Waveform Dev Update

[Lutin mutin]

Hi dRowAudio !

Thank you very much for a so interesting report.
As far as I know, it is the first time a company makes a so long and interesting synthesis of a situation to their customers after the launch of a product.
Thank you : very, very much appreciated !

Some personal feedback of this "new" DAW...

--> THE NEW MIXER
Already in the T1 days, I was a claimant of an "hardware-like" mixer.
But because in those times Jules didn't want it, and because my software coder's friends didn't want to modify the T1 code in order to be able to rotate by 90° the software window, I do it myself.
I'm not a coder. So, when my tracktion's projects were well advanced, I rotated by + 90° the squared physical monitor of my computer (yes, in those times, the monitors were squared), in order to have a "something-like" mixer on the screen, in order to mix and monitor my projects... (true story...)...
You can imagine if I'm happy with WaveForm !...
-> so, really appreciated mixer, but more "ergonomic" comments after using "the thing" in future projects !...

--> COLLECTIVE
As I said in an other tread, Collective is a synth able to play samples. But in my opinion, it is not a sampler (no possibility to map samples, etc...).
- 1. the Synth
Not so sophisticated than Biotek, it is easier to "program" creating a sound than its big brother. Seems to be a beautiful beast, even for no sound designers... But for songwriters there are the presets...
- 2. the sounds and presets
A lot of presets, with good sounds. BUT...
In my opinion, for my personal hears, all the actual sounds related with all the actual presets are dedicated to EDM and/or electronic music. Even the named "classical" sounds presets.
Not a problem for me. I know that it is the actual "market" and a majority of music making - newbies or not -. But I'm not concerned by this kind of sounds.
-> So, without future expansion packs presets, Collective is not for me.

--> NEW MIDI MUSICAL TOOLS
Really original, ergonomic and fun to use (thanks to the help of the related tutorial video on YouTube).
Very new tool for me. Seems to be helpful for finding musical ideas the dry creative days...
-> I appreciate. More comments when more control when using them...

--> GUI COLORS
In the same "inspirational" way of T7 that was perfect for me in this point of view...


So...
I was a satisfied user of the T1 to T7 "no mixer" DAWs...
I early upgraded to WaveForm not only to taste the new upgraded DAW, but also to support the "new" Tracktion company.

I always have been a big fan of this revolutionary tracktion DAW ergonomic concept.
But since your present remarkable intervention, I'm just asking me if I'm not becoming a big fan of the TSC team...

Thanks to all the team for the really good job done,
and thank you again dRowAudio for the actual report.

Cheers !

[chico.co.uk]

--> COLLECTIVE
As I said in an other tread, Collective is a synth able to play samples. But in my opinion, it is not a sampler (no possibility to map samples, etc...)

From the manual

collective.PNG

[dRowAudio]

 
But still no option to select all notes in a clip!

There's two ways you can do this:
1) Select a single note and then press "cmd/ctrl + a"
2) Select any number of notes in a clip and press "Select Notes" -> "Select all notes in the clip"

[dRowAudio]

• Master Mix/FM Synth authorisation
We’ve seen several requests about authorising Master Mix and the FM Synth. These are now embedded in to Waveform in the same way that the other small plugins that appear in the properties panel are. If you load them form the “Waveform Plugins” menu or the side pane, you shouldn’t need to authorise them. However, as you may still have the old VST or AU versions on your system, it’s best to ignore or remove them.

what about people wanting to use MM/FM Synth outside of waveform (or people wanting to use Analog Synth inside Waveform even since it's not in the waveform 'bundle' but is part of the separate 'micro synths' download)

Since Master Mix and MicroSynths show as separate full products in my account I don't expect them to be crippled to Waveform only, and the auth system seems to agree (when I online auth them I get a 'registration sucessful' message - it's just that they then fail to fully unlock)

This sounds like a web error, they shouldn't appear as full products in your account and you won't have external licences added for them. You can only use them inside Waveform via the embedded versions.

This is similar to how Logic's instruments and effects can only be used inside logic, Live and BitWig's Devices can only be used inside their software etc.

Collective is the only instrument that can be used in other hosts (and DAW Essentials or BioTek if you've purchased Waveform+ or Ultimate).

