Aalto

Platform compatibility, bug fixes and optimization

.1 update of all three plugins to address some things that were broken in the recent extensive updates.

New registration system
new software PLL host sync
UTF-8 compatibility for patch and registration names
fixed an issue where the protocol type (MIDI, MPE, OSC) was not loading if the plugin editor did not exist
fixed an issue where folder or patch names starting in numbers might not appear
code signed Mac OS installer for Gatekeeper compatibility
code signed Windows installer for security and good feels
fixed a drawing problem with multiple plugin windows
fixed a problem where the sequencer would restart when its parameters were changed
fixed a problem where sequencer voices would stop after a program change

With version 1.7 of Aalto, our favorite West Coast softsynth now adds MPE support, and other improvements.

MPE stands for Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression. It's a way of using MIDI to transmit the rich, per-note expressive performances that instruments like the Haken Continuum, Seaboard, Linnstrument and of course our own Soundplane are capable of. Geert Bevin, longtime Eigenharp player and currently a software developer at Moog Music, lead the charge on this effort, and I thank him for moving things forward. You can find Geert's post with the MPE specifications here: [expressiveness.org]

Many smart and experienced people, including all us makers of new and ambitious controllers, looked over a draft of this spec and contributed changes. MPE makes sense, is easy to implement, and should be very useful. With its addition Aalto becomes one of a just a few great sound makers out there for per-note expression. I am hotly anticipating more Linnstrument+Aalto, Seaboard+Aalto sounds.

Soundplane owners have always had a great connection to Aalto over OSC. But the big deal for the Soundplane is that now, while we are still waiting for the OSC-based composition environment of our dreams, we can use ordinary DAWs to record and edit an entire Soundplane performance.

Aalto version 1.7 also brings improved Soundplane compatibility with MIDI patches, optimized animation drawing, and bug fixes. MPE support in Kaivo synthesizer will follow next month with other changes.

Fixed a problem where parameter automation was turning off due to a loop.
Fixed "ghost window" issue on close in 32-bit Live
fixed issue with AU version not loading in Live
fixed errors in OSC enabled state
fixed a possible crash in the patch converter
patch converter on VST version was generating default patches from .aupreset - fixed

Both AU and VST versions now use .mlpreset files in new JSON format
added preset converter to convert all old presets to new format
presets directory moved to ~/Music/Madrona Labs
improved speed of preset loading
fixed a problem with keyboard stealing in 64-bit VST
now saving window size state properly in compatible DAWs
fixed an issue with the oscillator and extreme pitch modulation
added OSC enable / disable and port offset (Mac OS)
sequencer now quantizes to currently selected musical scale.
fix parameter loading when no DSP is active in application (for Max/MSP and Vienna Instruments)
fixed problem with sequencer retrig
fixed defaults for envelope trigger and x vel
added defaults to make MIDI patches more compatible with Soundplane / t3d
added clearer display of multiple channels in scope dials
fixed a bug affecting MIDI timing
added multi-channel MIDI receive for voice-per-channel operation with Soundplane / t3d
fixed an issue affecting Save as... on some systems
improved graphics performance
fixed a problem that prevented MIDI program changes on some systems
fixed bug when no MIDI Programs folder was present
Scala keyboard mapping files (.kbm) now loaded if present in scales directory with same name as
scale
improved UI response for dials with only a few values
on Save as... outside normal patch directory, warn then allow anyway.
fix an issue loading patches if the home directory was renamed (Mac OS)
fixed a bug where a program change could cause t3d to stop receiving
added environment menu that contains editor and OSC settings
added "reset editor size" option in settings

Fixed an issue that was slowing down Aalto dramatically on some Windows systems.
Fixed an issue requiring a runtime support pack on some Windows systems.
Improved latency through the patcher when running at large host buffer sizes.
Aalto now draws at full resolution on Macintosh Retina Display, in compatible hosts.
Aalto is now compatible with Soundplane version 1.0 and higher.
Fix mousewheel direction on Mac OS 10.7 and higher.
Accelerated drawing to the screen on Mac OS with OpenGL.
Optimized drawing scheduling to avoid glitches, especially in Logic.
User and factory presets now share the same location.
Improved ergonomics of patcher with larger handles and smoother graphics.
Fixed a drawing problem with bipolar dials.
Improved drag ergonomics for dials.

This fixes the Logic validation problem some people were seeing on Mac OS 10.8.

Over 100 new presets
KEY module now recognizes MIDI sustain messages
fixed LFO self loop problem
SEQ: quantize now snaps to current scale in KEY module
touches over OSC / Soundplane are now quantized on release
fixed problem scanning MIDI programs in MainStage
fixed possible crash with preset menu in MainStage
fixed unison mode for OSC / Soundplane
fixed zipper noise in OSC / Soundplane input
fixed possible OSC-related crash in Ableton Live
fixed a problem with OSC / Soundplane input when UI was not open
fixed a problem loading presets with default tuning
fixed a problem where window could become stuck after maximizing

Added new patch save features:

quick save as version

save (over existing)

revert to saved

added revert to saved via MIDI (program change 128)
fixed sync problems in sequencer
fixed signal viewer cold startup in UI
restored bipolar dials in UI