DAWproject Export

With Synfire 3.0 we now have DAWproject export. The format as such is still under development and, as of today, is lacking important features. Nevertheless we found that it is already extremely useful. We can only support this feature to the extent that the current state of the (still evolving) format specs and the implementation in your DAW allows.

There is no tutorial for this yet, so I'd like to summarize the procedure and invite you to try it yourself and post your experience and suggestions here.

VST3

AudioUnits are not yet supported by DAWproject. Make sure all plug-ins are VST3 (VST may also work). This includes the global rack, if you use MASTER, AUX, or any global instruments in your arrangement. 

There's a command to switch plug-in format in the 'Preset' section of the popup menu over the blue plug-in button. This however does NOT copy current preset data to the new instance (we tried very hard but it doesn't seem to be possible). Therefore you need to save the preset to a file and restore it in the new plug-in instance.

Preferences has a new checkbox "Prefer VST3 Format" which makes sure VST3 is preferred over VST or AudioUnits. Currently this merely picks the VST3 version of Soundcase when you do File >> New in Audio/MIDI Setup.

Insert Slots

Of course all insert FX are also exported and restored in the DAW. Again make sure they are VST3.

Multi-Timbral Plug-Ins

The DAWs we tested did not properly connect additional tracks that go to the same plug-in (multiple MIDI channels). You need to check each track after import and manually select the track's destination. This is only necessary for additional channels. If all your instruments are single-channel plug-ins, you don't need to do anything.

This is a minimal effort that's well worth a few mouse clicks, considering the fact that your entire arrangement is now ready for production.

Limitations

Synfire exports all tracks, clips, sounds, effects, notes, and controllers. Articulations are exported as notes. Program changes for patch selection don't seem to work yet. There's still a lot to be done but in its current state the export is already very productive.

Let us know how it works for you.