Subject:Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Posted by: billybk

Date:9/3/2005 7:39:33 AM

I just got my new Frontier TranzPort and was wondering if anybody has tried programming the Frontier TranzPort to work with ACID Pro 5? Is this even possible? I would think that since the TP works with keybindings and MIDI CC messages (both of which ACID Pro 5 is capable of) that this would be feasible. Unfortunately, there are presently no preset modules setup, for ACID, like there are for many other major audio/MIDI apps (SONAR, Cakewalk Home Studio, Cubase SX, Nuendo, Reason, Pro Tools, MOTU DP4, Apple Logic, etc.).
BTW, I am using it with SONAR 4.03 module, and it is working great. I can be just about anywhere, in my 2 story house (my home studio is, in my spare bedroom upstairs), and control just about any function, via the preprogammed SONAR module or via any added MIDI keybindings, as I desire. Every DAW studio should have one, IMO. Now I can record live tracks (vocals & guitars), from my downstairs living area (with 17' vaulted ceiling) and wirelessly control, just about every aspect, of my DAW. Having the freedom to be away from your desktop DAW or laptop and be able to playback, mix and record your tracks, wirelessly is quite refreshing. Because of the realtime two-way communication, you can actually see the audio level meters, for your tracks, on the TranzPort. A pretty cool and affordable device, for $199.00, IMO. Certainly has my vote for "Most Innovative Hardware Device, of the Year" award!

So has anyone been able to use the TP, with ACID? I wonder, if an ACID Pro 5 specific module can be developed, for the TP? Now that would be awesome!

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:9/3/2005 8:32:47 AM

Very interesting device to say the least. They mention that basic MIDI implementation is possible, but I'm not sure as I don't have one myself.

Iacobus
-------
RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid
Buy Instant ACID by JohnnyRoy and mD!
mD at ACIDplanet

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: billybk

Date:9/3/2005 9:51:51 AM

Okay, ACID Pro 5 recognizes the TranzPort as a valid MIDI device, under the MIDI tab, in Preferences. I am able to make the TP available for MIDI I/O, but since ACID does not have a "MIDI Learn" feature and I don't know how to program an ACID Pro specific plugin module, for the TP, there is not much you can do currently, it seems. Hmmm.......I think an extensive MIDI learn feature, in ACID Pro would be a worthwhile improvement. That way you could easily program many third party MIDI control devices/surfaces (like the TranzPort, which works with MIDI learn), to ACID parameters and transport functions.

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:9/3/2005 11:26:05 AM

> but since ACID does not have a "MIDI Learn" feature and I don't know how to program an ACID Pro specific plugin module,

As you have found out, ACID cannot be controlled via MIDI. Vegas can, but ACID can’t. Add your voice by putting in a product suggestion that a future version of ACID support MIDI control like Vegas does.

~jr

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: drbam

Date:9/3/2005 12:21:48 PM

"As you have found out, ACID cannot be controlled via MIDI. Vegas can, but ACID can’t"

So are suggesting that TranzPort would work with Vegas?

Thanks,

drbam

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:9/3/2005 12:24:15 PM

> So are suggesting that TranzPort would work with Vegas?

Yes it should. Vegas has the MIDI Learn function that Billy is talking about. Does anyone here have a Tranzport control and Vegas? Billy?

~jr

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: billybk

Date:9/3/2005 2:34:45 PM

Yes, I just tried using the MIDI learn feature, in Vegas. Although, you can assign various functions to the TP controls, it certainly does not replace a properly designed host specific TranzPort plugin module.
Also, with a properly designed host specific plugin module you have two-way realtime bi-directional communication between the TP device and the host app. You don't get that with just using the MIDI learn, at least not in Vegas.
For instance, with the SONAR plugin module, you have realtime visual feedback, on the TP LED screen. You have a nice active LED volume meter, for the selected track. You can see the active tracks name, Pan position & volume level. There is also a numerical readout of the current now time. Which can be configured to show in either, M:B:T, H:M:S:F or Samples. You don't get any of that with MIDI learn, just a blank screen. Not too good if you are in another room or away for the monitor screen.
Also, using the SONAR plugin module, as a reference, there are dozens of commands and functions, that use various modifier keys, on the TP. Not only the Shift key, but also the Stop key is used as a modifier. There are many other navagational functions, like simply moving from track to track, or track to bus, or 8 tracks at a time, if you have dozens of tracks, that you simply can't program with MIDI learn.
For basic functions, the MIDI learn will suffice, but I think you would still need a properly designed host specific TP plugin module to take advantage of the uniqueness, of a given app and have that visual feedback, instead of a black screen.

Click on the top photo, of the TranzPort, on this webpage to see what I mean by realtime visual feedback. Much better than looking at a blank screen, right?

http://www.frontierdesign.com/Products/TranzPort/Photos

OBTW, FWIW, I would like to see Sony, get on the bandwagon and join the ranks, of the many supported apps, with host specific TranzPort plugins, of their own. Vegas, Sound Forge & ACID would seem like prime candiates, to me. :-P

Subject:RE: Frontier TranzPort & ACID Pro 5?

Reply by: billybk

Date:9/4/2005 8:40:11 AM

Hey, here is a bit, of good news. While perusing the Frontier Designs TranzPort support forum, I found this lovely little thread, from a few months ago:


John Page wrote:
Using the MC mode with Vegas 6.0, basic functions work great getting it to dispaly time would be great ( if someone knows how to to that please let me know) A specific DLL would be great, know you guys are busy, just add it to the list of things to do (:


Hi John,
We are in contact with the Vegas developers at Sony and hope to announce support soon. Feel free to politely let Sony know your desire for this, too!

BarryB (Frontier Support)


So.......it appears that Frontier & Sony, are at least talking. :)
By all means, let's get custom plugins for ACID Pro & Sound Forge, as well !!! :-P

I will be posting to Sony software support to voice my desires, for these plugins, as well.


Billy Buck