synthmaker

[MCCY]

Anybody using synthmaker? I'm just curious, if i can transfer my knowledge to a software which is usable on my EEEPC anywhere. I guess Synthmaker is better choice than synthedit?
What are the developing advantages SDK compared to synthmaker?

Martin

[valis]

Red Muze used Synthmaker for some prototyping work but I didn't do much beyond install an evaluation copy so can't say much myself. I think in part it might depend on what sort of results you're after, for example a commercial product that goes cross platform is going to be much easier to support if all the code is yours. But if you're just exploring or making tools to use in-house Synthmaker might save some time & duplication of effort.

[Tau]

Synthschool's VSTis have a really nice sound, that I can tell you- done with Synthmaker but "uses our own coded oscillators, envelopes, filters and midi control for that special sound"

EDIT: added link: http://www.synthschool.com/downloads.html

[sharc]

I've been checking out SynthMaker (as well as it's spin off flowstone) recently and have to admit I've been impressed. The UI is pleasant to work with, especially compared to Synthedit. In terms of what can be done with UI's for your own creations I'd say SynthMaker has the upperhand over both synthedit and Scope SDK but it does take a bit of getting used to.

The stock components for the most part are a little mediocre where comparisons can be made to Scope SDK counterparts, but the code components are probably where it's real strength lies.

The forum is also a very good resource with plenty of gurus willing to lend a hand.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try.

[HUROLURA]

What is the difference between stock components and code components Sharc ?

[MCCY]

After playing with the freeversion I bought the small version. Somehow trying to build some soundspitting monsters is like coming home. But I still feel homesick to scope and like the scope sdk better, although I think the possibilities are nearer to explore with a great documentation as with synthmaker. I still did not buy the xite which would be only possibility to carry scope with me, which is very important to me, cause I want to fill some time niches with developing and no more whole days and nights and I'm quite often far from my main machine.
It's funny to see me "changing" (of course not really- scope will live as long it's dsps are warm) from logic to reaper & from scope to synthmaker - it's strange changing such things with 35 years, it was much easier to learn them 15 & 10 years earlier.

Martin

[sharc]

Stock components are the oscillators, filters etc. provided as building blocks. The code components in SynthMaker allow you to build (code) your own.

[ChrisWerner]

Interesting, like Reactor with the core level. I'll have a closer look on that. Thanks for this topic.

[kensuguro]

I checked out SynthMaker.. it only does PC, which sort of turned me off.. but it did look pretty cool. I've got a bunch of Mod3 effects that I want to convert to native.

can anyone describe the "code" feature to me? What sort of syntax does it take? Would be awesome for building my own logic chunks since it's way easier to code those things.

[sharc]

can anyone describe the "code" feature to me? What sort of syntax does it take?

The Code module uses SM's own 'high-level programming language' which is like a stripped down derivative of C/C++

The Assembler module as the name suggests lets you code in SSE assembler.

More info - Porting C++ to SM's Code component, Optimization, Assembler Opcodes and Some code tips

[kensuguro]

what do you guys think of reaktor vs synthmaker as a modular replacement? Reaktor has "classic modular" macros with most of the familiar modules built ready to go. Though lacking the "build and go!" speed of scope, it's okay to use. But it's like $350!

Synthmaker's cheaper, and has some modular-esque high level modules, so I could use it as a sort of modular replacement... and I get to export to vsti as a bonus.

I guess Reaktor may have a larger library of pre built stuff, as with both platforms, I can just build whatever I need and reuse them later. Dunno, Reaktor seems mighty expensive for what it is. It's a shame linux has a couple of pretty well developed free modular synths. (Om comes to mind)

[sharc]

I don't think either Reaktor or SM could ever achieve the "build and go!" speed of scope Ken. Even if tweaked to attempt such a feat they'd probably still fall short in terms of fideilty and stability. I can't comment much on Reaktor as it's been a good few years since I've used it, but IMO SynthMaker is best described as a modular development environment for audio devices as opposed to a modular synth. It's much closer to the Scope SDK in use than Scope Modular.

Have to admit I still much prefer Scope SDK and Modular to anything else I've tried.

Having said that, as far as native modular synths are concerned, I've always felt it was a shame Clavia never thought to take the shackles off their G2 demo.

