eXT: What You're Waiting for Before You'll Switch

[cbit]

.. a slightly different 'features' kind of thread: If you're not currently using eXT as your main sequencer, but would like to, what additional features are you waiting for before you'll make the switch from the host you use now?

I'm using tracktion now. I'll switch to eXT..

• When it uses full resolution parameter automation (instead of midi cc style).
  
  When you can 'transient slice' audio that sits on the timeline of the sequencer (ie. not only in the sampler)
  
  When there's a quick way to non destructively reverse audio on the sequencer timeline (or a quick way to copy and reverse audio clips destructively, without leaving the sequencer window)
  
  When theres a decent audio timestretching function available

there are other features id love to have too of course.. but these are the ones which, if included, would make me switch straight away.

[original flipper]

HI

Like many XT users I use the program within a program to place other programs within it - get it?

The modular nature of XT is it's crowning glory but at the same time makes it somewhat elusive (for me) -I think it would need a quantum leap (in what direction I don't in all honesty know) to sit well with me as a 'main' host.

I choose my word's carefully because this is without doubt a very 'special' program that WILL develop - I do think that it is getting increasingly close to where it intended going, and that could be the dilema or the liberation of the way the program works; I would like to see a more traditional sequencer developeed that sit's alongside the modular aspect of XT - this for me would be the 'HOLY GRAIL' of sequencers.

I can imagine an XT that opens with a 'pre-wired' configuration of midi/audio tracks, mixer, piano roll and a main arrange page - with full access to vst's and vsti's in a more traditional way with all connections automated as per standard host design, along side this you could open E/XT in any track and do all the other funky stuff that you can currently do.

This would not be a massive re-working of the program but rather a top down re-design of what is already there - I think XT is one of the most stable programs I have used and would love to see it go this way; rather than use a completely different host or go through the modular building every time I want to use a different combination of synths/fx/samplers.

Flipper.

[Sicklecell666]

Flipper, you'll be partially getting what you want when Jorgen implements folder track import/export. For now though, you can have all your complex routings, etc, set-up once & simply load the saved eXT file..

[jens]

I'm using tracktion now. I'll switch to eXT when theres a decent audio timestretching function available

[>v^<^^]

I can imagine an XT that opens with a 'pre-wired' configuration of midi/audio tracks, mixer, piano roll and a main arrange page - with full access to vst's and vsti's in a more traditional way with all connections automated as per standard host design, along side this you could open E/XT in any track and do all the other funky stuff that you can currently do.

I am by no means an energyXT expert, I haven't read much about it. I remember seeing those online tutorials about building templates for you to start projects with... that probably wouldn't get you everything you're asking for but close. Am I correct? You could patch up your pre-wired configuration and start from there.

I think XT is one of the most stable programs I have used and would love to see it go this way;

Really? What other hosts have you owned? I tried to use the plugin version maybe 8-12 months ago and it would crash regularly within FL Studio. I'm sure the standalone version is probably more stable since there's less factors involved.

As for me, I'd like there to be a proper Help file.

[jens]

HI

Like many XT users I use the program within a program to place other programs within it - get it?

The modular nature of XT is it's crowning glory but at the same time makes it somewhat elusive (for me) -I think it would need a quantum leap (in what direction I don't in all honesty know) to sit well with me as a 'main' host.

I choose my word's carefully because this is without doubt a very 'special' program that WILL develop - I do think that it is getting increasingly close to where it intended going, and that could be the dilema or the liberation of the way the program works; I would like to see a more traditional sequencer developeed that sit's alongside the modular aspect of XT - this for me would be the 'HOLY GRAIL' of sequencers.

I can imagine an XT that opens with a 'pre-wired' configuration of midi/audio tracks, mixer, piano roll and a main arrange page - with full access to vst's and vsti's in a more traditional way with all connections automated as per standard host design, along side this you could open E/XT in any track and do all the other funky stuff that you can currently do.

This would not be a massive re-working of the program but rather a top down re-design of what is already there - I think XT is one of the most stable programs I have used and would love to see it go this way; rather than use a completely different host or go through the modular building every time I want to use a different combination of synths/fx/samplers.

Flipper.

The good thing is:

From today on in five month.....

.....eXT can probably fly to the moon

yes, but how hard will it be to drive? I have eXT and jorgen is a mad man, but I find Tracktion a lot easier to use, and use eXT with it for the modularness, sampler, midi parts, arp, ect...

I think the difficulties you have are just starter's problems - once you get it it's partially much simpler to handle than Tracktion

When I click on the right icon on my quickstart-panel
eXT opens like this:



I have folders with sub-track for my typical project - a few guitar-tracks, a few vocal-tracks etc.(named rythm-guitar, lead guitar, lead vox, background vox, etc.) - the correct audio-inputs for the different tracks are already selected/configured. So I just have to select the right track, arm it with one click
and can start recording right away.

