Mapping VSTs to Controllers--does anyone else have this problem?

Starthief · 2023-03-10T03:41:55.614Z

I don’t try to maintain any sort of consistent control schemes, it’s all ad-hoc, part of my patch-from-scratch approach.

A lot of my software synth patching is just drones, so they probably get a fader or two on the Sweet Sixteen, or expression pedal. Maybe a footswitch or two for transposing.

If I’m going to play a softsynth beyond that, I’ll use the Launchpad Pro mk3 to control it. Almost always I’ll use pressure for dynamics, and maybe something like filter, folding, timbre etc along with that, maybe also a vibrato/tremolo sort of modulation. That’s usually all, though sometimes I’ll also add a fader or expression pedal to some parameter as well – on the synth or an effect.

I tried the DrivenByMoss script and found I’d rather just use it as a generic MIDI controller. I understand there’s now a script specifically for the LPP mk3 that exactly replicates its functions as labeled on the device, but I haven’t tried it yet. I’m not really doing any sequencing in Bitwig outside the grid. I really just like the LPP to play notes or to sequence with. I don’t have anything with a piano-style keyboard anymore, unless the buttons on West Pest count (and they don’t)

loma · 2023-03-10T04:26:42.212Z

lua:

Instead of mapping controls to parameters, we should have snapshots of states and use controls to morph between them.

I agree. I’ve been very into this approach when I’ve had easy access to it, i.e., Audiomulch, Tim Exile’s SLOR and SLOO instruments, apeSoft apps on iOS—though with less interesting results on those last ones.

I’m curious if anyone else has suggestions of state-morphing systems, whether it be simply inside a single instrument or across multiple plugins or a whole DAW. Particularly interested in Ableton, Bitwig, or iOS solutions.

And to the main point of the thread, I’m drawn to this approach too because, at least for me, it lends itself to more interesting and performative results. I have controllers that can take advantage of multiple pages, but I’m not keen on paging through all that business when it comes to playing live or even in the “studio” for that matter. The more drastic changes I can make with the fewest knobs/faders is my ideal environment. If state-morphing is the game, then the need to assign a bajillion controls goes away—I think.

n9n9n9 · 2023-03-10T06:14:12.179Z

bitwig has a lot of things that can do this, but nothing that will specifically morph between snapshots of instrument presets. I used to mess with this with max4live and… i wasn’t every really inspired by the results… a lot of parameters are not continuous (filter type, osc type, mod matrix assignments) which makes for non-continuous morphing and the results tended to be mushy, like patch randomization, which has never really been my favorite.

but in Bitwig you’ve got the crossfader modulator, the x-y modulator and some others that allow you to map a bunch of controls to the same 1d or 2d fader. These things are easy to sleep on but are incredibly powerful in just the ways that you seem to be describing.

Bitwig also allows you to map as many macros and modulators to the same controls as you would like. So you can have LFOs, xfaders, knobs and whatever else you want all modulating as many controllers as you would like as little or much as you’d like with custom curves per modulation… so it supports one to many patterns and many to one patterns of modulation and control of parameters.

TanaBarbier · 2023-03-10T07:01:31.133Z

loma:

I’m curious if anyone else has suggestions of state-morphing systems

Not really a system per se but I love fm8 for that. It could be better be it still is very powerful.
Edit : Also Alchemy !

lua · 2023-03-10T07:52:27.237Z

New Sonic Arts’ Freestyle will have a snapshot morphing feature in its next version.

edit.

I used to mess with this with max4live and… i wasn’t every really inspired by the results… a lot of parameters are not continuous (filter type, osc type, mod matrix assignments) which makes for non-continuous morphing and the results tended to be mushy, like patch randomization, which has never really been my favorite.

