open-labs Open Labs SoundSlate Open Labs Sound Slate Users Manual

SoundSlate™

Production station (Gen5)

Operation Manual

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 1

The information in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, Open
Labs reserves the rights to make changes to the specifications at any time without notice or
obligation to update existing units. The software described by this document is subject to a License
Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this manual may be copied,
reproduced, or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written
permission by Open Labs Inc.

Users Manual written by: James Edwin Rhone Jr.

© Open Labs Inc. 2008. All rights reserved

OPEN LABS Inc.

4020 South Industrial Drive

Suite 100

Austin TX, 78744

[e-mail]

www.openlabs.com

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 2

USA

Using the SoundSlate Safely

Before using the SoundSlate, it is extremely important that you thoroughly read the following
instructions. This will provide you with the information needed for safe operation of your
SoundSlate.
Please continue reading the rest of this manual for specific information on the use of this unit.

Warning

To avoid permanent health damage, always adhere to these important safety advies:

• The SoundSlate, in combination with headphones or speakers, is capable of producing sound

levels that can cause permanent hearing loss. Do not submit your ears to long periods of high
volumes. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an
audiologist.

• Do not open the SoundSlate or attempt to disassemble or modify the internal parts without prior

guidance and/or instructions from an Open Labs Technician. If the SoundSlate does not seem to
function properly, contact Open Labs technical support.

Caution

To ensure that the SoundSlate or any device connected to it is not damaged during usage or
maintenance, it is important to adhere to the following instructions.

• Do not expose the SoundSlate to inclement weather conditions such as heavy rain, or use the

unit in damp or wet conditions. It is unwise to place open containers of liquids near the unit,
these could spill onto the unit. Do not allow any objects or liquids to penetrate the unit.

• Never use or store the SoundSlate in conditions that are subject to extreme temperatures. This

mostly includes closed in environments where lots of heat and direct sunlight are present
(example, enclosed vehicle).

• Do not place the SoundSlate in unsuitable locations where the chance of falling could happen.

• Before connecting the SoundSlate to other electronic components, turn off the power for all

components. Before turning the power on or off for all components, set all volume levels to
minimum. Gradually raise the volume control while playing the SoundSlate to set the desired
listening level.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 3

Table of Contents

Preface............................................................................................................8

Chapter 1 – Introduction...............................................................................10

SoundSlate Components.................................................................................................10

Chapter 2 - Getting Started...........................................................................12

Unpacking and Setting up your SoundSlate.......................................................................12

Connecting the Power Cable........................................................................................12

Front Panel Description........................................................................................12

Rear Panel Layout...............................................................................................12

Audio & MIDI Connections...........................................................................................13

Basic Connection Diagrams.........................................................................................13

Turning on SoundSlate...............................................................................................16

Power Button Diagram................................................................................................17

About the BIOS..........................................................................................................17

About the Open Labs GUI............................................................................................18

Chapter 3 – Open Labs GUI ..........................................................................19

The Open Labs GUI In Detail...........................................................................................19

Using USB Devices.........................................................................................................23

Using the DVD/CD-RW Drive...........................................................................................23

Using the Internet..........................................................................................................23

Adding Software to your SoundSlate................................................................................24

New Software Installation Considerations......................................................................24

Chapter 4 – SoundSlate as a VST Player........................................................25

Before you Begin...........................................................................................................25

Setting up the Audio......................................................................................................26

Setting up the MIDI.......................................................................................................27

Setting up Your Plug-ins.................................................................................................31

Setting up General and Keyboard Options.........................................................................35

General....................................................................................................................35

Keyboard..................................................................................................................36

Connecting an External MIDI Keyboard.............................................................................37

Connecting an External Controller to Riff...........................................................................38

4a– Riff Architecture.....................................................................................39

A Performance Environment............................................................................................40

Set List Window ........................................................................................................40

Sound Browser (Default View)..............................................................................40

Sound Browser (Preview)....................................................................................41

Signal Chain..............................................................................................................44

Instrument Editor.......................................................................................................45

Live Controls.............................................................................................................46

4b– Understanding Riff..................................................................................47

Launch Riff...................................................................................................................47

Set List.........................................................................................................................47

Song........................................................................................................................50

Title Bar....................................................................................................................51

Menu Bar...........................................................................................................51

Title Bar Controls.......................................................................................................52

Right-Click.........................................................................................................52

Learn ...............................................................................................................52

Edit Mode/Live Mode ..........................................................................................53

Minimize...................................................................................................................53

Close........................................................................................................................53

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 4

Play Button...............................................................................................................53

BPM .................................................................................................................53

Main - Volume Knob ..................................................................................................53

Lower Section Controls...............................................................................................53

Previous and Next Song......................................................................................53

Pick Color..........................................................................................................54

Rename.............................................................................................................54

Status Bar.................................................................................................................54

Tooltips.............................................................................................................54

Audio VU Meter..................................................................................................54

MIDI Indicator....................................................................................................54

CPU..................................................................................................................54

MEM.................................................................................................................54

Signal Chain..................................................................................................................54

Upper Bar Controls.....................................................................................................59

Track........................................................................................................................60

Track Column Controls........................................................................................60

Signal Chain..............................................................................................................61

Signal Chain Column Controls..............................................................................61

Stream Processor.......................................................................................................62

Effect Column Controls........................................................................................63

Instrument Editor..........................................................................................................64

Instrument Parameters...............................................................................................65

Exporting and Importing User Patches..........................................................................66

Live Controls.................................................................................................................66

General Live Control Properties....................................................................................75

Knob Properties/ Horizontal Slider Properties/ Vertical Slider Properties.............................76

Button Properties.......................................................................................................76

XY Pad Properties.......................................................................................................77

Crossfader................................................................................................................77

Text Properties..........................................................................................................78

4c– Using Riff: Tutorials................................................................................78

Using the Song Grid.......................................................................................................78

Creating a New Set and Adding an Instrument...............................................................78

About the Sound Browser....................................................................................82

Previewing an Instrument....................................................................................83

Saving a Set..............................................................................................................91

Rename a Song.........................................................................................................91

Using the Signal Chain...................................................................................................91

Adding an Additional Instrument to a Song....................................................................91

Monitoring Separate Tracks..................................................................................95

The Signal Chain Track Rack (Send Audio to Seperate Outputs)................................97

Creating Keyboard Splits in a Song (Signal Chain).................................................102

Adding Effects to an Input or Signal Chain...................................................................106

Adding MIDI FX................................................................................................108

Creating and using Audio Inputs.........................................................................109

Edit Mode vs. Live Mode................................................................................................110

MIDI Learning Hardware Controllers...............................................................................111

Learn Relative..........................................................................................................114

Creating and Using Live Controls....................................................................................115

Create a New Live Control.........................................................................................119

Using Oscillators with Knobs/Sliders...........................................................................123

Mapping Live Controls to the Lower Control Section......................................................125

Map a Live Control to an External MIDI CC..................................................................126

Saving Live Controls as a Template.............................................................................127

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 5

Using Multi-timbral Instruments / Sharing Instruments.....................................................132

Sharing Instruments.................................................................................................133

Song Grid and the Multi-timbral Instrument.................................................................134

Creating Keyboard Splits with Multi-timbral Instruments................................................143

Advanced Multi-timbral Instruments / Signal Chain.......................................................149

MIDI Input I/O Options Window.................................................................................152

Using Different Preset Sounds with a Shared Instrument...............................................153

Chapter 5 – SoundSlate as a Hardware DAW - Cubase LE............................157

Chapter 5.1 – Steinberg Cubase LE and the Emu Digital Audio System........164

Setting up Cubase LE .......................................................................................164

Basic Multitrack Recording .................................................................................165

Signal Routing Diagram.............................................................................................176

Export Audio Mixdown to Stereo ................................................................................178

Export Audio....................................................................................................179

Recording and Monitoring with Effects.........................................................................182

Creating a Headphone Submix............................................................................184

To Create a Headphone Submix:.........................................................................185

About PatchMix DSP.................................................................................................186

Chapter 6 – VST Instruments......................................................................186

VST Instruments..........................................................................................................186

Crystal....................................................................................................................186

Dimension LE...........................................................................................................187

mdaDX10 / mdaJX10................................................................................................188

Plugsound Free........................................................................................................188

Purity.....................................................................................................................191

RealGuitar2SE Demo................................................................................................192

Synth1....................................................................................................................193

Wusikstation............................................................................................................194

Chapter 7 - VST Effects................................................................................196

VST Effects - Delay/Modulation/Reverb...........................................................................196

Classic Chorus.........................................................................................................196

Classic Delay...........................................................................................................196

Classic Filter............................................................................................................196

Classic Flanger.........................................................................................................197

Classic Phaser..........................................................................................................197

Classic Reverb.........................................................................................................198

mdaDelay................................................................................................................199

mdaDubDelay..........................................................................................................199

mdaRezFilter...........................................................................................................200

mdaRingMod............................................................................................................201

VST Effects - Dynamics Processing.................................................................................201

4FRONT AUXITER.....................................................................................................201

4FRONT CONTOUR MAX............................................................................................202

4FRONT SAND BRUSH...............................................................................................202

VST Effects - EQ / Signal Processing...............................................................................202

Boss DS-1...............................................................................................................202

Boss SD-1...............................................................................................................203

JCM900...................................................................................................................203

mdaBandisto...........................................................................................................204

mdaCombo..............................................................................................................204

mdaDegrade............................................................................................................205

mdaMultiband..........................................................................................................205

mdaOverdrive..........................................................................................................206

mdaRoundPan..........................................................................................................206

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 6

mdaStereo..............................................................................................................207

OB PS-1..................................................................................................................207

Rednef Twin.............................................................................................................207

Tube Screamer.........................................................................................................208

Univibe...................................................................................................................208

VST Effects - Utilities....................................................................................................208

mdaLeslie................................................................................................................208

mdaShepard............................................................................................................209

mdaTestTone...........................................................................................................209

mdaThruZero...........................................................................................................210

mdaVocoder............................................................................................................210

Appendix A Pro Audio Primer.......................................................................211

Appendix B – Internet.................................................................................221

Connecting an Open Labs system to the Internet.............................................................221

Finding an Internet Service Provider...........................................................................222

