Clip Launch - Randomize, and other needed features

[lokeyfly]

So, Im working on a song, and two-thirds in, I've got this groove going on.
It's just a jazzy kind of pocket that anyone could easily just jam on. Be it piano, a Fender Rhodes, a horn solo, etc.

I took about 6 arranger track parts (each 16 measures long), and they maintain this groove, or pocket if you will. In a few places Ive made embellishments, and strings that add to the groove. I then sent the Arrangement parts as they are, to the clip launcher. Ala 6 scenes (each acting as an arrangement).


Suggestion: What would be the icing on the cake would be to provide in any or all clips and scene cubes, a randomize feature. That, and even some percentage refence that activates play based on X amount of passes. Perhaps 30%, 65%, and such to allow the jam to breath its own life into the rotation.
Sure, one or 5 launcher cells could provide that unique sequence to play, but it would be so much tidier (and fun) to implement a random feel on its own!

Anyone using Stepic, or some randomize feature know how useful this can be. Studio One's Clip Launch really does need an update now on what are some very basic yet powerful improvements.

Feel free to support, add to, or include your own suggestion as to how randomize could be utilized in such a scenario.
Put your jam cap on!

I'm seeing it as when you right click on a clip launch box, a dice symbol with both an on/off check box, and a percentage field to its right.
.i.e
•Loop
•One Shot
•Randomize (with %)

Thoughts, praises, boo's, whatever....

 

[Vocalpoint]

I need

Consolidate
Double Clip Size
Half Clip Size
Set Clip Length (input)
AND - Stop ALL Cells as an easy to see, easy to assign OR even standard shortcut

Cannot begin to explain how many times I have suddenly "lost" the ability to play just a single cell - without a host of others joining in.

VP

 

[sintil8]

Clip functions and all the above so far

Number of cycles a clip will play for, then/... the functions below takes over

Play next
----- Previous
----- Last
----- Random
----- Next group (jumps over empty clip spaces)
----- Previous Group (jumps back)
----- Do nothing

All of the above as a master function for the Scenes as well.

Ability to remove the play or record option from slots, the last slot keeps playing until a scene has a play or record option enabled in it is selected.
Saves having to keep duplicating clips.

I have more, but hey, lets not be greedy

Regards

 

[Davey]

I'm really hoping they develop the clip launcher further but they have a bit of a chequered history when it comes to revisiting things.

 

[lokeyfly]

All excellent points and contributions, and yes, there's a bit of a checkered past on revisiting some Studio One available, yet unfinished tools. The chorder, and arpegiator come to mind.
For now, and with some very good suggestions already made, maybe we could "can" these ideas, and move those chips to the center of the table. Hopefully, to get the results we're looking for, avoiding bits and pieces which could take years in the making.

After Vocalpoint's additions, I started thinking the exact same points by sintil8 in the way of previous and next. Even [nothing] came to mind, or skip (by however many). Awesome feedback by all.

Now imagine with these very useful operations, we somehow color code them for user visability. So the outer clip launch shell of the cell maintains its identity. Basically, where it came from, dragged in from the related arrangement/track event. Only now by right clicking and selecting the above operations mentioned, there's some inner color bar, or tick mark that provides any of those choices to be seen at a glance from the overall clip launch matrix.
So a simple example could be, one might see 32 clips (cells). 6 of those clips have a blue tick within, signifying [randomize].
3 clips with a yellow tick displaying [next]. 1 clip ticked red [stop]. 1 clip has an orange tick, for [half clip size].
Therefore, such operations can be viewed from the whole outer matrix of 32 clips. That might be asking too much, but if we're on the ground floor, let's implement what could be very natural to view for the user. After all, events have symbols on the bottom left, so why shouldn't clip launch cells?
If symbols are some better means of doing the same thing, so be ir. I just mention color (ticks) as an example. If an operation limit is required such as 3 or 4 maximum per cell allowed, that's understandable. The idea would be to have clip launch cells provide added choices and have that be as visual as possible.

