The CT5 could be our last TDM release. What do you think?

[StevenMassey]

We're finishing up the CT5 plugin now (the successor to the CT4). I'm in the headache of debugging 56k DSP code for the TDM version. This is the absolute least fun part of plugin development for Pro Tools. The programming language is archaic and cryptic. It makes your head hurt just looking at it. Give it a shot:

Code: Select all

mpyuu   x0,y0,a
dmacsu  x1,y0,a
macsu   y1,x0,a
dmacss  x1,y1,a
   
move    a,L:0
move    L:0,a   

add     a,b
move    b,L:(r3)+


Seriously?! What idiot-savant at Motorola thought this was a good idea? ...when they just as well could have used concise & readable grammar. Here's the same exact code with an imaginary, but sensible, syntax:

Code: Select all

a = x * y
L:0 = a = L:0
b = a + b
L:(r3)+ = b


Probably still cryptic to the lay-person, but perfectly readable to most any programmer. Anyway, people often ask about the programming language(s) I use. So there's a taste. But, the main thing I'm getting to is... does anyone even care anymore?

TDM cards are going away with Pro Tools 11. 56k is EOL. Should we bother writing anymore plugins (after the CT5) for the TDM format? Maybe that time would better spent working on other cooler stuff like new plugins, AU, etc.

Let us know what you think!
Steve

[Top Jimmy]

Given Avid's claim that AAX Native and DSP will both be supported by the exact same code with just some additional debugging, I would think that would be a no-brainer for you. If that claim is more true than not, it should save you quite a bit of time. As for TDM, all of your current plugins aren't going to stop working just because you've transitioned your new development to AAX (unless of course you discover a schroedinbug in all of your TDM code ).

[matt-o-]

For my work (postpro) HD - TDM used to be indespensable (Dolby Surround Tools, Sonic NoNoise, TC Unwrap ...), therefore (and for the sake of opening old projects as these plugins will not be transfered to AAX) I will keep my HD system for a few years, but I will definitely exchange my working system for a native one, maybe in summer, so that all upcoming work will be TDM free and (hopefully) future compatible. The next unknown variable is the future of the MacPro.
I always felt it to be economically viable to support the professional audio scene, therefore I would consider it a good idea to support AAX dsp as well. You must evaluate how much more work you have to put into it, but it seems, that AAX dsp will not to be as supported as native from a lot of companies, it could put you into a better position.

Therefore I think you can spend your lifetime on something less dead than TDM and do the changeover to aax earlier
Although, I must confess, you seemed to me to be a 56k assemble friend, as you did all your plugins as RTAS and TDM, which for a previously one-man-company seemed to be a real effort (not counting you coding work for 3rd parties (ie. MDW)).

May I ask you one question: sometimes, when I read, which programmers did which work, I thought to myself: are there more than a dozen individuals on this world, who are able to do 56k TDM audio-programming?

Have a nice weekend.
Greetings,
Matthias

[duuuhhh]

Steve, are you coding the old stuff (CT4, vt3 etc) for AAX format too? I haven't put my hands on PT10 yet, so I'm still not very familiar with those changes, don't know how your plugins are working in PT10...
What I'm actually worried about is PT11 (v10 to me seems to be like... "Windows ME" ). Are they dropping RTAS for 11? If they are, then I'd love to have all your stuff compatible, including a couple "experimental" plugs (such as the "Listen Plugin", I REALLY like that one).
Anyways, my vote goes to move on to AAX already. At some point, we all gotta move on.
Cheers

[matt-o-]

I'd love as well seeing the Massey Tools as AAX!!!

Greetings,
Matthias

[Top Jimmy]

I'd love as well seeing the Massey Tools as AAX!!!

What I never understood is why Steve never developed the tools to maturity and then low-balled them out as a set at $29.

[StevenMassey]

Steve, are you coding the old stuff (CT4, vt3 etc) for AAX format too?

We'll definitely be doing AAX Native at some point -- we don't have much choice in the matter. AAX DSP is the question mark. Doing the Texas Instruments DSP coding is certainly less painful than 56k, but still requires additional dedicated work to keep the TI code running efficiently.

The next unknown variable is the future of the MacPro.

This is definitely worrisome.

are there more than a dozen individuals on this world, who are able to do 56k TDM audio-programming?

A dozen would be pushing it.

Good to know the tools are so popular.

Steve

[jimdrake]

Plugins running on DSP is very important. Running on CPU is a toy.

Of course it's not fair to expect new TDM plugins (even if it would be nice!).

I am building a new PCI-X TDM rig now because of the second hand prices, but spending the money on the new AVID I/O. I think I will run it for 5+ years before considering going to HDX, and will probably skip PT11. Idea being that I can keep the I/O and change the cards and computer.

Not sure though about the VENUE market as I guess TDM here is not obsolete?

Continued support though of existing TDM plugins is a must!

NOT working on AAX DSP is a bad thing. If this happened then Massey would not longer be a must have for my PT systems.

[scribbleraudio]

I was a die hard TDM user and always championed TDM plugins. Remember the Mix System debate? Well, after a kid and yet another shift with Pro Tools, I took a long hard look at my ageing HD system on my ageing G5 and realised I was going to be stuck behind everyone again. The price of HDX ruled that out straight away so I found myself cross grading to HD Native with a UAD quad card. Now that's some serious DSP! I get to keep up with PT development, get rid of TDM nonsense that caused problems when working with sessions from native systems AND get some DSP powered plugs.

I would say HDX has to be supported, it is the future, but TDM is quickly becoming old news. PT11 won't support it or RTAS to that matter. Why bother? I've been waiting patiently for ages for a new Massey plugin!!! I'd love for you to get more new stuff going and not worry too much about the old. The old will still work. Come PT11 they won't be able to get any new stuff anyways. Do you really want to program AAX, AAX native, RTAS and TDM?

More Massey plugins please! Looking forward to CT5!

[cjguitar]

I've really appreciated your plugins, and the fact that you coded for both RTAS and TDM, as well as also being one of the few companies that didn't charge extra for TDM. A lot of people don't realize how important it is for developers to code for DSP (HDX). I'm using HDXx2 now, and I'm losing voices and the latency of the system is building up because a lot of my go to plugins on aux tracks are only available as RTAS right now. Latency is really bad for any live tracking situations as well as delay compensation keeping everything in sync (multiple mix stems, drums, etc.). Some manufacturers (the big W in particular) haven't committed to developing for AAX DSP, and at this point they don't get my money… HDX is the future and we need more plugins that can run natively as well as on the DSP to have the most optimized experience for each users workflows. Anyone that thinks they can do it all in native are fooling themselves, I couldn't do the feature film mixes I do, and a lot of music people couldn't do what they do without a pro system like Pro Tools HD hardware.