Location of the Ethernet (internet) port ..........................................................................222

What is an Ethernet Cable?........................................................................................223

DSL / Cable Modem Connection Diagram.....................................................................224

Open a Web Browser to Test the Internet Connection....................................................224

Troubleshooting a Connection........................................................................................226

Understanding the Network Connections Window.............................................................228

Internet Connection Issues............................................................................................232

What is an IP?.........................................................................................................233

Release and Renew an IP ..................................................................................233

Repair a Connection..........................................................................................233

Wireless Connection.....................................................................................................234

Installing and Configuring the Wireless Connection...........................................................235

Allow Windows to Control the Wireless Connection........................................................236

Connecting to your Network......................................................................................239

Troubleshooting a Wireless Connection............................................................................240

Setup a home or small office network.........................................................................242

Appendix C – Optional Touchscreen ............................................................249

Touchscreen Features...............................................................................................249

Cable Identification...................................................................................................250

APPENDIX D – MimiK Users Guide...............................................................251

What is MimiK?............................................................................................................251

MimiK Suggested Usage................................................................................................251

What is a Preset and a Bank?........................................................................................251

SFZ Format.................................................................................................................251

How to Physically Set Up MimiK.....................................................................................252

Wiring Diagram........................................................................................................252

Setting up MimiK.........................................................................................................253

MimiK Features Guide...................................................................................................255

Options Window.......................................................................................................256

MimiK Tutorial (Quick Start)..........................................................................................259

How to Playback a Sound after using MimiK.................................................................259

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 7

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Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 8

P r e f a c e

P r e f a c e

This Product Manual gives information about the Open Labs SoundSlate instrument.

Manual Organization

The chapters in this User Manual are arranged as follows:

• Introduction: information and overviews of SoundSlate.

• Getting Started: information on preparing your SoundSlate for use.

• First time: instructions on what to expect from the software and hardware environment of your

SoundSlate.

• Using SoundSlate as a VST Player using Open Labs Riff.

• Using SoundSlate as a Hardware DAW for recording.

• MimiK Manual: instructions on how to mimik keyboards and MIDI sound modules. Mimik is only

pre installed on European models of SoundSlate. Mimik can be purchased and downloaded
by calling Open Labs Sales.

Useful Suggestions

This manual has a fair amount of information, however, from time to time you may not find what
you need to know in this manual. Every application that comes with a SoundSlate has a manual.
These are usually in either a .PDF format or HELP file format, and can be located in their
“c:\Program Files\Product Name” folder.

Also, Google or Wikipedia are both great resources for finding more detailed information on the
application you require assistance with.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 9

1

C h a p t e r 1 – I n t r o d u c t i o n

C h a p t e r 1 – I n t r o d u c t i o n

Welcome to the Open Labs SoundSlate manual. Please read this manual thoroughly in order to
familiarize yourself with the unit. Please keep this manual in a safe place for further reference.

SoundSlate redefines music production and performance by incorporating Open Lab's music
operating environment, including the critically acclaimed virtual instrument host RIFFTM, thousands

of sounds and effects, a robust audio i/o, and a powerful computer core running WIndows XP into
a 1U-compact rack case that packs a punch.

User Friendly: Open Labs SoundSlate enables you to change settings and access programs
through an easy-to-use interface that shields you from the complexities of the operating system.

Power to Rock: Open Labs SoundSlate can accommodate the fastest processors available, more
RAM, and more storage than any other music workstation.

Low Latency: SoundSlate gives you near-zero latency even under high processor loads.

Versatility: SoundSlate is so versatile, that they can run virtually any plug-in or application

designed for the Windows XP operating system, including products from Steinberg, Digidesign,
Native Instruments, IK Multimedia and many others!

Surfboard: An ethernet port allows you to directly access the Internet, and to quickly and easily
download upgrades, sounds, and applications.

Extreme care should be taken when installing new hardware and software. Installing the wrong
components could cause great instability to your SoundSlate. Please contact

[e-mail] before hardware changes.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 10

SoundSlate Components

DVD/CDRW Drive

SoundSlate comes standard with a DVD/CD-writer, so that you may use it as a backup device, or
to create audio CDs of your music. The DVD/CDRW drive can also be used to play CDs, DVDs, or
install software.

Hard Drive

The hard drive is the main physical storage device for all your data and applications. Because hard
drives are delicate devices, always treat them with care.

Power Button/Reset Button

The power switch is located on the front left side area of the unit.

Audio Interface

The Open Labs SoundSlate includes a mutichannel audio interface. Please refer to Chapter 2 for
information about the specific audio input/output features of your Open Labs SoundSlate.

USB Ports (8)

Two in the front, with six additional rear USB ports allow connections to USB devices.

External Monitor Port (2)

The monitor ports allows you to connect any monitor with a DVI connector to your SoundSlate.

Ethernet 10/1000

The Ethernet port will accept a single high-speed cable connection. This will allow you to share
files, print, and access the Internet.

Touchscreen Monitor(Optional)

The Open Labs SoundSlate comes with an 8-inch touchscreen monitor. The touchscreen can be
accessed using your fingertips, or a plastic stylus (not included). The touchscreen provides an
alternative method of inputting commands. It can be used by itself as the sole source of command
input, or it can be used in conjunction with the built-in keyboard and track ball, or a standard
keyboard and mouse.

About the Touchscreen Monitor

If you chose to purchase SoundSlate with a touchscreen monitor, the following techniques will help
you get the most out of the touchscreen:

• Rather than using the flat portion of your finger, use your fingernail. By using your nail, you

make contact with a smaller portion of your finger and get greater accuracy.

• To have a “right-click” effect with your finger, tap and hold down on the screen with your

finger. In a moment, the right-click options will pop up for you.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 11

2

C h a p t e r 2 - G e t t i n g S t a r t e d

C h a p t e r 2 - G e t t i n g S t a r t e d

Unpacking and Setting up your SoundSlate

Select a clear area with stable power source, preferably one that is surge-protected, or an
uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to unpack your SoundSlate.

Please note:

• The SoundSlate has cooling vents on top and the back and left side of the chassis. These can not

be blocked.

Connect all the cables (power and audio) prior to powering up the SoundSlate.

Connecting the Power Cable

Before powering up the SoundSlate, connect the system to an uninterrupted power supply.

Front Panel Description

1. Power - On/Reset button

2. DVD Drive

3. USB 2.0 (2)

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 12

Rear Panel Layout

On a SoundSlate’s back panel you will find:

1. AC power connector - Use the provided cable to connect to a power source.

2. Power supply fan opening. Please do not obstruct.

3. DVI-I Port 1 - ( Use this to connect to an external monitor or projector.)

4. DVI-I Port 2 - ( Use this to connect to an external monitor or projector.)

5. USB Ports (2) - Keyboard, Mouse, Hard-Drive, USB Camera

6. USB Ports (2) - Keyboard, Mouse, Hard-Drive, USB Camera

7. eSATA Port (1) - Use this to connect to lightning fast external hard drive

8. Ethernet Port - Connect to the a network or internet.

9. USB Ports (2) - Keyboard, Mouse, Hard-Drive, USB Camera

Audio & MIDI Connections

SoundSlate’s back panel provides:

A) ADAT Optical Digitial Input & Output: The ADAT optical connectors transmit and receive 8

channels of 24-bit audio using the ADAT type 1 & 2 formats. The word clock contained in the
input data stream can be used as a word clock source. Optical connections have certain
advantages such as immunity to electrical interference and ground loops. Make sure to use high
quality glass fiber light pipes for connections longer than 1.5 meters.

B) S/PDIF Digital Audio Input & Output: RCA phono jacks are standard connectors used for S/

PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital InterFace) connections. Each jack carries two channels of digital audio.
The E-MU 1010 receives digital audio data with word lengths of up to 24-bits. Data is always
transmitted at 24-bits.

S/PDIF digital I/O can be used for the reception and/ or transmission of digital data from
external digital devices such as a DAT external analog-to-digital converter or an external signal
processor equipped with digital inputs and outputs.

The S/PDIF out can be configured in either Professional or Consumer mode in the Session
Settings menu. The 1010 PCI card can also send and receive AES/EBU digital audio through the
use of a cable adapter. See AES/EBU to S/PDIF Cable Adapter for details.

The S/PDIF input and outputs are usable at the 44.1kHz, 48kHz 88.2kHz and 96kHz sample
rates, but are disabled for 176.4kHz and 192kHz. The word clock contained in the input data
stream can be used as a word clock source.

C) EDI Connector (Not Used) - Connects to the MicroDock using the supplied EDI cable. This cable

provides a a two-way data link between the E-MU 1010 and the MicroDock as well as supplying

power to the MicroDock.
D) MIDI input and output
E) 2 line level, balanced analog outputs
F) 2 line level, balanced analog inputs

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 13

Basic Connection Diagrams

This page shows examples of connections to the various inputs and outputs.

There are plenty of places to connect devices to your SoundSlate. Contact [e-mail]
if you would like to schedule a tech session to discuss using certain devices.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 14

Here are some cables that work with SoundSlate. The TRS cable is a balanced version of the
quarter inch (1/4') cable.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 15

Turning on SoundSlate

The power switch on a SoundSlate is located on the front left side of the SoundSlate.

There is only one power switch on the SoundSlate. There is no seperate reset button.

Power Button Diagram

• Hard Drive Activity Light - Shows a orange

light when there is disk activity.

• System Power Indicator - Shows a blue

light when the unit is powered on.

Upon powering up, the SoundSlate will boot up in
two phases: The first phase is the BIOS phase, or
the pre-Microsoft Windows phase. This is when
the hardware validates that all systems are
functional within acceptable parameters.

Hardware devices, onboard memory, and other system devices run through a short diagnostic
routine, and then the system will begin to load the operating system—Microsoft Windows XP. It is

normal for the BIOS screen to load upside down on your display. Once Windows XP loads, the
screen will rotate to the correct orientation.

Unless you plan to make immediate hardware changes, there is no need to access any of the BIOS
configuration menus. If you do plan to make some BIOS modifications, you can access the BIOS by
hitting the DELETE key when your SoundSlate first boots.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 16

About the BIOS

System BIOS is a menu where you can configure your hardware settings. The settings pertain to
hardware only, and will sometimes affect your software programs if configured incorrectly. If you
plan to make modifications to the BIOS, it is recommended that you contact Open Labs technical
support.

