Odd, doesn't disappear on the 32-bit Windows version...Michael L wrote:This is a fun update. Composing is much faster and more intuitive!
A bug: When I open your 'demo,' Session, then click Replace on the Device in a Rack (either I Like Moog or A Space Journey), and then click Device>Instruments>MuSampla, the Rack disappears! However, when I drag MuSampla to a Track, it appears as a Device in the Rack and the Rack remains. It happens repeatedly.
MuLab 6.0.35 released
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fluffy_little_something fluffy_little_something https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=281847
- Banned
- 12880 posts since 5 Jun, 2012
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- KVRAF
- 5383 posts since 25 Jan, 2014 from The End of The World as We Knowit
Another: When I click on a Track + Add Instrument Track, and then Devices>Instruments>MuSampla, and OK, it adds a Track. However, when I click on a Track + Add MuSampla Track, and OK, nothing happens.
Great improvements to MuSampla!!
Great improvements to MuSampla!!
F E E D
Y O U R
F L O W
Y O U R
F L O W
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- KVRAF
- 3161 posts since 28 Mar, 2008 from a Galaxy S7 far far away
Wow! Amazing how these minor things have made such an impact overall. Well done Jo 
Few minor points, mostly cosmetic stuff but I consider it important to workflow, though, as is always the case, not everyone will agree!
1. Measure numbers in Composer need either a Colour assigned or larger/bolder numbers so as to be more visible.
2. The Minimise, Maximise and Close buttons could do with being a few shades lighter so as to be easier to make out which is which.
3. The Modular buttons for Open, Save and Save as, although very nicely done, are too similar to each other. I always had that issue in previous versions, having to pause and make sure that I was clicking the correct button. The idea of an icon is to give an instantly recognisable picture that represents the function the button performs, personally I feel these fail in that department. The same style could be used, which I like very much, but feel it would be better to change the icons as follows:
Open = An open folder could be used.
Save = As is usually the custom, a floppy disk icon would better suit this I feel.
Save As = Again, the usual and most recognised icon is a floppy disk with a 'Rename' box containing a cursor/caret.
These could be acheived using the same 'plain' styling used at present, and would instantly make each button recognisable, instead of having to hover to make sure you've got the correct button.
4. In the Modular Area, the Event Input cables, ie the blue ones, are a tad difficult to make out on the background, even when highlighted, these should be made darker for easier recognition.
5. Just an idea this one, which is mainly due to the buttons being too large and making the docked keyboard too small, perhaps because of my laptop screen (1366x768)? I can only see 9 x white keys!! Anyway, my point. I thought that these buttons could do with having icons to save space:
Compose = This could have an icon consisting of several varying-length horizontal bars.
Edit = A simple page and pencil icon.
ModArea = Use the icon from the Front Panels.
6. Mouse Scrolling in the ModArea scrolls Horizontally by default, can this be changed? Is it linked to the Composer Scrolling, which should default to Horizontal?
7. The Preferences window shouldn't need scrolling to read text in the Right-hand Pane. As it isn't resizable it should Auto-Wrap text.
8. Strange that the 'No Midi' preference is reversed! Option should be 'Midi = On or Off' not 'No Midi = Off or On'! Makes things more complicated than need be.
9. Some buttons do not conform to specified colour when pressed. eg, MuSampla's Pitch and Filter select buttons.
10. Certain menu items have unnecessary text. More text = longer read time = slower workflow. Removing these superfluous words doesn't remove the actual meaning of the menu item, the meaning remains intact and obvious.
The Menu Items are:
Mulab
Manage VST Plugins = Manage VST's.
Edit Preferences = Should simply be 'Preferences'.
Edit Colours = Just 'Colours'.
Choose External Audio Editor = External Editor.
Insert User Key = Insert Key.
Session
Open Recent = Recent.
Open Template = Templates.
Open Demo = Demos.
