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Steinberg Cubase 8 Manual

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    							VST Instruments
    VST Instruments Window
    601
    3)Freeze Instrument
    Freezes the instrument. This allows you to save CPU power.
    4)Instrument Selector
    Allows you to select another instrument. Double-click to rename the 
    instrument. The name is shown in the VST Instruments w i n d o w  i n  t h e  Output 
    Routing pop-up menu for MIDI tracks. This is useful when you work with 
    several instances of the same instrument.
    5)Input Options
    This lights up when MIDI data is received by the instrument. Click this button 
    to open a pop-up menu that allows you to select, mute/unmute, and 
    solo/unsolo for tracks that send MIDI to the instrument (inputs).
    6)Activate Outputs
    Allows you to activate one or more outputs for the instrument.
    7)Preset Browser
    Allows you to load or save an instrument preset.
    8)Load Previous/Next Program
    Allows you to load the previous/next program.
    9)Select Quick Control Layer
    Allows you to select a program.
    10)Read/Write Automation
    Allows you to read/write automation for the instrument parameter settings.
    The following controls are available on each rack:
    1)Show/Hide VST Quick Controls
    Allows you to show/hide the VST Quick Controls for the instrument.
    2)Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls
    Allows you to activate the VST Quick Controls to remote-control the 
    instrument.
    VST Instruments Window Context Menu
    The following functions are available in the VST Instruments window context menu:
    Always on Top
    If this option is activated, the VST Instruments window is always on top. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    Adding VST Instruments
    602
    Add Track Instrument
    Opens the Add Instrument Track dialog that allows you to select an 
    instrument and add an instrument track that is associated to this instrument.
    Add Rack Instrument
    Opens a selector that allows you to add a VST instrument.
    Instruments Context Menu
    The following functions are available in the instruments context menu:
    Copy/Paste instrument Setting
    Allows you to copy the instrument settings and paste them to another 
    instrument.
    Load/Save Preset
    Allows you to load/save an instrument preset.
    Default Preset
    Allows you to define and save a default preset.
    Switch to B Setting
    Activates the setting B.
    Copy A to B
    Copies the effect parameters of effect setting A to effect setting B.
    Activate Outputs
    Allows you to activate one or more outputs for the instrument.
    Remote Control Editor
    Opens the Remote Control Editor.
    Adding VST Instruments
    PROCEDURE
    1. On the Devices menu, select VST Instruments.
    2. Right-click on an empty area of the VST Instruments window.
    3. From the context menu, select one of the following:
    •Add Track Instrument
    •Add Rack Instrument
    4. From the instrument selector, select an instrument.
    •Click Add Track, if you chose to add a track instrument.
    •Click Create, if you chose to add a rack instrument. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    Presets for Instruments
    603
    RESULT 
    If you chose Add Track Instrument, the instrument control panel opens, and an 
    instrument track with the name of the instrument is added to your project.
    If you chose Add Rack Instrument, the instrument control panel opens, and the 
    following tracks are added to the track list:
    • A MIDI track with the name of the instrument. The output of the MIDI track is 
    routed to the instrument.
    NOTE
    In the Preferences dialog (VST–Plug-ins page), you can specify what 
    happens when you load a VST instrument.
    • A folder with the name of the instrument that is added within a VST 
    Instruments folder. The instrument folder contains two automation tracks: 
    one for the plug-in parameters, and one for the synth channel in the 
    MixConsole.
    Presets for Instruments
    You can load and save presets for instruments. These contain all the settings that 
    are required for the sound that you want.
    The following presets for instruments are available:
    •VST presets include the parameter settings of a VST instrument.
    These are available from the VST instruments window, from the instrument 
    control panels, and from the Programs field in the Inspector.
    •Track presets include the instrument track settings and the settings for the 
    corresponding VST instrument.
    These are available from the Inspector or the track list context menu.
    Loading VST Presets
    You can load VST presets from the VST instruments window, from the instrument 
    panel, or from the Inspector.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Do one of the following:
    • Select the track that contains the VST instrument and in the Inspector, click 
    the Programs field.
    • In the VST Instruments window, click the Preset Browser button for the 
    instrument, and select Load Preset.
    • In the control panel for the VST instrument, click the Preset Browser button, 
    and select Load Preset. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    Presets for Instruments
    604
    2. In the preset browser, select a preset from the list and double-click it to load it.
    RESULT 
    The preset is applied. To return to the previously loaded preset, open the preset 
    browser again and click Revert to Last Setting
    Saving VST Presets
    You can save your settings on VST instruments as VST presets for further use.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Do one of the following:
    • In the VST Instruments window, click the Preset Browser button for the 
    instrument, and select Save Preset.
    • In the control panel for the VST instrument, click the Preset Browser button, 
    and select Save Preset.