The second phase loads Microsoft Windows XP. This is an optimized installation of Windows XP,
meaning that it contains all the tweaks that will enhance system performance.

Since this is the “Full Version” rather than the “Embedded” version of the Windows package, your
SoundSlate has all the potential to be your most powerful sound production appliance without any
hindrance to any computer-driven applications.

Most software supported under the Microsoft Windows XP platform can be used on your
SoundSlate. Check with Open Labs support if you are unsure about a particular software.

After the system is fully booted, you should be in the Open Labs Graphical User Interface (GUI).

About the Open Labs GUI

The Open Labs GUI is not a standard part of Microsoft Windows XP. It is a customizable overlay to
the standard Microsoft XP work environment. You can toggle between the two modes by clicking on
the Open Labs icon (located in the lower left-hand corner of the screen), select Quit, and then
select Go To Windows. You can always reinstate the Open Labs GUI by accessing the shortcut
(named “Open Labs Shell”) provided on the desktop.

For more information about the Open Labs GUI, see chapter 3.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 17

3

C h a p t e r 3 – O p e n L a b s G U I

C h a p t e r 3 – O p e n L a b s G U I

The first time you power up your Open Labs SoundSlate, it loads directly into Riff, once you close
Riff, you may realize that the screen looks nothing like Microsoft Windows XP. The look is the Open
Labs Graphical User Interface that will enhance your productivity, especially in combination with a
touchscreen.

The Open Labs GUI In Detail

The GUI, or graphical user interface, is a customizable shell that allows the launching of
applications from a single location. This GUI is optimized for use with a touchscreen and for
musical performance. Traditionally, within the Microsoft Windows environment, you would have to
make shortcuts for applications you use most often, and arrange them on your desktop or system
tray for easy access. Because these items are often masked by open applications and windows,
you may have to reposition your windows every time you wish to initiate a new application.
Starting programs via the ‘Start’ button is also not ideal, because the program groups contain all
installed programs, rather than just those few applications you use the most.

The Open Labs GUI is designed to allow access to the programs and tasks that you will use most
frequently with your SoundSlate. After powering up your SoundSlate, Windows XP will launch,
followed by the Open Labs GUI. You will notice right away how the GUI organizes and simplifies the
tasks associated with making music.

Currently active applications will appear on the taskbar. If there are more applications open than
will fit in the taskbar at once, you can scroll left and right using the arrows in the lower right-hand
corner of the screen.

Clicking on the Open Labs icon in the lower left-hand corner will reveal shortcuts to a variety of
applications and files.

The next page shows the GUI screen, and the first level of buttons displayed when you click the
Open Labs icon.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 18

Starting from the bottom, the icons will be explained.

QUIT
Clicking on this button will give you the following options:

• Go To Windows: This button will close the Open Labs GUI and take you to the standard

Windows XP desktop.

• Shut Down: Use this to turn your SoundSlate off

• Restart: Use this to restart your SoundSlate.

CONTROL PANELS
The Control Panels button provides access to utilities that you might need while working on your
SoundSlate. When you click on the Util button, you will see the following options:

• Audio: The Audio button directs the controls for your sound card. When you click the Audio

button you will see the following options:

▪ Control Panel: Launches the sound card control panel, from here you can adjust latency,

sample rate, and boost input volume.

▪ Mixer: This button launches the sound card mixer panel.

• System Backup: Opens Acronis True Image. (Please consult Tech Support before using).

• File Browser: Opens Windows explorer.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 19

HELP
The Help button gives you access to various forms of information regarding your SoundSlate.
When you click the Help button you will see the following options:

• Remote Support: Use this to connect to an Open Labs tech for support. (Requires and

appointment and active internet connection). Call 877-978-0888 and select option 2 to

schedule a remote session.

• Tutorial Videos: You will find video tutorials that will help you make recordings and play

sounds.

• Manuals: Will take you to a folder containing user guides and manuals.

• Open Labs Forum (Requires an Internet connection): To gain access to the Open Labs on

line community, and technical support forums use this link: (http://forum.openlabs.com). Forum

access requires registration.

ONSCREEN KEYBOARD

The Onscreen Keyboard button will display a graphical representation of a standard computer
keyboard for touchscreen entry of alphanumeric input.

APPS
The Apps button is a way to access various programs installed on your SoundSlate. When you click
the Apps button you will see the following options:

• Burn CD-DVD: Launches a CD/DVD burning program.

• Play Media: This button launches Windows Media Player, for the playback of media files.

RECORD/SEQUENCE
This button will launch one the MIDI/audio sequencers bundled with your SoundSlate. The options
are:

• Cubase LE - Cubase LE is a digital audio workstation: a complete multitrack audio and MIDI

recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering environment.

PLAY SOUNDS
You can use this button to launch Riff.

• Information on using Riff can be found in Chapter 4.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 20

Using USB Devices

The SoundSlate comes with eight USB 2.0 ports. Two front USB connections, and six rear USB
connections. If you require more USB ports, you can purchase a USB 2.0 hub.

Using the DVD/CD-RW Drive

The DVD/CD-RW drive can be opened by pressing the release button located below the ejection
tray. Because Microsoft Windows supports bootable CDs, it is important that you do not leave any
CDs that are bootable in the DVD/CD-RW drive so that you will not boot the CD accidentally.
Adding CDs into the CD-RW Drive while the SoundSlate is running will sometimes initiate pop-up
menus. This depends on how the CD was written. For example, typical software installation CDs
have pop-up menus to assist in installation of its software when the CD is first inserted into the
DVD/CD-RW drive. Alternatively, inserting an audio CD into the DVD/CD-RW drive will initiate CD­Player to play.

The CD drive can be used to burn files onto blank recordable CDs. Recordable CDs are sold at most
computer stores and provide an inexpensive method of backing up your critical files.
You may use any number of programs to burn CDs with your DVD/CD-RW drive. Microsoft
Windows XP will author CDs as well. To use the Microsoft tool, navigate to the “Start” button, and
then double-click on My Computer.

Double-clicking on My Computer will open a window showing all your storage devices. Insert a
black recordable CD (CD-R) into your DVD/CD-RW drive and your DVD/CD-RW drive icon should
change to indicate the presence of a CD-R disc.

Double-clicking on this icon will open an empty window that is empty except for a legend to the
left.

Using the drag-and-drop method, you can place multiple files into the empty area within the right
pane of this window. Files should start to populate this empty area. Keep in mind that the
maximum amount of data you can store on a single CD-R is approximately 700 MB, or 80 minutes
of audio wav files.
When you are done, select: “Write these files to CD”.

Another pop-up will appear and will provide a walk-through with step-by-step instructions to
complete your CD. These step-by-step pop-ups are called wizards. Microsoft loves to use wizards,
and you will encounter many wizards while using Windows XP.
Simply follow the Wizard to the end and your CD will be finished.

Using the Internet

The network adapter allows you to connect a high-speed network to your SoundSlate. Depending
on your setup, the network could be local area only (just connects to other computers around you)
or to the Internet. Sound Slates will support a 10 Mbits or 1000 Mbits network.
Anytime you connect to the Internet, it is vital that you use the same precautions as you would
use with a normal computer. It is recommended that you keep Internet activities to a minimum to
reduce risks of computer viruses, hackers, pop-ups, and other vulnerabilities inherent on the
Internet.

Internet use for the SoundSlate should be restricted to the following:

• Connection to Microsoft to run updates of service packs. (Please check with Open Labs

support for compatibility of Microsoft updates).

• Technical support with Open Labs.

• Updating virus definitions for your anti-virus protection.

• Collaboration with other musicians in sharing of music.

• Network printing and local file sharing.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 21

Adding Software to your SoundSlate

Adding new software to your SoundSlate is not unlike adding software to your home computer. The
process still requires that you have the software, either on a CD ROM or resident on your hard
drive from an Internet download. System requirements of your SoundSlate should meet that of
your software, or installation will fail. For example, you cannot install Macintosh software in a
SoundSlate, or install Windows 98 compliant software. Your SoundSlate runs Microsoft Windows
XP, and will only accept software that works on this platform.

As a guideline, most current software sold at your music supplier will work on a SoundSlate. It is
only with older software applications that you should practice caution during installation. If you are
uncertain whether software applications will work in the Microsoft Windows XP environment, please
contact your software manufacturer.

Instructions for installing software are provided in the software package you wish to install. Please
read the software’s user guide for step-by-step instructions, or visit its website for support.
Be aware that there may be compatibility issues with some third party software. Your SoundSlate
is extremely stable with the software installed as shipped. Open Labs does not recommend
installing untested freeware, shareware or firmware to your SoundSlate. For questions about
particular software products, please contact Open Labs support, or the software manufacturer.

New Software Installation Considerations

If you plan to add your own software, be sure you meet all the following criteria:

• The software you wish to install is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP.

• The software does not conflict with software that is already on your system. An example of

this is having two brands of anti-virus software running at the same time.

• The software you are installing has support.

• Your SoundSlate meets or exceeds the recommended system requirements of the software

you wish to install.

• Also ensure that you have the necessary disk space needed to install the program.

• System Recovery

• Should you install an incompatible program that compromises the stability of your

SoundSlate, a hidden recovery partition has been set up for a complete system recovery.

Call or email an Open Labs technician before attempting a system recovery. An Open Labs

technician can be reached by calling [phone], or by emailing

[e-mail].

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 22

4

C h a p t e r 4 – S o u n d S l a t e a s a

C h a p t e r 4 – S o u n d S l a t e a s a

V S T P l a y e r

V S T P l a y e r

Riff is a multi-effect and multi-instrument rack for musicians and sound designers. It is also a VST
host that runs as a standalone application.

Riff allows a user to stream the ASIO or VST input signal through chains of individual VST effects
so you can use your SoundSlate as a real-time multi-effect processor.

It enables a user to play several VST instruments at the same time. You can layer several
instruments to create complex sounds. Or, users may play instruments on different MIDI channels:
It turns a computer into a multi-timbral sound generator.

