NAMM REPORT (2nd hand): DP SIX!!!!!!!

[Kubi]

Also, selecting data across multiple tracks by mouse is much easier in TO.

I love doing big re-arranging work in the TO, with the grid engaged, and the left thumb on the command key to quickly disengage grid.

Then, also while holding command with the left thumb, a few quick hits on the left/right arrows changes horizontal resolution in a flash.

For me working in the TO is the fastest, easiest way to shuffle lots of data on multiple tracks around in a visual, hands-on intuitive way. Vertical zoom is only going to make it even better (I'm assuming cmd-up/dwn arrow will accomplish that quickly.) AFAIK, no other DAW has a TO window equivalent, and for me it's one of DPs many unique strengths...

(...in addition to, of course, unlimited number of sequences per project, the most flexible bussing and auxing, easy selection of visibility of any combo of tracks in any window, etc etc etc...)

[odarellmc]

i wish they would give you the option to have the mixng board take up the whole screen or show more smaller channels in one screen like you can with the meter bridge.

[Kubi]

i wish they would give you the option to have the mixng board take up the whole screen or show more smaller channels in one screen like you can with the meter bridge.

While you can't stack them like the meter bridge, you do have narrow view. (I'm sure you probably were aware of this, but I'm mentioning it just in case...)

[FMiguelez]

.

Oh, Ok. I can see its usefulness. Lots of DP users will be happy about this one. I recall this was a very popular wish in the DP wish list threads.

Looks like they didn't implement the one that I wanted the most, though
(being able to use different colors for Audio-MIDI on the same track). Maybe one day.

But hey, everything else is looking awesome!!

[kurtl]

Somebody find out if DP6 will have a Tool Tips toggle. On Off etc. PLEASE!

[mrgkeys]

If you haven't yet.. you should watch all 4 videos that Soundsun has provided up on the 'tube..

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=soundsun

I do like the new Leveler.. even if they've modeled what I don't like about my LA-2As..(waking the cell.. video 4) Also, I believe the track comping feature is even nicer than Logic's..

Can someone @ the show check and see if DP can burn ISRC codes in the bounce and burn to disc?

[BobK]

The new comping feature looks AMAZING. If I understood correctly, there's a comp tool. You select a region of a soundbite and it automatically adds that to the comp track. Way cool - it could really improve the comp workflow.

[Babz]

Just to comment on posts that are too many screens back for me to go back and quote (hate BBSs; love mail lists)...

Re: the graphic disparity between the VIs and DP... Yes, MOTU's VI development is outsourced to France, the same people behind the UVI engine, Plugsound, etc. All that stuff (and the new reverb and compressor) have this flashy, colorful, futuristic look, while main app still has this early-90s light gray look. Now, actually, I am NOT a fan of the MachFive interface (too busy and hard to read; I like Gigatudio's UI best, then Kontakt, and M5 last). So I'm not saying I'd like to see them go that far. I like clean, simple and functional. But I also like flashy, colorful, and futuristic, as long as it doesn't get in the way of function. I wouldn't mind if DPs UI went a little more in that more colorful, futuristic direction, but no NOTHING as severe as MachFive.

Re: Transport... I also think the transport buttons are way too big still. They could be tiny and down at the bottom like Logic, for all I care. I only use the keyboard to operate the transport anyway.

What I'm trying to discern from the grainy screenshots, is where is the Selection Bar? For me the Selection and Memory fields are the most important part of the transport (and pullout drawers).

The vertical scale in the track window is not something I've been clamoring for, but the whole Tracks window was designed in the era of 17 in. monitors and has been in need of an upsizing for some time now. I would like to see the whole scale of it, fonts, everything increased to today's proportions.

But the thing I'm most stoked about is the improved COMP (and Take) interface. I would buy the update for this alone. This is the number one feature I've been asking for and the only thing that has ever made me seriously consider Logic. The Convolution Reverb was also a MUST. I think DP was the only major DAW left w/o one. Better VI efficiency is another major one. Hopefully the prerender thing address that. Now some better VIs would be nice (which is why I was hoping electric keys might be part of the package, but clearly it's a separate product).

Consolidated Window... I use it for most things, except the mixer. I wish we had a real channel strip in addition to the mixer.

Babz

[stretta]

Babz -

So, to clarify, you feel MX4, proverb, leveler, proton, modulo, bassline, nanosampler, polysynth and model 12 have the same all share the same design aesthetic as machfive, symphonic, ethno and electric keys?

