CompuServe Messages

Allen, I own KCS-Level II, M, and Music-X. As mentioned, I don't like the KCS interface. With time at a premium, I am trying to select the best music software for my needs. I spent a number of months with KCS and it got the job done. However, rather than spread my time between too many different programs, I would rather use just a few programs and master them. When Music-X was finally released, I decided to devote all my time to learning it. In theory, I thought I might use both programs (Music-X & KCS) at different times for their different strengths. I then decided to stick with MX for now. I discovered that most complex programs, and especially KCS, remain very difficult to use if you don't use them constantly. KCS isn't really Amiga-specific and MX is. In that vein, I'll probably exclusively use MX for sequencing, for now, and wait to see what they do with the new KCS release (with menus and graphic editing). I'll reevaluate it at that time. I'll also use M for algorithmic composing instead of the PVG in KCS. In this way I can really master these two programs. As for MX improvements over KCS, besides keyboard mapping, the bar editor, and librarian, MX also has an excellent filters page that also offers real time Midi control; a much better Samples page with an amplitude envelope; and also allows for patch editing from the librarian page. In addition, it has an open-ended architecture for protocols and additional modules, and generally has a much superior interface. Both the graphic and event editing are a pleasure to use and the sequencer page has fast forward, rewind buttons, and more cue points. The edit windows scroll on playback and events appear in real time in the edit windows as you record them. The program is Amiga-specific and just more user-friendly and fun to use. My MX complaints: more comprehensive editing, especially for global edits; a real metronome function within the program; real time quantizing; a better step recording method; printing, a notepad & calculator; and more protocols. With all that said, I just ordered MasterTracks Pro 3.5. I'm never satisfied. Dom Fontana