To achieve very low latencies, the standalone version supports ASIO 2.0-compatible sound cards.
It will enable users to use VST effects and instruments almost like real hardware devices.

The parameters of Riff and also parameters of the loaded VST plug-ins can be controlled through
MIDI control change messages or VST automation.

Before you Begin

You should have a good working knowledge of an Open Labs workstation and a computer's
operating system. For example, you will need know how to use the touch screen, touchpad,
standard menus and commands. You should also know how to cut, copy, paste, open, save, and
close files.

If this is your first time using any type of recording system, you may want to research the basics
of Pro Audio, producing music, and MIDI recording. A good place to start is KVR Audio.
(http://www.kvraudio.com/wiki/).

Also, be sure to register on the Open Labs user forum. (http://forum.openlabs.com). You can also
refer to the Pro Audio Primer located in Appendix.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 23

This next section will explain to you how to setup Riff after manually installing it. If Riff came stock
on your Open Labs production station, you can skip this section as it will already be configured.
However, if you have custom plug-in folders, you will want to read the “Setting up your Plug-ins”
section on this page.

Setting up the Audio

To establish a connection between Riff and your audio output hardware, you will need to select the
correct software driver.

1. Select the Audio Options from the Menu>Options>Audio Options tab.

2. In the Audio Device section of this window select your ASIO sound driver (if not already

selected). This is the setting that allows Riff to communicate with your audio driver.

3. Hit “Apply”, then “OK” to commit the changes and exit.

• Audio Device: Use this to select the primary ASIO sound driver.

• Audio Input: Use this to select your sound card's audio input. This application supports multiple

audio input sources.

• Audio Output: Use this to select your sound card's audio output. This application supports

multiple audio output sources.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 24

Setting up the MIDI

To establish a connection between Riff and your MIDI driver, you will need to select the correct
MIDI port. Riff allows you to select multiple MIDI-in and MIDI-out ports. All Open Labs systems
use the "Open Labs Direct" driver.

1. Select the MIDI Options from the Menu>Options>MIDI Options tab.

2. There are four MIDI input boxes. Use the “MIDI Input 1” box to select your MIDI hardware

driver.

3. If your system has more MIDI ports available, use MIDI input boxes two, three and four to select

those MIDI-in drivers. If you have an 88-key controller for instance, you can select the MIDI

driver that device is connected to.

4. If you intend to send MIDI to an external device, use “MIDI output” 1 to select that external

MIDI hardware driver.

5. Hit “Apply”, then “OK” to commit the changes and exit.

• MIDI Input: Use “MIDI input 1” to select your primary MIDI driver. The application also allows

you to select three additional MIDI drivers.

• MIDI Output: Use this to select an available MIDI driver to send MIDI to an external source.

• Invert Expression: If you have an expression pedal connected, using this option will allow

you to invert the phase of that pedal.

• Invert Sustain: If you have a sustain pedal connected, using this option will allow you to

invert the phase of that pedal.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 25

Setting up Your Plug-ins

By default, all Open Labs production station's plug-ins are located in “C:\Program Files\Open Labs
System (do not delete) Plugins”. With Riff, you can add three more additional locations for plugs.

When you install your own plug-ins, please install them to "c:\plugins\". Then tell Riff where this
folder is. To add a new plug-in folder:

1. Select the Plug-in options from Menu>Options>Plugins tab.

2. Click on the open space or directory to browse.

3. Browse to the folder where your plug-ins are located, and select it. The default user plug-in

folder is “c:\plugins”.

4. Now press the “Rescan All” button. Hit “OK”.

• VST Plugin directory: Use this window to select your main VST plug-in directory. Use the “Clear”

button to reset this window. Also, we have provided you three more locations to use as VST

directories.

• VST Plugin Scan: After adding a VST plug-in directory or directories, use either “Scan for New”

or “Rescan All” to have Riff scan the folders you have added. All new plug-ins will be available

after scanning. There is no need to relaunch the program.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 26

Setting up General and Keyboard Options

The Options window contains a variety of important user-definable preferences used to configure
Riff for your audio/MIDI hardware, plug-in locations, and to customize the way you work.

General

Select Options from the Menu>Options>General Options>General tab.

• Library Directory: Use the “Dir” button to browse over and select a directory to be used as the

default save folder for Riff.

• Start Up Set: Click in this window to choose a project to be the default project that starts up

with Riff.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 27

Keyboard

To configure the Keyboard Range, select Keyboard from the Menu>Options>Keyboard
Options>Keyboard tab.

• Keyboard Low Range: Allows you to select the low range of your keyboard. The range is C0-C10

• Keyboard High Range: Allows you to select the high range of your keyboard. The range is C0-

C10

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 28

Connecting an External MIDI Keyboard

Since SoundSlate has no MIDI keyboard (piano keys), you will need to connect an external MIDI
controller to play VSTi's. It is pretty easy to do, and this section will give you some examples of
how to connect a USB MIDI controller and a standard MIDI controller.

While some USB MIDI controllers are plug n play, most USB MIDI controllers will require you to
install drivers prior to connecting the device. On the otherhand, standard MIDI devices will not
need any drivers installed, because SoundSlate's onboard MIDI ports are already installed.

Please make sure your devices drivers are installed before connected your controller otherwise it
will probably not work.

Connecting an External Controller to Riff

Standard MIDI Device Connection

SoundSlate ships ready to receive MIDI signals from standard MIDI devices. Plug in the device,
and start playing sounds. The default MIDI port is the "E-DSP MIDI Port [D000]".

USB MIDI Devices

To connect a USB controller to Riff, make sure your controllers drivers are installed and the device
physically connected. Once they are, open Riff and go to Menu>Options>MIDI.

Riff gives you eight MIDI input slots. Number one should always be reserved for the Open Labs
Direct MIDI driver.

For this example, the M-Audio Axiom 61 is
the controller. Go to "MIDI Input Slot 2" and
select your USB controllers MIDI port.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 29

Once the MIDI ports are assigned, the MIDI options will resemble the picture below.

Now press [Apply] the press the [Ok] button. This new ports are now allowing you to use your
external MIDI controller with Riff.

That's all you have to do, pressing a key on the controller will trigger an instrument in Riff.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 30

4 a – R i f f A r c h i t e c t u r e

4 a – R i f f A r c h i t e c t u r e

This section contains important information about the layout and organization of the various
elements of Riff. This chapter contains no hands-on tutorials. However, the information here is vital
to your understanding of this awesome application. The tutorials start in Chapter 4.

A Performance Environment

Riff is an environment to organize collections of VST sound modules, effects, and performance
sets. You can think of Riff as a virtual live performance rack that allows you to create songs, set
lists, signal chains, effect chains, and virtual live controls. By reading this section, you will gain
knowledge of the Riff hierarchy starting with the Set List.

Set List Window

The Set List window is where you start, allowing you to add instruments. Once you right-click and
press “Add” you will see the following windows. Each square of a Set List is called a Song.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 31

Sound Browser (Default View)

Clicking the [Plugins] tab will show the plug-ins as well as a brief description of said plug-in.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 32

Sound Browser (Preview)

Pressing the [Preview] tab at the bottom of the screen will allow you to preview a selected
instruments presets. Once you find you like, press [Add].

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 33

Before you can play a sound with Riff, you need to add a sound to the Set List. The Set List is grid­based and allows you to switch between Songs and sounds. You can easily see the status bar along
the bottom.

There are VU meters along that bottom showing the following:

• Audio levels for input and output signal

• Meters that display the overall CPU and Memory usage of the ENTIRE system.

• MIDI activity light.

Since this window is scroll-free, you can literally play an entire show with this screen. Refer to
Chapter 4 for more information on using the Set List.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 34

Signal Chain

The Signal Chain is a collection of plug-ins that start with an audio input stream and end with an
audio output stream.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 35

Instrument Editor

The Instrument Editor allows you access to a selected instrument/plug-in's graphical user interface
(GUI). You can also reach the Instrument Editor screen by double-clicking the instrument in the
Instrument Rack or in the Signal Chain.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 36

Live Controls

This is one of the most powerful features of Riff. On the Live Controls screen, you can build a
custom set of MIDI controllers that can be linked to any instrument, effect, or signal chain control
contained within a Song. Live controls for a Song are saved within that Song and can be easily
recalled, imported or exported.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 37

4 b – U n d e r s t a n d i n g R i f f

4 b – U n d e r s t a n d i n g R i f f

This section will begin to familiarize you with navigating around Riff. Initially, don't worry about
being unsure with the controls - all will be explained.

Launch Riff

When you first launch Riff, the screen shown below appears. This Setlist is loaded with a default
set. Other defaults will have different looks.

Set List

This screen is called the “Set List”. The Song Grid, Title Bar, Title Bar Controls, Status Bar,
and Lower Section Controls make up this screen. This window allows you to add and switch
between virtual instruments. Each square of the grid is called a “Song”.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 38

Song

Use each square of the grid to create a song. A song can either be one square, or it can be a group of
squares to create all the parts for the song you are playing. As shown in the example below, using the
song grid you can arrange songs into a structure, rename and color code them for easy organization.

Each song is not just limited to one instrument. Once you go into the signal chain of each song
square, you have tons of options, like creating keyboard splits and adding VST effects. Refer to the

section regarding the Signal Chain for more information.

Title Bar

The Title Bar is the area of Riff that contains the program's control menu items. Items include:
Menu, Set List, Signal Chain, Instrument Editor, and Live Controls.

Menu Bar

• File

▪ New Set

• Creates a new Set from scratch.

• Launches a confirmation dialog, because creating a new Set will eliminate current

one.

• If you want to make a new Set, the current Set will be replaced with the new Set.

▪ Open Set

• Opens the Set List Browser.

▪ Open Recent Set

• Lists recently accessed Sets. Selecting from here will launch the selected set.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 39

▪ Open Set in Safemode...

• Safemode is a simple way of diagnosing a

problematic Set. You can choose whether
or not to allow an instrument or effect to
load.

▪ Save Set

• If no changes have been made to a Set,

this is grayed out.

▪ Save Set As...

• Choose this to save your Set with a custom name.

▪ Import (Only visible when you have the Instrument/Effect Editor tab selected)–

Allows the importing of the following items to a currently opened project.

