Manhattan v2.0 Beta 14 Update
This update brings a number of improvements, notably for Windows 11 support - hopefully putting an elusive startup issue to bed for some users - but also includes several other additions, small UI tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements - plus some experimental new features. Sta
This update brings a number of improvements, notably for Windows 11 support - hopefully putting an elusive startup issue to bed for some users - but also includes several other additions, small UI tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements - plus some experimental new features.
Stay tuned for further updates, including new études and generative examples - as well as official Unity and Unreal integration support!
Improved Windows 11 support
This update should address issues where certain audio interfaces and drivers would prevent Manhattan starting (notably Intel HD, RealTek, and Bluetooth headsets). Some users may still have to tinker with the Audio Settings, but should now be able to at least get to them!
Basic sample import
While the full instrument/sample editor is under development, this version adds the ability to import audio files as sample-based instruments - simply add the audio files to the .zm file (which is a .zip file) and Manhattan will create instruments for them ($1, $2, etc.). If you'd like to specify their label, begin the filename with $x (replacing x with your chosen character).
More external MIDI channels
The full range of 16 MIDI channels is now available - M1 to M0 for channels 1 to 10, then MA to MF for channels 11-16 (Note: The Music Box is now Mb instead of MB).
Experimental Klang support
Klang (https://nash.audio/klang) is an extension of C++ designed for audio programming - the development of synthesisers and effects. It makes developing your own plugins faster and easier than ever before, notably when used with Klang Studio, a C++ code editor that runs inside any AU/VST DAW and allows you to live edit the source code of the running effect or synthesiser inside the plugin itself. This version of Manhattan allows you to use any Klang synth plugin installed on your system as instruments in your music, giving you unlimited control of your sound. Simply select the plugin from the instrument menu and then use "plugin.controls[0] = x" to control its parameters from code.
Minor additions, fixes, and improvements
Lots of little tweaks should make working in Manhattan better (and prettier), including improved waveform previews (now capturing all playback layers), more robust crowd-driven music video integration, scriptable channel instruments, fixes for some high DPI quirks, instability around higher channels (near 64).
Backend development
Don't let the lack of updates (sorry!) fool you - there's plenty afoot behind the scenes, laying the foundation for multiple patterns, pattern browsing, instrument and sample editing, as well as VST/AU plugin support in the standalone version.
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Please keep the feedback coming and support the project by reviewing Manhattan, liking the videos on YouTube, etc. If this release is well-received, the next will be Release Candidate 1 (RC1).
v2.0 Beta 14 Changelog: (14/11/25)
[ADD] Basic sample import support (add files to the .zm archive).
[ADD] Initial Klang synth support (requires Klang Studio).
[ADD] Channel instruments can now be set via code (channel.instrument).
[MOD] Extended MIDI out channels to 16 (was 10).
[MOD] Waveform preview now captures all playback layers.
[MOD] Improved widget control interaction.
[MOD] New help video embedding (fixes crowd-driven music examples).
[FIX] Some audio interfaces preventing startup on Windows 11.
[FIX] Instability when editing channels near 64.
[FIX] High DPI mismatches on some Windows systems.
v2.0 Beta 13 Changelog: (07/04/24)
[ADD] Global level meter and fader in Channels UI (fades smoothly to new setting).
[ADD] New dice() function for weighted probabilities.
[ADD] Code-based interpolation using "to" operator.
[ADD] Initial Steam API support (for future upgrades, DLC, achievements, etc.)
[ADD] Initial Impulse Tracker import support (patterns, samples, instruments).
[ADD] Initial support for the MuSE IO input controller.
[ADD] Open files from Windows, with .zm file association support.
[MOD] Streamlined splash screen on Windows.
[MOD] Improved Webview2 support for help on Windows.
[MOD] Metering improvements.
[MOD] Score preview now omits bass clef if not required.
[FIX] Project loading sometimes not mapping instruments correctly.
[FIX] Pattern text colour anomalies.
[FIX] IT samples sometimes imported too loud.
[FIX] Hanging notes in synthesiser eventually using up all polyphony.
[FIX] Minor graphics anomalies in horizontal mode.
[FIX] Info bar formula tooltips overflowing.
[FIX] Score rendering sometimes black.
[FIX] Unexpected behaviour when editing formulas in polyphonic channels.
