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Polac VST Loaders for Jeskola Buzz
Version: 1.1b
Author: Frank Potulski
Contact: polac@gmx.de
Website: http://www.xlutop.com/buzz/
Installation |
Since even some more experienced Buzz users might be getting in trouble with the installation of all .dll's "shipping" within the package, the files need to be placed like this:
Buzz\Gear\Machines.dll
Buzz\Gear\Generators\Polac VSTi 1.1.dll [VST Instrument Loader]
Buzz\Gear\Effects\Polac VST 1.1.dll [VST Effect Loader]
Buzz\Gear\Effects\Polac Out.dll [for multiple output support]
Buzz\Gear\Effects\Polac MIDI In.dll[->for additional midi in devices]
Important: without the Machines.dll the loaders won't work properly!
You've got to modify your Buzz\Gear\index.txt in order to access VST Plugins from the right-mouse click menu.
*Polac VSTi 1.1, [PVSTi]VST Instruments
*Polac VST 1.1, [PVST]VST Effects
The Polac Out.dll and Polac MIDI In doesn't need a specific index.txt entry in order to work.
Once you're done with this procedure, you're almost done. The only thing left to do is telling *BOTH* Polac Machines (VST & VSTi) which directories are scanned for vst plugins. Just place an instance of BOTH loaders into your Buzz setup, right-click them and choose "Preferences" from the menu. A new window will open and ask you to specify your VST plugin resources. The loaders will scan the choosen paths recursive (invoking subdirectories) once you're done with setting things up and press the "OK" button. The procedure stated above needs to be done ONCE for BOTH loaders. If you succeeded you'll now be able to load your VST plugin of choice from within the usual right-click menu in the machine view.
Congrats! You're done with the installation.
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Parameters and Attributes |
A short description of all parameters and attributes. Many of these parameters and attributes can also be accessed in the settings view(just open the loader window).
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Global Parameters |
Dry Out |
If you are using the VST Loader, this parameter controls the dry output volume. |
Wet Out |
This parameter controls the wet output volume. |
Panning |
Sets the panning position of the Wet Out signal. |
Global Command |
Nine global commands available:
- 00: Transpose
- 01: Tempo Sync
- 02: Trigger Seq
- 03: Bypass
- 04: Morph: Prg A
- 05: Morph: Prg B
- 06: Global Inertia
- 07: Vel Commands
- 08: Dly Commands
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Global Command Value |
Sets the global command value. You can find a detailed global command description below. |
Program |
Selects a program of a VST(i). Only visible in pattern view. |
Track Parameters |
Note |
Note. |
Note Velocity |
Sets the velocity of a note. |
Note Delay |
Position of the note in a row/tick. |
Note Cut |
Cuts the note between two ticks.
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Track Command |
14 track commands are available:
- 00: Retrigger
- 01: ArpUp
- 02: ArpDown
- 03: Legato Mode
- 04: Chord
- 05: Slide Up/Down
- 06: LFO Trigger
- 07: LFO
- 08: LFO Settings
- 09: MIDI Message
- 0A: Mute Track
- 0B: Inertia
- 0C: All Notes Off
- 0D: Program Change/Bank Select
- Cx: Global Commands
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Track Command Value |
Sets the track command value. You can find a detailed track command description below. |
Track Parameter |
Sets the VST parameter you want to control. Also Pitchbend, MIDI CC, Mono/Polyaftertouch can be selected. |
Track Parameter Value |
Sets the value of the controlled parameter. |
MIDI Channel |
MIDI Channel selection. |
Attributes |
MIDI In Channel |
Sets the receiving MIDI Channel(0=all). |
MIDI Out Channel |
Specifies transmitting MIDI Channel(0=all). |
MIDI Velocity Slope |
Velocity sensitivity. |
MIDI Velocity Min |
Sets the velocity low value. |
MIDI Velocity Max |
Sets the velocity high value. |
MIDI Transpose |
Transposes the incoming MIDI notes. |
MIDI: Receive Note |
Enables/disables MIDI note receipt. |
MIDI: ReceiveCC |
Enables/disables MIDI CC receipt. |
Quantisation |
Note quantisation while recording.
