Sonicprojects updates OP-X to v2.1 and OP-X Pro to v1.2

Sonicprojects has updated OP-X to v2.1 and OP-X Pro to v1.2.

Changes:

• OP-X: new switchable legato mode (L next to levers).
• Arpeggiator now with key-down-run, two-state (normal, steps).
• Improved voice allocation unit (less voice steals).
• New sophisticated patch change smoother (works only with MIDI program change).
• Keyboard animation now globally switchable.
• OP-X Pro: all filter trimpots MIDI CC remote controllable now.
• MIDI CC feedback for jump-free remote control with endless encoders.
• No struck notes anymore when switching between unisono and poly mode while playing.
• No clicks any more when using keyboard animation in very slow computers.
• Keys are not fixed anymore when holding a key and switching off animation.
• MIDI controller for steps knob now works as it should.
• CC for volume changed to 7 for receptor and 11 for pc (the old one still works too).
• No more double ccs (except volume for compatibility to former version).
• Shipped fxb bank library updated with the latest bank additions.
• Completely overworked pdf manual (with linked index as usual).

More Details

Switchable legato mode (OP-X)
On top of the list of wishes was a switchable legato mode as it's there already in OP-X Pro which lets you choose between the classic non-retriggered solo lines with one finger left on the keyboard with the pitch returning to this note and a retriggered mode which is more convenient for basses. The small "L" button which replaces the lever animation button lets you do this now. All former patches stay untouched and will load in non-legato mode. Some of the factory solos have been changed to legato mode.

Easier to handle step sequencer
The next big wish was an easier to handle step sequencer that only starts on key down. Done. The "ARP ON" button has become two-state now and lets you choose between 1.(LED orange): Normal arpeggiator mode, one octave input order, only playing on key down and 2.(LED red) the old sequencer mode with variable steps which also only starts now on key down (but plays on then). The Steps knob is only active in the sequencer mode of course.

Program change smoother
Especially interesting for the live musician is the new built-in sophisticated patch change smoother. It's something that also would have been welcome in the original old hardware devices. Problem is: when you change a patch with a long sustain to another one the release of the old will play on into the new patch which is not exactly what is wished and can be quite boring and normally has to be suppressed manually. Of course the best would be if the old patch would finish independently until the end of its release time while the new one would already be ready to play, but that would need a second bunch of voices, in fact a second complete synth. So we need a working compromise. The new patch change smoother quickly fades out the old patch, smoothly cuts its release and fades in again when the new patch is ready. This is all done within the fraction of a second, all steps exactly in the right moment without any artifacts. Patch changes get completely smooth like this. Prerequisite is that patches are changed with MIDI program changes. It won't work with the sequencer interface. But in live applications you anyway will use MIDI program change for this.

MIDI CC feedback for complete remote control
MIDI controllers with endless led-ring rotary encoders and led-buttons get cheaper and cheaper, so the dream of complete software-hardware-linked remote control of software synths got real now. Normal MIDI remote control is nice, but the value-jumps caused by different settings of the software knob and the hardware knob are boring and not elegant at all. Don't think this was any better in old programmable analog synths: the settings of the hardware knobs did not reflect the actual settings of a saved patch. At least there were no value jumps since the values were fetched on the way of a knob's turn. But except for the led buttons you could not actually see the settings of a saved patch. With endless rotary encoders this gets possible because the led-ring always displays the current value. Prerequisite is that the software returns its value back to the controller. This kind of value feedback is now fully supported. Furthermore a complete MIDI CC dump of all values is sent on program change that will update the controller's rotary encoders and knobs to the new values. This means hardware and software are completely linked. Prerequisite is that the MIDI out of the plugin is routed back to the controller. How this is done depends on the VST host software. We did our tests with a Behringer rotary control that has enough buttons and knobs to offer a hardware clone for every software control. This allows to use OP-X like a hardware synth. Say goodbye to the mouse. You can even switch off the monitor, step through the patches with MIDI program changes and tweak the parameters with your controller. Welcome back to reality.