Can Articulations be customized "after the fact" using automation in DAW?

[sac.music_lover99]

Starting out with Vienna Instruments SE Standard as my first sample library collection is a bit like being dropped in the middle of the ocean and having to swim to shore. There are so many possibilities and ways to tweak the sound and samples that it is a bit overwhelming to a first-time user like me.

I wanted to know if the articulations for the instruments can be done "after the fact." Like, can I record via MIDI using my DAW or my keyboard workstation (Korg OASYS 88) and somehow automate the articulations using MIDI controllers? I don't know if this question even makes sense but I'm used to playing whatever line I need to play and then making small edits after the fact, since I only record via MIDI initially when I'm laying my tracks. What is the best and most efficient method to use the performance capabilities of the Vienna Instruments player with all it's myriad articulations?

Somebody please help, I'm drowning! :)

*Equipment: Brand-new MacBook Air 13-inch w/Intel i5 & 4GB Ram | 256GB SSD (internal)

OSX Lion | Apogee Interface | Rode Mic | Mackie Reference Monitors

LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt SSD (don't have yet, but may pull the trigger soon)

Logic 9 Pro Studio (will be picking it up this week)

*I haven't had any performance issues yet, but I'm thinking of upgrading to an 27" iMac for RAM upgradeability and the faster processor. If I'm only going to be recording 16 - 32 tracks of audio initially (mostly VSL instruments) should the MacBook Air suffice for now? --Craig

[DG]

Of course you can edit after the fact. I would bet that most people do that, even when they are good keyboard players.

BTW please go to your Profile and set it to "enhanced" (I think). I gave up before I got to the end of your paragraph. [;)]

DG

[jasensmith]

Have you seen the Vienna Instrument video tutorials yet?  I think you can find them in your user area.  Also check out Beat Kaufmann's tutorials which are in the "Learning Resources" section of the site.

[sac.music_lover99]

Thx for the tip!!! :)

[sac.music_lover99]

I'm going through the tutorials now and so far I haven't heard any discussion on how to automate any of the articulations using a DAW. Everything seems to be performance driven using a MIDI controller such as a keyboard.

I know that there is some discussion regarding notation programs and articulation such as Sibelius & Finale but what I was really asking was what is the most efficient way to tackle the plethora of articulations available.  Is it to perform every line one at time?  Or is there a way to capture the raw notes using MIDI and then add/edit the articulations later? 

Also, I can't seem to find the "Learning Resources" section.  Is it the same thing as Vienna Academy?[*-)]

[DG]

1. Play or mouse the notes in
2. Add keyswitches just before the required notes to change articulations
3. Add CC data for things such as velocity xFade

DG 

[jasensmith]

@sac.music_lover99 said:

Also, I can't seem to find the "Learning Resources" section.  Is it the same thing as Vienna Academy?

 

  Try this link :  http://www.vsl.co.at/en/65/71/176/71.vsl 

If it doesn't work, click on the "Company" tab above and then click on Learning Resources button along the left side of the screen.  What DG is saying is kind of laid out in both the tutorials and Beat's free tutorials.

After reading your post a second time I realize that I might not be understanding your question.  Do you want to control the articulations through your DAW?  Why on Earth would you want to do that when the Vienna Player is so much more flexible, intuitive and easy to use once you get the hang of it.  The only thing you can do to the articulations with your DAW is program keyswitches and CC data for each articulation but you can set those keyswithces up to your liking with the Vienna player.

[sac.music_lover99]

Thanks for the link - I finally found it.  Beat's tutorials really should be the standard for the VSL.  They are very informative and assume that you are beginner (which I am).

I guess the whole point about the DAW automation was because the whole VI player thing is still a bit new and overwhelming but if that's the best way to go long-term I'll stick with it.

[civilization 3]

yes, automating the messages is what's done, from the sequencer editors such as key editor or piano roll. You can pencil the keyswitches and CCs in with the mouse or assign a button on a controller to enter them, or by the corresponding key. Before, during, after, your choice. You can record controller movements after you've recorded the notes, rather than pencil them in. 

The dimensions I just didn't grasp just staring at the interface. Once I saw a video tutorials all was clear.

For instance, I use keyswitches for the horizontal dimension, and either CC64 if there are two vertical dimension or CC1 if there are more than two (64 is a mere switch, and a pencil application in the line is either/or; for a continuous controller you have to watch the values.).
for a matrix switch you can use program changes in VI Pro. I use keyswitches for that since the decision is made pretty much at the same time, pencil edit mode for me. It's an editor's world, virtual orchestration.