Newbie Question Re: Vienna Instruments Matrices

[DaddyO]

On the premiss that no question is a stupid question, I will risk asking a question that may SEEM stupid. OK, it may BE stupid. I understand the use of the X-axis, at least I think I do. It allows me to load up selectable articulations for a given instrument. What I don't understand is the Y-axis. In fact, what I really don't understand is the loading of multiple instruments in presets. Is it for layering? Once I understand that, then I think that will tell give me a rationale for the Y-axis. I have watched the tutorials for VI, so I get HOW the two axes work. What I don't get is WHY, or FOR WHAT PURPOSE? Thanks for any help.

[Paul]

Hi DaddyO,

The purpose to have multiple articulations in a matrix is that you can switch between them (as you wish, depending on which controllers you have assigned to the X- and Y-Axis) on ONE MIDI channel.

You can create very simple and very complex matrices, and you can even switch between different matrices within a PRESET, still on one MIDI Channel. The goal is to make virtual music production more intuitive and to give you a better overview (you´ll have 20 MIDI Channels instead of 180).

Maybe our Special Edition Tutorials will give you a better idea why this is important.

Best,

Paul

[DaddyO]

Thanks, Paul. I get the multiple articulations (thus the X-axis). I don't yet get the multiplying of instruments along the Y-axis, unless of course it is for layering multiple instruments which would then be triggered by the same midi events. I did see an example of that in one of the final Vienna Instruments training videos. If that's it, maybe I DO get it. But I suspect there might be more to it. You suggest economy of instances, so that gives me a second reason to use the Y-axis. I'll re-watch the SE tutorials as you suggest. I find the videos very helpful. For a newbie, there is SO much to learn about your software, but it's clear that doing so will be very rewarding.

[DG]

There are many reasons to use both axis. Let me give you a couple of examples:

1. X axis is used for speed , so that when you play faster, the legato samples with faster attacks play. Y axis used for changing articulation.
2. X axis used for switching to a portamento via velocity. Y axis used for changing articulation.

So many possibilities.

DG

[DaddyO]

Thanks DG, that helps also. It appears that as I progress in my use of the software it will become more and more clear to me how I can use this.

[Bill]

Think of it as simple math.  With the X axis, you can have up to 12 articulation.  With X + Y, you have up to 144...