Download & Install

Poseidon Sound Design

Articles

FAQ: What is the Photosynthesis Engine?

We use our Photosynthesis Engine for libraries where we want to allow users to layer sounds and interact with our traditional multi-sampled content in new and exciting ways.

Currently the Photosynthesis engine is used in the following products:

  • Poseidon (Within SD All-in-One.nki)
  • Photosynthesis

The library, Photosynthesis, currently uses an older version of the Photosynthesis engine without some of the new features such as being able to swap out layers, save & load presets and access to the granular engine. 

Layers Page

The layers page gives you access to ‘at a glance’ controls relating to the preset you have loaded such as volume, pan and tune for layers, the sound sources loaded and whether that layer is on or off.

Swapping Layer Sources

Clicking the name of the source for each layer will open a dropdown menu in which the source can be selected.

Within this engine, articulations such as ‘Waves’ will loop and will repeat whilst your hand is held down.

When a layer is deactivated, the animated background icon for that layer will dim.

Effects Page

The effects page allows you to apply a wide variety of manipulations to layers, great to create dynamic evolving patches which are larger than life.

Insert & Send FX

On the left hand side is a panel which can be used to apply Send and Insert FX to loaded sounds. 

The layer which effects are applied to can be selected using the ‘Sound Selector’ towards the top of the interface.

Sound Blending

On the right hand side is an XY pad which can be used to blend two layers in real time.

You can assign a CC for each axis of the XY pad which can be used in combination to for versatile controls. 

Rhythm Page

The rhythm page is split up into two sections. 

‘Filters’ allows you to add pulsing and other rhythmic manipulations to your layers.

The second section, ‘Source’, allows you to sequence short articulations together into complex patterns which can be triggered by holding down a note on your keyboard.

Filters

This part of the interface is split in two, and gives you granular control over the order in which filters are processed in the signal chain. 

PRE-FX refers to filters applied before the effects from the ‘FX’ page. 

POST-FX refers to filters applied after the effects from the ‘FX’ page.

Clicking the ‘Filter’ radio button will enable the filter. Without turning on ‘Seq’ (Sequencer) this will act as a standard additional filter within the instrument.

Enabling ‘Seq’ will allow various parameters of the filter to be modulated in a rhythmic pattern.

Cutoff: The maximum cutoff frequency of the low pass filter used within this page. When the filter table slot is at maximum this is the cutoff value which will be used.

Steps: This amount of steps from the filter table which will be used when ‘Seq’ is enabled – read from left to right.

Res: The amount of resonance (boost at the cutoff frequency) of the filter.

The PRE/POST-FX filter can also have its cutoff modulated based on a LFO with a range of controls to create unique waveforms. The dropdown menu above each control provides a variety of presets to help you get started.

Source

The source tab within the Rhythm engine allows you to create intricate sequences through the creation of rhythmic patterns.

The table at the top allows the velocity to be altered for each step in the sequence. Underneath, the following controls allow for more control as to how each step is performed:

Steps: The amount of steps in the sequence which are used when the source engine is turned on.

1/8 Dropdown: This allows you to set the note value used by each step of the sequencer. This will be synced with your host BPM.

Shortness: This allows you to alter the length of each step in the sequencer. For example, 50% on an 1/8th note sequence will play a note the length of a 16th note.

Various parameters have their own LFO within the source section of the interface. These have a range of controls to create unique waveforms which will alter these parameters once the sequence is triggered. The dropdown menu above each control provides a variety of presets to help you get started. 

Granular Page

The Granular Page allows you to place one of your 3 sound sources through our granular engine, creating a wide range of different sound and timbre possibilities. A lot of the factory presets utilise this engine, but here is how you can manipulate the sounds yourself.

Waveform Viewer

Here you can selected which one of your 3 sounds sources you wish to put through the engine, as well as the range of the sample. You will then see your selected sound in waveform view

Here you can toggle, mute and solo your granular layer without the need to navigate back to the layers page

Granular Controls

Here you can manipulate various controls the refine your granular sound.

Grain Control

The Grains Control allows your to set the attack (Fade In) and release (Fade Out) time per grain

Envelope Control

The Envelope controls allow you to control the ADSR controls for the granular engine

Performance Control

The Performance controls allow you to change various parameters on the granular engine, including your grain interval, grain length, jitter percentage.

You can also change your cursor between Scroll or Freeze mode.

There are also several granular presets for you to choose from as you begin designing your own granular sounds. 

Master Page

The master page provides a range of controls which can be applied to do a final range of manipulation to your preset. 

All of these are applied on the master bus after all other effects and busses.

Preset Browser

The preset browser provides a range of functionality to help you find the sound you want for your project efficiently.

Filters

The filters on the left allow you to browse by ‘Expansion’, ‘Genre’, ‘Focus’, ‘Instrument’ and ‘Character’.

Expansions are collections of presets and sounds which are themed around a certain genre or mood.

Clicking a filter will adjust the other visible filters based on what you have clicked. 

Filters types can be collapsed if you prefer to not browse by a particular category. You can do this by clicking the chevron on the right hand side or clicking the filter name (such as ‘Focus’ in our example below).

Selected filter buttons can be de-selected by clicking its relevant icon, or, clicking the cross on the right hand side (see below).

Preset Management

Presets can be deleted, edited and saved using these controls.

The ‘User’ and ‘Audio Imperia’ icon allows you to filter by Factory / Audio Imperia made presets and User created presets. 

After presets are updated in the /Library Data/Presets folder, you can rescan presets to make them show up in the browser. Rescanning presets will take a few minutes, but will not needed to be ran again.

Loading Presets

Presets can be loaded and favourited on the right hand side.

Next to each preset is an indication of the amount of layers used in that preset.

Clicking the below icon will show presets with that amount of selected layers. Shift + Click on this control will show all presets.

Presets can be previewed by clicking the preset name once, which will load it make the name turn gold. Once you’re happy with the preset, click the name again or click the tick in the top right hand corner of the preset browser to confirm your changes.

Installation

Articles

Getting Started

Native Access is Native Instruments’ app for downloading, installing and activating Kontakt based instruments. You can use Native Access to install any of your Audio Imperia libraries or Kontakt.

Download Native Access

Throughout the installation, you will need to follow the instructions on screen.

Once installed, you will be prompted to create a Native Access account which you will need to register your library to your account. This will allow you to re-download and update your library.

You will see a login dialogue similar to the image below.

Registering your library

Once you have logged in to Native Access, you will see an option to register your serial number in the bottom left hand corner.

Once this ‘Add Serial’ dialogue has opened, you can enter your serial sent to you in your ‘Your download from Audio Imperia is now ready!’ email you would have received after purchasing.

Your serial will be found towards the bottom of the email under the order subtotal.

Once you have clicked ‘Add Serial’ you will see the product under your ‘Library’. You can navigate quickly to your Audio Imperia libraries using the ‘Brands’ subfilter.

You can then navigate to your product in your ‘Library’ and click the install button underneath the product name to download and install your purchased product. 

How do I install Kontakt / Kontakt Player?

Within the filter at the top of Native Access, choose ‘Applications’ and scroll until you find Kontakt or Kontakt Player. Once installed, you’ll be able to load Kontakt inside your DAW of choice as an instrument plugin. 

How to load my library in Logic Pro X
How to load my library in Cubase

Loading my product in Logic Pro X

Loading your Audio Imperia library in Logic Pro X is a quick and simple process. For this demonstration, we’ll start in an empty Logic project.

Once in your empty project, click the ‘Details’ dropdown whilst selecting to create a new MIDI Software Instrument track.

Once the Details area is open, click the dropdown to select the Kontakt plugin for your track.

Depending on what version of Kontakt you have installed you may see a different name. 

All Audio Imperia libraries can be used on Kontakt 6 (name: Kontakt), Kontakt 7 or Kontakt 8.

Click the stereo version of the plugin and you will see the plugin be selected. You can now press ‘Create’ to make your new track with Kontakt loaded.

Opening your product in Kontakt

If you don’t see the Kontakt plugin window open straight away, navigate to the track ‘Inspector’ area on the left hand side and click the plugin name, highlighted in blue.

You can know which version of Kontakt you have loaded by the name of the plugin loaded. 

  • Kontakt 6 will show as ‘Kontakt’ within Logic.
  • Kontakt 7 will show as ‘Kontakt 7’ within Logic.
  • Kontakt 8 will show as ‘Kontakt 8’ within Logic.

Toggle on the browser on the right using the dropdown here. You will need to enable “Browser”.

Now, on the left hand side click ‘Libraries’. You will see your Audio Imperia products here. Clicking ‘Instruments’ will show the various folders you can use to load your sounds.

Virtual instruments show as .nki files. Double clicking one will load it into your rack on the right hand side.

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the Library browser:

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the side-pane browser:

In the side pane on the left, make sure that the Instruments category is selected (this should be the case by default), otherwise click Instruments to select that category.

You can now navigate and select your product’s artwork tile.

Click on the arrow icon (>) in the top right corner of the instrument’s artwork to load the instrument and its first preset.

Alternatively, you can click the instrument’s artwork to display the list of its presets.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Loading my product in Cubase

Loading your Audio Imperia library in Cubase is a quick and simple process. For this demonstration, we’ll start in an empty Cubase project.

Click the “+” button towards the top of your tracks view and select ‘Instrument’.

In the dialogue underneath this click the plugin name and search for Kontakt.

You can now click ‘Add Track’.

Opening your product in Kontakt

If you don’t see the Kontakt plugin window open straight away, navigate to the track ‘Inspector’ area on the left hand side and click the button below to open the plugin window. In the screenshot below this is highlighted in yellow.

Toggle on the browser on the right using the dropdown here. You will need to enable “Browser”.

Now, on the left hand side click ‘Libraries’. You will see your Audio Imperia products here. Clicking ‘Instruments’ will show the various folders you can use to load your sounds.

Virtual instruments show as .nki files. Double clicking one will load it into your rack on the right hand side.

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the Library browser:

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the side-pane browser:

In the side pane on the left, make sure that the Instruments category is selected (this should be the case by default), otherwise click Instruments to select that category.

You can now navigate and select your product’s artwork tile.

Click on the arrow icon (>) in the top right corner of the instrument’s artwork to load the instrument and its first preset.