[pquenin]

My feedback :
- I appreciate that you take the time to sum up the situation,
- Collective : the presets are great and usefull. I have appreciated to find some relative to my favourite bands (Genesis, yes, ELP...) : it's not only for EDM music !
- Collective : the sound edit functions are great and well organised,
- Collective : I don't see how to map the parameters to Midi CCs, hope it's possible,
- Collective : I have not read the manual so far, so I don't know if it's possible to import our own samples, and how easy it is implemented,
- Collective : it's nice to be able to navigate thru presets with the arrows keys, but you must be able to load a preset when you hit the Enter Key,
- Waveform mixer : it's a great addition, but I miss a Master channel, I have not try with "group tracks" so far...
- Waveform midi tools : very clever, great addition,
- Waveform schemes : it's better than T7, the default one is the best for me. it's nice to have more choice.
- Mastermix, FMSynth : it's cool to have them inside, but they look updated now compared to the DAW Essentials plugins, and are not scalable.
- Waveform midi editor window : great but I will appreciate a button to display it full screen. I would also appreciate a dedicated audio editor window, because I love to have big display of waveforms...

[dRowAudio]

- Collective : I don't see how to map the parameters to Midi CCs, hope it's possible,

You can do this using the MIDI learn features in Waveform.

- Waveform mixer : it's a great addition, but I miss a Master channel, I have not try with "group tracks" so far...

We thought about this but since the master plugins and volume are always there in the bottom right, permanently taking up some space in the mixer seemed a bit wasteful...

- Waveform midi editor window : great but I will appreciate a button to display it full screen. I would also appreciate a dedicated audio editor window, because I love to have big display of waveforms...

You can make it as large as you like if you unpin it (by clicking the pin button in the top left of the panel) then drag to resize it or use the maximise button.

[dupont]

Fab! Please also try and optimise things some more. I can't see how this could run on Raspberry Pi and yet perform so badly on Mac.

I'll second that. Waveform is soo sloooow on OSX. I had to switch off hi res mod to make it run smoother.
I like the tabbed midi clip, better than previous versions with in line midi clips; it was not convenient to zoom in and out to edit a clip.
Mixer is a great addition.
The chord, bass line, arpegio managment is a clever welcome future.
To be honest, I did not tried more. 3 fatal crashes within 30 mn, I also could not find the notes I had just recorded, made me close waveform ...

[jabe]

Fab! Please also try and optimise things some more. I can't see how this could run on Raspberry Pi and yet perform so badly on Mac.

I'll second that. Waveform is soo sloooow on OSX. I had to switch off hi res mod to make it run smoother.
I like the tabbed midi clip, better than previous versions with in line midi clips; it was not convenient to zoom in and out to edit a clip.
Mixer is a great addition.
The chord, bass line, arpegio managment is a clever welcome future.
To be honest, I did not tried more. 3 fatal crashes within 30 mn, I also could not find the notes I had just recorded, made me close waveform ...

Which is weird, because I'm pretty sure they write it on OSX.

[gesslr]

Fab! Please also try and optimise things some more. I can't see how this could run on Raspberry Pi and yet perform so badly on Mac.

I'll second that. Waveform is soo sloooow on OSX. I had to switch off hi res mod to make it run smoother.
I like the tabbed midi clip, better than previous versions with in line midi clips; it was not convenient to zoom in and out to edit a clip.
Mixer is a great addition.
The chord, bass line, arpegio managment is a clever welcome future.
To be honest, I did not tried more. 3 fatal crashes within 30 mn, I also could not find the notes I had just recorded, made me close waveform ...

What system are you running? Waveform is zippy for me under OS X....

[ScottG]

Does the new UI look sharper and easier on the eyes than T7, have you tried out the light and greyscale schemes?

I'm having a hard time getting used to the themes, very distracting. It reminds me of a rainbow.Was really hoping for a way to turn off all the effects such as shadows,gradients, and translucence.
Similar to the way Tracktion 5/6 handled it.

Is there a technical reason this cannot be done?

[ZeePok]

 
But still no option to select all notes in a clip!

There's two ways you can do this:
1) Select a single note and then press "cmd/ctrl + a"
2) Select any number of notes in a clip and press "Select Notes" -> "Select all notes in the clip"

 
Thanks Dave, but one still needs to select one or more notes. Why not Ctrl-A directly without selecting.

It baffles me that such a simple elementary function is not implemented.

