Dave G

As I still struggle to continue to learn the Cakewalk interface, I feel confused about the Synth Rack and synth management. Basically, I'm seeking clarity on the purpose of the Synth Rack and how to properly manage/organize my variety of synths being used.

For each Track I add/remove, the Synth Rack updates accordingly by adding/removing the corresponding synths. However, in a recent review of my many projects in progress, in some cases the synths listed in the Rack don't match the number of Tracks present.

What I'd like to do is establish the habit of properly managing my synths and make sure every instance is accounted for (and properly deleted when not needed). But this isn't always happening. I feel like the Synth Rack is making things more complicated, or I'm overthinking. Furthermore, it pains me that I have a hard time explaining my dilemma when there are so many variables...

So these are my questions:

1) What is the purpose and benefit of the Synth Rack? Can I continue to add/remove Tracks and ignore Synth Rack usage entirely?

2) I fail to understand why the Synth Rack works (or doesn't) the way it does. What would cause it to not correspond to my number of Tracks synths present?

In regards to replacing the synth in a Track:

3) Somewhat related: How do I convert a MIDI track to a Simple Instrument track?

4) I'm unclear on how to properly replace a synth in a Track. When I drag a synth from the Browser, it goes into the Track's FX Bin. Why would it do this and what purpose does that serve?

Any clarity and guidance are appreciated. Thanks!

Occasionally, I'll hear a song on the radio where the audio slowly transitions from muffled ("other room" technique) to clear. This usually occurs in the intro of the song.

I guess one example I have is "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. The intro features a muffled stringed guitar, and then a clear one comes in after. But what I'm looking for is an intro that smoothly goes from muffled to clear.

An even better example is "Say So" by Doja Cat. This effect happens during the 8-second intro, and again at 3:45.

How do I create this effect? Thank you in advance.

On 5/3/2020 at 2:44 PM, Jim Fogle said:

@Einstein Essibu,

I didn't know BandLab has +3 million users.  I totally agree with your thought that all BandLab users are potential Cakewalk users however there maybe some obstacles those users will need to overcome.

...

More good news.  Both the TTS-1 midi software sound module and the four virtual instrument Studio Instrument suite are available for download through the BandLab Assistant Cakewalk add-on selection screen.  Cakewalk automatically selects TTS-1 if no midi device is selected in Cakewalk midi output preferences.  That allows a user to easily and quickly hear acceptable sounds while composing using midi.  The Studio Instrument suite of strings, keys, electric bass and drums are good sounding virtual instrument learning tools.  I am thrilled to have both midi virtual instrument tools in my toolbox.

I just saw this thread and your latter paragraph caught my attention. Per the "More good news"...

Are you noting that TTS-1 and the Studio Instruments Suite have become available for individual/stand-alone download?

I'm not seeing them here on the BandLab Assistant screen (as you mentioned). Please clarify where these are, as I'm curious!

Thank you in advance.

Thanks for the responses, everyone, and for being patient with my questions! I read both of Craig's articles, and I'm hoping for a little deeper explanation.

So, the TTS-1 can produce 16 simultaneous sounds from one instance of the synth in the Rack. But It also allows for four audio outputs. Per the screenshot below, I've created a sample scenario using one TTS-1 instance (see Synth Rack) and 3 TTS-1 audio tracks to one Output track. Each Track has its own designated channel # and Patch selected in their drop-down menus (not in the TTS-1 synth itself).

The Input drop-down in each Track is set to "None" ("Omni" appears when I highlight that Track).

The Output drop-down in each Track points to the same "Output synth" instance, as it should.

(I think what's confusing me is the "1 TTS track", "16 channels", "4 outputs" equation...)

So, in layman's terms, please:

1. Are there specific benefits of a "MIDI Source"+"Synth Audio" track (& an output track) over a "Simple Instrument" track?
2. Can it be said that the "literal" definition of an audio output is simply the Audio Output track of the DAW?
3. Why would one choose four Audio Outputs / Audio Output tracks vs. one?

Thanks again.

I would like to know, along the same lines, what about Cakewalk Z3ta? How does that match up in your opinions?

Do you feel TTS-1, Z3ta, and Xpand!2 are still relevant?

After having dropped from the DAW scene for a few years, I'm trying to relearn and refresh my knowledge of the TTS-1 synth and how to properly utilize it. I'd appreciate answers to the following (...sometimes hard to find in a Google search or in my current documentation):

[Preface: I don't use external instruments. All my work is done within my PC.]

