Digidesign STRIKE Virtual drummer User manual
Strike Plug-in
™
Version 1.0
Copyright
© 2006 Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. All rights
reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part
without the express written consent of Digidesign.
Digidesign, Avid, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE,
Pro Tools M-Powered, Digidesign Digi 002,
Digidesign Command|8, Digidesign Control|24,
Digidesign D-Command, Digidesign D-Control,
Digidesign ProControl, RTAS, and Strike are either trademarks
or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the US and
other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the
property of their respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and
availability are subject to change without notice.
PN 9329-55783-00 REV A 7/06
Contents
contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Register Your Plug-ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Working with Plug-ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Conventions Used in This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About www.digidesign.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2. Installation
Installing the Strike Plug-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Authorizing Strike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Removing Strike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 3. Operating Strike
Adjusting Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 4. Overview
Structural Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Strike Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Contents
iii
Chapter 5. Strike Parameters
Keyboard Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Main Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Style Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Kit Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mix Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Style Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Configuration Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
MIDI Controller Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Appendix A. Mix Page Signal Flow
Appendix B. Strike Insert Effects
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Strike Plug-in Guide
iv
chapter 1
Introduction
The new Strike™ plug-in is an RTAS plug-in instrument for Pro Tools|HD®, Pro Tools LE™,
and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems brought to
you by Digidesign®. Strike offers unprecedented
realism, control, and playability for computerbased drum track creation.
For more information on using plug-ins in
Pro Tools, see the DigiRack Plug-ins Guide.
Strike Features
◆
Authentic drum arrangements based on real
recordings
Absolute control—literally every aspect of a
◆
drum performance can be adjusted, controlled
in real-time, and automated
◆
5 high definition drum kits, each with up to
12 instruments and up to 9 different playing
styles per instrument
◆
More than 1,500 flexibly editable patterns for
interactive real-time arranging and composing
Multichannel audio output
◆
◆
Built-in mixing console with controls for adjusting microphone levels, EQ, dynamics, and
output assignments as well as a collection of effects inserts that let you adjust the sound of
Strike to fit any style or taste
◆
Style Editor for in-depth drum pattern editing
System Requirements
To use Digidesign RTAS plug-ins you need one
of the following:
◆
A Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools|HD system,
Pro Tools LE system, or Pro Tools M-Powered
system
◆
A Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools system and a
third-party software application that supports
the Digidesign RTAS plug-in standard
For complete system requirements visit the
Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com).
Compatibility Information
Digidesign can only assure compatibility and
provide support for hardware and software it
has tested and approved.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, refer to the Digidesign Web site
(www.digidesign.com).
Chapter 1: Introduction
1
Register Your Plug-ins
If you purchase a plug-in online from the DigiStore (www.digidesign.com) using Internet Activation, you are automatically registered.
If you purchase a plug-in boxed version, check
the enclosed Digidesign Registration Information Card for information about how to register
online.
Registered users will receive periodic software
update and upgrade notices.
Please refer to the Digidesign Web site
(www.digidesign.com) or the Digidesign Registration Information Card for information on
technical support.
Conventions Used in This Guide
All Digidesign guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the
File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control
key and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control
key and click the mouse
button
Right-click Click with the right
mouse button
Working with Plug-ins
Refer to the
tion on working with plug-ins, including:
• Inserting plug-ins on tracks
• Using Clip indicators
• Navigating the Plug-in window
• Adjusting parameters
• Automating plug-ins
• Using the Librarian
DigiRack Plug-ins Guide
for informa-
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most from your Pro Tools system.
Important Notices include information that
could affect your Pro Tools session data or
the performance of your Pro Tools system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in
this guide and other Digidesign guides.
Strike Plug-in Guide
2
About www.digidesign.com
The Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com)
is your best online source for information to
help you get the most out of your Pro Tools system. The following are just a few of the services
and features available.
Registration
the enclosed registration form for details.
Support
or Customer Service; download software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the
Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online Answerbase or join the
worldwide Pro Tools community on the
Digidesign User Conference.
Training and Education
courses available online or find out how you can
learn in a classroom setting at a certified
Pro Tools training center.
Products and Developers
products; download demo software or learn
about our Development Partners and their plugins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events
Digidesign or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
To learn more about these and other resources
available from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign
Web site (www.digidesign.com).
