ANALOG API 5 ...Beta Available

[pyerbass]

V5 b11.5 31-05-18


Not released yet - still some bug fix to do before b12
New colors, with a more balanced palette, avoiding extreme contrast. eye catching colors only when it's useful.




V5 b11 05-02-18


BETA AVAILABLE
MCP only, the rest is still from API V4
To joint the beta testing team, please send me your email adress in PM, I will send you the download link and the instructions.



V5 b10 - 31-01-18

Master layout

Separator Layout (with solo mute folders as srews, so you can use it as a folder)



V5 b09 - 01-01-18

3 more layouts:

- group & vca:
Repaer is awesome because one track can become so many things. The down side of it is that it can be misleading.
I think this is especially tricky with VCA and groups: they are not tracks, they are controlers. I think this fact can be clearer when all the unrelated fonction are taken off the layout, that's why there is no meter, routing or insert in those layouts: there is no audio or midi inside.

- midi:
Usefull when the track is only a midi source to send data to other tracks.
It can also be used as a generator track to load a multi output vsti (kontakt or any drums vst), with each outputs of the vsti sent to separated tracks
More recording related fonction apears when the track is record armed.







V5 b08 - 30-12-17

Resizable

New layouts:
- RETURN (for reverbs and delays)
- MIX SESSION: when recording is over, you can get rid of the rec related buttons. this layout can turn into a bus layout when it's a floder
- FORCED LAYOUT: recording and bus (they are a part of the main layout, but they are forced to their state of recording or bus. usefull if you want to have the bus layout witout folder)




Next on my to do list:
- midi layout
- group layout
- vca layout
- master track

V5 b07 - 23-12-17 multi layout!

There is only one layout here, but it is quite flexible:

- it turns into a bus layout when the track is a folder
- it turns into a recodring layout when the track is armed

No sws required, it is just walter lines, image shifts and many magic tricks found in the books of the white wizard, thanks to him.

Next steps are:
- master track
- more layouts (fx/midi/vca)
- resizable
- and then beta available

Once again, a this point, no aestetic choices are made






V.5 b06 - 01/12/17: big step: APIv5 is being waltered! for now only one layer, only all buttons off



V.5 b05 - 13/08/17: One step backward, two steps ahead: back to 2D (for now) redefined layout and workflow (it's officially two years since b00, and still no working version ahead! better laught about it .. i guess...)





V.5 b04 - 01/06/16: If we have to wait long, lets make it worth! ... I have no idea where I am going with this... hopefully I'll pull it off



V.5 b03 - 05/03/16: some little tweaks, and there we have a nice 32 track template to start working, the second version is with a folder structure


V.5 b02 - 02/03/16: still no esthetic choice made, all different strips


V.5 b01 - 15/09/15: no esthetic choice made, for now it's only about the layout


V.5 b00 - 24/08/15: Starting from the scratch: morking on the structure to be as close as possible from an analog console workflow.


Hi Guys,
There will be an API v5. "When?" is an ambarassing question

I was a designer student at the time I started this theming thing and now I am out in the wild as freelancer, so the side projects like this one are now difficult to keep up, So I don't know how long it will take to finish it but I will anyway!

I am really interested of what the long therm users of this API theme think and would like to see improved!

Cheers,
Pyer

[Doc Brown]

Great news! Great theme. Thanks a lot.

[kingocounty]

Cool! Love the original.

[Pinknoise]

Very nice theme I love it !
For me there are 2 things that would improve workflow when using API:
- I find myself mousing over the symbols on the TCP and MCP buttons cause I never get used to them for some reason...an alternative TCP/MCP with easier to spot buttons would be nice. Especially FX and Enveloppe. One typical FX button and one ENV button would help easier spoting when working. The symbols on the buttons are very nice and part of the API charm though but a little hard to work with IMO.

- The main toolbar I'm faster working with the usual symbols than writings.
It would be nice to have those yellow lit symbols metronome,grid,snap,etc. as alternative.

That's just me...but it's just a worflow thing that I'm used to !
Maybe some people would like that too...
Cause the theme is one of the most beautifull theme for sure to my taste.

[luk]

Looks great!

[FarBeyondMetal]

Loved the last one. The thing is, I barely bring up the master and if I do it's full screen, which your last theme was GREAT for BTW. If it helps you imagine, I use a workflow similar to Pro Tools where I am either seeing the TCP or the Mixer, never both.

That being said it would be great if you could make a fully functional TCP layout with all the buttons the default theme has with a nice long fader.



Cheers!

[jpanderson80]

Originally Posted by pyerbass

New in v5:
- better and cleaner graphic design
- MAYBE let some layouts down to focus on a perfectly crafted console layout
- MAYBE an ipad controll app with the same graphics (yes its possible with TB MIDI stuff you can load your own animated png, it's a 4$ app and the API preset would be free)
- MAYBE 3 versions: analog (the one you know), monochrome dark and monochrome white
- MAYBE anything you would have to propose,

I am really interested of what the long therm users of this API theme think and would like to see improved!

