Ensemble Software News

In memory of: G U S T A V C I A M A G A

The Soundshaper project owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the electro-acoustic pioneer Gustav Ciamaga, who sadly passed away on June 11th. Gustav took an interest in CDP and Soundshaper back in 2003, and from the outset he was not content simply to ask a few questions: one topic led to another and a large and lively correspondence took root.

His enormous experience and knowledge of the electro-acoustic genre became hugely beneficial to the project and led to the design of a system that he could feel comfortable with using himself. He tirelessly and exhaustively tested Soundshaper at every stage, as well as CDP 5 and 6, and his probing and attention to detail found countless bugs and anomalies over the years.

Gustav's enthusiasm was matched by a personal warmth and constant support which will be greatly missed. It has been a huge privilege to exchange ideas about music with him and share personal anecdotes and thoughts. Living so far apart we never met, yet he became a true friend.

R.F.

L A T E S T R E L E A S E : S O U N D S H A P E R 4

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NEW FEATURES IN SOUNDSHAPER 3 and 4

Multiple Rows
The screenshot features Soundshaper's new "skin" and the use of multiple processing rows. The program currently supports a patchgrid of 10 rows and 12 columns.
A single source has been copied to Cell B_0 and processed differently. Cell B_1 is itself copied to C_1 and given a slightly different transposition ("Speed"). The three rows are then mixed together in cell A_4 to give a final output, and the whole patch is saved.

Auto-Conversion
Wherever possible, CDP file types are now converted automatically using current settings. In the example, a soundfile (A_0) is processed by a spectral process (A_1), then a pitch process (A_2). PVOC ANALYSIS and GETPITCH take place behind the scenes. Automatic extraction of envelope and formants is also possible.

Auto-conversion can be used when selecting secondary inputs. Make (A_3) requires a formant file; this was selected simply by clicking on cell A_1, whose formants were automatically extracted.

Importing Patches
Import an existing patch and link it to the current one. Build larger patches by importing smaller tested units.

Multi-channel processing / Support for CDP 6
Soundshaper includes full support for the new CDP Release 6 functions, including special emphasis on multi-channel use.
For example you can split a multi-channel file into its separate channels and process these independently.

Randomized parameter values
Parameter values can now be randomized, optionally within limits set by the user.
Further improvements under development include: percentage values, highlighting key parameters, adjustment of time-based parameters (when patch run with different source).

Process LIst
The FILE POOL idea has been copied to make a list of favourite processes, called the PROCESS LIST. This is a drop-down box on the Main Page, to which you can add the last-used process using a dedicated button or CTRL+F8. The list is not automatically saved on exit, which allows you to add processes used frequently in a particular session, but not clog up the list for future sessions. It is saved as a simple textfile, which is easy to edit externally in any text editor. Any number of such lists can be created: the default one is auto-loaded on startup, if it exists.

Support for Windows 7
Soundshaper is programmed in Delphi. The Delphi 2009 compiler has been used for Soundshaper 4, making it compatible with Vista and Windows 7.
CDP and Soundshaper are NOT natively compatible with 64-bit Windows; however, they can be run under XP mode -- for details see the file KnownIssues.txt on the Downloads page.

SOUNDSHAPER PRO 3 and 4 -- new features

Revised design and new "skinned" look
Multiple rows (10) and more columns (12)
Process different source sounds, or copy cells and process in different ways
Auto-conversion of file types: just run a sequence of processes
Select secondary inputs (Infiles 2,3,...) by clicking on the cell required
Import a single-row patch and link it to the current one
Multi-channel support: split sounds into channels and process these independently
Support for new CDP 6 functions
Randomized parameter values
PROCESS LIST -- like the FILE POOL, but for favourite processes.
Support for Windows 7

DOWNLOAD NOW»
Soundshaper Pro 4 is available to download. Registered users of Soundshaper Pro can upgrade for no extra charge.
Any users comments and bug reports would be most welcome at this stage.

SOUNDSHAPER PRO PRICES

Before downloading Soundshaper Pro, you should first buy the CDP software and also a Soundshaper licence from CDP. You can now do this online - CLICK HERE. Prices here are shown in British Pounds (GBP). Please consult CDP regarding other currencies. 10% educational discount applies to educational institutions, their staff and students. As soon as your licence purchase is confirmed, download your copy of Soundshaper Pro from our downloads page and follow the registration instructions. Registration involves an exchange of e-mails and is not yet automatic, but we will try to get you up and running as quickly as possible.
Single Licence (2-site) £25 (GBP) 5-site Licence £45 10-site Licence £80 20-site Licence £160	3-site Licence £36 7-site Licence £60 15-site Licence £120 Licence for additional workstations: £8 each
SPECIAL UPGRADE OFFER If you have previously purchased Soundshaper, we are offering a free upgrade to the latest version, until 31st December 2011. This offer applies to individuals and institutions, on a one-for-one basis (e.g. if you have a 5-site licence you can upgrade the whole licence). Just ask: send an e-mail to Ensemble Software, or download Soundshaper Pro and follow the registration instructions. (If you have already registered Soundshaper Pro, you do not need to re-register, but can upgrade for no charge at any time.) This offer is aimed particularly at Soundshaper/CDP users who registered the original Soundshaper (v.1.x - before Soundshaper Pro.) For a very generous upgrade price, you will also be able to convert your CDP software to the latest version Release 6, with full Soundshaper support, and experience a mature and fast sound-processing suite. (For details of the CDP upgrade, click here: CDP upgrade.) THE OFFER DOES NOT APPLY to those upgrading from Soundshaper Standard or Soundshaper LITE -- these are not registered products and no previous purchase has taken place. To upgrade from these products, please purchase a Soundshaper Licence, as priced above.