Cherry Audio Edition: Basic Questions about MIDI devices to get started

[Steve]

Here you can see the differences to the full paid version

Thanks for the comparison table. I had looked at a different comparison table, but the one you linked is more comprehensive.

For my understanding:
You are able to play VST instruments in gig performer using your midi keyboard, but you do not see the midi device in the midi ports window in the global options?

Close. Let me explain: Under Options, one tab is called Global MIDI. Another tab is called MIDI Ports.

Global MIDI: Using the Edit button, I have five MIDI ports [devices] which can be assigned to a select set of features: Next Variation/Song Part, Tuner, Tap Tempo, Panic, and a few other GP functions. There’s also a MIDI Learn button.

MIDI Ports: Here there are two sections: MIDI Input Ports and MIDI Output Ports. Both say “no devices.” I have been using midi since the 1980s. I can’t recall in the 21st century having either free/demo or paid software that did not enumerate for customer usage all available MIDI devices.

I can understand reasons why a software developer might want to do this, but instead of saying “no devices” it would have been nice if there was a statement in that panel to the effect that “The Cherry Audio Edition only allows for a single combined MIDI Input (omni channel) device/port and a single aggregate MIDI output device/port.”

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Oh, you are using the free Cherry Audio Edition! That explains a lot!
Yes, in the free edition, there is only the MIDI In (OMNI) port and no MIDI devices are displayed in the Gig Performer Options window.

Unfortunately, the Getting Started (and similar) videos I saw, the documentation I saw, and the blurb at Cherry Audio doesn’t say this.

I use WIndows (Win 10 Pro). Am I correct in assuming that MIDI Ports in the Options Menu should pick up my midi ports from WIndows just like all other software I have used or does GP require some special method? I have watched the first half of the Getting Started video, looked for a relevant topic in the 390 page manual, and have scanned the community topics for relevant discussions. Note: I am not a beginner. I have been using midi for almost 40 years. I cannot figure out why the MIDI Ports sections (in and out) say No Devices.

[npudar]

@Steve

MIDI Ports: Here there are two sections: MIDI Input Ports and MIDI Output Ports. Both say “no devices.” I have been using midi since the 1980s. I can’t recall in the 21st century having either free/demo or paid software that did not enumerate for customer usage all available MIDI devices.

We regret that this is the limitation of the free version.
NB: The version you are using is the very first “free” version of Gig Performer. Maybe this may be revisited in future builds.

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@Steve

I can understand reasons why a software developer might want to do this, but instead of saying “no devices” it would have been nice if there was a statement in that panel to the effect that “The Cherry Audio Edition only allows for a single combined MIDI Input (omni channel) device/port and a single aggregate MIDI output device/port.”

This makes sense to be improved in a future build.

[dhj]

@Steve

free/demo or paid software that did not enumerate for customer usage

The purpose of this free version is to allow basic hosting of multiple plugins, such as those from Cherry Audio and play with those plugins from a single controller.

It gives you more flexibility than using plugins in standalone mode because you can do splits and layering, for example, and It will give you a flavor for the approach taken by Gig Performer.

Unlike the trial version of the fully functional version of GP, this free version does not expire and so can be used in real situations where the deeper functionality of GP is not needed.

[Steve]

@dhj

@Steve

free/demo or paid software that did not enumerate for customer usage

The purpose of this free version is to allow basic hosting of multiple plugins, such as those from Cherry Audio and play with those plugins from a single controller.

I appreciate your positive spin. I tend to do similar things, too. As for my needs, I can already to play multiple plugins in all sorts of ways such as from a single controller, but I can understand how others might not be able to do that and would appreciate that aspect of GP. As I said after last night’s issues,

Thanks for these practical suggestions. If I ever decide to reinstall GP again, I will keep them in mind. However, I don’t think GP is for me.

[Steve]

@npudar

We regret that this is the limitation of the free version.
NB: The version you are using is the very first “free” version of Gig Performer. Maybe this may be revisited in future builds.

@Steve

I can understand reasons why a software developer might want to do this . . . "

This makes sense to be improved in a future build.

Thanks. Please let me know if I can be of any additional help.

[npudar]

For the free version, we are collecting users’ experience.
Of course, we listen what people say about Gig Performer (free and “normal”).

@Steve

However, I don’t think GP is for me.

This is also a legit decision If you want to try it again, the community will be here for you.

[dhj]

@Steve

I can already to play multiple plugins in all sorts of ways such as from a single controller

But you can’t manage songs, perform automation, load thousands of backing tracks, send and respond to OSC messages or do any of the other almost 49 billion features in Gig Performer (and that was just GP4, almost 4 years ago)

Deskew Gig Performer 4.0 Brings 49 Billion Enhancements