1) What are the specific advantages of inserting a TTS-1 track as a "MIDI track" over a "Simple Instrument track"? Is it a matter of CPU resources or ease of workflow? Does it matter?

2) In the TTS-1 Synth options window, how do I know whether to choose "MIDI Source", "First Synth / All Synth Audio" output options?

3) That being asked, what is the simple/literal definition of an "audio output"? Why are there four for TTS-1, and what difference does it make versus already having 16 channels?

Just seeking clarification, as I'm having trouble understanding all the nuances.  I'm trying to make sense of this in my head before I end up creating projects in bad technique.

Thank you in advance!

I just learned about the plug-in called Xpand!2. I'm surprised I've never heard of it before, and I'm kind of curious. Can anyone give me their opinions on Xpand!2, and how does it compare to TTS-1?

Thoughts are appreciated! Thank you in advance.

In reference to drawing in the PRV, I noticed I had to hide the Controller Pane first. This gave me access to the Controller drop-down just above the vertical keyboard.  (To me, however, the Controllers in the PRV method work better as a visual than as an editor.)

I split the Instrument track as you instructed. Then I attempted to draw the pitch bend on the new MIDI track. After I'd done that, I lost audio on playback again. This time, however, was because I decided to delete the instrument track, leaving the MIDI+Automation tracks on their own. (There was no audio left to play?)

I created a new Instrument track again (Cakewalk Sound Center -> Les Paul Guitar Solo), split it, drew the wheel bend on the MIDI track's Automation lane. It played just fine, however, node editing in that small space feels extremely tight and cumbersome.

See screenshot below, as I believe this represents the "proper" method.

I do believe I've learned a few things here. I guess I'm just frustrated that I'm finding this so difficult. I would assume that once this is done, I'm to leave the original Instrument tracks there? Is there any way to create this controller without having to split all tracks I do this on?

(Also, when I tried creating an Automation Lane for RPN, I couldn't figure out how to enter a custom value. And it doesn't appear in the Event list.)

17 hours ago, scook said:

Not supported by any Cakewalk sfz engine synth including the CSC. These events shut down the synth engine requiring a restart of the project.

Try using wheel events either as MIDI automation in the Track view or CC data in the PRV. Set the wheel type in either method using the MIDI envelop dialog.

Thank you for the response.

Would you please elaborate on the second paragraph for me? Wheel events are not available nor documented for the track view, only Volume and Pan. This is also indicated by the numeric meter there which seems to just go from 0 upwards. (I just searched YouTube for literally an hour not finding an instruction for this.)

Also, what you suggested about inserting wheel events via "CC data in the Piano Roll View". Piano Roll View, there's a Controller Pane beneath that, where I normally draw wheel events. How would a CC event create that, and where?

Thanks again. 😊

I wish to create bend/portamento on adjacent notes in Cakewalk Sound Center.

I set an RPN event (seems # doesn't matter) in the beginning of the track. Then I draw a pitch bend wheel at the end of the first note going from 0 down to the pitch of the second note. Just then, when I play the track...I lose audio. What the...?

When I change the Sound Center instrument, it plays fine on the CSC synth window keyboard. But when I play the track again, no audio. How nutty, this is frustrating.

Cakewalk Sound Center is a signficant part of my instrument library. I'd love to be able to get pitch bend to work there. Any suggestions to the above issue?

Thanks in advance.

2 hours ago, John Vere said:

You most certainly make a whole bunch of tracks out of midi data. 

My easy method is to copy the track and paste to a new blank track and then delete the notes I don't want by highlighting using the piano keys on the left. 

Example you have a full drum track and want to separate each part or use a different VST for different parts. 

You can extract a bass line from the left hand of a piano part etc. 

Pretty common to copy a track a few times and layer it up with different sounds. Then you take each of the tracks and make small changes. 

 

Thank you for the prompt response. 😊

I thought I saw this done somehow though. For example, I've seen video tutorials where an instrument track had several separate parts, each one with a label on top. How's that done? I'm surprised this isn't documented anywhere.

This function is to help visually identify different parts of the song, as opposed to all the notation in one long continuous track. That's what I want to do. Does this make sense?

Is there any way to separate my MIDI notation into parts/clips on the Piano Roll?