Cheers,
Pyer

Pyer,
I'm a long time Analog API theme user. In fact, it's the theme that I use 99% of the time. I really appreciate the work that you've done of the theme. It is fun to use. I have noticed a few small things that could be cleaned up. I'll type more of a reply when I get home tonight!

One quick question: are those VU meters at the top of the illustration that you posted? I just switched consoles and now I don't have VU's for every channel, I'd LOVE to have them in the DAW!

-jpanderson

[jpanderson80]

Pyer,
I work on a 27" screen and I LOVE the darker theme, while it still has a bit of texture to it. Again, thank you for your work. I really love this theme. For one reason or another I find that it is faster for my workflow. I've tried others and even Albert's PT Gold, but I always come back to API.

Here are some observations and notes. I feel almost silly writing these because I know VERY little about theming. So, if something sounds dumb, it's just me not understanding.

I don't play in the TCP much, so I'm not much help there.

As someone else mentioned, I too get confused easily by the FX/Envelope buttons. After plenty of practice, I know where the buttons are that I need, but I can't tell you what the symbols mean. On the other hand, I don't mind the Toolbar buttons at all. (Everyone is different.)

I'm not able to change the TRACK NAME to any other color. I find that it gets a bit hard to read at times. If there's a trick, please let me know!

I absolutely LOVE the choice of track styles in the MPC. The Sidecar style is my favorite because it offers a nice tall meter. I do wish that there was a "recording" preset that offered tall meters without worrying about the sends and returns being visible. (Again, If I'm being stupid, please help me here.) The Sidecar is good for this, but with multiple inputs, the Sidecar style is a little too thick for more than 12-14 inputs at a time. Maybe there's something that I'm missing.

When I turn the tiny API styled Send knobs, they don't make my sound more "analog". Just kidding... those are a really nice touch.

I just traded consoles, so now I'm missing my VU meters that I used to have on my old console. Looking at the picture above, are you looking to add VU meters to the tracks? It may be for another use, I'm just curious. I've always wondered about this and why it could not be included, along side a bar meter. Both are helpful.

I hope that helps.

[Quest The Wordsmith]

Looks incredible

[pyerbass]

Hi Guys,
thanks for your support and feedback. Right now there is only cosmetic changes in my mind, but with your advices there will be a lot more.
I was thinking to let down the sidecar mode and concentrate on more variation of the console view but as it seams more usefull than I thought I will give it a try

FYI the yellow creens are now analog vewmeters, volume and pan info will be displayed there

cheers
Pyer

[dimitris_T]

One thing i would like is less buttons on the tracks.
3 buttons to do the same (open the routing window) is not necessary.
Or the input button on the tcp. Clicking on the meter does the same.

Another thing would be a different layout for the MCP.
I think bigger faders are needed.
This is my favourite one, from REABORN DK-PRO:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wy119vlesf0b8vg/mcp.PNG


Thanks again for giving your time to improve the theme.

[pyerbass]

Hi Guys,

Apparently there is some trouble for some of you to understand pictograms... I guess there is many way to represent a function with a graphic element and maybe I haven't found the best way to do it yet.
I will try to work on better pictograms, which of them are a real problem to understand or can be easily mistaken with another one?

[Pinknoise]

It's not necessary to have 3 buttons to open up the window but, we need them to see if there are sends or receives active or if the master out is off.
If these were only lights as oppose to buttons or symbols, it would be easier to spot both the send-receive-master section and other buttons as well.
Or the send-receive-master section could have its own different look. Apollo4 IMO is perfect in this area even with very busy layouts.

Add a obvious FX window and fx enable\disable button to that and all other symbols should be pretty much easy to spot.

The designs of the layouts and symbols are esthetically perfect, they look awsome but usability has to come first IMO.

There are 2 buttons on the MCP that I don't know what they do ??....
Nothing happens when I click on them.

[Fytr41]

Hello Pyerbass,
I would like to have an option where the FX and Send/Receive pictograms are instead buttons in the style of your excellent "Tape Transport" menu buttons.
They could be unlit or lit to indicate if used.

IMHO, You have made the best dark theme with the best grouping indicator. It looks impressive on my new 2560 x 1080 monitor.

Cheers,
Colin.

[Quest The Wordsmith]

Any news on this front?

[pyerbass]

Hi,

No progress till now but always considering it. Thanks for your support and interesting advices, I will definitely take them in consideration.

As I have now my two feet in the pro world since a few years, I can't bring this project to the front raw, but it will never die!

[invalid]

The yellow screens look gorgeous!!

I think overall it just needs a little bit of a tidy up. Flatter looking icons resembling pots rather than textured pots.

The look of that panel is great!!!

[Quest The Wordsmith]

Just letting you know there's still interest in this sexy theme .

