I’ve been going through the process of making a playback template, expression maps and a custom endpoint config to the playback template. But then I don’t know where to add instruments to the playback template. I thought that if I add an instrument in the VST/MIDI section in Play mode and then add expression maps and so on, the next time I apply the playback template it will be activated. But what happens is that the instrument I’ve added and worked with just disappears and everything goes back to as it was prior to my changes. I have to start over from the beginning, adding a new instrument etc.
Also, I would expect the custom endpoints to be available from the Endpoint setup. That there would be something called “Select Endpoint” or similar. But there are only options to save the current state of the Endpoint setup. So from where do I apply this saved endpoint to the VST I’ve added, to be the instrument in the score?
Maybe I’ve just found it out, need to try first. It’s probably here I shall save all of them into one group. However, this box should be named “Save Endpoint Configurations” to make it clear that everything is saved together, and not just one instrument.
According to this video that button is the one to use for saving all instruments into one endpoint.
If I do so and then check my Playback template I have the Endpoint in the entries section, but when applying it the added instrument disappears. As long as I don’t apply the playback template everything is working. Except for that I still need to figure out how remap the ‘Large Gong’ from the one in the score B3 (Dorico language) to G#4 which is the key I need to be triggered. I don’t want to move the samples to B3 in my instrument.
You’re on the right track with some of that! That bottom button, indeed, will save all your loaded VST instruments as an Endpoint Configuration - which can be seen as a collection of individual instruments.
However, endpoint configs can be as small and specific as one instrument, if you wish. The best way to isolate and save endpoints for each unique instrument is to select the gear icon (next to Kontakt) - and at the bottom of this window which pops up, now click “Save Endpoint Configuration.” This will save only that selected instrument. Whereas the bottom arrow you circled saves the entire group of instruments. (FYI when you hover it should say ‘Save Endpoint Configuration’).
When I build my own, I tend to use both options, so I have either one to access for later.
For example let’s say I have a Kontakt string library, with VSTs loaded for each section (Vn1, 2, Va, Vc). I can use that little arrow button to save these all as one Endpoint and label it something relevant (e.g., VSL String Section (Quartet)).
However, then I will save each individual one (labelled similar - VSL String Section (Vn1), Vn2, Va, Vc etc). Whatever you want to call it, just so it’s easy to differentiate.
Then when you create or edit a playback template, these can be found when you go to “Add Manual”. For a full string section you will probably just use the full group created. But say you want to create a playback template for piano, flute, and solo violin or something. Then you can see how having individual endpoints as well can be helpful. (Although by all technicalities, you can use the full group endpoint if you want; if you only add a Violin to your score, it won’t necessarily load the other strings using that endpoint until you add them in your instrument setup).
It (the instrument) didn’t disappear! It moved up in the VST list. But from what I’ve been told by someone somewhere in this forum - can’t find where at this moment - when adding new instruments they always end up at the bottom and cannot be moved. So when it “disappeared” I just thought it was deleted.
When you apply (or reapply) a Playback Template, Dorico clears out all the VSTs currently in the rack and reloads them again (according to the rules in that Playback Template).
