Multi-timbral synths in Tracktion...

[kingpisser]

Hi all,

I was wondering if you could route multiple MIDI tracks to a single multi-timbral synth in Tracktion?

I don't wanna be calling up a new instance for every track when I'm using VSampler, Model E ( ) and Novation V-station.

Thanks.

[Bennett]

Yes. Here is one way:

1) Use the Rack Filters to create a "midi send".

The midi send is simply a rack filter with the midi input connected to the output.

2) Place this midi send on every midi track you want to send midi data.

Useful note: If you put the midi send after the volume/pan filter you can control the midi volume level with it (make sure to select send midi volume in the properties panel).

3) Put your multi-timbral VSTi on a track.

4) Place the midi send in front of the VSTi.

Done! Now all the tracks with the "midi send" rack filter will redirect their midi data to the VSTi.

Another way (I think) is to simply direct the output of the midi track to the track which holds the VSTi.

One advantage of the midi send method is that you could send unison data to multiple VSTi's.

[glurgle]

Another way (I think) is to simply direct the output of the midi track to the track which holds the VSTi.

I think this is what he was looking for. Put no extra filters (vol ctrl and level meter are fine) on the tracks, then set all of their outputs to one other track. Put your multitimbral vst on this last track and you're done. Make sure you set the channel on your clips (in the clip properties panel) to the channel of the voice you want to use on your multitimbral synth.

[Sielsynth]

glurgle wrote:

I think this is what he was looking for. Put no extra filters (vol ctrl and level meter are fine) on the tracks, then set all of their outputs to one other track. Put your multitimbral vst on this last track and you're done. Make sure you set the channel on your clips (in the clip properties panel) to the channel of the voice you want to use on your multitimbral synth.

This is the method I use also. I was curious though because If I use an effect after the vst, then all of the channels have that same effect. Is there a way to use the rack so that each channel can have a different effect? Or do you just render each midi channel to a separate track and then apply effects?

[Bennett]

This is the method I use also. I was curious though because If I use an effect after the vst, then all of the channels have that same effect. Is there a way to use the rack so that each channel can have a different effect? Or do you just render each midi channel to a separate track and then apply effects?

One way is to simply wire up your rack with filters connected in-line with the different outputs. i.e. assign the desired filters to the output channels. That is the easiest, but it also limits you if you want to use additional "sends" at the output of the rack, or a rack within a rack.

Another way to handling multi-out VSTi's is by creating a rack with all the VSTi multi-outs connected.

You then place this rack on multiple tracks (as many tracks as you plan on having outputs). Select the rack instance on a track (but not its contents) and then select which multi-output will connect to your physical outputs.

There is a much better explanation in the adbe.org tutorials.

Here is an example with SampleTank:

Lets say I wanted to output a Piano on output 1+2 with lots of reverb. Now lets say I wanted to output strings on 3+4 but with delay instead.

In the first scenario, you would simply wire the rack to put a reverb in-line with ST outputs 1+2 and then a delay on the 3+4 outputs.

In the second scenario, you would wire 1+2 and 3+4 to dedicated multi-outs. You would then place two instances of the rack on two separate tracks. Select the first rack instance and route the 1+2 outputs (in the properties panel) to the output of the track. The second track you would output 3+4.

Although this method is more complex, it is much more flexible. You would build your filter chain in the track, thus allowing you to use racks and sends which are not possible inside a rack (yet).

[Bennett]

I think this is what he was looking for. Put no extra filters (vol ctrl and level meter are fine) on the tracks, then set all of their outputs to one other track. Put your multitimbral vst on this last track and you're done. Make sure you set the channel on your clips (in the clip properties panel) to the channel of the voice you want to use on your multitimbral synth.

You're right - this is the easy way. I have gotten used to using a "midi send" as I use audio sends a lot. The "midi send" is really useful though when you have multiple VSTi's and you want to send one midi track to all of them.

For example:

Lets say you wanted to layer two (or more) instances of Albino2 each with a particular patch. You could set up two tracks with the same midi data, but then every time you changed a track, you would have to manually copy the new track into the other (at least until ghost clips are implemented).

Using "midi send" you would just use one midi track and then redirect the single midi to as many Albino2 instances you want to layer.

Not a big difference I agree, but it becomes more useful as you are redirecting midi data to multiple VSTi's.

Drum sequences are another good example: the excellent LinPlug RM IV has 18 pads so if you want more pads you need to use additional RM IV instances. Using "midi sends" you can use as many RV IV's as you need and send one midi stream. Each RM IV will read the data it needs and ignore the rest.

[Sielsynth]

@Bennett:
What if the synth only has one set of outputs? I understand what you did with Sampletank. Are there synths that are multitimbral but only have one set of outs?

[Bennett]

@Bennett:
What if the synth only has one set of outputs? I understand what you did with Sampletank. Are there synths that are multitimbral but only have one set of outs?

In that case unfortunately I think there is no other choice than to use multiple instances of that synth and build the filter chain per instance.

[glurgle]

if you can live with mono you can always pan sounds hard left and right for 2 different FX chains (easiest in a rack)

[kingpisser]

Yo Bennett,

Thanks for the tip dude. Managed to get Vsampler working. Messin around with the Tracktion demo, so didn't know much about racks.

All clear now.

Thanks.

KP