    2. In the Save  Preset dialog, enter a name for the 
    preset.
    3. Optional: Click Show Attribute Inspector and define attributes for the 
    preset.
    4. Click OK to save the preset and close the dialog.
    Loading Track Presets
    You can load track presets for instrument tracks from the Inspector.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Do one of the following:
    • Select the instrument track and in the Inspector, click the Load Track Preset 
    field.
    • Right-click the instrument track and from the context menu, select Load Track 
    Preset.
    2. In the preset browser, select a preset from the list and double-click it to load it.
    RESULT 
    The track preset is applied. To return to the previously loaded preset, open the 
    preset browser again and click Revert to Last Setting. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    VST Quick Controls
    605
    Saving Track Presets
    You can save your settings on instrument tracks as Track presets for further use.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Do one of the following:
    • Select the instrument track and in the Inspector, click the Save Track Preset 
    button.
    • Right-click the instrument track and from the context menu, select Save Track 
    Preset.
    2. In the Save Track Preset dialog, enter a name for the preset.
    3. Optional: Click Show Attribute Inspector and define attributes for the 
    preset.
    4. Click OK to save the preset and close the dialog.
    VST Quick Controls
    VST Quick Controls allow you to remote-control a VST instrument from within the 
    VST Instruments window.
    To show the VST Quick Controls on the VST Instruments window, activate the 
    Show/Hide all VST Quick Controls button.
    Connecting Quick Controls with Remote Controllers
    Quick Controls become powerful when used in combination with a remote 
    controller.
    PREREQUISITE 
    Your remote device is connected to Cubase via MIDI.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Select Devices > Device Setup.
    2. In the Devices list, select Track Quick Controls or VST Quick Controls.
    This opens the respective section on the right.
    3. From the MIDI Input pop-up menu, select the MIDI port on your computer.
    If your remote controller has its own MIDI input and supports MIDI feedback, you can 
    connect your computer to the device input. Select the corresponding MIDI port in the 
    MIDI Output pop-up menu.
    Alternatively, you can select All MIDI Inputs.
    4. Click Apply.
    5. Activate Learn. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    VST Quick Controls
    606
    6. In the Control Name column, select QuickControl 1.
    7. On your remote control device, move the control that you want to use for the 
    first quick control.
    8. Select the next slot in the Control Name column and repeat the previous 
    steps.
    9. Click OK.
    NOTE
    In addition to using the Learn function to set up the table in the Quick Controls 
    section, you can modify the values manually. The available options are identical to the 
    ones available for the Generic Remote device.
    RESULT 
    The quick controls are now associated with control elements on your external 
    remote controller. If you move a control element, the value of the parameter that is 
    assigned to the corresponding Quick Control changes accordingly.
    The remote controller setup for Quick Controls is saved globally, that is, it is 
    independent of any projects. If you have various remote controllers, you can save 
    and load several Quick Control setups using the Export and Import buttons.
    RELATED LINKS
    The Generic Remote device on page 630
    Activating Pick-up Mode for Hardware Controls
    Pick-up Mode allows you to change configured Quick Control parameters without 
    accidentally modifying their previous values.
    Often, the parameter settings of your Quick Controls are initially different from the 
    settings of your hardware controls, for example, when the hardware controls control, 
    different Quick Controls on different tracks. In this case, you will notice that moving 
    a hardware control changes the previous value of a parameter in a way that it is 
    initially set to the zero position, before it is changed. Thus, you always lose your 
    previous setting of the parameter.
    To avoid this, you can activate Pick-up Mode. This has the effect that when you 
    move your hardware control, you can only change the parameter once the control 
    reaches the parameter’s previous value. The control “picks up” the parameter at the 
    value to which it was last set.
    NOTE
    This only applies to hardware controllers whose controls use specific ranges.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Select Devices > Device Setup.
    2. In the Devices list, select Track Quick Controls or VST Quick Controls. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    Playing Back VST Instruments
    607
    3. Activate Pick-up Mode.
    4. Click OK.
    Playing Back VST Instruments
    After you have added a VST instrument and selected a sound, you can play back 
    the VST instrument using the instrument or MIDI track in your project.
    PROCEDURE
    1. In the track list, activate the Monitor button for the track that has the VST 
    instrument loaded.
    2. Press one or more keys on your MIDI keyboard or use the virtual keyboard.
    The corresponding sounds are triggered on your VST instrument.
    3. Select Devices > MixConsole to open the MixConsole and adjust the 
    sound, add EQ or effects, assign another output routing, etc.
    VST Instruments and Processor Load
    VST instruments can consume a lot of CPU power. The more instruments you add, 
    the more likely you will run out of processor power during playback.
    If the CPU overload indicator in the VST Performance window lights up or you get 
    crackling sounds, you have the following options:
    • Activate Freeze for instruments. 
