01 Aug 2023   

New Tutorial Series

Tom Wallace has created this wonderful series of Zwobot tutorials on YouTube. These tutorials are well crafted and easy to understand for both novices and experienced Zwobot users.

For more information, just visit Tom's Youtube Channel (Pope John Paul Van Damme) and explore the tutorial series.

Thank you very much Tom!

09 Nov 2024

Zwobot v3

With the new ZB 3.0 version we have dropped the support for Live 10. That doesn't mean ZB will no longer run in L10, we just focusing on L11/L12+.

This update is entirely dedicated to blending, FX layering, FX stacking and FX routing.

As it can sometimes get quite confusing when dozens of effects are connected, the FX module selected and connected in Ableton is now always highlighted in the respective FX slot. For a better overview of what each effect is doing, all effects can now be soloed by clicking on the FX logo! The individual blend modes in the modules have been improved and masking modes have been added. The cherry on top is the newly designed FX_Blender module. This has been completely cleaned up and redesigned and a Join-FX-Mode has been added. Effects can now be used as masks in this mode.

All generative effects like FX_ABC, FX_BLACK or the new COL-GEN and NOISE have now the lefthand term FXG (Effects Generative). We're just tidying up a bit.
So if you miss something: ABC is not gone, it is just further down with the other FXG guys.

* @all Connected FX will be highlighted in the FX connector(dropdown) if module is selected.
* @all Connected FX can now be switched to Solo-Mode (by clicking the modules logo)
* @all We have reworked the blend modes in every single module and added masking modes and a luma blend mode.
* You can now set the aspect ratio of the loaded video/image in the decks (A/B) Loopeditor (AR button).

* UI color improvements / more readable in dark and bright themes
* We have changed the Anti Aliasing mode to FXAA (for better performance). FXAA is by default ON, and can be disabled in the Monitor Module.
* Basis resolution is now 1920 x 1080 (was 1280 x 720).
* Instead of showing the FPS in the Ableton Live track name when the "FPS" is clicked in the Monitor module, the FPS is now displayed directly on the main screen.

* Fixed: Images in decks (A/B) do not load correctly at startup.
* Fixed: Images vanishing into thin air when changing Fullscreen on/off or Float on/off.
* Fixed issues with spamming of the Ableton Live undo history with enabled Sound Reactive/Beat Reactive dials. (works from Max8.6.5+)

* FX_REACT - Reaction Diffusion.
* FX_MULTI - Since the OG FX_MULTI version was untouched for years and almost obsolete since we have the new FX_TILES module we decided to make a new FX here. FX_MULTI "multiplies" the incoming plane into a 3D environment.
* FXG_COL-GEN - Generate gradients and plain colors.
* FXG_NOISE - Noise pattern generator (Customer suggestion).

* FX_BLENDER - We have completely redesigned the BLENDER module and made it clearer. This should make it much easier to understand what the module actually does. All blend modes are now separate. There is also a new Join FX mode. In this you can now define an FX module as a blend mask!
* @all FX with XY-PAD - We have added an additional position mode.
* @all FX with XY-PAD - More precise low end audio precision (less double trigger with sub-bass)
* FX_IMAGE - Supports now up to 255 files (was 99) in folders.
* FX_IMAGE - new: Rotate feature.
* FX_IMAGE - new: True alpha mode for PNGs.
* FX_IMAGE - new: Keep aspect ratio.
* FX_IMAGE - new: Color/Alpha switch.
* FX_ROTARY - Additional "Self Rotation" mode.
* FX_AUX - new: Set size and aspect ratio (some cams don't transmit the aspect ratio).
* FX_STRETCH - new: Split mode.
* FX_VSINE - Shader optimizations for way better look and less jaggy aliasing.
* FX_OFFSET - Less GPU consumption.
* FX_ROTA - Way less GPU consumption and optimized render quality (better look when rotating).
* FX_VHS - new: Edge mode, for the looks.
* EX_ALPHA - new: Keep aspect ratio.

* FX_ALL - fixed: Issues with spamming of the Ableton Live undo history with enabled Sound Reactive/Beat Reactive dials (works from Max 8.6.5+).
* FX_FLUX - fixed: Issues on MacOS.
* FX_ABC- fixed: Fast forwarding in the font dropdown does not work properly.
* FX_ROTARY - fixed: Texture issues in GLCORE.
* FX_COL-DUO - fixed: Color selector set now the correct chosen color.
* FX_LINR - fixed: Very old resolution bug.
* FX_ROTA -fixed: Aspect ratio not correct in "Keep Aspect Ratio" mode.

