DP6

[Babz]

The Tracks [Overview] window dates from the days of small monitors (Apple 12 in. CRT's and such). It seems out of scale with today's 20 in + monitors. It would be nice to be able to zoom it up a bit.

At the same time, most of the Tracks window functions have been added to the Sequence Editor, and I tend to just work in the SE most of the time. However, some functions like selecting a MIDI instrument Patch still require a visit back to the Tracks window. One solution to the small-scale-Tracks-window issue would be to make MIDI patch lists (and other essential Tracks window functions) available in the SE.

Meanwhile, the Transport controls are bigger than they need to be most of the time. I like the current size, but how about an option to scale it down to Logic transport size? And the Memory, Punch in, etc. buttons (currently below the Transport) could be added as little buttons along the top of the SE/TO windows. Again, I don't want to see the current Transport/Memory controls go away, but just a "Minimize" option that could be involked as needed to conserve screen real estate.

Finally, the overall color scheme of DP seems too monochromatic, too gray -- especially evident in the Tracks window, but also the Mixer and other windows. It would be nice to have a more excitiing "Skin" option, one that both aids in readability *and* offers a more stylish, modern look.

Granted, these requests are largely (but not exclusively) cosmetic, and would be fairly far down on my list, but as long as we are compiling an ultimate wish list...
Best,
Babz

[monkey man]

`
Hey, matwell.
Sorry for the late reply here; sick as a dog!

...I don't want to be forced to deal with any unnecessary extras.
A useable, all-in-one DP that can be taken to greater heights should the budget etc. require it, is all I hope for....
Individual tastes can be acommodated by additional purchases...

I hope what you're saying applies to plug-ins and VI's only.
With all due respect, it's a little difficult to purchase "additional" functionality for the DP application itself. Just because a program is rich with features, doesn't mean every user has to use every feature. For me personally, I never use Device Groups. Does that mean DP shouldn't have them? Of course not.

Fear not, matwell; you'll be glad to know you've got me wrong.
I love the fact that DP's usually way ahead of my needs with regard to functionality.
I trust MOTU to know what it needs here.

It's just that I've been waiting for the day I don't have to purchase any extra compression, reverb and VIs to get reasonably HQ projects done, for what seems like forever.
Logic's offered what I'm talking about for years.
I don't mind buying HQ VIs etc. as and when I can justify and afford them, but I don't want to have to buy crap in the meantime!
If MOTU offered stripped-down versions of their VIs and a coupla flavours of HQ compression and reverb, all would be perfect.

They seemed to have lagged here, but I keep hoping they're frantically tweaking algorithms etc.

Our beloved DP is behind the curve I feel in this department, and it is why logic creeps to my mind at moments when i am weak.

I agree.

...I wish i could take some of the plugs from reason and stick them in DP without rewire.

See what I mean? That's scary!

I also hope MOTU figures on a way to do GB imports.
Having sufficient VIs would be a start, you'd think!

Cheers.

[Shooshie]

Just make the SE like PT, with comments, plugins, and level/pan etc. available for view/edit. I still like the every track always there thing about the Tracks window though.

Good ones, matwell!

This one already exists... it's called the SE! just make sure that you enable consolidated windows and make the current mixer channel viewable.

I could "live" in the SE if they make MIDI Block editing a feature.... (can we get some love to this already from MOTU...) it's either this or it's evil twin brother vertical Zoom in TO ... though I think block editing in SE is way more possible and elegant...

r.

Yes, but MIDI editing is quite unusable when a bit complex in SE if you only have individual tracks display. MIDI Multitrack display in SE !!!.
It does not prevent for having MIDI blocks editing feature as well.
My main problem with individual MIDI tracks is that if you have many of them you can't see much tracks at once. I often use GE on top of SE to visualize MIDI and audio (and also to summarize MIDI and optimize space) but then, it's too hard to have the wiper synchronized with the two.

Also, I forgot :

- It would be great if the "duplicate track layout" in chunk window could also copy track groups.

