Colussus GM Soundset

[bernie9]

I am new to software synthesis and Receptor. I have been trying to get Colossus to act like a multitimbral sound module to play Midi files through. I am routing my sequencer in my laptop through Midisport and out to Receptor. I load GM instruments in the same tracks as my Midifile, but there is no sound and the whole multi changes to something else.

I obviously haven't a grasp on the proper procedure. With a sound module, I don't have to set up anything. Maybe Receptor is not meant for this ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Bernie

[DanTimis]

Go to the SETUP page in Receptor. On the top right you will see a MIDI section. Towards the bottom of that section, there is a popup called "Program Change Channel" Set the popup to "None" This will prevent program changes in your sequence from changing patches in Receptor.

On the Mix page, load a blank multi patch (hold down the Control key, and click on the Multi bank or Multi patch popup). On Receptor channel 1, instantiate Colossus.

Click on the MIDI Filter icon (the one showing "1" and a small MIDI connector). In the MIDI Filter panel select "All" for "Listen to MIDI Channel," and then select "Thru" for "Play Plugin MIDI channel." This will make Receptor channel 1 Multi-timbral.

Now you can go to Colossus and load the instruments that correspond to your MIDI file. As you load each instrument, their MIDI channel will default to the number in the list (1 to . If you have drums, they are probably on MIDI channel 10, so you will have to change the MIDI channel assignment in Colossus. That's on the left side and it has a small MIDI connector icon and a number.

This should fix it for you.

[bernie9]

Thank you Dan,
I will print your instructions and get to work on it.

As an aside, is it because of the structure of Receptor, or is it the application, that nessecitates manually loading multi's for each song, when modules have all 128 or 256 intruments on hand at all times to play automatically any GM midifile.

[DanTimis]

GM synths are easy to use, but are also very limited in the number of sounds and sound quality. Most importantly, a GM module is not easily expandable.

Receptor is not a GM synth. Even Colossus is not a GM synths, although it has a GM bank. It is like buying a Formula 1 car and expecting it to drive like a VW bug. If you want to take full advantage of your purchase you should take the time to learn about VST Instruments in general, and read the Receptor manual.

You could start by watching the Jordan Rudess videos:

http://www.museresearch.com/receptor_videos.php

[bernie9]

I have seen all the video's and am reading the manual. I know the potential quality, and overall capability far exceeds a GM synth because I have played them all over the past 40 years as a performer.

What I mean is, there must be an app like Bandstand, or some other VSTi that can automate the GM playback if Colossus can't, and still reside in Receptor.

I can still do plenty without Midi playback that far exceeds my flagship arrangers in quality.

I am probably over simplifying my wishes, not expectations. I love my Receptor, but nothing, I guess, can be all things to all people. If you don't have a solution, there isn't one.

Thanks

[bernie9]

Dan
I went through your instructions and, I must admit the difference in sound quality makes it all worthwhile.

I have junked my VW, and bought a Formula 1.

I do experience a little popping as I had to load 9 tracks including 2 grand piano's. I will have to experiment with Z Load, buffer size, and DFD more.

Thanks
Bernie

[DanTimis]

I'm glad you are enjoying it. Colossus is awesome.