Alternatively, you can click the instrument’s artwork to display the list of its presets.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Getting Started

Native Access is Native Instruments’ app for downloading, installing and activating Kontakt based instruments. You can use Native Access to install any of your Audio Imperia libraries or Kontakt.

Download Native Access

Throughout the installation, you will need to follow the instructions on screen.

Once installed, you will be prompted to create a Native Access account which you will need to register your library to your account. This will allow you to re-download and update your library.

You will see a login dialogue similar to the image below.

Registering your library

Once you have logged in to Native Access, you will see an option to register your serial number in the bottom left hand corner.

Once this ‘Add Serial’ dialogue has opened, you can enter your serial sent to you in your ‘Your download from Audio Imperia is now ready!’ email you would have received after purchasing.

Your serial will be found towards the bottom of the email under the order subtotal.

Once you have clicked ‘Add Serial’ you will see the product under your ‘Library’. You can navigate quickly to your Audio Imperia libraries using the ‘Brands’ subfilter.

You can then navigate to your product in your ‘Library’ and click the install button underneath the product name to download and install your purchased product. 

How do I install Kontakt / Kontakt Player?

Within the filter at the top of Native Access, choose ‘Applications’ and scroll until you find Kontakt or Kontakt Player. Once installed, you’ll be able to load Kontakt inside your DAW of choice as an instrument plugin. 

How to load my library in Logic Pro X
How to load my library in Cubase

Pyramid

Articles

FAQ

What is Pyramid?

Pyramid is the interface and workflow which powers a lot of our orchestral instruments. You can see Pyramid in a lot of our popular libraries such as Nucleus, Chorus and Jaeger. Pyramid ensures that once you learn how to use one Audio Imperia library you learn with them all.

Enjoy this cutting-edge technology and move from one Audio Imperia product to the next with an incredibly smooth transition experience.

Which products use Pyramid?

  • Areia
  • Areia Lite Edition
  • Cerberus
  • Chorus
  • Chorus Lite Edition
  • Chorus FX
  • Constrictor
  • Dolce
  • Dolce Lite Edition
  • Fluid Brass
  • Fluid Woods
  • Jaeger
  • Klavier
  • Legacy
  • Nucleus
  • Nucleus Lite Edition
  • Solo
  • Talos
  • Trailer Guitars 2
  • Otamatone

Do I need to download Pyramid?

No. Pyramid is installed automatically when you download your Audio Imperia product through Native Access. You don’t need to configure anything else except load your product in Kontakt like normal.

Overview

Multisamples

Tonal Instruments

On tonal instruments, like violins or trumpets, you can play different pitches, so samples must be mapped to the corresponding keys (Instrument range). Keyswitches are used to switch between articulations.

In Pyramid, the playing range is shown in the aqua blue and keyswitches are shown in red.

Atonal Instruments

On atonal instruments, like snare drums or cymbals, you can’t play different pitches, so samples can be mapped to any key. This means a single patch can contain multiple instruments, with each of their articulations mapped to different keys.

Patch Layout

Both Tonal and Atonal multisamples patches share a two-page layout: Basic and Advanced. The basic page contains all the essential elements for quick and easy use of the libraries, while the advanced page augments these with additional controls and customization options.

Tonal - Basic

1. Mixer (Basic), 2. Reverb (Basic), 3. Articulations, 4. Controllers (Basic).

Tonal - Advanced

1. Mixer (Advanced), 2. Reverb (Advanced), 3. Articulations, 4. Keyswitches Options,
5. Controllers (Advanced), 6. Options.

Atonal - Basic

1. Mixer (Basic), 2. Reverb (Basic), 3. Instruments / Articulations (Basic), 4. Select by MIDI, 5. Controllers (Basic).

Atonal - Advanced

1. Mixer (Advanced), 2. Reverb (Advanced), 3. Instruments / Articulations (Advanced), 4. Select by MIDI, 5. Controllers (Advanced), 6. Options.

Orchestral

Mixer

Basic Page Layout

  • The big horizontal slider can be used to crossfade between the different mic positions from closest to farthest.
  • Classic mix: Features the raw and unprocessed sound of the original recordings.
  • Modern mix: Adds subtle processing for a ready-to-go cinematic sound.

Advanced Page Layout

  • The small vertical sliders control the volume for a specific mic position/mix.
  • The knobs control the pan for a specific mic position/mix.
  • Individual mic positions/mixes can be loaded or purged using the name buttons. Use the control/command key for exclusive purging.
  • Different outputs can be assigned for each mic position/mix using the down arrow menus.

Reverb

Basic Page Layout

  • The knob controls the send amount for the reverb.
  • The on/off button toggles the reverb send bypass.

Advanced Page Layout

  • On/off button: Toggles the reverb send bypass.
  • Pre-Delay: Controls the amount of reverb pre-delay.
  • Time: Controls the reverb time.
  • Reverb Type: Selects from the two available reverb algorithms: Room and Hall.
  • Amount: Controls the send amount for the reverb.

Articulations

Articulations (Tonal)

Articulations can be selected by clicking the articulation’s name in the list (1), or by using keyswitches.


The keyswitch display shows the currently mapped keyswitch for each articulation (2).

 

Individual articulations can be loaded or purged using the power buttons (3). Use the control/command key for exclusive purging.

Keyswitch Options (Tonal)

Keyswitches can be moved up or down the keyboard by clicking and dragging the keyboard icon or by clicking the small arrows to either side (1).

Keyswitches can be locked using the padlock button (2). When locked, keyswitch commands via MIDI are ignored, though switching is still possible by clicking the articulation’s name in the list.

Instruments & Articulations (Atonal)

Basic Page Layout

Clicking an instrument name (1) reveals the available articulations for that instrument.

Entire instruments can be purged or loaded by using the power button next to the instrument name (2). Articulations can also be individually purged or loaded by using the power button next to the articulation name (3).

The instrument color can be previewed on the basic page, this color is reflected on all keys that trigger the instrument. (7).

Advanced Page Layout

Each articulation can be mapped to a maximum of two keys. Click the (+) button (4) to enable two-key mapping. To go back to one-key mapping, click the (-) button.

You can map an articulation to a key by dragging up or down on the key name (5), by typing in the value (double click the key name) or by using MIDI learn. To trigger MIDI learn, click the small MIDI icon (6) and press any key to map the articulation to that key.

The instrument color can be modified on the advanced page by dragging up or down on the color icon. This color is reflected on all keys that trigger the instrument. (7).

 

Select By MIDI - Atonal

The Select by MIDI function (1) when turned on allows you to visualize the instrument that is currently being triggered via MIDI.

Controllers

Basic Page Layout

  • Dynamics: When a long articulation is selected, the dynamics knob crossfades between the different recorded dynamic layers. Note that on short articulations, dynamic layers are triggered via velocity.
  • Expression: An additional layer of volume control that affects the instrument pre-reverb. It can be especially useful when used together with Dynamics for adding even more, as the controller’s name implies, expression in your music.
  • Vibrato: On specific long articulations, the vibrato knob crossfades between the recorded non-vibrato and vibrato samples.
  • Tight: The Tight button is just a simplified Sample Start controller, when setting it to on, Sample Start is set to 0ms, when setting it to off, Sample Start is set to the previously set value. This feature is especially useful when you go back and forth between recording and playback when composing.

Advanced Page Layout

  • Dyn. Range: The Dynamic Range knob applies volume scaling to all articulations. With the Dynamic Range slider set at 0, samples will play back as they were recorded. As you increase the Dynamic Range, all but the loudest dynamic layer scale down, allowing the library to play quieter on the lowest dynamics than originally recorded. With the Dynamic Range slider at maximum, a Dynamics (for long articulations) or Velocity (for short articulations) value of zero will result in silence.
  • Sample Start: The Sample Start controller can be thought of as a “realism/responsiveness” knob. When setting near 0ms, the instrument will respond with lower latency, but attacks, releases, and legato transitions will sound abrupt. When setting near -250ms, it will have the opposite effect, introducing more latency, but with the benefit of more realistic attacks, releases, and legato transitions. For an in-depth explanation of Sample Start, see the “Sample Start” walkthrough video in our YouTube channel.
  • Leg. Smooth: The Legato Smoothness controller affects the length of the crossfades used on legato articulations. Higher values tend to sound smoother but muddier, lower values tend to sound crisper but bumpier. There are no right or wrong answers, just adjust to your taste.

Sample Start

Products in our Pyramid interface benefit from sample start. This feature ensures that your MIDI plays realistically and consistently in time, allowing you to quantise notes and copy MIDI from track to track with predictable results.

Hear more about sample start and how to benefit from it in our video here: 

Options

Options can be selected from the main drop-down menu (1). Enable or disable options using the power button (2). An asterisk will appear next to the name of any enabled options (3).

  • Velocity Curve: This option allows you to change how a patch reacts to velocity. There are three curves that can be selected using the drop-down menu (2): linear, shelf and fixed. These can be further customized by clicking and dragging up or down on the velocity curve display (1).
  • Transpose: (1) Shifts the playable range up or down the keyboard. Note that this option does not affect keyswitches.
  • Range: (2) Increases or decreases the playable range of an articulation above or below the recorded range of the instrument. Unlike the previous options, which are global, Range is set per-articulation. The extended range will show up as yellow on the keyboard.

Envelope: On articulations other than Legato, the envelope controls set Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release for the currently selected articulation. This can be useful for creating pads from sustains, or to adjust the feel of a short articulation.

Polyphonic Legato: On legato articulations, this option allows you to control two independent legato lines by playing notes in a specific velocity range. The Velocity Splits control determines how many lines can be played simultaneously. For instance, with 2 velocity splits, any notes above Velocity 64 trigger one legato line, while notes with a velocity less than 64 trigger a second independent legato line. 

Sound Design

Interface

Sound design patches have a two-page layout as well: Main and FX. The Main page contains a set of essential sound modifying tools, and the FX page contains a set of insert and send effects that you can apply to the sounds.