[Judders]

Originally Posted by pyerbass

Hi Guys,

Apparently there is some trouble for some of you to understand pictograms... I guess there is many way to represent a function with a graphic element and maybe I haven't found the best way to do it yet.
I will try to work on better pictograms, which of them are a real problem to understand or can be easily mistaken with another one?

Personally, I like the signal flow pictograms. They make perfect sense to me! I also like the written transport buttons.

I downloaded your API 4 theme as soon as I got Reaper, and I've never looked back!

Thanks for all your hard work on this theme

[Quest The Wordsmith]

Any progress?

[cprompt]

Originally Posted by Quest The Wordsmith

Any progress?

Another dead theme

[pyerbass]

normaly not dead, never dead! just consider that one day it will pop up, but don't wait for it, cause it can be long
see you soon! at least, not never!

[daniel88v8]

i love the pictograms

[pyerbass]

starting from the begining...

[Quest The Wordsmith]

Originally Posted by pyerbass

starting from the begining...

Does this mean we'll have a fresh new theme soon?! I'm psyched already!

[pyerbass]

well it means that I'm back on it

trying to make it more ergonomic, and closer to the actual path of the sound trhough an analog console

[Doc Brown]

Thank you for your time, effort and creativity. For the most part it doesn't go unappreciated around here.

[Judders]

This is great news!

I'm still using API v.4 in Reaper 5, but an update would be very exciting.

Curious as to what "closer to the actual path of the sound trhough an analog console" means...

[jpanderson80]

Originally Posted by Judders

This is great news!

I'm still using API v.4 in Reaper 5, but an update would be very exciting.

Curious as to what "closer to the actual path of the sound trhough an analog console" means...

Yes, what do you mean? Are you planning on doing more than the visual theme?

[Tomm]

On analog consoles, the faders, knobs, and buttons are usually layed out based on how the underlying wiring and signal path flowed. It gave engineers a logical at-a-glance understanding of how the sound traveled.

[pyerbass]

Originally Posted by Tomm

On analog consoles, the faders, knobs, and buttons are usually layed out based on how the underlying wiring and signal path flowed. It gave engineers a logical at-a-glance understanding of how the sound traveled.

Thanks tomm that's exactly what I mean by path of sound
it's already what I tried in v4 thanks to walter, but want to rearange things a little bit

[jpanderson80]

Interesting ideas, especially with the various track views. I look forward to it. This is by far my favorite theme.

[pyerbass]

HI Guys,
I am happy to be able to give you some news on this theme

THIS PREVIEW IS NOT ABOUT GRAPHICS RIGHT NOW: it's just a sketch of the layout and ergonomics, Shadows light and shaping will come later in the process.

I made a lot of experiment but I narrowed it down to thos two layouts. Any preferences? or input? does it seems user friendly to you?



EASE OF USE:
I think my main mistake in API4 was to be a bit too obsessed with the API 1608 console: the style is the same, but so is the layout of the elements.
For API5 I try to leave the 1608 away and think more about ease of use.

ROUTING MENU:
If reaper was an analogue console, what would be the inputs and outputs?
In my opinion:
IN:
- "TAPE" (the items on the track)
- "DIRECT" (the phisical inputs from your card)
- "BUSS" (the sub folder tracks, if the track is a folder)
- "AUXILIARY" (the recieved tracks)
OUT:
- "AUXILIARY" (the sends)
- "DIRECT" (the master)

So, in the input section, there is a button that toggles between TAPE and DIRECT IN... you know this function better as Monitoring

[pyerbass]

Oh and, just for fun If I can ever take time, why not?

[sostenuto]

Love it !! Is Analog API4 download going to get me the latest?

[Judders]

That's looking really good! You're obviously putting a lot of thought into this, I can see it will be a big improvement over V.4.

I like the mixer channel on the right best (post 33, not the colour schemes), except for the section between the lines from "post" to "auto", which I prefer on the left.

What does "DFT" stand for?

I'm really excited about this. I'll definitely donate something when you've finished if there is a way to do that. Your API theme is part of what makes REAPER so good for me, and this looks like it's going to be twice as good

[esosotericmetal]

Honestly, I would MUCH rather prefer the flat 'sketch' you did than a realistic 3d theme. I would pay money if that were done right actually.

[LCipher]

Originally Posted by esosotericmetal

Honestly, I would MUCH rather prefer the flat 'sketch' you did than a realistic 3d theme. I would pay money if that were done right actually.

+ oh, about 1,000,000 !!

I'm really looking for a flatter more abstract theme (think Cakewalk P5 or Tracktion) than 3D. The graphic you have up showing the layout look really nice and clear!

[sostenuto]

Tried twice tonight and analog api v4 R2 part2 will not uncompress. No issue with system as other rar ran fine. Any suggestions __ plz?

[loo]

This looks promising. Your mockups look really well thought out and legible. Do whatever you're gonna do, but I'll also say I would use the flat ones in a heartbeat. Really like the navy and grey color schemes.