Once a Multi-Timbral Instrument such as Kontakt 8 is set up as a Rack Instrument (with reference to the image shared), I would like to better understand its components and their functions. I have written down what I currently understand — please correct me if I have missed anything or used incorrect terms or terminology.
In the Project Window
Kontakt 8 is loaded as the Rack Instrument.
The instrument itself can be changed using the VSTi selector in the Right Zone.
KT St 1 to KT St 4:
What type of tracks are these? They have corresponding stereo output channels (KT St 1 to KT St 4) in the Mix Console. My understanding is that these are audio return channels from Kontakt. They appear to handle: audio output from the instruments loaded inside Kontakt, automation, insert plug-ins, EQ processing and volume control for mixing. Is this correct?
MIDI 01 to MIDI 04:
These are the MIDI tracks used for recording MIDI performances for different instruments loaded inside Kontakt. They also appear as MIDI output channels in the Mix Console (MIDI 01 to MIDI 04). What exactly are these output channels used for? I notice that: the volume fader behaves differently, insert plug-ins are limited, and audio processing options are minimal. Since the stereo output channels (KT St 1 to KT St 4) already handle the actual audio output, what is the purpose of these MIDI output channels?
Does this mean that each MIDI track has two output Channels in the Mix Console: a MIDI output channel and a stereo audio output channel (for actual sound output and mixing)?
Is it recommended to bounce/render MIDI tracks to audio before applying insert plug-ins, EQ, and detailed mixing processes?
On these MIDI tracks, I am unable to bounce MIDI to audio. Is that expected behaviour? If so, what is the correct workflow for converting these MIDI performances into audio tracks?
In Kontakt, you can load multiple slots. They can share the same MIDI Channel – then you would layer the sound – or they can use different MIDI Channels (1-16). That means:
from the MIDI Track with MIDI Channel 1, you would send the MIDI data to the sound slot with MIDI Channel 1
from the MIDI Track with MIDI Channel 2, you would send the MIDI data to the sound slot with MIDI Channel 2.
etc.
This is the multi-timbral principle.
The MIDI Track’s Output (with the given MIDI Channel) goes to the Instrument (Kontakt). And its Output (ST1-ST4) goes back to the MixConsole’s Audio Return Channels ST1-ST4.
You can Render in Place. Or you can keep them as they are, and then just Export Audio Mixdown.
Almost… MIDI Keyboard → MIDI Track → VST Instrument (Kontakt) → Mix Console Audio Return Channel of the Instrument.
To add to Martin’s reply:
These are not channels for midi output but rather for midi input to the midi track. If e.g. you use the volume fader a midi volume message will be sent to the midi channel the track is routed to.
Thanks for the clarification — it answered all my queries. I also saw a forum post suggesting it’s best to leave the MIDI faders untouched and simply hide them.
After trying out various options, I understand that multi-channel output routing is possible with both Track Instruments and Rack Instruments (for Kontakt and Omnisphere). However, for multi-input routing (where multiple MIDI Track inputs are sent into a single VST instrument instance so that each MIDI track independently triggers a different instrument in a multitimbral setup) — a Rack Instrument is generally required in order to map these inputs properly. Is that correct?
Ok. For some reason, this isn’t working for me. I added an instrument track ‘Omnisphere’ and then created four MIDI tracks. Enabled the 4 outputs (OUT A, B, C, D) and assigned the MIDI channels 2, 3, 4, 5 but it still doesn’t work correctly. No matter which of the four MIDI tracks I select, all four instruments play at the same time.
No, if the instrument can do multi-timbral, it doesn’t matter if you use it as Rack Instrument or Instrument Track.
I don’t own Omnisphere, but here is some info:
Omnisphere 3 is inherently multi-timbral by default and doesn’t require a separate mode activation—it’s always capable of responding to up to 8 MIDI channels simultaneously across its 8 Parts. To use it in multi-timbral mode, you simply need to set up your DAW routing and configure the Parts within Omnisphere.
Setting Up Multi-Timbral Operation
In Cubase (or your DAW), create one instrument track for Omnisphere, which will automatically be assigned to MIDI channel 1. Then create additional MIDI tracks (not instrument tracks) and route them to the same Omnisphere instance on MIDI channels 2-8. Your DAW should assign these channels consecutively, but verify in the track inspector.
Within Omnisphere, click the MULTI button at the top of the interface to access the Multi view. You’ll see 8 Parts, each with two small boxes on the left side: the top box shows the MIDI channel that Part receives (1-8), and the bottom box shows the audio output assignment (A-H).
Therefore, could you attach screenshots of your MIDI Tracks settings, please?
Generally speaking:
Rack instrument is the old way of doing things, and Track instruments is the new way.
There’s no need to use the “Rack-way” to day, it just complicate things.
From the Right Zone, the following output buses were activated:
Output A (already active)
Output B
Output C
The outputs were assigned as follows:
Instrument 1 → OUT A
Instrument 2 → OUT B
Instrument 3 → OUT C
When soloing the channels in the Mix Console, the output of each instrument can be heard independently.
However, the three tracks (one Instrument Track and two MIDI Tracks) are not triggering the instruments independently. Instead, the tracks are playing all three instruments simultaneously.
There is the tricky Solo logic… If you Solo the Instrument or MIDI Track in the Project window, all Audio Return Channels in the MixConsole are Soloed (because Cubase doesn’t know about the internal routing in the Instrument). And vice versa, if you Solo any Audio Return Channel, all MIDI Tracks become Soloed.
I’m also wondering, where can I see the source Omnnisphere Instrument Track? The fader should be light-yellow. See my screenshot, please:
A screenshot of the Mix Console has been shared. Omnisphere 01, B Output Audio Bus, and C Output Audio Bus are the three return audio channels.
Interestingly, when Omnisphere is set up as a Rack Instrument, three separate MIDI track inputs and three separate audio return channels work correctly. In that configuration, each MIDI track triggers only one instrument and one audio return channel.
A similar issue also occurs with Kontakt when used as an Instrument Track. This suggests that Rack Instruments may still handle multitimbral routing more reliably.
Hi! My goal is to record three instruments separately into three MIDI Tracks using a single instance of a VST ( such as Omnisphere) with three instruments loaded in its Multi/slot configuration, while also using three separate audio return channels. Is this possible with an Instrument track? If yes could you please guide me on this.
