Soft-synth interface design

[Martin Naef]

Hi Andy

Ok, here's a first shot - not thoroughly reflected yet.

> Which software synth interfaces do you like and why?

Haven't really used any, unless you count the Nord Modular editor as one.

> Which hardware synth interfaces do you like and why?

Nord Lead: One knob, one function.
Korg Trinity: A *lot* of functionality, yet one doesn't get lost.
Korg Electribe: Clear without reading the manual.

> What elements from hardware synth interfaces belong in the software  
> world?
> What elements can you dream up that could only exist in software?

A lot of visual feedback (ok, that *can* exist in hardware, but it tends 
to be expensive).

Software can "reconfigure" the interface - e.g. only things that are 
active are visible, so a simple patch can be displayed with a simple 
structure, but the same interface tool can also visualise a 
significantly more complex patch.

> Do you appreciate shinny pretty graphics? Or do you prefer basic and  
> clean?

I appreciate good, stylised looks. But form follows function, and 
ergonomics are more important than "bling". The challenge is to combine 
both.

> Do you like soft synths that look like old hardware? Or like they are  
> a holographic interface from 2483? Or in between?

I can't answer that without a specific context. I don't mind if a 
virtual recreation of a classic looks like the original. But the same 
style might not fit a different synth structure. Again, form follows 
function.

What I would want in a software synthesizer interface is a visualisation 
that gives me all information I need upfront, is easy to use, and easy 
on the eye. If it also looks pretty, that's a great bonus - an ugly 
interface will not speak to my intuition, only to my analytical side.

Bye
Martin

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