    This renders the instrument into an audio file and unloads it.
    • Activate Suspend VST3 plug-in processing when no audio signals are 
    received for VST 3 instruments. 
    This ensures that your instruments do not consume CPU power on silent 
    passages.
    RELATED LINKS
    Freezing Instruments on page 608
    Suspend VST3 plug-in processing when no audio signals are received 
    on page 1085 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    Playing Back VST Instruments
    608
    Freezing Instruments
    If you are using a moderately powerful computer or a large number of VST 
    instruments, your computer may not be able to play back all instruments in realtime. 
    At this point, you can freeze instruments.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Do one of the following:
    • Select Devices > VST Instruments.
    • Select the instrument track and open the top Inspector tab.
    2. Click the Freeze button.
    3. In the Freeze Instrument Options dialog, make your settings.
    4. Click OK.
    RESULT 
    • The instrument is rendered to an audio file and on playback you hear the same 
    sound as before freezing.
    • Less CPU load is used.
    • The Freeze button lights up.
    • The MIDI/instrument track controls are grayed out.
    • The MIDI parts are locked.
    NOTE
    To edit the tracks, parameters, or synth channels again, and to delete the rendered 
    file, unfreeze the instrument by clicking the Freeze button again.
    Freeze Instrument Options
    The Freeze Instrument Options dialog opens when you click the Freeze button. 
    It allows you to specify exactly what should happen, if you freeze an instrument.
    The following controls can be found in the Freeze Instrument Options dialog:
    Freeze Instrument Only
    Activate this option if you still want to be able to edit insert effects on the synth 
    channel after freezing the instrument.
    Freeze Instrument and Channels
    Activate this option if you do not need to edit the insert effects on your synth 
    channels.
    NOTE
    You can still adjust level, pan, sends, and EQ. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    About Latency
    609
    Tail Size
    Allows you to set a Tail Size time to let sounds complete their normal release 
    cycle.
    Unload Instrument when Frozen
    Activate to unload the instrument after freezing. This makes the RAM available 
    again.
    About Latency
    The term latency stands for the time it takes for the instrument to produce a sound 
    when you press a key on your MIDI controller. It can be an issue when using VST 
    instruments in realtime. Latency depends on your audio hardware and its ASIO 
    driver.
    In the Device Setup dialog (VST Audio System page), the input and output latency 
    values should ideally be a few milliseconds.
    If the latency is too high to allow comfortable realtime VST instrument playback from 
    a keyboard, you can use another MIDI sound source for live playback and recording, 
    and switch to the VST instrument for playback.
    RELATED LINKS
    Selecting a Driver on page 14
    Delay Compensation
    During playback Cubase automatically compensates any delay inherent in the VST 
    plug-ins you use.
    You can specify a Delay Compensation Threshold in the Preferences dialog 
    (VST page) so that only plug-ins with a delay higher than this threshold setting are 
    affected.
    Constrain Delay Compensation
    To avoid Cubase to add latency when you play a VST instrument in realtime or 
    record live audio, you can activate Constrain Delay Compensation. This minimizes 
    the latency effects of the delay compensation, while maintaining the sound of the 
    mix as far as possible.
    The Constrain Delay Compensation function is available on the toolbar and in the 
    MixConsole on the Functions menu. 
    						
    							VST Instruments
    Import and Export Options
    610
    Activating Constrain Delay Compensation turns off VST plug-ins which are activated 
    for VST instrument channels, audio track channels that are record enabled, group 
    channels, and output channels. VST plug-ins which are activated for FX channels are 
    disregarded. After recording or using a VST instrument Constrain Delay 
    Compensation should be deactivated again in order to restore full delay compensation.
    Import and Export Options
    Importing MIDI Loops
    You can import MIDI loops (file extension .midiloop) in Cubase. These files contain 
    MIDI part information (MIDI notes, controllers, etc.) and all the settings that are 
    saved in instrument track presets. This way, you can reuse instrument patterns in 
    other projects or applications, for example.
    PROCEDURE
    1. Select Media > MediaBay.
    2. Optional: In the Results section, open the Select Media Types menu, and 
    activate MIDI Loops and Plug-in Presets.
    3. In the results list, select a MIDI loop and drag it to an empty section in the 
    Project window.
    RESULT 
    An instrument track is created and the instrument part is inserted at the position where 
    you dragged the file. The Inspector reflects all settings that are saved in the MIDI loop, for 
    example, the VST instrument that was used, applied insert effects, track parameters, etc.
    NOTE
    You can also drag MIDI loops onto existing instrument or MIDI tracks. However, this 
    only imports the part information. This means this part only contains the MIDI data 
    (notes, controllers) that is saved in the MIDI loop, but no inspector settings or 
    instrument parameters.
    RELATED LINKS
    Presets for Instruments on page 603 
    						
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