Posted
would there be a way of using Synfire so that it doesnt have a specified range for an instrument (as I am using synths for the most part) and instead works from a + / - number of octaves judged from a centre point, say from middle c?
All this settign ranges and stuf for the most part is unnecessary as I am not using general midi and would have to go to live to select the sounds anyway so it's unnecessary steps for me. . . However i might be missing a trick here, if so somebody please enlighten me. .
Sa., 07.02.2009 - 23:14 Permalink
It's true that synths are less sensitive to playing range and usually do not have hard limits (e.g. like a flute or piano). As long as your ears can stand it, you can play the entire midi range :twisted:
Nevertheless, even a synth sound has a certain intention (e.g. bass, or pad) and most names of such patches indicate that. If one wants to switch between various basses in order to try out which sounds best for a given groove, it is good for Synfire to know what the respective intended ranges of the sounds are. Otherwise you will find yourself transposing up and down like mad for every sound replacement.
You are however not required to set the ranges beforehand. You can as well just call up the instrument properties in your arrangement and set them there. This setting is part of the song and is kept permanent.
Note that each figure segment can be assigned one of the three ranges (low, mid, high) and these can be mixed in the same figure. You may come across phrases that make use of this distinction (and might sound bad, if the sound ignores it).
Also, if you want to create a phrase with two voices (e.g. a synth string), you will want to do that by using segments assigned to two different ranges.
:idea: To summarize this: The typical pitch says: "Make my figure move around this pitch area where possible". For synths you can set the range limits anywhere (or use the same for all sounds), but the typical pitch is an important parameter.
Christian