Arpeggiator in Logic and Cubase

[The Paul meister]

Using the arpeggiator can take a normal sound and turn it into something much more interesting.

The Logic Workshop on page 134 of the February edition explains how to use it. Basically you choose it from the MIDI FX menu.

Here's the Feb edition:

https://edition.soundonsound.com/html5/ ... 1057aa8817

Only the Cubase Artist and Pro include the arpeggiator - not Elements.

In Cubase, create a soft synth track and choose Arpache 5 or Arpache SX from the MIDI Inserts menu. I would recommend going through the presets in Logic and Cubase until you find one you like.

I'm not sure how to apply arpeggiation to external hardware midi synths. Maybe someone could advise on this if it's possible?

I hope this is useful,

Cheers, Paul

[OneWorld]

Arpeggiators from hardware is a bit of an up and down affair. Some are quite easy to implement, look in the settings for the external hardware, look for a setting that is word MIDI Out(Obs) in the arpeggiator settings and off you go, ensuring of course that the MIDI channels are set right.

Other synths/hardware don't send the output from the arpeggiator.

I used to have a Korg Triton and that was a convoluted setup, I seem to remember I had to set the synth to Local Control, but that meant the MIDI was sent out to the DAW(Cubase) but went back into the Triton, so in effect, a MIDI note part of the arpeggio, would be sent back out to the Triton and that MIDI note triggers another 'loop' in the arpeggio. It's sort of the MIDI equivalent of feedback.

I managed to figure out a work around but was a convoluted process and not a realistic approach.

Local Control needs be understood. With Local Control off, you press a key on your keyboard, a MIDI note is sent to the DAW and is displayed in the DAW editor, and that then sends a command to the synth, to play that note.

With Local Control 'On' you press a key on the synth, a midi message is sent to the synth's sound generator, the note sounds. But with Local Control, a message is sent to the DAW, and then goes back out to the synth, o the sound generator is getting 'play this note' messages from two sources.

Additionally, some hardware can run several arpeggios in parallel - then it gets really wacky.

If the hardware does allow the output from an arpeggio, then you can get some really interesting results.

[The Paul meister]

Ok, thanks for your reply OneWorld.

[The Elf]

You definitely can apply Cubase's arpeggiators to hardware instruments.

All you need to do is to add it to the MIDI inserts of a MIDI or Instrument Track.

[The Paul meister]

Yes, thanks The Elf. I just tried it. Same option not available in Logic.

[IAA]

It is available in logic using external instrument in a software track.

Not used it for ages though.

Ian

[OneWorld]

Yes, thanks The Elf. I just tried it. Same option not available in Logic.

I am sure there is the option in Logic, as thinking about it logically, the arpeggiator wouldn't be of any use if you couldn't pipe the output to somewhere/something, that being a softsynth, external synth?

[adamburgess]

Create a new External MIDI track.

Hit External on the channel strip, and set the destination to either a USB synth or an output on a MIDI interface.

Add an Arpeggiator to the MIDI FX on the track.

Write notes, adjust the Arps.

All good!