0=OFF
1=1
2=1/2
3=1/3
4=1/4
5=1/5
6=1/6
7=1/8
8=1/12
9=1/16
10=1/32
11=1/64
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Quantisation Note Off |
Enables/disables the note off quantisation. Quantisation must be set before, otherwise enabling note off quantisation will affect nothing. |
Record Note Off |
Enables/disables note off recording. |
Keyzone Lo |
Keyzone Lo. |
Keyzone Hi |
Keyzone Hi. |
Velocityzone Lo |
Velocityzone Lo. |
Velocityzone Zone Hi |
Velocityzone Zone Hi. |
Global Commands |
Pattern Transpose |
00 00xx
xx(0-30): Transpose in semitones (x-24). |
Tempo Sync |
01 xxxx
xxxx(0-200):
0: Loader sends Buzz tempo to VST(i)
1-200: Loader sends selected tempo to VST(i)
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Trigger Seq |
02 xxxx
xxxx(0-FFFE):
0: Stops sequence playback.
1-FFFE: Triggers sequence on measure x-1.
Note: This note effect is useful for a couple like Reaktor or Fruityloops. You can jump to a certain song position with this command.
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Bypass |
03 000x
x(0-1):
0: Bypass disabled
1: Bypass enabled |
Morph: Prg A |
04 xxxx
xxxx(0-FFFE):
Sets program A(for program morphing purpose). You can morph programs in the track parameter column(30FB: Morph Programs). |
Morph: Prg B |
05 xxxx
xxxx(0-FFFE):
Sets program B(for program morphing purpose). You can morph programs in the track parameter column(30FB: Morph Programs). |
Global Inertia |
06 xxxx
xxxx(0-FFFE):
Sets the inertia for all tracks(x/256 ticks). |
Vel Commands |
07 0xyy
x(0-2):
0: Humanize Velocity yy(0-7F): controls humanize amount
1: Quantize Velocity yy(0-0F): quantises to velocity/y
2: Constant Velocity yy(0-7F): sets velocity constant to y
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Dly Commands |
08 0xyy
x(0-2):
0: Humanize Delay yy(0-7F): controls humanize amount
1: Quantize Delay yy(0-0F): quantises to tick/y
2: Constant Delay yy(0-FF): sets delay constant to y/16 tick
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Track Commands |
Retrigger |
00 xy0z
x(0-F): Retriggerlength
y(0-1):
0: Retriggerlength 1/(x+1) Ticks
1: Retriggerlength x+1 Ticks
z(0-F): Number of Retriggers
Note cut still influences here the note length, relative to retriggerlength/number of retriggers.
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ArpUp
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01 abyz
a(0-F): Arpeggiolength a+1 Ticks
b(0-F): Number of steps
y(0-F): Second Note
z(0-F): Third Note
Note Cut still influences here the note length, relative to arpeggiolength/number of steps.
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ArpDown
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02 abyz
a(0-F): Arpeggiolength a+1 Ticks
b(0-F): Number of steps
y(0-F): Second Note
z(0-F): Third Note
Note Cut still influences here the note length, relative to arpeggiolength/number of steps.
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Legato Mode
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03 xxxx
xxxx(0-FFFE): Note Overlap
Useful for VSTi's with glide/portamento mode. If this Track Command is set, the previous note glides to the current.
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Chord
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04 wxyz
w(0-F): Second chord note(unused if 0).
x(0-F): Third chord note(unused if 0).
y(0-F): Fourth chord note(unused if 0).
z(0-F): Fifth chord note(unused if 0).
Quite useful for some lazy people.
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Slide Up/Down
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05 xxyy aaaa bbbb
xx(0-7F): slide start point.
yy(0-7F): slide end point.
aaaa(0-30FF): the param you want to slide
bbbb(0-7FFF): slide speed b/256 tick.
Slides the selected track parameter.
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LFO Trigger
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06 xxyy
xx(0-FF): LFO Rate
yy(0-FF): LFO Depth
Starts the LFO,resets LFO.
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LFO(free run)
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07 xxyy
xx(0-FF): LFO Rate
yy(0-FF): LFO Depth
Starts the LFO without resetting.