Main Page

  1. Sound Selector: Click on the sound name to open the sound selection menu. You can also browse through sounds by using the left and right arrows.
  2. Sound Modifiers: Pyramid offers 8 automatable controllers for Volume, Pan, Attack, Release, Pitch, Stereo Spread, Low Pass Filter Cutoff and High Pass Filter Cutoff.
  3. Semitone Lock (Pitch): When enabled, truncates the pitch difference value to semitones.
  4. Sample Start: Determines where playback of the selected sample will start from. Click and drag the cursor to set a new position.
  5. Forward/reverse playback: The direction of the arrow reflects the direction of playback, either forward or reverse.
  6. Global: Determines whether the main page controllers affect the patch globally or per-sound.

FX Page

  1. Effect selector: Click on an effect name to select it.
  2. Effect on/off: Click the power button to turn the effect on/off.
  3. Effect parameters: All the parameters for the selected effect are displayed here. All parameters are automatable.
  4. Save/open buttons: Can be used to save or load presets. Presets are stored in .nka files.

FAQ

Articles

What is Pyramid?

Pyramid is the interface and workflow which powers a lot of our orchestral instruments. You can see Pyramid in a lot of our popular libraries such as Nucleus, Chorus and Jaeger. Pyramid ensures that once you learn how to use one Audio Imperia library you learn with them all.

Enjoy this cutting-edge technology and move from one Audio Imperia product to the next with an incredibly smooth transition experience.

Which products use Pyramid?

  • Areia
  • Areia Lite Edition
  • Cerberus
  • Chorus
  • Chorus Lite Edition
  • Chorus FX
  • Constrictor
  • Dolce
  • Dolce Lite Edition
  • Fluid Brass
  • Fluid Woods
  • Jaeger
  • Klavier
  • Legacy
  • Nucleus
  • Nucleus Lite Edition
  • Solo
  • Talos
  • Trailer Guitars 2
  • Otamatone

Do I need to download Pyramid?

No. Pyramid is installed automatically when you download your Audio Imperia product through Native Access. You don’t need to configure anything else except load your product in Kontakt like normal.

What is Pyramid?

Pyramid is the interface and workflow which powers a lot of our orchestral instruments. You can see Pyramid in a lot of our popular libraries such as Nucleus, Chorus and Jaeger. Pyramid ensures that once you learn how to use one Audio Imperia library you learn with them all.

Enjoy this cutting-edge technology and move from one Audio Imperia product to the next with an incredibly smooth transition experience.

Which products use Pyramid?

  • Areia
  • Areia Lite Edition
  • Cerberus
  • Chorus
  • Chorus Lite Edition
  • Chorus FX
  • Constrictor
  • Dolce
  • Dolce Lite Edition
  • Fluid Brass
  • Fluid Woods
  • Jaeger
  • Klavier
  • Legacy
  • Nucleus
  • Nucleus Lite Edition
  • Solo
  • Talos
  • Trailer Guitars 2
  • Otamatone

FAQ: What is the Photosynthesis Engine?

We use our Photosynthesis Engine for libraries where we want to allow users to layer sounds and interact with our traditional multi-sampled content in new and exciting ways.

Currently the Photosynthesis engine is used in the following products:

  • Poseidon (Within SD All-in-One.nki)
  • Photosynthesis

The library, Photosynthesis, currently uses an older version of the Photosynthesis engine without some of the new features such as being able to swap out layers, save & load presets and access to the granular engine. 

Designer Interface

Articles

Designer Interface Overview

Welcome to the Designer Interface. A way of working which enhances the capabilities of traditional orchestral multi sampled articulations with bespoke effects, layering and sequencing in an uncluttered, uncompromising and easy to use interface. 

Layer together four different types of sounds, from percussion hits and rolls, orchestral longs, shorts and legato or synth based pads and drones. Sculpt your sound with powerful layer controls, and transform your sound entirely with our creative effects. Assign macro modulation to almost every parameter, allowing you to drastically change your preset with a single turn of a dial.

 

When loading any ‘Designer’ product, you will met by the Perform page. This contains the most important controls, as well as the product artwork. Instrument navigation is split into 3 main sections:

  1. About – Click the product logo to bring up the about page, which displays the credits for your selected instrument.
  2. Central Area – This displays the controls and parameters available on each page.
  3. Page Navigation – Use this section to navigate between the Perform, Layers, Effects and Settings pages. The Page Navigation is visible on every page.
  4. Footer – The Footer contains the controls that require easy access during performance. The footer is visible on every page. Refer to the Perform Page

Loading Designer Presets

Loading from "Play" or "Library" view

 Each preset within the Designer Interface is saved as a snapshot. Snapshots are Kontakt’s underlying file format for instrument presets. They offer a quick and convenient way of browsing for new sounds and saving custom presets. Each product in the designer interface is shipped with a number of presets that present the perfect starting point for your next composition.

You can browse through presets through either ‘Play View’ or the ‘Library View’.

Within the ‘Play’ view, installed libraries are shown as tiles. Selecting a tile filters the ‘Results’ list with relevant presets. Hovering over a tile reveals an arrow icon (>) which when clicked loads the first preset of the associated product. 

Snapshots and instruments are listed alphabetically, with instruments always shown first.    

Click a preset to audition the sound without loading the preset. Double-click a preset to load it into the current slot. You can also use the up/down arrows on your computer keyboard to select the previous/next preset from the list

The ‘Library’ browser provides access to viewing many instruments and snapshots at once, with additional controls to filter by brand, tags, text and Favourites. The Kontakt manual contains in depth information on loading instruments and snapshots from this browser, so we will cover Audio Imperia specific information.

Presets can be further filtered by ‘banks’. These are collections of presets which have a common characteristic or use. Read below for information relating to Designer interface bank categories, which are standardized between products. 

Designer Snapshot Types

Designer Interface presets are sorted into ‘banks’. These are collections of presets which have a common characteristic or use within your compositions. These are standardized between products that utilise this interface.

Getting Started

Presets that provide an instantaneous result, and are a great introduction to the aesthetic of the product. These are often without complex under the hood configurations, allowing you to dive into the inner workings of each one easily.

Toolkit

All in one detailed presets with multiple layers and complex under the hood sequencing and event layer manipulation and modulation.

Leads

Lead sounds, great for melodic playing.

Sequences

Sequenced patterns and rhythms which utilise the arpeggiator/sequencer or have a metered component (e.g. certain granular configurations)

Pads

Static, non moving sounds with a limited amount of movement.

Textures

Moving sounds which are not static – either in timbre or volume.

Source Browser

The Designer interface lets you browse and load the samples used as presets in each of the four layers.

You can open the source browser by clicking the name of each preset within the layer controls on either the Perform, Layers and Effects pages. On click, you are met with the following elements:

  1. Instrument Filter: Here you can browse through every instrument available within your designer preset. You are only able to select one instrument at a time.
  2. Technique Filter: After selecting your Instrument, you can browse through each technique type. If you select a different instrument, a new set of techniques will populate this list and your previous selection will be reset. Techniques are sorted into three categories: Short, Extended and Long. Short techniques are standard typical short articulations you would use for fast passages, such as staccato or spiccato. Extended techniques are more unconventional sounds which you may use for an additional color or texture in your music. Long techniques are standard typical long articulations you would use for chordal writing, for example, sustains or tremolos.
  3. Layer Selector: Here you can select any of your four layers you wish to change the sound source within. Clicking the corresponding ‘Layer’ button within the Layer Selector found on the ‘Perform’/’Layers’/’Effects’ page will select the Instrument and Technique corresponding to that selected layer sound source.
  4. Favourite: Clicking this star will show favourited presets in each selected technique. You can add a sound source to your favourites by clicking the star icon next to that preset.
  5. Preset List: After selecting an Instrument and Technique the sound source preset list will be populated. Click a sound source to load it into the instrument, and double click to confirm your change and return back to your previously selected page.
  6. Accept/Deny Changes: Once you have selected a new preset, click the tick to accept the changes and exit the Source Browser. Click the cross to revert back to the previous sound that was loaded into your selected layer.
  7. Randomize: Chooses a random sound source across all possible instruments and assigns it to your selected layer.

Perform Page

The Perform Page is the primary page of the instrument, displaying the most important controls for instrument playback. The most important area of the Perform Page are the central layer controls, consisting of the following elements:

  1. Layer Controls: Here are your basic controls for each layer, including an on/off button, a Mute (mutes selected layer) and Solo (mutes all other layers) button, as well as knobs to control the volume, tuning and panning of your layer. Clicking the preset name brings up the Source Browser. Turning off a layer will unload its samples from memory.
  2. Macro Control: At the heart of the designer engine are our Macro Controls. Almost all controls across the Designer Interface can be assigned to one of these two macros and then manipulated all at once, either manually as you play (via mouse or CC), or via an LFO (see Point 4). Refer to the Macro Modulation page for more info.
  3. Layer Selector: Available on the the Perform, Layers and Effects page, the layer selector allows you to quickly cycle through each of the four layers of the instrument, as well as display the technique currently used in the selected layer. Each technique is represented with a different symbol and your selected layer is outlined with a white stroke. Selecting a layer will show all the controls relevant to that particular to that layer, such as any applied effects and controls. 
  4. LFO Panel: Clicking this panel brings up the LFO controls for each Macro.

Additional Controls

LFO Panel

Each Macro can be controlled via an LFO. The LFO Panel contains the following elements:

  1. Shape: Choose from either a Sine, Sawtooth or Reverse Sawtooth LFO wave.
  2. Time: Adjust how long it takes for your LFO to make a full cycle. This is tempo synced to your host BPM.
  3. Amount: Adjusts the maximum value of a macro when it is controlled via an LFO.
  4. Randomize: Click to randomise your LFO Shape, Time and Amount values.

Footer Controls

  1. Dynamic Controls – Use Modulation and Expression to adjust your instrument. When a long/legato/percussion roll/sustained articulation is utilised in one of your layers, the dynamics control crossfades between the different recorded dynamic layers. Expression will adjust the overall volume of all layers before the effects chain.
  2. Assign Button – Clicking the Assign button shows which controls can be assigned to either of the two macros, as indicated by a small “+” above each control. Refer to Macro Modulation for more information.
  3. Master Volume – Adjust the output level of the signal after the effects chain.

