Today I'd like to know whether you are ready to try this modified version of Paul Nasca software. To help me take my decision(publish or not publish... my customized version), please post here a reply: if there are many requests, I'll put a link to a downloading page.
But before, you should be aware of some limitations of that customization: read on...
What you will not find in Partita
- Because it is a version aiming to fill my personal needs, Partita has no GUI for the ADDSynth and SUBSynth front-end that are part of ZynAddSubFX official release. Why? Because, I think that the PADSynth algorithm is so powerful that they are not really useful. With PADSynth, it's much more easy to create beautiful sounds than with ADD and SUBsynth algorithms.
- As it should be evident, it's a version where the Beginner interface have been discarded: only the Advance user interface has been revamped.
- I'm not aware of the incidence of my modifications on the VST plugin version: I'm not using it!
What you will find in Partita and not in ZynAddSubFX
You will find more than a revamped interface with a clear design which helps to understand and control at a glance the parameters of your sounds. I have added some functionalities that you could find helpful:
- All numeric parameters display their value, hence you have a much more fine grain control other them than in the original GUI designed by Paul. I extensively use sliders to modify them and most parameters can be reset by right-clicking in this slider.
- Drop-down selected parameters have their name written in full length: no cryptic abbreviation!
- Parameters have been clearly grouped to understand and visualize how they work together.
- The interface has been designed for a much more wider workspace (a 1280x1024 resolution is enough) and all graphs have a wide control area.
- Tabs have been used by groups to avoid cluttering of the screen.
- Some nice functionalities have been added: you can load a configuration (.cfg) file when you launch the program; a "pedal" mode have been added to virtual keyboard (when the Cpaslock key is on, a slight drag of the mouse keep the note on);and it's a full range virtual keyboard (128 keys).
And now, please let me know what is opinion (don't forget to have a look at the snapshots posted in the previous article).
Regarding PADSynth and ADD-SUBSynth, I don't completely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteWhile PADSynth is very nice for, well, pads, strings, smooth sounds, and the kind, I find that doing patches with an edge in PADSynth is much harder. Even reducing the bandwidth to near-zero, and shaping the "bell" so to have the most focused sound as possible, it is still a single oscillator, and for some somewhat "dryer" patches (basses, leads, percussive sounds) I think that ADDSynth is much more suited. SUBSynth is a one-trick pony, really, but it has its uses.
For sure, Adriano, you're quite rigth and what I really mean is that most sounds can be done using only the PADSynth, but not all. And each user has its own way to work.
ReplyDeleteI'm just justifying the fact that I had no time to come with the revamping of ADD and SUB synths, till now, but has the most difficult work has been done (formalizing the rules for that new GUI and applying them to the most complex of the three synths), it would not be very long to apply them to ADD and SUB...
Now, my main concern with this tool is to implement the program change MIDI message, which would be of invaluable interest for my use, and probably many others.