Topic 16: Evaluating Sequencing Software

Topic 16: Evaluating Sequencing Software

Participants will discuss the currently available MIDI sequencing applications and learn to distinguish fundamental and advanced options (functionality).

The instructor will facilitate a discussion about currently available MIDI sequencing applications. The following criteria can be used to guide the evaluation of the individual applications:

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  How much does the application cost?
  

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  Is there an educational version? Is there an educational price?
  
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  On what operating systems does the application run? Is it cross-platform?
  
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  What are the application’s specific system requirements?
  
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  Does the application facilitate both MIDI sequencing and audio recording and editing?
  
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  Is the application 32- or 64-bit?
  
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  What is the resolution of the sequencer (in ticks or PPQ)? Is it variable?
  
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  Does the software provide multiple ways to view MIDI data (graphic, notation, event list, etc.)?
  
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  Does the application support real-time audio scrubbing?
  
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  What virtual instruments are included with the application?
  
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  Are there additional virtual instruments available at additional cost?
  
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  How comprehensive are the included sample and loop libraries?
  
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  What 3^rd party libraries is the application capable of importing or reading?
  
• 
  What audio plug-ins are included with the application?
  
• 
  What plug-in formats are compatible with the application?
  
• 
  What sample rates and bit rates does the application support?
  
• 
  What audio file formats does the application support?
  
• 
  Is the application capable of freezing tracks?
  
• 
  Does the application support audio TCE (Warping, elastic audio, flex-time, etc.)?
  
• 
  What bounce and rendering options are available?
  
• 
  What MIDI mapping options are available?
  
• 
  Does the application support external MIDI controllers?
  
• 
  Does the application support instant mapping?
  
• 
  Can plug-ins be grouped in a rack?
  
• 
  Does the application allow for both linear and non-linear sequencing?
  
• 
  Does the application support video import? If so, what video formats does the application support (QuickTime, Avid, Windows Media, HD, etc.)?
  
• 
  Does the application support timecode? What sync formats are supported (MTC, SMPTE, frame rates, word clock, etc.)?
  

Additional criteria should be developed and shared by the IST and instructor.

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