Clearer UI for algorithms

[gdreyband]

Currently ADLPlug is one of the only VSTs available that covers the OPL3 chip, which I appreciate. However, I do have two regular issues with the UI

1. The relationship between cores and algorithms.
   Selecting 4 op in "Algorithm" doesn't automatically add a 4 op to "Core". Can be hard to identify the cause of no sound when creating a 4 op patch from an initialized patch. Annoying but easy to overcome once you remember it.

2. The relationship between algorithm mode and modulation type.
   This is a much harder challenge, because behavior changes based on whether 2, 2x2 or 4 op is selected.

2 op mode
Currently, you put a transparency over OP3 and OP4, you may consider doing so for FM 3-4, AM 3-4 and Feedback 3-4 just to reduce visual clutter. Not strictly necessary.

2x2 op mode
These are chained together pretty sensibly, so the relationship is pretty easy. It's fine.

4 op mode
It's difficult to remember the routing relationship other than "FM-FM" since that just chains them all together. I know that addressing this may require some rather large changes to the UI but some suggestions:
a) Add a "?" or hint with a link to a diagram (probably just 4 op, but 2 op could be useful)
b) Add a diagram directly into the UI. This is common, but less critical with so few effective algorithms.
c) Add a read-only text field similar to the one in OPNplug.

Examples for c)
4 op
[AM-FM: 1+(2->3->4)]

2x2 op
[AM-FM: 1+2+(3->4)]

2 op
[FM: (1->2)]

Related; I don't think Feedback 3-4 has any function in 4 op mode, so that might be good to obscure as well.

I tend to refer to these site fairly often for their diagrams.
https://www.fit.vutbr.cz/~arnost/opl/opl3.html
https://www.polynominal.com/yamaha-opl3/

[jpcima]

Thanks for your input on this. All of these are valid suggestions.
Admittedly, I'm not extremely satisfied myself of the way how the FM algorithm reference can be shown, in a on-and-off fashion. I have some lack of skill at UI design that probably shows in more that one way :)

I had some thoughts of rearranging the algorithm displays in Left-to-Right format, and then perhaps to take advantage of the bottom-left area to display it there, in more compacted form.

When not busy with other side tasks, I'm going to give this a try.

[gdreyband]

Let me know if you need any help on this. I spent a bit of time cleaning up the UI on the JUCEOPLVSTi some years back. I'm not a soft synth UI designer but I have some experience with UIs. I can come up with some sketches on ways to make the interaction clearer and more straightforward.

On a slightly unrelated note (can file a separate bug) any chance you'll fix the certification issue Logic Pro X on bootup?

[jpcima]

On a slightly unrelated note (can file a separate bug) any chance you'll fix the certification issue Logic Pro X on bootup?

I don't have macOS with Logic to try this, and I don't know what exactly is required to make this work.
From what I've been reported, the requirements have become stricter with Catalina.
Would code signing with a self-issued certificate be sufficient, or this needs to go through Apple validation?

[gdreyband]

I'm not totally certain. Both ADLPlug and OPNPlug get listed as incompatible, but they still work fine. I'm not sure what needs to be done to clear certification. Maybe make them 64-bit native apps? Might be better to ask someone that's done Mac OS plugins directly.