Jos was kind enough to send me a Beta version to test out, and unfortunately I didn't get a chance to do so until recently. Jos.. it works like a charm to this point. Great job.. so far no issues to report.


The midi sync capability is in itself worth an upgrade for me. Free upgrades ? Sure that's a nice concept, but not necessarily a practical one from the developer's standpoint. There is plenty of work involved in developing and evolving any kind of software app. I know because I have tried and... I also know I am not very good at it.. I can only do it at all because of apps like Synth Edit that provide the framework, but I can still appreciate the effort that goes in. Sonar is a good example... every version brings changes and the upgrades are costly, although I stopped at version 4 because I don't think I need any more than that at the present time.


I think Jos is very good at listening to and interacting with his customers btw. Early on in it's release, OMB did standard changes ( Variations, fills endings, etc ) either by using computer keys or assigning midi kb note keys to these parameters. We discussed the possibility of assigning midi CC controlers as an alternative, and Jos made it happen. At that point, using my Motif ES as a controller, OMB became a viable alternative for me to use in a real time / live setting.

Donny, I can and have used OMB live. Once I figured out how my controller would work best for me ( still using the ES ), it became easier for me to use than my PA80 live, mainly because I was able to choose a simplistic setup that works fine for me. The beauty of OMB is that yo8u can totally customize it to suit your controller and your way of playing. The challenge of course, as always, is finding the best sounds to work with the accompaniment. So far, the SGM180 soundfont that I modified a bit still works best for me, followed by Bennett's "Another XG" ( freeware ) soundfont, and my old SYXG-50 software XG sound module. This is why I've tried ( so far unsuccesfully ) to develop my own sound module. I have many good sounds and samples to work with that exceed what the Motif ES or PA80 provide me sonically, but no real practical way to tie them all together.. yet. I know that when I setup some of the modules, Vsti's and samples that I currently have that the end result sounds better to me than any arranger I've played. It's just that setting up that way isn't practical when playing live. So... I am working toward having my own soundfont completed that will contain the best of all the sounds that are available to me.

Cheers

AJ