Layers Page

The Layers page allows you to adjust and refine each of your four layers. Controls are split into envelope / filter controls on the right hand side and technique specific layer effects for you to further dial in your sound on the left. When opening the layers page, you are met with the following elements:

    1. Technique Specific Layer Controls – Here, controls applicable to the sound source type of your selected layer are shown. These adjust dynamically when a new sound source or snapshot is loaded.
    2. Layer Controls / Layer Selector – Here you can select each of your four layers, as well as adjust basic controls for each layer.
    3. Layer Envelope – Adjust the Attack, Decay, Sustain (for long / legato techniques), and Release of your layer.
    4. True Mapping – Controls the true mapping for each layer.
    5. Layer Filter – Here you can add either a high-pass or low-pass filter to your selected layer, with controls to dial in the frequency, mix and resonance of your filter.

Technique Specific Layer Controls

Below are a list of each of the layer controls available within Glade:

Velocity Curve

  1. Velocity Curve Panel – Customise the layer’s response to your MIDI keyboard. Inputted velocities will be adjusted to fit the curve shown. Here you can see, select and and adjust your velocity curve types. Choose from either a Linear, Step, or Flat velocity curve.
  2. Curve – Adjust your selected velocity curve.

Octaver

  1. Octaver Panel – The Octaver allows you to add a specific interval to be triggered automatically when a note is triggered on your keyboard. This allows you to create patches that are great for soaring melodies or enhanced short strings in different voicings instead of a primarily monophonic way to interact with the samples. The Octaver panel shows the additional notes you are able to add. Each added note will trigger alongside your pressed key. Click any key to activate / deactivate it.

    The Octaver is C based, meaning any notes that are active on the Octaver keyboard display the degree of the scale added to your input. (e.g. this example adds a 4th and an Octave.)

  2. Dynamics – Scales the volume of all notes added by the Octaver.

Arpeggiator

  1. Arpeggiator Panel – Here you can see your chosen playing style. There are 4 to choose from:
    Up – This plays the notes from lowest to highest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Down – This plays the notes from highest to lowest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Up & Down – This plays the notes from highest to lowest and then back down to lowest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Played – This will play the notes back in the order you play them in. Adding in new notes will not change the sequence, and will add them at the end.

2. Rate – Adjust the playback rate of each note in your sequence. This is synced to your host BPM.

3. Length – Adjust the envelope length of each note in your sequence.

4. Pedal Toggle – When toggled on, notes pressed whilst the pedal is held down will be added to the Arpeggiator sequence. 

Sequencer

  1. Sequencer Panels – Here you can see each step of your sequence displayed differently across the Length, Velocity, and Pitch pages. Each of these pages allow you to view and edit the displayed parameters. You can adjust each step within these panels, or via the controls below (2-5).
  2. Length – Adjust the length of each step, from 1/4 to Triplet 1/32 notes. These update dynamically on the length panel.
  3. Pitch – Click to adjust the pitch of each note in the sequence, from -12 to +12 semitones. These update dynamically on the pitch panel.
  4. Velocity – Click to adjust the velocity of each note in the sequence, from 1 to 127.
  5. Steps – Adjust the number of steps in your sequence from 1 to 16.

At the top of your sequencer you will find your Step Selector. This is used to toggle on and off certain steps within your sequence, or to create a break in the sequence for effect.

Rested Steps still have a length to them, so you will hear a silence for the allotted time given to your ‘rested step’. If you wish to remove a step, adjust the steps knob (5).

  1. A solid square displays an active step
  2. A missing square displays a skipped step
  3. A highlighted square displays the current step

Doubling

Mode 1 – Subtly adjusts the timbre of the layer by triggering the sample above your selected note and pitching it down.

Mode 2 – Subtly adjusts the timbre of the layer by triggering the sample below your selected note and pitching it up

Con Sord

Activates or deacitves the Con Sordino emulation control. This emulates the addition of a mute on the selected instrument when active.

Stacking

  1. Stacking Layer Count – The stacking control allows you to layer additional round robins on top of each other for a larger than life. When active, the layer count displays how many additional layers are being triggered.
  2. Random – Adjusts the time between each additional stacking voice by up to 1000 ms.
  3. Stereo – Adjusts where in the stereo field the layers can be randomly placed, with 180 degrees at 100% to mono at 0%.

Legato Smoothing

This control affects the length of the crossfade used on legato sound sources. A higher value corresponds to a longer transition.

Polyphonic Legato

This control allows you to assign how many simultaneous legato lines you can have triggered in that single particular layer. You can have up to 5 splits, with the velocity dividing equally over the number of splits you assign.

Keyboard Mapping

Across the Designer Interface, the range of your instrument is created by combining the ranges of all layers which are turned on. Each note of this key range will trigger all four layers of your instrument, even if your inputted note is outside the range of a particular layer.

In this instance, the closest note in the range of each layer will be automatically transposed up or down the instrument to align with your inputted note.

True Mapping

If you wish to represent the ‘true’ range of each layer, you can toggle on True Mapping. This allows you to extend or truncate the range of each layer manually.

  1. Key Range – With True Mapping on, this keyboard displays the playable range of your selected layer.
  2. Low Keyboard Range – Defines the lowest key that this layer will trigger on.
  3. High Keyboard Range – Defines the highest key that this layer will trigger on.

Layer Controls Preset Browser

Selected layer effects allow you to select from a number of factory presets to help you get started.

  1. Layer Controls Preset Browser – Click to display all of the presets available for your selected layer control.
  2. Effects Browser Navigation – Quickly select the previous and next preset without the need to open the Preset Browser.
  3. Presets – Browse through and choose your desired preset.

Effects Page

The Effects Page allows you to design and sculpt your sound by adding up to 6 effects to each layer. Refine your presets with utility effects such as EQ, Saturation and Delay, or add one of the more uniquely named creative effects to transform your preset. These creative effects will change per product, and are specifically based on the aesthetic on the content and the presets within it. On the Effects Page you are met with the following elements:

  1. Effects Rack – Each side of the UI contains an effects rack for you to load up to 3 effects. These racks create your effects chain, processed down the left hand side and then the right (1-6).
  2. Layer Controls – Here you can select each of your 4 layers, as well as adjust basic controls for each layer.

Effects Browser

You can use the effects browser to apply effects to each slot within your effects rack.

  1. Effects Browser – Click to display all your effects.
  2. Effects Browser Navigation – Quickly select the previous and next effect without the need to open the Effects Browser.
  3. Effects – Browse through and chose your desired effect. Any effect loaded into your chosen slot in your effects rack will be replaced.

Utility Effects

The designer interface contains 7 utility effects to help you to sculpt your sound.

Compression

Even out the volume of your preset, making your sound feel smoother and more balanced.

  1. Ratio – Adjusts how strong the sound is compressed after it has passed the threshold (from 1:1 – 20:1).
  2. Shape – Adjust the attack and release of your compressor.
  3. Make Up – Adds gain after the signal has been compressed, normally used to compensate for the effect of the compressor.

Delay

Repeats part of the audio signal after a short time, making it feel bigger and more spacious or as a stylistic effect.

  1. Size – Increases the feedback size.
  2. Mix – Increases the amount of wet signal heard.

EQ

EQ (Equaliser) lets you adjust the balance of different sound frequencies within your layer.

  1. Low – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 90hz.
  2. Mid – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 500hz.
  3. High – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 8khz.

Hall Reverb

Adds the natural acoustics of a Hall to your layer.

  1. Predelay – Adjusts the time between your original sound and the start of your reverb.
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the room emulated in the reverb.
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard.

Pandora Reverb

Combines delay and reverb to create a virtual space unlike anything that exists.

  1. Modulation – Adjust the modulation and feedback
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the emulated space
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard

Room Reverb

Adds the natural acoustics of a medium sized room to your layer.

  1. Predelay – Adjusts the time between your original sound and the start of your reverb
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the room emulated in the reverb
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard

Saturation

Adds warm, rich harmonics by gently distorting the sound, making it feel fuller and more alive.

  1. Mix – Adjusts the amount of signal that is saturated

Creative Effects

The Designer Interface contains several creative effects per product designed to transform your sound:

Aurora

Aurora is an ambient, space effect, combining delay and reverb.

  1. Echo – Increases the time and feedback amount of your delay.
  2. Ambience – Increases the size of the reverb.

Nomad

Nomad involves digital sample rate manipulation and destructive bit reduction.

  1. Intensity – Increases the number of frequencies processed through the effect.

Quiver

Quiver adds undulating, wavering motion to create movement and depth

  1. Pulse – Increases the depth of the motion
  2. Flow – Increases the speed of the motion
  3. Bloom – Increases the higher frequencies

Settings Page

The Settings Page contains less common parameters that don’t require immediate access.

Sample Start

Sample Start allows you to adjust the latency of the instrument from 0ms (great for instant playability) to -250ms (more latency but a more expressive sound).

More info about Sample Start can be found in our video below:

Macro Modulation

Within the designer interface there are 2 macro controls found on the Perform Page, as well as in the footer. Each of these macro controls can be assigned to multiple parameters within the interface and used to adjust all of them at once. This is known as Macro Modulation. To set up macro modulation on a parameter, do the following:

1. Click the Assign button found in the footer. This button can be found on every page.

2. All parameters that can be modulated will now have a ‘+’ next to them.

3. Clicking this ‘+’ will reveal an option to assign that parameter to either Macro 1 or Macro 2.

4. Selecting Macro 1 will replace the ‘+’ with a ‘1’ symbol. Drag up and down on this symbol to assign modulation to that parameter.

For positive modulation, the knob position displays the minimum value, whilst the end of the white line displays the maximum value.

This is reversed for negative modulation.

5. You have now assigned modulation, meaning that when macro 1 is moved, all parameters assigned to it will also move according to their modulation values. The dot displays your current parameter value when controlled via a Macro.

To change or remove the modulation, click on the ‘1’ icon and select either Macro 2 or None. Clicking ‘None’ will remove your modulation.

MIDI Files

Download all the MIDI files you will need throughout our free education course, Journey to Becoming A Composer

Watch the series here

Download Files

Journey To Becoming a Composer

Articles

MIDI Files

Download all the MIDI files you will need throughout our free education course, Journey to Becoming A Composer

Watch the series here

Download Files

Desktop App & Manual

In order to get the most out of your new FVDE, please make sure to download the FVDE desktop app.

