I bought a new USB3 memory stick a couple of days ago and built up a comp with a bunch of 720p layers to test it out (a large file copy demonstrated that the read speed is indeed around 140MB/sec, write speed a less-impressive figure around the low 20-something MB/sec). Three layers, six layers, and up to 14 layers, still cranking at over 40fps. Maybe not that awesome and experiencing benefits from RAM cache and a (relatively) small set of clips, but still quite nice for a change. Seeing the performance was quite nice, I thought about rearranging my test layout using the Advanced Output feature of Arena to build my own preview screen.
I decided on an A/B system with four layers for each side. I comp each group separately and recombine them later using Layer Router clips (in their own layers). The preview shows the contents of all eight source layers, and both A and B submixes, as well as a small Master output window between them (not shown in the video below).
I set up a bunch of MIDI controls for my Korg nanoKONTROL (version 1 with nine sets of a slider, two buttons and a knob, with a few additional transport control buttons) so that it can actually be used without resorting to the usual Resolume interface. I've wanted for ages a one-shot trigger action for the autopilot feature(s), and this time got around to figuring out how to get MIDI-OX to make it happen! A single Note On message from the nanoKONTROL is mapped to four messages:
- the Note On linked to the Random button (to enable Random mode);
- the same Note On repeated one more time (to force selection of a random clip);
- a different Note On to reset the autopilot back to Paused; and
- a Note Off for the Paused action (in case there is something else listening to the MIDI notes).
I took a few shakycam videos; this one has some narration. A bit dry - not rehearsed or even planned before filming! - but at least describes the basic features. I've also included a couple of screenshots from a later point when I had the Master output shown as well. On my system it ran with good interactive framerates (over 30fps usually) on three Full-HD screens - the laptop's built-in LCD and two external displays, one connected directly by HDMI and the other with a Mini-DisplayPort to VGA dongle). I have also tested it with my "custom interface" running on the internal LCD, covering the Resolume interface; I have the controls I want (mostly!) on the MIDI controller. The final image shows some details for the MIDI translation. The Input and output are generated by just two "note" presses, one-shot random for the first two content layers. Four lines in the Translation Map were used for each of the 8 content layers, starting with the one that is highlighted in the image. The lines above that convert Note On presses into CC messages that I use to "reset" some values that are controlled by sliders (where the desired "reset" value is 0.5).
Cheers,
subpixel.
http://subpixels.com
- Four source clips for each of A and B (for A/B mixing) displayed, along with both the A and B submixes, on a preview screen (or custom interface). The top-left four clips are used for the A submix (50-Add, 50-Add, Multiply, Alpha), which is itself the larger bottom left clip. A similar deal for the B submix on the right side, and the small centre clip is a preview of the the master output.
- Four source clips for each of A and B (for A/B mixing) displayed, along with both the A and B submixes, on a preview screen (or custom interface). The top-left four clips are used for the A submix (50-Add, 50-Add, Multiply, Alpha), which is itself the larger bottom left clip. A similar deal for the B submix on the right side, and the small centre clip is a preview of the the master output.
- MIDI-OX MIDI translation in action! One "note" press results in four messages for a one-shot random clip selection for one layer in the composition.
