Hi...
so with Ploytech / usb-audio dragging their heals again on updating the drivers for Mac OS Sierra... Im wondering about alternatives, in particular not using the Virus drivers at all.
first thing to say, I don't use the Virus TI plugin, which necessitates the need for the drivers and virus control.
- I know how to get the Virus to switch to USB mode, and so get USB class compliant midi. (I can write C code to do this, as ive done on other platforms)
- according to this thread (Virus TI and Unbutu) if the drivers are not installed the virus will act as a standard audio interface.
BUT... the missing part is the sound coming from the synth engine,
which got me wondering...
I recognise that its likely Access cannot open source the code for the drivers, as this is likely owned by Ploytech. so its not theirs to give away.
But surely Access are at liberty to detail the usb protocol that is in use? this way we could (in the open source community) could develop a driver.
(this is much easier than trying to reverse engineer the protocol ... Im guessing we need to know audio format, and also probably information about sync'ing)
also, whilst they are at it... Access could open source the plugin code.... after all, its no use without the hardware, so why keep it closed source?
... its hardly intellectual property either, as its just sending sysex to the TI via the drivers.
Ive a pretty big fear, that Access has stopped developing the TI range, supporting the software is just a 'burden', its one they have to live with whilst selling TIs,
but should they stop selling TI's they will probably just stop supporting the software... and once that happens the next OS release will basically kill 'total integration'
So.. Access, why not give the open source community what they need to be able to supporting the TI, so WHEN its not commercially viable to support the TI anymore, there is still an option open to users.
(its also means Linux can be better supported in the meantime!)
btw: this is definitely not a dig at Access, they have been great at supporting the TI for years... its about opening up what will always become 'legacy' hardware to future support before its too late...
(this stopping of software support is 'natural', most companies have done it, including NI, Roland, Nord... so its inevitable, but perhaps Access can buck the trend by having a strategy)
Id of course, be very interested to hear from Access, what their plans are in general... (though recognise they have some sensitivity to future plans, and what can be promised etc, so just looking for a general outline nothing more)
thoughts?
p.s. I know I can use the analog audio outputs to an audio interface, if I don't have the synth audio coming via usb, which is what i do currently... but it would be nice to have the option of usb audio.