How are you using Cantabile?

[dluther]

First, I want to apologize for what is probably going to be a rambling message. I really do have a question, but I wanted to get a feel for how others are using Cantabile Performer in real-world situations.

Let me describe my setup, so there's a reference for the kinds of questions I'm going to ask.

My DAW is based on an ASUS A7N8X deluxe motherboard, AMD Athlon XP3200+ processpr, 2GB memory, running Windows XP heavily optimized for DAW use. The sound processing is through a MOTU 2408 (the original) from which I'm getting ASIO 2.0 latency of 5.3ms at 48KHz with a sample buffer of 256 samples. The MIDI interface is a MOTU MIDI Express XT (parallel port version) which gives me 8 MIDI ports.

My controller keyboard is a Roland A-70, which has 4 MIDI output ports I'm using as 4 separate MIDI keyboards, switching/layering using the OUT 1-4 for each "rack" in Cantabile.

Outboard gear consists of synth modules:

- Roland SC-88
- Kurzweil K2000R
- Roland JD-990

All going to a Behringer MX3242X mixer with effects:

- BBE 482 sonic maximizer
- Rane dual-channel 15-band EQ
- Alesis MidiVerb4
- Alesis 3630 compressor/limiter

Home studio audio is routed through a DOD 834 stereo crossover feeding a Yamaha subwoofer, 2 Yamaha MS101 powered monitors and a Kawai KM-20 (which I'm sort of using as a center channel).

Right now I'm on day 2 of Cantabile, so what I've done is set up four racks each with a couple VST instruments and out to an external module:

Rack 1:
- Native Instruments FM7
- Yamaha S-YXG50
- Roland SC-88

Rack 2:
- Native Instruments Pro-53
- Superwave P8
- Roland JD-990

Rack 3:
- Cakewalk SFZ+
- Kurzweil K2000R

Rack 4:
- Native Instruments B4

The A-70 has four assignable sliders (which work independently for each output) that I've assigned to some non-useful CC numbers (102-105) which I've assigned to the "wet mix" volume sliders of the VSTs per each rack in Cantabile.

One of the first things I did (and the reason I bought it) was the feature that allows me to suspend processing of a VST through a learned MIDI parameter. For me, I suspend the VSTs within each rack with a note on (G7, F#7, F7) which immediately reduces the CPU hit for instruments not processing (B4 can eat up 12% of the CPU just idling). I've also learned I can assign a secondary MIDI control to halt *ALL* the VST's with *ANY* MIDI message (say, the never-used portamento on/off button), which is pretty cool.

Which brings me to my first question -- is there a way to use these types of messages to turn off the "MIDI pass through" function? I can't right-click on this for that purpose, but let's say I want to bypass my SC-88 and only play the FM7, that doesn't seem to happen here in that same manner.

My next question is kind of general for the hardcore users -- how are you using Cantabile? This host is as solid as a rock (except for the "All notes off function, which made things a bit wonky and I stopped the audio engine), but I'd like to hear how other users are using this truly remarkable piece of software.

Thanks,

[TiUser]

Your questions are extremely detailed...

...but just one idea, can't you put each instrument in a separate rack? So you don't have to fiddle around with the midi pass through at all. This configuration can also make some difference in efficiency of multi core machines.

[Karmacomposer]

I don'y use any outside hardware - all vst and vsti over here.

I use Cantible as my testbed software host, as a way to create presets without having to load my DAW each and every time I want to do sound design and as a way to use all my plugins, including the ones I develop, in my computer and laptop.

I do not use it to record, since it has no way to become a vst. I use Phrazor if I want to run multiple virtual instruments in racks.

Mike

[dluther]

...can't you put each instrument in a separate rack?

[ * ]

Well, by God I can do that, can't I?

What a perfectly awesome idea. I can assign a MIDI control to stop processing the entire rack, so...

Thanks TiUser!

[TiUser]

...well, I think it is possible too to assign the same controller multiple times to more than one rack...

I just suggested this for the sake of better multi core use... there are some improvements in development which may soon make this more important than before.

However, other than that there are always different ways to get a similar result. Just suggested this to workaround the midi passthrough question.

[slowmotionstorm]

I use Cantible Performer Live on stage as a Media Player.

First, I record, edit and mix all of my audio + midi in another program that is more suitable for my needs. When my song is complete and ready to perform live, I'll then export all of my audio (Backing tracks) into one .wav file. I'll also export all of my midi files into a single midi file.


I have an External Rackmount Audio Interface. I use 2 outputs.

Output 1 is for Clicks
Output 2 is for Audio Samples/Backing Tracks

Now I'm ready to open up Cantible Performer.....

1) I'll set the meternome to the tempo of my song and use this as the Master.

2) I close every pannel except for the Media Player.

3) I import my .wav file (Backing Tracks) and set the output to Output 2 on my audio interface. and make sure the track is set to "Synced".

4) I Import my .midi file which controls my DMX lights. I'll also make sure it is set to "synced". I have an external device that connets to LED/DMX lights on one end and then USB into my laptop. The midi data comes out of the laptop into the external device and then tells each light when to turn on.


After I'll do this for all of my songs, i'll open the Set List Editor and create a set list. Now my band and I are ready to perform on stage. Very easy to use!! Loads quick.