I wanted to give you all a head-start on understanding the new layer-based mapping system that the update for CoreGuitar Strawberry uses. Speaking of which, the update has just been sent out to the beta testers, and should be finished in a few days. The system is actually very simple, but it's a completely new concept. There's a lot of power in the new mapping system--I've only scratched the surface, myself.
How the system works:
A layer can control everything from the articulation used to details such as the fretting position, pitch bend range, picking style, and much more. Any performance control you click on can have a value assigned to a layer. For each layer, you can set a number of conditions which need to be met in order to trigger the layer, and therefore affect any controls you have associated with it.
The most basic use of layers would be to set up velocity layers and assign them to articulations. Other conditions besides velocity include a note range, controller range (including pitch wheel and aftertouch), and also a keyswitch. Imagine using the mod wheel to select different levels of palm mutedness, or using a custom keyswitch to move the fretting position. The best part is, you can use any number of these properties to indicate the circumstance needed to trigger the layer. For example, making the "squeal" articulation happen only at loud velocity layers, when the note is between C3 and C4, and when the pitch bend is lowered.
The other cool thing about layers is that they can affect any number of controls in the performance interface. If a layer does not affect a certain control, the mapping engine will search for the next layer which meets the note's conditions. This way you can create complicated mappings which react exactly the way you want them to.
Summary:
Traditionally mapping has been one-dimensional, usually using velocity to control the articulation, for example. Nowadays some sample developers add a second dimension, such as a MIDI controller or keyswitch to affect an articulation or other aspect of the sample library.
In CoreGuitar Strawberry you can have as many as four dimensions in a single layer! Using combinations of these, your mappings are only limited to your imagination. Rather than having to adapt your playing or sequencing to a sample library, CoreGuitar Strawberry will perform exactly the way you want it to behave.
Of course, this upcoming free update for CoreGuitar Strawberry will also include dozens of pre-made mappings to have at your fingertips, covering leads and rhythm mappings in many styles.
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