I created a simple snapshot + morph functionality in max using s4m. Best time in my life. (I didn’t continue because of how hacky it felt).
The workflow is not supposed to include much randomization, nor be vexed much by stepped parameters. You play around with your patch as usual and take snapshots at any points of interest. A patch comes to be a space of related states that can be traversed, not one grand default state, fraying at each change of parameter. A patch itself becomes decentralized, modular, and a musical element.

You don’t do it randomly, but easily combine the two sides of creation: experimentation and intention. Instead of keeping your both feet onto which parameters to map, you’re entirely free to
(1) just focus entirely on your interaction with the device,
(2a) think musically about points you want to reach (like in animation programs), embed states into the fabric of the musical piece (section A starts with snapshot A. Now that you have this peg, you can go explore what you want to come before it and after it),
(2b) be bold and do grand gestures and break your comfort zones, knowing you’re safe from all the nonsense organization,
(3) orient your expectation in interaction with the device towards musical direction and change, not an end state.

bharris22 · 2023-03-10T14:00:10.874Z

This looks great, but don’t you first have to map all of the parameters in a particular VST? I understood the OP to be looking for the most efficient way to begin twisting knobs without all of the initial mapping work.

TanaBarbier:

loma:

I’m curious if anyone else has suggestions of state-morphing systems

Not really a system per se but I love fm8 for that. It could be better be it still is very powerful.
Edit : Also Alchemy !

And Kore 2

JES · 2023-03-10T14:28:55.434Z

Starthief:

a fader or two on the Sweet Sixteen, or expression pedal.

Do you send these in using Bitwig’s CV input device, or another way? CV input device would presumably get around all these scripting issues. Then I just need a girnormous panel of hardware CV controls. Dedicated to software control.

loma:

apeSoft apps on iOS—though with less interesting results on those last ones.

I actually did a whole record with DensityM4L in the early 2010s (a predecessor of iDensity) using the “hypervectoral morph” or whatever he called it feature as my main control and it was loads of fun. The computer trackpad was my only controller.

bharris22:

understood the OP to be looking for the most efficient way to begin twisting knobs without all of the initial mapping work.

Yes, this is my actual problem. Though I have to say even though a lot of the posts don’t address my specific issue, it has been wonderful to hear how other people deal with this general question, and what their issues (like morphing) may be.

But, yes, speaking only for myself, this is where it all falls apart from me. I love patching from scratch as part of my solo music making with synths, and I would use VSTs a whole lot more if I were able to more fully integrate them into that mindset without using my middle-aged eyes to squint at the tiny controls on the screen, and then oh shit, there’s an update.

For instance: I love the Bitwig modular mindset. I tried using it with my Linnstrument in one of my bands. But one of the issues I have had in the past is this: Bitwig is constantly being updated. This is a good thing, right? But then the script for my MFT needs to be updated, which a) may or may not happen on the same schedule because it’s being done by a volunteer whose time is not compensated by Bitwig’s update plan b) has occasionally introduced new bugs into the control scheme and c) may mean I have to re-do some of the mapping work I’ve done in projects. Frustration with this cycle led me to give up on using the MFT and Bitwig a few years back – it was 2018 or 2019 last time I tried. In contrast, in Live, you just map it directly in the program, set the parameter range, and you’re done.

Have I mentioned that I hate software troubleshooting? (I don’t like the hardware kind either).

@n9n9n9: how do you deal with this, or is it no longer an issue? Which of the apparently very many MFT scripts do you use?

loma · 2023-03-10T16:26:03.591Z

n9n9n9:

in Bitwig you’ve got the crossfader modulator, the x-y modulator and some others that allow you to map a bunch of controls to the same 1d or 2d fader.

n9n9n9:

Bitwig also allows you to map as many macros and modulators to the same controls as you would like.

I really need to start taking advantage of these capabilities. Thank you for the reminder.

TanaBarbier:

I love fm8 for that

Awesome. Thank you.

lua:

New Sonic Arts’ Freestyle will have a snapshot morphing feature in its next version.

