Studio Strings extended parameters in MainStage

The extended parameters provide advanced control of performance and controller functions.

Click the disclosure arrow at the lower left to view the extended parameters.

Note: The parameters are different for solo and section instruments.

Figure. Studio Strings extended parameters.

Studio Strings common extended parameters

The following parameters apply to solo or section instruments.

Vibrato Controller pop-up menu: Choose a MIDI controller to adjust vibrato.
Dynamic Controller pop-up menu: Choose the MIDI controller used to adjust an instrument’s dynamics (soft-loud) while a note is playing. This function requires the Dynamics via CC button in the main interface to be turned on.
Dynamic Controller Mode pop-up menu: Choose a mode that determines assigned MIDI controller behavior and instrument response to incoming velocity data.
- Controller (Absolute): Dynamics are controlled only by the absolute value of the assigned MIDI controller.
- Velocity & Controller (Catch): Dynamics are controlled by both incoming velocity data and by the value of the assigned MIDI controller when it matches any existing controller value. For example, a MIDI control knob with a value of 15 has no impact on dynamic behavior until it reaches a velocity value of 47 in an existing region. Once this controller value is reached, the assigned MIDI control knob will have an impact on instrument dynamics.
- Velocity & Controller (Relative): Dynamics are controlled by both incoming velocity data and by the value of the assigned MIDI controller, relative to any existing controller value. For example, a MIDI control knob with a value of 15 will immediately impact dynamic behavior, relative to the existing velocity value. Adjusting a knob with a value of 15 to a value of 18 will adjust an existing velocity value of 47 to a value of 50.
Legato Transitions checkbox: Turn on to enable legato transition samples for both monophonic and polyphonic modes, enhancing the realism of instruments played in a legato style.
Release Samples slider and field: Set the volume of release samples. Release samples, as the name suggests, are triggered when you release a key. These allow for a natural-sounding decay in sustained articulations, for example. If a low release sample value is set the sound may cut off abruptly, which can sound unnatural.
Pitch Bend Range slider and field: Determine the range for pitch bend modulation. This is bipolar, with a range of ±12 semitones.
Extended Key Range checkbox: Turn on to allow the instrument (or instruments in a section) to play beyond its normal key range.
- When off, the instrument (or instruments in a section) plays in the original key range. This is the default, and should be used if you are aiming for authentic-sounding performances.
- When on, the instrument uses the full keyboard range, allowing you to create parts that extend beyond the realistic range of the instrument (or instruments in a section).

Studio Strings Auto Voice Split extended parameters

The following parameters apply only to section instruments when the Auto Voice Split button is active in the main window.

Allow Unison checkbox: Turn on to enable unison mode for split voices.
- When enabled, multiple instruments within a section can play the same note simultaneously when a single or multiple keys are pressed.
- When disabled, one instrument within the section is played per key. To have all instruments of a seven piece section play, you need to press seven keys.
Split Voicing pop-up menu: Determine the octaves used by the respective voices/instrument(s) in the section. Results vary based on your Split Mode pop-up menu choice.
- 8va: Double the top part an octave up. This is a common technique used to make melody lines more prominent.
- Drop 2: Transpose the second note from the top of the chord down an octave. This technique is used to make an arrangement sound thicker and richer.
- Drop 2+4: Transpose the second and fourth note from the top of the chord down an octave. This technique is used to thicken an arrangement. It is more suitable for sections with five or more instrument “voices,” but can be useful with smaller sections.
Split Mode pop-up menu: Choose the mode used to split individual or grouped ensemble instruments.
- Start with Lead Voice: The first incoming note is assigned to the Lead Voice, which is usually a higher-range instrument such as a violin. All subsequent notes are assigned, in descending order, to the Middle and Bass Voices.
- Start with Bass Voice: The first incoming note is assigned to the Bass Voice. All subsequent notes are assigned, in ascending order, to the Middle and Lead Voices.
- Start by Key Split: Incoming notes below the defined split key (set with the Split Key pop-up menu) are assigned to the Bass Voice and the lower Middle Voices. Notes above the split key are assigned to the Lead Voice and the higher Middle Voices.
Split Key pop-up menu: Set the MIDI note number used as the split point for individual ensemble instruments.
Note: This parameter applies only when Start By Key Split is chosen in the Split Mode pop-up menu.
Inst via MIDI Channel checkbox: Turn off to play the full section on any incoming MIDI channel. Active Unison / Auto Voice Split / MIDI Split settings apply. When on (default), the following applies:
- MIDI Channel 1: Full section is played with the active Unison / Auto Voice Split / MIDI Split settings.
- MIDI Channels 2-16: Access individual instruments within the section. See Studio instruments section MIDI channels.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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