• Import FXP (Program)

• Import FXB (Bank)

▪ Export (Only visible when you have the Instrument/Effect Editor tab selected)–

Allows the exporting of the following items.

• Export FXP (Program)

• Export FXB (Bank)

▪ Exit - Exits Riff

• Edit

▪ Cut, Copy, & Paste items to and from the clipboard

• Options

▪ General, Audio, MIDI, Plugin, Keyboard and Skin Editor options.

• Help

▪ Open Help

▪ About

• Opens the Riff Help File.

• Displays the information regarding the build version of Riff.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 40

Title Bar Controls

Right-Click
When selected, your next left-click
peforms the action of a right-click.

Learn
Switches the host into MIDI Learn Mode.
Here, you can latch live controls to VSTi's. There are two types of Learn available in the host. See
Chapter 4 for more information.

• Learn – Ties knob to a specific controller.

• Learn Relative – Enables you to map a controller to a common parameter, like the volume knob

of multiple songs or signal chains.

Edit Mode/Live Mode In Edit Mode you can move around Songs, arrange them, set the properties of the Banks and create tabs. Essentially, this is a way for you to lock down the interface.

When in Edit Mode here are a few things you can do:

• Create a new Song

• Import/Export sets

• Build a Signal Chain

• Create and Map Live Controls

When in Live Mode the following restrictions apply:

• No editing of live controls parameters except setting low and high

• No right-click menus anywhere

• No adding or removing Banks

• No adding or removing Instruments / Signal Chains

Minimize

Minimizes Riff

Close

Exits Riff

Play Button

This button toggles between play and stop. This is for
instruments that have built in sequencers (Guru, Stylus RMX, or
Reaktor for instance) and effects that are tempo synced.

BPM

This is the control for the global tempo. (BPM = Beats Per
Minute) Pressing The box under “BPM” brings up the BPM input
window.

Main - Volume Knob

Overall Master output volume knob of the host

• Can be dragged up or down to change value

• Ctrl + Left-click restores default (This applies to all knobs in Riff)

• Right-clicking here only brings up “Learn” mode

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 41

Lower Section Controls

Previous and Next Song
When you have more than one song on your setlist, the Previous and Next song buttons will
appear. These allow you to go to the next song of your set. They can be MIDI learned to a surface
control.

Vol(Volume)
This volume knob controls the volume for the individually selected song. It is independent from the
Main Volume control.

• Right-clicking on the volume knob brings up Learn Mode.

• Learn – Ties the Vol knob to a specific controller

• Learn Relative – Ties the Vol knob to a controller but stays latched to the control volume on the

selected preset. Whatever preset is in focus will have its volume controlled

Pick Color
Brings up the Color Picker dialog box. Here, the user can select the color choice for the preset.

Rename
This button allows you to rename the preset.

Status Bar

Tooltips
Tooltips will display info on what is being selected.

Audio VU Meter
The Audio VU meter shows the signal for the master output bus. By default, this will show outputs
one and two. This can be changed to show whatever outputs you are using.

MIDI Indicator
The MIDI Indicator shows whether Riff is receiving MIDI from any MIDI controllers. It also displays
the note/MIDI value.

CPU
CPU monitors the current processor usage of the entire system. Not just the program.

• Displays the usage in percentages.

MEM
MEM displays the physical memory usage of the entire computer system.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 42

Signal Chain

This is the main window where instrument racks and effect chains are created and managed.
These are the components that comprise the Presets from the Song/Set grid pages. Each of the
Song buttons on the Song/Set Grid page has a Signal Chain. Moving from left to right, each Track
is composed of up to 8 instruments. Each Instrument can have up to seven effects added to it.

Preset > Tracks> 8 Instruments > 1 Signal Chain > 1 Plug-in + 7 Effects

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 43

Upper Bar Controls

The Upper Controls are located above the Stream Processor and below the Title Bar.

• Play Button – This button toggles between play and stop. This is for instruments that have built

in sequencers (Stylus RMX, or Reaktor for instance) and effects that are tempo synced.

• BPM – This is the control for the global tempo. (BPM = Beats Per Minute) Pressing The box under

“BPM” brings up the BPM input window.

• Main – Master output volume knob of Riff.

Track

• Add Track– This allows for a Track to be created with a signal chain containing a VSTi, or an

empty signal chain with no VST. In order to use the VSTi's and play them, a Track must be

selected with the desired plug-in.

Track Column Controls

The lower section of the screen shows the controls for the Track Column. Those controls are:

▪ Vol – Volume control for the Track. All instruments and their signal will be affected.
▪ Mute MIDI - Mutes any MIDI being sent on the selected Track.
▪ Solo MIDI - Solos MIDI being sent on the selected Track.
▪ Mute Audio - Mutes the selected Track.
▪ Solo Audio - Solos the slected Track.
▪ Monitor – Allows you to monitor multiple tracks simultaneously.
▪ Input / Output* - Brings up the MIDI I/O window.
▪ Rename – Renames the currently selected Track
▪ Delete - Deletes the currently selected Track

* The [Input/Output] button will allow you to change the MIDI input devices and MIDI output
devices for the selected Track. More information in Chapter 4a.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 44

Double-clicking a Track shows the Rack Column. The lower section of the screen shows the controls
for the Rack Column. Those controls are:

▪ Vol – Volume control for the Rack. All instruments and their signal will be affected.
▪ Mute – Mutes the Rack. All instruments and their signal chains will be affected.
▪ Solo - Solos the Rack and mutes all other Racks.
▪ Audio Output - Allows you to route a rack to a particular separate output.
▪ Rename – Renames the currently selected Rack.
▪ Delete - Deletes the currently selected Rack.

Signal Chain

• Add Signal Chain – Accesses the Sound Browser, where you can select a plug-in and add it to the

Instrument rack. Up to eight instruments can be added per Track.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 45

Signal Chain Column Controls

The lower section of the screen shows the controls for the Signal Chain Column. Those controls
are:

▪ Vol – Volume control for the Signal Chain. All instruments and their signal will be

affected.

▪ Pan – Pan control for the Signal Chain. All instruments and their signal chains will be

affected.

▪ Mute – Mutes the selected Signal Chain. All instruments and their signal chains will be

affected.

▪ Solo - Solos the Signal Chains and mutes all other Signal Chains
▪ Transpose Up - Transposes notes sent by one octave up.
▪ Transpose Down - Transposes notes sent by one octave down.
▪ Transpose Reset - Resets any transposed notes back to zero.
▪ Toggle Split – Allows you to open or close any keyboard splits you have created. This

resets the split back to default.

▪ Set High Range - Selecting this button brings up the Learn High Range dialog box

prompting the user to select the MIDI note that will be the highest note sent to the
instrument. The user hits the key on the Ivory keyboard and the high ceiling is set. The
change will immediately be seen on the keyboard layout on the Instrument rack.

▪ Set Low Range - Selecting this button brings up the Learn Low Range dialog box

prompting the user to select the MIDI note that will be the lowest note sent to the
instrument. The user hits the key on the Ivory keyboard and the low is set. The change
will immediately be seen on the keyboard layout on the Instrument rack.

▪ Signal Chain Router (External Routing) – Quickly allows you to change MIDI channels and

to inter-route between other Signal Chains. It also creates multiple key splits from one
multi-timbral instrument.

▪ MIDI channel selector (Channel Out) – Use this to create a MIDI channel output for the

selected signal chain. This is used when working with multi-timbral synths and external
MIDI devices.

▪ Rename – Renames the currently selected Signal Chain.
▪ Delete – Deletes the currently selected Signal Chain.

Stream Processor

• Add Effect – Brings up the plug-in browser, where you can select an effect to add to the signal

chain. Audio is processed from top to bottom, and effects can be switched around in order to

change their routing. Typically, the first slot is used for an instrument, while the plug-ins that are

below it affect its sound. The user can also load MIDI effect. These are plug-ins that output MIDI

rather than audio. These are placed above the sound generating plug-in so that it can pass MIDI.

Riff will not allow illogical configurations, (e.g. Sound generating plug-in, followed by a MIDI VST,

followed by an effect followed by another sound generator).

Once you add an effect, you will get a new tab on the Title Bar called “Effect Editor”.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 46

Selecting the “Instrument/Effects Editor” will bring up the GUI of that effect:

If an instrument or effect is selected, you can access the list of the parameters for the plug-in by
clicking the “Show Params” tab on the Instrument Editor lower control screen. The last touched
control on the plug-in will be highlighted on the Params page. This is helpful for locating hard-to­distinguish parameters.

This is a list of the raw parameters of an effect. This will also display parameters that might not be
accessible from the plug-in GUI.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 47

Effect Column Controls

The lower section of the screen shows the controls for the Effect Column. Those controls are:

• Pre – Pre control: Controls the input into the selected Audio FX.

• Vol – Controls the output of the selected Audio FX.

• FX Mix – Controls the wet/dry mix.

• Bypass - Bypasses the output of the effect.

• Presets - A drop-down box that allows you to quickly browse through preset sounds. Displays

the list of the Presets contained within a VST. Touching the Preset name will expand the list into

a scrollable list where a new preset can be selected

• Previous Preset – Selects the previous preset in the list.

• Next Preset – Selects the next preset in the list.

• Show Params – Shows all the VST parameters without the GUI making it easier to find and

change certain parameters. You can switch between a GUI and non-GUI.

• Make Default – Locks user created parameters as the default setting. This only applies to the

selected Song. Loading another instance of the VSTi will not load with this as the default setting.

The only exception to this of course is "Shared Instruments".

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 48

Instrument Editor

If an instrument or plug-in is selected, you can access the GUI by clicking the Instrument Editor
tab on the Title Bar. Also, you can reach the Instrument Editor screen by double-clicking the
instrument in the Instrument Rack or in the Signal Chain.

Instrument GUIs larger than 1021x727 will display horizontal and vertical scroll bars.

• Vol – The volume here basically controls the amount of output that is sent to the next effect in

the Signal Chain. The volume is independent from the Track volume and the signal chain volume.

• Transpose Up/Transpose Down – Transposes notes sent by one octave up or one octave down.

• Presets – Displays the list of the Presets contained within the synth. Touching the Preset name

will expand the list into a scrollable list where a new preset can be selected.

