Friday 11 November 2016

New PD-2 Software for the PD-1

We have released the first version of the new PD-2 software for existing PD-1 users.

The main advantage of the new software is that you can record on up to 128 tracks on one protools or 2x64 tracks two protools. There are now 16 stems each of which can be up to 16 tracks wide. To access the extra stems/tracks the [Assign] key becomes a [Bank] key. To allow for object stems of greater than 16 tracks I am in the process of adding a link command that will allow multiple stems to be linked. Print Master Stems and Linked stems may be placed on the second bank as they do not need to be accessed as often.

The new Mac/Windows app. allows you to define the stem layout. The first version on this software is suitable for users with a single PD-1 and I am working on an new version that will allow users with two PD-1's to define different stem layouts on each PD-1. Here is a screenshot


After showing this to a PD-1 user they suggested an alternative layout which I worked on below

Whilst the traditional layout worked well with track counts up to 48, I can see that the alternative layout fits on a single screen with no scrolling required. When object stems of greater than 16 tracks are added they spill across multiple stems which are generated automatically.

You can download the first version of the Mac/Win app. now, if you decide to try it out you can install the firmware in your PD-1 and use it for about a week before it will demand that you pay for a License! I will issue a revised version of the app with a firmware upgrade before the end of the year.

For the future I am developing the PD-2. This includes a OLED display and Ethernet connection to allow both of the PD-1 serial ports to be dedicated to machine control and the possibility of 192 tracks or 2x128 tracks. A hardware upgrade should be available for existing PD-1 users.

The PD-3 which combines the PD-2 with a TMC-1 is available now
To Fit the PD-3 in an S-6 Module we had to make a compromise and lose the three keys on the left. The PD-2 will include these keys.