Tracktion Software

Mark Swanson · Post by **Mark Swanson** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 5:46 am

I use Roland Guitar Synth controllers (GR-30 with GK-2) to talk to my Tracktion synths, like Collective, Subtractive and 4OSC, and I am having a hard time trying to figure out the proper settings to use with the Pitch Bend the controller sends out. In other words, I cannot get the synth sounds to respond to bending of the strings in the same way that a guitar does naturally. I have done this for years with my outboard synths of the past with no issue, but I can't seem to find the correct way to set up the software synths I have.
The problem is probably my own lack of experience with the software, but I need a bit of help here, thank you!

Peter Widdicombe · Post by **Peter Widdicombe** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 12:11 pm

Do you have any information on the GR-30 how the pitch bend actually works (i.e. what cc: is sent out)?

Is the pitch bend being sent out actually a "pitch bend wheel" type event, or does it use some other method of doing something individual on a "per note bend" basis? Most default synths will presumably have a pitch bend at the channel level; but if the guitar synth sends something else, it may have to be tweaked (and I don't think the new MPE was developed in those days...?).

Waveform has a built-in MIDI monitor VST plug-in; try putting it prior to the VST on a track, and play a simple single note with bend, and see what is coming through...

Mark Swanson · Post by **Mark Swanson** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:27 pm

Hi, thanks... the info sent out by the guitar controller is Pitch Bend Info, or "pitch Mod Wheel" info. It's the same as the wheel on a keyboard.
I have figured it out, on Collective anyway. In the "common" section of the editor I have to raise the pitch bend range to "12" to match the controller. There is no need to move the lower range figure because you can't bend a guitar string down! Only up. This also allows me to play a nice expressive vibrato.
Having an actual string under your finger to control the synth sounds adds a whole lot of expressive "human" feel to it.
I can't seem to find the way to adjust this in 4OSC, and I haven't even looked at Subtractive yet. I don't own the RetroMod series but I think they may respond well to a guitar controller.
Thank you!

Peter Widdicombe · Post by **Peter Widdicombe** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 11:21 pm

You CAN actually bend down on a guitar with the right whammy bar !
Glad to hear you got it understood/working.

Watchful · Post by **Watchful** » Thu Nov 26, 2020 2:13 am

Pitch bending down 12 steps can make for a good neck slide.

Mark Swanson · Post by **Mark Swanson** » Thu Nov 26, 2020 2:41 am

Ha ha, yes you guys are correct... but I don't need that trick in my stuff.

I guess I would just draw that particular type of bend! I'm not a whammy guy. Thanks!

Watchful · Post by **Watchful** » Thu Nov 26, 2020 2:18 pm

Well, great to hear from a guitar synthesist at last. I haven't spoken to a guitarist who uses a synth controller since probably 1987. There need to be more of you, especially in today's MPE world. You guys would shine. Hope to see more of you here, Mark.

Mark Swanson · Post by **Mark Swanson** » Thu Nov 26, 2020 4:31 pm

Hey, thanks a lot! As someone who can't play a keyboard but craves those sounds, a guitar controller was something I really needed!

Tracktion Software

KVR Audio

How to set up Tracktion synths (Collective) for Pitch Bend from Guitar Synths