So along with existing:
Copy and paste (per clip)
•Loop
•One Shot

There also could be:
Randomize (with %)
Consolidate
Double Clip Size
Half Clip Size
Set Clip Length (input)
Stop ALL, and Return To

Add to that: (Play next)
----- Previous
----- Last
----- Next group (jumps over empty clip spaces)
----- Previous Group (jumps back)
----- Do nothing

To later be tweaked, but as a general guide, the above operations could be added.

Hey, Presonus......
Let's light this candle. [Alan Shepard in the movie "The Right Stuff"]

 

[Vocalpoint]

Another thing I wanted to ask the crew here - I am assuming that a Launcher cell has NO ability to record "takes" - like we can in the standard timeline?

I frequently find myself IN Launcher Exclusive mode and when the track has a few cells that start sounding good together and I decide to "record" into a new cell - the first take is usually a wart filled bomb and no where near where I need it to be - so it becomes one giant kluge to stop the cell, clear the cell, rerecord the cell, then edit the actual MIDI by double clicking the cell and so on.

Would love it if the cell simply looped around, restarted my metronome count in, activated Record and let me go at it again and again and again - until perfected.

Given the whole point of the Launcher is a panacea of looping cells - this seems like a no brainer to me. But I can also see right away how this function would need a "Set Clip Length" option - since right now - a cell just simply keeps recording with no ability to know when to stop or loop around.

VP

 

[lokeyfly]

Another thing I wanted to ask the crew here - I am assuming that a Launcher cell has NO ability to record "takes" - like we can in the standard timeline?

I frequently find myself IN Launcher Exclusive mode and when the track has a few cells that start sounding good together and I decide to "record" into a new cell - the first take is usually a wart filled bomb and no where near where I need it to be - so it becomes one giant kluge to stop the cell, clear the cell, rerecord the cell, then edit the actual MIDI by double clicking the cell and so on.

Would love it if the cell simply looped around, restarted my metronome count in, activated Record and let me go at it again and again and again - until perfected.

I see. Interesting. I dont work in the launcher exclusively, and have the arranger where it relates to where the record head is. Basically like a chart recorder. I can see everything going on that way in real time. I'll slice the areas I dont need, and take those good passes. Just different strokes is all. Still, I'm open to your exclusive record process because interesting things come from a different landscape or UI. So in your scenario, the cell or cells, loop around, when you want to capture that great take, restart your metronome count in? (Edit: ok, I understand about the metronome, now).
Activate record, and you go at different takes until satisfied (I get that part). Thereby (I think I have it, now), instead of the linear stream that currently happens in the arranger view, there would instead be lanes, for the multiple tries you were recording (takes) directly from the Clip Launcher in full view. So that's pretty cool.

I suspect by selecting in the transport bar, [Takes to Layers] and [Record Takes] that should create lanes. ....Hah!, ok, I just tried this and I concur. Lanes dont take when recording in a looped cycle. I see your point.

Given the whole point of the Launcher is a panacea of looping cells - this seems like a no brainer to me. But I can also see right away how this function would need a "Set Clip Length" option - since right now - a cell just simply keeps recording with no ability to know when to stop or loop around.

VP

Right. With no settings for clip length, the ability to construct lanes when recording cannot happen. In my test (above), I merely thought setting takes to layers and a recycling loop would do it. Not so.
I'm working on this song, so trying a lane check out was no sweat. Its a real experimental piece, and would make someone like Alan Parsons very proud. I know I'm having fun with it.
; )

Now we just need the would be minds to drill down. Deep.

BTW, I'll change the thread subject to be clearer on additional Clip launch suggestions. This is a good (and growing) discussion. If we keep points tidy, and clear, I can't see any of this being ignored. All in an effort to make a great DAW, better.

 

[sintil8]

Given the whole point of the Launcher is a panacea of looping cells - this seems like a no brainer to me. But I can also see right away how this function would need a "Set Clip Length" option - since right now - a cell just simply keeps recording with no ability to know when to stop or loop around.

