UPDATE: Beyond Black v2.3 Now Available***

[Rick Cornish]

Hey gang.......
After a few emails from midilance, I discovered a way to make the wiper handle more apparent and instutited that into v2.3 of "Beyond Black," my edited theme for DP. v2.3 has been posted here and all the earlier 2.x versions have been taken down.

If you'd like to try it out…
1. Unpack the zip archive.
2. Drop the file "Beyond_Black-v2.3.bundle" into [your system drive]->Library->Application Support->MOTU->Digital Performer->Themes (if you don't see "Library" just hod down your option key and click on the "Go" menu in the Finder)
For Windows users, a member suggested C:\ProgramData\MOTU\Digital Performer\Themes\
3. Open DP, then Preferences, click on "Themes" and select "Beyond_Black-v2.3"

***As always, use at your own risk. I take no responsibility for any issues that may arise on your particular system. BB2.0 been used successfully on both Macs and PCs and in both DP10 and DP11.***

Thanks to MidiLance, bayswater, daniel.sneed, and others for the ideas and suggestions. Since BBv2.0, I have…
• Changed the wiper color to a brighter green
• Updated and enlarged the art for the "swiper" handle to make it easier to see
• Brought the track buttons for Play, Enable, and Automation into spec for the rest of the theme
• Updated some check boxes for greater contrast—especially in the edit grid box in the Sequence Editor. This also resulted in some other check boxes being a bit brighter than I would have liked, but DP doesn't give me separate control. Overall, I'm happy with it.
• Brightened some white text and darkened the strip behind the rulers for better contrast.
• Something I've wanted to do for awhile: Changed the background of the Project Notes window to an off-white and the text to black (which also changed a few other fields, but I decided I could live with those).
• And I fiddled with grey tones for the windows, headers, and borders until I couldn't see straight, but I think I'm happy with where it ended up.
• [EDIT] And I finally figured out how to turn the record-enabled state of inputs in the Audio Monitor Window to pure red, instead of the pukey color MOTU sent for them.

Overall, I think you'll notice some significant improvements from BBv2.0.

This ends development for v2. I have to start practicing guitar more if I'm going to get an album out this year (with a new guitar that's on it's way to me from the luthier in South Africa), so don't expect any further updates for awhile. If you have suggestions, PM me and I'll keep them handy for the next time I get under the hood on this.

Thanks—as always—to James Steele for making this group possible, and to all who've passed along encouraging words.

[Tritonemusic]

...(with a new guitar that's on it's way to me from the luthier in South Africa)

Post a pic of the guitar when it's done!

[bayswater]

Thanks Rick. The changes are subtle but effective.

[monkey man]

You forgot to credit me for the name Brother Rick.

Seriously mate, well done and thank you so much for sharing your tweaks as you progressed to the grand mother of 'em all, v2.2.

I too would like to see the guitar. I grew up in S. Africa so there's added interest there. Fingers crossed for you bud!

[Rick Cornish]

You forgot to credit me for the name Brother Rick.

Of course, MM… it was your wordsmithing that took Beyond Black… uh, beyond!

I too would like to see the guitar. I grew up in S. Africa so there's added interest there. Fingers crossed for you bud!

I will post something when it arrives. Had to wait for a flight case to get built, which they tell me will be finished this week. Then, it’s off via FedEx and through the swamps of customs. Hoping to see it late next week or the following.

Cheers, buddy.

[monkey man]

Awesome sauce Rick!

Look forward to it mate.

[nk_e]

Thank you for the updates.

[stubbsonic]

Thanks so much!! DP looks amazing!! Super nice on the eyes, relaxing on the mind, and it will only get better and better as my neurons align with all the new-found consistency and logistics.

[pencilina]

I tried this yesterday. I was amazed on how easy it was on my eyes and also how bright the other themes now appear to be. Its really nice on the eyes/brain. Thanks so much.

[npj]

My eyes thank you Rick!

Idea for a future alt version - I think all the green window header highlights + wiper would look cool if they were neon blue.

[Rick Cornish]

Thanks for the kind words, mates. Glad to know you like working in “Beyond Black."

Cheers!

[bdr]

Thanks Rick, very generous of you.

[Michael Canavan]

Rick this theme is great, love the combination of dark and heavy colors, makes everything pop!

[daniel.sneed]

Rick, the last one is great.
I've just been thru a long an tedious editing session, and I feel v2.3 is extremely easy on my eyes.
Kudos and thanks!

[monkey man]

Ha!

I've kept the folder open on the desktop knowing that you'd be updating... since v1.0.

Well done and thank you again Rick.