Register your purchase online. See
Contact Digidesign Technical Support
Study on your own using
Learn about Digidesign
Get the latest news from
Chapter 1: Introduction
3
Strike Plug-in Guide
4
chapter 2
Installation
Installing the Strike Plug-in
The Strike plug-in installer can be found on the
first of two plug-in Install Discs.
Installation
To install the Strike plug-in:
Insert the first Install Disc into your computer.
1
Double-click the Strike Installer application.
2
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete
the installation of plug-in and content.
3
When installation is complete, click Finish
(Windows) or Quit (Macintosh).
The Strike Installer installs the Strike plug-in in
the following location:
• Program Files/Common Files/Digidesign/
DAE/Plug-Ins folder (Windows)
– or –
• Library/Application Support/Digidesign/
Plug-Ins folder (Macintosh).
Authorizing Strike
Strike is authorized using the iLok USB Smart
Key (iLok), manufactured by PACE Anti-Piracy,
Inc.
iLok USB Smart Key
The iLok is similar to a dongle, but unlike a dongle, it is designed to securely authorize multiple
software applications from a variety of software
developers.
This key can hold over 100 licenses for all of
your iLok-enabled software. Once an iLok is authorized for a given piece of software, you can
use the iLok to authorize that software on any
computer.
The iLok USB Smart Key is not supplied
with your plug-in or software option. You
can use the one included with certain
Pro Tools systems (such as Pro Tools|HDseries systems), or purchase one separately.
Chapter 2: Installation
5
You have to authorize online with the Activation Code included with your purchase (see
“Authorizing Strike Using an Activation Code”
on page 6).
See the iLok Usage Guide for details, or visit
the iLok Web site (www.iLok.com).
Authorizing Strike Using an Activation Code
To authorize Strike using an Activation Code:
1
If you do not have an existing iLok.com account, visit www.iLok.com and sign up for an
iLok.com account.
2
Transfer your Strike license to your iLok.com
account by doing the following:
•Visit http://secure.digidesign.com/
activation.
• Input your Activation Code (listed on the
Activation Card) and your iLok.com User
ID. Your iLok.com User ID is the name you
create for your iLok.com account.
3
Transfer the licenses from your iLok.com account to your iLok USB Smart Key by doing the
following:
• Insert the iLok into an available USB port
on your computer.
• Go to www.iLok.com and log in.
• Follow the on-screen instructions for transferring your licences to your iLok.
For additional information about iLok technology and licenses, see the electronic PDF
of the iLok Usage Guide.
Removing Strike
If you need to remove the Strike plug-in from
your system, follow the instructions below for
your computer platform.
Windows
To remove the Strike plug-in:
1
From the Start menu, choose Settings > Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs.
2
Select the Strike plug-in from the list of installed applications and click the Change/Remove button.
3
Follow the on-screen instructions to remove
the plug-in and content.
4
When removal is complete, click OK to close
the window.
Mac OS X
To remove the Strike plug-in:
1
Locate and open the Plug-Ins folder on your
Startup drive (Library/Application Support
/Digidesign/Plug-Ins).
2
Drag the Strike plug-in to the Trash, or to the
Plug-Ins (Unused) folder.
3
Drag the folder to which you installed the
Strike content (*.big files) to the trash.
4
Launch Pro Tools.
5
If you have any installed unauthorized plugins or software options, you will be prompted to
authorize them. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the authorization process.
Strike Plug-in Guide
6
chapter 3
Operating Strike
Adjusting Parameters
You can adjust all controls by using the computer mouse to drag a control.
Some controls are adjusted by a selecting a value
from a pop-up menu or by activating a button.
Parameter Ranges and Resolution
Most controls have a range of 0–100%. Some
controls are
ative values and usually have a range of –100%
to +100%.
Using a Mouse
You can adjust controls by clicking and dragging
the control’s slider or knob, or by moving over it
with the cursor and scrolling up or down with
the scroll wheel. Adjust rotary controls by clicking and dragging horizontally or vertically. Parameter values increase as you drag upward or to
the right, and decrease as you drag downward or
to the left.
bipolar
, meaning they support neg-
Activating Buttons
Some controls are enabled or disabled using buttons.