Import Audio File = Import Audio
Import Sample Sound = Import Sample
Import Sample Loop = Import Loop
(Incidentally, perhaps it may be better to have a single menu item here for these three options. Which when clicked would ask what to do? Really, what is the difference between them? They are all audio, all audio comes in three flavours, short sample, a loop, or a long sample such as a whole track. I feel a single Import Audio option would be better which is context sensitive. If Imported from the Session Menu, then either ask what to import or better, why even the necessity to ask? Or am I missing something here?)
Import MIDI File = Import MIDI.
Export Composition As Audio File = Remove 'File'.
Export Tracks As Audio Files = Remove 'Files'.
Export MIDI File = Remove 'File'.
Manage Audio/Sample Files = This was completely unclear as to it's function, I didn't realise it would perform the actions there and then. I thought this meant how things worked by default and therefore lost some samples. Clicking ok was, in my mind, confirming my decision to activate this as a default option during working on a Session rather than like Emptying the Recycle Bin. This should be called something like = Remove Unwanted Audio. This would remove confusion.
Obviously, these points aren't that important but some really do add an extra layer of difficulty to the workflow needlessly.
Overall though, excellent job, look forward to the release version
My only problem now is whether to buy MuLab or parts for my new PC build!!! Couldn't have come at a worse time
Few minor points, mostly cosmetic stuff but I consider it important to workflow, though, as is always the case, not everyone will agree!
1. Measure numbers in Composer need either a Colour assigned or larger/bolder numbers so as to be more visible.
2. The Minimise, Maximise and Close buttons could do with being a few shades lighter so as to be easier to make out which is which.
3. The Modular buttons for Open, Save and Save as, although very nicely done, are too similar to each other. I always had that issue in previous versions, having to pause and make sure that I was clicking the correct button. The idea of an icon is to give an instantly recognisable picture that represents the function the button performs, personally I feel these fail in that department. The same style could be used, which I like very much, but feel it would be better to change the icons as follows:
Open = An open folder could be used.
Save = As is usually the custom, a floppy disk icon would better suit this I feel.
Save As = Again, the usual and most recognised icon is a floppy disk with a 'Rename' box containing a cursor/caret.
These could be acheived using the same 'plain' styling used at present, and would instantly make each button recognisable, instead of having to hover to make sure you've got the correct button.
4. In the Modular Area, the Event Input cables, ie the blue ones, are a tad difficult to make out on the background, even when highlighted, these should be made darker for easier recognition.
5. Just an idea this one, which is mainly due to the buttons being too large and making the docked keyboard too small, perhaps because of my laptop screen (1366x768)? I can only see 9 x white keys!! Anyway, my point. I thought that these buttons could do with having icons to save space:
Compose = This could have an icon consisting of several varying-length horizontal bars.
Edit = A simple page and pencil icon.
ModArea = Use the icon from the Front Panels.
6. Mouse Scrolling in the ModArea scrolls Horizontally by default, can this be changed? Is it linked to the Composer Scrolling, which should default to Horizontal?
7. The Preferences window shouldn't need scrolling to read text in the Right-hand Pane. As it isn't resizable it should Auto-Wrap text.
8. Strange that the 'No Midi' preference is reversed! Option should be 'Midi = On or Off' not 'No Midi = Off or On'! Makes things more complicated than need be.
9. Some buttons do not conform to specified colour when pressed. eg, MuSampla's Pitch and Filter select buttons.
10. Certain menu items have unnecessary text. More text = longer read time = slower workflow. Removing these superfluous words doesn't remove the actual meaning of the menu item, the meaning remains intact and obvious.
The Menu Items are:
Mulab
Manage VST Plugins = Manage VST's.
Edit Preferences = Should simply be 'Preferences'.
Edit Colours = Just 'Colours'.
Choose External Audio Editor = External Editor.
Insert User Key = Insert Key.
Session
Open Recent = Recent.
Open Template = Templates.
Open Demo = Demos.
