CompuServe Thread

Hmm – ok here's answers back at ya… a) M is truly an excellent program – too bad you got some bad press somewhere. When I first fiddled with a save-disabled demo of it, I just hated it because I couldn't figure out how to USE it! After purchasing it and getting some proper docs, I love it. As far as Level II's PVS goes, well, nothing that's available in the 'regular' software market(outside of education institutions) can compete with it. It can work on a very high abstract level with the music info, which is why it's so complicated. Also, it can't interactively produce stuff(well, after a fashion it can). M allows you instant feedback – you really are composing stuff with it, while I feel the PVG allows you to explore. I like them both – but I use M more. As I get more comfortable with Level II(and the upcoming TIGER!!), I'll use the PVG more. b) I've fiddled with Music X. I like it, too. I guess I never really got into it because I can't afford to purchase every sequencer out there! I think it's a good first serious buy, as long as MicroIllusions can keep up support – I must admit that their track record on vapourware leaves me a little cool. Good program, though. c) Yes, Texture is essentially a pattern oriented editor – that's how it handles MIDI data. However, that's more of a boon rather than hindrance. You can always set your pattern length to some absurdly long length and just play away if you want. The pattern oriented method is just handier for constructing a piece of music quickly. This program has gone through umpteen revisions on the IBM, and the solid code shows it. The chap who implemented it on the Amiga is very good – you can even save the current file while recording!! J.C.