[Rack Performer 0.98-beta - detailed release notes]
#1
--[Version 0.98-beta]--
[FEATURE] Classic full-slave synchronization mode, with sample-accurate start/stop, rate and phase locking
When a clock protocol and and a transport position protocol are selected and enabled at the same time, like for instance MIDI Clock + Standard MIDI Control, or MIDI Timecode + MIDI Machine Control, the application will work in full-slave mode.
In this mode, transport start/stop are synchronized to the master clock signal and RP starts precisely on the first clock edge and stays in perfect rate and phase sync.
Just adjust the Sync offset parameter in the transport bar to compensate any latency difference between the master and RP.
[FEATURE] Live synch mode, allow to join and synch to any running master on the fly, while retaining both rate and phase locking
When only a clock protocol is selected but no transport position protocol, the application operates in Live synch mode. In this mode you can join a running master at any time and lock not only to its tempo or its rate, but also to it's phase/offset, relative to the join time.
To adjust the phase between the master and the slave, different options are available: Sync-to-Push, V-push controls or time skew controls. This is in fact very similar to the way DJ work: adjust the downbeats, push or pull the record to adjust the phase precisely, and it's in sync and stays in sync!
[FEATURE] Master clock transport control can be received, when "transport input" is enabled, with selectable protocol and source
It is also possible to use only a transport position protocol, in order to remote control the application from a recorder, a tape machine or a show controller.
[FEATURE] 5 different synchronization schemes to offer a tradeoff between tracking accuracy and wow/flutter effect
Five different schemes might sound a lot but they offer more versatility to adapt to all situations: slow tempo or fast tempo, steady or constantly changing etc.
Those using MIDI triggered instruments only will prefer a tight tracking, those using samplers and stretchers will prefer a stable tracking (to reduce wow/flutter effect due to excessive varirate)
[FEATURE] Clock input control using MIDI Timecode protocol (MTC)
This protocol is fully supported excepted for backwards running timecode. It offers a very stable rate locking but tempo must be set to the same value in the master and the slave.
Also make sure the timecode format used in both is set to the same frame rate.
[FEATURE] Clock input control using MIDI Clock protocol
This protocol works well for a rather large tempo range, but you might need to select a sync scheme with faster convergence if you play at very low tempo.
[FEATURE] Transport control input using standard MIDI protocol (Start / Stop / Continue / SongPositionPtr)
This is the standard protocol used by most machines.
[FEATURE] Transport input control using MIDI Machine Control protocol (Play / Stop / Locate / Reset)
This is the protocol most often used by machines supporting MIDI Timecode, but not exclusively.
[FEATURE] Transport input control using MIDI Show Control protocol (Start / Stop / Set / Zero)
This protocol is used for Show Control applications, like fixed installations, museums, events etc.
[FEATURE] Transport input control using first MIDI note received (start only)
[FEATURE] Transport input control using space key on local keyboard (Ctrl+space to restart)
These two modes are very convenient but beware that they are not transport position control protocols. If you select them alongside a clock sync protocol the application will not operate in full-slave mode but only in live synch mode.
[FEATURE] Metronome with LED display GUI (useful for drummers) bar/beat/sub enable and volume controls
[FEATURE] Metronome internal MIDI mode (sends notes to any internal instrument to use as a metronome)
The metronome is finally there and is sure to catch your eyes! The large LEDs and beat number display are a must for drummers or those playing too loud to ear the tick sound.
It's completely configurable but only the internal MIDI mode is implemented in this version (audio metronome mode will follow shortly)
To use the metronome configure the internal MIDI channel on which the notes should be presented, then select an instrument to act as the metronome and route the MIDI channel to it.
[FEATURE] Module execution order can now be altered using the new Patch execution order dialog
You won't need this feature most of the time but if you set up complex robocontrol/automation patchs, like for instance a LFO that controls another LFO that controls a third LFO, you might need to alter the module execution order such as no extra control latency is added.
[FEATURE] Master clock location can be displayed in timecode format on transport bar
This might sound like a detail but it means RP is now completely timecode compliant, supporting all frame rates including the latest HD ones.
This opens a lot of new possibilities and we hope those working with film/video will welcome the addition.
[FEATURE] Tempo can be displayed in quarter notes per minute (QNPM), beats per minute (BPM) or compound beats per minute (CBPM)
This is a convenience when working with time signatures other than the ubiquitous 4/4.
[DETAIL] Added preliminary Windows 8 support
Yes, it's coming.
