What is a prefab?
A Prefab is a SynthEdit file that can be inserted into a project like any other module. Prefabs are simply a container with other modules inside, already connected up to perform a specific function, they are ideal if you have a complex (or simple) structure you have created that you know you’ll re-use over, and over again… if you save it as a Prefab it’s there ready to use whenever you want it.
SynthEdit comes with some pre-built synthesiser and effect prefabs ready to use.
Hint: If you create a Prefab Sub-Folder in your SynthEdit Projects folder and store your Prefabs in there, separate Sub-Folders according on the function of the prefab, they will show up in your Modules panel. If you have control or waveform related Prefabs, and you use these names for the Folders, they will show up in those folders in the Modules Panel…choose your folder names wisely. Controls, Effects, Filters, Modifiers, Sub-Controls, and Waveform are all good choices… not only this, but if you create your own folder names for the Prefabs, then you’ll be saving them in your own categories (just be sure to choose a folder name not already used by synthedit if you want a unique category)
Prefabs are a great time saver when building complex Synthesizers, or you have a complex structure you are going to use frequently. Or even a complex “module” that you had a hard time getting to work as you wanted (Don’t forget to include a read me file with it, you’ll thank yourself later!)
An example of a Prefab and internal structure is shown below. This is a relatively simple example, but one I use frequently. To open a container just double click anywhere on the container module.
All Prefabs will have at least two IO Modules, one for Input and one for Output. If you want to add more inputs and/or out outputs, just create a connection from the desired plug to the “Spare” in on the relevant IO Module.
Saving your prefab.
To save the Container/Structure as a prefab just right click, go to More… in the menu and select “Selection to Prefab”, then a “Save As” dialogue box will open allowing you to choose a folder (or create a new folder), and save the prefab with your own unique name (do not use a name already in use by an existing module).
Loading a prefab.
If it’s a prefab that you have created, then it can be loaded directly from the modules panel on the left hand side. If it’s a new one you have downloaded, then there are two methods you can use:
1) Drag the prefab to the appropriate folder, and re-scan the modules, this will add the prefab into your modules list.
2) Go to the “Files” menu, click on “Import Prefab” locate your downloaded file and select it. Click on OK and it will be imported into SE, then you can right click and navigate to “Selection to Prefab, then you can save it into the folder of your choice.
V1.4 Prefab and V1.5 prefab compatibility.
Important: V1.4 prefabs are saved with an .SE1 file extension, and are not compatible with the V1.5 .seprefab file extension. You will need V1.4 installed so it can be converted.
You need to open the file as if it were a normal SE project file in V1.5. It will then tell you that it was created in an older version of SE, and ask you if you want to convert the file using SE1.4. Once the file has been converted and then opened in V1.5 you can save it as a V1.5 .seprefab file and use it as a normal prefab.
Notes about Prefabs.
Note: You can have as many IO modules in a prefab as you like.
Note: To create a prefab you must containerize all the modules in the prefab before creating the prefab.
Important Note: You prefab does not contain any modules, it’s merely instructions for SE telling it how to connect the modules inside a container, and any parameters etc. that you specify. This means that if you are creating prefabs for other designers, or collaborating with another designer you must tell them if you have used any third party modules, as these will not be included in the prefab.
Missing modules = non-functional prefabs!