2007/12/27 Sketcher version 4.03

Hi Everyone,

We have a new version of The Sketcher and there are some new images that you might want to use.

Click the buttons shown below to see the images.



New additions

• Percus'n: PorchBoard Bass
  
• Strings1: Gibson J200, Taylor 12 String
  
• Strings2: Pedal Steel Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar, Hammered Dulcimer, Electric Mandolin
  
• Model I: Standalone B1,
  (not shown → T1® and T1® Power Supply)
  
• Model II: T1® Power Supply

I also updated the library of images for the Classic/Model series. They are all the same colour as the Model II series.

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The next part will affect very few people, just those that edit older Sketches.

With the new library of images for the Classic/Model I series.

• If you did a Sketch before today (like this one)
  
  
  
  and we have an image of it published here in the message board, the published version that is visible in a post will remain the same.
  
  
• However, if you were to visit this Sketch in the Sketcher again, this is what you would see.
  
  .
  

I hope you enjoy the new images.

There are several other changes but these are all in the plumbing and won't be visible.

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2007/05/03 Version 4.00

This is a major upgrade to the User Interface.

The basic layout looks the same. The stage is on top and instruments are below but you have access to approximately 160 200 items without scrolling on a screen with a resolution of 1024x768.

The instruments that were available before are still there but another 50 90 items (and the existing ones) are accessible through a new button menu on the right side of the screen.



Buttons on right side of main Sketcher page slide families of instruments into the area below the stage area. These are the instrument families.

• Amps
  
• Pedals (even a JamMan)
  
• Microphones
  
• Keys
  
• Percus'n
  
• Strings
  
• Wind (from Harp to Tuba and Bagpipes)
  
• Model I
  
• Model II
  
• Devices (Effects and Mixers)
  
• Numbers (all the codes and icons)
  

You can still see the instruments and objects most likely to be needed without clicking the buttons, but this gives access to many specific models without scrolling.

It is as easy as ever to do a basic stage layout, but with a couple of mouse clicks you have access to another 50% more instruments.

Here is how the screen looks with all all the choices for pedals displayed.




For more details see the version history.

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07/04/09 Version 3.00

A Sketch for an L1™ Model II Band


-- click image to make changes to the live version --
Here is a link to the full sized version of the image.

The T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine gives us a multitude of connection options. There are even more for people who use the T1 with an L1™ Classic or L1™ Model I. To support that I have re-written the backend to accommodate up to (approximately) 100 objects on the stage (including numbers for indicating signal paths). This is nearly double the previous capacity.

To put this in perspective, the Sketch above has 90 objects on the stage.
If you need to get into a lot of detail there is a new vocabulary of symbols related to the T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine and L1™ Model II. Here is an example using all possible inputs for a T1 and L1™ Model II. (Highly unlikely scenario).




For more details see the version history.

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07/04/01 Version 2.19
(support for L1™ Model II and T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine (most of the changes are in the new graphics for components L1™ Model II and T1).

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06/07/15 Version 2.18
06/02/11 Version 2.17
05/09/15 Version 2.16 update
Please try it out at The Sketcher v 2.17.
Most changes are for performance and preparation for a more significant re-write.

Basically, more instruments and refinements behind the scenes.

Reminders:
Printing - You can print your Sketch on your computer. When you are viewing it in The Sketcher, right-click with your mouse for a menu. You will see an option to print. It's small but it works.

Notes Section
If you are using Sketcher to develop your own stage layouts - that's great - have fun with it. If you don't need us to do any work on your Sketch, please put a message in the Notes section so we know what you are doing. Thanks.


05/08/30 Version 2.15 update
Please try it out at The Sketcher v 2.15.

Changed Logic: When you save or edit your sketch you now see a new page (The Saved Sketch page). All of your options are listed there as well as a feature where you can copy/paste a link that will work in a forum message.


05/08/27 Update: We are up to version 2.14

Please try it out at The Sketcher v 2.14.

edit: Changes for version 2.14
More instruments, easier to create, save and find your sketches, improved documentation. For more details see the version history

Edit: Changes for version 2.0
The biggest difference you should notice is speed. It should load much faster.

I've also added electronic drums and some percussion instruments.

The easiest way to use it is to drag any instruments and mics and symbols you think you will need onto the stage, and then move them around.

If you get a chance, I'd appreciate it if you would try it out and let me know what you think.

Thanks

/*==== end of edit ====*/
In case anyone is following the development of the Sketcher, here is a list of what is slated for version 1.1

• Multiples of everything (as requested by Ken, Pete and Tom)
  
• Rotation of objects (as requested by Alan and Hilmar)
  
• Numbers for adding notes and identifying Players (Hilmar inspired this one)
  
• More instruments (waiting for your suggestions)
  

You can preview the next version The Sketcher Beta
Note: I am working on this so it may not display or save properly, but I'd appreciate it if you would give it a shot and let me know what you think.

If you try it, please post a message here with comments.

