Apr 28

Written by: Renegade
Thursday, April 28, 2005 1:00 AM

Toys, toys, toys! The next version of Guitar and Drum Trainer (GDT) is full of them. There are a few things that are still on the TODO list, but here's the shortlist of new stuff that you'll be able to do:

• Store multiple loop sets
• Apply a few audio effects
  • Volume effect for finer control
  • Low Pass Filter
  • Auto WAH (just for fun)
  • Dynamic Volume (minimally useful, but has its moments)
• Save song configurations and loops for the song
• Auto-save the last GDT settings
• A count-in to delay playback - great for running back to your drum kit
• Better controls for setting loop points
• New toolbar (still not totally happy with this)
• Save EQ settings (* may not make it in)
• New cleaner layout

Some of the most powerful benefits are not obvious. Aside from being able to create as many loops as you want in 1 song and save them, I think the most powerful learning tools are the EQ combined with the volume FX and low pass filter. These will let you fiddle around to filter out sounds until you get just what you want. The low pass filter has a resonance setting, and if you set it up a bit higher, it will bring out the frequencies near the cut-off point, which in normal English means that you'll be able to hear specific instruments much clearer. Of course you end up mucking with the sound and the song doesn't sound normal, but this is the entire point - to just hear 1 part of the song and not the whole thing.

I'm going to get back to it this weekend to see if I can polish off the last few things and get it up for download.

There is 1 major change though that I know some people won't like a lot - it won't be freeware. Although much of it will still be functional, some of the more powerful features will stop functioning after a trial period. If you've already donated for GDT, don't email me quite yet - I'll email you. Don't worry - it will be good news =)  [ Gentle hint for everyone else: Now is the time to donate. ]

Part of the reason that it has been taking so long is that the new version is just SOOO much better, and I have a real hard time not playing with it whenever I do any programming. Seriously - the new version is just so much better that I'm almost embarassed about GDT v2.

Cheers,

Renegade

 

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