Access Music User Forum

It's a very simple request, there have been so many awesome updates and additions to the Ti line OS, that Access should really update the manual with all the extra features put in their proper place so that it's easy to find each relevant section. It's simply stupid not to. When I think about buying a piece of gear, I download the manual to see if it's worth it to me. I wonder how many potential Virus buyers downloaded the manual not knowing that there are tons of little update files that show the true value of this synth? There are a handful of features that are not obvious, and require reading the manual - so update the manual already!

Other than that, I would say the next big step is to overhaul the plug-in GUI. It's software, so it can be anything with any layout you want. You should be able to clearly see all signal paths, with flashing lights that indicate signal modulation, and clear indications of what is doing that modulating. If the filter mode is changed - change the layout so that it now visually represents what the filters are doing to the signal, and what type of signal is coming out of those filters afterwards. Software instruments have the most unused potential of any software I've ever seen. There is no reason to stick with emulations of hardware set ups if a new clearly designed set up can do so much more. Having said that, some vintage synths have a clear signal path laid out with their knob assignments, and if it makes sense, then improve on that. Make the layout of the controls related directly to where they fit into the signal path. I know there are lots of people used to how the VST GUI works and they can get the results they want without much fuss. But one of the fun things about the virus is creating random patches! However deciphering how those patches work, is no fun at all - but it doesn't have to be that way, the software should make it obvious what is going on and what each element does to create the whole patch.

The sound of software synths has caught up to the analog hardware (in my mind anyway - I'm prepared for the old fart haters). It's all about the interface now.
Why do people prefer knobs all over their synths? Control, ease of use, fun to use interface. That's where software needs to go. No more tiny tiny lights.

I'm ranting now.
I'll stop.
The company that makes the best plug-in GUI is going to own the future of software instruments.
But ignore all that - just a new manual please.

S.

I just downloaded the most recent manual for the Snow, which had newer items from updates in the table of contents, but not actually in the manual. So it looks like it's updated to OS 3.0 because things like the frequency shifter are listed, however those OS 3.0 features listed in the table of contents are not in the body of the manual. That's just bad organization, confusing and stupid.

Once again I say, please give us a proper manual.