u-he

exmatproton · Post by **exmatproton** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:04 pm

Urs wrote:
Breeze wrote:
hakey wrote:Maintaining a constant output volume whilst changing the filter gain or osc volume requires juggling with two different knobs, and working out whether a perceived difference is down to a change in timbre or a change in overall volume gets in the way of efficient sound design.

Some means to inversely link two related gain/vol controls would make this process a lot easier (same goes for any u-he synth where filter gain changes filter behaviour).
I think what you're referring to is some kind of auto-gain adjustment like some EQs now implement to keep output constant whether you're boosting or cutting the signal. Interesting idea applied to synthesis. An alternative might be to use a very clean comp after the synth. But traditionally, it's a long-winded iterative procedure.

To do it manually you can temporarily use the ModMatrix to crossfade any two controls (mod one + and the other -) and have any available CC control it. You can simply copy that if you need to control more than 2 parameters. I did this myself because the solo buttons seemed to disable mod sources and it was a quick way to isolate the two filter paths.
We have "Gain Staging" on our radar for an improvement. Naturally we don't want to do a plain makeup gain because it'll be deceiving, as one can't perfectly match input and output without taking the filter type, the oscillator volume itself and the waveform into account. Automatic makeup will come out as "ok, the timbre changes but it also becomes slightly louder, I'm a little confused as to how this works". Therefore we decided to keep things "physical". Turn up gain, it gets louder.

I would however like to add some sort of XY control or otherwise linkable bahviour into it.

Would a limiter function (on/off switched) be a nice addition?

Urs · Post by **Urs** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:05 pm

DrGonzo wrote:Quite an interesting plugin you have! The more I fool around with it, the more I like it. Great idea about the three models. You didn't get the inspiration from The Hive in Deus Ex Human Revolution did you? I kind of got that vibe.

Thanks, hehe, the name was found long time before. I think Howie and I discussed a synth called "Hive" as early as back in 2009. We then found that now was the time to apply it to a synth.

The UI went through various iterations before it got to this point, but somehow the hexagon always had a bit of sci-fi-esque feel to it.

What's your realistic estimate on v1 release? At the end of january when the beta expires?

There are two options.

1. We can rush it out by mid January.

2. Sound Design, UI and a few features can mature while I'm taking my Summer break in Australia in February, and then we prepare for a luxurious release in late March/early April, with some more features added. In this case a free-to-use beta will be available till end of March at least.

(I really need to set up a FAQ…)

Coorec · Post by **Coorec** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:07 pm

Is there a way to get Midi out of Arp and Seq?

Urs · Post by **Urs** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:09 pm

exmatproton wrote:Would a limiter function (on/off switched) be a nice addition?

It's being discussed as a means to fill the blank space on the right between ModMatrix and 2nd pair of enevlopes.

Urs · Post by **Urs** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:12 pm

Coorec wrote:Is there a way to get Midi out of Arp and Seq?

Not yet. MIDI out isn't possible (errrm, viable) in AU, hence it's not part of our engine.

Work has been done on a drag'n'drop control for MIDI files, but isn't good enough yet. Not sure if and when we can put more time into this.

exmatproton · Post by **exmatproton** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:27 pm

Urs wrote:
exmatproton wrote:Would a limiter function (on/off switched) be a nice addition?
It's being discussed as a means to fill the blank space on the right between ModMatrix and 2nd pair of enevlopes.

I would say it could be placed in the right upper corner, right from the output knob. Or as part of the compressor unit

knowix · Post by **knowix** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:42 pm

Can additional modes be added to it be added at a later stage?

If, after the dust settles, people are still picking Sylenth and Spire over Hive. it would be useful to be able to add a juicy/shiny/liquid mode etc. without breaking anyone's presets.

EvilDragon · Post by **EvilDragon** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:46 pm

JUICY sounds like a great name for a new mode, indeed!

tehlord · Post by **tehlord** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 2:47 pm

My vote would be to not rush it out.

mutantdog · Post by **mutantdog** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:04 pm

I reckon if the major bugs are fixed in time for your vacation, I'd be quite happy for it to stay in beta until March/April. Would give us lot some time for a patch contest too.

DrGonzo · Post by **DrGonzo** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:24 pm

Urs wrote: 1. We can rush it out by mid January.

2. Sound Design, UI and a few features can mature while I'm taking my Summer break in Australia in February, and then we prepare for a luxurious release in late March/early April, with some more features added. In this case a free-to-use beta will be available till end of March at least.

A big vote for taking your time. Nothing is better than taking a break and coming back to a project with fresh ears and eyes. As long as the public beta is around there is actually no hurry.

/C

Urs · Post by **Urs** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:27 pm

knowix wrote:Can additional modes be added to it be added at a later stage?

If, after the dust settles, people are still picking Sylenth and Spire over Hive. it would be useful to be able to add a juicy/shiny/liquid mode etc. without breaking anyone's presets.

I think we first need to come up with proper names for the current engines. I had a contest in mind.

Then, yes, new engines are a possibility, and they wouldn't break compatibility (unless someone automates the engine parameter, but we will then say so)

I think there'll always be people who prefer Sylenth or Spire. For instance, some won't bother with Hive simply because they already have one or two of the other synths in dozens of projects. I would never expect those people to make a switch. OTOH we wouldn't have done this if we hadn't had the feeling that many, many people out there were looking for an alternative just like Hive.

That said, there is no need for us to assimilate each and everyone to the Hive mind

Urs · Post by **Urs** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:32 pm

tehlord wrote:My vote would be to not rush it out.

Well, for me personally it doesn't make much of a difference. I'm sure we'll have the current bugs fixed by mid January. I'm also sure that if we release a 1.0 early with a basic feature set there'll be a 1.1 with some additions shortly thereafter, if only to accommodate the preset designers that are too busy atm to meet the January deadline.

I think however it all depends on two factors:

- will I ever be able to close the browser window? (I haven't even chacked emails for a week or two)

- will the hexagon thing work out?

- Urs

zvenx · Post by **zvenx** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:35 pm

tehlord wrote:My vote would be to not rush it out.

as would be mine.

Assuming of course that doesn't interfere with the plans for the pink elephant in the room(or zebra 3) as it was.
rsp

kaiyoti · Post by **kaiyoti** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:47 pm

Played around with it a bit more, here is a very raw first pass of Japanese influenced plucked patch I created for fun.

Download: http://bit.ly/1GGGSLM
Demo: https://soundcloud.com/kaiyoti/hive-plu ... ky-strings

Higher velocities give it a sharper/tighter "pluck". No other modulations... yet.

u-he

KVR Audio

Hive preview (April 1 update)