Mac Version Available here

Windows Version Available here

You can also download the FVDE manual here

Downloads and Installation

Articles

Desktop App & Manual

In order to get the most out of your new FVDE, please make sure to download the FVDE desktop app.

Mac Version Available here

Windows Version Available here

You can also download the FVDE manual here

Layers Page

The layers page gives you access to ‘at a glance’ controls relating to the preset you have loaded such as volume, pan and tune for layers, the sound sources loaded and whether that layer is on or off.

Swapping Layer Sources

Clicking the name of the source for each layer will open a dropdown menu in which the source can be selected.

Within this engine, articulations such as ‘Waves’ will loop and will repeat whilst your hand is held down.

When a layer is deactivated, the animated background icon for that layer will dim.

Do I need to download Pyramid?

No. Pyramid is installed automatically when you download your Audio Imperia product through Native Access. You don’t need to configure anything else except load your product in Kontakt like normal.

FAQs

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Native Access System Requirements

Audio Imperia products require Native Access 2 to install with the following system requirements. 

System Requirements

macOS 12, 13, 14, 15 (latest update) (with Rosetta 2)

Windows 10, 11 (latest Service Pack, 32/64-bit), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 2 GB RAM.

Graphics hardware support for OpenGL 2.1 or higher – in case of graphics issues, please install the latest drivers for your GPU. This can be necessary even if Windows reports them as up to date.

Requires an internet connection in order to install and update your products.

FAQs

What if my computer cannot run Native Access 2?

Whilst Native Access 2 is required to install your product you may be able to download it through other means and activate it through Native Access 1, which supports a range of older operating systems.

Please contact us through our support system and we can guide you through this to ensure you can download your product.

Do I need to have internet access to be able to access my product after install?

No. Once installed, your computer does not need ongoing internet access to be able to access and use your product. This is the same for Kontakt and Kontakt Player.

How do I update my product?

Updates can be found in Native Access on the left hand side ‘Updates’ area. Clicking this will show you which products can be updated.

Clicking the dropdown “…” and “Release Notes” can tell you what has been added in the latest version. Clicking Update will download the update straight away.

When you update, any existing DAW projects will load as before, but you will see the new content in the relevant browsers in Kontakt. 

What are crossgrades?

Crossgrades allow you to get a discount off future purchases when you buy selected products.

How does it work?

When you purchase a product with an eligible crossgrade path, the price you bought it for will be automatically added as a discount when you decide to buy the full version. As long as you are logged in, you will see your unique price within our store on future visits.

Purchased for $99

RRP $449

You can purchase for $449 – $99

= $350

You can view eligible crossgrade paths here. 

How do I crossgrade and what products are eligible?

Logging in to your www.audioimperia.com account that you used to purchase your license will ensure you see the best prices for you across our webstore.

Login here
Reset password

Watch the video below for help managing your account: 

Eligible Crossgrades

Nucleus Lite Edition to Nucleus

Areia Lite Edition to Areia

Chorus Lite Edition to Chorus

Chorus FX to Chorus

Dolce Lite Edition to Dolce

Due to content overlap, owners of Jaeger, Nucleus or Areia are entitled to $100 off either of the products in this list.

  • Nucleus
  • Jaeger
  • Areia

Loading my product in Logic Pro X

Loading your Audio Imperia library in Logic Pro X is a quick and simple process. For this demonstration, we’ll start in an empty Logic project.

Once in your empty project, click the ‘Details’ dropdown whilst selecting to create a new MIDI Software Instrument track.

Once the Details area is open, click the dropdown to select the Kontakt plugin for your track.

Depending on what version of Kontakt you have installed you may see a different name. 

All Audio Imperia libraries can be used on Kontakt 6 (name: Kontakt), Kontakt 7 or Kontakt 8.

Click the stereo version of the plugin and you will see the plugin be selected. You can now press ‘Create’ to make your new track with Kontakt loaded.

Opening your product in Kontakt

If you don’t see the Kontakt plugin window open straight away, navigate to the track ‘Inspector’ area on the left hand side and click the plugin name, highlighted in blue.

You can know which version of Kontakt you have loaded by the name of the plugin loaded. 

  • Kontakt 6 will show as ‘Kontakt’ within Logic.
  • Kontakt 7 will show as ‘Kontakt 7’ within Logic.
  • Kontakt 8 will show as ‘Kontakt 8’ within Logic.

Toggle on the browser on the right using the dropdown here. You will need to enable “Browser”.

Now, on the left hand side click ‘Libraries’. You will see your Audio Imperia products here. Clicking ‘Instruments’ will show the various folders you can use to load your sounds.

Virtual instruments show as .nki files. Double clicking one will load it into your rack on the right hand side.

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the Library browser:

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the side-pane browser:

In the side pane on the left, make sure that the Instruments category is selected (this should be the case by default), otherwise click Instruments to select that category.

You can now navigate and select your product’s artwork tile.

Click on the arrow icon (>) in the top right corner of the instrument’s artwork to load the instrument and its first preset.

Alternatively, you can click the instrument’s artwork to display the list of its presets.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Overview

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Multisamples

Tonal Instruments

On tonal instruments, like violins or trumpets, you can play different pitches, so samples must be mapped to the corresponding keys (Instrument range). Keyswitches are used to switch between articulations.

In Pyramid, the playing range is shown in the aqua blue and keyswitches are shown in red.

Atonal Instruments

On atonal instruments, like snare drums or cymbals, you can’t play different pitches, so samples can be mapped to any key. This means a single patch can contain multiple instruments, with each of their articulations mapped to different keys.

Patch Layout

Both Tonal and Atonal multisamples patches share a two-page layout: Basic and Advanced. The basic page contains all the essential elements for quick and easy use of the libraries, while the advanced page augments these with additional controls and customization options.

Tonal - Basic

1. Mixer (Basic), 2. Reverb (Basic), 3. Articulations, 4. Controllers (Basic).

Tonal - Advanced

1. Mixer (Advanced), 2. Reverb (Advanced), 3. Articulations, 4. Keyswitches Options,
5. Controllers (Advanced), 6. Options.

Atonal - Basic

1. Mixer (Basic), 2. Reverb (Basic), 3. Instruments / Articulations (Basic), 4. Select by MIDI, 5. Controllers (Basic).

Atonal - Advanced

1. Mixer (Advanced), 2. Reverb (Advanced), 3. Instruments / Articulations (Advanced), 4. Select by MIDI, 5. Controllers (Advanced), 6. Options.

Multisamples

Tonal Instruments

On tonal instruments, like violins or trumpets, you can play different pitches, so samples must be mapped to the corresponding keys (Instrument range). Keyswitches are used to switch between articulations.

In Pyramid, the playing range is shown in the aqua blue and keyswitches are shown in red.

Atonal Instruments

On atonal instruments, like snare drums or cymbals, you can’t play different pitches, so samples can be mapped to any key. This means a single patch can contain multiple instruments, with each of their articulations mapped to different keys.

Download & Installation

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Installation

Getting Started

Native Access is Native Instruments’ app for downloading, installing and activating Kontakt based instruments. You can use Native Access to install any of your Audio Imperia libraries or Kontakt.

Download Native Access

Throughout the installation, you will need to follow the instructions on screen.

Once installed, you will be prompted to create a Native Access account which you will need to register your library to your account. This will allow you to re-download and update your library.

You will see a login dialogue similar to the image below.

Registering your library

Once you have logged in to Native Access, you will see an option to register your serial number in the bottom left hand corner.

Once this ‘Add Serial’ dialogue has opened, you can enter your serial sent to you in your ‘Your download from Audio Imperia is now ready!’ email you would have received after purchasing.

Your serial will be found towards the bottom of the email under the order subtotal.

Once you have clicked ‘Add Serial’ you will see the product under your ‘Library’. You can navigate quickly to your Audio Imperia libraries using the ‘Brands’ subfilter.

You can then navigate to your product in your ‘Library’ and click the install button underneath the product name to download and install your purchased product. 

How do I install Kontakt / Kontakt Player?

Within the filter at the top of Native Access, choose ‘Applications’ and scroll until you find Kontakt or Kontakt Player. Once installed, you’ll be able to load Kontakt inside your DAW of choice as an instrument plugin. 

How to load my library in Logic Pro X
How to load my library in Cubase

Loading my product in Logic Pro X

Loading your Audio Imperia library in Logic Pro X is a quick and simple process. For this demonstration, we’ll start in an empty Logic project.

Once in your empty project, click the ‘Details’ dropdown whilst selecting to create a new MIDI Software Instrument track.

Once the Details area is open, click the dropdown to select the Kontakt plugin for your track.

Depending on what version of Kontakt you have installed you may see a different name. 

All Audio Imperia libraries can be used on Kontakt 6 (name: Kontakt), Kontakt 7 or Kontakt 8.

Click the stereo version of the plugin and you will see the plugin be selected. You can now press ‘Create’ to make your new track with Kontakt loaded.

Opening your product in Kontakt

If you don’t see the Kontakt plugin window open straight away, navigate to the track ‘Inspector’ area on the left hand side and click the plugin name, highlighted in blue.

You can know which version of Kontakt you have loaded by the name of the plugin loaded. 

  • Kontakt 6 will show as ‘Kontakt’ within Logic.
  • Kontakt 7 will show as ‘Kontakt 7’ within Logic.
  • Kontakt 8 will show as ‘Kontakt 8’ within Logic.

Toggle on the browser on the right using the dropdown here. You will need to enable “Browser”.

Now, on the left hand side click ‘Libraries’. You will see your Audio Imperia products here. Clicking ‘Instruments’ will show the various folders you can use to load your sounds.

Virtual instruments show as .nki files. Double clicking one will load it into your rack on the right hand side.

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the Library browser:

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the side-pane browser:

In the side pane on the left, make sure that the Instruments category is selected (this should be the case by default), otherwise click Instruments to select that category.

You can now navigate and select your product’s artwork tile.

Click on the arrow icon (>) in the top right corner of the instrument’s artwork to load the instrument and its first preset.

Alternatively, you can click the instrument’s artwork to display the list of its presets.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Loading my product in Cubase

Loading your Audio Imperia library in Cubase is a quick and simple process. For this demonstration, we’ll start in an empty Cubase project.

