Tascam 4 user manual Tutorial Creating a Multi-Dimensional Instrument, Types of dimensions

Chapter 3: Tutorial: Creating a Multi-Dimensional Instrument

In the simplest possible Giga instrument, each region would be mapped to a single sample, and you would hear that sample whenever one of the region’s keys is pressed. However, regions are usually divided further into dimensions. The example we’ve already seen is a velocity dimension, which causes different samples to sound depending on how hard the player is striking the keys. If there are four samples available, each mapped to a different part of the velocity range, we would say that the velocity dimension has four splits.

In a Giga instrument, the dimension concept can be multiplied many times over. For example, an instrument sampled at four different velocities might also be sampled using five different playing styles, for a total of twenty unique samples per key. “Playing style” thus becomes a second dimension with five splits. When we assign a MIDI controller to this new dimension – let’s say the Mod Wheel – the sampler will now use both velocity and the Mod Wheel to choose among the twenty samples.

In this chapter we’ll create a two-dimensional instrument. We’ll begin with a simple velocity split then add a second dimension to show how the dimensions interact. In the Giga architecture, going beyond ordinary velocity splits opens up a world of possibilities, so first we’ll take a short detour through the full list of dimension types.

Types of dimensions

Every dimension has a control source, which may be a traditional MIDI controller, a simple algorithm, or a complex piece of logic such as an Intelligent MIDI Rule. We list the possible control sources here, starting with the most basic.

Velocity. This is the traditional “velocity switch”, typically using the velocity with which the key is struck to select among samples recorded at various dynamic levels.

MIDI continuous controllers. When a MIDI controller is assigned to a dimension, the value of that controller at note-on determines which split will sound. Examples include using the Mod Wheel to switch between closed and open hi-hats, or using the Sustain Pedal to switch between piano samples recorded with and without sustain.

Keyboard. Keyboard (or “Keyswitch”) control allows changing from one split to another by striking otherwise unused notes on the MIDI keyboard. This is often used for orchestral instruments that have a large number of articulations, where it would be difficult to switch accurately using a wheel or pedal type controller. The area of the keyboard used for switching is called the keyswitch region, and is defined in the Instrument Properties dialog.

Layer. The Layer dimension is unique in that all of its splits sound simultaneously, instead of just one. Layers are sometimes used in conjunction with MIDI volume control and/or crossfades, to give continuous control over the volume of each layer.

Release trigger. This special type of dimension typically has two splits and is used with sounds that have been divided into separate sustain and release samples. When a note on is received the first split is always played. The sample mapped to the second split is played at note off.

Round Robin, Random. These dimensions switch samples automatically each time you play a note. Round Robin progresses through the splits in order, while Random triggers the splits randomly.

Round Robin across keyboard. This variant of the Round Robin dimension advances to the next split when a key is struck in any region. (The basic Round Robin dimension described above advances only when a key is struck in its own region.)

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