IMP - Assignment1- Insert, Record, Edit, Quantize a Software Instrument in SONAR X1

8/22/2019 IMP - Assignment1- Insert, Record, Edit, Quantize a Software Instrument in SONAR X1

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Presentation

This lesson is for week 2 of Introduction To Music Production

at Coursera.org. I will be teaching How to insert a softwareinstrument, recording using a midi controller and edit andquantize this take in my DAW : SONAR X1.My Sonar version is in spanish, but i think it isnt a bigproblem.

HiI'm Ernesto Prez, from Lima Per.My english isn't perfect, but i'm gonna try to make me understand.

Gear:

- Pc - Windows 7- Sonar X1 - Producer- Yamaha midi controllerkeyboard- Presonus Audiobox USB(audio interface)- Midi cable


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I have this project with 3 audio tracks: bass and

percussion. I want to add a synth riff on the

chorus

First, i make sure your midi controller is

connected to your computer. Via USB cable, or

with a MIDI cable to your interface Midi-in port.


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Setting your Midi Devices

Menu: Edit-->Preferences (or press key

P)

MIDI devices

Make sure your interface midi in/out is

checked.

If you are using a usb connection for yourmidi controler, search your controller

name in the list for in/out and check it .


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Adding a software instrument

Expand the browser panel, by clicking the

arrow on the panel corner or pressing B

on your computer keyboard.


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Click on plus button at the top of browser

panel.

Choose one of the avalaible instruments


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By default, sonar shows these options

checked. Which is great, because you don

t need do nothing else.

OK.


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Now, we have a new folder track

containing two tracks:

1. The instrument track which has a midi in

and a audio output.

2. Midi track with its OUT connected to

instrument track., and IN to your midi

controller.


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Choose your controller and midi channelnumber at the midi track in/out menu.


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I suggest turn down the instrument track

volume a bit, because some soft-

instrument could be very loud.


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double click on software instrument

icon in browser panel

choose a bank and set your sound


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Setting the count-in duration ( in bars or

time)

Setting the metronome

Right click on the record button

above the metronome icon


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Preparing for record

Prepare (arm) the midi track for record


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Recording

lets record!

by click on the record button

or pressing R


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Editing

double click on midi clip that just

recorded

now we are in the piano roll view


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Editing

In piano roll menu:

View--> Grid Resolution

(Usually 16th)

Make sure Show vertical

guidelines is checked.


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Editing

Disable the snap to grid function

for more accurate edition.

select and move the note or notes

you want to modify. Or drag the

edge of the note if you want to

modify its duration.

Use the zoom tool for more accurate

edition.


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Quantize

Menu : Process Quantize

Or Press: Q

Select the notes youll quantize.

the zoom tool can be very helpful


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Editing

Choose the quantization resolution

Usually 16th works fine.

Define the quantization strength,

i suggest 30%, then playback your

performance and repeat if is

necessary.


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Reflection

- Software Instruments are very powerful and fun tools to help enrich your music, but can also be

a distraction.

- Midi offers many possibilities in modern music production. so it is very important to know about it.

- Quantization helps us to perfect a musical performance, but needs to be used carefully and try to

keep the human natural feel .

Thanks for read this presentation, I hope I've helped to know a little more about Software

Instruments and Sonar.

Documents

IMP - Assignment1- Insert, Record, Edit, Quantize a Software Instrument in SONAR X1