Atom | Piano Roll 2 is now available

MisplacedDevelopment

I don't use the term lightly but this addition sounds like it is actually going to be a game changer for me. Being able to have a single clip source for every fragment of music (no duplication, the ultimate goal!) and then use the NS2 timeline to create composite clips that reference these and can be themselves moved around and aliased is the missing piece of the puzzle for me. I could sort of do this with NS2 clip aliasing but the missing part was how to update these clips when I wanted to change them with MIDI from elsewhere. The answer is now that I can just import the MIDI file into the Atom pattern for that bit of music and everything will magically update itself.

It also has the potential to work well with MTS which has a limit on the number of plugins (so my current Atom trick does not work) and suffers from having a less optimal arrangement environment, yet very powerful features.

blueveek

@mbncp said:
And for Drambo users it’s even more fun... oops

@MisplacedDevelopment said:

@blueveek said:

@vasilymilovidov said:
since i now use atom on every project and am highly emotionally invested in it i was wondering is there a way to become a beta-tester?

You wanted to do pattern switching in a single instance using CC messages, right? Drop me a DM with your TestFlight email.

@blueveek I have been playing with Atom 2 inside NanoStudio 2 where I have multiple Atoms per track and the track data is used to trigger them in hold mode. It looks like you are hinting that pattern switching is on the horizon which would be great as I could then have just a single Atom per track. The problem on NS2 is that its AUs do not receive CCs, only MIDI notes. Some AUs have worked around this by allowing you to send a MIDI note + velocity as an alternative to CC + value. Is that something you would consider if pattern switching is on the timeline? Thanks.

Yes. I've just added it, you can now switch patterns using velocity. DM me your TestFlight

MisplacedDevelopment

@blueveek said:

@mbncp said:
And for Drambo users it’s even more fun... oops

@MisplacedDevelopment said:

@blueveek said:

@vasilymilovidov said:
since i now use atom on every project and am highly emotionally invested in it i was wondering is there a way to become a beta-tester?

You wanted to do pattern switching in a single instance using CC messages, right? Drop me a DM with your TestFlight email.

@blueveek I have been playing with Atom 2 inside NanoStudio 2 where I have multiple Atoms per track and the track data is used to trigger them in hold mode. It looks like you are hinting that pattern switching is on the horizon which would be great as I could then have just a single Atom per track. The problem on NS2 is that its AUs do not receive CCs, only MIDI notes. Some AUs have worked around this by allowing you to send a MIDI note + velocity as an alternative to CC + value. Is that something you would consider if pattern switching is on the timeline? Thanks.

Yes. I've just added it, you can now switch patterns using velocity. DM me your TestFlight

Fantastic! I'm happy to wait for it to make an official release and I'll plan my NS2 template around its arrival. I like to have something to look forward to

vasilymilovidov

@blueveek said:
You wanted to do pattern switching in a single instance using CC messages, right? Drop me a DM with your TestFlight email.

did you get mine?

blueveek

@vasilymilovidov said:

@blueveek said:
You wanted to do pattern switching in a single instance using CC messages, right? Drop me a DM with your TestFlight email.

did you get mine?

Invite sent.

blueveek

Version 2.0.6 is now waiting for review and includes the following:

Overhauled Patterns

• You can now use just a single instance to build all of your clips on a single track.
• Added the ability to switch patterns using notes, CCs, PCs and even velocity, on any channel. Playback uses immediate-gate mode.
• Added switch with legato for patterns. Switching between patterns will now let the notes naturally ring, so the changes aren’t abrupt.
• Decoupled pattern editing from playback: patterns can now be edited while other patterns are playing.
• Added 'Focus' and 'Play' buttons beside each pattern thumbnail.

Drambo integration

• Atom patterns will now follow Drambo patterns, synced to quantum.
• Clips will now auto-launch when instantiated in Drambo.

New features

• MIDI export will now export all patterns on separate channels.
• Implemented crop to loop, crop to notes and crop to selection.
• Added 16 new scales: all Modal Hexatonic variants (6 modes), Hirajoshi (5 modes) and Kumoi (5 modes). Give Hirajoshi a try, it’s awesome.
• Added “Auto Swing Duration” in the swing processing toolbar. When on, swing timing strength will automatically set swing durations.
• Made the tempo slider snap in increments of 0.05 when dragging. Adjustments are in 0.01 increments when tapping.
• Made the tempo parameter go down to 0 (it was 0.5 minimum previously).
• The “Play pattern" parameter, as well as the "Clear active"/ "Duplicate active" pattern parameters, now all work with Launchpad controllers even when the instance itself isn't focused (visible).

