ENSEMBLE SOFTWARE NEWS
AVAILABLE   NOW:  S O U N D S H A P E R   P R O   3 (beta)

Multiple Rows
The screenshot features Soundshaper 3'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_5 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
Split a multi-channel file into its separate channels and process these independently, either in separate rows, or as a list.

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).

List processing (in Pro 3.1)
Process a list of sounds, with independent parameter settings for each list item. Alternatively apply a parameter set to all list items, or to selected groups.

Support for CDP 6
Support for the forthcoming CDP Release 6.0:  many new features including special emphasis on multi-channel provision.
We expect to release Pro 3.0 / 3.1 first for CDP5,  and then an upgrade in due course, supporting CDP 6 programs.

Support for Windows 7
Soundshaper is programmed in Delphi.  The Delphi 2009 compiler has been used for Soundshaper 3.0, making it compatible with Vista and Windows 7.   (Soundshaper 2 seems to run in Windows 7, though there may be issues on some systems.)

SOUNDSHAPER  PRO 3.0 / 3.1  - 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
  • Randomized parameter values, and further improvements
  • 3.1: Process a list of sounds, using the same or different parameters at each stage
  • 3.1: Support for forthcoming CDP 6
  • Support for Windows 7
DOWNLOAD NOW!
Soundshaper Pro 3 (Beta) is now available to download. This is a free upgrade for existing registered users  only. When  user comments and final features have been established,  the program will be released as a final version.

The  implementation of CDP 6.0  is next on the agenda and will be included in the next release  (3.1).
S O U N D S H A P E R   P R O  (2.022)
SOUNDSHAPER  PRO 2  (v.2.022 - Nov '08 / Jan '09)
The currently released version was updated from version 2.0 to make the program more stable and to revise the keyboard shortcuts. Several shortcuts devised for full keyboard access (see below) will benefit sighted "power users" too. See  WhatsNew.txt for details.

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Accessibility Features
SOUNDSHAPER PRO now includes full keyboard control for visually impaired users.  A new "Keyboard" menu, readable by JAWS and other screen readers, gives access to items that will operate all visual controls (buttons etc.), with associated keyboard shortcuts. Soundshaper's keyboard shortcuts have been revised and streamlined.  A text-to-speech function is also included, so that the program can (optionally) speak important messages to guide the user. (This has been tested with  CLIPSPEAK, but should work with any  program  that can read from the Windows clipboard.)

PSOW
Version 2.02 also supports the new CDP PSOW suite, a grain technique for vocal sounds, allowing manipulation of formants independently of pitch, often with unexpected results.  To download the PSOW exe and documentation, visit the CDP website (updates section).

VFilters
Version 2.02 includes an emulation of CDP's VFIlters program for generating Varibank Filter Data files. Varibank is a very powerful way of tuning sounds in a time-varying way. The emulation allows you to create and edit the filter data from within Soundshaper.

Multi-process Patches
SOUNDSHAPER PRO is built around a multi-process environment, with easy construction of patches in an innovative patch-grid. Multi-patches can be saved and recalled as fully-editable presets, for use with different source files.

As you build a patch you are working with processed sounds, so you can hear the effects of the process chain at any stage. Files can be saved permanently at any point and any process can be edited or replaced with another suitable function.

At all stages, Soundshaper Pro seamlessly creates and erases temporary files, so that you do not have to do any unnecessary house-keeping. Just load your sources and save the outputs you want to keep.

With Multi-patches, you can build templates for use with standard CDP process chains, saving time and recording your favourite procedures. For example, the simple minipatch  Source-->PvocAnalyse-->Getpitch-->Make  extracts pitch from a spectral analysis and then 'Make' combines this with formants extracted from a second sound.  By running the patch with different source sounds and choosing different formant files, you can quickly try different possibilities.

CDP works in non-realtime. Although realtime processing allows you to hear changes instantly and superimpose a chain of processes, you always have to run the processes through to the end in realtime. With Soundshaper patches, you can often process a patch faster than in realtime. More fundamentally, many CDP processes simply could not be run in realtime, because they are dealing with information that is ahead in the file: a simple example is BLUR which averages the information across successive time-windows in the spectral domain.

The first version of Pro has a single patch row of up to 10 processes. But this is just the beginning: there is provision for up to five rows and later versions will run several lines of processing quasi-simultaneously. It will be possible to send an output to a new line of processing or mix outputs together, without creating a spaghetti of graphic patch-cords. A multi-process will run with many different source files, or  send the same source to variant process chains.