To enable a button:
■
Click the button. Click again to disable it.
Enabling a button
Keyboard Shortcuts
◆
For finer adjustments, hold down Control
(Windows) or Command (Macintosh) while
moving the control.
To return a control to its default value, Alt-
◆
click (Windows) or Option-click (Macintosh)
the control.
Displaying Values
Parameter values can be displayed without editing them.
Dragging a knob
To display the value of a control:
■
Click the control without dragging it.
Chapter 3: Operating Strike
7
Using Pop-up Menus
Some controls have pop-up menus for selecting
values.
To choose a value from a pop-up menu:
1
Click the parameter’s selector.
2
Select a value from the parameter’s pop-up
menu.
Choosing the Jam density settings from a pop-up menu
Scroll Wheel on Knobs, Faders, and Menus
If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it
to adjust Strike parameters.
To change a value with a scroll wheel:
1
Move the cursor over a rotary knob or fader.
2
Scroll the wheel up to increase values. Scroll
the wheel down to decrease values.
Strike Plug-in Guide
8
chapter 4
Overview
Strike is an RTAS plug-in instrument that can be
used to add realistic drum tracks to any
Pro Tools session. Using proprietary technology,
Strike goes beyond the boundaries of conventional MIDI and sampling when it comes to
computer-based playing, arranging, and mixing
of drums.
Strike provides a “professionally-skilled drummer” and a number of drum kits set up in a
professional recording studio. Each instrument
was recorded with up to three close, two overhead, and two room microphones. Strike also
provides a complete mixing console with builtin effects.
Strike puts you in the producer’s chair, providing quick and easy global control, as well as
access to all the nuanced details that influence a
drum track and make it come alive. Use Strike to
play a perfect seamless crescendo, switch the
mix from ballad to crushed punk, or just tweak
the tuning of the snare drum.
Chapter 4: Overview
9
Structural Overview
Control sectionBrowser
Navigator section Keyboard section
Strike Main page
Control Section
The Control section provides five Control pages
for creating, editing, and manipulating the
drum performance. Each page provides controls
that correspond to a certain stage or aspect of
drum track production in a real studio situation.
Strike Plug-in Guide
10
Main Page Provides controls that influence the
overall behavior of the drum performance from
a producer’s point of view. Select a musical
style—for example, Rhythm and Blues, and tell
Strike how to play it in terms of overall timing,
intensity, and complexity. For more information, see “Main Page” on page 18.
Style Page Provides controls for changing the
performance of single instruments from the
drummer’s point of view. For example, whether
the kick’s timing should be tight or loose. For
more information, see “Style Page” on page 23.
Kit Page Provides controls that affect the sound
of the individual Instruments. You can fine-tune
Strike Kits on the Kit page—for example, tune
the Kick down or adjust the decay of the cymbals. For more information, see “Kit Page” on
page 26.
Browser section
Access Configuration page
Main folder
Sub-folder
Mix Page Provides a built-in mixing desk, with
two insert effects and a three-band equalizer for
each Instrument channel. Like in a real drum
recording situation, the channels can be balanced, routed, and processed using equalizer
and effects on the Mix page. For more information, see “Mix Page” on page 29.
Style Editor Provides features for in-depth editing of Styles and the creation of your own Patterns and Parts. You can add or delete events and
change their timing and playing style using the
Style editor. For more information, see “Style
Editor” on page 34.
Navigating Pages
Accessing a page
The Strike Plug-in window has a Navigator section with four buttons for accessing different
Control pages Main, Style, Kit, and Mix for editing.
Preview button
Strike offers a broad range of parameters and
controls on four Control pages representing all
stages of drum track production. From the Strike
Browser with its four main Folders, you can load
and save four different types of data which correspond to these stages.
Strike File Types
Setting Saves all Strike parameters including
Style, Kit, and Mix, and their corresponding
Main page parameters.
Style Saves Patterns, Fills, Parts, and Style section parameters from the Style and Main page.
Kit Saves Instruments and Kit section parameters from the Kit and the Main page.
To view a Strike control page:
■ Click one of the Page tabs to display the
corresponding page.
Mix Saves Mix page parameter settings and Mix
section parameters from the Main page.
Chapter 4: Overview 11
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