Click the “+” button towards the top of your tracks view and select ‘Instrument’.

In the dialogue underneath this click the plugin name and search for Kontakt.

You can now click ‘Add Track’.

Opening your product in Kontakt

If you don’t see the Kontakt plugin window open straight away, navigate to the track ‘Inspector’ area on the left hand side and click the button below to open the plugin window. In the screenshot below this is highlighted in yellow.

Toggle on the browser on the right using the dropdown here. You will need to enable “Browser”.

Now, on the left hand side click ‘Libraries’. You will see your Audio Imperia products here. Clicking ‘Instruments’ will show the various folders you can use to load your sounds.

Virtual instruments show as .nki files. Double clicking one will load it into your rack on the right hand side.

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the Library browser:

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the side-pane browser:

In the side pane on the left, make sure that the Instruments category is selected (this should be the case by default), otherwise click Instruments to select that category.

You can now navigate and select your product’s artwork tile.

Click on the arrow icon (>) in the top right corner of the instrument’s artwork to load the instrument and its first preset.

Alternatively, you can click the instrument’s artwork to display the list of its presets.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

FAQs

Native Access System Requirements

Audio Imperia products require Native Access 2 to install with the following system requirements. 

System Requirements

macOS 12, 13, 14, 15 (latest update) (with Rosetta 2)

Windows 10, 11 (latest Service Pack, 32/64-bit), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 2 GB RAM.

Graphics hardware support for OpenGL 2.1 or higher – in case of graphics issues, please install the latest drivers for your GPU. This can be necessary even if Windows reports them as up to date.

Requires an internet connection in order to install and update your products.

FAQs

What if my computer cannot run Native Access 2?

Whilst Native Access 2 is required to install your product you may be able to download it through other means and activate it through Native Access 1, which supports a range of older operating systems.

Please contact us through our support system and we can guide you through this to ensure you can download your product.

Do I need to have internet access to be able to access my product after install?

No. Once installed, your computer does not need ongoing internet access to be able to access and use your product. This is the same for Kontakt and Kontakt Player.

How do I update my product?

Updates can be found in Native Access on the left hand side ‘Updates’ area. Clicking this will show you which products can be updated.

Clicking the dropdown “…” and “Release Notes” can tell you what has been added in the latest version. Clicking Update will download the update straight away.

When you update, any existing DAW projects will load as before, but you will see the new content in the relevant browsers in Kontakt. 

What are crossgrades?

Crossgrades allow you to get a discount off future purchases when you buy selected products.

How does it work?

When you purchase a product with an eligible crossgrade path, the price you bought it for will be automatically added as a discount when you decide to buy the full version. As long as you are logged in, you will see your unique price within our store on future visits.

Purchased for $99

RRP $449

You can purchase for $449 – $99

= $350

You can view eligible crossgrade paths here. 

How do I crossgrade and what products are eligible?

Logging in to your www.audioimperia.com account that you used to purchase your license will ensure you see the best prices for you across our webstore.

Login here
Reset password

Watch the video below for help managing your account: 

Eligible Crossgrades

Nucleus Lite Edition to Nucleus

Areia Lite Edition to Areia

Chorus Lite Edition to Chorus

Chorus FX to Chorus

Dolce Lite Edition to Dolce

Due to content overlap, owners of Jaeger, Nucleus or Areia are entitled to $100 off either of the products in this list.

  • Nucleus
  • Jaeger
  • Areia

Loading my product in Cubase

Loading your Audio Imperia library in Cubase is a quick and simple process. For this demonstration, we’ll start in an empty Cubase project.

Click the “+” button towards the top of your tracks view and select ‘Instrument’.

In the dialogue underneath this click the plugin name and search for Kontakt.

You can now click ‘Add Track’.

Opening your product in Kontakt

If you don’t see the Kontakt plugin window open straight away, navigate to the track ‘Inspector’ area on the left hand side and click the button below to open the plugin window. In the screenshot below this is highlighted in yellow.

Toggle on the browser on the right using the dropdown here. You will need to enable “Browser”.

Now, on the left hand side click ‘Libraries’. You will see your Audio Imperia products here. Clicking ‘Instruments’ will show the various folders you can use to load your sounds.

Virtual instruments show as .nki files. Double clicking one will load it into your rack on the right hand side.

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the Library browser:

Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt’s header and click the Instruments tab:

The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

To load an instrument using the side-pane browser:

In the side pane on the left, make sure that the Instruments category is selected (this should be the case by default), otherwise click Instruments to select that category.

You can now navigate and select your product’s artwork tile.

Click on the arrow icon (>) in the top right corner of the instrument’s artwork to load the instrument and its first preset.

Alternatively, you can click the instrument’s artwork to display the list of its presets.

A lot of Audio Imperia libraries are setup so you can browse using ‘Banks’. Think of them like virtual folders. Clicking these will allow you to filter to different types of instruments and patch types.

Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Orchestral

Articles

Mixer

Basic Page Layout

  • The big horizontal slider can be used to crossfade between the different mic positions from closest to farthest.
  • Classic mix: Features the raw and unprocessed sound of the original recordings.
  • Modern mix: Adds subtle processing for a ready-to-go cinematic sound.

Advanced Page Layout

  • The small vertical sliders control the volume for a specific mic position/mix.
  • The knobs control the pan for a specific mic position/mix.
  • Individual mic positions/mixes can be loaded or purged using the name buttons. Use the control/command key for exclusive purging.
  • Different outputs can be assigned for each mic position/mix using the down arrow menus.

Reverb

Basic Page Layout

  • The knob controls the send amount for the reverb.
  • The on/off button toggles the reverb send bypass.

Advanced Page Layout

  • On/off button: Toggles the reverb send bypass.
  • Pre-Delay: Controls the amount of reverb pre-delay.
  • Time: Controls the reverb time.
  • Reverb Type: Selects from the two available reverb algorithms: Room and Hall.
  • Amount: Controls the send amount for the reverb.

Articulations

Articulations (Tonal)

Articulations can be selected by clicking the articulation’s name in the list (1), or by using keyswitches.


The keyswitch display shows the currently mapped keyswitch for each articulation (2).

 

Individual articulations can be loaded or purged using the power buttons (3). Use the control/command key for exclusive purging.

Keyswitch Options (Tonal)

Keyswitches can be moved up or down the keyboard by clicking and dragging the keyboard icon or by clicking the small arrows to either side (1).

Keyswitches can be locked using the padlock button (2). When locked, keyswitch commands via MIDI are ignored, though switching is still possible by clicking the articulation’s name in the list.

Instruments & Articulations (Atonal)

Basic Page Layout

Clicking an instrument name (1) reveals the available articulations for that instrument.

Entire instruments can be purged or loaded by using the power button next to the instrument name (2). Articulations can also be individually purged or loaded by using the power button next to the articulation name (3).

The instrument color can be previewed on the basic page, this color is reflected on all keys that trigger the instrument. (7).

Advanced Page Layout

Each articulation can be mapped to a maximum of two keys. Click the (+) button (4) to enable two-key mapping. To go back to one-key mapping, click the (-) button.

You can map an articulation to a key by dragging up or down on the key name (5), by typing in the value (double click the key name) or by using MIDI learn. To trigger MIDI learn, click the small MIDI icon (6) and press any key to map the articulation to that key.

The instrument color can be modified on the advanced page by dragging up or down on the color icon. This color is reflected on all keys that trigger the instrument. (7).

 

Select By MIDI - Atonal

The Select by MIDI function (1) when turned on allows you to visualize the instrument that is currently being triggered via MIDI.

Controllers

Basic Page Layout

  • Dynamics: When a long articulation is selected, the dynamics knob crossfades between the different recorded dynamic layers. Note that on short articulations, dynamic layers are triggered via velocity.
  • Expression: An additional layer of volume control that affects the instrument pre-reverb. It can be especially useful when used together with Dynamics for adding even more, as the controller’s name implies, expression in your music.
  • Vibrato: On specific long articulations, the vibrato knob crossfades between the recorded non-vibrato and vibrato samples.
  • Tight: The Tight button is just a simplified Sample Start controller, when setting it to on, Sample Start is set to 0ms, when setting it to off, Sample Start is set to the previously set value. This feature is especially useful when you go back and forth between recording and playback when composing.

Advanced Page Layout

  • Dyn. Range: The Dynamic Range knob applies volume scaling to all articulations. With the Dynamic Range slider set at 0, samples will play back as they were recorded. As you increase the Dynamic Range, all but the loudest dynamic layer scale down, allowing the library to play quieter on the lowest dynamics than originally recorded. With the Dynamic Range slider at maximum, a Dynamics (for long articulations) or Velocity (for short articulations) value of zero will result in silence.
  • Sample Start: The Sample Start controller can be thought of as a “realism/responsiveness” knob. When setting near 0ms, the instrument will respond with lower latency, but attacks, releases, and legato transitions will sound abrupt. When setting near -250ms, it will have the opposite effect, introducing more latency, but with the benefit of more realistic attacks, releases, and legato transitions. For an in-depth explanation of Sample Start, see the “Sample Start” walkthrough video in our YouTube channel.
  • Leg. Smooth: The Legato Smoothness controller affects the length of the crossfades used on legato articulations. Higher values tend to sound smoother but muddier, lower values tend to sound crisper but bumpier. There are no right or wrong answers, just adjust to your taste.

Sample Start

Products in our Pyramid interface benefit from sample start. This feature ensures that your MIDI plays realistically and consistently in time, allowing you to quantise notes and copy MIDI from track to track with predictable results.

Hear more about sample start and how to benefit from it in our video here: 

Options

Options can be selected from the main drop-down menu (1). Enable or disable options using the power button (2). An asterisk will appear next to the name of any enabled options (3).

  • Velocity Curve: This option allows you to change how a patch reacts to velocity. There are three curves that can be selected using the drop-down menu (2): linear, shelf and fixed. These can be further customized by clicking and dragging up or down on the velocity curve display (1).
  • Transpose: (1) Shifts the playable range up or down the keyboard. Note that this option does not affect keyswitches.
  • Range: (2) Increases or decreases the playable range of an articulation above or below the recorded range of the instrument. Unlike the previous options, which are global, Range is set per-articulation. The extended range will show up as yellow on the keyboard.

