Interesting Harmony / Composition Software

[Charvelguy]

I'm noticing most apps in sweetwater's catalog are well into breaking 500 and usually around a grand for the more complex ones.

[MediaTechGuy]

I am definitely going to checkout sweetwater more often then. I have been so focused on hardware prices lately. I only thought apps like the EastWest sample libraries were breaking the $500 barrier.

[lostylost]

http://www.cognitone.com/shop/product.stml?p=10001

[MediaTechGuy]

Hey Colin, have you been able to get the external device configuration working yet? HN does not host VST, so you have to install something called Midi Yoke and then run your external VSTs though a VST Host. It is really a bitch to try and figure this out.

[cwight]

Hey Colin, have you been able to get the external device configuration working yet? HN does not host VST, so you have to install something called Midi Yoke and then run your external VSTs though a VST Host. It is really a bitch to try and figure this out.

Hi Guys, We are talking about the Harmony Navigator right so not the other more expensive software. First I got it working no problems as a stand alone. I didn't even know i would work as a VST, but I'm not sure why you would use it that way; it's a compositional tool not a recording one. Basically, you tell it what key you want to play in then it provides a palette of all related chords for you to pull into a songline, much like Riffworks actually. It also provides associated scale patterns, modes, chord shapes and inversions and generally helps you to see how you would play what you have placed in the songline. It shows you where all this is located on a floating fingerboard. It's also got some standard palettes which provide nice introductions and ideas to get you started. It's also got a great circle of fifths device which is really useful for working key changes into your songs.

I'm still within my demo period last day today, but I'm going to buy it. But I had no trouble installing it and getting it running I haven't had time to really build compositions yet, but I have messed around and it's real easy and already get's me thi8nking outside of the box. For someone like me who never got much beyond very basic chord changes, it's really awesome. I can see the normal chord patterns, try them out, add extensions, put in chords I'd never have thought of (It has a neat way of showing you which chords are integral to the scale, and which are related, but will still work) and then move stuff around till I get it how I like.

Keep in mind though that although you can save your songs it's not really a programme where you take that saved song and record it. You might be able to do this, but the sounds are very midi (i.e. not brilliant to me; although they might be better in the full version). So I use just as a compositional tool. I'll ty and post something this weekend that has been built using it.

[MediaTechGuy]

Thanks Colin for your reply. I have purchased the full version of Harmony Navigator (HN) because my demo period had run out. I was just tired of using the general midi sounds and wanted to use more interesting ones, so I saw that you can replace them with a VST of your choice. The problem is that you have to run your VST or VSTi outside of HN in what is called a VST Host. Even with using the manual, the Cognitone website help and the tutorial videos I still cannot get it to work. I posted my problem in their forum and got a response, unfortunately it was not much help. The application is just not setup easily for this kind of configuration. I believe it is more suited for a MAC.

I do agree with you that the ease of use and the other features that you mentioned are great!

http://forum.scoreway.com/viewtopic.php?t=311&sid=dbef07d2c326318e76cfed26004d4f63

[cwight]

I didn't realise that. IF the program says it will do that, I'd contact their support they should be able to walk you through it.

Incidentally, did you check out this video which nicely takes you through the songwriting process.

http://www.cognitone.com/support/tutorials/show.stml?o=10026

there is also this video which I think shows you how to set up the external VST. I suppose you have checked that out.

http://www.cognitone.com/support/tutorials/show.stml?o=10030

[MediaTechGuy]

I hadn't seen the songwriting video yet. That is a really good one. Really helps to come up with new song ideas quickly.

I had seen the external VST video already. It is great if you are running HN on a MAC. They really need to do some tutorial videos for PC users.

[lostylost]

Anyone been playing much with the Music Prototyping Studio or Harmony Navigator?

Thoughts?

[MediaTechGuy]

Anyone been playing much with the Music Prototyping Studio or Harmony Navigator?

Thoughts?

There is no way that I will be purchasing the Synfire Pro software due to the high cost that we discussed here a few months ago. The Harmony Navigator is still a useful application that I have been using while studying music theory on my own. It is still obviously useful to develop chord progressions during the composition stage. I have not been composing much though for the past few months. I am just not happy with the complex VST/VSTi setup process. I still could not get it to work even when asking for help on the Cognitone Forums. So unfortunately when playing back chord progressions I am stuck with midi only sounds.

I definitely recommend Harmony Navigator as part of a sound writing tool kit.

[lostylost]

TNX for your thoughts