I reckon it all depends on whether Noel and Cakewalk still have any interest in keeping CS functionality alive because the vs700.dll (and the MCU stuff) is probably already considered legacy code and (most likely) not update to date with what it takes to make it work with X2/X3/Xn. 
 
From what I've read in various threads the MCU control was once done by (sort of a) 3rd party person. So it should be possible to understand, maintain/fix and eventually extend the functionality from outside - if reasonably documented and not yet spoilt by weird quick fix hacks (seen that in companies where I came in to work on "legacy" code).
 
It definitely takes a good deal of dedication to get this off the ground - and to make it last, it would require (a) continued interest from Cake, including a knowledgable contact inside Cake that answers questions and (b) the source being truly in the open source domain, with source repository, release management, etc. because the trouble with a one man show is that once this guy gets other important issues or loses interest its all dead again instantly.
 
Another questions is whether there is any overlap between the VS700 and the MCU (and if it was properly designed there must be loads of overlaps) because if it affects also the MCU you have a whole new game i.e. potential for combining both controllers (extension to the VS700) but more importantly quite a few additional users with MCU, X3 and software development background ... (however, i was asked by fellow users not to bring the discussion over the X forum quite yet until we hear from Cakewalk )
 
Well, as usual - it's all open until someone from Cakewalk chimes in. So let's hope X3 starts off smoothly that someone finds time to think and talk about this ...
 
 
 
 

Hey, I'd like to help.
 
I've been doing mostly Java lately, but I've had lots of former experience with C/C++ (non-Visual), systems programming, and especially debugging/figuring out legacy code.  I'd like to just take a look at the code myself, see if I can even understand it. 
 

Would this mean the console could then be used with other DAWs (PT11 specifically)? I no longer use the rack at all as I use the Lynx Hilo for conversion and have outboard preamps. I switch between Sonar and PT and can't use my control console when using PT. I had all but given up and was planning on moving to an entirely different system when the Gibson/Tascam intervention occurred. Contrary to what some folks have posted on the forum, Tascam makes some pretty trick higher end mixers/controll solutions.  I get the impression when reading a lot of things by folks here that they are primarily hobbyist with no exposure to higher end type equipment. No problem with that, but for me, I am full time as of January with my studio. I want the higher end approach. If this would allow me to switch between DAWS that would be incredible and save me some serious money.  I don't need a 48 channel large format mixing console. Been there, done that. I want outboard preamps and conversion all controllable with a digital mixer. (32 channels of Lynx coming soon!)

Hi guys,
 
Sorry for the late response but we've been caught up with the X3 release. Its great to hear that some of you are interested in doing some work on these surfaces. So yeah I confirmed that we can opensource the Mackie control surface code as well as our latest new control surface SDK which is used in the VS-700. I have not yet got authorization about opensourcing the VS-700 post the Gibson announcement so I don't have any news there.
 
Once the dust clears here I'll set up the mechanics of hosting the source code on Github etc. Please pm me your email addresses if you are developers and would like to contribute to this project.
 
best,
Noel

Thanks, Noel.
 
That sounds promising  pls keep us posted on any news in this respect

That sounds great... excited now!

Don't forget the box where us non-programmers can put some money... I do not know how that should be handled, but it should...

I definitely would support this endeavor in any way possible. I've seen great results made with similar undertakings; Nord Modular Nomad / G2 Open Source Editor, and this kind of thing fascinates me. As for the VS-700, personally, I can't think of a more worthy device to keep alive. I may even be able to convince some time and help towards this from a relative of mine who makes a good buck writing Waldorf editors on the side... Although this might end up being completely foreign to him, we'll see...

Count me in to contribute to this endeavor dollar-wise at least!  I wish I had a programming background so I could pull my weight in that area as well... but for now, I can at least offer to be one of the many that wants to see this wonderful piece of kit survive and thrive into X3 and beyond!!

i have been searching for developpers around me since we have talented people around my area .....i will try to ask the guys doing dev for UVI witch are  very talented  (doing also motu) and will ask Fabrice Gabriel enginneers ....
 
If money has to be put , count me in .... but i must confess i'm looking for plan B also (Avid up coming artists replacement , AVID c24 replacement a, Nucleus , Smart av tango )