UI tweaks

• Bars now alternate their background color in the grid.
• The focused pattern number is now displayed above the keyboard. The playing pattern number is now shown in the Clip button.
• The grid and time panels are now persisted; this allows changing snap and grid settings during note entry.
• Scales, Layers, Clipboard and Pattern controls will now always stay in view when scrolling.
• Double tapping a pattern thumbnail will now select all notes in that pattern.
• Increased the touch area for the note resize grabbies.
• Relocated the Listen button to the bottom-left.
• Changed the long-press indicator style for buttons with hidden menus.
• Fixed playhead position not updating with undo/redo.
• Fixed playhead position not visually seeking forward with step input.
• Many layout improvements, especially for iPhone when used in vertical mode.

Other

• iOS 12 support is now enabled.

[Deleted User]

@blueveek (et al) I simply have no words and English is not my language but what you’re doing here is... I don’t know, beautiful!

🙏

RajahP

@blueveek said:
Version 2.0.6 is now waiting for review and includes the following:

Overhauled Patterns

• You can now use just a single instance to build all of your clips on a single track.
• Added the ability to switch patterns using notes, CCs, PCs and even velocity, on any channel. Playback uses immediate-gate mode.
• Added switch with legato for patterns. Switching between patterns will now let the notes naturally ring, so the changes aren’t abrupt.
• Decoupled pattern editing from playback: patterns can now be edited while other patterns are playing.
• Added 'Focus' and 'Play' buttons beside each pattern thumbnail.

Drambo integration

• Atom patterns will now follow Drambo patterns, synced to quantum.
• Clips will now auto-launch when instantiated in Drambo.

New features

• MIDI export will now export all patterns on separate channels.
• Implemented crop to loop, crop to notes and crop to selection.
• Added 16 new scales: all Modal Hexatonic variants (6 modes), Hirajoshi (5 modes) and Kumoi (5 modes). Give Hirajoshi a try, it’s awesome.
• Added “Auto Swing Duration” in the swing processing toolbar. When on, swing timing strength will automatically set swing durations.
• Made the tempo slider snap in increments of 0.05 when dragging. Adjustments are in 0.01 increments when tapping.
• Made the tempo parameter go down to 0 (it was 0.5 minimum previously).
• The “Play pattern" parameter, as well as the "Clear active"/ "Duplicate active" pattern parameters, now all work with Launchpad controllers even when the instance itself isn't focused (visible).

UI tweaks

• Bars now alternate their background color in the grid.
• The focused pattern number is now displayed above the keyboard. The playing pattern number is now shown in the Clip button.
• The grid and time panels are now persisted; this allows changing snap and grid settings during note entry.
• Scales, Layers, Clipboard and Pattern controls will now always stay in view when scrolling.
• Double tapping a pattern thumbnail will now select all notes in that pattern.
• Increased the touch area for the note resize grabbies.
• Relocated the Listen button to the bottom-left.
• Changed the long-press indicator style for buttons with hidden menus.
• Fixed playhead position not updating with undo/redo.
• Fixed playhead position not visually seeking forward with step input.
• Many layout improvements, especially for iPhone when used in vertical mode.

Other

• iOS 12 support is now enabled.

Beautiful ....

Thanks...

tk32

Is this guy deliberately trying to make my manual obsolete?

I think it's time for an update...

(only kidding.. I knew this stuff was coming, I've been having fun with it in the beta all week)

vasilymilovidov

Fantastic. I’m afraid apple will pull atom from the app store because it’s too good.

tk32

.

skiphunt

Ok, I haven’t followed the evolution. Still have just Atom 1. I haven’t upgraded because I’m content with LK, but intrigued.

With this Atom 2 update, how does it now look up against the coming Helium one?

Sergiu

With Atom you can use external midi controller( integration), single instance to run your clips with separate midi channels, and scales galore with specifics. I am sure helium will add scales and maybe more.> @skiphunt said:

Ok, I haven’t followed the evolution. Still have just Atom 1. I haven’t upgraded because I’m content with LK, but intrigued.

