at 0 in the center for optimal results unless you wish to experiment with other possibilities
  > The Amplitude is now more malleable and easier to target with the mouse.
  > The volume control not only adjusts the volume of the Phaser but also combines the volume of the Flanger connected in series after the two effects if they are both active, according to the Phaser's Mix setting...
  > Improved settings with the oscillator cables going to the OSC in, with more accessible values ​​in synchronized mode (double-click the ModWheel knob (also works for Pitchbend) to adjust the value more precisely, with longer values ​​up to 16b).
  * DELAY : Two new modes are now available in version 1.99: 'Stereo Sync' and 'Ping-Pong Sync' (see the list of modes). In synchronized mode, the Sync Rate is displayed, and the 500 ms / 10 ms handles no longer react.

• The Floppy Disk menu contains new options for saving/loading .arp files located by default in the directory :
  [...]\Documents\VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Qi-Rack_64\[PERF Chords] (or PiKTrix_Qi-Rack_VST3 depanding to the version)
  * Save files located in the 'ARP' Panel also save by default in the same directory…
  * The list that opens in a pop-up menu to the left of SAVE allows you to display and load any existing .arp files. First, load the files located in the current instrument's directory, then, separated by a line, load those located in the directory 'VST3 Presets\Midi Mobiles\PiKTrix_Qi-Rack_64\[ARP Presets]\[SELECTED]' or PiKTrix_Ony_VST3, depending on the version. Before the [SELECTED] directory, you will find the [PERF Chords] directory, which is the default location for saving .perf files.

• Reloading the current preset in the preset menu (.pktpreset only)

• You can randomly select the preset to display from among the 108 possible ones (click on the new dice image to the right of the label in the category area...).

In all versions :

• New Panel 'Canal Mode/Volumes' located in the midi assignations panel
  * Scroll through the panel assignments using the arrow button located at the bottom right of the window until you see Volume and Reset at the very bottom.
  * 'Canal Mode' on the far right allows you to define the Stereo distribution mode on all simultaneous players:
  1.Normal : Stereo or mono depending on the sound format (may be different, either mono or stereo on each player depending on the intrinsic sound format)
  2.Mono Dual (DOUBLE): Each channel has a separate sound defined in the instrument file ~patch.pkt. The first pair of sounds (L) will be written on lines 1 to 128. The second pair of sounds (R) will be written on lines 132 to 259. This is called DOUBLE (132/259).
  3.Mono Multi (DOUBLE): This allows you to combine L and R in a cross-split configuration (two mono sounds blending on each side). Note that the DOUBLE setting receives the same KEY MIN / KEY MAX / VEL LOW / VEL HIGH assignations. This mode should not be used except in the case of Dual Voice (double instrument).
  4.Mono Alt (DOUBLE): Allows you to choose either the first pair of sounds (which must be mono) included in the ~patch.pkt instrument (lines 1 to 128) or the second pair of sounds (listed on lines 132 to 259) when [DOUBLE Page] is activated
  * Volume allows you to adjust the volume of each sound individually (on each of the 128 lines). The Volume Control is set to 0.00 by default, and the Gain can be adjusted from -5 to 5 (-50% to +50% of the sound volume). Reset returns all volumes to 0 (no volume change).

• REVERSE : Each audio player has its own Normal or Reverse playback mode assigned to it. This mode will be reversed with [REVERSE ALL] located further to the right (next to ping-pong in the ONY, for example). Note: If reverse playback is programmed on certain audio players and the [REVERSE ALL] setting further to the right is activated, the sound will revert to normal mode and vice versa.

• New [PING-PONG] option: Only useful when Loop mode is activated. When the sound is triggered by a MIDI note, it reverses the playback direction of the sound when it reaches the end.

• Easier access to the desired panel is possible by clicking on the activation name (EQ / QD / R / FM+OSC on the ONY for example)

• Improved detection and initialization of .ass files (no longer resets when the plugin is closed in the background and opened in the foreground).

• .pktfactory and .pkt2factory presets have been updated and improved taking advantage of the new possibilities (as well as the .vstpreset files in their respective directories)

• Double-clicking on Modwheel displays a list of different synchronization speeds, and double-clicking on pitchbend displays a list of ranges in a dialog box.

• New icons on the standalone version launchers with .exe files (.bat in previous versions) and welcome messages when opening the standalone applications to keep users entertained while waiting...

• Updated batch programs 'Instrument_Maker.bat' which were quite buggy and outdated after the upgrade to Windows 11, with a few additional options (list starting from a certain line, support for a user-defined particle within the program itself to more easily search for notes, support for special characters & and ! for example…)

• Fixes for many other minor bugs...