Sequences 
Soundshaper Pro also brings MIDI support for CDP Sequences. The "Sequence2" function is virtually a software sampler, playing any number of sources at any pitch, time and level. Its data format is close to MIDI, but it's not MIDI. Soundshaper Pro allows you to convert a standard MIDI file (SMF) into the Sequence2 format and realise it in audio using any suitable source sounds. 

Preset Patches
In the near future we hope to release a comprehensive selection of preset patches to get you started with multi-processing.

Soundshaper Pro carries on the line of development established by Soundshaper Standard and works with the best of CDP to bring you an exciting and challenging new environment for sound design.  SOUNDSHAPER PRO is the natural choice for educational institutions, professional composers and sound designers.

SOUNDSHAPER PRO has all the features of Soundshaper Standard (1.8) plus:

  • Multi-patches: multiple-process patch editing, storage and recall.
  • Run multi-patches with different sound sources.
  • Replace individual patch cells with different compatible processes or parameters.
  • MIDI to CDP-Sequence convertor: turns CDP into a sample-player.
  • New presets for individual processes and patches (in development)
REGISTRATION
To run SOUNDSHAPER PRO you first need to purchase the CDP software and a Soundshaper user-licence from the Composers' Desktop Project (CDP).  Prices are given here: >>Soundshaper Prices.  (If you registered Soundshaper Standard  between 1st April 2004 and Dec. 2007, you can update to Soundshaper Pro free of charge.) 

Download Soundshaper from the Downloads Page , then follow the instructions for installation and registration. Registration involves a simple exchange of e-mails: once your purchase has been verified, we will send you a Validation Code to complete the registration.  A single-user license entitles you to install Soundshaper Pro on two machines; multi-user site-licenses are also available. 

Soundshaper Pro is available as a registered product only, with product support by e-mail. All users of Soundshaper Pro are welcome to submit problems, queries and ideas for further improvement by e-mail (see Contacts Page).
SOUNDSHAPER STANDARD EDITION (1.8)
SOUNDSHAPER STANDARD EDITION (v.1.8) is the current free version of Soundshaper, revised to support the CDP 5.01 upgrade as well as CDP 4.5.  There is a revised Mix page and improved parameter pages, as used in Soundshaper Pro.

From January 2008, Soundshaper Standard is FREEWARE. However, it doesn't work without the CDP software, which you can purchase in various packages from the Composers' Desktop Project.


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New features in 1.8:
  • Re-designed MAIN page, to match Soundshaper Pro (but without the patchgrid).
  • Re-designed parameter pages, to match Soundshaper Pro.
  • Re-designed MIX page, matching Soundshaper Pro.
  • MIX-file functions moved to MIX page.
  • Soundfile Pool restrictions removed: no upper limit to number of files.
  • Support for 32-bit floating-point internal processing.
  • Support for CDP's 24-bit player Play24x.

Recent features introduced in 1.73 and 1.74:
  • Quick save /recall of individual presets (parameter sets) using textfiles (.prm).
  • New SAVE TO button on MAIN page for easier saving of processed files - just one click more than in 1.6.
  • New speed button for opening formant files.
  • Menu Hints: quick Hint for each process as you pass mouse over menus. (Can be deselected.)
  • CDP process names displayed on Main Page, with link to CDP Help.
  • Auto-save Preset Datafiles: easy saving of datafiles with your presets.
  • Support for DSHIFT (Doppler-Shift) function.
  • New Menu XTRA for "experimental" CDP processes.
  • Grid process-selectors upgraded for new CDP5 functions.
  • History function revised to allow easier construction of multi-process batchfiles.
  • Revised hotkey shortcuts and improvements to Process Menus
SOUNDSHAPER HTML MANUAL. Extensively revised (May 08) for the new Soundshaper Standard (1.8) and Soundshaper Pro (2.0).
See Downloads Page.

Key features in 1.7x include:
  • Support for latest CDP Release 5.01: up to 40 new CDP processes and support functions.
  • Process chain of up to 10 processes, with support for multiple UNDOs.
  • Use of temporary files, like conventional sound-editors: no need to constantly name and delete unwanted files - save files only when you want to keep them. 
  • Automatic FFT conversion between time and spectral domains and back.
  • Redesigned MIX page.
  • Redesigned Markers facility with support for many editing and info functions.
  • Links to user's choice of Sound-Editor as standard.





Last updated: 26th Feb 2010 © Copyright 2010 Ensemble Software