Thanks

edit - we are up to 200 instruments/objects available
edit - updated link

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ST,

Hi ST,

This just keeps getting better! Here's our layout (I think it posted) for our 4-piece band, Rust Never Sleeps - A Live Neil Young Retrospective. I'm (#3) using a Pod XT Live and both Variax 700 Electric and Acoustic guitars. (Any chance of adding images for an XT Live and a Variax Electric?) Also, I showed the simpler mic setup for drums, though sometimes he goes nuts with spot mics through his mixer (toms, overheads, etc..)

Thanks again for this amazingly useful tool!

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for checking it out.

Is it possible that you didn't use the "Send Your Layout" button? (see picture below) I'm sorry. Would you mind trying it again?

To make it more fun for you I've added
- a couple of Variax Electrics
- a Vetta

There *is* an XT Live in the 'store' beside the red PODXT.

Please remember to click "Send Your Layout" when you're done and before you navigate away from the page.



Thanks Chuck!

Latest Changes!

Saving should be stable now, so please give it a shot.

It really helps with the testing.

I am aware that the help windows may be overlaid with instruments that are on the stage. Still trying to work that through.

Here's things to look for when you try it.


-- click image above to try the application.

Please reply to this post after you've tried it so I know to check the result. Thanks!

It saved that time. I may very well have missed the 'Send your layout' button the first time...

My Variax electric is black...

Minor suggestion - After submitting, where it says "Click the button to load the most recent person's stage layout", you might put "Click the Read image from the database button to load the most recent person's stage layout."

This is just an awesome tool for our customers!

Thanks, ST!

ST,
I realize this is nitpicky, but could you flip the keyboards 180 degrees so I don't have to have my butt facing the audience? (even though it is my "good side").

Thanks,
Jeff

ST, Great tool, and easy to use. I sent my dream band layout, but couldn't find a dobro, not the most popular instrument but maybe there is one or two out here that needs to be PAS connected.

No need to clutter the thread with a response for me, as I don't have drive or aspirations of making my "dream band" come true, just wanted to play for a minute and give you some test material.

Oldghm

Hi Chuck,

I'm guessing this is your band. (Bose ID wasn't filled in). There was a black Variax in the 'store', but it's hiding under some of the other Variax Guitars.

Thanks for the suggestion about the button. In the next version, you shouldn't have to click the button at all.

edit: Took out the button, and now the most recent Sketch loads automatically. You've got better eyes than I have. That *is* a Shortboard, and that will probably be fixed by the time you read this.

Also, I've added support to link to a specific Sketch. For example, here is a link to Chuck's most recent Sketch. If you wanted to change that blue Variax to a black one, follow the link and you should be able to make changes.


Thanks for trying it out!

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quote:

1. Simple setup shown. Drummer sometimes runs spot mics (snare, hat, toms, overheads) through a mixer. Wears Audio Technica headset mic for his vocal. We've played some smaller gigs with no drum mics or just a kick drum mic.

2. Bass usually goes direct, though he sometimes brings his old Peavey rig to bigger shows. Sings through a Beta 58A.

3. I'm connecting Variax 700s via the Variax digital cable with my XT Live. (The picture is of a Shortboard, but close enough for rock 'n roll...) On occasion, I connect my Strat or my Guild electric via 1/4" and turn down the volume of the guitar that I'm not using. I sing through a Beta 58A.

4. Band leader usually sets up off to one side with his equipment in a semi-circle. He runs 2 Beta 58As through his Mackie CFX12 mixer, out Sub 1 to PS1 Input 1. He runs numerous acoustic guitars through the Mackie, out Sub 2 to PS1 Input 2. He runs numerous electric guitars through a mic'd (Sennheiser E609) 1950s Champ and into the Mackie, out Sub 3 to PS1 Input 3. He runs a Yamaha digital piano direct to PS1 Input 4.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ST,

This is the latest from Cliff in the Small Church PA scenario.

Cliff, I think drawing lines is going to have to wait until some version much later, but thanks for the idea.

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quote:

Wow Wow and again I say Wow!!!!

This is great.

Here is my pie shaped stage once again. Being able to rotate objects really helped, thnaks.
Not sure if I got proportions correct.

Everything would go to a mixer (#1 off stage at back of seating).
Still Piano and organ off stage to the left.

A few ideas. Could we draw lines/onjects to represent things on stage, or shape of stage?
Draw our own coloured lines to mixer, instruments and PAS?

Thanks, Cliff

Hi Hilmar,

Yes, the goal *is* to be able to do something meaningful in 5 minutes. Glad you were able to do that.

Thanks for trying it out.

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Here is a band layout from Hilmar-at-Bose

quote:

ST, this is great. It took me all but 5 minutes to punch my whole band in (which isn't an easy setup). Thanks for making this work !!

Hi Oldghm,

Although you said there was no need to respond, I thought people might appreciate seeing what you did with this.

You're right, there's no dobro, but they are very cool instruments and I can understand why you'd want to have one in the mix.

Thanks for trying out the tool.