• Prev Preset/Next Preset – Navigates through the Preset list. Can be Learned or Relative Learned.

• Show Params – This button brings up the parameters view of the current plug-in. Clicking it

again switches back to the plug-in's GUI. Refer to the next page for an example.

• Make Default - Locks user created parameters as the default setting for the selected song.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 49

Instrument Parameters

If an instrument or plug-in is selected, you can access the list of the parameters for the plug-in by
clicking the Show Params tab on the Instrument Editor lower control screen. The last touched
control on the plug-in will be highlighted on the Params page. This is helpful for locating hard-to­distinguish parameters.

This is a list of the raw parameters of an Instrument. This will also display parameters that might
not be accessible from the plug-in GUI. The Lower control section is the same as the Instrument
Editor tab.

• Show Editor – Pressing this button will take you back to the Instrument Editor screen.

Exporting and Importing User Patches

If you tweak out a patch in an instrument, you can export that setting by going to

Menu>File>Export>Export FXP (Program). This also applies to Banks. Except you would pick
Export FXP(Bank) instead. The import/export FXB/FXP function is only available when the

instrument/effect editor tab is selected.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 50

Live Controls

This is one of the most powerful features of Riff. On this screen you can build a custom set of MIDI
controllers that can be linked to any Instrument, Effect, or Signal Chain Control contained within a
Preset from the Song Grid. Live controls for a preset are saved within that preset and can be easily
recalled.

The Edit Mode toggle button toggles the Live Control screen between Edit mode and Live mode. In
Edit mode a user can add, remove, resize and edit the properties of the Live Control. Each Live
Control can be mapped to a plug-in parameter, just like a real hardware control. In Live Mode a
user cannot add, remove, resize and edit the properties of the Live Control.

A left-click, right-click or a touch via the touchscreen on an empty space will bring up the “Add”
menu. You can add a Knob, Button, Note Button, Horizontal Slider, Vertical Slider, XY Pad,
Crossfader, and a Text Editor.

Open Labs SoundSlate Manual 51

General Live Control Properties

• Snap – Snap live controls to a grid

• Lock – This will lock down all the live

controls making them operable. This is

similar to live-mode but still allows you to

edit the live controls, with the exception

of resizing them.

• Pick Color – Brings up the Color Picker

dialog box. Here, the user can select the color choice for the text.

• Delete – Deletes the currently selected Virtual Live Control.

• Rename – Renames the currently selected Live Control.

Knob Properties/ Horizontal Slider Properties/ Vertical Slider Properties

• Invert – This option allows you to invert the Virtual Live Control. This comes in handy when

working with VST's that have reversed buttons to bypass.

• Low – Sets the low boundary of a knob or slider.

• High – Sets the high boundary of a knob or slider.

• Oscillator Type - The knob can be made to self oscillate. Below is a listing of the Oscillator types.

▪ Sine - A sine wave is often thought of as

the most simple or pure wave because it
possess only one harmonic and is a
smooth wave.

▪ Triangle – A triangle waveform that rises

quickly to a particular amplitude, then
quickly drops.

▪ Saw - The sawtooth wave (or saw wave) is

named a sawtooth based on its
resemblance to the teeth on the blade of a
saw. Sawtooth waves ramps upward as
time goes by and then sharply drops.
However, there are also sawtooth waves
in which the wave ramps downward and
then sharply rises.

▪ Inverted Saw – Inverts the Sawtooth wave

type. Inverted Saw waves ramps

downward and then sharply rises.

▪ Square - The square wave alternates

quickly between two levels.

▪ Random - This randomly selects oscillator

parameter values.

• Time – Choose the rate of oscillation by adjusting this knob.

• Offset - Offsets the starting point of the oscillation dependent on the clock of the host. This is

used to make knobs/sliders hit their high/low ranges on different beats.

• Use BPM - This button allows you to sync the knob/slider with Riff's BPM.

• Use Sequence - You can latch the oscillators to start with the play button of the host and any

other sequencer that has been synced to the host. When you hit play the oscillators start

oscillating along with a sequencer (if you have put it to sync with the host). This only applies to

the selected live control.

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Button Properties

• Button Type - The options are Toggle (On/Off) and Momentary(Trigger)

▪ Toggle – When set to toggle, a button remains on until you press it again. Hence On/Off.
▪ Momentary – When set to Momentary, a button triggers when pushed and releases the

trigger when released.

• Invert – This option allows you to invert the button function.

XY Pad Properties

• Low X/ High X – Sets the low and high ranges for the X axis on the XY pad.

• High Y/ High Y – Sets the low and high ranges for the Y axis on the XY pad.

Crossfader

• Low A/High A - Sets the low and high range for side A of the Crossfader.

• Low B/ High B - Sets the low and high range for side B of the Crossfader.

Text Properties

Creates a box the user can use for typing notes, text or labeling in. For instance, the name of the
song or special tricks for that individual song.

• Edit Text – This allows you to input the actual text to be displayed when in live mode.

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4 c – U s i n g R i f f : T u t o r i a l s

4 c – U s i n g R i f f : T u t o r i a l s

Using the Song Grid

Creating a New Set and Adding an Instrument

To create a new Song; First, right-click in a grid square and select “Add”.

After right-clicking, you can choose from “Add...”, "Add Song..", "Add Audio Track", or you can
choose from an instrument category. The instrument categories are: KEYS, SYNTHS,
DRUMS&SEQUENCERS, BASS, SAMPLERS, MULTI-INSTRUMENT, and GUITAR. Refer to Appendix B

for a list of instruments.

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If you click “Add” you will see the Sound Browser. Pick an instrument from the list and press the [Add]
button. This will insert this instrument into the Song grid for you to play.

The Sound Library is categorized by All, Plugins, Templates, Songs, Tracks, Racks, Signal Chain
Banks, Signal Chains, and Generators.

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About the Sound Browser

The following will give you a run down of the Sound Browser.

1. Currently Loaded Plugins – Use this to load a sound that is already loaded in another Song.

This is how you can "share" instruments between songs.

2. Quarantined – If an instrument does not work properly with Riff, you can right-click it and

have it sent to the quarantine list.

3. Add Category – Adds a new custom category to the category column. Instruments can be

drag -n- dropped into a category. A Category can also be renamed to describe the type of

instruments it contains. Once a certain number of catergories have been added the menu

box will be full and not allow another categorie.

4. Preview – Allows you to preview certain instruments before adding to a song. Refer to the

next section on how to use this feature.

5. Options – This launches Riff's options page as detailed in Chapter 2 “Plug-in Options”.

6. Search – Type in the name of an instrument on the keyboard to locate it. Use the [Clear]

button.

7. Categories – Instruments are arranged by their category. Use this as a way to filter through

various templates/songs/sounds.

8. Add/Cancel – When you select an instrument in the list, press the [Add] button to add it to

the song. Selecting [Cancel] while in the browser, will exit the browser.

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Previewing an Instrument

While in the sound browser, some VST's allow you to use the preview feature to audition any available
presets. Songs and effects can also be previewed with this feature.

Let's try this using the instrument called "Wusikstation".

Click on an open Song from the Setlist and press the [Add] option. This takes you to the Sound
Browser. Under the Sound Library Tab, select [Plugins] on the left column. Then, select Crystal
from the VST instrument list.

Now press the press the [Preview] button at the top the screen.

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Once the [Preview] button has been pressed, new options open up to the right side of the screen.
This list shows you the available presets for the selected instrument.

Use the [Previous Program] and [Next Program] buttons to scroll though the presets of the select
instrument, or use the touchscreen to select a preset for previewing.

Also, there is a [Play] button. This is used to start any plug-in that has a sequencer.

To end previewing, press the [Preview] button, this will take you out of the preview mode. Once
you find the sound you like press [Add] and the instrument will be added to the currently selected
Song.

Note: Not all instruments support the Preview Feature.

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Once an instrument is added to the Setlist, this is what you will see. Please refer to Chapter 3 for
an explanation of this screen.

You can now play this sound with the ivory keys.

If you want to adjust the settings of the instrument in the first song, click the [Instrument Editor]
tab, which is located on the Title Bar.

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If you add another Song to the Set List, the [Previous Song] and [Next Song] buttons appear.

These two buttons will be in the lower left corner of the screen and will allow you to move to the
next song in the Set List.

Saving a Set

To save the current Set List, go to Menu>File>Save Set As....

When the window pops up, type in a name and hit [OK].

Rename a Song

Right-click a Song, then choose "Rename" and finally type in a name.

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Using the Signal Chain

Adding an Additional Instrument to a Song

As stated in Chapter 3, a Song can contain multiple instruments. To add multiple instruments to
one Song, select the Signal Chain Tab at the top of the screen.

[Add Track] - This allows for a Track to be created with a signal chain containing a VSTi, or an empty

signal chain with no VST. In order to use the VSTi's and play them, a Track must be selected with the
desired plug-in.

[Add Signal Chain] – Use this button to create a new signal chain with a VSTi, or create an empty

signal chain for unique key splits. Touching the screen on a blank signal chain will give you the same
add option.

To add that additional sound to this song go ahead and press the [Add Input] button. Again, you
can decide to pick a sound by the category, or by using the Sound Browser.

The next image shows you that there are now two inputs in this song. Clicking on each input will
play (solo) that sound.

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When more than one Track has been added to the Signal Chains page, new options become
available on the Setlist.

These new controls allow you to scroll the previous and next instrument in the Input Chain of the
selected Song.

1. Shows which Track is selected.

2. A MIDI assignable button that allows you to select the previous Track of the selected Song.

3. A MIDI assignable button that allows you to select the next Track of the selected Song.

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Monitoring Separate Tracks

Riff gives you the ability to monitor mutilple Tracks at the same time. Normally, when you select a
Track, it mutes the other Tracks and only plays the one you have selected. The following directions
will show you how to monitor multiple Tracks.

First, add two Tracks to a Song.

If you want to hear the second Track with the first Track, select Track 2 then press the [Monitor]
button at the bottom of the screen.

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The Signal Chain Track Rack (Send Audio to Seperate Outputs)

Double-clicking on a Track will show the Rack. Also by pressing the small grey box at the bottom of
the effect column will reveal rack parameters. You can use the Rack to assign a Track to a
particular audio output. By default, audio is set to the main one and two outputs.

