I won't shout it, even though sounds like I've found the handle to read the files generated by M3 editor
I won't have much spare time in the next 2 months (Ph.D. thesis in Computer Science in progress ) but I would like to ask you to post which are the most important features a M3 librarian software should have.
Here's the things I've been looking for off the top of my head:
1. M50 .pcg compatibility
2. the ability to move patches up and down like you can with LeLibby
3. basic editing of patches (tempo, SW1/SW2 on/off, name, etc)
4. search for duplicates
5. copy/paste
I don't use an M3 or an M50 at the moment but I can tell you one thing that comes from KORG workstations in general that a librarian editor really should include:
checking or even better automatic checking and management of program dependancies to combis.
Current Gear: Kronos 61, RADIAS-R, Volca Bass, ESX-1, microKorg, MS2000B, R3, Kaossilator Pro +, MiniKP, AX3000B, nanoKontrol, nanoPad MK II,
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro
Your suggestions sound very much like my initial idea about the features list.
Not being a lucky possessor of M50, I think I'll stick to M3 support at the moment.
Certainly, the first feature I will implement will be the ability to freely move combis and progs without letting it driving me crazy (actually, that's why I started to crawl into the file formats).
A quick update for all those who are following this thread:
At the moment I'm able (through code, no GUI yet) to:
- Read combi, combibank and combiall files
- Read program, programbank and programall files
- Change the order of Combis or Programs
- Rename Combis or Programs
- Change Tempo in Combis and Programs
progressively more complex (starting from easisre, going to harder):
1) database search by ANY program parameter
(eg: list all programs which include distortion effect, or which use radias vocoder)
If you can do that, then why not the following:
2) same thing, but search based on parameter
(eg: search for all programs where osc sinc is activated, OR: all programs where filter cutoff is set to 45)
If you can do that, then why not the following:
3) search AND REPLACE based on parameter:
(eg: find all programs where I choose to modulate common LFO based on ribbon, and change that to aftertouch because I ned to gig with a different keyboard with no ribbon controller).
4) management of samples
5) I cast my vote for something which was already asked for:
managing the program/combi references (eg: I move a program, and the librarian scans combis for reference and edits them accordingly).
Hey, dade. Sounds like a cool project! I'm a graphic designer...would be more than happy to work with you on the GUI when you get there. (Just throwing it out there.)
Interesting project - hope you will eventually find the time to get it really done. Here are my thoughts.
Essential features:
1. move program or combi (or continous set of programs or combis) to another location w/o compromising consistency
2. copy program or combi to another location
3. delete program or combi (or continous set of programs or combis) i.e. initialize with "empty" settings
4. load & save combi/program/bank/all banks/User-defined KARMA GEs
5. receive/transmit combi/program/bank/user-defined KARMA GEs
6. disable/enable auto sync
7. easy to use and modern user interface
Nice-to-have features:
1. Some kind of "combi generation" support, e.g. create orchestral/pop/rock/R&B/funk/hip-hop/trance/techno/etc. combi with typical settings for that genre (instruments, GE assignment, effect assignment, control assignments, key splits, etc) - variations could be generated using a random function
2. Alternative: a "combi creation wizard" that guides you through a set of dialogs in order to manually set all required params
3. I also like the "search" functions described by ozy
Not needed:
Individual param settings can be done using the M3 Editor. IMO there is no need for "reinventing the wheel".
Ok, my ideas are much similar to orpheus'.
- Arrange combis and progs is something that is really missing.
- Rename programs and combis
- Easy change the category of a sound
- I wasn't thinking of editing individiual parameters, at the moment i'm working directly on M3 Editor files, hence i think that the features of my tool should be complementary, not a superset of the ones of M3 Editor.
- Wizard to detect and delete combi or sound duplicates
At the moment i'm exploring the chances, enjoying the data format interpretation phase