I was completely unaware of this software, and if what you say is true, that’s awesome. Any idea when this version is coming?

JES:

I actually did a whole record with DensityM4L

I’m a big fan of all the apeSoft/Amazing Noises software. iDensity (and at some points, DensityM4L) has been a crucial part of my creative process for some years now. I just haven’t had too much success with the morphing pad—but that’s on me and probably gets back to the OP’s dilemma: assigning parameters. I wish you could isolate certain parameters for assignment to the morphing pad. And you can, in a way, my meticulously designing patches, but it’d be rad to not have to pay attention to certain changes, like in Audiomulch, where only assigned parameters become effected by the morphing grid. I also run into the issue that I like to assign volume for each granulator to faders, so when using the morphing pad, that gets all junked up. I wish I could just tell the morphing pad, “Ignore the volume parameter.”

Starthief · 2023-03-10T20:48:23.230Z

JES:

Starthief:

a fader or two on the Sweet Sixteen, or expression pedal.

Do you send these in using Bitwig’s CV input device, or another way? CV input device would presumably get around all these scripting issues. Then I just need a girnormous panel of hardware CV controls. Dedicated to software control.

MIDI CC over USB. Usually assigned via MIDI learn either to a Macro knob in a modulator slot, or to a Value knob in the grid.

trickyflemming · 2023-03-11T13:41:50.828Z

n9n9n9:

if you use Bitwig, you gotta use the drivenbymoss generic flexi script.

I agree. It’s an example of how most DAWs should be handling controllers.

The Bitwig remote page is really worth a dive if you’re having trouble getting the mappings that you want. To get to this view, click the 2x3 circle icon in the bottom left of a device, and then click the wrench icon at the top of the macro set:

image2074×1568 202 KB

So the Preset Pages are saved with the current preset and project. If you save the preset to your User Library, those Pages will stay. The Device Pages are global to all instances of the plugin and device. If there’s a plugin you use frequently and you’re always mapping the same controls over and over, create a page here and then click “Save and Apply”. This page will then be accessible to all instances of the plugin or device.

To go deeper, if you right click on a device, you get this menu:

image538×744 39.1 KB

Save as Default Preset saves a copy of all of the current settings, Pages, and Modulators to your Bitwig User Library. All new instances of the plugin or device will load that preset from the start. Let’s say you have a solid preset that has XY Mappings and other Modulators that are essential for control: create that preset once, and save it once. (Likewise, Save Preset To Library will save the preset to the User Library, but not make it the default)

In my setup, I have the Bitwig User Library point to a folder on my Dropbox. If I save any of these on one computer, they are accessible on all of my machines.

As a side note to Eurorack users, the Befaco VCMC is a CV->MIDI converter that has a dedicated control script setup in Bitwig to control Remote pages. With that, you can turn something like a Tetrapad, Planar, Catalyst, or whatever Euro controller you want into a very functional MIDI controller. I used the VCMC for a while and quite enjoyed it, but I ended up replacing it with the Der Mann mit der Maschine Droid. I’d recommend either depending on your price point and tolerance for diving in to tweaking.

listentoaheartbeat · 2023-03-11T13:52:36.838Z

I’ve circled back to trying the latest and greatest controllers for over two decades, only to realize each and every time that I actually really enjoy interfacing with the computer using keyboard and mouse. This goes hand in hand with an affinity to drawing automation curves and entering parameter values numerically.

I fully empathize with the fact that this is not for everyone. But to me it feels like a very direct way of translating my ideas into sound, especially when it comes to arranging and mixing music. Admittedly, it’s super cerebral and removes some of the bodily aspects of the music making experience. But I’ve never been able to achieve a high level of immediacy and spontaneity with controllers. I turn to my hardware instruments when I am looking for a more playful experience.

