Re: Track automation settings and ...
Jan 22nd, 2011, 11:32
OK, great, glad to know I'm on the right page.
One question for you, just to clarify my understanding of what you're doing... are you recording MIDI CC's directly from the iXY into track automation using the automation splitters? Or are you converting those CC's to fader events first, then running those into automation splitters?
You're right on the money regarding my "a" above with respect to using CC's to introduce expressive control over sounds. The idea of using an XY controller is certainly appealing. Re modulating multiple sound parameters at once, there are times when I'll use a single CC (such as modwheel) to simultaneously alter, say, volume and filter to get the expression I want from the instrument (typical "CC#11 action" as found on many Kontakt instruments and others). However, I've found that many times I get a more realistic/expressive result by riding volume with one controller and doing a separate pass of filter rides, but not trying to mirror the volume rides. But that's not to say that an iXY with multiple layers of control wouldn't work beautifully as well.
When it comes to imparting expression into sampled instruments, I'm happy to share my insights, and I'm discussing the idea of some kind of tutorials with the powers that be here at MPV. But because expression is such a personal thing, I'll say in advance that I don't believe there are "rules" for imparting expression. There are concepts and methods, but ultimately it's up to each person to determine which methods work best for them, and for each particular instrument being played.
And now, back to work!
Cheers!
Ski