Surprise!

Look, what is this?

Did you ever wish there was an easy and fast way to get access to ready-to-use device descriptions for whatever synth or plug-in you needed to setup? Here it is: The 1.7.1 Online Repository.

Next to the global devices tab, you will find the public device exchange. Every user can upload and share devices, if they are useful outside their own studio setup. Since devices are a rather unusual concept for most DAW users, this new online resource will help newbies getting started more quickly. 

How it works for a downloader:

1. Select a rack module and load a plug-in.
2. Switch to the "Online Repository" tab.
3. A list of devices known to suit the plug-in will appear.
4. Browse for the best match and download it.
5. Switch back to the rack and pick the new device from the menu.

How it works for an uploader:

1. Edit your device.
2. Select "Upload to Online Repository" from the device menu.
3. A warning may appear, pointing to potential issues that should be resolved before uploading.
4. Press OK and wait a second for the upload to complete.

Of course, not all devices would be useful for others, especially your custom-taylored ad-hoc after midnight hacks that worked only for you in that very situation. Every now and then however, a device description grows over time and  eventually becomes mature. Then, with only a little polishing, it will make a perfect re-usable device for everyone. That's when you should consider submitting it to the device exchange.

I promise, this will be the last new feature added to 1.7, although I consider it one of the most important ones. We need to move forward now.

The new version will be available this week.