In this guide I’ll go through all the things you need to build tracks with Chromatic.
1. Get set up with Chromatic
To use Chromatic you’ll have to add it to your DAW. Chromatic works with most common DAWs. However, you possibly can check the system requirements here to see if yours is supported.
First, obtain the Chromatic installer and observe the instructions to add it to your plugins folder.
You could have to restart your DAW or scan for plugins for Chromatic to look in your library. Check to verify VST3 help in case you still don’t see Chromatic after a scan and restart.
Add Chromatic to a MIDI channel in your DAW session and sign in to get began.
Choose the MIDI input system you’ll use to manage Chromatic. Chromatic works equally nicely with key and pad-based controllers, so any sort will do.
Chromatic’s BPM will automatically sync with your session tempo. However, you’ll need to manually choose the important thing of your track.
In case you’re utilizing Chromatic to build tracks, simply select any key. When you’ve already recorded some components, but you’re unsure what key you’re in, head over to our information to the best ways to find the key of a song.
2. Discover moods, sets and effects
Next, add some sounds to Chromatic by utilizing the browse tab to preview sets and moods.
That is where you’ll obtain content for Chromatic. The library is all the time expanding so stay tuned for new releases with contemporary sounds.
Think of moods like categories and sets like devices, but be ready for surprises—Chromatic is full of distinctive sounds that aren’t all the time based on a single instrumental tone.
Try the set previews to see what every one has to supply or obtain an entire mood to get every single loop.
Each mood comes with at least one free set, so choose these up in case you just want to discover Chromatic and check out the workflow.
But to get access to all the things Chromatic has to supply—and there’s an entire lot—you’ll need to subscribe to a plan. The yearly choice is your greatest value to get each new release for Chromatic.
When you’ve loaded a set, try playing the white keys in your keyboard to get a feel for the sounds.
You’ll discover all the things from full loops to one-shots, SFX to synths and vocals, all organized by mood.
As you play, try utilizing the effects on the black keys to change the samples within the set.
Right here’s a quick explanation of what each one does:
- /2 – play back the sample at half speed
- x2 – play back the sample at double speed
- …. Quarter note stutter
- …….. Eighth note triplet stutter
- ………… Sixteenth note stutter
- +1 transpose up an octave
- -1 transpose down an octave
- /2> play back the sample at half speed and one octave down
3. Jam along with your track and get inspired
With the fundamentals out of the best way, Chromatic is supposed to be played like an instrument.
In case you’re excited about an alternative to the copy and paste workflow of conventional sample packs, you’ll instantly see how utilizing a MIDI controller to construct loops, hits, beats and melodies on the fly unlocks creativity.
Discover each keyboard key to hear everything a set has to offer and check out different mixtures to see how the samples can interact.
You may jam along to present audio you’ve recorded in your DAW or build tracks with Chromatic. Each sound automatically locks into the tempo and key you’ve chosen so there’s no need to manually modify pitch or timing.
And when you get going, don’t limit yourself to a single set or mood.
Multiple cases of Chromatic can create an orchestra of organic loop sounds for any style.
4. Record your finished parts
When you’ve came across something nice, it’s time to press record and capture your performance.
Don’t worry if it’s not good, you may quantize your MIDI notes later to lock them into the grid.
With the fundamental concept down you possibly can edit your parts within the piano roll to get your performance just right.
And in case you’re not within the mood to record live, you may still manually enter MIDI notes to manage Chromatic.
Hot tip: Chromatic responds to an octave range of MIDI notes from C2 to C3 — ensure your controller is covering this vary to get the most out of Chromatic’s loops.
Use as many tracks and clips as you should construct your arrangement and don’t be afraid to record passages that include modifier effects to make Chromatic your own. There’s no limit!
5. Keep discovering Chromatic
Chromatic isn’t limited to one style or instrument. It may be used anyplace you want a fast shot of inspiration.
Hit the browse tab at any time to check out more sets and moods, and obtain fresh content to maintain you within the flow.
And don’t neglect that Chromatic is always increasing with new sounds from prime artists and producers. Keep an eye out for new releases to encourage you.