Sibelius 6 doesn't connect to 9th VE instance?

[Wim Dijkgraaf]

I have up to 9 VE ensembles running on my Windows 7 slave computer. Sibelius 6 (running on my MacBook) connects fine to the first 8, but won't connect to the 9th instance. Any ideas? Have read this before somewhere but couldn't find this topic through many search criteria. Abraços, Wim Dijkgraaf

[andi]

Hello Wim!

As far as I know, you can only open up to 8 VE instances.
What do you need 9 VE instances for?
Are you aware that you can use 16 MIDI channels with every instance of VE? That will give you 128 MIDI channels (and instruments in Sibelius) with 8 VE instances.

Best,
Andi

[Wim Dijkgraaf]

Hi Andy, Again thanks for your reply. I managed to solve this "limitation" for the time being by using the 64bit server for up to 8 intances and the 32bit server for the remaining. Why I need so many instances? Several reasons that together result in many instances: 1) I read in the Sound Set manual under "troubleshooting" the following: "If you mix up ensemble strings (or chamber or orchestral) with appasionata strings in one score, this may lead to wrong switches". So I designated one instance for each strings type: * solo strings * chamber strings * orchestral strings * appasionata strings 2) i would like to have as little metaframe templates (including all available instruments) and use that one * for all scores in sibelius and * for the final MIDI-mockup editing en mixing in my DAW. 3) because all "ensemble" matrixes use their own MIDI channel, this adds up the total amount 4) because all "mute" matrixes use their own MIDI channel, this adds upt the total amount 5) I like to have full control over the level, panning and EQ of the individual percussion&drums sounds this adds up the total amount of MIDI channels 6) to be able to use the "perfomance" patches in polyphonic passages, I use a midi channel for each individual instrument. (4 horns, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, etc) By the way, not all the MIDI channels are used for every instance! But I prefer to start with a grouping of instruments per instance that resemble the symphonic orchestra. My setup of instances now is : 1) strings orch 2) strings solo 3) woods I 4) woods II 5) brass 1 6) brass II 7) percussion pitched 8) percussion unpitched 9) jazz combo 10) strings chamber 11) strings appasionata Any hints on reducing the amount are welcome of course!!! Abraços, Wim Dijkgraaf BTW: why don't my posts show the "returns" I type in the original message? (using Safari on the Mac)

[andi]

Hello Wim!

Ok, I can see your argument. I would reduce this arrangement the following way:
3 instances for the strings (Solo strings can be mixed with any other string type in one instance without any problems)
3 instances for winds (that makes 48 wind instruments)
1 instance for percussion - I can see no reason why you want pitched and unpitched percussion in different VE instances.
1 extra instance for whatever.

Generally it is no problem to mix instruments of different groups in one VE instance (exception: String Ensemble types).

Concerning your line break problem, the following thread might be of help:
http://community.vsl.co.at/forums/p/17332/123902.aspx#123902

Best,
Andi

[Wim Dijkgraaf]

Hi Andi!

Today I reduced the instances as you suggested in your reply. Works fine! I also removed the appas. strings and created an instance for divisi writing using the chamber strings( Vln1 div. 1,2,3, Vln2 div 1,2,3, etc, etc). Takes 15 midi channels but the result is worth the effort. Did an experiment with a passage from Debussy, Nocturnes, Nuages, mm. 7-15 and works fine.

So after one week of fulltime experimenting, I finaly have my template within the 8 instances boundary of 1 Vienna Ensemble PRO server. And within the boundaries of my 16Gb Windows 7 machine. It's wonderful and a great experience to compose this way just with all the instruments at your finger tips, all within Sibelius.

Again, thanks a lot for your quick and good support.

Abraços,

Wim Dijkgraaf

[andi]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.