- to speed up the process of copy paste or merge from within the GE, I mentioned the possibility that the active track (penciled in the track list selector) also becomes the target track for the paste/merge. (now, we have to option click on the destination track to hide the other tracks in order to merge in the right spot and then go to redisplay the hidden tracks and so on...)
Now, let us imagine that one selects a bunch of notes on a multitrack display GE. It would be just great to right click on one of the note to bring out a contextual menu where all tracks are listed, select the track and boom, it goes to the right spot right away. If the origin notes are a selection involving material from different tracks, it would then merge/paste together to the destination. Just a faster way to orchestrate material...
I know contextual menu are not implemented into DP but hey, one can always dream, no ?

- There really should be a stereo to mono conversion choice for sounbites by now.

That's all here for now...
Poldo

This stuff about the Tracks Window not being sufficient for editing purposes is just a misunderstanding for its actual intent. Those of us who "grew up" with DP from the old Performer days understand how to use it. If you learn its use, you'll find it to be fantastic. It's fast and has a lot of capabilities. I haven't seen any other edit window in any other DAW (though I admit I haven't paid that much attention to other DAWs) with the specific capabilities of the Tracks Overview Window. It's not for everything. We have the Sequence Editor for audio and for some MIDI capabilities, but IMO any MIDI power user uses the multi-track MIDI edit window pretty much full-time for MIDI. It's great, and I can't imagine needing another edit window. I'm not saying the Tracks Overview window, Sequence Editor, or MIDI Edit windows cannot be improved or added to. Just that I would be VERY upset to lose their current functionality and capabilities. We have a good set of tools. Learn to use them, and learn how specifically they might be improved, rather than to suggest turning them into something other than what we have.

One thing I also see repeated every time a thread like this comes up is the need for a selection measuring tool. I agree 128%! We need something that tells us exactly how long our selection is, preferably in real-time as we draw it. I look for it with every release, because I know we've submitted it often to MOTU. Keep it up. Write them.

By the way, MOTU responds to paper submissions probably more than other formats. Send them snail-mail. I'm not through reading the thread, so if I've missed anything I'll edit this post.

Shooshie

[Shooshie]

I'll add to that:

1. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.

2. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.

3. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.

4. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.

5. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.

6. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.

7. Lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized code. Please.


oh..... and one more I just thought of.... if we could have lean, well-written, close-to-the-metal, optimized clode, that would be fantastic!

j

Do you really think that DP's code is badly written ?

or do you want a snappier interface and a faster program in general ?
I really believe that OSX in all it's greatness is part of the slowness experienced by everybody. Look at the finder. Do you find it generally as responsive as OS9 was ?

I think that DP5 with the added instruments etc. shows that MOTU believes that there is not much to be done deep down the coding architecture of DP. Otherwise, they would more likely have done something about it.

poldo

Guys guys, come on now..didn't you read the David Lawrence interview from MOTU's site:

David: ...And I'm running DP 5.01 and the screen redraws are blazingly faster than they were with DP 4.61, as promised, and the computer is much more efficient - if that's even possible. Noticeably.

MOTU: There was a lot of optimization in the code for Version 5.

David: And it is incredibly noticeable.

And to wrap it up:

MOTU: Yes, our systems will continue to get significantly faster and more capable.

I don't want to release the pressure on MOTU to make it faster, but I DID notice a huge speed increase in DP 5.1. I'm able to get far more instances of Ivory and other VIs than before, with the CPU meter averaging a pleasant 50% or so. Of course, I do keep closed most of my windows that might take up a lot of CPU time--meters and real-time displays. You've got to think about that when opening windows. Keep refining your window sets to optimize your own setup, because DP 5.1 did increase in speed.

But as we know, speed is one of those things we can never get enough of.

Shooshie

[toodamnhip]

How many hear would like to see the MIDI edit window be the same in the sequence editor as it is when it is by itself? I really don;t like the MIDI window variation when it's in the sequence editor and find myself constantly hitting shift-g to go into the REAL MIDI editor and find the SE MIDI window almost useless. Is there a real reason for the MIDI editor to be different in the SE mode? Is there added work flow? Better functionnality? DP should be consistant and keep that window standard..I don;t know why they changed it.

