How to Use Electronic and Virtual Instruments

Virtual, computer-based instruments have taken over from the world of hardware: Today's synthesizers and samplers aren't made of sheet metal and plastic, but lines of code. Yet while they offer more possibilities than ever, they also lack some important features - like hands-on control - compared to earlier generations of instruments. This book covers: - Hands-on controllers for synthesizers - Integrating virtual instruments with recording software - Obtaining the best tone quality and user experience - The differences between sampling and synthesis - How to create more realistic electronic drum parts, and more Additional material tells how to use the ReWire protocol to expand a "virtual instrument rack" and the book also covers enhancements to the MIDI specification like MIDI Polyphonic Expression, wireless MIDI, and mobile instruments. Written in a clear, practical, non-intimidating style, How to Use Electronic and Virtual Instruments also explores the musical elements of synthesis by describing how to create truly expressive sounds and performances, as well as how to use synthesizers as signal processors for other instruments. Richly illustrated and featuring selected "tech talk" sidebars to give details on specific topics for those who want to know "why" as well as "how " How to Use Electronic and Virtual Instruments is the key to getting the maximum potential out of virtual instruments.