Rayzoon Technologies LLC

Philosorhymes · Junior Jammer Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 12

Hi all, I have recently updated my Jamstix to Jamstix 2.0 and I am finding it quite difficult. I think one of the most beautiful things about Jamstix 1.0 was the ease of programming a groove. Those squares representing the timing for the various drum elements worked very very well and it was so intuitive. This combined with the long sequencer which allowed you to capture everything done over a time line was a potent mix for me. I could capture every fill and easily edit the fills too, but with the new interface I am totally bewildered.

The small squares seem to have disappeared and the LH, RH parameters appear in it's place which I can't quite get my head around, but it was so much more intuitive when you had a grid for kick drum, snare, toms high hat and all and were able to simply punch things in and select how much filling JamStiz should or shouldn't do.

Also, selecting grooves was so much more easier, and there was a much wider variety. Now the default menu is actually what was a sub-menu before, i.e. where you have verse, chorus, bridge e.t.c.

I am not sure about others but I'd much rather have a working pallete as default and then build up my sequences later;

Jamstix 1.0 allowed me to 'declutter' my drum composing it gave me enough options to work with my own grooves if I chose or to quickly find something to work with (a back beat so to speak).

Does anyone else feel this or is it just me? The new GUI looks nice but for me it has lost that instant and creative edge to it? Is anybody else feeling what I am?

Phil.

bosone · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:39 am Post subject:

i had the same feeling as you when i tried the demo of js2... in fact i was dubious if upgrade or not...
but once you will get familiar with the Js2, you will be amazed by the endless possibilities offered!

now... sorry but i have not time to tell you what i learnt about JS2... but it doesnt take a lot of time to get accustomed swith the new interface and to learn the different composing-mechanism....
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lucky · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:17 am Post subject:

As far as I know all the JS1 grooves are still there, just load the style called IMPORT. Then select JS1 Rhytm, and click import, and of you go!

Alternatively, as a kind of transition learning phase from JS1 to JS2, load the style called Jamstix Classic, and there you get the JS1 kind of programming for the Kick and Snare.

Ralph [RZ] · Site Admin Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 13332

Use the 'Jamstix Classic' style to have something reminiscent of the old JS1 rhythm tab to get started with.
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Rayzoon Technologies LLC
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Philosorhymes · Junior Jammer Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 12

Ralph [RZ] · Site Admin Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 13332

Click on a style in the song sheet or use 'Load Style' in the song menu.
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Rayzoon Technologies LLC
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Mark Blair · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:12 am Post subject:

(deleted)

Mark Blair · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:13 am Post subject:

I never did master JS1, but I'm overall pretty pleased with the capabilities of JS2. However, I agree with a few of Philosorhymes' comments.

Overall, I'd be happy if I could develop good strategies to at least:

1) inject a basic groove into a song or a part (the Import style strategy seems to be best for this),

2) quickly create accents -- I still need an effective strategy for this (the left/right limb choices cause me to stumble, too -- as I'm not a drummer and don't know which limb is most appropriate much of the time),

3) quickly create fills -- I need to work more on this, too -- and I guess I need more clarification on the similar/different ways of creating accents vs fills.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I sure would like to see a list of basic JS2 "tasks", and recommended ways of dealing with them...

Ralph [RZ] · Site Admin Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 13332

Philosorhymes · Junior Jammer Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 12

Ralph [RZ] · Site Admin Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 13332

Jamstix 2 is focused on styles and drummer models. That's why the Jamstix 1 emulation is a style. It's just a totally different approach and there were several hard-core JS1 users that needed a bit of time to wrap their heads around it. Find the style and drummer that fits your project and, if you need to adjust a groove, hand place notes in the core bars of the part in the bar editor.

If you have a hard time with pattern editing, you can always use JS1 to create your pattern, save it and then use the 'Import' style to use the pattern in JS2.

Please also watch the 'Create Your Own Base Groove' video on our site.
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Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

darcyb62 · Jamologist Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 188

funktional · Jam Meister Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 77

I think with js2 you have more control over your pattern than js1.And the videos are very helpful.To audition 3rd party midi patterns, import style and the silent drummer works very well.Than you can audition the other dummers and the other styles.Add import groove option is very handy.

peace
burak

Musikman4Christ · Jamologist Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Posts: 116

I personally love both. Only thing is that I uninstalled JS1 and dove right into JS2. I do find JS2 a bit more sophisticated. And I say that because it does have the look and feel of a more advanced system. I like that too. But since many of us enjoy this program mainly because we are not drummers. LIke i have no clue what synco is or other terms that I do personally do have to look up to learn. Its nice to learn, but in a way, maybe that is why you loved JS1 more, it seemed to be somehow more intuitive for those of us that are not drummers. I know that now I am understanding JS2 a bit more. Day by day I make time to learn it and try to use it to make the best of it. It definitely feels like I should now more about drums. But I am mostly a guitar player and keyboard, which is what I use to make my songs.

I know Ralph is really open minded and is always putting his best effort to satisfy his customers and thats why I know that he doesn't get offended when people say they like one GUI over another. But as a programmer, I can understand why he would feel kind of let down if a new GUI is not fitting the bill for some. Because, I bet the amount of effort and time that has gone into making this awsome program has been huge. Thats why I feel that the best we can do is try our very best to learn it and move on. Maybe in the future he might introduce new features or bring in some of the old that people might crave for.

For example like the one you mentioned about the long sequencer/arranger, or editor. That was kind of cool. Maybe some folks like that better. Maybe in the future he might be able to give the option for both types. That would be so cool. All in all, this is a very awsome program, with top notch customer support and above all, a very humble and friendly developer that has his customers as #1 priority in his book.

Thank you Ralph for all your hard work.
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Musikman
"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." When you wholeheartedly seek me, I will let you find me, declares the Lord."Jeremiah 29:11

darcyb62 · Jamologist Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 188