Selecting the Rack will present the "Audio Output" menu in the lower controls. You can Also Mute,
Solo and Rename the Rack.

Be sure your audio options are properly setup. The image on the next page will show you what a
properly configured options menu looks like.

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If your audio outputs aren't assigned, go ahead and do that. Each output option should be
assigned to an output buss.

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To hide the Rack, either right-click and select "Hide Rack", or just double-click on the rack to hide
it.

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Creating Keyboard Splits in a Song (Signal Chain)

Creating keyboard splits are now easier than ever! Select the input you want to create a split on.
Now click the [Add Signal Chain] button. Select a new instrument. For this tutorial, True Piano is in
the first signal chain, and Purity is in the second.

The above image shows that the second input now has two items in the Signal Chain. To adjust the
settings of a Signal chain instrument, select it in the signal chain then either select the
[Instrument Editor] tab, or double left-click the instrument to the right in the “Stream Processor”
section. Refer to Chapter 3. Pick a sound for each Signal Chain instrument.

There are a couple ways to create splits. You can use the mouse and arrow pointer to create the
split. Or you can use the touch screen. Select the signal chain instrument that you want to split
and either touch screen/left-click and drag from the right or left of the keyboard. While you are
dragging, the ranges will split. The other way is to use the “Set Range” buttons.

If you are not satisfied with a split and want to revert, select the Signal Chain instrument and
press the [Toggle Split] button. This will spread the keyboard back to full range with no split.

Now let's create that split using the “Set Range” buttons:

Select the first signal chain. Press the [Set High Range] or [Low Range] buttons. These are located
at the bottom of the screen.

Pressing the [High Range] button brings up the following dialogue window.

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Press the “C5” key on your keyboard.

All notes above “C5” are now split off.

Now, select the second Signal Chain. And press the [Set Low Range] button. You will see the
following:

Press the “C#5” key on your keyboard.

As you can see you now have the lower section of True Pianos split from C5 down, and Purity split
from “C#5” up.

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Adding Effects to an Input or Signal Chain

You can add a VST effect or MIDI effect to the desired signal chain. A maximum of seven audios,
or seven MIDI effects can be chosen per signal chain. More information regarding the Stream

Processor (effects column) can be found in Chapter 3.

Audio FX Slot: This is where all the audio effects are stored for the chosen signal chain. To add an
effect, use the [Add Effect] button located above or simply touch the screen on a blank slot under.
Pressing [Add Effect] will bring up an effects browser very similar in workings as the Sound
Browser.

You may find it simpler to just touch the Audio FX area, then you will see the following:

You can choose an effect by the category.

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The next screen shot shows that there is an effect (in the Stream Processor) under True Pianos.
When the effect is selected the “Effect Editor” will be present in the title bar.

Effects can be reorganized by dragging up/down. Simply grab it and drag it up or down.

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Adding MIDI FX

SoundSlate does not ship with any MIDI FX. However if you have any, left-click and drag the VSTi
down by one slot, and this will open up the MIDI FX slot. If there is already an instrument and an
audio effect already present, you will have to move each effect down one slot to open up the MIDI
FX slot.

Right-click the "MIDI FX Slot" and select [Add MIDI Effect..].

A screen similar to the sound browser will appear, here you choose the MIDI effect. The type of

MIDI effects you can expect to find here in Riff are arpeggiators, MIDI note repeaters, basic MIDI step
sequencers, humanizers, etc.

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Creating and using Audio Inputs

Riff allows you to feed the signal chain a signal from a live input device, such as a guitar, bass, or
microphone. Refer to Chapter 1 for audio device setup options.

Click on the [Add Audio Input] button to insert the audio input to the signal chain.

Once the input is inserted, click the [Input Output] button in the center of the lower control
section. Use this to configure your audio input source.

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Edit Mode vs. Live Mode

Edit Mode: Changes can be made to a song's parameters.

Live Mode: Locks down many of the parameters associated with songs.

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MIDI Learning Hardware Controllers

Most parameters in Riff can be MIDI "Learned”.

The first tutorial will show you how to MIDI learn an Riff button to a hardware button on your
controller.

First off, return to the Set List and add a couple of Songs. This will show you how to MIDI learn
hardware buttons to control the Previous and Next Song command.

Right-click on the [Previous Song] button.

These are the items you can see in this window.

1. Learn – MIDI learn maps host buttons to MIDI controllers, virtual live controls to VST's, and

virtual live controls to MIDI controllers.

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Once you select “Learn” the screen will turn red which means Riff is waiting for you to press a
button on your controller. If you look at the Title Bar you will see the [Learn] button now says
“Learning”. To cancel learning, press the "Learning" button.

Select a button on youre controller, once you do this the control will be latched. The following
picture shows a small icon in the lower right corner of the [Previous Song] button. This represents
that this control has been latched to a controller.

The [ + ] sign is for a control that has been learned, the [ # ] sign represents that a control has
been learned relative.

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Right-clicking a control that has been MIDI learned will yield new options.

1. Learn – MIDI learn maps host buttons to MIDI controllers, virtual live controls to VST's, and

virtual live controls to MIDI controllers.

2. Unlearn Hardware – Use this to release a mapped item from it's MIDI controller. This option is

only available when you have an item mapped.

3. Learn Properties – The following image shows the options in learn properties. This option is only

available when you have an item mapped.

Info: this section will tell you the MIDI

CC number, and the MIDI channel a
particular control has been mapped to.

Hardware Type:

• Encoder: Informs Riff that an

encoder hardware control is being
used to perform as a regular
knob. Instead of sending +/-1 it
will scale from 1 to 127.

Sensitivity: Will change the rate
at which the value is increased or
decreased. It's similar to the
"touchy" knob in live controls.

Properties:

• Soft Takeover: Allows the user to

realign a latched hardware
controller to the corresponding
VST parameter smoothly.

• Invert: Reverses the high/low or

on/off settings of a Live Control.

• Low/High: Refers to the minimum

and maximum value of a
parameter's range.

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Learn Relative

Various controls in Riff can be set to MIDI "Learn Relative".

Learning a parameter to "Learn Relative", keeps that mapping for all songs. For example, if you learn
relative the signal chain mute:

It will mute the highlighted signal of any song (not just the particular one you are in). As long as you
save this set, when you close Riff and reopen it, the learn realative mute will still function the same
across all songs.

Here are some controls that can be learned relative:

• Setlist lower section Volume

• Setlist lower section play button

• Signal Chain page lower section volume

• Signal Chain page lower section Monitor button

• Signal Chain page upper control play button

• BPM Tap tempo button

• BPM +1/-1 buttons

• Signal Chain instrument lower section volume

• Signal Chain instrument lower section pan

• Signal Chain instrument lower section mute

• Signal Chain instrument lower section transpose up/down

• Signal Chain instrument lower section transpose reset

• Instrument editor lower section volume

• Instrument editor lower section transpose up/down

• Instrument editor lower section transpose reset

• Instrument editor lower section previous/next preset buttons

• Live controls lower section low/high knobs (all live controls Virtual Live Controls)

• Live controls lower section knob/horizontal properties time and offset knobs

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Creating and Using Live Controls

The Live Controls are where virtual knobs, sliders, buttons and XY pads can be created, imported,
and mapped to MIDI controllers on VSTi plug-in parameters and even other applications. You can
also create Live Controls for VST effect plug-ins. For more information on the types of Live

Controls refer to Chapter 3.

Here is an example of a Live Control set made for a Vsti.

These controls can be directly linked to the parameters of a VSTi or VST.

Hovering over a latched Live Control like the volume for instance, will allow you to see what
parameter a Live Control is latched to. Not all VST plug-ins will give such detailed information.

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Create a New Live Control

To create and use a Live Control with an instrument, try the next tutorial.

First, create a new Song. For this tutorial insert the plug-in called “Wusikstation. Click on a grid, go
to the “Keys” category and select “Wusikstation”.

Click on the instrument editor tab to show the GUI of Wusikstation.

This Live Controls lesson will be to create and MIDI learn the “ATT”,
“DEC”, “SUS”, and “REL” sliders in the Amplifier Envelop section.

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Click on the “Live Controls” tab. Click anywhere on the page to add a Vertical Slider to the grid.

Repeat this step three more times for a total of four Vertical Sliders.

Select the first Vertical Slider, right-click it and select “Learn”.

Once you do this, the entire grid will turn red indicating a control ready for “Learning”.

When Riff is in Learning mode, the program awaits for you to select a parameter to latch this
Vertical Slider to.

1. Click the destination control.

2. Select the Live control that will control it.

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Click the “Instrument Editor” tab to get back to the GUI of Wusikstation. Touch the "ATT" slider
using either the touchscreen or the touchpad.

This screen will turn back to the default color and this control learned to the Live Control. Click on
the “Live Controls” tab once again.

Switch Riff over to “Live” mode, play notes on your keyboard, and use the touchscreen to move
the first fader.

Hovering over the first knob shows it to be mapped to Wusikstation, Param 12 which is EnvAtk.

To rename or change the color of a Live Control, switch back to “Edit Mode” select the Live Control
and press the [Pick Color] or [Rename] button.

Go ahead and learn the other three Vertical Sliders to the controls of the Envelope section of
Wusikstation.

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Using Oscillators with Knobs/Sliders

Knobs and sliders can have an oscillator added to them. Refer to Chapter 3 for the types of
oscillators used in Riff. Also, there is a definition of the term "oscillator" in Appendix A.

First off, setup a knob in your Live Controls. For this tutorial, I am going to use the same Live
Controls made in the last tutorial with Wusikstation.

Click on the knob, then select the "Oscillator Type". Pick the type of osciallater type you would like
to use. Once you do this the oscillator will take control over the knob.

• You can sync the oscillator to the BPM of the current song by clicking on the [Use BPM] button.

• Also, you can sync to the sequencer host by using the [Use Seq] button.

You can latch the oscillators to start with the play button of the host and any other sequencer that has
been synced to the host. When you hit play the oscillators start oscillating along with a sequencer (if
you have put it to sync with the host). This only applies to the selected live control.