Envelope: On articulations other than Legato, the envelope controls set Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release for the currently selected articulation. This can be useful for creating pads from sustains, or to adjust the feel of a short articulation.

Polyphonic Legato: On legato articulations, this option allows you to control two independent legato lines by playing notes in a specific velocity range. The Velocity Splits control determines how many lines can be played simultaneously. For instance, with 2 velocity splits, any notes above Velocity 64 trigger one legato line, while notes with a velocity less than 64 trigger a second independent legato line. 

Effects Page

The effects page allows you to apply a wide variety of manipulations to layers, great to create dynamic evolving patches which are larger than life.

Insert & Send FX

On the left hand side is a panel which can be used to apply Send and Insert FX to loaded sounds. 

The layer which effects are applied to can be selected using the ‘Sound Selector’ towards the top of the interface.

Sound Blending

On the right hand side is an XY pad which can be used to blend two layers in real time.

You can assign a CC for each axis of the XY pad which can be used in combination to for versatile controls. 

Patch Layout

Both Tonal and Atonal multisamples patches share a two-page layout: Basic and Advanced. The basic page contains all the essential elements for quick and easy use of the libraries, while the advanced page augments these with additional controls and customization options.

Tonal - Basic

1. Mixer (Basic), 2. Reverb (Basic), 3. Articulations, 4. Controllers (Basic).

Tonal - Advanced

1. Mixer (Advanced), 2. Reverb (Advanced), 3. Articulations, 4. Keyswitches Options,
5. Controllers (Advanced), 6. Options.

Atonal - Basic

1. Mixer (Basic), 2. Reverb (Basic), 3. Instruments / Articulations (Basic), 4. Select by MIDI, 5. Controllers (Basic).

Atonal - Advanced

1. Mixer (Advanced), 2. Reverb (Advanced), 3. Instruments / Articulations (Advanced), 4. Select by MIDI, 5. Controllers (Advanced), 6. Options.

Sound Design

Articles

Interface

Sound design patches have a two-page layout as well: Main and FX. The Main page contains a set of essential sound modifying tools, and the FX page contains a set of insert and send effects that you can apply to the sounds.

Main Page

  1. Sound Selector: Click on the sound name to open the sound selection menu. You can also browse through sounds by using the left and right arrows.
  2. Sound Modifiers: Pyramid offers 8 automatable controllers for Volume, Pan, Attack, Release, Pitch, Stereo Spread, Low Pass Filter Cutoff and High Pass Filter Cutoff.
  3. Semitone Lock (Pitch): When enabled, truncates the pitch difference value to semitones.
  4. Sample Start: Determines where playback of the selected sample will start from. Click and drag the cursor to set a new position.
  5. Forward/reverse playback: The direction of the arrow reflects the direction of playback, either forward or reverse.
  6. Global: Determines whether the main page controllers affect the patch globally or per-sound.

FX Page

  1. Effect selector: Click on an effect name to select it.
  2. Effect on/off: Click the power button to turn the effect on/off.
  3. Effect parameters: All the parameters for the selected effect are displayed here. All parameters are automatable.
  4. Save/open buttons: Can be used to save or load presets. Presets are stored in .nka files.

Rhythm Page

The rhythm page is split up into two sections. 

‘Filters’ allows you to add pulsing and other rhythmic manipulations to your layers.

The second section, ‘Source’, allows you to sequence short articulations together into complex patterns which can be triggered by holding down a note on your keyboard.

Filters

This part of the interface is split in two, and gives you granular control over the order in which filters are processed in the signal chain. 

PRE-FX refers to filters applied before the effects from the ‘FX’ page. 

POST-FX refers to filters applied after the effects from the ‘FX’ page.

Clicking the ‘Filter’ radio button will enable the filter. Without turning on ‘Seq’ (Sequencer) this will act as a standard additional filter within the instrument.

Enabling ‘Seq’ will allow various parameters of the filter to be modulated in a rhythmic pattern.

Cutoff: The maximum cutoff frequency of the low pass filter used within this page. When the filter table slot is at maximum this is the cutoff value which will be used.

Steps: This amount of steps from the filter table which will be used when ‘Seq’ is enabled – read from left to right.

Res: The amount of resonance (boost at the cutoff frequency) of the filter.

The PRE/POST-FX filter can also have its cutoff modulated based on a LFO with a range of controls to create unique waveforms. The dropdown menu above each control provides a variety of presets to help you get started.

Source

The source tab within the Rhythm engine allows you to create intricate sequences through the creation of rhythmic patterns.

The table at the top allows the velocity to be altered for each step in the sequence. Underneath, the following controls allow for more control as to how each step is performed:

Steps: The amount of steps in the sequence which are used when the source engine is turned on.

1/8 Dropdown: This allows you to set the note value used by each step of the sequencer. This will be synced with your host BPM.

Shortness: This allows you to alter the length of each step in the sequencer. For example, 50% on an 1/8th note sequence will play a note the length of a 16th note.

Various parameters have their own LFO within the source section of the interface. These have a range of controls to create unique waveforms which will alter these parameters once the sequence is triggered. The dropdown menu above each control provides a variety of presets to help you get started. 

FVDE

Articles

Downloads and Installation

Desktop App & Manual

In order to get the most out of your new FVDE, please make sure to download the FVDE desktop app.

Mac Version Available here

Windows Version Available here

You can also download the FVDE manual here

Native Access System Requirements

Audio Imperia products require Native Access 2 to install with the following system requirements. 

System Requirements

macOS 12, 13, 14, 15 (latest update) (with Rosetta 2)

Windows 10, 11 (latest Service Pack, 32/64-bit), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 2 GB RAM.

Graphics hardware support for OpenGL 2.1 or higher – in case of graphics issues, please install the latest drivers for your GPU. This can be necessary even if Windows reports them as up to date.

Requires an internet connection in order to install and update your products.

FAQs

What if my computer cannot run Native Access 2?

Whilst Native Access 2 is required to install your product you may be able to download it through other means and activate it through Native Access 1, which supports a range of older operating systems.

Please contact us through our support system and we can guide you through this to ensure you can download your product.

Do I need to have internet access to be able to access my product after install?

No. Once installed, your computer does not need ongoing internet access to be able to access and use your product. This is the same for Kontakt and Kontakt Player.

How do I update my product?

Updates can be found in Native Access on the left hand side ‘Updates’ area. Clicking this will show you which products can be updated.

Clicking the dropdown “…” and “Release Notes” can tell you what has been added in the latest version. Clicking Update will download the update straight away.

When you update, any existing DAW projects will load as before, but you will see the new content in the relevant browsers in Kontakt. 

Granular Page

The Granular Page allows you to place one of your 3 sound sources through our granular engine, creating a wide range of different sound and timbre possibilities. A lot of the factory presets utilise this engine, but here is how you can manipulate the sounds yourself.

Waveform Viewer

Here you can selected which one of your 3 sounds sources you wish to put through the engine, as well as the range of the sample. You will then see your selected sound in waveform view

Here you can toggle, mute and solo your granular layer without the need to navigate back to the layers page

Granular Controls

Here you can manipulate various controls the refine your granular sound.

Grain Control

The Grains Control allows your to set the attack (Fade In) and release (Fade Out) time per grain

Envelope Control

The Envelope controls allow you to control the ADSR controls for the granular engine

Performance Control

The Performance controls allow you to change various parameters on the granular engine, including your grain interval, grain length, jitter percentage.

You can also change your cursor between Scroll or Freeze mode.

There are also several granular presets for you to choose from as you begin designing your own granular sounds. 

Mixer

Basic Page Layout

  • The big horizontal slider can be used to crossfade between the different mic positions from closest to farthest.
  • Classic mix: Features the raw and unprocessed sound of the original recordings.
  • Modern mix: Adds subtle processing for a ready-to-go cinematic sound.

Advanced Page Layout

  • The small vertical sliders control the volume for a specific mic position/mix.
  • The knobs control the pan for a specific mic position/mix.
  • Individual mic positions/mixes can be loaded or purged using the name buttons. Use the control/command key for exclusive purging.
  • Different outputs can be assigned for each mic position/mix using the down arrow menus.

Master Page

The master page provides a range of controls which can be applied to do a final range of manipulation to your preset. 

All of these are applied on the master bus after all other effects and busses.

What are crossgrades?

Crossgrades allow you to get a discount off future purchases when you buy selected products.

How does it work?

When you purchase a product with an eligible crossgrade path, the price you bought it for will be automatically added as a discount when you decide to buy the full version. As long as you are logged in, you will see your unique price within our store on future visits.

Purchased for $99

RRP $449

You can purchase for $449 – $99

= $350

You can view eligible crossgrade paths here. 

Other Interfaces

Articles

Poseidon Sound Design

FAQ: What is the Photosynthesis Engine?

We use our Photosynthesis Engine for libraries where we want to allow users to layer sounds and interact with our traditional multi-sampled content in new and exciting ways.

Currently the Photosynthesis engine is used in the following products:

  • Poseidon (Within SD All-in-One.nki)
  • Photosynthesis

The library, Photosynthesis, currently uses an older version of the Photosynthesis engine without some of the new features such as being able to swap out layers, save & load presets and access to the granular engine. 

Layers Page

The layers page gives you access to ‘at a glance’ controls relating to the preset you have loaded such as volume, pan and tune for layers, the sound sources loaded and whether that layer is on or off.

Swapping Layer Sources

Clicking the name of the source for each layer will open a dropdown menu in which the source can be selected.

Within this engine, articulations such as ‘Waves’ will loop and will repeat whilst your hand is held down.

When a layer is deactivated, the animated background icon for that layer will dim.

Effects Page

The effects page allows you to apply a wide variety of manipulations to layers, great to create dynamic evolving patches which are larger than life.

Insert & Send FX

On the left hand side is a panel which can be used to apply Send and Insert FX to loaded sounds. 

The layer which effects are applied to can be selected using the ‘Sound Selector’ towards the top of the interface.

Sound Blending

On the right hand side is an XY pad which can be used to blend two layers in real time.

You can assign a CC for each axis of the XY pad which can be used in combination to for versatile controls. 

