Strategy for States

[ClintGoss]

[Newbie disclaimer] Although I joined @terrybritton’s excellent webinar series, I am pretty new to actually using states.

So I am developing a song and I want to play Instrument A in Section 1 and Instrument B in Section 2. All I want to control (I think) is the State behavior “Run and Bypass Mode” for the plugin for Instruments A and B.

When I add my two states, they have a huge number of state behaviors that they control by default. For example, routes have 12 state behaviors that can be controlled individually for each route. If I create my states and subsequently continue development of my song (adding more plugins, routes, etc), I would need to either:

A – make sure that each of my states has the same state behavior for all those modifications I make after creating my states (Ugh), or

B – turn off the state behaviors on every single route, plugin, etc (double Ugh).

All I really want it to just control “Run and Bypass Mode” using states …

… What am I missing? Any suggestions appreciated!

[Corky]

Hi Clint

If all you are wanting to control is 2 different instruments (activate in one state, deactivate in another), it is very simple. Load your instruments, and deactivate the routing for B> save state> create 2nd state> deactivate A routing> activate B routing> save 2nd state. Again, this is the easiest way.
I can send you an example if you like. If there is something more I am missing, I will gladly get you thru it.
You can easily add more things to your states later.

Cheers

Corky

[ClintGoss]

Thanks @Corky!

So what I think you are saying is to do the states at the end, after everything is “set” with the song.

If I use your method before I am finished with song development, then the two states will tend to differ in more than just the activation of the two routes … because I will have one or another state selected when I am modifying things other than those routes …

And if I do make modifications to my song after creating the states, I could delete the states and re-create them (which seems like a hassle …)

[Corky]

@ClintGoss

And if I do make modifications to my song after creating the states, I could delete the states and re-create them (which seems like a hassle …)

It is according to what changes you are making. Example: I use states to change notes, instruments, add fx…and so on, as the song progresses. As far as just activating/deactivating instruments, that can be done without states, by simply adding a button binding from controller to routing.

I set up states, usually based on lyric changes with notes. I add many more things afterward as I go thru song setup, for anything I might need. No need to recreate a state…just make your changes as you progress and save the changes.

@ClintGoss

If I use your method before I am finished with song development, then the two states will tend to differ in more than just the activation of the two routes … because I will have one or another state selected when I am modifying things other than those routes …

You can add, or subtract, anything in a state at anytime. You can also duplicate a state.

Can you give me a more specific idea on what you plan to do? It would help us move away from generic answers, lol.

[Corky]

Torsten explained very eloquently, a few days ago, how he uses states in the following. See if this helps.

VST Preset models etc

I’ll throw in my 0.02 EUR here: I try not to rely on the internal plugin presets as much as possible. Since I run my setup on three different machines, keeping presets (user patches…) in sync across all installations is too much hassle. My preferred way is to use state behaviors in my racks to create my “rack presets” - all my rack states are locked, so I don’t mess them up inadvertently, and I need to save my changes explicitly via “Update State” (CTRL-U) - nice and clean. Two ways to do this…

[ClintGoss]

@Corky

As far as just activating/deactivating instruments, that can be done without states, by simply adding a button binding from controller to routing

That’s the answer for me! I was so fixated on using States that I didn’t think of simply controlling my routes directly using bindings. I’m using specific notes high on the Sylphyo to switch on and off instruments … I think keyboard players call these “keyswitches”.

For reference, here is specifically how to create bindings to routes in Cantabile: Bindings - Cantabile - Software for Performing Musicians

Thanks @Corky !!

[Corky]

@ClintGoss

Thanks @Corky !!

Glad I could help. BTW…did you ever get that flute working like you wanted it?

[ClintGoss]

@Corky

did you ever get that flute working like you wanted it?

It’s fantastic! I’ve got it with me on a 5 week trip from Portugal to Croatia. Using Cantabile for playing and recording … it’s great. Done about 6 songs so far. Current project is to play a brass ensemble for Fanfare for the Common Man (a la ELP, with an extended jazz improv in the middle) … loads of fun!

BTW, your reports on your recent gigs are very encouraging!