That being said, I am sure that with some commitment one can set up controllers in a way that is really intuitive. I think it just takes a lot of practice, and also restraint. A small selection of software instruments, custom assignments, and good ergonomics should go a long way. My good friend has invested a lot of time into his controller setup and his workflow has become fluent (using custom Live devices and multiple Novation Launch Controls). One day!

anon45924993 · 2023-03-12T00:34:11.868Z

This afternoon I’ve been experimenting with using Bitwig with DrivenByMoss for OSC with OpenStageControl running on the Mac, and then accessing the OpenStageControl template via Safari on an iPad. Gives very nice touch screen control for all your Bitwig remotes. You still have the task of building the remote mappings to do, but having a nice iPad interface for your sliders is a nice payoff.

This video explains the configuration and the usage

andrewhuang · 2023-03-12T08:24:14.879Z

This will only solve for a portion of use cases (and only for Ableton/M4L users) but I think it’s quite elegant, and it’s free! Essentially, you map one knob or fader to the M4L device, and then it’s always controlling whatever parameter you last clicked.

Gumroad

Touch me

Touch me is a MaxForLive device that lets you map your midi controller to the last touched parameter in Ableton Live. USAGE:You can assign a MIDI fader/knob to always follow and control the last touched/selected parameter in your project.Just press...

Price: USD 0.0

LLK · 2023-03-12T10:53:21.378Z

I like it too, kind of a barebone version of the initial concept behind the nob controller https://www.nobcontrol.com/

Similarly on SSL’s UF8 there’s a button that controls whatever your mouse is on, although the feel is definitely not as good as with the nob control.

listentoaheartbeat · 2023-03-12T22:17:55.372Z

Nice, I remember I was intrigued by this workflow back when the Novation Nocturn first introduced the concept (I think). 13 years later I can finally test it for free!

JES · 2023-03-12T22:59:53.294Z

This thread got me inspired to try and set up a mapping I like with the MIDI Fighter Twister and Aalto. So I opened the MFT Utility to reprogram it – the current settings are for a mixer arrangement I used while performing with Live before the pandemic – and the MIDI Fighter Utility keeps crashing. I’d complain about software, but I also hate troubleshooting hardware.

graymazes · 2023-03-13T00:09:32.862Z

DJ TechTools

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We’re seeking a programmer to help evolve the Midi Fighter product family. Here’s what you must bring to the table to apply for this role: Strong problem solving skills and intuition C, C++ and Arduino mastery Strong project management abilities...

Est. reading time: 1 minute

JES · 2023-03-13T00:27:27.543Z

20 characters of laugh / cry emoji.

EDIT DJTechTools got back to me right away. Apparently their editor software doesn’t like it when an RME interface is plugged into the computer. Weird, but at least I can use it now. It’s not like I have to edit the thing all the time.

Markus · 2023-03-13T04:00:54.690Z

For me the Mackie C4 has become my favorite tool for controlling nearly everything in Live. I’ve written a midi remote script for it (together with some other kind soul), here’s the manual Manual Using the Mackie C4 with Ableton · markusschloesser/MackieC4_P3 Wiki · GitHub with Screenshots and description of functionality.

One Mode is for controlling plugins, most have pre-propulated vst Parameters, and for those that don’t, there’s a description on how to easily do, including how to sort them.
I’ve owned and used a lot of other controllers and still own a nob and an Electra One (besides mcu pro and xt but wouldn’t consider those as a tool to control plugins), but nowadays I do nearly everything with the C4.

n9n9n9 · 2023-03-14T03:19:02.557Z

There was only one mandatory update to scripts in bitwig’s history so far. The devs explained why they had to do it and it made a lot of sense. It also made scripting an enormous amount more powerful. This was a few years back. Since then script updates only add functionality. I haven’t updated drivenbymoss’s script for 2 years or more, I’ve run my setup 100% stable without touching hardware or software for about 2 years without any issues. I feel like the issue is addressed. The Bitwig developers are incredibly attuned to the wants and needs of the users when it comes to not breaking stuff, imo.