HeavyM 2.6 update

This release adds many possibilities to Controls. DMX via Art-Net is introduced for HeavyM Pro customers. We have also added more MIDI, OSC, DMX assignable parameters and more customization as well. Graphics possibilities are also enhanced with the inclusion of powerful Blend Modes on groups! As usual, various fixes and improvements are in store.

For the customers, download the from the license manager.

For the others, try the free Demo of HeavyM 2.6 here

When you install the new HeavyM 2.6 software, rename the folder to not overwrite your current HeavyM app.

Control HeavyM with DMX via Art-Net

For HeavyM Pro customers only

HeavyM is now compatible with the DMX standard. It is now possible to control HeavyM in DMX via the Art-Net protocol.
You can think of the HeavyM software as a light that can be controlled by a light console. And almost any interaction, such as changing an effect parameter or playing/pausing a sequence, can be assigned to the buttons of a light console.
The lighting operators will be able to manage the classic lights as well as the live mapping with the same lighting console. It’s a true game-changer!

DMX for HeavyM 2.6

Control HeavyM with a light console thanks to DMX via Art-Net

More controls for OSC, MIDI and DMX

The addition of DMX has allowed us to review and improve the management of other protocols: MIDI, OSC and keyboard. In the “control settings” menu, we have added a “Settings” column for each assignment. These are additional settings to allow you to be more precise and creative in your performances. For instance, you can decide the range of values for a specific assignment.

HeavyM 2.6 - new control settings

Merge effects (and players) to create extraordinary animations.

The second major addition in version 2.6 is the Blend modes!
Before, when a group was on top of another one, only the effect of the one above was visible. Now it is possible to mix together the effects of these 2 groups. And there are many ways to mix them: We have added no less than 26 blend modes. So the creative possibilities are enormously increased.

HeavyM 2.6 - Blend modes Overlay

Combination of 2 effects with the Blend Mode “Overlay”

The result of applying a particular Blend Mode depends on its particularity and your effects. So, don’t hesitate to test a lot of them, you will inevitably find a perfect one for your project.

The best part is that groups contain media players, so it is possible to blend players and effects. We advise you to test the “Multiply” blend mode with a video and a Filling effect. You will love it!

HeavyM 2.6 - Blend Mode Multiply

Combination of 1 Filling effect and 1 video with the Blend Mode “Multiply”

Of course, you can use more than 2 groups and blend multiple effects and players to create unique and creatively advanced combinations.

HeavyM 2.6 - Blend modes exemple

Here an example with multiple groups with effects and players mix with 3 different Blend Modes.

New codec for transparency in videos

In addition to the HAP codec, HeavyM now supports transparency for videos with the ProRes 4444 codec. This addition brings flexibility to your video codec choices, especially for macOs users where ProRes 4444 is a widely used codec.

Logo Apple ProRes

Improvement of the sensitivity of the Magnet

The magnetization area now remains small even at a high zoom level. Opposite, the magnet remains precise while the zoom is at more than 1000%!

HeavyM updates - Improved magnet

The "Paste in Place" option

We have added this option to paste a copy of a selection at the same coordinates as the original selection. It is accessible from the right-click menu or with the shortcut Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+V.

HeavyM update - Paste in Place feature

Full release notes

New features

  • Added DMX input via Art-Net (HeavyM Pro only)
  • Added 26 Blend Modes on groups
  • Added a “Range” setting to adjust the Min and Max values of MIDI, Keyboard, OSC or DMX assignments
  • Added a “Toggle” setting to switch the behavior of MIDI or Keyboard assignments to Press or Toggle
  • Added many more assignable interface elements for all Controls (including more effects parameters & modes, sequence effects toggles, sequence selection, etc)
  • Added the possibility to undo actions in the Output Setup window with Ctrl/Cmd+Z
  • Added a “Paste in Place” option to paste a copy of a selection at the same coordinates as the original selection. It is accessible from the right-click menu or with the shortcut Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+V
  • Support for alpha channel in ProRes 4444 video codec

Bug fixes

  • Fixed a bug that caused HeavyM not to start anymore
  • Fixed a bug that caused some projects containing custom shaders not to reload anymore
  • Fixed a bug that caused some projects created with an early HeavyM 2 version to be labeled as “incompatible” at reload
  • Fixed a crash that could occur when closing the software
  • Fixed a crash that could occur when deleting a lot of groups rapidly
  • Fixed a crash that could occur when creating a shape in a new project
  • Fixed potential crashes when adding shader effects on a player
  • Fixed potential crashes when using “Delete all assignments” in one of the Controls tabs
  • Fixed a potential crash when connecting a MIDI device on Mac
  • Fixed a blink that occurred at the start of a video loop when using certain Playback or Loop modes
  • Fixed a bug that caused a media duration to be incorrect during playlist playback
  • Fixed a bug that caused “holes” to appear on some curves with a Line effect
  • Fixed a bug that caused the Rotation effect to seem clipped (without any overflow clipping applied in the Preferences)
  • Fixed a bug that caused the background image to be improperly reloaded in project with a canvas resolution different that the default 1920×1080
  • Fixed a bug that caused the output Test Card to reappear at reload even though it was unchecked in the saved project
  • Fixed a Controls bug that caused a Keyboard key to trigger only one action although it was assigned to multiple interface elements
  • Fixed a bug that caused media Loop modes not to be triggered by Controls assignments
  • Fixed a bug that caused a MIDI device not to be available although it was properly not in use elsewhere (Windows)
  • Fixed the transparency blending between groups
  • Fixed a bug that created a “ghost” point when using the Draw tool to create a face
  • Fixed a bug that caused some steps to be missing during “redo” actions
  • Fixed a bug that caused the Properties panel to display incorrect information at reload
  • Fixed a bug that caused a group color to be incorrectly displayed in the canvas after an “undo” action
  • Fixed a bug that caused the selection in the Layers panel to be “stuck” sometimes
  • Fixed a bug that caused shapes not to appear right away sometimes after a redo on deletion
  • Fixed a bug that caused a small offset when dragging a point while holding the Shift constraint
  • Fixed a bug that caused the max handle of a slider to be unreachable in the parameters of shaders when applying an LFO
  • Fixed the “Show in folder” button in the shaders library

Improvements

  • If an Output Setup has been configured in a project, the projection(s) now open automatically at reload
  • Added a confirmation warning popup when trying to “Delete all assignments” in one of the Controls tabs
  • Added a warning popup when the selected MIDI device cannot be connected, for instance because it is in use in another app (Windows)
  • Improved the sensitivity of the Magnet on canvas borders (it could attract the wrong point when vertices were close together)
  • Improved the sensitivity of the Magnet on shapes to make it easier to use when zoomed in
  • Optimize scrolling in the Layers panel (it could lag when using a lot of groups and shapes)
  • Undo/Redo now applies to changes in Player warping subdivisions number
  • The shape selection in not lost anymore when moving around the canvas with Space+Drag or the Move tool

Known issues

  • A crash can happen on MacOS Catalina if a screen is plugged/unplugged while an output window is already open – Please update to Big Sur if possible!
  • HeavyM 2 is not compatible with some integrated graphics cards – Please check the minimum requirements on the website.

For the customers, download the beta from the license manager.

For the others, try the free Demo version of HeavyM 2.6 here

When you install the new HeavyM 2.6 software, rename the folder to not overwrite your current HeavyM app.