With this Atom 2 update, how does it now look up against the coming Helium one?

auxmux

Patterns changes is the best update yet! ✨🎉

MisplacedDevelopment

@skiphunt said:
Ok, I haven’t followed the evolution. Still have just Atom 1. I haven’t upgraded because I’m content with LK, but intrigued.

With this Atom 2 update, how does it now look up against the coming Helium one?

I have watched the videos released so far and I guess the controller editor would be the biggest USP for most people. I was planning on spending this weekend with it but the fab new Atom pattern changes have put the kibosh on those plans. I will surely buy it at some point but I do not see it filling any use case that Atom cannot (for me) at this point in time.

It is good for the community to have healthy competition and both apps can (literally!) work alongside each other so you can take your pick.

aleyas

Big thanks!! The new Drambo integration is more than I imagined was possible!

RajahP

I guess an overview video of the new features will be nice...
Thanks..

skiphunt

Oh wait... I went to go ahead and upgrade to Atom 2 but the dev already jacked up the bundle price for those who already own Atom 1? It was only like $4 to upgrade from Atom 1 right? Now it’s up to $10?

Damn... I guess I’ll wait for a sale or something. And, I honestly think LK is all I really need. To be honest... it’s more than I need.

For the lower cost of the upgrade I was going to allow the redundancy, but for double the price... I think I’m out and will see what Helium has to offer for a fun variety.

I’m out for now but will mark it for sale notifications in the future.

blueveek

@skiphunt said:
Oh wait... I went to go ahead and upgrade to Atom 2 but the dev already jacked up the bundle price for those who already own Atom 1? It was only like $4 to upgrade from Atom 1 right? Now it’s up to $10?

If you've paid full price for Atom 1, then Atom 2 would have costed 0.99$ until April 15 with the upgrade bundle. Since then, the upgrade price has increased to 5.99$. This can vary between countries/regions, but it's the same Tier everywhere.

If you don't think that's reasonable, then by all means feel free to wait.

skiphunt

@blueveek said:

@skiphunt said:
Oh wait... I went to go ahead and upgrade to Atom 2 but the dev already jacked up the bundle price for those who already own Atom 1? It was only like $4 to upgrade from Atom 1 right? Now it’s up to $10?

If you've paid full price for Atom 1, then Atom 2 would have costed 0.99$ until April 15 with the upgrade bundle. Since then, the upgrade price has increased to 5.99$. This can vary between countries/regions, but it's the same Tier everywhere.

If you don't think that's reasonable, then by all means feel free to wait.

No, I don’t think it’s unreasonable. I’ve just got way too much redundancy and don’t really need another one. Like I said, I already have the full LK app with all the IAPs. So the need isn’t really there. It was just a “mad money” purchase if it was less than $5.

And, I’m not really your target user anyway. I go more for the weird, unique, and experimental apps like the recent BeatCutter. Your app is clearly targeted at musicians who want more control of the notes, etc. I’m only triggering sounds in vague sound/art compositions. Not actual tunes. So it’s really not for me. And the price increase reminded me that I need to seriously cut out all the redundancy I have in iOS audio apps. Nothing against your app. I’m sure it’s an amazing tool for it’s intended audience.

Cheers

Skyblazer

Thanks for your hard work, > @skiphunt said:

Ok, I haven’t followed the evolution. Still have just Atom 1. I haven’t upgraded because I’m content with LK, but intrigued.

With this Atom 2 update, how does it now look up against the coming Helium one?

I see you've already made your decision, but in case anyone else is wondering...

Helium will allow for automation editing on day one, but it's unlikely that it will receive as many updates over time.

When a new or upcoming app starts to build hype, we often see the "4Pockets Alternative" for that genre. Sometimes there's a need for it, but sometimes I do get a vibe of "rushing to release an app in order to compete with another dev"...not to the point of being unethical though. I see Helium as filling the need for a simpler piano roll, that offers automation editing, sooner than Atom 2.

They're both created by one man dev teams, but whereas blueveek spends his extra time refining little UI quirks, adding niche features, and engaging in long discussions to improve the experience of the app......Helium will probably only receive maintenance updates after the first month, and 4Pockets will mostly move onto building something else.