21 Mar 2024

Zwobot 2.95

This is just a small update.
Simply replace the provided files with the old ones.:

* ZWOBOT - Noticeable performance improvements.

* ZWOBOT - Fixed: Timeline video-sync in Deck-B not working.
* ZWOBOT - Fixed: Play/Pause behavior when engine has stoped.

* EARL - Performance improvements.
* PETRA - Performance improvements.

* SHIFT - Fixed: Shifting wrong bars.
* FISHEYE - Fixed: Auto Rotate not working in SR and Beat-mode.
* PETRA - Fixed: Texture issues/ no more gaps between texture seams.
* BLOB - Fixed: Blob mode not saved correctly.

25 Dec 2023

Zwobot 2.9

Merry Christmas!
Zwobot v2.9 is now available and brings the following improvements:

* ZWOBOT - Added new Playback Mode: Full-stop.
* ZWOBOT - Changed Play/Pause behavior in Ableton Live automation and midi control. (it now works as it should/ as expected)
* ZWOBOT/Rack - Full clear of Deck A/B set from the Rack-module or the Zwobot Loopeditor.

* ZWOBOT - Fixed: FPS dropouts with still images.
* ZWOBOT - Fixed: When X-Fade is in SR mode, the transition may be wrong. (wrong colors)
* ZWOBOT - Fixed: Set up resolution not saved correctly.
* ZWOBOT - Link Speed Dial to Beat now stores the bpm correctly.

* BLACK-FX - Black or white blend and fade FX (for fade automation et cetera)
* IMAGE-FX - Load images in between FX.
* PEEK-FX - Video window/ Check video status between FX.

* TILES (PLURAL) - The FX_PLURAL (worst name ever) module is now called FX_TILES
* TILES - FX rework, more modes and variations.
* GRP - Integration of the blend modes.
* ROTARY-FX - Added size attribute.
* DEFORM-FX - New wave mode added.
* REFLUX-FX - Optimized contrast mode for less grey-smearing.
* PULSE-FXG - Added anti aliasing (FXAA) for smoother results.
* ABC-FX - Fonts are now independent of the screen resolution (no more font squeezing)
* RACK-EX - UI changes for better visibility.
* EX_ZB_AUDIO-RECEIVER - The Audio-Receiver can now receive any audio signal from any live track in audio and midi tracks.

* GRP - Fixed: problem when bypassing generative modules.
* BLENDER-FX - Fixed: Automation of the X-Fade dial slowed down Ableton Live.
* 3D-FX - Fixed: XY-pad not working when Rota Speed is/was enabled.
* ABC-FX - Fixed: Line-length now working as it should.
* ABC-FX - Fixed: Counting bug when Sequencing Mode is enabled.* VSINE-FX - Fixed: problem with Alpha channel and subsequent FX-modules.
* PATTERN-FX - Fixed: problem with Alpha channel and subsequent FX-modules.
* 3D-FX - Added Tile mode.
* RACK-Quickset-EX - Fixed: When RACK-Quickset is loaded several times Drag and Drop influences the other modules.
* RACK-Quickset-EX - Fixed: AVI files not allowed.
* RACK-EX - Fixed: When RACK is loaded several times Drag and Drop influences the other modules.
* SIDECAR-EX - Fixed: could not play 2 video files of the same length in succession.

27 May 2023

Bug in Max (Windows)

There is currently a bug in the actual Ableton Live version (Windows only) that creates a black output screen when changing tracks, this can also lead to crashes. This is a bug in the current Max version and concerns the internal Max graphics engine. To make it work again, please set the graphics engine in Max from GLCORE to GL2.

24 Mar 2023

Zwobot 2.81 Quick-Fix

* ZWOBOT - fixed: X-Fade dropdown wrong colors.
* ZWOBOT - fixed: Loopeditor decks wrong colors.
* ZWOBOT - fixed: Loopeditor hidden scrollbar glitch.

* PETRA-FX - fixed: not working.
* VHS-FX - fixed: randomly not working on M1 mac.

