Posted
I personally find it very important to iterate quickly. Unfortunately, it's very tedious to work between different parameters as the parameter view switches for (almost) every parameter. This, in my opinion, hurts usability.
For example, I'm editing the figure and I need to change the harmony. I'd have to go into the Harmony parameter, which may also mean going into the Progression or Palette tabs. At the very least, it means the view switches away from the Figure view, and at most, completely changes the main interface. And if I'm in any other parameter view, selecting a chord will parameter link will be disabled, meaning I'd have to lock it again to see any view other than Figure. This takes me out of the workflow and slows me down a lot.
I know I can open a Palette window, instead of going to the Palette tab.
In addition, though I don't yet have Synfire Pro, the "Output" parameter is almost critical for me, to be able to actually see what notes Synfire chooses for the segments. Since many settings that can influence the output are spread across various parameters (which, as indicated above, means flipping through multiple views), I would find it extremely helpful if I can "lock" the Output view somewhere so I can always see it, independent of, say, the Figure view.
In general, based on my experience with other software, I would like to suggest the ability to have more than one window open. Like the Palette window, but allowing me to choose what to view in there. For example, the aforementioned Output view, so I can immediately see what happens if I edit a figure or chord. Or being able to edit harmony without leaving the Figure view.
Sun, 2024-12-22 - 19:23 Permalink
I brought Pro back in sept. 2023 and Ive just started using the output parameter like a month ago and it has changed my workflow completely. I get my results quicker and most of all, im quickly learning the characteristics of each parameter. I agree...a way to pin the output view of the track somewhere would be a very handy feature. Id be able to quickly see what the parameters are doing.
Sun, 2024-12-22 - 19:45 Permalink
I agree there's room for improvement. Jumping between parameters and pages can be confusing at times.
Before introducing new windows however, I would first like to check how window layout and navigation behavior can be streamlined. One thing that comes to mind is to separate Figure from other parameters, much like a DAW separates automation lanes from the piano roll.
Sun, 2024-12-22 - 20:03 Permalink
That's certainly a possible option. It's all a matter of what is the easiest improvement to do first, and short-term versus long-term improvements. The only reason I didn't bring it up myself is that, considering the level of information some views give (especially the Output view), it might make the main interface too cramped. The Track Sheet and Figure view need enough space to work in, and the Output view needs enough space to be able to inspect the notes without panning around or zooming in and out.
It works fine for most other parameters, which are much more similar to automation lanes, like Transpose and Volume. It's just that what for me are the most critical views are also the ones that need enough space. And in terms of workflow, too much information close together in one view might also make it hard to focus. In most software, I tend to maximize the editing space on my main monitor, while keeping something else open on a secondary monitor for reference.
For example, I love Dorico for notation. It's clean and maximizes the editing view. It has a lower pane that I can open and close to set parameters and inspect the MIDI notes in a piano roll. But I can also open a second window and maximize the piano roll in there. That way, I can see both the notation and the resulting MIDI at the same time, and even edit both if I want to. But the main score window on my main monitor is still fully maximized, making it easier to focus. That's why I wanted to suggest something similar for Synfire.
I also forgot to check before posting, but I found that it's possible to set shortcuts to navigate to each parameter and other views. Since I have a Stream Deck specifically intended for speeding up workflows, setting up these shortcuts is a decent short-term solution.