Edward_Alexander

@blueveek said:
Version 2.0.6 is now waiting for review and includes the following:

Overhauled Patterns

• You can now use just a single instance to build all of your clips on a single track.
• Added the ability to switch patterns using notes, CCs, PCs and even velocity, on any channel. Playback uses immediate-gate mode.
• Added switch with legato for patterns. Switching between patterns will now let the notes naturally ring, so the changes aren’t abrupt.
• Decoupled pattern editing from playback: patterns can now be edited while other patterns are playing.
• Added 'Focus' and 'Play' buttons beside each pattern thumbnail.

Drambo integration

• Atom patterns will now follow Drambo patterns, synced to quantum.
• Clips will now auto-launch when instantiated in Drambo.

New features

• MIDI export will now export all patterns on separate channels.
• Implemented crop to loop, crop to notes and crop to selection.
• Added 16 new scales: all Modal Hexatonic variants (6 modes), Hirajoshi (5 modes) and Kumoi (5 modes). Give Hirajoshi a try, it’s awesome.
• Added “Auto Swing Duration” in the swing processing toolbar. When on, swing timing strength will automatically set swing durations.
• Made the tempo slider snap in increments of 0.05 when dragging. Adjustments are in 0.01 increments when tapping.
• Made the tempo parameter go down to 0 (it was 0.5 minimum previously).
• The “Play pattern" parameter, as well as the "Clear active"/ "Duplicate active" pattern parameters, now all work with Launchpad controllers even when the instance itself isn't focused (visible).

UI tweaks

• Bars now alternate their background color in the grid.
• The focused pattern number is now displayed above the keyboard. The playing pattern number is now shown in the Clip button.
• The grid and time panels are now persisted; this allows changing snap and grid settings during note entry.
• Scales, Layers, Clipboard and Pattern controls will now always stay in view when scrolling.
• Double tapping a pattern thumbnail will now select all notes in that pattern.
• Increased the touch area for the note resize grabbies.
• Relocated the Listen button to the bottom-left.
• Changed the long-press indicator style for buttons with hidden menus.
• Fixed playhead position not updating with undo/redo.
• Fixed playhead position not visually seeking forward with step input.
• Many layout improvements, especially for iPhone when used in vertical mode.

Other

• iOS 12 support is now enabled.

tk32

Atom2 is a labour of love. It's a visionary app that starts from the piano roll and takes it into modular, clip-launching, scriptable, hardware integration territory that other apps can only dream of.

So far, I've bought the app 4 times (at full price), beta/bug/QA tested, and built the manual. To be honest, this is about the least I can do in order to help visionary developers like Victor who shift the creative paradigm forward in the iOS music world.

Some apps simply offer new ways to do old things;
other apps present new ways to do new things.

There currently seems to be a perspective among some users that breaking things down into atomic clips/sequences is somehow less elegant than having a single app that sequences everything. The truth is that, once you 'get' the workflows and creative possibilities that Atom2 enables, you'll realise that this is what 'post-DAW' really means.

MisplacedDevelopment

I’ll find out soon enough but I’m trying to understand how “Playback uses immediate-gate mode.” will affect my plans. At the moment I use hold mode to trigger clips. With the new pattern system I imagine that sending note number zero with velocity 100 will trigger the velocity 100 pattern in the note zero clip, correct? If so, then will it work the same way as hold mode does today, so if there is a consecutive note zero, velocity 101 then my velocity 101 pattern will trigger from the start of pattern 101 on note on and play until note off?

urbanvanilla

@blueveek said:

@urbanvanilla said:

@blueveek said:
@urbanvanilla Yup, you're right. I'm now verifying whether I can make them equivalent. I think it should be doable.

hey man, I know you are obviously busy with all the feature requests and automation stuff. But just throwing this one as a reminder, any updates on the Launch Clip MIDI binding in AUM or otherwise?

cheers keep up the good work

gregsmith

@blueveek said:
Version 2.0.6 is now waiting for review and includes the following:

Overhauled Patterns

• You can now use just a single instance to build all of your clips on a single track.
• Added the ability to switch patterns using notes, CCs, PCs and even velocity, on any channel. Playback uses immediate-gate mode.
• Added switch with legato for patterns. Switching between patterns will now let the notes naturally ring, so the changes aren’t abrupt.
• Decoupled pattern editing from playback: patterns can now be edited while other patterns are playing.
• Added 'Focus' and 'Play' buttons beside each pattern thumbnail.