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Mapping Live Controls to the Lower Control Section

If you have an oscillator latched to a Live Control knob, you can have that oscillator control the
volume or pan control of a signal chain. The following tutorial will show you how to MIDI learn a
Live Control Oscillator to the volume knob of a signal chain.

Create a new Song and add any instrument.

1. Go to the [Live Controls]
tab and add a new knob.
Select the new knob and add
an oscillator.

2. Select the [Learn] button,
then select the Knob.

3. Select the [Signal Chains]
tab and select the volume
knob in the Lower Controls.

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Map a Live Control to an External MIDI CC

Live Controls can also be assigned to control a parameter from another application which offers
controls that respond to MIDI CC messages. Such as track faders, transport controls, etc. First you
will need to know what the CC of the other program is using. This information can usually be found
in the particular products documentation, or you can Google search for a MIDI implementation
chart.

Once you know the MIDI CC, it's very simple to assign a Live Control to that particular item.

Right-click on the Live Control and Select [MIDI CC Output....].

Once you choose the MIDI CC Output.... The CC

Properties window will pop up. This is where you
assign the output CC and the MIDI Channel the target
control is residing.

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Saving Live Controls as a Template

You can save a Live Control or a whole Live Control set. To this, just left-click drag to select all the
elements of the Live Controls you want to save as a template.

1. Select all the items to be saved.

2. Right-click on the page and select [Save].

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3. Choose a name for the Live Controls that are being saved.

• File - This is where you type in the name for the Live Control being saved.

• Description - Give the Live Control a brief description.

• Save ALL Live Controls - Place a checkmark here to save all the Live Controls on the current

page.

• Save Selected Live Controls - Select this option if you only want to save the currently

selected Live Controls.

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Using Multi-timbral Instruments / Sharing Instruments

This section of the tutorial will focus on using Multi-timbral instruments in Riff, but will also give
you some insight on using the "Shared Instrument feature". We will you show you two ways to use
a multi-timbral instrument.

A multi-timbral instrument is a VSTi that can use up to 16 MIDI channels at once. Purity is an
instrument that falls into this category, and is also preinstalled on an Open Labs production station.

If you are using an Instrument like Purity, which is multi-timbral and a sample player, the benefits
are crucial.

Using the "Currently Loaded Instrument" option allows you to use one instance of an instrument in
multiple songs. This will save you tons of system performance and allow you to achieve far more
complex instrument arrangements.

Anytime you are using big libraries it's a good idea to set an instrument to shared.

Shared instruments are not limited to an instrument having to be multi-timbral. You can set any
instrument to be shared. Some normal instruments like True Pianos can be shared. True Pianos is
known to use more system resources than other similar instruments. Instruments that sound
better generally use more resources.

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Sharing Instruments

To help save system resources, Riff has a great solution. This solution is called sharing
instruments. For instance if you are planning to use the instrument "Purity" on more than one
Song, normally you would have to load a new instance of Purity on each Song.

Every time you add a new instance of that instrument you use more system resources.

Riff allows you to use a "Currently Loaded Instrument" multiple times. Hence, this instrument
becomes a "Shared" instrument.

To Share an instrument, first create a new Song, and add Purity to it. After doing that, go to a new
grid of the Setlist, select [Add], the sound browser appears. However, this time instead of adding a
new instance of Purity, select the [Currently Loaded Plugins] tab.

Here you will see your list of Currently Loaded Plugins. Instead of loading a new instance of an
instrument, select the currently loaded instance of Purity and either press the [Add] button or double
left-click the instrument. This is how you share an instrument in Riff.

The next part tutorial will show you how to use this shared instance of Purity as a multitimbral
instrument.

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Song Grid and the Multi-timbral Instrument

1. Click a grid space other than the one that says "Song 1", then click on the grid to create a new Song
and select [Add]. Make sure you already have one instance of Purity on the Setlist.

2. Select the [Currently Loaded Plugins] tab and add the currently loaded (shared) version of "Purity".

After [Add] has been pressed, a new Song is created with this "shared" instance of Purity as the
instrument.

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3. Go to the [Signal Chains] tab. Look at the Stream Processor, Purity is now yellow and the word
"SHARED" is present in the tab. This confrms this instrument is indeed shared.

Time to set up Purity for multi-timbral use. Purity is just the example for this tutorial, however
many multi-timbral instruments work similar.

The goal here is to have one instance of Purity running, utilizing its multi-timbral interface having
sounds loaded on separate Songs.

For this tutorial, only four Purity MIDI channels and sounds will be used.

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Go back to the Setlist page, select "Song 1" then select the [Instrument Editor] tab, click on the
channel link icons in Purity. If this is not done, each pair of MIDI channels will remain linked
together.

Before the links are unchecked

After the links have been unchecked

Other VSTi's will have dfferent sets of rules, however the basic principles will relate. Purity can use 16
instruments at once over a spread of 16 MIDI channels. Select sounds for the one through four slots of
Purity. These channels will also represent the corresponding MIDI channels.

Go back to the Signal Chain.

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Song 1 should only use MIDI Channel 1. On the Signal Chain page click the [Bypass Channel Out]
button in the lower controls and select MIDI channel 1. (See the prevous image)

You can see this signal chain is using MIDI channel 1. And will only trigger the sound in MIDI channel 1
of Purity.

Now go to Song 2 on the setlist, and select the [Signal Chains] tab.

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Go to the Signal chain of Song 2. Remember this Song is using a "Currently Loaded" shared
version of Purity.

We want this Song and Signal Chain to only use MIDI Channel 2. On the Signal Chain page click the
[Bypass Channel Out] button in the lower controls and select MIDI channel 2.

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You can see this signal chain is using MIDI channel 2.

Using a multi-timbral instrument this way saves system performance and memory.

Now go back to the Setlist and [Add] another Song (Song 3), as before use a "Currently Loaded"
version of Purity. Go to the [Signal Chains] tab of this Song and set it to MIDI channel 3. This will
trigger whatever sound you selected for the third slot of Purity.

For the fourth Song, go back to the Setlist and [Add] another Song (Song 4), as before use a "Currently
Loaded" version of Purity. Go to the [Signal Chains] tab of this Song and set it to MIDI channel 4. This
will trigger whatever sound you selected for the fourth slot of Purity.

Now, when you switch Songs on the Setlist, the selected Song will trigger the adjacent channels in
Purity or whatever multi-timbral instrument you are using.

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Creating Keyboard Splits with Multi-timbral Instruments

For this tutorial, Purity will be used. Create a Song and add Purity as the instrument.

Select the [Instrument Editor] tab then click on the channel link icons in Purity. If this is not done,
each pair of MIDI channels will remained linked together.

Before the links are unchecked

After the links have been unchecked

Other VSTi's will have dfferent sets of rules, however the basic principles will relate. Purity can use 16
instruments at once over a spread of 16 MIDI channels. Go ahead and select sounds for the one
through four slots of Purity. These channels represent MIDI channels.

For this tutorial the instruments in the first four MIDI channels of Purity are

1. Piano MIDI channel 1

2. FM - EP MIDI channel 2

3. Vox MIDI channel 3

4. Pad MIDI channel 4

We will create splits in the signal chain to match these sounds and MIDI channels.

Go back to the Signal Chain and add three "Empty Signal Chains". Refer to the instructions and images
on the next page.

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To add an empty signal chain, click in the first empty signal chain slot. From the menu select [Add
Empty Signal Chain]. Add three empty signal chains below "Signal Chain 1".

As you can see in the following image, there are three additional signal chains stemming from Signal
chain 1.

Next, the Signal Chains need to be routed to the proper MIDI channels. And the splits set up for
the four chains.

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Go ahead and set an array of splits similiar to this. On a smaller controller, you will need to make
your splits closer together, or just use the transpose buttons to reach those octaves.

Each split needs to be set to an individual MIDI channel. Signal chains two, three, and four need to be
routed to the first signal chain. Since two through four are empty signal chains they need to be routed
to Signal Chain 1, this gives them access to the sounds in Purity.

Click [Bypass Channel Out] in the lower controls section and set Signal Chain 1 to MIDI out Ch: 1.

Next, signal chains two, three, and four, need to be routed through Signal Chain 1 which
contains the instance of Purity.

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Select Signal Chain 2. Click [No External Routing] in the lower controls section and select "Signal Chain
1". And while you are there, go ahead and set the channel out to MIDI channel 2.

Once the routing has been assigned, you will see that Signal Chain 2 is routed directly through Signal
Chain 1.

In the lower controls section of Signal Chain 2 you will also see that the routing and MIDI channel out
options are properly set.

Go ahead and route signal chains three and four to Signal Chain 1, and MIDI outs to channels three and
four respectively.

Follow the same procedure that was used to set Signal Chain 2.

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Signal Chain 3 routed to Signal Chain 1 containing Purity.

Signal Chain 3 lower controls, MIDI channel out set to channel three.

Signal Chain 4 routed to Signal Chain 1 containing Purity.

Signal Chain 4 lower controls, MIDI channel out set to channel four.

This will complete this multi-timbral setup, each split should be triggering the patch that you have in
the corresponding channel of Purity.

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Advanced Multi-timbral Instruments / Signal Chain

Now that you have a good idea of how to use multi-timbral instruments, it is time to learn an
advanced way to setup Riff to work with your multi-timbral instruments.

As you can see in the Signal Chain, there are only eight slots . Plus, the signal chains are made for
layering sounds, and creating keyboard splits.

Let's say you wanted to use all 16 MIDI channels of a multi-timbral instrument in one Song, as
opposed to setting up 16 songs each using a different MIDI channel.

The earlier tutorial explained how to do it that way. However, it is good to know the different ways
to setup instruments in Riff.

Setup a new Song, and again, add Purity to the Song.

Remember to unlink the MIDI channels in Purity. Go head and assign sounds to some channels.

Go to the signal chain, select the "Input" for Signal Chain 1. This Input needs to only use MIDI
channel 1. The input can be forced to use a particular MIDI channel by pressing the [Input Output]
button located in the lower controls section. Do this and the "MIDI Input I/O" option box appears.
Set "Force MIDI Output Channel" to "Output Ch 1".
Then press [Set].

This forces the input to only use MIDI channel 1.

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