native Instruments

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Level 1

16 points

native Instruments

Hi everyone -

I'm a new Logic Express user (I have 9) and am trying to make a realistic sounding muted trumpet track with Native Instruments AU plug ins. It seems from their literature like I need a mod wheel and pedal etc. to make the sound realistic, and it seems to be very performance oriented (I only record). I am disabled and can't play a keyboard in real time, so I enter and modify all my notes with a mouse - does anyone know how I can create the right effects (especially vibrato) within the logic software using the mouse only? (Without it the trumpet, like so many software instruments, sounds very much like a cheap accordian...)

Thank you so much!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Garriton Personal Orchestra v. 3.0, Kontakt Player 2

Posted on Oct 8, 2009 6:38 AM

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Answer 1

Brazeca

Level 3

715 points

Oct 8, 2009 9:30 AM in response to kwetal

One way of doing it is: record the sequence using the preset sound and then 'liven' it up by recording modulation sequence in Automation mode in realtime. To record automation sequence, just go to the Instrument track, and press A (shortcut for Automation). LE will enter Automation mode, and appropriate options are displayed below the name of the track in the Arrange.

Click on the "Off" button and select 'Write" or "Touch" (this is the Automation mode selection button) from the drop-down menu. If you select "Write" there would be a warning about deleting multiple parameters at once, so be careful if you have some parameters already automated for this track. Select "Touch" as a safer option (this will record automation for any parameter that you touch). Select "Write" to only record automation for a specific parameter.

Parameters could be selected in the bar right above the mode selection button.

In your case, Filter modulation could be played with to achieve more natural trumpet sound. And you can easily record this automation track by just turning buttons on the plugin's GUI using your mouse.

Another method includes using the LFO as a source of modulation input. I think, you can learn more by reading appropriate sections of manual (Automation and operation manuals for your NI bundle). Also, some books on synth programming would be handy - there are plenty of online resources on that too - just google.

Good luck!

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Answer 2

Oct 8, 2009 2:03 PM in response to Brazeca

Brazenca said it all ...almost

However you may instead set your lfo or an env to control OSC pitch (as vibrato is a periodic variation in the pitch or frequency of a musical note ) then draw automation to turn the lfo or env on and off .
Hope that helps .

BTW : the same method can be used to achieve tremolo just substitute amplitude (vca) for pitch .

Edit - also if your using Kontact you may look for scripts to download from NI as I would not be surprised if someone has written some for exactly what your trying to do .

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Answer 3

kwetal Author

Level 1

16 points

Oct 9, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Brazeca

Thank you so much! I'll try all your suggestions - I wish these sorts of things were in the manual/help areas, but you have really given me some hope! Thank you again!

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Answer 4

kwetal Author

Level 1

16 points

Oct 9, 2009 2:02 PM in response to kwetal

Hi again --
Sorry to be so ignorant, but I am unable to find the buttons you described under the track name in Arrange, in Automation mode. The choices I see in the drop-down menu include: Main, Compressor, Kontact 2, Channel EQ, Display Off, Pan, and Volume. (I've tried drawing in automation for the Kontact 2 "codes" for vibrato, and nothing happens). I don't see an "Off" button, or an option for "Write" or "Touch". Again, I appologize for my ignorance. I've read the NI manual end to end several times, and what I think are the relevant chapters in the Logic manual, and I still don't understand exactly how this is supposed to work and then doesn't. (I'm just a lowly musician! I don't understand this brave new world!)

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Answer 5

Brazeca

Level 3

715 points

Oct 9, 2009 9:28 PM in response to kwetal

What you described is the button to select the parameter to automate. The options here depend on what software instrument is used for the track.

If you look under this button, however, you will see a tinier one which reads "Off" (by default). Click on it to select the automation behaviour mode (Write, Touch, etc.)

Also, it may be confusing to have all automation curves displayed on one track. There is a way of expanding each curve for each parameter automated: just click on a triangle in a bottom left corner of the track header area while in Automation mode. This expands automation curves below the main instrument track.

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