Sequent 1.3.2 Linux 32/64-bit beta: now with JACK Transport

To popular request, the roll-out of JACK Transport supporting Loomer plug-ins has begun. The initial release, a beta of Sequent, adds the following changes :

(improvement:Linux) When using the JACK audio system in standalone mode, the JACK Transport now syncs Sequent's tempo, start/stop status, and playhead location.

(improvement) Step response on the filter, distortion, pan, and delay module parameters has been significantly reduced to allow for tighter control of sequenced automation. It's a much requested change, but does have implications for backwards compatibility.

Older presets, those created with Sequent 1.3.1 and earlier, will always open with "1.3.1 Compatible Smoothing" enabled, so this change will be completely transparent to saved projects. New presets will always be created with this compatibility mode disabled. You can view, as well as change, the compatibility options under the "Options" menu.

The easiest way to hear this change is to sequence a simple filter pattern, crank the resonance up high to hear those 0df filters squeal, and a|b the sound with the old and new smoothing algorithms. 

With the old, you will heard a mild slew as the old filter's cutoff step response slowly charges between values. With the new, the step is instant, which allows for precise control of sequenced values on a step. 

(fix) The Master sequencer will now correctly follow a host's PPQ position, and restart in response to a host's transport restarting. 

(improvement) Factory presets now use a compressed pattern format, which are significantly smaller, and so improves preset loading and search times. 

Download the updates here for Linux 32-bit, or here for Linux 64-bit. 

Provided no nasty bugs manifest in these versions, I'll release corresponding Mac OS X and Windows betas next week, and a full official release sometime after. JACK Transport supporting versions of the other Loomer products will follow in due time. Enjoy!

Windows and Linux Beta Testers Wanted

We're shortly going to be entering beta with a new product, and are looking to find some enthusiastic people who would like to get early access. In exchange for a free licence: you would put the product through its paces; report any bugs you find; and offer suggestions for improvements.

If you've tested beta software before, and if you're familiar with our current product line, all the better, but it's certainly not necessary.

We're doing fine in terms of Mac OS X testers, so it is really Windows or Linux - both 32-bit and 64-bit users - who we are looking to recruit.

If you'd like to help us build a better product: contact me via the support email address at the bottom of the page, letting me know what platforms and hosts you can test on, any beta testing you've done before, and any additional information we may find relevant. I apologize in advance because I won't be able to individually reply to each submission; from past experience I know that opening up a beta to the public results in a huge influx of correspondence. So thanks in advance all who apply, and sorry to those who didn't get a place this time.

(Existing beta team need not apply again: you're still on the beta list and will be receiving your copies when beta testing officially starts in a few weeks.)

And sorry for the lack of concrete information regarding the product; unfortunately, and for the near future, it needs to be kept tightly under wraps. All I can say is, it'll be worth the wait!

Loomer RTAS plugins for Pro Tools open beta

The RTAS versions of Aspect, Manifold, and Resound are now available as an open beta for anyone to try. The 1.3 beta versions contain RTAS format plugins for Mac OS X and Windows systems running Pro Tools 7 or above. The usual caveats of beta software apply: whilst we endeavor to release as stable a product as possible, beta software should not be considered for use in unrehearsed live work. Note that the beta can be downgraded to the last stable release by running a previous installer.

And 1.3 isn't just for Pro Tools users - they also offer improvements for users of the Standalone, Audio Unit, or VST plugin versions. These include reduced CPU usage, compatibility fixes for several host specific problems, and a new A/B comparison feature.

[EDIT: Beta links removed - the official 1.3.2 releases are now available here.]

Let us know if you find any problems with the beta, or have any suggestions for new features. Post a reply here, or on our official support forum, or contact us directly via the Loomer support page.

Pro Tools beta testers wanted to test RTAS plug-ins

In addition to VST Plugin and Audio Unit formats, our products, Aspect, Manifold, and Resound, now come in RTAS formats for users of Pro Tools 7 and above, on Mac OS X (Intel and PPC) and Windows. We are looking for Pro Tools users to volunteer in helping test the new plug-in formats prior to release.

Obviously, applicants would need experience with a Pro Tools setup of some description, but other than that there are no particular requirements. Experience with our products, or indeed being a license owner, is nice, but by no means essential.

If you're interested in getting your mitts on a beta version, either post here, or contact me via the email address listed on our support page. You should provide the following information:

• Machine processor type (Intel, or PPC)
• Operating System
• Pro Tools version
• Which products you would be able to test
  
• (If applicable) Any experience with Loomer products

Thanks!