Linking the timing of selected VST-tracks

Cubase
1

When using VST instruments, I often combine different instruments to create one sound, played by one player. A simple example: combining two (or more) bass guitar VST instruments to create a richer sound, but still sounding as there is only one player. As a result of this, the bass part will appear in different tracks. Since those tracks need to act as one player, they will have to play exactly the same notes at exactly the same time. Still some things can differ, like for instance the volume and the velocity. But the timing must be exactly the same. When I place the notes manually in the key editor (like writing a score), they will all be placed with a mechanically correct timing, exactly at the same tick. I will typically write in one track of course and copy paste to the other track(s). Now I can add some imperfection (kind of a human factor) by applying “Rough Quantize”. In this way, I can have the timing to shift at random within the range that I indicate (for instance 12 Ticks).
My problem is, that the notes in the different Bass tracks, that together have to form one player, will shift individually. So they will no longer act like one instrument, but will give the impression as if different players play the same score.
My question is: is there a possibility to link selected tracks (in this example, it would be those bass-tracks) in a way that they can be Rough Quantized, but still remain synchronized with each other, thus keeping the one-player impression?

Thank you some much on forehand, if you can come up with a solution! :smiling_face:

2

Hi,

You can use the Share Copy MIDI Parts. That means once you make a change in one of the shared copy, all other will follow.

To make some volume variation, I would use MIDI Insert on the tracks.

3

Another option could be to utilize MIDI Sends. Since a MIDI Track has 4 sends you can drive 5 different instruments from the same track.

4

Thanks for your answer, Martin. But I have to admit: I have never used the MIDI functions/MIDI tracks. So I just don’t understand what you are saying. There is a way to “work around” this problem, but if there was a way to kind of link the notes, it would be much faster. So I wonder if there is a way to learn those MIDI functions, so that I could understand what you are saying. Can I find kind of a course somewhere on the internet to become familiar with this matter? (I wonder how you have learned about this…) I have tried to search the manual but as far as now, I don’t find a way out.

5

Thanks for your answer, mlindeb. But I have to admit: I have never used the MIDI functions/MIDI tracks. So I just don’t understand what you are saying. There is a way to “work around” this problem, but if there was a way to kind of link the notes, it would be much faster. So I wonder if there is a way to learn those MIDI functions, so that I could understand what you are saying. Can I find kind of a course somewhere on the internet to become familiar with this matter? (I wonder how you have learned about this…) I have tried to search the manual but as far as now, I don’t find a way out.

6

Hi,

The Shared Copy feature is the same for the MIDI/Instrument tracks, add it is for the Audio tracks. Hold Shift + Alt (if I’m not mistaken) while fresh and drop the MIDI Part. This will create the Shared Copy (you will see the = symbol at the right-top corner).

The MIDI Inserts are working the same way as the Audio Insert effects.

I can offer you a lesson to this dedicated topic (or any other topic in Cubase).