Import Audio File = Import Audio
Import Sample Sound = Import Sample
Import Sample Loop = Import Loop
(Incidentally, perhaps it may be better to have a single menu item here for these three options. Which when clicked would ask what to do? Really, what is the difference between them? They are all audio, all audio comes in three flavours, short sample, a loop, or a long sample such as a whole track. I feel a single Import Audio option would be better which is context sensitive. If Imported from the Session Menu, then either ask what to import or better, why even the necessity to ask? Or am I missing something here?)
Import MIDI File = Import MIDI.
Export Composition As Audio File = Remove 'File'.
Export Tracks As Audio Files = Remove 'Files'.
Export MIDI File = Remove 'File'.
Manage Audio/Sample Files = This was completely unclear as to it's function, I didn't realise it would perform the actions there and then. I thought this meant how things worked by default and therefore lost some samples. Clicking ok was, in my mind, confirming my decision to activate this as a default option during working on a Session rather than like Emptying the Recycle Bin. This should be called something like = Remove Unwanted Audio. This would remove confusion.
Obviously, these points aren't that important but some really do add an extra layer of difficulty to the workflow needlessly.
Overall though, excellent job, look forward to the release version
My only problem now is whether to buy MuLab or parts for my new PC build!!! Couldn't have come at a worse time
Last edited by sl23 on Sun Jun 22, 2014 2:31 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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- KVRer
- 22 posts since 12 May, 2014 from Poole, UK
Hi Jo,
I love that you can now see the MuDrum instrument name in the piano roll editor, but suggest these be repeated across all octaves in the editor as some of my projects have a range that does not begin at C3. Shouldn't be too difficult to add the extra coding?
I love that you can now see the MuDrum instrument name in the piano roll editor, but suggest these be repeated across all octaves in the editor as some of my projects have a range that does not begin at C3. Shouldn't be too difficult to add the extra coding?
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fluffy_little_something fluffy_little_something https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=281847
- Banned
- 12880 posts since 5 Jun, 2012
Works on Windows as well. I get a window where I am to select the sample, then OK, and voila, there is the track...Michael L wrote:Another: When I click on a Track + Add Instrument Track, and then Devices>Instruments>MuSampla, and OK, it adds a Track. However, when I click on a Track + Add MuSampla Track, and OK, nothing happens.
Great improvements to MuSampla!!
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fluffy_little_something fluffy_little_something https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=281847
- Banned
- 12880 posts since 5 Jun, 2012
I have never been a big fan of MuDrum, it is the same 12 sounds on all octaves. Some of the sounds are really good, but still I prefer my ancient third-party drum modules. One thing I like there is how the short HH interrupts the long HH sound, which allows for very natural playing.J4ck Fl4sh wrote:Hi Jo,
I love that you can now see the MuDrum instrument name in the piano roll editor, but suggest these be repeated across all octaves in the editor as some of my projects have a range that does not begin at C3. Shouldn't be too difficult to add the extra coding?
In terms of looks I would prefer Simmons pads to those goofy rectangular ones.
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- KVRAF
- 3161 posts since 28 Mar, 2008 from a Galaxy S7 far far away
+1fluffy_little_something wrote:J4ck Fl4sh wrote: In terms of looks I would prefer Simmons pads to those goofy rectangular ones.
Though, personally, I preferred the round ones which the rectangle pads replaced.
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- KVRAF
- 2874 posts since 22 Oct, 2002 from "somewhere between digital and analog"
So is there an arp in the midi plugs? I may be in a minority but I find the effects supplied with MuLab (other than simple delay and reverb) as one of it's weakest points. I realize that's not going to be as important at the price point but I find myself using external fx most of the time. The instruments are excellent, so it would be nice to see at least a core group of fx, with interfaces that can be quickly tweaked.AndreasD wrote:If that is the Mini Arpeggiator patch, it goes before any instrument and is not really an arp, but repeates incoming notes at different pitches.DHR53 wrote: I can't get any of the midi effect to work? How exactly do you get sound out of the arpeggiator???