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LFO Settings
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08 0xyz
x(0-f): LFO Phase/Offset
y(0-1): LFO Mode
0: Hz
1: Tick
z(0-5): LFO Shape
0: Sine
1: Square
2: Saw Up
3: Saw Dowm
4: Triangle
5: LFO Shape: Random
Track-dependant LFO Settings.
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MIDI Message
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09 xxyy
xx(0-FF): MIDI Message #
00-7F: CC 0-7F
80-FD: user-defined MIDI Message
FE: Pitch Bend Range
FF: Pitch Bend
yy(0-FF): Value
The MIDI Messages can be edited: ->Default Valus->Midi Messages.
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Mute Track
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0A 000x
x(0-1): mute/unmute track
Mutes/unmutes the track, Mute track will only disable the note playback on the track, the parameter automation is not influenced by this track command.
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Inertia |
0B xxxx
xxxx(0-FFFE): Track-dependant Inertia, x/256 Ticks. |
All Notes Off |
0C 000x
x(0-1): Sends a note off for all active pattern notes.
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Program Change |
0D xxyy
xx(0-7F): Bank Select.
yy(0-7F): Program Change |
Global Commands |
Cx yyyy
Cx(0-9): Global command selection.
yyyy(0-FFFE): See above how to use the respective global command.
Useful if you want to use more than one global command in a row. |
Hotkeys |
There are some hotkeys defined.
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Hotkeys |
^ |
Switch between the buzz mainwindow and the previously active window. |
CTRL+Backspace |
Center loader window. |
Left/Right |
Next/previous program. |
Page Up/Down |
Midi Transpose: Octave up/down. If CTRL is held semitone up/down. |
SPACE |
Minimizes the loader window. |
SHIFT |
parameter list: enables the parameter fine adjustment. |
TAB |
Windows styled cycling through all opened loader instances. |
CTRL+TAB |
Cycles through the views of a loader window. |
CTRL+Return |
Activates/Deactivates the overwrite mode. |
F2 |
GUI view. |
F3 |
Paramlist view. |
F4 |
Settings view. |
CTRL+F8 |
Bypass On/Off. |
F9 |
Enables/disables MIDI CC receipt. |
F10 |
Enables/disables MIDI note receipt. |
CTRL+F11 |
Show/Hide all loader windows. |
F12 |
All Notes Off(MIDI Reset). |
Loader Window and Menus |
If you have successfully loaded a plugin you can open the loader window. Three views are available: GUI view, the paramlist view and the settings view. There are several menus:
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Machine Menu |
Open... |
Loads a plugin via open dialog. |
Plugins> |
All vst plugins which could be found in the selected directories. |
Editor... |
Opens the loader window. |
MIDI Send... |
There are a couple of plugins which are midi only, which means they are producing midi events. These events can be sent to other machines to control them with these events(Trollo, QuickKeys, MoCon...-plugins). |
Preferences... |
Default settings for attributes and a couple of other things. Here you can configure the loader startup values. |
About... |
Blabla... |
Presets Menu |
Load... |
Loads a complete bank or a single program. You can import presets from Cubase, Logic as well as Orion. |
Save... |
Saves a complete bank or a single program. You can save the presets as FXP or FXB. |
Rename... |
Renames the active program. |
Copy |
Makes a copy of the active program. |
Paste |
Pastes a previously copied program to the active program. |
Preset Factory... |
You're too lazy, stupid or not just in the mood to create a complex preset yourself? You don't need to - let the Preset Factory handle that for you! |
Programs |
All programs of a bank are listed here. A couple of plugins will have its own program management, therefore these programs cannot be displayed here. |
Learn Menu |
Auto Learn |
If enabled, all touched controls in the vst gui get assigned to buzz sliders - track by track, one after another (until the last available track slider has been reached). |
Learn MIDI CC |
Necessary to make the loader recognize vst plugins which use the Midi CC method for controller automation. |
Clear Params |
Wipes all learned parameters. |
Save as Default |
Writes an .dat containing all learned parameters of a plugin. These settings will be automatically used if you load the plugin. |
Restore Default |
Reverts all changes to the saved defaults. |
Learned Parameter List |
Shows the list of all available tracks and their learned VST parameters. |
View Menu |
GUI |
Shows the VST plugins' gui (default view). |
Parameter List |
A schematic listing of all available VST plugin parameters. |
Settings |
All loader settings (as found in the machine attributes) can be found here as well besides a number of track dependant things (track selector, LFO...). |
MIDI: Receive Note |
Enables/disables the MIDI note receipt. |
MIDI: Receive CC |
Enables/disables the MIDI CC receipt. |
Bypass |
Bypass on/off. |
All Notes Off |
Sends a "all notes off" to plugin. |
GUI View |
The default view once a plugin is loaded into the Polac machines. A double-right-click on a VST or VSTi instance will open it.