[DETAIL] Skew up and down controls in tranport bar now have an associated global control port (rate bias, mappable)
[DETAIL] Tempo Tap control in transport bar is now a global control port (mappable)
[DETAIL] Synchro offset global control port and transport bar control (used to compensate latencies during sync)
[DETAIL] Sync-to-Push control in transport bar is now a global control port (mappable, increased precision)
All these controls now have their associated global application control port and thus can be mapped on any controller.
[DETAIL] Added new hidden synchro option to reset internal master clock tempo and rate bias to nominal values on synchro exit
This option is disabled by default, as we think it's more important to be able to leave a master sync without causing a change in the tempo/rate, but it also means your performance will not play exactly at the intended tempo.
For instance if you leave the master synch while using MIDI Timecode, RP rate might be left to something like 0.9998 and stay this way afterwards. With the option on it will reset to a perfect 1.0 rate (or your nominal tempo when using MIDI clock)
[DETAIL] Added new hidden VST compatibility option to emulate clock rate skew with tempo change events
You might try to enable this option if you have VST plugins that have problems when synching to timecode. Instead of modulating the clock rate, the application will emulate by modulating the tempo instead.
[DETAIL] Increased maximum usable memory to 3GB on 32 bit systems (nominal, with 4GT enabled) and 4GB on 64 bit systems
Please refer to 4GT documentation on Microsoft website. For 64 bit systems there is nothing to do.
[DETAIL] Improved Pentium TSC calibration (again)
[DETAIL] Improved tick counter calibration and chipset detection
[DETAIL] Improved high performance counter calibration and chipset detection
[DETAIL] Improved CPU features detection
Improved the internal timing precision of the events sequencer and of other application parts, but it's way too technical to explain.
[DETAIL] Added "locate" function to master clock in transport bar (accepts any time display mode)
Right-click on the location LCD in transport bar and select "locate".
[DETAIL] More consistent modal dialogs keyboard handling (faster workflow)
[DETAIL] Streamlined MIDI configuration cinematic (no need to manually enable after adding devices, and other details)
Workflow improvements.
[DETAIL] Added new hidden options to enable MMCSS per thread and to fine tune priority boosts
[DETAIL] Added new hidden options to select MMCSS profiles per thread
[DETAIL] Improved GUI refreshing efficiency (use less resources)
[DETAIL] New "optimal" GUI refresh mode (automatically select the most appropriate refresh rate)
[DETAIL] Added new option to use aggressive scheduler timings (improve timing precision at the expense of CPU power, when off: defaults back to 1ms)
[DETAIL] Added new hidden option to reduce Aero desktop interferences (lower Aero thread priority, default: on)
[DETAIL] Custom MMCSS profiles are added to the registry by the installer
Those are quite advanced performance optimizations but fortunately their default values should be good for you, so you won't have anything to configure.
Be sure to check the new "aggressive scheduler timings" mode in the "advanced" config tab if you have a recent machine.
[DETAIL] When "standard MIDI control" is selected for transport in, MIDI time-sig changes (sysex) are supported (but quantified)
Time signature change SYSEX messages can be received but they are only applied at the beginning of the next bar.
[DETAIL] In samples time display mode, locating transport shifts by an amount equal to the audio output latency
[DETAIL] Holding a modifier key (ctrl or shift) when locating transport allows to use smaller increments
[DETAIL] In musical time display mode, locating transport stays in sync (no clock discontinuity)
[DETAIL] Transport "FF" and "RW" effect depends on selected time display mode (smart locate)
We made the transport controls smarter. Check them using the various display modes and with or without a modifier key.
[DETAIL] VST plugins now properly receive timecode information
[DETAIL] Default timecode format for new documents can be set from "live" menu
[DETAIL] Timecode format for the current document can be set from "live" menu
[DETAIL] Timecode start offset can be set from the "Timecode format" sub menu
Complete timecode support including start offset.
[DETAIL] New performance profile selection dialog during first run
[DETAIL] Most advanced options are now auto-configured during first run
[DETAIL] Simplified VST configuration (no longer requires two distinct paths, second is now an extra optional path)
Improved auto-configuration and new performance profile selection dialog.
