MCDSP plugins

[David Sandwisch]

Let's face it. MCDSP makes great plugins. I think we should encourage them to start porting them over to Windows XP. I propose that they start with Filterbank and see how it sells. If it sells well, which I fully expect it would, then the other plugins could make their way over. I am not a software engineer but it shouldn't be too difficult to make plugins for XP, especially if you already have the algorithms developed and the TDM version would work on exactly the same PTHD cards. This is doable as other companies like Waves have been successful. Does anybody know how many PTHD Windows users there are? If the member number is a way to judge this, I have found member numbers upwards of 40,000 in the Windows TDM User Conference. Could there really be over 40,000 of us? I am member 571 and that was way back in the beginning. If the potential market is that big then it should be worth it to MCDSP right? Finally I bet I am the closest person to MCDSP's office in California (less than 10 miles) so here is what I am proposing. If you want MCDSP plugins for Windows XP reply to this post. I want to see how many replies we can get! Once it gets pretty long I will personally deliver them to MCDSP with a nice letter showing them the potential market for their products. Let's keep this post positive and see what we can get. Let's do it!

[twdwyer]

I'd love to see it happen,add me to the "petition"!
TommyD

Great idea !!!!!!!!!

Alex

[GW]

Yes, great idea, but please read what Colin has written here on the DUC in the past. He has always answered to this Q in a way that I have found both honest and likely.

[Stukface]

Add me to the list. I emailed them last week and this is the response I got:

"Thanks for your interest in McDSP. And thank you for taking the time to
write us. Your request merits an honest and candid response.

Let me begin by giving you some background on why we haven't done a PC
port thus far. Normally confidential information but what the heck, on
the Mac, 85% of our sales are from TDM customers. What we know of the PC
Pro Tools market is that the vast majority do not buy the more
expensive TDM systems. And all our dealer polls consistently show that
host base systems sales have a very small attach rate for add on
software across the board. So the primary sales issue is not one of PC
vs. Mac but more one of host vs TDM.

We know that many developers have had smooth and painless ports to the
PC. But there are still many unknowns for us because of the way we
design plug-ins and the developer tools we must use. One small
encouraging note is that we have begun a feasibility study to determine
all the angles of the engineering task and the time to market it would
take. We have (one) engineer here and his time, and the time to market
of what he creates, is our life blood.

Please understand this is not a religious argument for us. We would like
nothing more than to be able to give any user on any platform the
ability to use our software. The last thing in the world we would want
to do is alienate such a fiercely loyal group of users.

The encouraging news is that PCs are making great gains in the post
production market. And we do see that in the long term this apparent
disparity between TDM and host will be closing.

So in short, it is certainly on our list of things to do. There are just
too many variables for me to commit to a time frame for you. Again thank
you for your interest in McDSP and I hope we can make happy McDSP users
of you yet."

[nikki-k]

Stok- thx for that post

McDSP has held that outlook for some time (based on previous posts concerning this).

Based on some discussions that I have had recently while trying to gather info for the Pro Tools TDM for Windows section of ny site (an attempt to help new PT TDM Win users, as well as established users), I have indeed discovered that the Win TDM side is growing.

I have spoken to one person who actually cleared his studio of Macs as a primary system due to frustration with the current situations with Mac and Panther. I also spoke to some people outside of the USA, and am finding that the Mac is not always the primary system of choice. Yes, it does remain the leader, but apparently more and more people are ignoring certain market fears when it comes to making a platform choice. 9 times out of 10, when someone is on the edge of such a decision, it is 3rd party developer status that *forces* the Mac choice. Further, it is actually McDSP that seems to come up as ALWAYS being included in the list of plugs they MUST have, and hence they MUST choose Mac.

So, to see McDSP offer a Win TDM solution, I fully believe that gap would close further, and faster. People who have used a TDM system, and are appreciative of the benefits it offers over a solely native solution will not be disappearing any time soon I think. I know I wont

On a sidenote- in a few of the conversations I have had, I am now finding that the skelton of the configuration I have been touting as being a "smokin' Win OS system" here and in emails and phone calls, is in fact performing well on more than a few continents now While this may not seem to be a big deal to some, it actually is, since it now proves the viability of running a high-end equivalent to the Mac. Anyone interested, please feel free to email me. As others who have done so can attest, I will aid in anyway I possibly can, including a phone call (or 2, or 3 ). I do this for no other reason than to be sure Win TDM not only survives, but thrives, and builds, with as much of a positive experience as possible. The more Win TDM systems out there, the harder it is to ignore our wants and needs Trust me (ok, you dont have a reason to- but please do )- there are people taking notice, and strides are being made.

Once again- McDSP- There are more than I think you realize that would LOVE to see your excellent line ported!!! (pretty please?)

[Stukface]

I have always been force feed mac is better then pcs for music, by everyone I know. I have been using a pc for Protools for a couple of years now, and have little too no problems with my pc. My manager has an HD 3 rig on a dual g4, and has had more problems with it in two weeks then I have had in two years. Thats why I decided to stay with what I know, and use a PC with my HD 3 accel system. I am going to pick up the HD system on Monday, Hopefully it will be as painless as my LE Expeirences have been. The Digi person that I know, said I would probably be happier with a PC setup, because thats what im use to. I am also close to MCDSPs Head Quarters, so let me know if there is anything I can do to help. James

[David Sandwisch]

Digidesign believes in ProTools HD on WIN XP so plugin manufactures should be encouraged that the lead hardware maker is moving ahead. I think it would also be in Digidesign's best interest to see MCDSP plugins ported. Think of how many people would buy PTHD for XP if those plugins were available! I noticed that in a previous reply that included an email from MCDSP they site dealers as a source of information about how well stuff sells. Shouldn't they also be talking directly to Digidesign about how many PTHD systems for XP have been sold? Perhaps Digi would allow them to email every registered user of PTHD for XP if/when the plugins become available. That would be a great marketing tool for MCDSP. Here's a wild thought. What if Digidesign lent MCDSP some of their engineers to help with the process? It would certainly benefit both parties!

[GW]

We have (one) engineer here and his time, and the time to market of what he creates, is our life blood.

That I can understand and relate to.

...on the Mac, 85% of our sales are from TDM customers. What we know of the PC Pro Tools market is that the vast majority do not buy the more expensive TDM systems.

Then make your plugins HD/RTAS Mac OS9/OSX/XP like Sony, Trillium Labs and Bombfactory and you can save money on polls?

all our dealer polls consistently show that host base systems sales have a very small attach rate for add on software across the board.

In which contries outside US where these polls done?

What if Digidesign lent MCDSP some of their engineers to help with the process? It would certainly benefit both parties!

That is a brilliant suggestion - cooperation!!!

For myself I must state that since Sony entered the crossplattform arena I´m quite satisfied regarding Comp and EQ, with Rewire and VST wrapper with Reason and Kontakt (now RTAS) the last month has changed the situation and outlook for the XP side of Pro Tools dramatacly. In the years I´ve had with Pro Tools I have never experienced a month like december 2003! Soooo, the train is leaving the station - who is on it???

[bigdude]

been using protools tdm on windows since 1999
would love to see the mcdsp plugs for win xp
cheers