Al the folders and sub-tracks are minimized so they aren't getting in my way - when I want to use a certain track I open its folder and expand this track.

Here I have inserted a drum-sample (I changed the skin just for fun )




Once you configured eXT to your liking it's really easy to use and everything is so clean, while Tracktion usually ends up in a complete mess rather quickly.

Of course there are still some basic things which aren't perfect and are disturbing the workflow, but the little 'inefficiencies' will surely soon be gone.


and it's price is still only the half of T1

( http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic. ... c&start=15 )

[cbit]

originalflipper: yes, i understand what you mean about a lot of users using eXT inside another host.. but its clear that jorgen's developing it with the idea that it should be able to function as a fully featured, self contained host.

I agree with what you said about presenting new users with a more familiar layout. i think thats a great idea.. it could be as simple as a 'default template' (or whatever the name for layouts it ) that looks like a traditional sequencer (like the thing that jens posted).

One of eXTs big strengths lies in how far it's configurable.. and it's modular nature. But i think this can scare off newcomers too. a 'familiar' looking interface when you first open it might be a good idea.

[ModuLR]

I am in a host delima at the moment...

I wish eXT handled navigation in the sequencer a lot better. Copying between tracks should be a ctrl+drag affair. Reording tracks, as well as placing tracks in folders (shift click a bunch of tracks, and drag them to the folder track), etc. Stuff like this really disrupts the workflow for me so much that I get hung up... and like cbit, I wish slicing audio in the sequencer was handled right there in the timeline... but since we have to use the audio-part to slice, I wish it would zoom in on the slice in the lower window. It's really hard to get things precise if the audio you are slicing is too long... and I still have mixed feeling about using cc's to handle the automation. Assign the param to the cc, select the cc, create the envelope. I love eXT, but sometimes it requires a lot of steps to do things which is what ultimately stops me from going full steam ahead with it.

I guess deep down inside I wish it handled aspects of Audio like Tracktion (which is just wicked in this area).

That being said, it's continuing to develop at an alarming rate so who knows... there are lots of nifty ideas which keep surfacing, but I wish the most basic of things were sorted first.. like nativation and consistancy of operation between components. IMO, this is what gives a host a solid feel or not (besides general stability).

I've been toying with Live again as well.. and I must say it does give me that solid feel I'm looking for.. and I actually do like the midi editor cos it's more like a step sequencer.. and the audio whille not done in the same manner, can function alot like T. I just hate having to unwarp everything...

ugh.. so many things, so many hosts that "almost" nail it, but not quite! AHHHHH!!!

[jens]

The simple solution would be that Jorgen includes some default-templates for different usages within the download.

(a 'sequencer'-template, a 'sampler'-template a 'modular-host'-template, etc.)

Also Jorgen should include the help-file....

(I guess the authors wouldn't mind)

Probably the best thing would be if he offered two downloads:

a minimal one and a 'beginner's'-download.

edit: oh and the 'default'-skin isn't the best thing
to increase sales

[ModuLR]

I forgot one other thing... another big killer for me also is not being able to lasso a bunch of comps or vst's then deleting or copying them. you have to right click *everything*... you can't even select then hit delete. This is another drag if you are trying to build something complex.

don't get me wrong tho eXT is wonderful!

[jens]

I am in a host delima at the moment...

I wish eXT handled navigation in the sequencer a lot better. Copying between tracks should be a ctrl+drag affair. Reording tracks, as well as placing tracks in folders (shift click a bunch of tracks, and drag them to the folder track), etc.

http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic. ... highlight=


check Jorgen's reply

and for draggable tracks there is a similar thread lying around somewhere here...

[jens]

I but since we have to use the audio-part to slice, I wish it would zoom in on the slice in the lower window. It's really hard to get things precise if the audio you are slicing is too long...

see http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62344 etc.

[jorgen]

I have not read anything suggested in this thread that is not coming up, so keep checking eXT HQ for updates. Next up is MULTI PAGE DOCKING, very sweet. No more window clutter and a must have for laptops with small screens. Just use the F1 and F2 keys to jump between custom screen pages...



jorgen

[YBaCuO]

Pre-wired basic configurations ...

[ModuLR]

I have not read anything suggested in this thread that is not coming up, so keep checking eXT HQ for updates. Next up is MULTI PAGE DOCKING, very sweet. No more window clutter and a must have for laptops with small screens. Just use the F1 and F2 keys to jump between custom screen pages...



jorgen

trust me, I think there are many of us who check xt-hq like a crack addict... I do! I downloaded that test version, and the docking will unclutter things quite a bit! very cool stuff...