There are 3 downloads for each version, you probably only really need 1 of the 3.
The one without a 32 or 64 in the name is the MAX project file.
If you don't have MAX and you have a PC, you'll want either the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
If you have a Mac you can download the MAX 6 runtime and use the MAX project.
Choose the appropriate one based on your plugins and not your system type.
If you find this useful, let me know. I love to hear what people are doing. :) (continuumVST) at (ericvonbayer) dot (us).
What is it?
This MAX based project is intended to allow easier use of the Haken Continuum with
software synths. Most software synths unfortunately do not differentiate between
MIDI channels. Due to the control the Haken Continuum provides, this is necessary
to work correctly within the MIDI spec.
To facilitate this, the MAX program allows a user to load a VST, and it replicates
that VST for each channel. To make things easier it operates in two modes:
Patcher Mode: This mode allows a user to easily pic the sound
the VST will use. This is done by shunting all signals from the active
channel (the channel with the last note on) to channel 1 and
cancelling all notes that came from any other channel. This is done because
I have no reliable way to determine that a patch change has happened. This
prevents people from having to continually press the sync button. Switching
to this mode will immediately pop the VST UI.
Performance Mode: When switching to this mode, all of the patch
information will be replicated to all of the VSTs and each VST will be
in charge of handling data for a single midi channel. Any automatable
parameter will automatically update all the other VSTs, so you can typically
tweak the UI still (patch changes and high level preferences changes may
not get copied.)
Screenshot
Typical Use
Open the Continuum VST MAX Patch or Application (32 for 32-bit plugins,
64 for 64-bit plugins).
Select the Input MIDI port you wish to use for the Continuum.
Setup the audio device and enable the audio if it's not enabled.
Set the number of instances (this should match what you set on the Continuum).
Select an instrument VST by pressing the button. If this is a Waves plugin you'll also need
to select a plugin from the dropdown next to "Instrument VST...".
When the plugin fully loads, it will popup the UI. You can now select a patch.
The plugin can be played during this time, but it will effectively be
monophonic in this mode. Setting pitchbend range settings while in this mode
is advised. Many VSTs do not automate this parameter, thus setting it later won't
result in changing all the instances without pressing the Sync button.
Once you're happy, click the "Patcher" button and it will change to "Performance"
mode. This will trigger the current patch to be copied to all the remaining
VST instances. If at any point you need to do this again there is a sync button
(the button that looks like two circling arrows). This button with repeat this copy
process. That said, this should not be necessary typically as any automatable
parameter that is changed from the UI will be replicated to the other instances in
real time.
Suggested Settings on the Continuum and VSTs
Continuum Setting
Value
VST/MIDI Meaning
X Bend:
12
+/-12 semitones in plugins
Y:
1
ModWheel
Z:
11
Expression
Velocity:
Dynamic
Future Work
Better UI. Right now it's clunky but functional.
Ability to remap and scale all incoming data from the Continuum (X, Y, Z, Velocity).
Ability to save patches that embody the whole setup except for MIDI/Audio device setup.
Ability to have a set of commands to send on a copy. Primarily to reset the pitch bend range to something useful.
Define the VST directories, and remember the last directory in a useful way.
X and/or Y splits to different VSTs
VST Notes and Compatibility
NOTE: Does not work with VST 3 plugins, do not try as this will almost certainly crash immediately.
ARP 2600 V2 - Works pretty well.
Chromaphone - Works, but not the best suited to the Continuum
CS-80V - Works well, this synth is made for this sort of control. Vangelis would drool over this!
FM8 - Works pretty well.
Jupiter 8V - Works pretty well
Mini V - Works pretty well.
Padshop - Works, but using anything other that +/-2 for pitchbend yields somewhat wrong results.
PPG Wavegenerator - Does not work due to VST save/load issues. Should have Note Per Channel so may not need this utility anyways.
Prophet-V2 - Works quite well
StringStudio - Works
Tassman 4 - Works, limited to +/-2 Pitchbend
UltraAnalog VA-2 - Works pretty well.
Changelog
V0.04
Effect VST section
Converted to poly~ in MAX, this lets the system use multiple cores.
Panic Button
Improved UI slightly
V0.03
Support for Waves
Added button to pop audio setup. (Needed for stand alone apps.)