VP

The option to set a length for recording is a "no brainer" agreed, if it were possible to have that cell stack recordings, as though you were going to comp the cell later might be an option.
If this is to be a fluid and you have got that good take, how would you make a selection of which cycle you want to keep active?
How you would go about that on the fly or without everything grinding to a halt, I haven't got a clue,

Maybe...
If a 2 bar cell is set and you run almost 5 loops, say you stop recording at = 8 and 1/2 bars (5X2 bars =10). When you stop recording the loop would be truncated to 8 full bars and the last 2 bars of that 8 bars are your take. That might be an option. It's all up for discussion.

All of this is out in the open. the things I suggested are a straight rip off from Ableton and Bitwig and could fall under the "Project Exchange" umbrella.

Best of regards to all.

 

[lokeyfly]

Would love it if the cell simply looped around, restarted my metronome count in, activated Record and let me go at it again and again and again - until perfected.

Now I get your point about tempo changed. Your making all kinds of adjustments on the fly, and tempo might just be one of them. Got it

Given the whole point of the Launcher is a panacea of looping cells - this seems like a no brainer to me.

Yep. For me, I'm only recently adopting this sort of way of working as an option. I do see now at least, many of these offerings in Ableton Live, although with Live, the clips are ridiculously feature cluttered. How anyone would put SO MUCH stock into a launcher doesn't work with my brain. Ableton Live is popular in its own right, but I think what we're suggesting here could be a more direct linear and launcher way of working. Visually and complimentary.

 

[Vocalpoint]

Ableton Live is popular in its own right, but I think what we're suggesting here could be a more direct linear and launcher way of working. Visually and complimentary.

My go-to for what a Clip Launcher "can" be - is in Bitwig. Their implementation is stunning. Practically every suggestion I have made so far - has it;s roots over there.

VERY well thought out and if you want a mind altering display on how to create - exclusively within it - simply stand back and watch any video from one of my fav YouTube creators - State Azure.

VP

 

[lokeyfly]

My go-to for what a Clip Launcher "can" be - is in Bitwig. Their implementation is stunning. Practically every suggestion I have made so far - has it;s roots over there.

VERY well thought out and if you want a mind altering display on how to create - exclusively within it - simply stand back and watch any video from one of my fav YouTube creators - State Azure.

VP

I see. Good to know. I was thinking very favorably about Bitwig, but I was already well on with Studio One. A big feature I liked about Bitwig was that in the editor view, audio waveforms and instrument notes can be viewed together (as in overlaid on each other). That was always appealing to me. Something I wish Studio One would adopt. Thanks for noting how good their clip launcher is.

 

[lokeyfly]

With some straight forward clip launch features, I'll be largely very happy with SO, for a good many years to come.

On the overall UI & color, I've kept the same look now since somewhere from versions 3 or 4 until now with little changes. Thats about a decade in from that terrible blue-gray look from v1 and v2. I maintain a very dark if not almost black background, and my mixer channels are never colored. Only the bottom band along each channel matches the color of the arrangement tracks. The mixer surface is always a dark gray and thats it. Fx and busses, black. So I've never been left wanting. But I get that each person has their own preferences.

I think that the clip launcher with an outer border matching the relevant event from the arrangement view, with some inner clip color indication of basic clip instruction will work out just fine.

That said, certain displays won't be clear of clip content such as some inner color status. Just like with arrangement view, an area where there might be 18 or more tracks viewed at one time (top to bottom) are going to lose some visual information.

Anyway, with progress, time will tell.

 

[Lukas]

I moved the waveform/UI posts into their own thread to keep this one focused.

There are lots of good points about the Clip Launcher in this thread.

 

[lokeyfly]

Perfect, Lukas. Later today, I will consolidate the list. I have it up to date now, but I have to verify what is already available with clips functions at present (as to not confuse the request).

Also, @ Vocalpoint, can you briefly describe further "Consolidate". I understand the meaning, but how is this a practical function for the bulleted line item.
Thanks!
Ideas still in the making as well.

