General Preset Manager question.

[tester]

i also try to avoid string savings - for me it makes no sense to save a,b,c when i can do 1,2 or 3 - anyway if you are using a selector you have a string and a index out...but it also depends on the project for shure there are situations you will need it..

for using multiple groups in an array i personally build up an indexing system - like each parameter has a unique id and i can call it when ever i want - so no splitting and grouping is needed just a get at prim

just a few thoughts about...

The reason I would use strings (i.e. all values in 1 param line) instead of arrays (i.e. 1 value per line) to save some data - is, because the preset manager (or user) can do stupid things from time to time. I don't use "preset parameter array" because I have mixed and pre-formated (non 0-1 range) data.

Sure, there are various ways of arranging. What matters at the end - is how fast the preset system will react (stable 40 seconds vs stable 3 seconds), and how bigs are (trigger flow related) lags within the schematic itself (stable 0.3 seconds vs unstable 10 seconds).

[tester]

Ok no i see what you mean
This will get you also automation.

So how about the Variable Server i made a few days ago:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1609

This may easy up the array management and you do not hav to use static indexes

For to store up more than one table i would have to make another module to it.

The variable server will then enable you also to sync parameters over tcpip (Controlling the VSTi from an external exe or other computer - Well a little useless but fun to play with )

Regards

You know, in some future I'm thinking to add remote control here and there, so I'm sure I will get back to your project too. In fact, controlling an app from another computer is a very powerful and desirable feature. I'm only afraid, that neither me nor FS is prepared for such jump yet!

[RJHollins]

OK ... lots of info to process for me !

In particular, Billv's 'ALT Preset' system. I've only had a brief scan through the schematic [on 1st cup of coffee]. Out of respect, I need to give a much closer look into the inner workings to gain a clearer understanding obviously. The 'PRIMs' related to Parameters and such are those I've not experience with ... but being able to see them linked [along with the goal] will definitely help ... i hope Thanks Billv !

I'm also carefully reading NuBeats's following post. Understanding that every project can have its own unique data, and requirements ... I was particularly interested in the mention of using the PreSet Manager [itself], so as to have a single 'data management store and retrieve' system.

What I probably need to do is look at the 'preset' module in one of the knobs [for example], and see what is going on there. I would imagine that my projects are of the more 'simpler' type compared to some of the major projects I've seen on the forums. The projects I'm currently on are basic MIDI controllers. The User data I need to save/load are primarily 'MIDI Program Patch' numbers. At the most, less than 200 patch numbers ... but I'm 'virtually' controlling up to 16 other VST plugins. This is what determines the number of group arrays that I need to manage. If I can see if these arrays can be assigned into 'parameter' values that the PM would pick up on, maybe this could simplify my disk management needs ...

Also, big THANKS to tester. Your 'excerpt 2' schematic clearly helps me see the logic in the triggers better. It has been part of my 'push to the next level' to not only getting a circuit put together that does what I need, but to optimize the internal performance ... along with laying out the schematic in as clear a way possible. It sure helps to have experienced GURU's shining a light

This is a priority function that will impact any project I'm working on, and very much appreciate you guys sharing your concepts, thinking, and designs in my pursuit. Hopefully other 'newcomers' will also benefit from your shared knowledge.

Time for me to look at some of the prebuilt modules and their preset function ...

[RJHollins]

just a minor update,

Had a few minutes to look and play ...

I dropped in a 'Preset' module from one of the knobs, and connected it up to a test array.

I only did one input/edit box.

I was able to name the preset and supply a value. Then, using the basic PresetManager, I was able to save the file.
Happily, the name and value were in the saved file

OK ... it's just a start.

It does seem that this would have to be done on a one2one basis, as I haven't seen a way to send a full array in.

Maybe if I convert the string into a comma-separated version might have possibilities .... more experiments later tonite!

---- edit ---

OK ... tester's 'comma delimit' module converts the array list into comma separated ones that I was able to send and save via the PM. Now the question is ... can I get the data back out and properly separate and route back to the input/edit boxes The 'comma separator' module of tester's does reverse the process.

Maybe I have inched my way to an improved file management solution ?!?

[billv]

Still looking for grey areas...bear in mind...work in progress....

1. The array builder is float and should be changed to string.
And one really bad part....
2.Index connection to file load should be removed.
It should not load file every index change.
File is loaded automatically at startup and after every save.
The index then just "reads" from a file that's already there...nice and fast...in other words..
no file loading for program changes.
Hopefully this means "on the fly" preset changes with no "audio glitches".

[tester]

RJ - in my above excerpts, there is conversion dataset to comma separated string and back again to array. You get the same array after loading it from preset. Having array and knowing what is where - you can do whatever you wish. Indexes are fixed.

[RJHollins]

RJ - in my above excerpts, there is conversion dataset to comma separated string and back again to array. You get the same array after loading it from preset. Having array and knowing what is where - you can do whatever you wish. Indexes are fixed.

Hi Tester,

Definately found the 2 conversion modules. They work as prescribed

In between running around over her, I'm playing with getting data in and out of the PM.

I can get a single value in and out .... but not yet with an array [even comma separated].... but I still need more play time with this.

When one doesn't know what one is doing ......... we PLAY

[tester]

Okay, I don't understand what you can't get?

[billv]

Finally got this thing going properly
Lots of fixes...too may too list...
...tested as vst and exe... no errors at the moment...can't see a grey area...
I'm going to stick it in my synth and see what happens....
Hope this helps with your project...

Alt preset system_v2.fsm

(102.12 KiB) Downloaded 1018 times

[RJHollins]

WOW ... just got home from a Gig and open this up

My ... this is gonna take me some time to even begin to understand

This looks a completely rewritten Data Manager, and ... at this moment in time ... several grade levels above me I'll need to start looking at this fresh to try and get a understanding

For my efforts, I've been experimenting getting User data into the stock Preset Manager. I've gotten over the first hurdle, as I'm now able to get a 'comma delimited' Array stored as an element in the preset. The 'comma delimit and separator' modules, from tester, bookend a 'STRING' primitive module that I got working. The test concept seems to be working well .... really not as difficult as I feared [thanks to all the help] For the type of programs I'm currently working on, with the level of data I need to store/retrieve ... this would seem to be an ideal solution for my specifics. I still need to expand this out to see how this will work within a full project ... but the glimmer of hope is there

Meanwhile ... another programming issue has surfaced, but I'm going to put that into a separate topics if I can't find the info searching the forums. [trying to keep topic related].

Just so I don't offend ... this has been good education for me ... even if I can't use or follow everything. I bet other, more advanced programmers will also benefit. Another cool aspect is seeing the different strategies and designs that go to solve a common issue. It really opens my eyes to different thinking and possibilities.

If my attempt is at some level of 'success', I'll post that up for critique. Thanks again .... look forward to everyones posts !