[blue]

Re: the graphic disparity between the VIs and DP... Yes, MOTU's VI development is outsourced to France, the same people behind the UVI engine, Plugsound, etc. All that stuff (and the new reverb and compressor) have this flashy, colorful, futuristic look, while main app still has this early-90s light gray look.

To me, the redesign doesn't look early 90s at all. Just because it's grey doesn't make it dated. Grey is a designer's best friend, especially for an app as deep as DP. Subtle use of color is nice here and there, but it's too easy to abuse it and end up with something akin to Cubase. Things start to look garish and harder to follow.

For VIs and effects, I think you can get away with bolder designs and stronger color contrasts. It's not an interface your working with all day long. You open the window, twiddle some knobs and move on. Part of the design imperative for a VI is to feed superficial gear lust. Apply that to a DAW and you end up with too much candy. I applaud MOTU's restraint.

Here's an analogy. In a room you have painted walls and paintings hung on the walls. If you treated the walls as if they were paintings your eyes would be overwhelmed, the room would feel smaller and more cramped and things that needed impact would be lost. Same with a DAW design. You need to have an interface with elements that aren't always competing with each other. There needs to be a flow, and that flow requires elements that are more neutral in design. A room painted with murals from corner to corner might wow you when you first encounter it, but would you really want to live there?

[track1]

Does anyone who saw the DP 6 demo at NAMM know if the CD burning
feature will allow the output of a text file with the track list and
PQ codes? I am wondering if the image file created in the
bounce can be open in SonicStudio PreMaster CD. It maybe to early to ask
these but just checking.

Barry

[Babz]

Babz -

So, to clarify, you feel MX4, proverb, leveler, proton, modulo, bassline, nanosampler, polysynth and model 12 have the same all share the same design aesthetic as machfive, symphonic, ethno and electric keys?

Are you saying you DON'T, stretta?

Sure, some of the ones in your list (e.g., bassline, which is obviously inspired by a Mini Moog look) have a more specialized look (and I haven't really seen electric keys yet), but by and large they are clearly more colorful and futuristic looking than the earlier plugins like the Masterworks limiter, etc. But moreover, they have the same look as other Ultimate Sound Bank products (Plugsound Pro, etc.).

Babz

[Babz]

To me, the redesign doesn't look early 90s at all. Just because it's grey doesn't make it dated.

I haven't had a good enough look at the redesigned look to say that. What I meant was that from what I can see, it doesn't look that much different than the same look that DP has had since the early 90s.

Grey is a designer's best friend, especially for an app as deep as DP. Subtle use of color is nice here and there, but it's too easy to abuse it and end up with something akin to Cubase. Things start to look garish and harder to follow.

For VIs and effects, I think you can get away with bolder designs and stronger color contrasts. It's not an interface your working with all day long. You open the window, twiddle some knobs and move on. Part of the design imperative for a VI is to feed superficial gear lust. Apply that to a DAW and you end up with too much candy. I applaud MOTU's restraint.

Good point, blue. I want functional first and foremost. I don't want too much eye candy. I'm only saying I thinking a slightly more unified look might not hurt. But really I should reserve comment until I've actually seen a decent screenshot or two.

Babz

[zed]

To me, the redesign doesn't look early 90s at all. Just because it's grey doesn't make it dated. Grey is a designer's best friend, especially for an app as deep as DP. Subtle use of color is nice here and there, but it's too easy to abuse it and end up with something akin to Cubase. Things start to look garish and harder to follow.

For VIs and effects, I think you can get away with bolder designs and stronger color contrasts. It's not an interface your working with all day long. You open the window, twiddle some knobs and move on. Part of the design imperative for a VI is to feed superficial gear lust. Apply that to a DAW and you end up with too much candy. I applaud MOTU's restraint.

Here's an analogy. In a room you have painted walls and paintings hung on the walls. If you treated the walls as if they were paintings your eyes would be overwhelmed, the room would feel smaller and more cramped and things that needed impact would be lost. Same with a DAW design. You need to have an interface with elements that aren't always competing with each other. There needs to be a flow, and that flow requires elements that are more neutral in design. A room painted with murals from corner to corner might wow you when you first encounter it, but would you really want to live there?

Yes indeed. I completely agree. And I am glad to see that the DP 6 interface looks very much like the DP interface we use already. It looks a whole lot slicker, and sweeter, without being very different. I am very impressed, and grateful that they made that decision.

[wheever]

i wish they would give you the option to have the mixng board take up the whole screen or show more smaller channels in one screen like you can with the meter bridge.

Er...they already do! Look under the mixer mini menu and choose "Narrow view." The select tracks to your heart's content and/or the monitor's full.