 

[sintil8]

Something I think may be useful would be a Global preroll time/trigger for record or play setting for triggering/recording clips.

Do you want clips to start playing the moment you press the play function on a cell/clip or a setting for the cell to become active
This might fit with VP and a count in type function.

This hopefully, or something like this might help or assist in keeping the timing on the grid

Rgards to all

 

[lokeyfly]

Something I think may be useful would be a Global preroll time/trigger for record or play setting for triggering/recording clips.

Do you want clips to start playing the moment you press the play function on a cell/clip or a setting for the cell to become active
This might fit with VP and a count in type function.

This hopefully, or something like this might help or assist in keeping the timing on the grid

Excellent. These are the things on the list, I'm sorting through, so Preroll time/trigger will be added at, or near the record and length juncture.

 

[Vocalpoint]

Also, @ Vocalpoint, can you briefly describe further "Consolidate". I understand the meaning, but how is this a practical function for the bulleted line item.

Example: (per Bitwig) : Let's say I "live record" into a cell, stop recording and then double click it to go into the Midi (or audio) editor - and I have recorded say - 14 bars of "stuff".

But after a quick look - only 4 bars of that 14 bars of "stuff" actually work for me. I make my edits to those 4 bars, then make a range selection containing those 4 bars, right click and choose Consolidate.

My cell is instantly tidied up (head and tails are trimmed) AND the all important Loop Start marker and loop end marker are repositioned to encompass the start and end of the range selection. The cell content has now been "consolidated" to a tidy 4 bar loop and takes it's place in the song.

Now - can I do all of this manually? Of course - but it is a PITA if you need to edit 40 cells consecutively.

Can I do this with a macro - got REALLY close with this Joe video:

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But haven't been able to get it to work in the MIDI editor like I outlined above.

Either Studio One is not capable or I am not - but I am betting heavily on the latter

VP

 

[Lukas]

Can I do this with a macro - got REALLY close with this Joe video:

The macro is quite a hacky solution to be honest. To crop an event to the range selection, it's as simple as this:

- Locate Selection
- Trim Start to Cursor
- Locate Selection End
- Trim End to Cursor

But after a quick look - only 4 bars of that 14 bars of "stuff" actually work for me. I make my edits to those 4 bars, then make a range selection containing those 4 bars, right click and choose Consolidate.

I see. Interesting use case. There's no Range Tool for the Note Editor. But how about a Launcher command "Crop Content to Loop Range"? Then you could just use the Loop Range of this cell to mark your range.

 

[Vocalpoint]

I see. Interesting use case. There's no Range Tool for the Note Editor. But how about a Launcher command "Crop Content to Loop Range"? Then you could just use the Loop Range of this cell to mark your range.

Lukas

I have taken at least three runs at this - and have found all my attempts lacking each time.

S1 is simply not equipped to handle this - macros or otherwise - within the Note editor.

Within my example scenario above - the setup is always the same - I always record some random "X" amount of bars - and in all cases - unless I execute a perfect take - the end result is always a select "Y "amount of bars are considered usable to me.

If there was a way to "range select" ONLY those bars I want to keep (after edits etc) and the "Crop to Content" just those bars - I would be golden. But that is not possible right now in S1

Again - to really appreciate this - you need to see it in Bitwig. In there - I believe it more like a manual reset of the Loop Range (to the stuff you want to keep) and then hitting Consolidate = accurate, elegant and instant.

But I expect S1 could up this game if we had a Range Tool in the note editor - where one could just "range" select 4 bars, hit L (Reset Loop Range to Selection) and then hit Crop to Selection (via keyboard shortcut of course) and it would be done.

VP

 

[Lukas]

I'm basically collecting feature requests so "Crop Content to Loop Range" (or just "Crop to Loop Range") was an idea for a possible implementation. If this will be called "Consolidate" or "Crop Content to Loop Range" and if it's a range selection or the loop range shouldn't really make a difference workflow-wise.