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To All:
Oldghm's dream band.

quote:

ST, just had to play a little. Of course I don't have a band, but if I did this is what it would look like. Of course I would want Yo Yo Ma (sp??) on cello. I would also like to have a dobro in the mix but couldn't find one at the store. And maybe a couple of The Rayettes for backup singers if they're not back to work yet.

No need to respond to this, just offering you testing material and having a little fun. Man you are a whiz.

Hi gitarzan (Larry),

Thanks for giving it another shot. I don't know if I have enough room on the screen (in the application) for Timables and Bongos. I see that you used the power amp and twin B1s to represent that.

What do think of the green number system. Do you think that's helpful?

Did you try printing it?

Thanks for the input.

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quote:

Revision #2: Large Latin Band (Band leader says all percussion WILL be in the middle in the back.)

#1: Timbales BG vocal
#2: Bongos
#3: Lead vocal
#4: BG vocal
#5: PAS Extended Bass Package (if possible)
#6: Either line out to bass amp (or to Exended Bass Package) or line in from bass amp

Hi holliwil (Jeff),

In Pictures from the Convention Center... you described your band so I used the Sketcher to do this.



1. Drums (John w/L1 and
2. Powered Sub),
3. Bass (Todd w/L1& 2 B1s),
4. Keys(Jeff w/L1/B1),
5. Guitar (Jim w/L1/B1)

I used the rotation buttons*** to turn the keyboard around.

Is there some other way to handle this?

quote:

Originally posted by holliwil:
ST,
I realize this is nitpicky, but could you flip the keyboards 180 degrees so I don't have to have my butt facing the audience? (even though it is my "good side").

Thanks,
Jeff

***
See the rotation buttons near the right side of the screen.

Hi ST,

Actually, the power amp and twin B1s were supposed to represent the extended bass package (PS1+6 B1s).

As far as space is concerned, I would be happy to have everything be scaled a bit smaller or just use some text boxes for the more esoteric instruments. Or maybe you could have some instrument drop down boxes like you have for the notes field. We're polishing the BB here, though.

I like the green numbers. Makes it very easy to communicate with you.

Yes, I did print it and it worked great.

I did have one glitch while doing that layout, though. I was trying to move the guitar amp around and it got stuck to the mouse. I couldn't drop it or select anything else. Eventually, after much clicking or double-clicking, it finally let go. Not a big deal, but it might be worth looking into.

Thanks again, this is a very cool tool. I wouldn't have found out the problem with the percussion layout without the ability to send the first layout to the band leader.

Larry

Hi Larry,

That clears it up (about the Extended Bass Package). Looks like we might need a legend.

I've had that problem with the sticky mouse, and all I've been able to do is hit the escape key to make it stop. I wasn't sure if this was just my (sorely overtaxed) machine or if anyone else was having the issue. I'll have to look into that.

Thanks for your help Larry!

quote:

Originally posted by gitarzan:
Hi ST,

Actually, the power amp and twin B1s was supposed to represent the extended bass package (PS1+6 B1s).

I did have one glitch while doing that layout, though. I was trying to move the guitar amp around and it got stuck to the mouse. I couldn't drop it or select anything else. Eventually, after much clicking or double-clicking, it finally let go. Not a big deal, but it might be worth looking into.

Thanks again, this is a very cool tool.

Larry

We're now up to Version 1.2 Beta
New Features in Version 1.2

* Added ability to 'remember' overlapping items in the correct order
* When user clicks "See what ST will See" the image automatically loads. No need to click the button
* Easier to view last 20 and then click and load older sketches
* Easier to save with updates
* Can now support a link to a previous sketch

All previous links now send you to...
The Sketcher

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ST,

Interesting setup - Sorry, don't know who posted it.

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Posted by Thaddeus

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Thanks Ian

I appreciate that you tried the Sketcher tool. And thanks for sharing your setup with everyone.

Feel free to use the Sketcher to do proposed layouts for your clients. You can print the layout from within the tool. Just right click on the stage and choose print. I think a later enhancement will be to be able to print without showing the whole store house of instruments below.

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quote:

Man what a clever tool. Well done mate. This is a setup I used last night in a lovely old wooden church with a group called "Hot Club Sandwich". A release party for an album titled "Live at Old St Pauls"

1. Acoustic/ electric into mixer panned right.
2. Lead vocal into mixer panned left.
3. Back up vocals same as 1
4. Piano as shown, small grand with boundry mic on sound board, mixer right
5. Sax / clarinet / flute, mixer right
6. Guest artist on Harmonica and Blues harps, mixer right
7. Bass fitted with Fishman pickup, PAS channel TWO with correct preset.
8. Beringer mixer with effects, Left channel to PAS channel ONE with SM58 preset.

Yes,the whole band through the one unit, not ideal but this is the DEMO unit that I have.
I have really pushed the parameters a few times now so I can be more at ease with the product and help my potential clients to a better understanding.
Thank you for your time.
Ian HB. Wellington, New Zealand.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ST,

Hi ST, I did some lines with the basic paint program that came with the computer. Here is my stage & proposed setup