[ChrisWerner]

For me synthmaker can maybe close a gap that peeves me for years now.

Did you never start to "hate" those x trillons emulation of real excisting hardware clones build in any modular system, with a photo realistic rendered GUI. Don't get me wrong, I want to point on a special point.

I am talking about the devices that produces sound or modulates sound, but in a computer and / or DSP system that has so much capabilities that could go beyond a simple sound producing or modulating device.

To get myself clear, today you can create graphics and instruments in top qualities but where is the bridge to use the power that we have under our desk for really creative sound producing instruments and effects that are ONLY possible with a computer system?

I am talking about instruments that produces sound when graphic elements interact with the user and the result will be sound.

As a small idea, think on a room that is full of bigger or smaller tiles (adjustable), you throw in a ball and each time the ball hits a tile it triggers something, you can setup the gravity of the room or other things. Why not two or three balls, you get the picture.

There are some interesting attempts out there but I I really never seen a serious way that someone used to build instruments that goes on a new way to fusion the graphic and the sound world.

I'll see how far I can get with synthmaker.

a couple of interesting things:
tiction:
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2008/09/t ... rocessing/

Nodal:
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~cema/nodal/

[kensuguro]

Cant agree more about nord's g2 demo.. Their editing environment, along with scope's, is the fastest most streamlined modular environment ive seen.

Reaktor is cool, its definitely much slower to use, even at the macro level... But i guess considering synthmaker is just a tad more low level when compared to reaktor's macros, reaktor sounds like a better modular environment. Or, just quicker for throwing stuff together. I did see some macroish stuff in synthedit to though, like adsr envelopes complete with knobs and multi osc with pulldown menus.. But ya, overall its one step lower than macro.

It is debatable tho, that perhaps all this time ive been trying to coerce scope mod to be a device dev platform.. Which it isnt, but i was trying hard to make it so.. In that sense, going a step lower might not be bad.. Though it will slow things down. I guess it wont hurt to have synthmaker anyway since id be able to compile any cool effects or synths i come up with, with a bit of conversion.

Whats killing me is that as i need to make sound effects at work.. I know exactly what ineed to build, but cant use mod cuz mu desktop is dead, and have no alternative modular platform thats remotely sensible. A second hand g2 would be cool, or betteryet, nord g2 vsti!

Btw chris werner, if youn want to go that dorection, why jot cut the chase and go max/msp + jitter? Or pd with the opensource equivalent of jitter. Cant go much further than that. Those things were built to do what you want to do.

[MCCY]

Wow, great information on this Thread!
Didn't know (realize) that it was godfather Adern who uses Synthmaker for his educational courses / demonstration-synths.

I think for me synthmaker is the best bridge from scope to vst and back and maybe to somewhere else deeper understanding dsp-audio in the next years... I feel a bit envy for those who are the new generation now with all those possibilities... On the other hand I realized that my littler daughter is the most satisfying project ever... and on the third hand: we visited a design-exibition today from the local design institute here & I have to say: most of the students do not use the recources they have! Most stuff was completely boring and most things looked very similar to each other.

Thanks for your helpful input!

Martin

[dawman]

Martin, you are correct about the daughter being the most satisfying thing.
Our Seeds are what makes life most enjoyable.
Then comes WIne, Women and Song......
Thanks Again for the envelope follower inserts for the MovEQ Family.....

Cheers.

[kensuguro]

just bought the enterprise version.. There's this sound effects synth I gotta build right away. If reaktor is awesome enough I might as well get it apart from synthmaker, but synthmaker should get the job done, and then some. It's nice at least with synthmaker the stuff can be shared, though windows only.

[MCCY]

Hallo Martin,

Schau mal da rein,

Gruß stardust

Oh, wirklich spannend!

I'm really impressed by synthmaker. It keeps my head working as it did scope before. The timefactor for solving problems is even smaller, i think.

With my first trys on a dynamic eq I'm far beyond the speed of MOVEQ+. I'm really satisfied with the way sm works. I even wrote my first 'real' code and it's surprisingly easy!

Martin

[Tau]

Nodal seems pretty cool, might give it a try...

How about this?

[MCCY]

just for testing...for me it works well, but i know its not obvious how it works. didnt test it on another daw than reaper. even for thatone i give no garanty for anything!

have fun!

Martin