[linux-audio-dev] Project: modular synth editor

[Dave Robillard]

On Thu, 2004-01-15 at 04:19, Steve Harris wrote:

> Its nothing to do with the plugin - thier control (and uadio for that
> matter) inputs can just be bound together. Its just a case of how the UI
> is handled by the host.

Ack!  Don't kill this thred by mentioning UI too. :)
 
> > Agreed 100%.  Unfortunately, like you said, LADSPA changes.  If plugins
> > are to get more versatile and have more and more control/audio ports,
> > some mechanism to ignore ports is definately needed.
>
> Hmm... disagree. Its not output connections that are imortant, its input
> connections. Some plugin naturally have a different behaviour when
> different inputs are connected, eg. a reverb with only left connected
> becahes differently to one with left and right, but where right is silent.

I guess I wasn't clear, but this is exactly what I meant.  Definately
input plugins, for both behaviour reasons like you mentioned, and
optimization.. doing calculations on input that isn't even there isn't
very clever.
 
> > If I'm just using an oscillator to get a sine wav, it's pretty wasteful
> > for the plugin to be calculating exponential _and_ liner FM, PWM (pulse
> > width), and bob knows what else.
> 
> When plugins offer multiple outputs like that its generally becuase one
> can be calculated very cheaply from the others. If thats not the case then
> the author should provice multiple versions IMNSHO.
I suppose I see your point, but if a mechanism is going to be there for
hinting whether ports are connected or not... why not use it for output
plugins too?

I don't know about you, but when I'm doing synthesis the gkrellm CPU
graph is just a big solid block at 100%... every little bit counts.
 
> > I shouldn't even say "modular synth", because such a program would
> > definately be an awesome effects rack.  Having a jack rack except being
> > able to string things together however you want is something I think
> > everyone can appreciate.
> 
> Many people (including me) use modular synths primarily as effects racks.
> Please dont encourage jack-rack complexity - one of the things that makes
> it wonderful is that its so simple.

Heh, I wasn't advocating eliminating jack-rack from the planet. :) 
'Twas just a sidenote, an app like this would be really useful as an
effects "rack".. like stringing guitar pedals together.

> - Steve