I'm having a time figuring out how to utilise it within Cubase SX 2. I've got the Nord Lead 3 keyboard version and an Audiophile. I couldn't find quite what I was looking for searching this forum. Basically my problem is that it's all wired up, Cubase is open but then I'm at a loss as to how you actually use its sounds/automation within the software. I'd explain more than that, but that's the point, I'm clueless. At the moment I seem to be able to send/receive midi and that's about it, can't figure out much more than that at first hand and I'm desperate to start programming the thing and bringing it into my productions.

If anyone has any links or wants to type out some help themselves I'd be very grateful.

When you go to Devices up top, click MIDI Device Manager and then Install Device...you'll see a list of instruments, including Clavia synths. I have Cubase 1.06 and the only ones I saw was the Nord Lead 1 and the Modular. Maybe 2.0 has the Nord Lead 3. If the NL3 is not there, you'll either have to make the file with the names of the patches or look for it on the Internet. The file is not necesary, but it's easier so you'll know what patch you're in on Cubase and also if you save a project, it'll save the NL3's patches you used so you don't have to look for them next time you open up the project file. I hope I helped a bit.

what you need to do is find all the parameters in midi numbers that control the keyboard, and then the instrument you add in Cubase will controll it. Each pattern you make in Cubase has parameters to change things on the fly, such as velocity, cutoff frequency, etc.

But as for programming the sound, I believe you have to use patches, that either came with the keyboard or that you make yourself, and CUbase I think can only change patches, but not program new ones from within the computer.... that'd be alot more deep programming.

I've only used Cubase VST with a Kurzweil K2000 SMP synth/sampler, and that's all I could do.

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the nord lead 3g or whatever its called has a VSti like interface to create new sounds via the PC... its serious kit though, like 3 or 4k Euro.

Well first you need to figure out what each of the Midi CC numbers are for each dial on the Nord. Each dial will have its own midi controller change number. When you maka a midi file in Cubase, at the bottom on the screen in the key editor window is the velocity data yeah? Well it is velocity by default but you can change this. Where it says velocity at the bottom left corner in the drop bar, you can select other funtions to view in this area.

Select the Nord as the midi in for the channel and hit record. Turn the filter cutoff and it will record the changes in this bottom window. Click on the velocity drop bar and filter cutoff (it will be most likely labelled something else) will be hilighted with an *. The Midi CC numbers should be in the manual though. This is how you automate the synth.

The other option is to create a midi channel for each parameter you want to automate. Just set the input as the nord, then hit record and turn the dial as needed. The data will come up like a bar graph.

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Cheers for replies - I've got my midi playing sent to the synth, which then returns the sounds via an audio track. I can edit as it records for any changes. Which I guess is how things are done.

However, I'm having problems figuring out how to plot the automation info in cubase...I've recorded as you said but only a kinda weird graph records when I turn knobs, nothing selectable that is immediately obvious.

and what could that mysterious graph be?
aaaaaaiiiiiight, it's your recorded automation data

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Haha, I really should've figured that out - ok I think I can play from here and figure out the rest of the basics. If anyone has any detailed guides they've seen around on the net or any tips for more advanced things that are relevant please post them. Cheers all.

The key is that you know what cc your synth is sending. It's a pain cuz they are different for each synth (exc some universal ones like volume, panning, cutoff). Don't forget about realtime recording tho, most of the time more musical than just drawing some stupid lines.

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here's my stupid question: When you're sending automation data to the synth and making other tweaks at the same time, is it possible to compound the two? So, as an example:

Take 1: 2 knobs - Flter Attack, Release knobs are used
Take 2: 2 more knobs - envelope sustain release are used

Can I compound these two to generate a "mutant" that has all 4 tweaks at the same time?

thx

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pretty hard to test yourself eh
.. of course you can

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Yes, you can record cutoff, Q, release, whatever, all at the same time on the same midi channel. When you record a certain dial, that midi CC will have a * next to it in the drop bar. You don't need to know what CC number it is, it tells you.

Niel F, when you record dial turning, it comes up with a wierd looking graph thing in the midi file. OPEN THE MIDI FILE, IN THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER THERE IS A DROP BAR TITLED VELOCITY CLICK ON THIS DROP BAR AND THE DIAL YOU JUST RECORDED HAS AN ASTERISK NEXT TO IT. SELECT THIS AND THEN YOUR DATA WILL COME UP IN THE VELOCITY LANE. You can edit the midi data there.

Sorry for capitals but you obviously missed it the first time i wrote it.

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1 out of every 4 people in this country are mentally disturbed. Look at your 3 closest friends. If they seem okay, then you're the one.