Stories with Tag digital audio workstation

• Show HN: IEMidi –  Cross-platform MIDI map editor for arbitrary controllers

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  Posted: 2025-03-07 16:44:20

  Verbose tl;dr

  IEMidi is a new open-source, cross-platform MIDI mapping editor designed to work with any controller, including gamepads, joysticks, and other non-traditional MIDI devices. It offers a visual interface for creating and editing mappings, allowing users to easily connect controller inputs to MIDI outputs like notes, CC messages, and program changes. IEMidi aims to be a flexible and accessible tool for musicians, developers, and anyone looking to control MIDI devices with a wide range of input hardware. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and can be downloaded from GitHub.

  The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: IEMidi –  Cross-platform MIDI map editor for arbitrary controllers" introduces IEMidi, a newly developed software tool designed to simplify the process of creating and managing MIDI mappings for a wide range of input devices, regardless of their original purpose. This cross-platform application supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, offering a consistent user experience across different environments. IEMidi allows users to connect virtually any controller, including gamepads, joysticks, keyboards, and specialized MIDI controllers, and map their inputs to MIDI messages. These messages can then be sent to any MIDI-compatible software or hardware, enabling users to control Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), synthesizers, effects processors, and other musical instruments or applications with their chosen controller. The software aims to be particularly useful for individuals who utilize non-standard controllers for musical performance or production, offering a flexible and customizable alternative to traditional MIDI mapping methods. The core functionality of IEMidi revolves around defining input actions on the connected controller and associating them with specific MIDI messages, such as Note On/Off, Control Change, Program Change, and more. This mapping process is facilitated through a user-friendly interface, abstracting away the technical complexities of MIDI communication. The project is open-source, allowing developers to contribute to its development and potentially extend its capabilities further. The post highlights the potential of IEMidi to empower musicians and other creative individuals by offering a powerful and adaptable solution for mapping arbitrary controllers to MIDI, opening up new possibilities for musical expression and control.

  • MIDI
  • Music
  • Audio
  • controller
  • Mapping
  • Editor
  • Cross-Platform
  • Software
  • open-source
  • IEMidi
  • GUI
  • Hardware
  • digital audio workstation
  • DAW

  Summary of Comments ( 8 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43291678

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally praised IEMidi for its cross-platform compatibility and open-source nature, viewing it as a valuable tool for musicians and developers. Some highlighted the project's potential for accessibility, allowing customization for users with disabilities. A few users requested features like scripting support and the ability to map to system-level actions. There was discussion around existing MIDI mapping solutions, comparing IEMidi favorably to some commercial options while acknowledging limitations compared to others with more advanced features. The developer actively engaged with commenters, addressing questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.

  The Hacker News post about IEMidi, a cross-platform MIDI map editor, generated a moderate level of discussion with several insightful comments.

  One commenter pointed out the existing challenge of finding good MIDI mapping software, especially for less common or custom controllers. They expressed enthusiasm for IEMidi's potential to fill this gap, particularly praising its cross-platform compatibility and open-source nature. This resonates with the project's aim to be accessible and adaptable for various user needs.

  Another user highlighted the importance of visual feedback within MIDI mapping software, suggesting that a graphical representation of the controller and its mappings could significantly enhance usability. They specifically mentioned a desire to see knobs, sliders, and buttons visually represented and manipulated within the software, mirroring the physical controller.

  Someone with experience using other MIDI mapping tools drew a comparison between IEMidi and existing solutions. They appreciated IEMidi's cleaner and more modern user interface while acknowledging the strengths of established alternatives like Bome MIDI Translator Pro for handling more complex scenarios. This comment offers a valuable perspective on how IEMidi fits within the current landscape of MIDI mapping software.

  A further comment emphasized the utility of IEMidi for repurposing old or non-standard controllers, breathing new life into potentially obsolete hardware. This highlights the project's potential to empower users to customize and maximize the use of their existing equipment.

  The discussion also touched upon the technical aspects of MIDI implementation. One commenter inquired about the underlying libraries used by IEMidi and how they contribute to its cross-platform capabilities. This reveals an interest in the technical foundation of the project and its potential for further development and extensibility.

  While several commenters expressed interest and appreciation for IEMidi, there were also some requests for specific features, like support for additional MIDI message types and improved visual feedback. This suggests active engagement with the project and a desire to see it evolve to meet a wider range of user needs.

