Learning How To Tweak GPO4

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Keith Starkey Posted May 02, 2018 19:49

I compose orchestral and jazz band pieces using various notation software, but I'm brand new to DAWs—I'm currently working with the free DAW software Tracktion 6 to get a grip on DAWs in general.

After I am familiar enough with the basics of DAWs, I need to then know, specifically, how to tweak Garritan GPO4 (and eventually the Garritan Jazz Band) in any DAW. At this point, I don't know if all instrumental VST files will be tweaked the same or if there are some particular to Garritan. At any rate, I'm brand new to this, and I'm looking for sites that teach this kind of stuff, I suppose even sites that charge for lessons.

If you have any input on this, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks.

4 comments

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Jeffrey Turner Edited May 02, 2018 21:39

Keith,

You'll probably find a lot of information just googling and watching youtube. Every sample library uses different midi controllers. So first, familiarize yourself with the Garritan manual. You'll see which instruments use modulation to control volume, others use velocity. There are keyswitches to learn.

From my experience, I find it easier to get good recordings of strings, but less convincing mockups of jazz band pieces.

At the same time you're learning a new software, so this is going to be a long learning experience. And as I've found out, the more you learn, the more you realize that you need to learn. Now instead of just being a composer/arranger, you're all of the musicians, mixing and mastering engineer. Take your time and enjoy the ride.

Keith Starkey Posted May 02, 2018 23:48

Thanks, JT.
I was trailing with you until you said, "Now instead of just being a composer/arranger, you're all of the musicians, mixing and mastering engineer."
Ok, I quit! (What am I getting myself into!)
Because of what you've said, I really hope to find a good course or to, you know. But yes, YouTube has a lot. We'll see. Thanks again

Jeffrey Turner Edited May 03, 2018 02:10

Keith,

I wasn't trying to discourage you at all, and if it came across that way I'm sorry. This is just how I feel when working with my DAW, Logic. A jack of all trades, master of none. I have watched so many videos about learning how to mix, use EQ, compression, limiters, etc.... My skills have improved dramatically from where I started, but I need to learn more. I get frustrated a lot. You might be able to find a course on this, maybe Berklee online?

Here's a youtube video that I think is a good introduction to playing virtual instruments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OktpoOztRvQ&list=PLha8jec_dVTZc190Q9YcrXZ-iJfDZGIgj

Also, here's a link to another forum which I find very helpful.

https://vi-control.net/community/

The members are made up of pros and hobbyists, mainly in the orchestral, film score, video game genres. With tips, reviews, tutorials and someone always around to answer questions. I've learned a lot there. If you do go here, scroll down to the "Member's Compositions" and listen to some of the music that is posted there. You'll get an idea of what's possible with virtual instruments.

Good luck.

Keith Starkey Posted May 03, 2018 02:47

Oh, no problem at all, JT. I was just expressing a bit of overwhelmingness!

Yeah, I knew going into this it was going to be a long, long learning experience. And I guess that's okay, but the faster one can get past the initial learning curve, the better. (Berklee's out: my gosh, I'd spend my checks ahead of time into the next year!)

Hey, thanks again. I appreciate the links, too. With enough research, I'm sure I can put it all together from videos and what have you.

Thanks again,

Keith

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