some 'orchestral' ears please?

[Salty]

What did you use to create your music? Did you use midi instruments? I am trying to figure out how you got your sounds. I hear some familiar.

Des- its EastWest symphonic orchestra- on mac in garage band.

[Cruciform]

Rob-how do you expression record something?

Consider expression to be like volume but it controls intensity whereas volume controls level. Depending on your DAW, when you view a midi clip it should show two sections at least, the piano scroll and another box showing velocity. This second section should have tabs to access volume, modulation etc. Expression is added into this area.

Use the midi command CC11. You will either need to consult your DAW manual on how to link it from a plugin to a midi controller, or if your midi controller lets you alter CC messages, then consult its manual.

In my case, my keyboard controller has a user memory. I've set it up so the volume fader switches to controlling expression when I press a button. So it's a simple matter of going back to the start of the clip (or a bar earlier or whatever works for you), pressing record and then pushing the fader up/down according to what I want to achieve. Once you do it a few times it will make perfect sense how to control it and with a bit of practice you can get a lot out of it.

Of course, you can also draw the expression in with the mouse but I don't find that as fluid. I do use it for tiny touch ups.

PM me an email address and when I get a moment, I'll send you some midi clip examples. Can't promise it will be today!

[Salty]

Okay-

Im not sure Im understanding something; loaded up the KeySwitch patch to try some different articulations in the cello.
I definitely found what I think is a better sound- and also found that if I played the notes stronger I get the bite I want-
but Im not hearing where Id use any of the Stacatto stuff in there or change patches (im talkin only bout the first part here).

In general- do folks use the stacatto stuff for things other than very rapid stuff?
B/C im just wondering if its because im not doing something.

and also- Im guessing I have to get my keyboard instruction book to figure out how to assign the CC things?

[fusilierb]

I'm not saying it had to be staccato, but I heard the downbeats as being a really short note. That can only be emulated with one of the short patches. But its your piece, and if you are hearing something different, then that's what you're hearing. That being said, I really don't think that choosing just one articulation for an entire phrase is going to work. There will definitely be some bouncing back and forth amongst articulations.

Do you happen to have an iPhone or an iPad. I'm using some apps on those as surface controllers to add expression as I'm playing. I find that they work better than my keyboard mod wheel. But I have one that constantly spring loads back to zero, so its not easy to do some of the smooth curves that this kind of work requires.

Keep updating us on your progress.

[Salty]

Yeah-
I think its me thats missing something- you are making sense.

I do have an iphone-