dcumpian

Either load a different map in BFD, or use a drum map in Cakewalk. It may be as simple as that. Dan

The only thing not supported currently if automatic synchronization when switching tracks. My understanding is that is a proprietary protocol that NI has to add to support Cakewalk, not the other way around. Everything else is pretty much Mackie. Dan

Since it appears to use Mackie Control protocol, you may want to take a look at AzSlow's AzCtrl plugin. Cakewalk's Mackie interface is incomplete. Dan

I still use EWQLSO as well as HW strings, because they complement each other quite well. In many ways, even though HW Strings was touted as "next gen", it really fits as more of a part 2 of SO, because the articulations are so different. Both the brass in SO and HW Brass are really well done also. However, like you say, I have Ra, Stormdrum, and a few others I can't even remember. I never use them anymore unless I absolutely can't find what I'm looking for in a Kontakt library. Dan

I'll agree that Play isn't that great, but you can get really good results out of the Play libraries once you learn your way around their weird interface. Dan

I think they finally realized that supporting multiple versions of their engine is becoming cost prohibitive...and yay! Dan

I've used Cakewalk since it was called Twelve Tone Systems. After trying Studio One post-Gibson collapse, I find it hard to justify going back. Sure, there are things I miss, but stability is important. I didn't have a lot of crashes with Platinum, but that was mostly because I had learned over the years what not to do. I treated my DAW like a live explosive, and this relationship worked well for years. A lot of the issues that Cakewalk still has really boil down to the way the audio engine interfaces with Windows devices. It is very picky about how a device presents itself, and sometimes counter-intuitive settings will make it work great, until you get the white screen of death and lose something you were working on. CTRL-S is your best friend. Dan

Edit -> Select -> Select None, then export "What You Hear".

Check your system for older version of the Play .dll file. I've had it happen that there are older versions causing problems. Dan

For every plugin where the PC version uses less resources in comparison, there are others that will use less than the PC versions. None of the PC modules are real resource hogs, but if you find that you run into issues, there are simpler EQ's and compressors out there. Once you start down that road though, the PC holds a lot less appeal since you will have plugins scattered all over your tracks. Dan

There is also a ton of 3rd party preset libraries as well as new sound sources for Omnisphere. You'll never run out of sounds to choose from. Dan

Could be that, could also be stretching artifacts. There are various rendering settings that can improve the quality of the sound. Also, it isn't always necessary to stretch the audio to fit when you use Audiosnap. If you don't stretch the audio, there are no artifacts at all. Learning how best to use Audiosnap will take you some time as well as trial and error. Dan

Quantize is for midi events. Use Audiosnap to align audio. Dan

Maximum loudness that still allows for conversion to MP3 is right at -.3 That gives the MP3 conversion algorithm a little headroom to work without clipping. However, this level is only good if you have a hard limiter at the end of the processing chain to catch anything over that. A soft limiter will still allow the occasional transient over your set level and that may force you to set a lower level. To really get loud mixes (no judgement), it is best to use a clipper (like GClip or KClip) very gently to raise the overall volume before adding a limiter. Finally, never let a single limiter push the volume all the way to the final level unless you are already really close. Instead, stack limiters in series such that each limiter only pushes overall levels by 3 to 4db. That reduces artifacts and "pumpiness". Regards, Dan

Very nicely done! Sounded very complete as is, and the mix is very good as well. Dan

Oh, and "Probably, the end" wraps it up perfectly... Dan

Daryl's T Dolby reference is spot on. Really cool piece you've got here Tom! Enjoyed the listen! Dan

Very cool track! Dan

You spelled frumpy wrong... I'm happy this forum at least works. Dan

Using AzCtrl, you can enable the transport keys in CbB. That is, unless NI has changed the protocol. It used to be based on the Mackie MCU. I have a MkI S88 that works fine, but I stopped updating the driver when 2.0 came out because I had heard there were issues. As far as Komplete Kontrol (KK), it should work. KK is simply a plugin that acts as a VST host. The A25 should be able to communicate directly with KK. For simple parameter controls without loading KK, you can just use midi CC learn to change parameters. Dan

Tapsa's got the right idea if you want to build this out as a complete piece, start to finish. There is no shame in writing whatever moves you and deciding later whether it is a verse, chorus or needs to be broken down further. These sorts of happy accidents really are gifts and are a ton of fun to work with. Really great start here! Dan

More than likely, the mod wheel is programmed to alter the sound. By default, Cakewalk will zero all controllers on stop, which isn't a bad thing, but you'll need to record some mod wheel automation to get it to sound the way you want. It could also be several other controllers, but the mod wheel is the most common culprit. Dan

Thank you Tim! Yeah, about 5 years ago I decided to stick with a single song project until it was complete or I toss it altogether. I used to jump from song to song and I ended up with a ton of unfinished crap. Sticking with one song at a time keeps me focused even though it can sometimes be a struggle, lol. Dan

Nice piece! This could really go in a few directions if you feel like expanding it. I agree with Tapsa, I little more breathing room would go a long way. Dan

Thank you! I used a pusher to get the overall track up in volume before I did my normal finalizing. I think the pusher can get grittier than I'd like and that may be what you are hearing. I usually use GClip/KClip but wanted to try the pusher instead because I do like some of the added harmonics. I just need to play with it some more to really wrap my head around how it works. Dan