In this article, I’ll go through everything you should know to build tracks with Chromatic.
1. Get set up with Chromatic
To utilize Chromatic you’ll have to add it to your DAW. Chromatic works with the most common DAWs.
First, obtain the Chromatic installer and comply with the instructions to add it to your plugins folder.
You might have to restart your DAW or scan for plugins for Chromatic to look in your library. Check to ensure VST3 help is enabled 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 device you’ll use to control Chromatic. Chromatic works equally properly with key and pad-based controllers, so any sort will do.
Hot tip: In Ableton Live you should utilize your pc keyboard to enter MIDI data in case you don’t have a controller to play with.
Chromatic’s BPM will automatically sync along with your session tempo. However, you’ll need to manually choose the important thing on your track.
Should you’re utilizing Chromatic as a track starter, just select any key. In case you’ve already recorded some components. However, you’re unsure what key you’re in, head over to our guide 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 fresh sounds.
Consider moods like categories and sets like instruments, however, be ready for surprises—Chromatic is full of distinctive sounds that aren’t always based on a single instrumental tone.
Take a look at the set previews to see what each has to supply or obtain a complete mood to get every single loop.
Every mood comes with at least one free set, so choose these up in case you just need to discover Chromatic and try the workflow.
However to get access to everything Chromatic has to supply—and there’s an entire lot—you’ll subscribe to a plan. The yearly choice is your finest worth to get each new launch for Chromatic.
When you’ve loaded a set, try playing the white keys on 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 switch the samples within the set.
Right here’s a quick explanation of what each one does:
- /2 – playback the sample at half speed
- x2 – playback the sample at the double speed
- …. Quarter note stutter
- …….. Eighth note triplet stutter
- ………… Sixteenth note stutter
- +1 transpose up an octave
- -1 transpose down an octave
- /2> playback the sample at half speed and one octave down
3. Jam along with your monitor and get inspired
With the fundamentals out of the way, Chromatic is supposed to be performed like an instrument.
In case you’re keen on 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 listen to everything a set has to supply and check out different mixtures to see how the samples can interact.
You may jam along to the current audio you’ve recorded in your DAW or build entire tracks around Chromatic. Every sound automatically locks into the tempo and key you’ve chosen so there’s no have to manually alter pitch or timing.
And when you get going, don’t restrict yourself to a single set or mood.
A number of cases of Chromatic can create an orchestra of organic loop sounds for any genre.
4. Record your finished parts
When you’ve chanced on something nice, it’s time to press record and seize your efficiency.
Don’t worry if it’s not good, you possibly can quantize your MIDI notes later to lock them into the grid.
With the essential thought down you may edit your parts within the piano roll to get your efficiency 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 vary of MIDI notes from C2 to C3 — make certain your controller is masking this vary to get the most out of Chromatic’s loops.
Use as many tracks and clips as you should build your association and don’t be afraid to record passages that embrace modifier effects to make Chromatic your individual.
5. Keep discovering Chromatic
Chromatic isn’t restricted to one style or instrument. It may be used wherever you want a quick shot of inspiration.
Hit the browse tab at any time to check out extra sets and moods, and obtain fresh content to maintain you within the flow.
And don’t neglect that Chromatic is all the time expanding with new sounds from top artists and producers. Keep an eye out for new releases to encourage you.