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Parameter View |
A list view showing all parameters of the loaded VST plugin. All parameters can be edited here as well. Use SHIFT+Leftmouse for fine tuning values. To the left of each paraemeter you'll find a button. You can select/deselect here a parameter for randomizing or morphing purpose(preset factory).
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Settings View |
Surely the most important section of the loader besides the vst gui. There are a couple of sections here:
Track Settings:
- Track Selector: Here you can select a track for record, mute a track.
-Leftclick: (de)selects track for recording
-DoubleLeftclick: (de)selects all tracks
-CTRL+Leftclick: (un)mutes track.
-CTRL+DoubleLeftclick: (un)mutes all tracks
-Rightclick: selects active track(track settings)
- Overwrite: When enabled, the pattern data will be overwritten during recording. You can optionally keep the automation or non-automation data(rightclick the overwrite button). Overwrite can be optionally toggled via CC64, quite useful if using a foot switch.
- Inertia: Used in order to smooth parameter automation changes. 0.00 ticks might occur steppy (depending on the plugin), above 1 isn't very responsible for live purposes but can be used for making long parameter movements easier. A good, responsive default is 0.50 ticks.
- LFO Shape: Available waveforms as LFO Shape:
-Sine
-Square
-Saw Up
-Saw Down
-Triangle
-Random
- LFO Mode: The track LFO's can operate with a HZ or tick related measure.
- LFO Phase: Sets the starting point for each LFO.
- Assigned Parameter/CC: Shows the list of all available vst plugin parameters. Can be used to assign vst parameter to a track parameter by simply selecting it. The value slider can be directly linked to a midi cc as well as its value range can be customized. A right-mouse click on it opens the regarding menu.
- Midi Channel: Specifies the Midi Channel that is used for each track (!ATTENTION! Not to be confused with the Global Midi Channels!).
MIDI Settings:
- In Channel: MIDI Channel that is beeing used by Loader instance to listen for incoming MIDI events.
- Out Channel: MIDI Channel that is used by Loader to sent MIDI events.
- Transpose: Transposition of incoming notes by value(note).
- Velocity Slope: Velocity sensitivity.
- Velocity Min: Sets the minimum velocity.
- Velocity Max: Sets the maximum velocity.
- Quantize: Determines the quantisation raster of incoming midi events for recording and ONLY for recording. Changes made after recording don't have an effect.
- Quantize NoteOff: If this switch is enabled, NoteOff events are quantized as well.
- Record NoteOff: Enables/disables note off recording.
- MIDI Mode: Mode A can be referred as "standard" mode. Incoming MIDI events will be used by all VST Loader instances which have Midi enabled. Mode B will only enable Midi for the highlighted VST Loader instance.
Global Settings:
- Dry Out(PVST only)
- Wet Out
- Panning
- Transpose: Global transposition of all notes for playback.
- Tempo Sync: If Buzz is enabled, Buzz' master tempo will be used for the VST loader tempo syncronisation. In case you're working with tempo changes (e.g. shuffle using master tempo changes) it's quite handy to lock the loaders' tempo manually.
- Link Dry/Wet(PVST only): If enabled, dry out and wet out can be controlled with only one slider.
Compatibility Settings:
- VST Keys: If enabled the loader sends keystrokes to the plugin(Beast, Claw, FM7).
- Constant Blocksize(PVSTi only): The loader calls process() with a constant blocksize(helpful for a couple of plugins like Tassman, Anamark, PPG, Reaktor).
- Save Bank To Song: All Programs of a VST(i) are saved to the buzzsong.
