Birdstepper - Multi effect unit , Audiobus compat (out now)

StormJH1

@EvilBird said:

@StormJH1 I've been emphasizing using bS with guitar mainly cuz that's my primary instrument and I'm a total hack on keys. But you can def use it with synths, drum machines, loops, etc.

That's great! I felt like there was a bit of a vacancy for AudioBus effects slots that really work well with guitar in realtime. There are some great effects apps, but a lot of them require hands-on control with filters, or are meant for dubstep, electronica, etc.

Also appreciate your honesty about the CPU requirements of BirdStepper. It doesn't do developers any good to make a great app and then have people slam them in reviews because it runs slow on older devices.

Any plans in the future to make the app universal (or do an iPhone version?) Your interface looks like it would translate to the smaller screen more effectively than most.

EvilBird

Hey all, just wanted to let you know that since the initial beta tests on bS 1.0.2 are showing clear improvement in clock sync compatibility, I've gone ahead and submitted it to Apple for review. It should post sometime in the next 3-10 days. Because I haven't had enough time to get tester feedback on sync with all the apps out there (if that's even possible), I'm not able to say unequivocally that sync will be perfect. But, I can say that bS is now using the same code library for sync that Sector uses (albeit as a clock destination, not a source like sector), and it is DEFINITELY going to be a vast improvement over the initial release. I figured it was better to get an improved version out ASAP than make those of you that have bought it wait for me to make it perfect (again, if that's even possible). But rest assured I'm going to keep trying

@StormJH1, fyi since I wanted to push out the update ASAP, I didn't have time to look at CPU optimizations, but it's on my list. Regarding your question about plans for an iPhone version, it's not something I'm thinking about right now. The main reason is that it's really hard to do without big-time changes to the UI, which would def cause unpleasant bugs. Also, I've got some new effects I want to add (an eBow effect, maybe?), as well as a really cool preset loading feature I've been working on. Because I use the app a lot, I know preset loading in bS kinda sucks right now (though it'll be somewhat better in the update). So what I'm working on is a musical 'trigger' system, where you'll be able to tell bS to load a specific preset when you play a specific chord, phrase, etc. Kind of like what Shazam does with recorded music, but optimized for recognizing musical information (as opposed to frequency spectrum and periodicity of transients, which is what Shazam does) to trigger a preset in the app. I've got a working prototype, but it needs a lot more work before it'll be ready for testing and release. So, my plan is to focus on that and new effects rather than an iPhone version, at least for the next few months.

@skoptic also the update will include Delay sync and some UI enhancements to make parameter setting easier

ChrisG

Sounds great about the clock sync @evilbird , can't really ask for more! Looking forward to smash up some loops with this bird

funjunkie27

An eBow effect sounds great @evilbird!

WMWM

@EvlBird , not sure how much extra work or if possible, but would be extremely useful for guitarist is a way to vary the effect in real time, say a foot controller like the fcb1010, so as I play I can very the effect as needed or activate/deactivate.

Thanks, Go Gophers!

EvilBird

@WMWM Fellow minnesotan? Crappy weather we're having, eh? It's funny you should mention the utility of being able to tap tempo into bS with a midi foot controller -- I was just thinking about that today. Although it won't be in the upcoming update, I definitely plan on adding it before too much time goes by, along with preset loading via midi foot controller. I think adding those two features would make bS a legitimate option for live performance, which is what I've wanted all along. Stay tuned...

Also, for those that haven't seen it, I posted part 2 of the tutorial on using the Pitch Effect today. I recorded another segment that shows how to use Pitch to make 3-part harmonies, using the example of Loud Pipes by Ratatat. Unfortunately, I had problems syncing the video and audio footage for that section, so I didn't include it in this video. I'm hoping to get the footage synced up, but if not I'll re-record it and post it as soon as I can. Here's a link to part 2:

WMWM

Ex, Minneapolis, great music scene both above and below ground, still my favorite state to go fishing. (another of my passions)

Thanks for developing this app, sounds like you have some pretty neat things planned or this.

StormJH1

Sorry to cheese this thread up any further, but I am also a Minnesota resident. But I wasn't born "one of us" - I moved here 11 years ago. Crazy coincidence though, given that I assume people I talk to here are from a different continent, let alone a different U.S. state.

And yes, the weather sucks.

CalCutta

You guys can be Prairie Home Companions!

ducks tomatoes

Simon

Hey McD - here's a zombie thread for ya!!!

knewspeak

Identor

Thats actually Andre van Duin's first performance on Dutch TV. A national comedian, 75 years old now.

McD

@Simon said:
Hey McD - here's a zombie thread for ya!!!

Is this going to be like Rick Rolling?

Simon

@McD said:
Is this going to be like Rick Rolling?

Nah, just a one-off special zombie treat for you. Stab it in the head

McD

I grow weary of all the gore. Let the zombies feast on those that just can't run anymore.
I'll be looking for new hobbies like Raspberry Pi video arcade servers. My nephew will probably gift me
one of his older systems. He has arcade weekends in his garage with his neighbors. I still have some Pi's around here somewhere but 7 years is a long time in computer tech.

AudioGus

@Simon said:
Hey McD - here's a zombie thread for ya!!!

Lol, figured this must be a zombroll.