Hey everyone!
This is the first big update since public launch a few weeks ago. We have made a ton of changes, big and small. The main updates are:
- A bunch of UI elements got an updated look. The main mixer ring has a new, more modern look. The hint system has been completely redone. We made a few smaller UI changes too, including changing the volume slider graphic on the balls and the way path automation looks.
- Slicing Feature. This is a fairly complex feature that will be explained better in our tutorial videos. But, essentially, it allows you to slice up a track's automation into a many smaller sections. This allows you to have the sound automated for some of the time, and then not automated for the rest. Or jump around a scene to follow a video.
- Binaural and Ambisonics Output. In version 1.0.0, we only had binaural output for both real time rendering and for downmixing the final product. Now we have 2 main modes - Binaural mode, and ambisonics mode. If you look down, and then point at the button with your right (blue) hand, you can select the mode. While in binaural mode, when you downmix, it will mix to a binaural format wave file. While in ambi mode, if you downmix, you will be presented with a menu asking whether you want to render the ambi mix down to binaural (this will take longer) or just mix down to ambi format. It is mixed down into a folder specified by the config file.
Highlights of other updates, bug fixes, and graphical fixes:
- Changed the way we render the waveform to allow super smooth zooming in/zooming out and shifting of the track.
- Updated the custom spatializer plugin for better sound spatialization. Listen in binaural mode for the best spatialization effect while mixing.
- Can now drag the ball while the tracks are playing, which is useful for listening to the spacial effect of your audio source by dragging it around your head while it is playing.
- Added a halo effect to first keyframe to help you identify where the automation will start.
- Hints are now attached to the controller, instead of placed around the screen. This new hint system is much more intuitive and will allow you to learn the controls more quickly. Hints can be disabled/enabled any time using the checkbox on the media panel.
- File mixing was completely overhauled to be faster and more efficient. Mixing for long tracks is much faster.
- Final mixed output is placed in a folder specified by the config file. The name is now based off the current date and time, to prevent previous mixes from being overwritten.
- Added beta saving/loading feature. Press “S” on the keyboard to save a scene, and “L” to load it (when there are no other tracks on the ring).
- Currently no UI exists for this feature and only one scene can be saved at a time.
- Fixed many bugs involving dragging the sound ball or keyframes around. They will now always be in range to grab, no matter how close or far away they are. Position can be reset by pointing at them and pressing the grip button with the right controller.
- Fixed inaccurate/wavy current position needle. The new mixer ring is completely flat, which allows for more precise editing.
- Can now seek while playing, and can seek by clicking on empty tracks.
- Small bug fixes in a few shaders.
- No longer opens full screen by default.
- Updated the colors (balls, keyframes, waves, ring) to make them brighter.
And many more bug fixes and performance updates.
We will be updating the tutorials on our YouTube channel soon. The new videos will show the new UI and have instructions for the new features.