Posted
I'll try to explain what I mean by "value interpolation" by way of an example:
Suppose I have a series of 1/8 note symbols over the course of 1 bar. All of the symbols are on the center line of the staff. I want to be able to select the symbols and drag the rightmost one to a higher line. The leftmost symbol would then remain on the center line, but all of the intervening symbols would move to a line higher than (or at least equal to) the center line, but lower than (or at most equal to) that of the rightmost symbol.
That was a simple example, but where I think this would really come in handy is if I have a melody that's a bit monotonous, and I want the intervals to be larger. Grab a symbol on either end (or perhaps even anywhere in the sequence of symbols), drag it to a different line, and the other symbols would then have new, interpolated values.
Or maybe the intervals are too large and I want less movement. I would then do this procedure in such a way that the symbols moved closer together.
Synfire is full of surprises, so maybe this is already a feature, but I have yet to find it.
Di., 08.02.2022 - 22:08 Permalink
Yes, this is already a feature. You even have two different ways to achieve this:
The easiest and direct way is to use the so called "Gestalt-Tool" (see pic). Select it and draw a curve along your phrase (while holding the mouse button) and see what it does.
However, with the Gestalt-Tool it can be a bit tricky to achieve exactly the result you want (for example if you want to draw a straight line instead of a curve). Then you can use the second method, which would be to use the transpose parameter. You can set the transpose parameter to fixed values, but you can also draw lines or curves into it. After doing this, Synfire will play the notes transposed according to the line in the transpose parameter. The symbols itself will remain at their original positions in that case. If you want to have the symbols moved to the transposed positions you can use the command "Extract from MIDI output" (The command is to be found by right click on the Figure parameter). But that coummand will change the symbols to absolute pitch symbols.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 01:51 Permalink
I did try the Gestalt tool a while back, but like you I found it difficult to use.
However, the Transpose parameter method looks to be just what I was looking for.
If anyone is wondering exactly how to do this:
1. Add some symbols to an instrument in your arrangement.
2. On the toolbar, select the Follow Parameters tool. (I'm not sure this is absolutely necessary.)
3. On the Parameter Block, select Transpose.
4. Choose a transpose value (enter a number or use the slider). Edit: See my "One more thing" note below.
5. Draw a line on the staff. For starters, try an asending or descending line.
7. Start playback to hear the result. Edit if necessary.
I tried this on a piano part, and the transformation was gorgeous. This opens up mind-boggling possibilities.
So glad I asked; so glad you answered. I never would have thought of this. Many thanks.
Di., 08.02.2022 - 22:43 Permalink
PS: I tried "Extract from MIDI output", and yes, it changed the symbols to absolute pitch. It also changed many or most of the pitch values.
I think it makes more sense to just drag/drop to Cubase and do any further necessary editing from there.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 01:48 Permalink
One more thing:
I thought there was some sort of interplay between the value of the Transpose slider and the position of the transpose line, but apparently this is not the case. IOW, I thought the pitches of the resulting notes would be determined by both the entered slider value and the drawn line. So if there is no such interplay, its not necessary to set a value for the slider.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 08:43 Permalink
I thought there was some sort of interplay between the value of the Transpose slider and the position of the transpose line, but apparently this is not the case.
Right. If if you first set the transpose parameter to a fixed value and then afterwards draw a transpose line you will then replace the fixed value with the drawn line.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 15:26 Permalink
Yes, that's exactly what happens.
Also, I was of course aware of the Transpose parameter, but I thought it was solely for modulating to a new key and I didn't pay much attention to it. Now that I understand it, I'm finding it extremely useful.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 15:53 Permalink
Just one more small clarification about the function of the Transpose parameter: That parameter is not intended for modulating to an new key and can also not be used for that purpose. It does not perform a chromatic transposition as the transpose function of a DAW would do. It performs diatonic pitch shifting within the key specified by the Harmony parameter. If you want to change the key you would need to do that change in the Harmony parameter.
However, a function to perform chromatic transpositions also exists. It's the Chromatic parameter.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 18:43 Permalink
FWIW I have started a new library consisting of various expressions of the Transpose parameter. The idea is that I can open that library and quickly try out a whole series of Transpose values (line shapes) for an instrument in my current arrangement, simply by selecting a phrase in the library and dragging the Transpose parameter into the arrangement.
Pretty cool.
Mi., 09.02.2022 - 19:22 Permalink
What also sometimes create pretty nice effects is to shuffle parameters between different instruments. For example you could copy the Figure parameter of a bass instrument to the Transpose parameter of a lead instrument (the easiest way to do this is by drag and drop in the Matrix View). This will then cause the phrases of the lead instrument to be pitched up or down according to the bass line. (Just to give an example of the endless possibilities..)