Rethinking Outputs Part 2

[Alabau]

As outlined here I can imaging several reasons to change the way outputs work.

One possible solution is to change the way devices work. Currently the number of devices available is limited by the version of the software with professional plus allowing 16 devices that when used in stereo allow 32 channels of data. Under the current method of devices unfortunately as mono devices are implemented actual physical channels are lost and if all 16 devices are mono the limit becomes 16. I would love to see a situation where devices were no longer stereo but could consist of multiple physical outputs in some sort of matrix. When programing the devices the designer would choose what physical outs would be used in each device by channel of the file and the ratio of those channels would vary by physical out. In other words for device 1 the designer would choose by channel (left, right, LFE, etc) which speaker or speakers would be used and how loud in relation to the other.

This would allow for Outputs to be used in multiple devices in multiple ways. For example I may use A stereo device to put stereo files in my Left right speaker but have a second device to put stereo files into 4 speakers for a fuller surround like effect without creating a sub cue or using 2 devices.

It also allows for multi channel files to be used in a non traditional way. in other show control programs I have used multi channel files simply as a way to stack and time align data and keep my files more organized. I often build separate re-verb tracks to accompany music as channels 3 and 4 of a multi channel file but wish to send them to the same speakers at a lower level. this allows me to customize my re-verb in the space and adjust the wet to dry during tech. With matrix style devices this could easily be accomplished.

The big draw back that I see is that it eats up devices much faster than the current system. A solution would be to allow many more devices in all the tiers and make the difference in levels the number of Physical outs instead to professional can use 16 outs while Pro plus gets 32 Outs

[Mike Daniell]

Thanks, Alec. Some interesting - and challenging - ideas here!