KVR Audio

xcomp · Post by **xcomp** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:15 am

Hello,
I am interested in writing music for symphonies and also for smaller ensembles, such as string quartets. Right now the only samples I have are the sounds on my (cheap) soundcard and Cubase's Universal Sound Module. I am thinking of buying Garritan Personal Orchestra based on the "user" compositions I've listened to on their Web site, and based on all the positive comments I've read on KVR. (Please let me know what you think of this choice.)

If I understand correctly, it looks like GPO uses mod wheel data for volume, whereas keyboard velocity is used to control the attack portion of the amplitude envelope. Is this correct?
The MIDI keyboard I'm currently using only has a pitch bend wheel (no mod wheel) -- will I need another keyboard to use GPO?

zircon · Post by **zircon** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 4:13 am

You would only need another keyboard if your current one has no way to assign CCs (any extra knobs/sliders for instance?) Also, your sequencer supports drawing in automation, so you can always draw in the CC#1 (modwheel) motion you want in there.

xcomp · Post by **xcomp** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 4:28 am

Thanks for your response. I have a basic Yamaha ROMpler keyboard (no knobs/sliders), so unfortunately can't map the mod wheel function elsewhere on the keyboard. Drawing CC#1 is a good thought . . . now that I think about it, it might "kill" the feel of an improvised/extemporaneous piece (which is how I tend to work -- improvise/noodle first, then cut/edit/embellish later). Maybe I will need a new keyboard.

Do you use GPO? Have you found the note entry method easy to work with? (I'm referring to the method I described in my original post; maybe I've got it wrong?)

xcomp · Post by **xcomp** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:36 pm

Bump -- any thoughts would be appreciated.

zircon · Post by **zircon** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:56 pm

I do like GPO and find it to be pretty easy to use - the method you described is in fact how it works, though percussive instruments and articulations work as normal (velocity = volume). However, I could see a potential problem if you prefer to improvise first- I often find myself sequencing the passage and playing it back, while all I do is manipulate the physical modwheel to get a feel for the automation I want.

GPO and mod wheel