Posted
Hi guys,
I'm demoing Synfire express and I'm really considering purchasing hovewer because it's really expensive I need to be really sure about it.
I've got some questions:
the most annoyning things would be:
do I need to stop playback and start it again every time I change a parameter??it's not possible to listen the variation of the parameter realt time?I can understand if I change a parameter that has to do with interpretation/harmony and stuff but what about midi parameter?velociy, modulation, etc..?
Can I start the palyback just pointing the mouse in the time roluer?so I can start the palyback wherever I want whenever I want??
Probably I'm used to using a DAW where all this things are obvious..I'm still understanding synfire(reading the manual many times, watching video many many times and so on) so I'm sure I'm missing something
I think Synfire has got great potential so I hope it will get better
thank you very much
Mi., 30.01.2013 - 21:28 Permalink
Hi and welcome to the forum!
Synfire's parameters can have dramatical effects on the music (Shift, Rhythm, Step, Variation, Morphing). Some parameters give feedback in real time (Volume, Pan, etc). Most parameter changes require the "whole scene" to be recompiled. This is similar to computer graphics, where it is impossible to modify an object without rendering the entire image again (next frame). This is also because some processes need to run backwards in time in order to work.
When playing a loop however, you can listen to the changes when the loop restarts.
You can start playback anywhere by selecting objects or setting the playhead position on the time ruler.
Synfire is different from a DAW. It is a tree of musical expressions that influence each other, rather than a series data to play in linear sequence.
It is already very powerful and it is still getting better (easier to use).
Do., 31.01.2013 - 09:33 Permalink
Hey Supertonic,
thanks for your answer, that's what I thoungh about parameters..but I was thinking that for midi parameters(modulatuion , velocity) the situation was different...I don't have Synfire in front of me now so I cant double check now
About the the playback pointing the mouse in the time roluer you're right but the playback does not start automatically, I have to point the mouse in the time rouler and then click play..you know what I mean?not big deal though
dont get me wrong I'm not complaing even because I havent bought it yet so :)
small suggestion:
IMO there are too maaaany floating windows after a while the project is a mess...this is the most annoying thing probably, I dont understand why if I click 5 instrument figure I have open 5 phrase editor windows plus the library window in total 6 windows that I cannot dock(fix it, for vst too...I open a vst then I change a parameter in Synfire and then I have to open the vst again)...all small things but somehow they speed up the workflow. Studio one DAW has, to me, the most elegant design for windows(broswer, midi editor etc) just an example..in fact it has just one window :)
I dont want to sound harsh just small suggestion from a user that is going to buy it beacause its making my workflow different and is the right thing that came at the right time. perfect!!
cheers
Do., 31.01.2013 - 10:49 Permalink
Thanks for your feedback. It is very helpful!
These many floating windows are not needed. An extra phrase editor window is only useful if you want to edit two or more phrases at the same time that are far away from each other.
You seem to be double-clicking on the "Figure" parameter item, wich opens an editor. Instead you can edit all phrases in the same arrange view (zoom in with double-click /inside/ the figure graphics, or use zoom function).
This is how to edit parameters in arrange view: Enable the "Follow Parameter Selection" tool (left item in picture below) and then single-click the desired parameters. The arrange view will now show the selected parameter for each instrument.
Your comment supports a proposed change that is already on our list: Double-clicks on parameters should toggle their display in arrange view. If users want to open an editor, they can use the right-click menu or button and choose "Edit…".
The layout of Synfire is currently about to be reworked and optimized. Small changes like this can make a big difference. Thanks for your feedback again.
Do., 31.01.2013 - 12:44 Permalink
yes, I was double-clicking the figure parameter..I'm aware of the "Follow Parameter Selection" tool and I use it but because I got two screens I usually put the editor in left screen and the arrange on the right so I can have a whole picture in front of me..so toggling their display will make me not switching between windows..so the left screen always has the editor (of different track that toggle just clicking on the figure ) ..or perhaps new feature for the future edit different phrases(they have different colors) at the same time ala studio one.
just thoughts
cheers
Do., 31.01.2013 - 19:32 Permalink
This is how to edit parameters in arrange view: Enable the "Follow Parameter Selection" tool (left item in picture below) and then single-click the desired parameters. The arrange view will now show the selected parameter for each instrument.
@Supertonic ...
In normal English, this would not be referred to as a "tool." I'm not sure how you describe ths in the documentation, but I would call the box 'Edit Selection' and I would say, 'select Follow Parameter in the Edit Selection box.'
Tool is usually used to describe someting that manipulates other things, not a setting or selection.
The tool would presumably be the span tool, now accessing a different parameter than figure, no?
I don't mean to be pedantic, but the clearer the documentation the easier your work will be in the long run.
Regards ... Prado
Do., 31.01.2013 - 19:39 Permalink
I understand this perfectly. I'd like to have the two screens and have the Edit Window screen update to a new parameter selected in the main window/ arrangement page. I think that should be the default with a key combo to open additional Edit windows if needed. Ideally I'd like docked secondary windows which can be undocked and 'floated' when required.
I understand that the whole GUI is under review for revision and that this might be one of he features. I'm hoping!