[Linuxsampler-devel] script support

[Christian S. <sch...@li...>]

Hi list!

I am currently thinking about whether it would make sense to add real-time 
scripting support to LS. Something like Kontakt already provides. A set of 
event handlers you can write and commands you can trigger by function calls. I 
would like to use it as extension to the GIG engine, but it could 
theoretically also be used for the other engines (SFZ and SF2).

In the gig format there are so called "MIDI rules". But as far as I can see 
it, they are very limited.

Example: I currently have a string ensemble instrument where I would like to 
have staccato sounds automatically being triggered if aftertouch passed a 
certain level. That way I can i.e. play and hold string chords with both 
hands, and by increasing pressure on the keys once in a while I can trigger 
other sounds again and again without having to release any key.

Sounds like a job for the so called "control trigger MIDI rule". But in the 
way it was implemented GigaStudio 4 there are four restrictions that prevent 
me doing so:

1. Those "control trigger midi rules" only support CCs, not aftertouch.
2. As far as I can see it there is a maximum of 32 triggers, thus I could use 
   those staccato sounds only on a key range of a bit more than 2 octaves.
3. Those trigger rules have no concept for distinguishing whether the sound 
   was triggered by a MIDI rule or normally/directly by the musician. So all I 
   could do is triggering another string ensemble note, but not a staccato 
   note with such MIDI rules. There is the so called "smart MIDI" dimensions, 
   but as far as I can see it, it is restricted to other MIDI rules like 
   legato, but not supposed to be used for the trigger MIDI rule.
4. As far as I can see it, you can only use one MIDI rule type per instrument. 
   So if you are using this "controller trigger MIDI rule" then you are not 
   supposed to use i.e. the "legato MIDI rule".

Obviously those restrictions could be hacked by adding LinuxSampler's own 
minor custom extensions on GigaStudios original MIDI rules concept. But does 
it make sense? I mean one would probably reach another restriction with those 
MIDI rules soon and various use cases that would not be covered by them, and 
we would be back at point one.

Thoughts?

CU
Christian