OK, I've been working with myDMX a lot today. Well, let me re-state that, I've been TRYING, but with a kid or dog having some crisis every 5 minutes or loads of crap calls, I've been up since 8AM and I've yet to really get anything useful done, and here it is 6:30PM. Any wonder why I'm up until 4AM most nights?
Back to my list of grievances.
1: I have been able to confirm that MyDMX only responds to MIDI when MyDMX is in the foreground. This is true even when the 3D visualizer is running. I've programmed my Korg nanoKONTROl to help me program and run shows, and you'd thing I could bring channels up and down and save some time. Nope. Can't do this. I think this issue needs to be addressed. I can totally understand that keyboard strokes can only properly be registered when MyDMX is the active app, but come on, we're talking MIDI triggering, which s coming from a non-local source, and since MyDMX can listen to this, this should be allowed to function.
Not just triggering, but fader/channel control as well.
2: Manual over-ride. For those having an issue with this sort of thing, read up: Set THAT channel to HTP or LTP(doesn't seem to matter which) and those channels will allow you to "override" the scene. This isn't evident. The manual might want to address this a bit better. What is cool is this was my test:
I have a scene using out of phase counter-rotating circles. I then set my spotlight dimmer channels to HTP, and wow, I can bring up my spots WITHOUT otherwise altering or interrupting the scene.
3: MIDI learning. There needs to be a function to FORGET a programmed trigger or assignment. I was making a few mistakes today and had to start over. It's hard to concentrate when a 5 year old insists on making it her objective to continually piss off the almost 3 year old. Isn't parenting grand? But thinking more practical, it may be necessaryfor someone to change their plans and want to redo their learned MIDI responses. This needs to be selectable on a scene by scene AND channel by channel basis, NOT a global. Likewise, it would be great to have a way to check the "learned trigger". Yes, you can argue "well pay attention you idiot" and I can say "you try working in my environment, smart-ass". I tried paying attention but it's damn near impossible. I do the best I can and I save often.
Learn or forget can be implemented via the right mouse button and then select "learn" or "forget".
4: MyDMX will not recognize a USB MIDI device plugged in while MyDMX is running. Be aware of this. This is NOT an issue I think myDMX should address. I plugged in my Korg nanoKONTROL while MyDMX was running and since it was not plugged in before I launched the app, it would not see the device. Quitting and re-launching resolved this isuse. So, be warned and plan ahead, OK?
6: MIDI again. This is really a HUGE time saver for me. I assigned my RED channels on my 8 64 LED Pros and my 2 Color Fusions to the same MIDI fader. Repeat down the line for like/like channels. Oh, this is so awesome! I can quickly just bring up colors! I even did this with my gel'ed Par38's at least for channels. So, all my reds, greens and blues come up on their own respective channel faders.
However, my application is a bit extreme but it does do what I need.
The ability to assign multiple channels to the same MIDI controller is a HUGE time saver. Easily control banks of same fixtures even if they don't use the same channels quickly and easily.
7: Buttons in USER mode. I'd prefer a bit more control over this. I want larger text and larger buttons. I'd also like CONTROL over button colors so I can quickly find by color what I want. BOLD wold help too. I don't want FONT control, but I do want to be able to resize buttons. I'm willing to compromise with a one-size fits all thing, that's fine. I can even live with a limited pallet of colors to choose from because I can use that to mark my groups even if I have to re-use colors.
8: Sorting in EDITOR mode. It sucks. I'd like a few changes if possible:
a: Copy a GROUP of scenes at once. But I don't see this happening. Since I have a core of 16 colors I work with that represent the colors my various color wheel support, it would save time.
b: The moving of scenes really bites. Again, I'd like to drag a group or individuals to where I want them.
9: The 3D Visualizer. Specifically construction mode. Specifically when you select a fixture and go to Settings and Location on the left. What do the X,Y and Z values actually represent? Is this metric? Is this meters? It's not a big deal bit I would prefer to know what scale I' working with so as to make things a bit more realistic.
I've stated I like the software. I do. but when you're having to do lot of programming and are under the gun, you need things to work in a better workflow. of course, it does help if things aren' conspiring to sabotage you every 30 seconds. I didn't post here just to rant. I've pointed out some good things I've discovered.
Anyhow, back to working on my shows. I have movers to program!
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