Re: Using Apple virtual instruments from my software
Re: Using Apple virtual instruments from my software
- Subject: Re: Using Apple virtual instruments from my software
- From: Brian Willoughby <email@hidden>
- Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:35:06 -0800
On Nov 21, 2010, at 17:48, Dave Oshinsky wrote:
I'm experimenting with writing music software on the Mac (Objective
C, using MusicKit for now, which I don't mind extending/modifying),
and would like to access the vast library of Garageband (and Logic)
virtual instruments. I was surprised to find out that these are
not Audio Units, and also not controllable from non-Apple software:
http://lists.apple.com/archives/coreaudio-api/2010/Feb/msg00272.html
The only way I see of doing this at present is outlined here, which
seems to work only for Logic (not for Garageband):
http://compusition.com/web/articles/logic-multitrack-midi
This is awkward to say the least, requiring bringing up Logic,
loading a project, while running my software. Not to mention that
way more people have Garageband than Logic, and it seems like
Garageband doesn't have enough flexibility (to assign MIDI channels
to tracks) even to accomplish the awkward functionality using
virtual MIDI. This strikes me as short-sighted on Apple's part,
since providing access to this great functionality to third party
developers could further differentiate OS X's music/audio
capabilities from Windows. Has a bug or enhancement request been
entered to solve this? Am I missing something fundamental here?
Besides the obvious profit potential for specialized applications
above general operating system features (*), you might be missing the
fact that Apple does provide a well-rounded suite of free AudioUnits
which can be hosted and controlled from any CoreAudio application.
They are not the type with fancy, rendered user interfaces, but they
get the job done well.
(*) In other words, if Apple made all of the Logic plugins available
to your application, then how would they distinguish Logic? Also, if
GarageBand had as much flexibility as Logic, then two things would
happen: Many users would be confused by the additional options, and
Logic would not be very differentiated from GarageBand. I think that
Apple has hit the right balance, by keeping a few plugins exclusive
to Logic, with simplified versions for less-sophisticated GarageBand
users, and a handful of practical AudioUnits that make a good basis
for any audio application.
Brian Willoughby
Sound Consulting
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