Per the attached image, I have a two-measure part with a few sample chords. Is there any way to create separate instruments parts like this one, or is each track a part in itself? And maybe name the parts? And what's the purpose of the little MIDI notation icon in the right corner of the part?

Surely there's a way to do this? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

I wish to customize my Cakewalk user interface to my liking and have it remain permanently. I would like this adjustment to apply to the interface itself, new tracks, and existing tracks. I just want the UI to stay as I adjust it (window sizes, layout, module configuration, button/control settings, etc.)

Do I have to create a Lens for this to happen? Or is a project template enough? What method would be enough to consistently keep my interface in the same state?

Any clarification is appreciated. Thanks!

The notes are overlapping.

I'm able to slightly get in working in TTS using a Synth Lead instrument. The thing is you can still hear the beginning of the second note. It's not a smooth slide.

EDIT:

Please delete this thread. Issue solved by changing the Widget Filter from Custom to All.

I inserted a Simple TTS-1 MIDI instrument track. I quickly realized that I cannot change the track's Channel number...anywhere.

Where is my Channel widget button? How do I select/change channel numbers for my MIDI track? Thanks in advance.

Screenshot attached.

I did discover one more thing per the visual example I posted above, but on a new instance of this I just created:

The pitch bend occurs perfectly on that first note. However, the second note is slightly louder than the first. This is a TTS-1 Synth Lead instrument that has a sustain, and I confirmed the Velocity is the same level on both notes.

Thoughts please?

PORTAMENTO IN TTS-1:

I'm trying to create a Portamento effect between two notes. I'm using an instrument from the Synth Lead category.

What's happening is that the first note will slide into the next note as expected, but rather than a smooth slide, you can still hear that second note trigger.

In the TTS-1 instrument's Edit window, I have the [MONO], [PORTAMENTO], and [TIME] values set accordingly.

The notes are overlapped; I tried a tiny overlap and a slightly longer overlap, but both to the same result.

What am I doing wrong in not achieving a smooth slide? Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!

PORTAMENTO IN CAKEWALK SOUND CENTER:

I'm trying to achieve Portamento in the same fashion as above, but via MIDI CC events:

• CC #5 Portamento Time: N/A
• CC #65 Portamento Switch: On (65 >)

But no Portamento effect occurs. What am I missing?

Thank you on both!

EDIT:

As of this morning, I noticed that when I load Cakewalk, when initially I thought the audio wasn't playing at all, it actually takes a few seconds for the ASIO4ALL driver to kick in. So the audio will be heard if I wait a few seconds.

Either way, starting yesterday, the driver is acting erratically for no reason whatsoever. Any ideas?

Thanks again.

Thank you both for the concise explanation. I seem to understand that a wheel controller set to +8,191 increases by two semitones/notes. And RPN 1,536 allows the wheel to produce a full octave bend (12 semitones/notes).

I tested this by

1. drawing a C4 note with a wheel +8,191 (two-note bend) at measure 2
2. resetting the wheel to 0 at measure 3, and
3. drawing a straight D4 note (two notes up, per C4) at measure 3.5.

Screenshot attached.

Remaining questions:

• Is RPN only required if my bend Wheel requires more than two semitones/notes (+8,191 >)?
• Does RPN 1,536 (12 semitones/notes) completely override the max bend Wheel setting of two semitones/notes?
• Can one do a pitch bend of more than an octave if desired?

Thanks again.

I'm using the latest ASIO4ALL driver in Cakewalk by BandLab, and it's been working fine until today. No relevant settings have been changed to cause any issues.

When I start up Cakewalk, I get no audio from my tracks. So, I go into Edit -> Preferences, then Audio Devices. While this Forum post is open, my Output Driver reads "ASIO4ALL v2 Not Connected 1". Otherwise, when exclusive, it will read "Connected", but as stated, no audio at all. But when I click [OK] or [Apply]...the audio works again. But the problem is, I have to do this [OK]/[Apply] process in the Preferences -> Audio Devices menu every time I start up Cakewalk now. Then I get to hear audio (until next startup).

I tried reinstalling the ASIO4ALL driver, but this doesn't resolve the issue.

This is absolutely goofy behavior and extremely frustrating. Please advise? Thanks in advance.

I'm trying to learn the basics of drawing a pitch bend in the PRV controller pane and exactly how RPN (Pitch Bend Sensitivity) affects this.

