Creating an articulation map

Creating a custom articulation map from scratch can take some effort, but it’s a one time procedure that can be used in any project.

If you’re using a popular sample library or virtual instrument, chances are that the developer or other users have already created an articulation map, so search online to see if a map is available for download. Remember, Cakewalk can also import Cubase expression maps.

If you have to create a map from scratch, first consult the documentation for your virtual instrument or sample library for a list or supported articulations, so you know how to program the articulation map.

1.	Right-click in the Articulations pane and select Edit Articulation Maps to open the Articulation Map Editor.

2.	In the Articulation Maps in Project section, click the button to create a new articulation map.

Double-click the map name (“New Articulation Map”) and type a descriptive name.

3.	In the Articulation Groups section, click the button to create a new group.

Double-click the group name (“New Articulation Group”) and type a descriptive name.

Create a separate group for each set of mutually exclusive articulations. For example, bowed and pizzicato violin articulations should be in the same group since they cannot be used simultaneously.

4.	In the Articulations section, click the button to create a new articulation.

Double-click the articulation name (“New Articulation”) and type a descriptive name.

Double-click the color and duration columns if you want to change the default settings.

5.	Repeat steps 3-4 for each additional group and articulation you want to create. Tip: You can right-click to duplicate an existing group or articulation.

6.

Now it’s time to define the key switches and controller switch assignments for each articulation. Decide if you want to define a MIDI Event or MIDI Transform, or both. You can create complex articulations made of several different MIDI messages. Some virtual instruments require multiple key switches or combinations of key switches and controllers to select a particular articulation.

In the Generate New MIDI Events section, click the button to create a new MIDI event for the selected articulation.

In the Transform Existing MIDI Events section, click the button to create a new MIDI transform for the selected articulation.

7.	Configure the attributes of the generated MIDI events or transformed MIDI events to your liking.

8.	If you would like to use the new map in other projects, click the Export button and save the .artmap file in the C:\Cakewalk Content\Cakewalk Core\Articulation Maps folder. This makes the map available in the global Articulation Map Library section.

9.	Click OK to save the articulation map in the project and close the Articulation Map Editor.

 

See:

Using Articulation Maps

Editing articulations

The Articulation Map Editor

Modifying an existing articulation map

Importing articulation maps

Exporting articulation maps

Applying articulations

Extracting keyswitch articulations from existing MIDI data

Articulation maps