- Save Prg To Song: Only the selected program of a VST(i) is saved to the buzzsong. A couple of plugins will cause problems on bank saving(Delay Lama, FFX4, some Synthedit plugins), so this has to be enabled.
Miscellaneous Settings:
- Automation Mode:
-Normal: if activated, the loader records automation data as long as you move the fader/knob.
-Touchfader: if activated, the loader records automation data as long as the fader/knob is held, even if you stop the movement.
- Virtual Keyboard: If enabled, the pc keyboard can be used to send midi notes to the vst plugin.
- MIDI Mode: Mode "User-Defined" can be referred as standard mode. Incoming MIDI events will be used by all VST Loader instances which have Midi enabled. Mode "Active Editor" will only enable Midi for the highlighted VST Loader instance. Mode "All Editors" will enable Midi for all vst's with opened editors.
- Refresh Button: use this to update the settings view.
- Morph: Here you can select the programs for morph purpose. If some programs are selected you can select "Morph Prgs" in the "Track Parameter" combo box. The slider movement can be recorded to track parameter colums now.
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Multi-out VST's |
If a VST has multiple outputs, you can use the Polac Out to access these outputs. The picture below shows how you have to connect the machines. Polac Out will detect the connected machine. Doubleclicking this machine will open a dialog showing up all available outputs of the connected VST.
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Multi-in VST's |
If a VST has more than two inputs, a dialog will automatically pop up when a new machine is connected to the loader. All available inputs are listed in this dialog, you only have to choose the appropiate inputs.
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Additional MIDI In Devices |
You can use the Polac MIDI In machine to make other machines able to receive midi data also from other midi devices than the buzz default midi device. See below how to use this machine:
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Midi Send |
In the loader rightclick menu is an entry called "MIDI Send". A couple of plugins are generating midi. These midi events can be directly sent to other loader instances to control them with these midi events. Only if a plugin is a "midi generator", the midi send dialog will shop up other loader instances where to send the events.
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Assigning Parameters(Learn Menu) |
Up to 128 VST parameters can be controlled simultanously, depending on the number of tracks. VST parameters/MIDI CCs can be assigned in this way:
- Open the GUI/Params window.
- (a) Open the Learn menu and select a track you want to assign with a VST parameter/MIDI CC. If you want to learn a MIDI CC also enable "Learn MIDI CC".
(b) Open the Learn menu and select Auto Learn. If you want to learn a MIDI CC also enable "Learn MIDI CC".
- Now you only have to move a Fader/Knob/Button, in most cases the parameter is learned now. Alternatively you can move a Controller/Pitchbend of your masterkeyboard or faderbox to learn them.
Several Notes:
- there are a couple of plugins that cannot be assigned to a track in this way. So you have assign the VST parameters manually(=>Parameters...).
- you can unbind a parameter by rightglicking on a learned parameter in the parameter list.
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Midi Message Editing |
Midi messages can be used via track command 07. Predefined midi messages are:
00-7F: MIDI CC
FE: Pitch Bend Range
FF: Pitch Bend
Messages [80] to [FD] are undefined. To edit the midi messages, right-click the loader, open the Default Values... dialog, click the midi message button. This will open the midi message.ini in your texteditor. A short example how to edit the midi message.ini:
All is numbered from [00]-[FF], here we are editing midi message [FE].
[FE] Bn 64 00,Bn 65 00,Bn 06 xx //Pitch Bend Range
n: A byte with n will be combined with the track midichannel
xx: the variable value
//: Comment.
Each byte has to be separated from the other bytes with either a space, tab or comma. Three bytes will give one midi event. |
Preset Factory |
You're too lazy, stupid or not just in the mood to create a complex preset yourself? You don't need to - let the Preset Factory handle that for you!
The Preset Factory allows you to create new sounds in 3 ways:
- Morphing:
The morph slider will, generally spoken, take preset A, B and linearly blend between both. If there wasn't the Mode setting above. "ALL" will really just do the blend-job, but then it get's interesting again. "Selected" will only touch the parameters which are selected in the parameter list (F3). "Not selected" does the same with all non-selected parameters. "Learned" only affects the vst parameters that have been assigned to buzz parameters. "Not learned" vice versa.
