1. | Re-initialize your NN-19 and load the BIGSTRINGS patch from the /NN19 Sampler Patches/Strings folder of the Reason Factory Sound Bank (Figure 6.61).Figure 6.61. Load the BIGSTRINGS patch. [View full size image] |
2. | In the Sequencer, map out a two-bar section using the loop markers, and input a sustained melody (Figure 6.62).Figure 6.62. A basic melody for the BIGSTRINGS patch [View full size image] |
3. | With your sustained loop playing, click the Show Controller Lane button (Figure 6.63) at the top of the Sequencer window. Space for Controller lanes will appear at the bottom of your Sequencer window.Figure 6.63. The Show Controller Lane button adds space in your Sequencer window to display knob movement or adjustable parameters for any device.

Emulating "Real" Instruments It takes work to make sampled instruments sound convincing. At worst, "passable" is usually possiblebut the more versatile the instrument you're building, the more it will need coaxing with controllers and elaborate sample mapping.In general, strings and brass are hostile to the sampling process, whereas piano and percussion instruments are more forgiving (though any pianist or a percussionist will tell you differently). |
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4. | Now click the Controllers button (Figure 6.64) to pop up a list containing all the NN-19 controller parameters.Figure 6.64. The Controllers button pops up a list of all the writable NN-19 parameters.
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5. | Select Master Volume from the list. A new blue Controller lane marked Master Level appears beneath the red Velocity lane (Figure 6.65).Figure 6.65. Add a master volume Controller lane in your Sequencer edit window.
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6. | Disable the Snap-to-Grid function so you can input smooth volume changes that are not quantized to the grid resolution value. |
7. | Use the Pencil or Line tool to draw in volume curves for the BIGSTRINGS instrument (Figure 6.66).Figure 6.66. With grid-snapping disabled, the master volume changes are smoother and more natural-sounding.
Upward-moving curves will increase the instrument volume, and downward curves will decrease it. |
8. | Experiment to find volume variations that sound the most natural for your part. |