[jabe]

 
But still no option to select all notes in a clip!

There's two ways you can do this:
1) Select a single note and then press "cmd/ctrl + a"
2) Select any number of notes in a clip and press "Select Notes" -> "Select all notes in the clip"

 
Thanks Dave, but one still needs to select one or more notes. Why not Ctrl-A directly without selecting.

It baffles me that such a simple elementary function is not implemented.

There's any number of things you might want to select all of. Ctrl-A is Windows standard for select all. If you've got a track selected, ctrl-A will select all tracks. If you've selected a clip on a track, ctrl-A will select all clips on that track. If you've selected a plug-in on a track, ctrl-A will select all plug-ins on the track. Etc.

It could get confusing if there are loads of different select-all shortcuts.

[ZeePok]

 
But still no option to select all notes in a clip!

There's two ways you can do this:
1) Select a single note and then press "cmd/ctrl + a"
2) Select any number of notes in a clip and press "Select Notes" -> "Select all notes in the clip"

 
Thanks Dave, but one still needs to select one or more notes. Why not Ctrl-A directly without selecting.

It baffles me that such a simple elementary function is not implemented.

There's any number of things you might want to select all of. Ctrl-A is Windows standard for select all. If you've got a track selected, ctrl-A will select all tracks. If you've selected a clip on a track, ctrl-A will select all clips on that track. If you've selected a plug-in on a track, ctrl-A will select all plug-ins on the track. Etc.

It could get confusing if there are loads of different select-all shortcuts.

Needlessly complicated! When Midi editor open; Ctrl-A, select all events. Simple!

[mcnelson]

FM Synth seems to be just MDA DX10 with a fancier gui - even most of the presets are the same.

Tracktion Micro Synth Pack
Tracktion Micro Synth Pack is a collection of classic DX10 based FM Synth and JX10 Analog Synth with a huge variety of sounds from classic pianos and keyboards to space age pads. In keeping with a long term Tracktion tradition the MDA synths are back! Since T1 Tracktion came bundled with the incredibly good value MDA synth pack. They've now taken the great engines behind those synths, improved them, and given them an updated interface for easier control and visualisation. The FM Synth is based on the MDA DX10 and can produce a diverse array of sounds. From classic plucked and percussive instruments such as pianos, guitars, and bells to extreme modulated intergalactic growling bass. It would be very easy to create an entire song using this synth alone! The Analog Synth is based on the classic MDA JX10 subtractive synthesiser. Tracktion simplified the controls and added two envelope editors to invigorate this beast! Like the FM Synth, this has a wide sound range range but boasts some additional features like classic mono glide. Great for sub bass and FX (including wind and helicopters!), but perhaps where this synth really shines is in it's mega thick sync leads. Both synths have a wide variety of presets included but with the sheer range of sounds capable here don't be surprised if you find yourself tweaking until the sun comes up! A must have pair of synths for any Tracktion user!

[rich_h]

• Master Mix/FM Synth authorisation
We’ve seen several requests about authorising Master Mix and the FM Synth. These are now embedded in to Waveform in the same way that the other small plugins that appear in the properties panel are. If you load them form the “Waveform Plugins” menu or the side pane, you shouldn’t need to authorise them. However, as you may still have the old VST or AU versions on your system, it’s best to ignore or remove them.

what about people wanting to use MM/FM Synth outside of waveform (or people wanting to use Analog Synth inside Waveform even since it's not in the waveform 'bundle' but is part of the separate 'micro synths' download)

Since Master Mix and MicroSynths show as separate full products in my account I don't expect them to be crippled to Waveform only, and the auth system seems to agree (when I online auth them I get a 'registration sucessful' message - it's just that they then fail to fully unlock)

This sounds like a web error, they shouldn't appear as full products in your account and you won't have external licences added for them. You can only use them inside Waveform via the embedded versions.

This is similar to how Logic's instruments and effects can only be used inside logic, Live and BitWig's Devices can only be used inside their software etc.

Collective is the only instrument that can be used in other hosts (and DAW Essentials or BioTek if you've purchased Waveform+ or Ultimate).

This appears to suggest that those of us who previously bought MasterMix and Micro Synth Pack to use in any host will no longer be able to do so. I hope that is a miscommunication because I wouldn't be happy otherwise.