Setting Up a Template

[art Lowell]

I'm trying to set up a template for all of my EastWest string instruments. Violins, violas, celli and contrabasses. So far, all these instruments seem to work properly, EXCEPT for the contrabasses. I think I set them all up in exactly the same way, but I can't get a sound out of the basses. I've had this problem with the basses since even before the big Logic transformation. The sounds work fine using the little key board on the Play sample player, but not from Logic's piano roll. What might I be missing?

[David Nahmani]

Are you triggering them in the correct pitch range?

[art Lowell]

Yes.

[David Nahmani]

Then could it be a MIDI Channel # issue?

[art Lowell]

that's what I thought, too, but I deleted that track and started all over again with a new track and a new instance of that instrument. It works properly now.

[David Nahmani]

Well, good to hear.

[SergeMeister]

Art, which version of the EastWest Play software are you using? After installing v. 6.1.9 I’m experiencing playback failures (one track, no other plugins, 8 bars) when using the cello sounds. I haven’t actually deleted a track (I’ll try that first), I usually just start over with a new empty project, which does not fix the problem.

Per their instructions I’m doing a complete reinstall which includes manually deleting files distributed around my system. Not fun.

[SergeMeister]

I deep-reinstalled (manually deleting boot volume files, etc.) EastWest Play 6.1.9 per their instructions, didn’t fix the playback problem (very low levels or none). I’ll create my own post on this issue after I try a few things (trash Logic prefs), Because Spitfire LABS and EastWest Play exhibit the same symptoms I’m suspecting this is a Logic issue related to conflicting automation (Volume vs. Expression) data.

[markno999]

Serge,

 

If you are experiencing low volume or no volume with EastWest it is likely due to your Mod Wheel settings. EW use the Mod Wheel rather than Expression for volume control. Select a MIDI track, and change all your MIDI Expressions (11) to Mod Wheel (1) and you should get volume. If there are no Mod Wheel events in your MIDI track you will need to add a Mod Wheel level at the beginning of the project. 90-100 is a good place to start.

 

Here is the link to the ProjectSAM tutorial page. https://projectsam.com/tutorials/ They have about 30 different projects on the page and cover different styles of orchestral, movie, TV Themes, that are superbly done. The topic in video walk-through of the style, and sample files in GM, Logic, PT formats for study and audio examples on your own system. I really think the best way to learn MIDI orchestration is to arm yourself first with some general knowledge about how the controllers works, what the common MIDI controllers are how they differ between products, and then study some really well done project files to see how the pros do it. Of course, different samplers are going to have slightly different controllers such as Kontakt instruments using Expression (11) while EastWest Play is going to use Modulation (1) for the same task, but, that functionality and use is still the same.

 

Regards

[SergeMeister]

Thanks very much, markno999, I’ll try this as soon as I resume testing tonight. The strange part about this behavior to me was playback failing after several cycle playbacks working fine, then nothing. No interaction from me, just listening to playback. Sometimes playback was no longer available if I just opened the Play interface, or viewed (didn’t change) Track or Region automation settings. The game’s afoot...

[markno999]

Had that happen as well, check your Event List as you may have touched the Mod Wheel if you recorded it live or there may be a ModWheel = 0 event in there. Also note if you do MIDI parts in sections like I do, if you later Join them you get duplicates of some controller values throughout the list that you need to cull out. The Event List should give you a good idea what's going on in your project.

[SergeMeister]

Thanks for the reply, markno999, I will definitely check for ModWheel events. As I recall, however, the last time I tried playback the only events in the Event List were Note Events. That in itself may be a clue.

I received an email reply from EastWest (less than 24 hours support turnaround on the weekend speaks well for the company) regarding the Logic project and EW log file I sent them, and they were unable to duplicate the problem. They wrote: "We therefore believe that the issue is probably either an audio driver problem or directly within Logic itself."

Looks like the focus shifts back to Logic, I'll be testing many forum suggestions in the immediate future. I'll get back with the results.

[SergeMeister]

Getting back with the non-results: Spitfire support connected remotely to my system for testing. After a lengthy online session and sending videos, project files, and screen grabs we still have CC1 and CC11 fighting with each other. They haven’t been blaming Logic lately. I would reluctantly trash Logic prefs as a last resort. No unintended Mod wheel events were found but I will continue to monitor the Event List. Recording (Latch mode) controller data for either (or both) Expression and Modulation didn’t solve the problem, still can’t get consistent playback. Any other comments or suggestions appreciated in advance. BTW, what are the risks involved with trashing Logic PLIST files?