[DETAIL] MIDI keyboard lock is now restored after loading document
[DETAIL] VST plugins can now be reset to their initial state like any other module
[DETAIL] Added new hidden option to increase protection against faulty plugins
[DETAIL] Tempo tap now properly takes compound beat (dotted) time signatures into account
[DETAIL] VST path is now guessed by automatic configuration
[DETAIL] Added a new hidden compatibility option to enable UAC virtualization (can fix some legacy VST plugins)
[DETAIL] Improved cached VST scan speed (removed redundant checks)
[DETAIL] Added an extra category to list controller modules (RBC/automation/RMC/etc)
[DETAIL] Improved status dumps quality to ease user support
[DETAIL] No longer selecting Microsoft GW Synth during auto-configuration
[DETAIL] No longer displaying warnings when powering on with disconnected MIDI devices
[DETAIL] Improved mouse-centric zoom in patcher (smoother)
[DETAIL] No longer displaying VST preset mode selection when creating module (default value can be set in config)
[DETAIL] Pressing Ctrl or Shift when creating a VST module displays preset mode selection (old behaviour)
Details...
[FIX] A lot of different looking and severe crashes could happen when configuring running wave engines with MIDI enabled (especially under WinXP)
[FIX] Master input module control ports were incorrectly latency compensated (PDC)
[FIX] An unfortunate regression made all Bypass ports (Cut-ports) globally ineffective
[FIX] Removing module MIDI routings (omni-mode) did not work
[FIX] Embedded GUI wrappers (racked and frame) could display incorrectly in multiple monitor setups
[FIX] Percent inc/dec keyboard mappings now properly works for controls with small range
[FIX] Fixed some edge cases around keyboard mapper calibration cinematic
[FIX] Under some circumstances screen switchers could revert to screen 1 when powering on
[FIX] Corrected an issue that could lead to the master inputs module failing (and possibly other modules)
[FIX] Transport "SyncToPush", "FF" and "RW" now have no effect when tempo is near zero using musical time display mode
[FIX] Corrected a bug where modules with processing latency had a wrong latency compensation on their control events
[FIX] PDC induced latencies are now properly included when VST plugins request precise latencies
[FIX] Resuming from OS sleep mode could leave openGL patcher in a corrupted state
[FIX] Corrected a timing related crash happening sometimes when closing documents with VST modules
[FIX] ASIO engines didn't run with some particular drivers (JACK-Router, possibly others)
[FIX] With VST SA-emulation option on, recalling presets made plugin crash (both chunks preset mode)
[FIX] Moving objects and resizing zones in patcher could be glitchy sometimes, now it's smooth again
...and the filthy bugs we killed!
[FEATURE] Classic full-slave synchronization mode, with sample-accurate start/stop, rate and phase locking
When a clock protocol and and a transport position protocol are selected and enabled at the same time, like for instance MIDI Clock + Standard MIDI Control, or MIDI Timecode + MIDI Machine Control, the application will work in full-slave mode.
In this mode, transport start/stop are synchronized to the master clock signal and RP starts precisely on the first clock edge and stays in perfect rate and phase sync.
Just adjust the Sync offset parameter in the transport bar to compensate any latency difference between the master and RP.
[FEATURE] Live synch mode, allow to join and synch to any running master on the fly, while retaining both rate and phase locking
When only a clock protocol is selected but no transport position protocol, the application operates in Live synch mode. In this mode you can join a running master at any time and lock not only to its tempo or its rate, but also to it's phase/offset, relative to the join time.
To adjust the phase between the master and the slave, different options are available: Sync-to-Push, V-push controls or time skew controls. This is in fact very similar to the way DJ work: adjust the downbeats, push or pull the record to adjust the phase precisely, and it's in sync and stays in sync!
[FEATURE] Master clock transport control can be received, when "transport input" is enabled, with selectable protocol and source
It is also possible to use only a transport position protocol, in order to remote control the application from a recorder, a tape machine or a show controller.
[FEATURE] 5 different synchronization schemes to offer a tradeoff between tracking accuracy and wow/flutter effect
Five different schemes might sound a lot but they offer more versatility to adapt to all situations: slow tempo or fast tempo, steady or constantly changing etc.
Those using MIDI triggered instruments only will prefer a tight tracking, those using samplers and stretchers will prefer a stable tracking (to reduce wow/flutter effect due to excessive varirate)
[FEATURE] Clock input control using MIDI Timecode protocol (MTC)
This protocol is fully supported excepted for backwards running timecode. It offers a very stable rate locking but tempo must be set to the same value in the master and the slave.
Also make sure the timecode format used in both is set to the same frame rate.
[FEATURE] Clock input control using MIDI Clock protocol
This protocol works well for a rather large tempo range, but you might need to select a sync scheme with faster convergence if you play at very low tempo.
[FEATURE] Transport control input using standard MIDI protocol (Start / Stop / Continue / SongPositionPtr)
This is the standard protocol used by most machines.
