I very much like the modular approach to sequencing functions and pricing. For example, I was recently looking into purchasing Orion. I tried comparing the Pro and Platinum versions. For the most part I liked the Pro version and it’s pricing. However, there were a few key features from the Platinum version that I absolutely required. The price jump from Pro to Plat was huge though, and didn’t represent enough value for me. The concept of buying a base host and adding in additional functions for different costs is very appealing to me. I guess this may be difficult to manage in terms of on-line shop and granting license keys for modules but it may be worth it. This would be very similar to how Emagic handle the keys for their softsynths: everyone has the same software installed, but you pay for individual keys that unlock individual functionality (in this case synths).
Some things that could be added-on features (maybe not within the Podium paradigm, but you get the idea):
extra tracks
extra busses, sends, submix channels (where the base version comes with a limited number)
extra # plugins per project
time/pitch stretching
loop slicing
rewire
included fx
acid style audio clips
built in sidechaining for fx
midi fx package (chords, arps, etc)
mp3 codec
cd writing
pdc
built-in sampler
I’d think that with a reasonable cost for the base host, you would have an easy time coaxing another $30 out of each customer for wanted functions.
cheers,
sluggo
