Multi-Stage envelope questions

charlzj · Post by **charlzj** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:39 pm

Anybody else besides me baffled by the time base parameter in multi-stage envelopes? It seems to have no effect whatsoever, other than visually subdividing the grid differently. I would have thought that this function would multiply/divide the note values of a gridded envelope, so that one could instantly change its rhythm multiple.

For example, if I create an 8th note based pulsing filter mod envelope rhythm, then decide it should be 16th note-based instead, I could change the time base with one click and double the speed of the modulation. Unfortunately, it seems like I have to instead draw a new envelope from scratch to accomplish this. Is this a bug in 2.01, or is it really supposed to be like this, or am I crazy???

I have the sync box checked, and I'm definitely sending MIDI clock to the M5 II plug-in. It is syncing, so that's not the problem. Anybody having different results in M5 2.0 or 2.01?

BTW, this is one of many cases where the manual seems lacking in detail.

Sarcazm · Post by **Sarcazm** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:38 am

So far as I can tell, the MS env works correctly. Changing the time base shouldn't change your existing pattern, but rather allow you to add to it. i.e. if you have an 8th note pattern and want to add a couple of 16th variations to it, you don't want to find that your pattern is now twice as fast as before.

However, your idea is a good one, and can be handled with a x2, x1/2 button on the env. I suggest you put in an enhancement req on the Motu Suggestion Box at http://www.motu.com/other/feedback/suggestions

3over3 · Post by **3over3** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:02 am

I reckon the time base simply tells M5v2 where to put its grid lines when you're using sync mode. It's a bit like snap-to-grid in a sequencer - you can change grid value without affecting the data, but as soon as you start moving stuff around, it snaps to whatever time base you're using.

My big issue at the moment is a reluctance to load the factory preset envelopes on occasion. No big shakes though, I'm glad it works at all.

I wholeheartedly agree that the manual is plain lazy/rushed/low-priority in a number of areas.

Sarcazm · Post by **Sarcazm** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 7:33 pm

3over3 wrote: My big issue at the moment is a reluctance to load the factory preset envelopes on occasion. No big shakes though, I'm glad it works at all.

Yeah, I've already put in an enhancement request for this. The Load Envelope button will only work when a keygroup has been selected (which is the correct logical behaviour). Motu messed up and should have grayed out the button (like the Save Env button) unless a keygroup is selected.

It is pretty confusing in its current state. You might want to also put in an enhancement req to Motu; the more reqs the more likely they'll fix it.

3over3 · Post by **3over3** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:36 am

Ah, that'd make sense as to why it worked some times and not others... I'll have a play at the next opportunity.

By the way Sarcazm, how's your system behaving at the moment? My PC/PTLE system is much better behaved.

Sarcazm · Post by **Sarcazm** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:55 pm

3over3 wrote:Ah, that'd make sense as to why it worked some times and not others... I'll have a play at the next opportunity.

By the way Sarcazm, how's your system behaving at the moment? My PC/PTLE system is much better behaved.

In general it's fine, tho I still get crashes after awhile when cycling through presets.