[FEATURE] Transport input control using MIDI Machine Control protocol (Play / Stop / Locate / Reset)
This is the protocol most often used by machines supporting MIDI Timecode, but not exclusively.
[FEATURE] Transport input control using MIDI Show Control protocol (Start / Stop / Set / Zero)
This protocol is used for Show Control applications, like fixed installations, museums, events etc.
[FEATURE] Transport input control using first MIDI note received (start only)
[FEATURE] Transport input control using space key on local keyboard (Ctrl+space to restart)
These two modes are very convenient but beware that they are not transport position control protocols. If you select them alongside a clock sync protocol the application will not operate in full-slave mode but only in live synch mode.
[FEATURE] Metronome with LED display GUI (useful for drummers) bar/beat/sub enable and volume controls
[FEATURE] Metronome internal MIDI mode (sends notes to any internal instrument to use as a metronome)
The metronome is finally there and is sure to catch your eyes! The large LEDs and beat number display are a must for drummers or those playing too loud to ear the tick sound.
It's completely configurable but only the internal MIDI mode is implemented in this version (audio metronome mode will follow shortly)
To use the metronome configure the internal MIDI channel on which the notes should be presented, then select an instrument to act as the metronome and route the MIDI channel to it.
[FEATURE] Module execution order can now be altered using the new Patch execution order dialog
You won't need this feature most of the time but if you set up complex robocontrol/automation patchs, like for instance a LFO that controls another LFO that controls a third LFO, you might need to alter the module execution order such as no extra control latency is added.
[FEATURE] Master clock location can be displayed in timecode format on transport bar
This might sound like a detail but it means RP is now completely timecode compliant, supporting all frame rates including the latest HD ones.
This opens a lot of new possibilities and we hope those working with film/video will welcome the addition.
[FEATURE] Tempo can be displayed in quarter notes per minute (QNPM), beats per minute (BPM) or compound beats per minute (CBPM)
This is a convenience when working with time signatures other than the ubiquitous 4/4.
[DETAIL] Added preliminary Windows 8 support
Yes, it's coming.
[DETAIL] Skew up and down controls in tranport bar now have an associated global control port (rate bias, mappable)
[DETAIL] Tempo Tap control in transport bar is now a global control port (mappable)
[DETAIL] Synchro offset global control port and transport bar control (used to compensate latencies during sync)
[DETAIL] Sync-to-Push control in transport bar is now a global control port (mappable, increased precision)
All these controls now have their associated global application control port and thus can be mapped on any controller.
[DETAIL] Added new hidden synchro option to reset internal master clock tempo and rate bias to nominal values on synchro exit
This option is disabled by default, as we think it's more important to be able to leave a master sync without causing a change in the tempo/rate, but it also means your performance will not play exactly at the intended tempo.
For instance if you leave the master synch while using MIDI Timecode, RP rate might be left to something like 0.9998 and stay this way afterwards. With the option on it will reset to a perfect 1.0 rate (or your nominal tempo when using MIDI clock)
[DETAIL] Added new hidden VST compatibility option to emulate clock rate skew with tempo change events
You might try to enable this option if you have VST plugins that have problems when synching to timecode. Instead of modulating the clock rate, the application will emulate by modulating the tempo instead.
[DETAIL] Increased maximum usable memory to 3GB on 32 bit systems (nominal, with 4GT enabled) and 4GB on 64 bit systems
Please refer to 4GT documentation on Microsoft website. For 64 bit systems there is nothing to do.
[DETAIL] Improved Pentium TSC calibration (again)
[DETAIL] Improved tick counter calibration and chipset detection
[DETAIL] Improved high performance counter calibration and chipset detection
[DETAIL] Improved CPU features detection
Improved the internal timing precision of the events sequencer and of other application parts, but it's way too technical to explain.
[DETAIL] Added "locate" function to master clock in transport bar (accepts any time display mode)
Right-click on the location LCD in transport bar and select "locate".
[DETAIL] More consistent modal dialogs keyboard handling (faster workflow)
[DETAIL] Streamlined MIDI configuration cinematic (no need to manually enable after adding devices, and other details)
Workflow improvements.
