The demo for One Man Band version 9.0 is available for download at http://www.1manband.nl/omb.htm

Some of the new features are:

Synchronisation allows you to run OMB simultaneous with any other arranger or sequencer. OMB can be set both as master (sending MIDI clocks) and slave (receiving MIDI clocks).

A new style programming language (STPL) makes it possible to do modifications on styles in batch. Tweak all styles at once.

In real-time arranger mode, a new "free form" chord recognition method has been added. This allows you to play auto-accompaniment with any 3- and 4-key combination. Wether it is a valid chord or not.

In the arranger window, melody and chords can be extracted from MIDI files.

Different chords for each beat are now displayed in the arranger window and easier editable.

Chords in Yamaha XF format are included in saved MIDI files. When played on Yamaha keyboards like the Tyros these chords will show in the display.

Jos

Good news

Keeping the same version number as live-styler, who are currently betatesting version 9.

I really am not the person to review these changes, just want to know if it is a payed update. (what ever happened to free updates)

Bachus,

Read it here: http://www.1manband.nl/upgrade.htm

Jos

Is anyone using OMB in a live situation on stage to replace a stand alone arranger.....& if so how is it functioning, including NAVAGATION which is my top regard.

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

Can you expand on that point?
Is that feature available on version 9 only?
I am using my Roland (61 key) arranger as a controller, and it would be convenient, if I could configure OMB to use other MIDI messages, besides notes for fills, variations, etc.
Othewise, I might try Rikki's approach of using a remote keypad for that.
Starkeeper



[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 04-10-2006).]

Using cc's has been a feature for several versions now ( Not sure which version Jos incorporated it into ). I'm not sure what your Roland arranger can do as far as sending controllable midi messages Starkeeper. On the Motif Es, there are 4 assignable knobs, and each of these knobs can be assigned up to 3 different functions. The 4 volume sliders can also be reassigned as additional controllers. Since using the knobs for multi CC's requires menu scrolling, I only use one CC per knob for OMB. There is also a ribbon controller, and an assignable pedal.

My typical Motif ES - OMB setup goes like this: Mod wheel triggers fills, ( I have a breathe controller for voices where I'd want to use modulation, and I like it better anyway ). Ribbon Controller triggers Variation Up ( Main B to Main C for example ), Knob A triggers Intro / Ending A, Knob B triggers Intro / Ending B, Knob C Triggers Intro / Ending C, Knob D Controls Style Tempo. Slider A Triggers Variation Down ( Main C to main B for example ) Slider B Controls Sync Stop, Sliders C and D are currently unassigned, but I see a couple of new features in Version 9 that might get assigned to them. My assignable pedal is my Start / Stop Button.

One of the reasons I bought the MZ 2000 was for use with OMB. I like many of the lead voices in it better than their counterparts on the PA80. Unfortunately, all 8 of it's sliders are assigned to the same CC (#7), but each one works independently because each is on a seperate channel. I don't think this is going to allow me to setup OMB with the MZ as I had hoped.

To optimize the CC capability Starkeeper, you'd likely need a KB that has assignable knobs / sliders, etc like the Motif ES has, or a dedicated Midi KB controller, which actually will have even better controlling capabilities than the Motif does. If I am going to use something else, such as the MZ with OMB, then I'll need to use what I'll now refer to as the "Rikki" option... of adding a seperate keypad. I think either way would suit me just fine.

Regards
AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 04-10-2006).]

Hi AJ,
I too was wrapped to find the midi sync option in OMB.

Just wondering , did you end up replacing your laptop. About 3 weeks after you fried yours, I did the same thing to mine. Just wondering what you got, as the newer processors have me totally confused.

Also Hyersonic 2, a couple of the members have got it. Trident & Doc Z.
Doc Z is actually using it with OMB.
Haven't heard from you in a while, so wasn't sure if you'd spotted their posts.
best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bluezplayer:
[B]

Hi Rikki,

I did replace my laptop. My latest is a Toshiba with a 1.73 Gig Pentium M ( mobile ) processor and 1.5 gigs of Ram. It also has a side port for the fan's air ejection and it runs so much cooler than my old one did.

As far as the processors go, I too was a little confused by the "lower" speed Mobile processors but I read enough posts at KVR that I became comfortable buying a Laptop with one. I can tell you that this laptop easily outperforms my old one which had a P4 2.8 Gig processor and 1.5 gigs of Ram. It also easily outperforms my PC, which has an Athlon 2400 and 2 gigs of Ram.

I am interested in HS2 myself. Not thrilled about having to use a dongle, but I've heard some demos and it sounds very good.

Regards,

AJ

Hi AJ
thank you. I didn't think to check the KVR forum.
I've had a couple of members tell me the newer processors are fast, but the more confirmation the better
Since we both have a similar setup, fonts, omb etc it's great to hear from you that it works even better than your old one.

I've been a bit nervous about jumping in and buying one, as I didn't want to go backwards in performance.

Hypersonic 2 definately sounds interesting. It might be worth checking with docz if the dongle is a hassle for live performance. The old serial ones definately were a pain.

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bluezplayer:
[B]Hi Rikki,