[poldo]

MIDI power user uses the multi-track MIDI edit window pretty much full-time for MIDI. It's great, and I can't imagine needing another edit window. I'm not saying the Tracks Overview window, Sequence Editor, or MIDI Edit windows cannot be improved or added to. Just that I would be VERY upset to lose their current functionality and capabilities. We have a good set of tools. Learn to use them, and learn how specifically they might be improved, rather than to suggest turning them into something other than what we have.
Shooshie

Shooshie,

Expending SE capability by adding a pref to choose whether you want MIDI tracks displayed as individual MIDI tracks or one multitrack MIDI editor like GE won't change at all the way it works now. I think it's a real good thing to implement this for many reasons (I can develop on this matter..)

Finally, I am now quite sure that MOTU is not likely to change much in the Track Overview window despite the fact that some things have been asked for so long by users (especially vertical grow of track, MIDI regions etc.) and they were never addressed in any way. It's a great tool and you are right to remind it, but frankly, you cannot be against a lift up of the TO. So, since it's seems to me that vertical resize will never find it's way in TO, the following would not change much to the way it is and are really useful :

- possibility to segment blocks by any given rhythmic duration if you want.
- highlight of track names while you drag a selection around in the window to know when to release (how many times I have to do this by guessing and then of course it's wrong !).

In fact, many of the things I read around the post are things that previous Studio Vision users used to have more than 10 years ago, and since it's gone, some of it's greatest features could find their way in DP.

Poldo

[toodamnhip]

The ability to assign the same send output on multiple tracks at thhe same time..

For example, the ability to highlite all the snares and assign them all to a certain reverb at the same time. Now, you have to go to each track and assign the send to the reverb, at which point the send defaults to 100% level. You thereafter must pull thhe send down to zero so that it isn;t totally wet..do this on a whole set of drums and it takes a Loooong time..too long

Also, the ability to use the "w" button to make all track aux sends, aux outpouts etc, respond in unison such as the faders do now...

Then, I can hi lite the verb send on ONE drum track, with "w"" held down, and all the verb sends in the mixing board trim the same as the one I amm clicking...

wouldn't that be "neato"?...

Dave

[toodamnhip]

How bout the ability to simply highlite several tracks and grab them and drag them up or down in the Tracks list? I know how to control opt + and-, but it would be logical to just be able to grab several tracks and move them...right?

[Matcher]

Yep, the same thing goes with the drum editor. Selecting and moving several notes at the same time would be convinient when re- arranging the set.

[matwell]

Hey, matwell.
Sorry for the late reply here; sick as a dog!

So sorry to hear that. Hope you get better!

...I don't want to be forced to deal with any unnecessary extras.
A useable, all-in-one DP that can be taken to greater heights should the budget etc. require it, is all I hope for....
Individual tastes can be acommodated by additional purchases...

I hope what you're saying applies to plug-ins and VI's only.
With all due respect, it's a little difficult to purchase "additional" functionality for the DP application itself. Just because a program is rich with features, doesn't mean every user has to use every feature. For me personally, I never use Device Groups. Does that mean DP shouldn't have them? Of course not.

Fear not, matwell; you'll be glad to know you've got me wrong.

Whew!

I love the fact that DP's usually way ahead of my needs with regard to functionality.
I trust MOTU to know what it needs here.

It's just that I've been waiting for the day I don't have to purchase any extra compression, reverb and VIs to get reasonably HQ projects done, for what seems like forever.
Logic's offered what I'm talking about for years.
I don't mind buying HQ VIs etc. as and when I can justify and afford them, but I don't want to have to buy crap in the meantime!
If MOTU offered stripped-down versions of their VIs and a coupla flavours of HQ compression and reverb, all would be perfect.

They seemed to have lagged here, but I keep hoping they're frantically tweaking algorithms etc.
Cheers.

