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This page: File Compatibility; Wave; Editor
File Compatibility
GigaStudio reads GigaSampler Instrument and Performance files, as well as SoundFonts, DLS and WAV files, and Akai CD-ROMs. The new, open architecture of the program should allow third-party developers to write Roland and E-mu format-conversion utilities. GigaStudio will also let you save standard CD audio tracks as WAV files, which can then be imported into the program -- very handy.
Akai banks can now be used with no prior conversion, with the program creating a temporary file on the hard disk. If, however, you want to keep those banks for the next session, a right-button click on a file will call up the conversion options. There's even an option to convert a whole CD at once -- nice.
Wave
One of the best features of the program is the Distributed Wave function, which lets you quickly assign samples to the keyboard for instant playback. (click for a close-up)
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The new Distributed Wave function is great when you want to assign a bunch of samples to the keyboard without going through the process of creating an instrument: Simply drag the desired sample(s) from the Explorer to the graphic keyboard and you're ready to play them back via MIDI. You can assign up to 128 samples (one per note) this way. You won't be able to transpose or to define a key-span of more than one note for any individual sample (this does require that you create an instrument), but in most cases, this feature will save you time.
Editor
While the Instrument Editor hasn't changed much, two new functions make programming easier: macros, which lets you save and recall your favorite parameter sets, and the graphical Crossfade Editor, which makes it a breeze to program the velocity ranges of layered instruments. GigaStudio's multi-mode filters are an improvement over GigaSampler. Overall, they performed adequately, but didn't really stack up with those offered by some the top software synths, such as Koblo and Reaktor. The good news is that the program's integrated effects make up for the filters' shortcomings.
The handy Multi-Crossfade Editor makes it easy to program the playback ranges of stacked instruments. (click for a close-up)
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Next Page: Effects....
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