Part II: MPC Ren/Studio Post Namm 2013

daslicht wrote:

innerchildmusic wrote:OTHER:

1. AUTO-SAVE IN THE BACKGROUND:

Just manually safe after each step
What If you have autosave set to 5 minutes and you composed THE hit in the last 4:59

Let me clarify what I am suggesting, In Ableton Live 8 & 9 all of the users previous moves are saved in the background continuously, this is why this request also impacts the unlimited undo/redo function. When live closes out abruptly it will on restart ask if you want to open the previous session (the unsaved by the user but saved in the background session).

daslicht wrote:Nice!,
but the voting descriptions are quite common,
they could be more precise for my taste

Of course they are. Otherwise the list would be over 100. So I had to break it down by Modes and specific functions and forum members can expand on what they would like to see specifically.

For me I chose:
1. 64 bit/multicore support. I plan on buying a maxed out iMac (and maybe a Macbook Pro) specifically for the Ren. And I want to take full advantage of the power of these computers.

2. Sample Editing/Recording Modes. Realtime time stretch/pitch shifting, manual slicing using controller, Insert FXs, zooming/fine editing on LCD, etc are among features I would like to see implemented.

3. Program Editing. Legacy MPC amp envelope option,new pad playback options (reverse, alternating <-->), editing per sample layer, easier keygroup editing from controller, etc. I would like the option to select the number of keygroups and number of keys per keygroup and have the Ren automatically create a keygroup program.

4. Sequence/Step Editing. A MIDI event list editor is a must for me. I would also like to see a tool bar above the sequencer grid that includes all the tools found in typical DAWs. When using the Sequence Edit Menu, I would like to see a visual in the grid. So If I am copying a region, the region should be highlighted in the sequencer grid.

5. Audio tracks. I would like to see the Ren become a self-contained production workcenter so I can forgo using a DAW.

6. Undo/Redo. Undo/redo history would be nice. This would give me confidence to know what I am undoing or redoing. As it stands today, I don't trust these functions enough to use them.

7. Hardware conrtol. I would like to see Akai strive for 100% control of the software from the hardware. The browser button should open/close the software browser. Plugin instrument GUI should be opened/close from the hardware..perhaps using the Window button.

8. Plugin implementation. Plugins GUI should always remain on top and not be hidden behind other windows; this is annoying. I would actually like to see stock effects integrated into the Ren's GUI instead of a popup.

9. Program/Track Mixer. Aux tracks for plugin instruments.

10. Window button. I would like to see this fully integrated into the software like legacy MPCs. Use of this button should display more details about specifc params selected on the LCD and give access to more in-depth editing.

^^^That's a good list Jah.!



peace

I have been looking at this poll. At least half of these functions have been addressed in 1.4 coming in about 1 month.

IMHO some of the requests could be dangerous, like the ones D.A.W. orientated.

This platform need to be kind of complex, but specialized regarding sample manipulation and midi sequencing.

The software/hardware interface must be easy to access at the same level from the mouse or the REN hw itself.

The software is already kind of cluttered compared to a mpc 2000 (which to me is the best example of intuitiveness, easy of use and complexity).


At this point to me the best way is to solve all the bugs and implement the 64bit/multicore stuff.

After that copy-carbon all the features from the S rack sampler series (specially the s6000 and z4) regarding sampling options and sample manipulation, and the structure of the legacy mpc regarding the midi editing/sequencing.

Finally make the interface easy and intuitive to use, from mouse or hardware. (no silly sub menus, 3/4 button combinations, etc...)


My 2 cents.

I agree with you.

Glad to see automation finally getting some love.

I'd like to see a line tool for drawing automation slopes along with FX plugin and full program automation... my main request for sure

Airyck wrote:Glad to see automation finally getting some love.

I'd like to see a line tool for drawing automation slopes along with FX plugin and full program automation... my main request for sure

Some Line/Curve Tool like in Studio One would be lovely

daslicht wrote:

Airyck wrote:Glad to see automation finally getting some love.

I'd like to see a line tool for drawing automation slopes along with FX plugin and full program automation... my main request for sure

Some Line/Curve Tool like in Studio One would be lovely

Yep something like this would really set it apart from it's competitors

Airyck wrote:

daslicht wrote:

Airyck wrote:Glad to see automation finally getting some love.

I'd like to see a line tool for drawing automation slopes along with FX plugin and full program automation... my main request for sure

Some Line/Curve Tool like in Studio One would be lovely

Yep something like this would really set it apart from it's competitors

For anyone who do not know how this works:
http://screencast.com/t/fYzcPRR8w

andreat668 wrote:IMHO some of the requests could be dangerous, like the ones D.A.W. orientated.

I also agree.

The MPC should stay focused on Sample based music production.

These days there are so many great Plugins around, but either they are unstable or CPU hogs

Instead of loading one plugin which creates CPU spikes or induce 5% CPU usage for just one "Sound", resample that one "Sound" and trigger it with the MPC Sampler, which will cost you nearby no CPU, no spikes and once the MPC is rock solid, It will also improve stability, since you can just unload the 3rd Party Plugin you just resampled and forget it. Kinda destructive oldschool workflow
But after a year you can open you project at any time without 3rd party dependencies.

Thats exactly my workflow, and thats why is the handling with Samples so important for me. At least this part of the MPC should be fully doable form the hardware.

Will be interesting to see if akai can implement an efficent great sounding realtime time stretching / pitch shifting .
That's a real test of how good their programmers are as far as I am concerned!
There's a reason u don't see this done well in many bits of audio softwAre.

Show us what your made of fellas!

G

I would also like to see the ability to tweek parameters while recording a sample (though full automation would allow something close). As a creative tool it helps to be recording and keep tweeking until you get something good (especially for FX sounds) and then chop the good part out for use.

Airyck wrote:I would also like to see the ability to tweek parameters while recording a sample (though full automation would allow something close). As a creative tool it helps to be recording and keep tweeking until you get something good (especially for FX sounds) and then chop the good part out for use.

Yeah I love that either I used to play with my Line 6 Echo Pro and some Synths while tweaking live and just sample THAT sound I love

Just hardware Synths + a Roland MV8000, NO COMPUTER at all :

Currently, Akai uses Izotope Radius for time stretching and pitch shifting. Logic and Soundtrack Pro also uses this technology. If the same technology is used for realtime functionality...this is just fine IMO.

The MPC Ren is already A DAW for music production. The Ren primarily needs audio tracks and for Akai to continue expanding on the features it already has.