[DETAIL] Added new hidden options to enable MMCSS per thread and to fine tune priority boosts
[DETAIL] Added new hidden options to select MMCSS profiles per thread
[DETAIL] Improved GUI refreshing efficiency (use less resources)
[DETAIL] New "optimal" GUI refresh mode (automatically select the most appropriate refresh rate)
[DETAIL] Added new option to use aggressive scheduler timings (improve timing precision at the expense of CPU power, when off: defaults back to 1ms)
[DETAIL] Added new hidden option to reduce Aero desktop interferences (lower Aero thread priority, default: on)
[DETAIL] Custom MMCSS profiles are added to the registry by the installer
Those are quite advanced performance optimizations but fortunately their default values should be good for you, so you won't have anything to configure.
Be sure to check the new "aggressive scheduler timings" mode in the "advanced" config tab if you have a recent machine.
[DETAIL] When "standard MIDI control" is selected for transport in, MIDI time-sig changes (sysex) are supported (but quantified)
Time signature change SYSEX messages can be received but they are only applied at the beginning of the next bar.
[DETAIL] In samples time display mode, locating transport shifts by an amount equal to the audio output latency
[DETAIL] Holding a modifier key (ctrl or shift) when locating transport allows to use smaller increments
[DETAIL] In musical time display mode, locating transport stays in sync (no clock discontinuity)
[DETAIL] Transport "FF" and "RW" effect depends on selected time display mode (smart locate)
We made the transport controls smarter. Check them using the various display modes and with or without a modifier key.
[DETAIL] VST plugins now properly receive timecode information
[DETAIL] Default timecode format for new documents can be set from "live" menu
[DETAIL] Timecode format for the current document can be set from "live" menu
[DETAIL] Timecode start offset can be set from the "Timecode format" sub menu
Complete timecode support including start offset.
[DETAIL] New performance profile selection dialog during first run
[DETAIL] Most advanced options are now auto-configured during first run
[DETAIL] Simplified VST configuration (no longer requires two distinct paths, second is now an extra optional path)
Improved auto-configuration and new performance profile selection dialog.
[DETAIL] MIDI keyboard lock is now restored after loading document
[DETAIL] VST plugins can now be reset to their initial state like any other module
[DETAIL] Added new hidden option to increase protection against faulty plugins
[DETAIL] Tempo tap now properly takes compound beat (dotted) time signatures into account
[DETAIL] VST path is now guessed by automatic configuration
[DETAIL] Added a new hidden compatibility option to enable UAC virtualization (can fix some legacy VST plugins)
[DETAIL] Improved cached VST scan speed (removed redundant checks)
[DETAIL] Added an extra category to list controller modules (RBC/automation/RMC/etc)
[DETAIL] Improved status dumps quality to ease user support
[DETAIL] No longer selecting Microsoft GW Synth during auto-configuration
[DETAIL] No longer displaying warnings when powering on with disconnected MIDI devices
[DETAIL] Improved mouse-centric zoom in patcher (smoother)
[DETAIL] No longer displaying VST preset mode selection when creating module (default value can be set in config)
[DETAIL] Pressing Ctrl or Shift when creating a VST module displays preset mode selection (old behaviour)
Details...
[FIX] A lot of different looking and severe crashes could happen when configuring running wave engines with MIDI enabled (especially under WinXP)
[FIX] Master input module control ports were incorrectly latency compensated (PDC)
[FIX] An unfortunate regression made all Bypass ports (Cut-ports) globally ineffective
[FIX] Removing module MIDI routings (omni-mode) did not work
[FIX] Embedded GUI wrappers (racked and frame) could display incorrectly in multiple monitor setups
[FIX] Percent inc/dec keyboard mappings now properly works for controls with small range
[FIX] Fixed some edge cases around keyboard mapper calibration cinematic
[FIX] Under some circumstances screen switchers could revert to screen 1 when powering on
[FIX] Corrected an issue that could lead to the master inputs module failing (and possibly other modules)
[FIX] Transport "SyncToPush", "FF" and "RW" now have no effect when tempo is near zero using musical time display mode
[FIX] Corrected a bug where modules with processing latency had a wrong latency compensation on their control events
[FIX] PDC induced latencies are now properly included when VST plugins request precise latencies
[FIX] Resuming from OS sleep mode could leave openGL patcher in a corrupted state
[FIX] Corrected a timing related crash happening sometimes when closing documents with VST modules
[FIX] ASIO engines didn't run with some particular drivers (JACK-Router, possibly others)
[FIX] With VST SA-emulation option on, recalling presets made plugin crash (both chunks preset mode)
[FIX] Moving objects and resizing zones in patcher could be glitchy sometimes, now it's smooth again
...and the filthy bugs we killed!
_______
Live Factory Team
Live Factory Team
Member info
Live Factory Team
Country: France
Joined: Nov 15 2009
Joined: Nov 15 2009
