How do I un-group software instruments

Question

Level 1

0 points

How do I un-group software instruments

When I add a new software instruments in Logic 9 and make it multi-timbral so I can use different sounds for each midi channel they are all grouped together with mute,solo, volume etc… How do I make them independent from each other? They are not in a group.

Also all the subsequent midi channels have the same software instrument on it's insert. Does that take up any extra memory? I'm used to adding new midi tracks in Pro Tools and DP and assigning them to the original instantiation just changing the midi channel. Every track is totally independant from each other. I want to solo safe the original instrument instantiation but be able to solo individual tracks within the Software instrument.

Thanks,

gB

Logic Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Sep 6, 2011 5:42 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Sep 6, 2011 6:19 PM in response to gregosophy

Create Aux tracks and assign the inputs to the outs of the multi instrument.

Reply

Answer 2

gregosophy Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 6, 2011 9:05 PM in response to Data Stream Studio

I've created 2 stereo aux tracks like you suggested. I have an E.Piano on Kontakt Midi Ch 1 and perc on Kontakt midi ch 2 with their outputs going to bus 20. The aux input is on bus 20 and out stereo 1-2.

I have an Omnisphere with 4 different sounds on midi channels 1-4 and the output going to bus 21 and an Aux track with the input set to bus 21.

If I solo any of the individual instruments associated with either the Kontakt or Omnisphere all tracks associated with the particular instrument solo or mute. If I change the level with a fader they all follow the same level like the faders are grouped even though I don't have them on a group..

I would like to solo just the perc track but the E.Piano solos also. If I solo any of the 4 tracks from omnisphere they all solo or mute. I want them all to be separate from each other.

I might be missing something simple, I'm used to Pro Tools and DP, but want to expand my horizons.

best,

gB

Reply

Answer 3

CCTM

Level 6

13,045 points

Sep 7, 2011 2:13 AM in response to gregosophy

gregosophy wrote:

When I add a new software instruments in Logic 9 and make it multi-timbral so I can use different sounds for each midi channel they are all grouped together with mute,solo, volume etc… How do I make them independent from each other? They are not in a group.

Hi

welcome to the wonderful world of Logic! The handling of multi-timbral instruments is far from ideal, but this is how it currently works: all the MIDI channels actually address the same instance of the plugin, and all volume, pans, sends and inserts are the same.

You have several choices on how to deal with this:

a) (Already suggested) Setup a Multi-Output instance of the instrument plugin, create some aux channels in the mixer (NOTE the method you have tried is not correct), route the sounds (parts) to different outputs within the plugin, and then mix using the aux channels.

Multi-Output instance:

Aux channels:

Output assign:

Other possibilities include:

B) Use the internal mixer within the plugin only

C) Use the host automation facilities within the plugin

D) Use the MIDI Learn facilities within the plugin

Finally:

E) Do not use Instrument Plugins multi-timbrally, use separate instances instead

HTH

CCT

Reply

Answer 4

gregosophy Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 8, 2011 12:25 PM in response to gregosophy

Sorry to take so long to respond, I've been in session.

After I sent this post I played around and came up with this work around but thought this just can't be how it really is.

So for 1 software inst with multiple midi channels I have to add an aux for each channel. That can add up to be a lot of extra channels to search through when you have a very large session. Also if I'm working in the arrange window I actually have to look over at the mixer window to solo and instrument. I would like to be able to see everything including aux tracks in the arrange window and not have to keep changing windows just to solo or mute a instrument track. I would also like to arrange my aux tracks any place I want them. Seems like Logic only does it it's way which may not be the order I want them in.

I also set the original inst channel output to no output which makes the other 3 channels do the same, so only the aux's have an output. I also have to make the first instrument come out of it's B output because the aux inputs start at 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10. Logic assumes that inst output A comes out of 1-2, but the aux inputs don't except that. That only works for a non multi-timbral inst.

Now I want to automate the parameters of my instrument but when I tell it to midi CC Learn I can only use a keyboard controller. If I move the inst fader nothing happens. I see in the automation lanes that you can get to the plugin parameters, but how do you see the numbers that correspond to the parameter that I want to automate. There is a list of 1 to 255 control numbers. I tried adding a monitor in the enviroment and attaching it to the channel the instrument is on, but when I move the parameter nothing shows up on the monitor to see what controller number the knob is associated with. How do I find out the parameter controller numbers to automate?

Thanks

gB

Reply