Subject: Re: [linux-audio-user] Your synth wishlist?
From: Dave Robillard (drobilla_AT_connect.carleton.ca)
Date: Mon Aug 02 2004 - 17:23:41 EEST
On Mon, 2004-08-02 at 02:09, ricktaylor_AT_speakeasy.net wrote:
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Dave Robillard [mailto:drobilla_AT_connect.carleton.ca]
>
> > I'm designing a modular synth engine, and would like to get some input
> > on desired features/abilities to make sure it's designed in a way that
> > will make it the most flexible.
> >
> > So, what features are important to you in a synth? What annoys you
> > about the current crop of linux synths?
> >
> [snip]
> I'm writing this before I read the thread... you're getting "untainted" ideas. :}
>
> Snap in modules... Maybe a full screen version of Reactor that could scroll vertically
> or horizontally... A visual means of patching back and forth... Maybe not as literal
> as Moog Modular but clear and easy to read.
Sorry, I don't really know what you mean by any of this. Screenshots,
better explanation? The planned GUI will be something like ams, is that
similar to what you're thinking?
> A nice simple gui like Vokator. Possibly with screens like Jahshaka/Blender so you could
> page rather than scroll and still keep the screen uncluttered. {I hate clutter}.
I havn't used those apps but I'll scourge the net for screenshots..
> Synthedit compatibility... The community there's fairly large... There's much stuff already
> written for the environment.
I'll look in to it.
> If it were extensible through something simple like lisp or ruby... Like emacs and snd... That would be cool.
>
> Scripting is essential.
The engine is totally controlled by OSC messages, so if you can send OSC
messages from whatever language, you can control the synth. Basically
any front end is possible, scripting, graphical, etc.
> VST is essential. ...LADSPA.
Personally not into proprietary plugins very much at all. I'm not
against the idea of VST support, I just don't care. I might get around
to it sometime.
> OSC would be nice.
See above. 100% OSC
> Csound compatibility through a module would be cool... So you could read .orc and score files rather than just plugging in a step sequencer {Tho' a step sequencer would be nice.}
OSC
> PD compatibility would be nice.
OSC
> A sampler module would be nice.
Planned, and pretty high on the priority list.
> A timeline like the one in http://openvip.sourceforge.net/ would rock... either to actually do video or to set up samples.
Hmm.. that's sequencer stuff, not really in the domain of this prog.
Unless it's integrated with the below-mentioned "OSC sequencer".
hmmmm..
> Automation would be nice
Actually I'm thinking about writing an 'OSC sequencer' to do
automation-like things. Not sure about the feasibility of that though.
> Compatibility with existing languages/environments like cm and OSW {which is osc compatible already} would be cool...
yet again OSC
> PVM? That way you could stretch it across a cluster. Mosix? Maybe peer2peer midi {Freshmeat}?
> Eyesweb compatibility {should they ever happen to port it}?
aaaand yet again OSC. :)
> FM? {See Lollapalooza} Additive functions? {Cube, Cameleon}
Being a modular, methods of synthesis are the users problem, not mine.
:)
Thanks for the input.
-DR-
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