I'd like clarification on how the pitch bend works, how far up/down it goes, what the values mean, and how the RPN affects pitch bend. Here are a few observations:

1) I load an RPN controller into the Controller Pane. The meter goes from 0 - 16,383.

2) I load a Wheel controller into the Controller Pane. The meter goes from -8,192 - 0 - 8,191.

I've tried Google searching and YouTube'ing for literally an hour, but still confused. What I've learned was that the Wheel controller offers a range of four notes/semitones (2 up, 2 down from 0). But I don't exactly know what RPN adjustment represents.

My questions:

1) What do the RPN and Wheel values equate to in regards to notes/semitones?

2) As an example, how would I draw a pitch bend/figure the values from a) one note to another and b) the same note on another octave?

3) How does the RPN affect pitch bend?

4) How do I know the Wheel value I've reached accurately represents the target note?

Attached is a sample image with both events going to approximately 4,096.

Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!

EDIT: The RPN controller doesn't seem to work in SoundCenter, but it is very pronounced in TTS-1.

Thank you all for your comments. Per my OCD, I experimented further with this issue and I made a small discovery. This Note Draw setting issue exists in Sonar Artist AND CbB.

REITERATING:

In drawing notes on the PRV, the Note Draw Duration setting does not stay intact as I think it should. This setting changes with every different note draw. This impedes my workflow, as I like to draw every note upward from a default 1/16th length, and have it remain as such. Either way, I wonder whether this is by design or a legit bug.

EXPERIMENT:

NEW PROJECT: In new projects in Sonar and CbB, the Note Draw setting changes with every different note draw -- even after the project file is saved. I haven't noticed any relation to changes of the interface/workspace, etc.

EXISTING PROJECTS: I have a selection of existing Sonar projects dating from 2013-2018. When drawing notes within these files, the Note Draw setting stays intact. Therefore, if I save one of those project files as a new template/project, that Note Draw setting stays intact thereafter, which I believe it should. (This, in part, is one element I like to have "stamped into" my project template.)

So it seems as though the Note Draw setting changes in new projects, but for some reason, for me, stays intact in older ones saved in Sonar.

SUMMARY:

This is no longer a question of this functionality in "Sonar vs. Cakewalk", as it exists in both in a very unclear criteria. Does this mean anything to anyone and do you know of any other variables involved? I hate to beat a dead horse, but this is a very significant anomaly I'd really like to clear up for myself.

Thank you again in advance.

Can anyone out there provide more insight about this bug?

In Sonar, the Note Duration setting keeps changing, although I set it to a specific length. It never stays as selected, so I have to either click a different note on the PRV of the desired length or set the Note Duration setting again, over and over. This is absolutely nutty! This doesn't happen with Cakewalk by BandLab, but for other reasons, I'm more comfortable with Sonar.

(Per Chappel's post, I've tried changing/saving Screensets and Lenses, but this doesn't resolve the problem.)

Does anyone know about this bug? Is there a way to direct this to Cakewalk tech support?

4 hours ago, Chappel said:

This is what the OP is referring to. I used to have the same problem but it hasn't reverted to Last Touched for awhile. I think it's because I was fiddling around with Screensets and saved the one I'm using now as the default, or whatever the term is. That and I changed my Workspace to None.

 

I can relate to what you're saying.

While I was creating a template, I resize a few windows and removed several modules I wasn't using. However, I didn't touch Lenses and the Lenses setting is defaulted to None. I'm not exactly sure what's causing this.

In regards to using Cakewalk by BandLab, I am still stuck on Sonar Artist. Basically, it's all I need for an amature musician who doesn't need the bigger whistles and bells. To me, CbB seems like a larger footprint -- like Sonar, it dumps folders all over my hard drive. It requires an Internet connection to stay activated, and it requires a separate app to install add-ons. It seems a bit heavy for me.

That's beside the point. I'm simply stating my reason to possibly stick with Sonar.

12 minutes ago, Heinz Hupfer said:

HI:)

 

In the PRV there are notes above (whole, half, quarter.....) 

If you click on them the (double-click)inserted note has this length you choose until you draw in a note with another length. Then you have to click again on the note lengths.

 

Bassman.

 

Thank you for the prompt response!

I don't see that note bar in Sonar's PRV. (Picture attached.)

Am I missing something?