Maybe let's see how we do after the next update. My team is confident that all common workflows are catered for (MIDI/Macro/Automation), however with just 4 Macros.
A lot of all that also depends on how we deal with NKS, and whether we have the resources to do some kind of automatic setup (because, as mentioned, in NKS it is a *requirement* that the macros do something, when available... it is obviously not just me who thinks that unassigned stuff is bad UX...)
Zebra 3 Control ABCD - MIDI vs. Macros
-
- u-he
- Topic Starter
- 30208 posts since 8 Aug, 2002 from Berlin
-
- KVRian
- 1281 posts since 3 Jan, 2020
I agree that common use cases are covered with 4 macros. I was just curious about your reasoning. I wasn't aware of the NKS requirement, but now it makes a lot more sense.
Although I wouldn't look at NI for an example of good UX. Most of their stuff is terrible.
Although I wouldn't look at NI for an example of good UX. Most of their stuff is terrible.
-
- KVRAF
- 1626 posts since 28 Jan, 2004
I'm sorry to push back on this because I can tell you're probably getting sick of this discussion, but I still can't understand your viewpoint. I assume we agree that not using every single feature in every single preset is not bad UX. It seems like you may be making a distinction between "assignments" and other types of features. But then aren't matrix slots assignments as well? I assume we can also agree that not using every single matrix slot in every single preset is not bad UX. As another example, we might consider assigning velocity as a similar kind of thing. It's very possible that you won't agree with me on this one, but I happen to believe strongly that for certain types of sounds it's quite inappropriate to have velocity affecting the sound, in particular when the sound needs to be consistent regardless of how hard you hit the keys. I'd say that's often the case with pads, and many types of bass sounds as well. In that case, assigning velocity in every single preset WOULD be bad UX. But I do recognize that might be more controversial. Anyway, I really hope this doesn't rub you the wrong way, and if so, I apologize!
-
- u-he
- Topic Starter
- 30208 posts since 8 Aug, 2002 from Berlin
Ok. Let's say we'd advertise "Has 8 Macro controls for easy sound editing (no expert knowledge required!)" and then most presets have only 2, 3 or 5 assigned. That is not just bad UX, it is false advertisement.
But let's just say, we don't advertise that way, we simply have 8 slots, most of them unassigned. People who buy the thing and assign their 8 knobs on those 8 macros have simply had bad luck, they bought the wrong thing for their workflow. That is a bad user experience.
But let's just say, we don't advertise that way, we simply have 8 slots, most of them unassigned. People who buy the thing and assign their 8 knobs on those 8 macros have simply had bad luck, they bought the wrong thing for their workflow. That is a bad user experience.
-
- KVRAF
- 3416 posts since 25 Apr, 2011
i really feel you (U-He) are overthinking this one. Which is good on one hand, but not really necessary in this case, me thinks. I think most users just expect some macro's, 4 or 8, whatever. And that's it. They don't expect 4 MIDI only knobs.Urs wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 4:40 pm Ok. Let's say we'd advertise "Has 8 Macro controls for easy sound editing (no expert knowledge required!)" and then most presets have only 2, 3 or 5 assigned. That is not just bad UX, it is false advertisement.
But let's just say, we don't advertise that way, we simply have 8 slots, most of them unassigned. People who buy the thing and assign their 8 knobs on those 8 macros have simply had bad luck, they bought the wrong thing for their workflow. That is a bad user experience.
And why would you even say something like "Has 8 Macro controls for easy sound editing (no expert knowledge required!)". It is just a feature. So list it as such: "8 macro controls".
I really don't see an issue,,like,,at all. Also..i really don't think users expect that 100% of the presets use 100% of the macro knobs.
-
- u-he
- Topic Starter
- 30208 posts since 8 Aug, 2002 from Berlin
I hope it is clear that this whole thread is about figuring out the little technicalities of turning those 4 knobs into macros - if desired. There is no need to discuss whether all 4 of these are always assigned in almost all presets (they are), and there is at this point of time no point in making an argument about 8 such knobs - we can do that later, if needed.
I think we figured it out, by providing good labels, good visual feedback and options that work for every workflow. And of course, the'll save with preset without greatly interfering with the performance aspect. We also improved documentation and (need to check) preset creation guidelines.
I think we figured it out, by providing good labels, good visual feedback and options that work for every workflow. And of course, the'll save with preset without greatly interfering with the performance aspect. We also improved documentation and (need to check) preset creation guidelines.
-
- KVRAF
- 3416 posts since 25 Apr, 2011
l o v e l yUrs wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 8:35 pm I hope it is clear that this whole thread is about figuring out the little technicalities of turning those 4 knobs into macros - if desired. There is no need to discuss whether all 4 of these are always assigned in almost all presets (they are), and there is at this point of time no point in making an argument about 8 such knobs - we can do that later, if needed.
I think we figured it out, by providing good labels, good visual feedback and options that work for every workflow. And of course, the'll save with preset without greatly interfering with the performance aspect. We also improved documentation and (need to check) preset creation guidelines.