Need help with sonar, gpo4,and midi

rpmfd


I'm using GPO4 as a vst plug-in. Sounds ggggreat. But a lot of wacky stuff is going on.

1. If i make a change in the plug-in, let's say volume, it immediately resets when I hit stop.

2. I can edit the velocity all I want but, it has no effects when the note is played. The note is always the same loudness when played regardless of what I set the velocity to.

3. Scale velocity, does not work either. I need some notes to swell, and it too has no effect.

I don't think GPO4 responds to velocity the way you expect. It uses mod wheel or expression pedal to control volume. Perform swells using mod/expression. (Sorry, can't recall the controller numbers, I suck)


The reset of the volume upon stop is because SONAR is sending "zero controllers" and that includes the expression/mod values. I got around this by turning off "zero controllers upon stop" in SONAR.


I hope this helps.

Options>Project>MIDI Out - then un-check "Zero controllers

what is controlling expression when using a vst plug in?

Simply insert via the list view CC1 which is the Mod wheel. Set it to a number that you want volume to be at on start. From there use CC1 to adjust the volume which is used as expression but uses CC1 to operate in GPO. This is a non standard use of CC1 peculiar to GPO. 

I appreciate all your help, but I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know what cc1 means, I don't know where to insert it in list view.

What I have is one note. A whole note. It will last for 4 beats. It's a trombone. I would like it to swell in, that is, start out a little low and raise to a higher velocity. In piano view, I can't seem to do that with one note. The draw tool only draws through multiple notes. To me, velocity only seems effected by the attack of the note. If that note is sustained, it doesn't seem to be able to be manipulated.

Hi, Rpmfd - I'm a long time GPO user, and a moderator at the Garritan Forum.  I can help you out - The replies you've gotten so far have probably been confusing since there are contradictions and uncertainties.

Covering the issues here as briefly as I can - and also pointing out that there's a detailed PDF manual that comes with GPO, explaining the unique things about the library very thoroughly:

--Velocity usually controls the volume of MIDI instruments, but for the most part, velocity does NOT control volume with the GPO instruments.  Percussion instruments (including piano) are the exceptions.  Velocity controls the attack envelope, so lower values will have a slower, softer attack, and higher values will have a more immediate and strident attack envelope.

--MIDI Controller #1 is usually used for controlling Vibrato in MIDI instruments, but the GPO programmers used it to control the volume of instruments.  It also controls the Timbre, so lower values will be slightly darker sounding, higher values will be brighter sounding.

--I understand you aren't using a physical controller for recording.  That's OK, you can still accomplish what you need in the Piano Roll View, using your mouse.

--Make sure in the PRV that you have selected "show controller lane."  That's where all possible MIDI controllers can be displayed, depending on what you ask to see in the menus at the upper left of that window.

--With the menu, ask to create a lane displaying "1"--that's MIDI Controller one.

--Using your trombone swell as an example, apply this theory to everything you do with GPO:

"...a trombone. I would like it to swell in, that is, start out a little low and raise to a higher velocity..."

You have the note already in the track.  Turn the Grid OFF.  While holding your computer's Ctrl key down, draw a ramp starting very low and going up as you span the length of the note.

You will now have your swell.

You don't want to just insert a few values of CC1 in the Event List.  CC1, volume, is meant to be constantly changing in GPO.  It's best if you can play it live with a Mod Wheel, so you can feel out the needed ebb and flow of each instrument's line - But second best is trying to feel out the same thing with your cursor, as described above.

That should get you out of where you've been stuck.

Randy B.

rpmfd


Well if I use the term legato, a lot of people here won't know what I'm talking about. Or at least a lot of people who are very good with DAWs. But that hasn't stopped them from asking any questions to bridge their gaps. I just needed a quick fix for some musical expression. I don't plan on spending my life on these boards trying to become an expert on sonar. Next time, please just stay out of it. If you want to lecture me on what I should be doing, save it. Just ignore the thread.

---Are you talking to me, rpmfd?---  I spent time writing what I hoped would be a helpful reply to your question--I wasn't lecturing, I was informing.

You were replying to someone else, right?

Randy B.

Randy,

I was replying to john

Hello again, Rpmfd - I'm relieved to know that post wasn't directed at me!  I was --confused!

I've made a screen shot for you that will help you in the PRV:



On the right, I'm pointing to the "use controller pane" button.  I was away from Sonar earlier and didn't give you the exact name of the button.

On the left I'm pointing to the menu which you click to choose what controllers are displayed.

In this example, I'm using an instrument which responds to CC11 for "Expression/Volume" and CC1 for Vibrato.  The bottom pane/lane is CC64, which is the sustain pedal.

That should get you going better.

You have a new question about standard and notation GPO instruments.  They both sound the same, but the notation instruments are mapped differently in order to work properly in notation programs like Finale and Sibelius.  You want to choose the Standard instruments.

Randy B.

Oh and thanks Randy.

Well if I use the term legato, a lot of people here won't know what I'm talking about. Or at least a lot of people who are very good with DAWs. But that hasn't stopped them from asking any questions to bridge their gaps. I just needed a quick fix for some musical expression. I don't plan on spending my life on these boards trying to become an expert on sonar. Next time, please just stay out of it. If you want to lecture me on what I should be doing, save it. Just ignore the thread.

I wont ignore the thread but please remind me to ignore you next time.

BTW those terms are basic. Not knowing them shows a lack of preparation. It is rude to ask others to do one's own work.

First off they are not your threads. They are the property of CW.

Second don't resort to name calling that will get you banned.

John is one of the most helpful members.

No need to start name calling.