| Hi everyone,
As many of you know, Analog Devices is working to bring Csound to wider
audience, providing greater MIPS-per-buck as host-based systems. As a
member of this team, I watch this list, and am happy to answer any
questions anyone may have.
I am first and foremost a musician, graduating in 1995 from Oberlin with
a B.M. in jazz composition. My father mentioned that ADI needed someone
to make MIDI files, play keyboard for demos, edit samples and keep track
of libraries, which was fine, despite my lack of experience with Csound.
I was very lucky to have a mentor like Richard Boulanger, and I got more
and more into making instruments.
In June 1997, our project manager, Lee Ray, decided to pursue other
interests. At the last minute, everyone pointed to me, and although I
had no interest in management/marketing, there was nobody else, and I
couldn't just let things fall apart. Trying to pick up the very
scattered pieces that were left for me, I tried to redefine what we
needed. I brought on Jean Piche, Alex Burton and later Michael Gogins,
adding to our existing consultant team of Russell Pinkston and John
ffitch.
We started shipping our SDK 1.0 beta release last October. We were very
happy to finally get this out the door and into people's hands. I am
not going to lie, there are some holes in the system, and the driver
needs a little work, but many are finding it to be a truly workable and
exciting development environment. Keep in mind that Analog Devices is a
chip company, so doing software alone is a stretch! Our Software and
Systems Technology Division led by Mike Haidar, is dedicated to
enhancing the value of ADI's chips with software for dedicated
applications. Writing drivers for multiple platforms does not make
sense because we are not trying to make money off the development kit.
The goal of any kit from ADI is to provide customers and developers with
a system they can use to prototype products that use our chips.
I realize that there has been a lack of information on the project, and
many of you are left wondering. For this, I am sorry. Although
Analog's commitment to this project is definitely assured, we are a very
small hardworking team, and I constantly wish things could move faster
and see things that must be put off due to time and resource
constraints.
So...how can we get to the point of bringing an orchestra file to a gig
and load it on your friend's Csound synth? If this seems like the
future you want to be part of, your input is invaluable. If you want
Mac drivers, pressure your favorite Mac companies like MOTU or Opcode to
start making cards; if you want to see a synth, pressure some synth
companies. Mike Haidar does not subscribe to this list, but, at some
personal risk, I encourage you all to let him know how much revenue this
project could generate. His email is:
Mike.Haidar@analog.com
I am doing the best I can in the situation. If you have any advice on
what I should be doing (or moral support) I welcome all input. I can
assure you that my father and all members of this team are working
incredibly hard to make this project succeed.
Thanks,
Scotty
P.S. I will be at AES/Amsterdam in May, so come by the Analog Devices
booth and say hi!
Scotty Vercoe
Extended Csound Applications Consultant
Analog Devices Software & Systems Technology Division
Tel: (781) 461-3569 FAX: (781) 461-4291
Support: Csound.support@analog.com
Website: http://www.analog.com/
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