New Device Description From Scratch
Before you start, please consult the documentation that came with your hardware or sound library and make sure you understand the four types of devices and which one you need:
- Fixed Channels (Sampler)
- Sounds each listen to a fixed MIDI channel. For example, an instance of NI Kontakt™ with assorted sounds loaded that you often use for songwriting. Each sound is told which MIDI channel to listen on. The entire setup is saved as a preset to get you started quickly with new projects.
- 1-Channel Multiple Programs (Synth)
- The device listens to a single MIDI channel. Different programs/patches are selected by sending MIDI messages or preset selection commands. Sometimes multiple sound banks can be selected. Such a device description typically represents a synthesizer's factory presets or a sound bank loaded into the device.
- 16-Channel Multiple Programs (Multi-Timbral)
- Same as above, only there are 16 MIDI channels, each of which is able to select a different program/patch to be played at the same time. Typically these devices are General MIDI sound modules or classical synthesizer emulations.
- Template
- This device is not an actual device. It merely provides a list of sound names associated with their meta-data that you can lookup and insert when you need them (Category, Playing Ranges, Custom Controllers, Articulations and program numbers and selection methods). Setting up a Fixed Channel type device from a Device Template is especially fast and convenient.
After deciding for a device type, open the pop-up menu with from the device list or call up its right-click menu to add a new device.
Now you setup its