- Genetics ("Breed"):
The genetics slider determines the amount of vst parameters that will be taken from both presets. It doesn't change the preset unless you press the "Breed!" button. Once it's pressed, it takes the specified amount of (random!) vst parameters to create a new sound. Of course, you can point out which parameters may be used for this procedure using the Mode as in the morphing.
To make it easier for you:
E.g. your plugin has got 10 vst parameters and you don't move the genetics slider, 5 parameters from both selected presets will remain in the new preset. Which exact parameters are used is Breed!'s choice (random).
- Randomize:
Good old-fashioned patch randomizing. You can specify the amount of randomization by enabling the % range. The Mode is enabled for usage with randomizing as stated above.
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Preferences |
Here you can configure the loader startup settings. Also the vst directories can be configured here. The preferences dialog can be accessed via the machine menu(rightclick on loader).
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Attributes |
MIDI In Channel MIDI Out Channel MIDI Velocity Slope MIDI Velocity Min MIDI Velocity Max MIDI Transpose MIDI: Receive Note MIDI: Receive CC Quantize Quantize Note Off Record Note Off |
Misc. |
Other things which can be configured as you like:
Virtual Keyboard Midi In Mode Caption Text Inertia Tracks VST Keys Constant Blocksize(PVSTi) Link Dry/Wet(PVST) Show Preset Numbers Plugin Menu: Columns Plugin Menu: Separators Overwrite Automation Mode Save To Song |
VST Directories |
If you start the loader for the first time, it will be automatically scanned for plugins in your default vst directory. If existent this directory will show up here. You can also add other directories to scan here. Rescan all will do a complete rescan of all directories listed here. |
Plugin Issues |
Only working properly, if "constant blocksize" is enabled:
- AAS Tassman
- Waldorf PPG2
- Anamark Anamark LE
- reFX Beast
- JasonSynth Rebel
- Synapse Audio Junglist
Only working properly, if "save prg to song" is enabled:
- Delay Lama
- FFX4/FFX16
- 'Land Of Cockaigne' VST's
- BloodOverdrive
Crash, boom, zap:
- TobyBear VSTChess, Decimator, Screamer on opening the editor.
- Jørgen Aase Audiosynth
- Rumpelrausch Täips Crazy Diamonds occasionally "explodes".
- with Xverb it's quite the same thing.
- Waldorf Attack crashes on saving a fxb or a buzzsong. You can avoid this by opening the gui before saving(->reproducable on other hosts).
- reFX Beast, Claw: crash if tempo sync <10BPM.
- some plugins are leaking(Freesonic, Albino etc.), crash is always possible.
- certain plugin combinations may also cause a crash, so be careful :)
Do not open multiple instances of these plugins:
- mda Degrade
- Cloneensemble BassChorus
- FMHeaven
Plugins supporting VST Keys:
- reFX Beast
- reFX Claw
- reFX Plasticz
- NI FM7
- NI Pro52
- NI Kontakt
- DashSynthesis daHornet
There are some plugins which will crash on using the "Preset Factory", especially the TobyBear plugins, so try to avoid randomizing here. |
Thanks To... |
Thomas Potulski - for programming help and tips
Ronny Pries - for lots of ideas and help, help on this manual, beta testing, for being sort of project manager ;)
Ulf Schreiber - for suggestions and help with the machines.dll
Cameron Bonde - for tons of feature suggestions and beta testing
CyanPhase - for the great buzz tutorials
ld0d - for some help on the vst menus in the machine menu
djlaser - for tips and suggestions
P. DooM - for the buzzhack sourcecode
Also big thanks to all on the beta list:
.tOm, ps, Wayfinder, Matthew Jackson, WakaX, Mute, Ed Powley, Rolf Kohl, Mva, Boneyhands and the rest I forgot here.
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Legal Notice |
Polac VSTi Loader, Polac VST Loader, Polac Out and Polac MIDI In © 2002/03 Frank Potulski.
These buzzmachines are FREEWARE. They may be redistributed freely, as long as the .dll files are provided with this documentation. You're not authorized to sell them by any way.
VST is a trademark of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH
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