03 Feb 2023

Zwobot 2.8

Zwobot is now fully prepared for the upcoming Max v8.5+ & Live11+ updates with the new OpenGL (glcore) engine.

* ZWOBOT - We have reworked the FX connector in ZB, so we are better positioned for the future in terms of video routing.
* ZWOBOT - It is now possible to Group FX modules (via the new GRP module).
* ZWOBOT - We have removed the "Save FX order" feature from ZB. Just use the new GPR modules.
* ZWOBOT - It is now possible to load videoclips in the Arrangement view (via the SIDECAR_EX module). (Beta)
* ZWOBOT - Sync Video to Ableton timeline.
* ZWOBOT - Enable/disable Sidecar directly from the Zwobot main module. (Bottom right [SC] button)
* ZWOBOT - Send audio from a Zwobot Deck (A/B) to any Ableton track via the new EX_ZB_AUDIO-RECEIVER.
* ZWOBOT - Single loaded image files should now no longer disappear on screen change or Ableton load.
* ZWOBOT - Maximum files per folder is now 255. (was 99)
* ZWOBOT - It is now possible to load *AVI files from/within a folder.
* ZWOBOT - The VSYNC module is now integrated within the Loop/Slice Editor.

* ZWOBOT - Playback hick-up when loading a folder.
* ZWOBOT - If a loop is set in the Loop Editor, the loop values are displayed incorrectly if the video files have all the same duration.
* ZWOBOT - Slices in the loop editor are now set correctly for every video file.
* ZWOBOT - The ZB main window position will be correct saved and restored after Live set reload.
* ZWOBOT - Background color issue when modules used natively in Max.
* ZWOBOT - In random cases the Loop Editor takes lenghts of previous video clips.

* ALL - Enable signal (audio) smoothing for Sound Reactive dials for less stuttering dial/fx movements. (Set-up in the Monitor module)

* EX_ZB_AUDIO-RECEIVER - Receive audio from the individual Zwobot Decks (A/B).
* FX_STIPPLE - Dynamic stipple pattern. Like DOTR but much more natural and moving dots.
* GRP - GRP module. It is now possible to group up to 5 FX in one GRP module.

* SIDECAR_EX - It is now possible to load Videoclips in the Arrangement view.
* DIGGI_FX - Additional Glitch mode.
* LAYER_FX - Additional Circle mode.
* ABC_FX - We've added 32 (8x4) independent text boxes.
* ABC_FX - It is now possible to sequence through text boxes.
* ABC_FX - Additional font shadow.
* ABC_FX - Switch between a basic font setup or all fonts setup from your system.
* FISHEYE_FX - Barrel distortion is now independent from the Fisheye dials.
* FISHEYE_FX - The distortion of the lens is now much more natural and precise.

* RACK-QUICKSET_EX- Randomly loading files when reopen an Ableton Live set.
* SHIFT_FX - Values generated via Random not "holding" while changing shift-steps.
* ZOOM_FX - Circle-mode squished.
* COLOR_FX - Wrong initial color.
* REMOTE_EX - Deck B influences Deck A.
* LORENZ_EX - Resolution bug.
* TWIST_FX - Performance problems when the Twist-Dial is enabled.
* SIDECAR_EX - Gain on/off not working -> removed.
* PETRA_FX - Texture gaps in the shapes.
* PETRA_FX - Glitched shapes.
* VSINE_FXG - On initialization VSINE can drag a huge amount of fps even when disconnected.
* COL-DUO_FX - Custom colors not saved correctly/resets after play/pause.

02 Feb 2022

Zwobot 2.6

The new 2.6 version of Zwobot is now M1 Mac compatible. To run the M1 Mac fully native please update to the new Ableton v11.1 and update the VIDDLL engine to v1.2.5 Update VIDDLL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HuMm0Nb4vw

Known Issues (M1 only): The EX_Mask module will crash Ableton with the Max 8.2.1 version. This bug is fixed with the upcoming Max 8.2.2 version.

* ZWOBOT - Optimized loading single files.
* EX MONITOR - You can now set the main Zwobot window aspect-ratio size to the given resolution.

* ZWOBOT - Single files not correctly loaded after save/reload.
* ZWOBOT - Window position not correct saved.
* ZWOBOT - Fixed some issues with loaded single files.
* ZWOBOT - X-Fade "red" bug if using images.
* ZWOBOT - Fixed issue with File-Loop reload after saving.
* EX RACK-QUICKSET - Sends always the last file to Deck B when reopening.

