u-he and live performance (as orchestral instrument)

[8-echos]

I plan to incorporate a u-he synth (Zebralette or Zebra2) into my new orchestral composition. The synth would be performed by a classical pianist. Now I have some questions.

1. What is the best way to set up the synth: MIDI keyboard -> Computer -> Standalone/DAW -> Audio Device -> Speakers. Is there any way to make it even easier? Remember that standard orchestras get panic when they need to use whatever that is not analog (instrument), and orchestral managers try to avoid complications as far as it is possible.

2. What would be easiest way for the pianist to change different presets? A physical MIDI controller with numbers to be pressed in order to choose a preset. It should be as simple as possible, almost with no questions. Additional turning knobs and editing other settings is out of question.

3. Zebralette (or Tyrell N6) at the first place since it is free to use and free to install. My question is, in the case of Zebra2, if I am allowed to borrow my license to the orchestra in order to make the performance?

[4. Additional question is somehow out of the frame above: everything is possible, but is there any easy way to make a verbatim copy of a patch into a Max patch? Than, any Zebra2 sound could be used within Max Runtime (now just Max, without license).]

Thanks for ideas and helping.

[8-echos]

Anyone?

[Viktor [TUC]]

Hi 8-echos,

since setting this up would be the same (or very similar) for any other plugins out there, you might have more luck posting this maybe in the "Instruments" forum here on KVR, or the "Everything Else" forum here.
These forums have a broader reach, and you might get the help you need from people who already tried all that but with other synths.

Cheers!
Viktor

[elnn]

1. What is the best way to set up the synth: MIDI keyboard -> Computer -> Standalone/DAW -> Audio Device -> Speakers. Is there any way to make it even easier? Remember that standard orchestras get panic when they need to use whatever that is not analog (instrument), and orchestral managers try to avoid complications as far as it is possible.

Not really. There's no standalone version of Zebra, so DAW or an equivalent is a must. Most performances use them in convoluted with no problems, one instrument will definitely not be a problem. Just set your computer to not sleep, etc.

2. What would be easiest way for the pianist to change different presets? A physical MIDI controller with numbers to be pressed in order to choose a preset. It should be as simple as possible, almost with no questions. Additional turning knobs and editing other settings is out of question.

Program change. Depends on how many presets you have. Put them all in MIDI Programs folder. Use CC00 to change presets. You could set up anything that has buttons to do that: a keyboard, a midi controller, a Playstation controller. How you do that depends on the program you use. This will involve a little bit of programming, but it's really straightforward. Max is actually the easiest place to do it. Put your presets in the order in which they will be used in the performance. Just number them. In Max, see the reference file for counter object. If you know no max, just do some basic tutorials, it'll take you a few hours max, probably less than one. You'll figure it out.

3. Zebralette (or Tyrell N6) at the first place since it is free to use and free to install. My question is, in the case of Zebra2, if I am allowed to borrow my license to the orchestra in order to make the performance?

You don't need to ask this question. It's your licence, do whatever you want, as long as it's not illegal. Read https://u-he.com/about/eula.html and https://u-he.com/support/faq.html#licenses:how-many .

[4. Additional question is somehow out of the frame above: everything is possible, but is there any easy way to make a verbatim copy of a patch into a Max patch? Than, any Zebra2 sound could be used within Max Runtime (now just Max, without license).]

If you mean to recreate a Zebra patch with Max objects, then no. If you mean use an instant of Zebra in Max, then yes, of course.

[bhinton]

An alternative to hosting in a DAW would be to use something like Plogue Bidule, which I've used extensively as a performance host. I think there are some freeware AU/VST hosts around too, and if you're using apple products there's always MainStage. (Bidule can run on either Mac or Windows).

[muki]

I think there are some freeware AU/VST hosts around too, and if you're using apple products there's always MainStage. (Bidule can run on either Mac or Windows).

like for example hostingAU
http://ju-x.com/hostingau.html

[diaper@ky]

Bidule for live work since 2006.
100% stable, no wasted resources, it’s a dream, just like Zebra…

[EvilDragon]

Program change. Depends on how many presets you have. Put them all in MIDI Programs folder. Use CC00 to change presets.

CC #0 is Bank Select - it selects subfolders inside MIDI Programs folder. You use program changes to actually pick a patch from either MIDI Programs folder (in case CC #0 has a value of 0) or any of up to 127 subfolders (in case CC #0 as a value of 1-127).

[Ploki]

http://www.seelake.com/en/am-overview.html

[diaper@ky]

Program change. Depends on how many presets you have. Put them all in MIDI Programs folder. Use CC00 to change presets.

CC #0 is Bank Select - it selects subfolders inside MIDI Programs folder. You use program changes to actually pick a patch from either MIDI Programs folder (in case CC #0 has a value of 0) or any of up to 127 subfolders (in case CC #0 as a value of 1-127).

And this is very fast and easily organized.

I still only need a single folder since I only need about 60 presets.

Blends well with soft samplers too, giving you plenty of sound sculpting.