Bill Baxter
Description:
This feature request proposes the implementation of a widget action in Loopy Pro that allows users to toggle the "Background Audio" setting directly from the main interface. Currently, enabling or disabling background audio requires navigating through the settings menu, which can be cumbersome during live performances or dynamic workflows.
Problem:
  • Inconvenient Access:
    Adjusting the background audio setting necessitates multiple steps through the settings menu, interrupting the creative flow.
  • Risk of Dropouts:
    If users forget to
    enable
    background audio before switching to another app (e.g., for mixing or lyrics), Loopy Pro’s audio engine may stop, cutting off instruments or microphones during a live performance.
  • Unintentional CPU Usage:
    Conversely, forgetting to
    disable
    background audio after a session can lead to unnecessary CPU consumption.
  • Lack of Visual Indicator:
    Without a clear on-screen indication, users may be unaware of the current background audio state, leading to confusion.
Proposed Solution:
  • Widget Integration:
    Introduce a toggleable widget that allows users to enable or disable background audio with a single tap.
  • Visual Feedback:
    Implement a clear visual indicator (e.g., color change or icon) within the widget to reflect the current background audio state.
  • MIDI Mapping:
    Allow the widget action to be assignable to MIDI controllers for seamless integration into live or studio setups.
Examples:
  • Live Performance:
    A musician activates background audio via the widget before switching to Mixing Station or SongBookPro, ensuring Loopy Pro continues running in the background.
  • Studio Session:
    A producer toggles background audio off when done recording to conserve CPU resources.
  • Educational Setting:
    An instructor uses the widget to demonstrate the behavior of background audio in real time during a lesson.
Benefits:
  • Improved Live Stability:
    Ensures Loopy Pro continues audio processing when switching to external apps during live use.
  • Streamlined Workflow:
    Reduces the steps needed to manage background audio, increasing efficiency.
  • Visual Awareness:
    Provides a persistent, visible reminder of the background audio state, avoiding performance surprises.
  • Resource Management:
    Enables intentional CPU use by easily disabling background audio when not needed.
This summary was automatically generated by ChatGPT-4 on 2025-05-29.
Original Post:
Set background audio operation via widget action
Currently you have to go into the settings menu to turn it on. The problem with that is that it's easy to forget to turn it off when you're done with your session. And that leaves it eating up CPU and doing weird things if you later put on your earbuds to watch some videos or something (you'll hear your own breathing coming through LoopyPro and wonder why).
If it could be a widget action then you could see in a big red button that the background audio mode is enabled.