Re: [linux-audio-dev] GUI-free ardour

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Subject: Re: [linux-audio-dev] GUI-free ardour
From: Paul Davis (pbd_AT_Op.Net)
Date: Sat Apr 07 2001 - 21:31:58 EEST


>How does the interface work? I'm picturing something like the vi
>interface with different modes and a master command mode. Is it
>configurable? Or only at compile time? Or am I not going to want to
>change it?

well, its a bit like vi, but not much. there are "modes" but they
don't really correspond to vi's. its also still evolving just a little
bit.

the basic idea is that there are 3 sets of 10 keys ( 3 rows of letter
keys (plus a few from the right hand side).

in channel mode, each corresponding key in a set (e.g. q, a and z)
controls the gain for a given channel: q increases it, a returns it to
unity and z decreases it. modifier keys change the amount of the
shift.

in insert-parameter model, each corresponding key in a set controls
the value of an insert (read: plugin) parameter, so the q/a/z set
would control parameter #1, etc.

now, to deal with more channels or parameters than 10, you can scroll
back and forth with TAB and \. this moves 10 to the right or left. so,
if you've scrolled left once, the q/a/z set controls channel 10, not
channel 1, etc.

in addition, we have the concept of channel groups, and also special
ways of: muting (Delete), adding and selecting inserts/plugins and
panning ([,]). in these cases we typically use the number row to
select a channel. the ways groups work is evolving.

so, when actually using it, you would typically use the number row to
select a channel, pan it, set up any inserts, etc. then you'd "ride
the faders" by simply using your fingers on the letter keys. when you
want to play with the parameters of a plugin, you'd press (for example):

     1 << select channel 1
     Insert << operate on channel plugins/inserts
     2 << select plugin #2
     d << boost parameter 3
     d << boost parameter 3
     g << reset parameter 5
     Esc << back to channel mode
     q << boost gain on channel 1
     x << reduce gain on channel 2
     h << unity gain on channel 6
     2 << select channel 2
     { << pan channel 2 hard left (actually, think Shift-[)
     
and so on. you get textual feedback (displays on parameter names,
insert names, and so on) at the appropriate times. these will be what
is handled by a screen reader for blind users.

thats a brief summary.

as for rebinding, its planned, but not part of the scenario right now,
because the global design of the keybindings is an integral part of
making this appealing for blind users. its true that some people will
want them set up in different ways, and that can almost certainly be
accomodated at some point, but its not a point of interest at this time.

--p


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