I agree completely. Logic's plug-ins (effects & VI's) are an order of magnitude better, allowing for a more professional production, right out of the box.

[The Sinner]

ooh i would love some left click select options, followed by right click menus.

[Frodo]

This is a suggestion which transpired from another thread regarding the way Instrument Tracks are handled. Currently, one must physically assign an audio output for an Instrument track not only the *hear* the Instrument, but to even SEE the instrument console itself.

Seems that it would be a plus if DP would:

1. Automatically assign an Instrument to at least one available out when it is instantiated just so that the instrument will open.

2. Have an option in the preferences that allows the user to decide if they want to assign the outputs manually or whether they want DP to assign an output for them

3. Have an option in the Add Track Window so that when the user is selecting the Instrument and the number of instances that the audio assignments can be made there.

4. All of the above.

[matwell]

This is a suggestion which transpired from another thread regarding the way Instrument Tracks are handled. Currently, one must physically assign an audio output for an Instrument track not only the *hear* the Instrument, but to even SEE the instrument console itself.

Seems that it would be a plus if DP would:

1. Automatically assign an Instrument to at least one available out when it is instantiated just so that the instrument will open.

2. Have an option in the preferences that allows the user to decide if they want to assign the outputs manually or whether they want DP to assign an output for them

3. Have an option in the Add Track Window so that when the user is selecting the Instrument and the number of instances that the audio assignments can be made there.

4. All of the above.

BRILLIANT SUGGESTION! That one has been bugging me too.

[Frodo]

BRILLIANT SUGGESTION! That one has been bugging me too.

Thanks, Matwell.

So, you've been singing the song entitled "The Add Instrument Grumble" with each instantiation, too? The lyrics are:

"Hem
Haw
Grrrrr
Sigh"

They've taken the next step already with options to add instruments along with corresponding MIDI tracks and placing them into folders. I was actually in shock when I saw this work for the first time. It just saves on time-consuming repetitive tasks.

If someone had the foresight to spare users from some of those redundancies, it seems that they could easily go a step further.

[wvandyck]

Real drum symbols (not cymbals) for notation in Quick Scribe.

I would be happy with a larger font size in most windows.

I'm surprised more longer term (read: with all due respect & personally speaking, aging) users haven't complained more about the "fine print".

I could "live" in the SE if they make MIDI Block editing a feature.... (can we get some love to this already from MOTU...) it's either this or it's evil twin brother vertical Zoom in TO ... though I think block editing in SE is way more possible and elegant...

r.

In the graphics world Photshop is pixed based, like SoundBites in DP. Illustrator uses vector shapes, like MIDI data in DP. Vector shapes can be enlarged, etc without loss of quality. The really cool thing is that if a illustration object (say an eyeball) is made up of many single strokes and shapes, these illustration components can be "grouped". This allows them to be moved around as one unit versus having to select all of them with whatever method. Make up the eye with whatever level of complexity needed, select and group all the components, then simply duplicate the eye for a matching set, use the arrow key to move the composite eye (not all the discrete components) to its intended location. Even place an additional one in the forehead if desired. MIDI block editting would give us the capacity to select and arrange grouped MIDI data with ease.

How about a ver of Digital Performer without all the bells ans wistels
how about an install of just what you wont to install!!!!
i never use polar. i should have the opition to install the vis if i wont to
i realy dont use them!

I use POLAR a lot. But I could do without most of the new VI except Model 12. Great suggestion. At time of install, select the custom option, uncheck what's not needed.

I'm tired of saying this, but...

Compression (2 or 3 flavours).
Convolution and artificial reverb.

Bread-and-butter VI.

Mach V light
or
MSI and Ethno's libraries stripped and included in the bread-and-butter VI.

Individual tastes can be acommodated by additional purchases...

I was hoping Nano sampler was going to be a M5 light, like one voice with as many pitches as needed. MasterWorks EQ was a great addition in DP4.5. The MasterWorks Limiter and Compressor (multiband no less) were brilliant additions way back in DP 2.5. Yes, either update them, or give us something new.