• Show HN: Audiocube – A 3D DAW for Spatial Audio

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  Posted: 2025-01-30 13:12:34

  Verbose tl;dr

  Audiocube is a 3D digital audio workstation (DAW) designed specifically for spatial audio creation. It offers a visual, interactive environment where users can place and manipulate audio sources within a 3D space, enabling intuitive control over sound positioning, movement, and spatial effects. This approach simplifies complex spatial audio workflows, making it easier to design immersive soundscapes for games, VR/AR experiences, and other interactive media. The software also integrates traditional DAW features like mixing, effects processing, and automation within this 3D environment.

  The newly launched application, Audiocube, presents itself as a groundbreaking three-dimensional Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) specifically designed for crafting immersive spatial audio experiences. Unlike traditional DAWs that operate on a two-dimensional timeline, Audiocube employs a visually intuitive 3D interface where users can manipulate audio sources within a virtual space. This allows for precise placement and movement of sounds around a listener, creating dynamic and realistic soundscapes.

  The core functionality of Audiocube revolves around positioning virtual sound sources within this 3D environment. Users can intuitively drag and drop audio files, representing instruments, vocals, or sound effects, into the virtual space. The spatial positioning of these sources directly translates to the perceived location of the sound in the final output, enabling the creation of complex auditory scenes where sounds emanate from various directions and distances. This provides an innovative workflow for composing and mixing immersive audio for applications such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), games, and other interactive media.

  Audiocube's interface facilitates not only static positioning but also the dynamic movement of sound sources within the 3D space. Users can automate the trajectories of these virtual sound objects, creating intricate and evolving soundscapes that unfold over time. This dynamic control over sound placement allows for highly expressive and interactive audio experiences.

  Furthermore, Audiocube offers traditional DAW features integrated within its 3D environment. Users have access to standard audio processing tools, such as equalization, compression, and reverb, enabling detailed sound sculpting and mixing within the spatial context. This combination of spatial audio control and traditional audio processing tools provides a comprehensive platform for producing sophisticated and immersive auditory content. The software aims to simplify the complexities often associated with spatial audio production, making it more accessible to a broader range of creators and developers. The platform is being presented as a novel approach to audio production, pushing the boundaries of how sound is created and experienced.

  • spatial audio
  • 3D audio
  • DAW
  • digital audio workstation
  • audio production
  • Music Production
  • audio engineering
  • Sound Design
  • immersive audio
  • VR audio
  • AR audio
  • XR audio
  • ambisonics
  • binaural audio
  • audio software
  • music software
  • Music Technology
  • audio technology

  Summary of Comments ( 64 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42877399

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally expressed interest in AudioCube, praising its novel approach to spatial audio workflow and the intuitive visual interface. Several questioned the practicality for complex projects, citing potential performance issues with many sound sources and the learning curve associated with a new paradigm. Some desired more information about the underlying technology and integration with existing DAWs. The use of WebGPU also sparked discussion, with some excited about its potential and others concerned about browser compatibility and performance. A few users requested features like VST support and ambisonics export. While intrigued by the concept, many adopted a wait-and-see approach pending further development and user feedback.

  The Hacker News post for AudioCube, a 3D DAW for spatial audio, has generated a modest amount of discussion, with a handful of comments focusing on a few key themes.

  Several commenters express interest in the potential of spatial audio and its applications beyond music production, specifically mentioning its relevance for game development and VR experiences. They see tools like AudioCube as a valuable step towards making spatial audio creation more accessible.

  One commenter questions the practical need for a dedicated 3D DAW, suggesting that existing DAWs with robust panning features might already offer sufficient control over spatial audio. This sparks a small discussion about the limitations of traditional panning and the benefits of a truly 3D workflow for creating immersive soundscapes.

  Another thread focuses on the technical challenges of working with spatial audio, including the complexity of headphone virtualization and the need for specialized listening environments. Commenters acknowledge these difficulties but also express optimism about the ongoing advancements in the field.

  A few comments also touch upon the business model of AudioCube, with some users inquiring about pricing and licensing options.

  While the discussion isn't extensive, it reflects a genuine interest in the potential of spatial audio and the role of tools like AudioCube in shaping its future. The comments highlight both the excitement and the challenges associated with this emerging technology. Notably, nobody seems to have actually used the software yet, primarily focusing on the concept and its potential.