How to make strings/violin notes end nicely...

[Amber]

Only way I can think of is converting to audio and then fading out a bit. Is there any other way I can do it while leaving it as midi?

[Ploki]

what is your sounds source? (which sampler)

anyway, if possible, increse Decay time of Volume Envelope in the sampler.

you might want to reduce Sustain for the same amount

[camillo jr]

Only way I can think of is converting to audio and then fading out a bit. Is there any other way I can do it while leaving it as midi?

 

Sure, just use the volume automation on that instrument channel. Decreasing or increasing the sampler's decay time could do the trick too but then you'll be left with a static fade unless you automate the decay parameter as well. I usually find it easier to get the sound I want by using track volume automation. There's also the possibility of using the Expression controller to do fades. Depending on the instrument, that might already be assigned for just that purpose, with the mod wheel as hardware control of that parameter.

[ski]

Fading out the volume or increasing the release time (which simulates a fadeout) on the last note(s) will do the trick, but it really all depends on the sound you're fading. For example, if you're trying to fade a fortissimo string sound (i.e., a bright, full sound) then simply fading down the volume of the sound (regardless of the method) won't sound realistic.

 

In general, when real instruments decrescendo, two things happen: the volume decreases and the overall brightness of that instrument's timbre decreases. A decrease in volume is not the same as a decrease in timbre/brightness. The two happen simultaneously.

 

What would happen in the real world if a fortissimo string section did a slow decrescendo to silence? As I already mentioned, the volume and the brightness would decrease simultaneously. As the sound gets close to piano/pianissimo the timbre will be much duller, but the "air" (high frequency noise) from the bow hairs rubbing against the strings is still somewhat present. That's part of the piano/pianissimo sound (it's also a key component of sustained harmonics and flautando playing). So sticking with this example, if you want to simulate a very realistic slow diminuendo from fortissimo to silence, use a channel EQ! Use a fairly wide midrange parametric band (not a shelf) to automate a cut on that band. But doing this you'll remove the "meat" and energy from the sound, and, because you're using a parametric band you'll be retaining the high end (where the bow noise exists).

 

That trick used in conjuction with a volume fade can produce a very convincing result.

[David Nahmani]

You can use expression (Continuous Controller #11). In the Piano Roll or Score Editor, click the Hyper Draw button at the bottom left, and choose "Expression" from the menu on the left of the Hyper Draw area. Then automate a fade out at the end of your notes.

 

Oh and yeah, of course, what Ski said!!!

[fernmeister]

You can also layer samples and carefully use fader automation to transition from one sample sound to another, so you have, say a sustain sample for the first part transitioning to a pianissimo sample for the tail of the note. the main thing to listen out for is excessive thickening of the sound if you have the two samples playing over each other too much.