Most of the more complex fx plugins leave me scratching my head... way too much info? And I can't get any usable sounds out of them. I would just leave all those rows of multi-colored dials hidden and add a few "simple" controls that really affect the sound. Coincidentally the internal plugins I use the most are the delay and reverb. The ones with the simple face and 5 dials. I realize this is my opinion, but the program looks so good these days that I think sometimes... what would I change? Not much...
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fluffy_little_something fluffy_little_something https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=281847
- Banned
- 12880 posts since 5 Jun, 2012
I agree. I also miss usable effect presets. Since for instance I am not good at setting compressor values right, I use the old free Kjaerhus compressor, which has presets for bass guitar, drums, etc.DHR53 wrote:So is there an arp in the midi plugs? I may be in a minority but I find the effects supplied with MuLab (other than simple delay and reverb) as one of it's weakest points. I realize that's not going to be as important at the price point but I find myself using external fx most of the time. The instruments are excellent, so it would be nice to see at least a core group of fx, with interfaces that can be quickly tweaked.AndreasD wrote:If that is the Mini Arpeggiator patch, it goes before any instrument and is not really an arp, but repeates incoming notes at different pitches.DHR53 wrote: I can't get any of the midi effect to work? How exactly do you get sound out of the arpeggiator???
Most of the more complex fx plugins leave me scratching my head... way too much info? And I can't get any usable sounds out of them. I would just leave all those rows of multi-colored dials hidden and add a few "simple" controls that really affect the sound. Coincidentally the internal plugins I use the most are the delay and reverb. The ones with the simple face and 5 dials. I realize this is my opinion, but the program looks so good these days that I think sometimes... what would I change? Not much...
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- KVRAF
- 3161 posts since 28 Mar, 2008 from a Galaxy S7 far far away
I have to add another +1 here. I also use Kjaerhus Compressor for the same reason. MuLab should have at least one rock solid version of each of the major effects groups supplied with it. I expect over time this will come to pass.
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- KVRAF
- 2874 posts since 22 Oct, 2002 from "somewhere between digital and analog"
Really there are a lot of fx plugs in there... but I can't get any usable sounds out of them. I don't even know how to use the arp and gator plugs? Can't get any sound out of those... It's like the modular aspect is interesting, but not to me when I'm just trying to add an effect to a synth or drums to create a sound quickly. The "simple" controls would solve that. If I designed a 6 tap delay plugin and added all the controls "myself" I would know how it works... but to a user trying to get the 6 tap effect, I don't care about the underpinnings, I want the sound. 6 controls max. I like adding fx to a basic sound in a synth to create a new sound. Having these basic controls makes that a lot quicker and adds value to the MuLab package IMHO.
Simple controls does not mean simplistic design... just ease of use! (rant over) Ha!
Simple controls does not mean simplistic design... just ease of use! (rant over) Ha!
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- KVRAF
- 3161 posts since 28 Mar, 2008 from a Galaxy S7 far far away
My thoughts exactly. Professionals can probably look at a complex plugins, synth or effect, and 'see' almost straight away how it works and how to get the sound they want. But the 'less' professional needs more basic control. That's one of the reasons I liked the Electribe series so much, despite their limitations. You could get very usable FX from just two controls! That's why I created my own MuX with several FX each with only two controls and balance. It isn't as good as I'd like it to be but still very useful. Most of the work was done by Andreas though, so I credit it to him rather than myself as I only put it together after he did the hard work for me!
If you're interested I think it's in Andreas' Dropbox folder but in a subfolder of my username sl23. If you want I can post my own temporary link to it. Not sure if it'll suit your style of music though...
If you're interested I think it's in Andreas' Dropbox folder but in a subfolder of my username sl23. If you want I can post my own temporary link to it. Not sure if it'll suit your style of music though...