Chapter 5: The Instrument Wizard

Up to this point, everything has been done manually with the drag-and-drop method.

To better understand the Instrument Wizard, you need to be familiar with the manual method of mapping samples and creating dimensions.

Also, certain instruments like Drum Kits will still need to be created with the drag-and-drop method since each region will usually be different from the other and the Instrument Wizard won’t work very well for these.

The Instrument Wizard works best on melodic instruments like pianos, guitars and orchestral instruments.

You can imagine that if you had to create a full 88 note piano with 8 velocities and sustain pedal switches, it would take an enormous amount of time to do it manually, note by note. This is where the Instrument Wizard comes in. It allows you to map an entire instrument with multiple dimensions “instantly”. Once you have the samples properly named and organized, you are only seconds away from having an instrument mapped out.

Preparing the Samples

As you edit and organize your samples, you need to also be aware of getting them ready for the Instrument Wizard if you plan to use it. This is very simple and will save a lot of time.

Sample Names and Unity Notes

For the Instrument Wizard to work, it needs to know the Unity Note (also known as Root Note) of each sample. This is the note that the pitch is recorded at and assigned to on the keyboard. Even if the samples are not chromatic, the Instrument Wizard can assign them to their root note and then stretch the regions until they meet each other.

The Editor will recognize the unity note of a sample if the sample name indicates the unity note by MIDI note number or by note name. For example, middle C would be note name C4 or MIDI note number 60.

MIDI Note Name Range: C-1 through G9

MIDI Note Number Range: 0 through 127

Just put the Note Name or Note Number in the Sample Name before importing the samples into the Editor. To keep from confusing the Editor, we recommend putting this name or number at the end of the file name with a space separating it from the rest of the characters.

Example:

Piano Velocity-4 C4.wav

Piano Velocity-4 60.wav

The Editor will have no trouble recognizing files that are named like this. On the other hand, naming the samples like this might be confusing for the Editor to figure out the unity note.

Piano Velocity-4C4.wav

Piano Velocity-460.wav

Note: The Instrument Wizard can also simply map the samples out in alphabetical order as well. This works for sound effects, percussion and other non-melodic instruments.

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Tascam 4 user manual Preparing the Samples, Sample Names and Unity Notes, Example
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4 specifications

The Tascam 4, also known as the Tascam Portacapture X8, is an advanced portable audio recorder that brings a range of professional features, technologies, and characteristics designed for musicians, filmmakers, and content creators. This versatile device is equipped to capture high-quality audio in various settings, whether for music production, field recording, or podcasting.

One of the standout features of the Tascam 4 is its dual XY and AB microphone configuration. This allows users to choose between different stereo recording techniques, providing flexibility and creativity in sound capture. The XY arrangement is perfect for capturing live performances or ambient sounds, while the AB configuration is great for recording wider soundscapes. Additionally, the built-in microphones are of high quality, ensuring that recordings maintain clarity and fidelity.

The Tascam 4 offers up to eight tracks of simultaneous recording, giving users the ability to capture multiple audio sources at the same time. This is particularly useful for music recording sessions, where different instruments and vocals can be isolated on separate tracks. It supports various file formats, including WAV and MP3, with sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring professional-level audio quality.

For more advanced users, the Tascam 4 includes features such as multi-track overdubbing and built-in effects like reverb, which allow for creative sound manipulation. The user-friendly touchscreen interface makes navigating through settings and functions straightforward, while the customizable faders and buttons give users quick access to frequently used controls.

Another significant technological aspect of the Tascam 4 is its USB audio interface capability. This feature lets users connect the device to a computer, making it an effective solution for home studios. It can be used for live streaming or as a high-quality microphone input for podcasts and other applications.

Furthermore, the Tascam 4 is designed with durability and portability in mind. Its compact form factor and robust build make it easy to carry on location, while its battery life ensures long recording sessions without frequent recharging. Whether you're a seasoned audio professional or an aspiring creator, the Tascam 4 provides an impressive array of tools and features that make it a reliable choice for high-quality audio recording in any situation.
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