* ALL - Prepared for Mac Silicon.

* BLOB FX - Blob modes.
* SORT FX - Fake Pixel Sorting (Feedback Based).
* MOVE FX - Move Screen to beat.
* COL-DUO FX - Recolor movies/FX with a DuoTone color FX.

* ALLFX - Changed resolution handling of all 3d modules. No more need for fullscreen while recording.
* FX CANDY - New XY adjustments, Alpha mode, better performance.
* FX PULS - Change the movement from pulse to linear.
* FX ZOOM - New Circle mode.
* FX PLOTTER - New draw modes & density mode.
* FX OSSI - New draw modes & density mode.
* FX REFLUX - Much stronger contrast settings.
* FX MOSH - Under the hood adjustments.
* FX COULEUR - Delete RGB colors independently.

* ALLFX - Sound-Reactive dial values not correctly saved/ overwrites always with the default setting.
* FX BLENDER - Initialization not working correctly.
* FX 3D - Single files not correctly loaded after save/reload.
* SRG OSSI - Fixed layer mode when Draw-Mode is on the Y-axis.
* EX ALPHA - Single files not correctly loaded after save/reload.
* FX VSINE - Added Hardmix blend-mode. More dense.
* FX LOOPER - Fixed: Not working in v2.5.

13 Jan 2022

Zwobot on M1 Mac

Since Ableton still doesn't work natively on M1 Macs, Zwobot 2.5 will run as Rosetta on M1 Macs without problems. However, there is a public Ableton Live version (11.1 beta) that runs natively on M1 Macs, and we are currently testing Zwobot for M1. If you want the latest Zwobot beta for M1 Ableton, just drop us an email (customers only).

08 Jul 2021

Zwobot 2.5

! We've changed a lot of things internally, all new Zwobot 2.5 modules are NOT downward compatible !

* Zwobot/Monitor - Readjusted FPS warnings depending on the FPS settings.
* Zwobot - The Slice Mode has now a "Trigger" or "Gate" (this is a Ableton wording: if the button is released, the clip will stop playing) function.
* Zwobot - Much faster loading of pre-looped files.

* Zwobot - We accidentally broke the single file save function in the last ZB version. It works again now.
* Zwobot - Slice Mode (Slice Editor): Fixed double click/trigger when triggered by midi.
* Zwobot/Monitor - If the Monitor is in a Return Track, it overwrites all highlighted Track names.
* Zwobot - Console entries fixed for Live 11.

* We have rebuild all dials for better, more logical and precise Sound Reactive and Beat adjustments.
* We've changed a lot code and functions for a better compatibility with other Max devices.
* Max standalone improvements and better Snapshot compatibility in Max (fixed Main window jumping, and double entries after triggering a Snapshot)
* Max standalone: Press Space Tab in the Zwobot Monitor turns the Engine ON/OFF

* RACK QUICKSET - Load single files into Zwobot via quick selection with file preview.
* DITHER - Feedback based pseudo dither effect (Error diffusion).
* MAX_Beatlaucher_v2.5 - Lauch beat for Zwobot within MAX standalone (with Ableton Link Feature).

* EX ALPHA - New Cycle Run mode (run through folder images) for simple animations. (Customer request)
* FX VHS - New VHS modes.
* FX DIGGI - Performance improvements.
* FX DEFORM - Two new deform/warp modes: Noise and Wobble.
* FX VSINE - Rebuild from scratch. It's now way more versatile and understandable.
* FX TWST - Added Fast-Easing-Mode in Twist and XY Pad.
* FX FLUX - Better color adjustments and color invert mode.
* FX ABC - Adjustable line length for better multiline support.

* FX BLENDER - Alpha mode not working in some situations.
* FX ERRQUAKE - Fixed an super-old bug: If Flicker dial is off, Quake doesn't work.
* FX PULSE - Fixed resolution bug if Monitor Module is missing.
* FX FLOWSCAN - Fixed preset adjustments.
* FX OSSI - Fixed Layers (Live 11).
* FX DEFORM - Fixed alpha bug in standard Warp mode.
* FX TWST - Stuttering if beat Twst is enabled. Improved performance.