Ample Sound has released a version 2.5 update for six of its virtual bass instruments.
The updates include a new module, Riffer, a riff generator featuring MIDI edit of stringed instruments, multiple formats conversion, automatic riff creation, etc. The initial update includes 500 classic riffs.
Changes in version 2.5
- String Roll – Original notation of stringed instrument
Riffer uses the notation invented by Ample Sound – String Roll. Traditional tab can only write quantized MIDI. It only records fingering without directly showing important information such as pitch, velocity and so on. While a Piano Roll can show MIDI in good detail, it cannot avoid using keyswitches and MIDI controller for fingering, articulation, expression of stringed instruments, resulting in messy notation.
String Roll preserves the composing details of MIDI while it can clearly show fingering, articulation, expression, and even noise in string performances. Every note has 8 attributes – pitch, velocity, length, off velocity, articulation, legato, vibrato and bend, with which the user can make a delicate lick.
As shown in the image, these 4 lines represent 4 bass strings. Text on the notes represents pitch, Color represents velocity, and length represents duration. Four independent attributes – articulation, legato, vibrato, bend – are shown as icons above. Additionally, any noise including fret buzz, finger slapping or any other special performing skills could be written on the FX-line, which is below the 4 bass strings.
Information shown on the notes can be switched to various parameters such as pitch, fret, pitch + fret, velocity, duration, off velocity.
The user can easily use the graphic curve above to create a bend. Pitch wheel messages generated can also be used for bend in other virtual instruments.
Swing, Velocity Humanization, Velocity Proportion and other real-time parameters can give controllable humanization for quantized MIDI notes. - Dice – Automatic Composing
Select the number of notes, key, chord or scale, style, range of velocity, click the dice and a main riff will be created. It is not simply a random algorithm, it summarizes the rules of scale and groove of different styles through analyzing a bunch of music scores. - Multiple Formats Conversion:
- Writing and composing in the Riffer, users no longer need to worry about complex fingering, articulation and expression. They can directly drag the riff to a MIDI track of their DAW. Every fingering, articulation, and expression will be automatically converted to MIDI keyswitch and controller. Riffer humanizations can also be included in MIDI.
- The user can also import their own MIDI files and tabs into Riffer without any loss (for tab to riff).
- Ample Metal Ray5 Bass adds some new samples. Users need to install the full installer to upgrade.
- New Tab Player UI, added Tab to Riff feature.
- User need to install Bass_Riffs_Installer for the presets.
The Ample Bass instruments (VST/AU/RTAS/AAX/Standalone) are available at a 25% discount from March 3rd until April 3rd, both individual instruments and bundles.
More information: Ample Sound
