Topic by dhalfen

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Topic: New feature suggestion: Metering

I've never really thought about this because I tend to use Pianoteq within a host, but for standalone in particular, I feel that the program could really benefit from a better metering system.  (I've been using a fair amount of visual analysis lately.)  The single VU meter in the "Output" section is woefully inadequate and does nothing to give an idea of the stereo (or surround) image.

I propose one general improvement:

In the "Sound Recording" room, in the dead space under the "Level" & "Delay" compensation buttons (ooooo, that text for "compensation" is especially small, I'm a-goin' blind, guys...), why not install a vertical VU meter for each microphone?

This "little" improvement would be quite noticeable (and appreciated).

(Any way to measure phase/delay here, too?  Though I'll be happy with just volume!!!)

A secondary, lesser (but possibly desired) improvement:  in the "Output" section, add a second VU meter (read:  squeeze that sucker in there!!!) below the current meter.  In mono, they would both read the same data (or one meter could grey out?), but they would accurately reflect differences in stereo mode.  (But I'm definitely more interested in seeing meters in for "Sound Recording!!!")

"Our developers, who art in Toulouse, hallowed be thy physical-models.
Thy version 4 come, thy new instruments be done, in the computer as it is in the wood!"

Reply by Luc Henrion

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

very good idea(s)!

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Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

I guess this could be in Pianoteq 4. I'm sure to have extensive discussions with Modartt about improving their GUI for that version

Hard work and guts!

Reply by dhalfen

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

EvilDragon wrote:

I guess this could be in Pianoteq 4. I'm sure to have extensive discussions with Modartt about improving their GUI for that version

That's what I'm thinking, too -- crack that whip!!!  (ouch...)

;^)

"Our developers, who art in Toulouse, hallowed be thy physical-models.
Thy version 4 come, thy new instruments be done, in the computer as it is in the wood!"

Reply by Glenn NK

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

Look you guys, I've been whining for a two channel extended VU meter for quite a while now.

Sure, I can load up my wave editor and watch the VU there (or my soundcard), but when I'm rendering a midi to wave these are useless.

The VU could be a detachable screen - loaded or not as our option.

Glenn

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Reply by Jake Johnson

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

1+ for meters on each mic.

Reply by Glenn NK

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

Jake:

That would be a VU for each channel wouldn't it?

It might be a bit messy for five mics.

Glenn

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Reply by dhalfen

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

Glenn NK wrote:

That would be a VU for each channel wouldn't it?

It might be a bit messy for five mics.

But absolutely necessary, IMHumO -- look at Melda Production's multiband plug-ins for an effective treatment:  each band (up to 6!) is granted its own pair of stereo meters, and I think the look is absolutely excellent.  (Plus, the windows are scalable, so if the ol' eyes are crapping out, then I just widen the window to get a better perspective!)

(I'm all in favour of your detachable screen idea, too!)

Last edited by dhalfen (21-04-2010 04:50)
"Our developers, who art in Toulouse, hallowed be thy physical-models.
Thy version 4 come, thy new instruments be done, in the computer as it is in the wood!"

Reply by Jake Johnson

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

Glenn NK wrote:

Jake:

That would be a VU for each channel wouldn't it?

It might be a bit messy for five mics.

Glenn

A meter on each mic would give more valuable information, wouldn't it--letting the user see level changes as the mics were moved?

Reply by Glenn NK

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

Jake Johnson wrote:

A meter on each mic would give more valuable information, wouldn't it--letting the user see level changes as the mics were moved?

The question is - is a meter on each mic necessary?  I'm recording in stereo (two channels) and often only blow one channel, so two would suffice.

How often do you record to five channels?

I don't often render with Pianoteq because I want to use the reverb on my soundcard rather than the elementary reverb on PT.

Glenn

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Reply by Jake Johnson

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

I only do stereo. I wasn't thinking in terms of output, really. I was thinking more along the lines of the relative amplitude of the sound coming into each mic, and thus how much each contributes to the over-all sound. In other words, we could see how a mic near the harp contributed alongside how much a mic behind the player contributed.

Of course, we can set the levels now, but we don't see the actual amplitudes.

Last edited by Jake Johnson (22-04-2010 00:08)

Reply by Glenn NK

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

Jake Johnson wrote:

I only do stereo. I wasn't thinking in terms of output, really. I was thinking more along the lines of the relative amplitude of the sound coming into each mic, and thus how much each contributes to the over-all sound. In other words, we could see how a mic near the harp contributed alongside how much a mic behind the player contributed.

Of course, we can set the levels now, but we don't see the actual amplitudes.

Now that you've elaborated Jake, I concede that it would be useful.

My only concern would be how much CPU power would be diverted to less essential tasks than making music.

Glenn

Last edited by Glenn NK (22-04-2010 04:08)
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Reply by Jake Johnson

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

I probably just misunderstood the original post, and I was thinking in terms of just 2-3 mics. But yes, with several mics, the load could get heavy.  I'd rather the resources go towards the sound, too.

Reply by Luc Henrion

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Re: New feature suggestion: Metering

hum... this would mostly use the graphics ressources, I doubt it would use much CPU power. Anyway, it should be a separate windows one could freely open or close.

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