Sampler modulation targets in MainStage

None

Disables the target.

Sample Select

Modulates the sample (zone) that is played.

By default, Sample Select is controlled by velocity—through the default Velocity to Sample Select modulation routing. This means that the received note velocity value determines which of the layered zones (in different velocity ranges) is heard as you play the keyboard softer or harder.

You aren’t limited to using velocity, however, to determine which sample is played. You could assign the modulation wheel source to the Sample Select target or use both velocity and the modulation wheel.

If you choose a continuous controller such as the modulation wheel, you can step through the velocity layers during playback. If you do this, use the crossfade (Xfade) parameters in the Mapping and Zone panes to create smooth transitions between velocity split points.

When you use multiple modulation sources, be aware that these can cause all velocity layers to run simultaneously—using up as many voices as there are layered zones. In cases where you’re using multiple Xfades, Sampler needs to be prepared to play any velocity layer in parallel, in order to perform a real time crossfade. To allow for smooth crossfades, this means that all velocity layers need to be active.

Bit Resolution

Modulates the bit depth. This lets you create lo-fi sound effects. For example, using an envelope to make a sustained sound break up over time.

Sample Start/End

Modulates the sample start or end time. This allows you to trigger a drum loop partway through, for example. Modulation of both could create interesting chopping or semi gated effects.

Loop Start/End

Modulates the loop start or end time. This allows you to cycle different sized portions of a drum loop, for example.

Loop Position

Modulates the loop position. This moves the entire looped portion of the sample without changing the loop length.

Flex Speed

Modulates the Flex Speed parameter value, when Flex is enabled. You could use this to double or halve the synchronized playback speed of audio, enabling creative rhythmic effects.

Pitch

Modulates the frequency (pitch) of the loaded sampler instrument. If you select an LFO as the source, this target leads to siren or vibrato sounds. Select one of the envelope generators with zero attack, short decay, zero sustain, and short release as the source for tom and kick drum sounds. Slight envelope modulations can make the amount of detuning change over time, which can be particularly useful for brass sounds.

Glide Time

Modulates the duration of the Glide (portamento) effect. If you modulate Glide with Velocity, keystrike speed sets the time required for played notes to reach the target pitch.

Filter Cutoff

Modulates the Cutoff Frequency parameter independently for each filter.

Filter Resonance

Modulates the Resonance parameter independently for each filter.

Filter Drive

Modulates the filter Drive parameter independently for each filter.

Filter Blend

Modulates the Filter Blend parameter which changes the balance between the filter units. See Crossfade between Sampler filters.

Volume

Controls the main output level.

Pan

Modulates the panorama position of the sound in the stereo spectrum. Modulating Pan with an LFO results in a stereo tremolo (auto panning). In unison mode, the panorama positions of all voices are spread across the entire stereo spectrum. Nevertheless, you can still modulate pan, moving the positions in parallel.

LFO Rate

Modulates the LFO frequency (rate). For example, you can automatically accelerate or slow down the LFO 1 Rate by modulating this target with one of the envelope generators or another LFO.

LFO Fade

Controls the LFO Ramp Generator parameter. See Use the Sampler LFO ramp generator.

LFO Phase

Controls the LFO waveform start position.

Env Delay

Modulates the Delay (pre Attack phase) time of the envelope.

Env Attack

Modulates the Attack time of the envelope.

Env Attack Curve

Modulates the Attack curve shape of the envelope.

Env Hold

Modulates the Hold time of the envelope.

Env Decay

Modulates the Decay time of the envelope.

Env Release

Modulates the Release time of the envelope.

Time

Scale (lengthen or shorten) the envelope time intervals, based on key position. Note position C3 is the center point. Time intervals for zones assigned to keys above C3 can be made shorter with the Amount slider. Time intervals for zones assigned to keys below C3 can be made longer.

All Env Time Stages

Simultaneously modulate all envelope time parameters, as applicable to the chosen envelope type: Delay, Attack, Hold, Decay, Release.

Hold

Modulates the controller assigned to the sustain pedal function.

Articulation ID

Modulates the Articulation ID. See Sampler articulation handling.