Drambo integration

• Atom patterns will now follow Drambo patterns, synced to quantum.
• Clips will now auto-launch when instantiated in Drambo.

New features

• MIDI export will now export all patterns on separate channels.
• Implemented crop to loop, crop to notes and crop to selection.
• Added 16 new scales: all Modal Hexatonic variants (6 modes), Hirajoshi (5 modes) and Kumoi (5 modes). Give Hirajoshi a try, it’s awesome.
• Added “Auto Swing Duration” in the swing processing toolbar. When on, swing timing strength will automatically set swing durations.
• Made the tempo slider snap in increments of 0.05 when dragging. Adjustments are in 0.01 increments when tapping.
• Made the tempo parameter go down to 0 (it was 0.5 minimum previously).
• The “Play pattern" parameter, as well as the "Clear active"/ "Duplicate active" pattern parameters, now all work with Launchpad controllers even when the instance itself isn't focused (visible).

UI tweaks

• Bars now alternate their background color in the grid.
• The focused pattern number is now displayed above the keyboard. The playing pattern number is now shown in the Clip button.
• The grid and time panels are now persisted; this allows changing snap and grid settings during note entry.
• Scales, Layers, Clipboard and Pattern controls will now always stay in view when scrolling.
• Double tapping a pattern thumbnail will now select all notes in that pattern.
• Increased the touch area for the note resize grabbies.
• Relocated the Listen button to the bottom-left.
• Changed the long-press indicator style for buttons with hidden menus.
• Fixed playhead position not updating with undo/redo.
• Fixed playhead position not visually seeking forward with step input.
• Many layout improvements, especially for iPhone when used in vertical mode.

Other

• iOS 12 support is now enabled.

No automation?!!

Just joking 😉
Astonishingly good changelog! Can’t wait to play with the new patterns.

blueveek

@MisplacedDevelopment said:
I’ll find out soon enough but I’m trying to understand how “Playback uses immediate-gate mode.” will affect my plans.

A few things to explain how it works:

• Clip launching is decoupled from pattern switching.
• Clip launching follows per-clip launching rules.
• Pattern switching is immediate-gate mode.

How can you use this? For example, you can use an "umbrella" note to trigger/release playback, and other notes below the umbrella to switch patterns (or mix and match CCs and velocities etc., it's all modular). Clip launching and pattern switching are completely decoupled this way, and you can choose if you want to use them in tandem or not. You can even use the umbrella note repeatedly to retrigger the clip from the start while pattern sequences switch in the process. This can be pretty sick for sliced audio

@gregsmith said:
Astonishingly good changelog! Can’t wait to play with the new patterns.

Thank you! Hope you'll enjoy it.

MisplacedDevelopment

@blueveek said:

@MisplacedDevelopment said:
I’ll find out soon enough but I’m trying to understand how “Playback uses immediate-gate mode.” will affect my plans.

A few things to explain how it works:

• Clip launching is decoupled from pattern switching.
• Clip launching follows per-clip launching rules.
• Pattern switching is immediate-gate mode.

How can you use this? For example, you can use an "umbrella" note to trigger/release playback, and other notes below the umbrella to switch patterns (or mix and match CCs and velocities etc., it's all modular). Clip launching and pattern switching are completely decoupled this way, and you can choose if you want to use them in tandem or not. You can even use the umbrella note repeatedly to retrigger the clip from the start while pattern sequences switch in the process. This can be pretty sick for sliced audio

@gregsmith said:
Astonishingly good changelog! Can’t wait to play with the new patterns.

Thank you! Hope you'll enjoy it.

Thanks for the explanation, this is one of those things I will need to play with to fully understand I think it has clicked now - the playhead is driven by the clip launch rule and the notes in the clip can be dynamically switched while the playhead moves. In my scenario I believe I just need an extra note which triggers at the same time as the start of the clip launch note when I want to change the underlying pattern being played.

Edward_Alexander

I can’t wait to play with this update! The Drambo integration is what has me excited. Thank you @blueveek!

fprintf

I need another more up-to-date tutorial on how to use this app now. So much discussion about features in the month or so since Atom 2 arrived.