Here are my results:
Does it work now: Yes, with some observations worth mentioning.
How test was performed:
- Tested on Windows 11 Laptop, VST Live 2.2.90.521 as Host
- iPhone 8, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 Pro and iPad 5ht Gen VST Live Mods v 1.5.1.160
- All devices within 2 meters of WiFi router supporting 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- 3 Songs. 1 simple song. 1 song with time signature changes. 1 song with both time signature changes and tempo changes.
Let’s start with the good news:
- For lyrics and chords we can consider the new version works perfectly. I assume it will work for notes too, although it did not test notes yet.
- For metronome, it works too, but accuracy is not perfect. I plan to use it as a visual help for the drummer in case he gets lost, knowing where the 1 is will be helpful on some situations, but I will not replace an audible click with it. Even when tempo changed or time signature changed, the metronome kept in sync; which is great. In my case, having the metronome show the time signature is super helpful.
- Setlist is not supported on my host version (I use v2, not v3 of host)
The observations:
- You may need to restart the App on the device to get it online again. For example, I opened the App in 3 different devices. Then started the host. During loading all 3 devices switched time signature to 6/8 so I know communication was working. After hitting play on the laptop, two devices started but the one did not, and was in offline mode. A simple restart of the App fix this, there is not need to restart the song, the App will sync to the current measure. Also if you lock the phone or open other Apps, the App may go offline so you will need to restart. It never went offline in the middle of a song, so this is not a bid deal, its easy to get the App back online. In the future a reconnect button may be easier, but its fine.
- Metronome accuracy: I assume this applies for Chords and Lyrics too, but the discrepancy is so very small that in practice, it will not affect. But for metronome, its noticeable. As I said earlier, I don’t plan to replace audio click with visual metronome, the visual metronome is a backup for when something is going really wrong and it will make it easier to get back to “the one”. When I get to practice with my drummer I will know if the small discrepancy is a problem or if it’s acceptable. I understand it may never be 100% accurate since there are many variables like WiFi congestion, different device CPUs, distance to router, etc. I am just providing my observations. I took 4 pictures at random times. In 2 pictures all metronomes are in sync, but in the other 2 you can see the discrepancy. Here are the pictures:
Above image, older devices a bit behind. Below image, again, older devices a bit behind. Note that these pictures were taken at random, I only took 4 pictures, 2 show the small discrepancy. And to be fair, iPhone 12 was in sync on all pictures.
Next two pictures taken at random shows that devices remain in sync.
My verdict: The App is now usable, especially for Lirycs, Chords, Notes and Metronome as a backup for audio click. Newer and faster iOS devices recommended. Thanks very much for addressing this. It took many months, and I know many complained in different other threads. I just hope that this fix brings back many users like me that were expecting this feature to improve their shows.
Again, thanks.
@Simon_Evans @helgetjelta @NAbraham @CliveJ @Juri_Koecher @alschmid