Rhythm Page

The rhythm page is split up into two sections. 

‘Filters’ allows you to add pulsing and other rhythmic manipulations to your layers.

The second section, ‘Source’, allows you to sequence short articulations together into complex patterns which can be triggered by holding down a note on your keyboard.

Filters

This part of the interface is split in two, and gives you granular control over the order in which filters are processed in the signal chain. 

PRE-FX refers to filters applied before the effects from the ‘FX’ page. 

POST-FX refers to filters applied after the effects from the ‘FX’ page.

Clicking the ‘Filter’ radio button will enable the filter. Without turning on ‘Seq’ (Sequencer) this will act as a standard additional filter within the instrument.

Enabling ‘Seq’ will allow various parameters of the filter to be modulated in a rhythmic pattern.

Cutoff: The maximum cutoff frequency of the low pass filter used within this page. When the filter table slot is at maximum this is the cutoff value which will be used.

Steps: This amount of steps from the filter table which will be used when ‘Seq’ is enabled – read from left to right.

Res: The amount of resonance (boost at the cutoff frequency) of the filter.

The PRE/POST-FX filter can also have its cutoff modulated based on a LFO with a range of controls to create unique waveforms. The dropdown menu above each control provides a variety of presets to help you get started.

Source

The source tab within the Rhythm engine allows you to create intricate sequences through the creation of rhythmic patterns.

The table at the top allows the velocity to be altered for each step in the sequence. Underneath, the following controls allow for more control as to how each step is performed:

Steps: The amount of steps in the sequence which are used when the source engine is turned on.

1/8 Dropdown: This allows you to set the note value used by each step of the sequencer. This will be synced with your host BPM.

Shortness: This allows you to alter the length of each step in the sequencer. For example, 50% on an 1/8th note sequence will play a note the length of a 16th note.

Various parameters have their own LFO within the source section of the interface. These have a range of controls to create unique waveforms which will alter these parameters once the sequence is triggered. The dropdown menu above each control provides a variety of presets to help you get started. 

Granular Page

The Granular Page allows you to place one of your 3 sound sources through our granular engine, creating a wide range of different sound and timbre possibilities. A lot of the factory presets utilise this engine, but here is how you can manipulate the sounds yourself.

Waveform Viewer

Here you can selected which one of your 3 sounds sources you wish to put through the engine, as well as the range of the sample. You will then see your selected sound in waveform view

Here you can toggle, mute and solo your granular layer without the need to navigate back to the layers page

Granular Controls

Here you can manipulate various controls the refine your granular sound.

Grain Control

The Grains Control allows your to set the attack (Fade In) and release (Fade Out) time per grain

Envelope Control

The Envelope controls allow you to control the ADSR controls for the granular engine

Performance Control

The Performance controls allow you to change various parameters on the granular engine, including your grain interval, grain length, jitter percentage.

You can also change your cursor between Scroll or Freeze mode.

There are also several granular presets for you to choose from as you begin designing your own granular sounds. 

Master Page

The master page provides a range of controls which can be applied to do a final range of manipulation to your preset. 

All of these are applied on the master bus after all other effects and busses.

Preset Browser

The preset browser provides a range of functionality to help you find the sound you want for your project efficiently.

Filters

The filters on the left allow you to browse by ‘Expansion’, ‘Genre’, ‘Focus’, ‘Instrument’ and ‘Character’.

Expansions are collections of presets and sounds which are themed around a certain genre or mood.

Clicking a filter will adjust the other visible filters based on what you have clicked. 

Filters types can be collapsed if you prefer to not browse by a particular category. You can do this by clicking the chevron on the right hand side or clicking the filter name (such as ‘Focus’ in our example below).

Selected filter buttons can be de-selected by clicking its relevant icon, or, clicking the cross on the right hand side (see below).

Preset Management

Presets can be deleted, edited and saved using these controls.

The ‘User’ and ‘Audio Imperia’ icon allows you to filter by Factory / Audio Imperia made presets and User created presets. 

After presets are updated in the /Library Data/Presets folder, you can rescan presets to make them show up in the browser. Rescanning presets will take a few minutes, but will not needed to be ran again.

Loading Presets

Presets can be loaded and favourited on the right hand side.

Next to each preset is an indication of the amount of layers used in that preset.

Clicking the below icon will show presets with that amount of selected layers. Shift + Click on this control will show all presets.

Presets can be previewed by clicking the preset name once, which will load it make the name turn gold. Once you’re happy with the preset, click the name again or click the tick in the top right hand corner of the preset browser to confirm your changes.

Designer Interface

Designer Interface Overview

Welcome to the Designer Interface. A way of working which enhances the capabilities of traditional orchestral multi sampled articulations with bespoke effects, layering and sequencing in an uncluttered, uncompromising and easy to use interface. 

Layer together four different types of sounds, from percussion hits and rolls, orchestral longs, shorts and legato or synth based pads and drones. Sculpt your sound with powerful layer controls, and transform your sound entirely with our creative effects. Assign macro modulation to almost every parameter, allowing you to drastically change your preset with a single turn of a dial.

 

When loading any ‘Designer’ product, you will met by the Perform page. This contains the most important controls, as well as the product artwork. Instrument navigation is split into 3 main sections:

  1. About – Click the product logo to bring up the about page, which displays the credits for your selected instrument.
  2. Central Area – This displays the controls and parameters available on each page.
  3. Page Navigation – Use this section to navigate between the Perform, Layers, Effects and Settings pages. The Page Navigation is visible on every page.
  4. Footer – The Footer contains the controls that require easy access during performance. The footer is visible on every page. Refer to the Perform Page

Loading Designer Presets

Loading from "Play" or "Library" view

 Each preset within the Designer Interface is saved as a snapshot. Snapshots are Kontakt’s underlying file format for instrument presets. They offer a quick and convenient way of browsing for new sounds and saving custom presets. Each product in the designer interface is shipped with a number of presets that present the perfect starting point for your next composition.

You can browse through presets through either ‘Play View’ or the ‘Library View’.

Within the ‘Play’ view, installed libraries are shown as tiles. Selecting a tile filters the ‘Results’ list with relevant presets. Hovering over a tile reveals an arrow icon (>) which when clicked loads the first preset of the associated product. 

Snapshots and instruments are listed alphabetically, with instruments always shown first.    

Click a preset to audition the sound without loading the preset. Double-click a preset to load it into the current slot. You can also use the up/down arrows on your computer keyboard to select the previous/next preset from the list

The ‘Library’ browser provides access to viewing many instruments and snapshots at once, with additional controls to filter by brand, tags, text and Favourites. The Kontakt manual contains in depth information on loading instruments and snapshots from this browser, so we will cover Audio Imperia specific information.

Presets can be further filtered by ‘banks’. These are collections of presets which have a common characteristic or use. Read below for information relating to Designer interface bank categories, which are standardized between products. 

Designer Snapshot Types

Designer Interface presets are sorted into ‘banks’. These are collections of presets which have a common characteristic or use within your compositions. These are standardized between products that utilise this interface.

Getting Started

Presets that provide an instantaneous result, and are a great introduction to the aesthetic of the product. These are often without complex under the hood configurations, allowing you to dive into the inner workings of each one easily.

Toolkit

All in one detailed presets with multiple layers and complex under the hood sequencing and event layer manipulation and modulation.

Leads

Lead sounds, great for melodic playing.

Sequences

Sequenced patterns and rhythms which utilise the arpeggiator/sequencer or have a metered component (e.g. certain granular configurations)

Pads

Static, non moving sounds with a limited amount of movement.

Textures

Moving sounds which are not static – either in timbre or volume.

Source Browser

The Designer interface lets you browse and load the samples used as presets in each of the four layers.

You can open the source browser by clicking the name of each preset within the layer controls on either the Perform, Layers and Effects pages. On click, you are met with the following elements:

  1. Instrument Filter: Here you can browse through every instrument available within your designer preset. You are only able to select one instrument at a time.
  2. Technique Filter: After selecting your Instrument, you can browse through each technique type. If you select a different instrument, a new set of techniques will populate this list and your previous selection will be reset. Techniques are sorted into three categories: Short, Extended and Long. Short techniques are standard typical short articulations you would use for fast passages, such as staccato or spiccato. Extended techniques are more unconventional sounds which you may use for an additional color or texture in your music. Long techniques are standard typical long articulations you would use for chordal writing, for example, sustains or tremolos.
  3. Layer Selector: Here you can select any of your four layers you wish to change the sound source within. Clicking the corresponding ‘Layer’ button within the Layer Selector found on the ‘Perform’/’Layers’/’Effects’ page will select the Instrument and Technique corresponding to that selected layer sound source.
  4. Favourite: Clicking this star will show favourited presets in each selected technique. You can add a sound source to your favourites by clicking the star icon next to that preset.
  5. Preset List: After selecting an Instrument and Technique the sound source preset list will be populated. Click a sound source to load it into the instrument, and double click to confirm your change and return back to your previously selected page.
  6. Accept/Deny Changes: Once you have selected a new preset, click the tick to accept the changes and exit the Source Browser. Click the cross to revert back to the previous sound that was loaded into your selected layer.
  7. Randomize: Chooses a random sound source across all possible instruments and assigns it to your selected layer.

Perform Page

The Perform Page is the primary page of the instrument, displaying the most important controls for instrument playback. The most important area of the Perform Page are the central layer controls, consisting of the following elements:

  1. Layer Controls: Here are your basic controls for each layer, including an on/off button, a Mute (mutes selected layer) and Solo (mutes all other layers) button, as well as knobs to control the volume, tuning and panning of your layer. Clicking the preset name brings up the Source Browser. Turning off a layer will unload its samples from memory.
  2. Macro Control: At the heart of the designer engine are our Macro Controls. Almost all controls across the Designer Interface can be assigned to one of these two macros and then manipulated all at once, either manually as you play (via mouse or CC), or via an LFO (see Point 4). Refer to the Macro Modulation page for more info.
  3. Layer Selector: Available on the the Perform, Layers and Effects page, the layer selector allows you to quickly cycle through each of the four layers of the instrument, as well as display the technique currently used in the selected layer. Each technique is represented with a different symbol and your selected layer is outlined with a white stroke. Selecting a layer will show all the controls relevant to that particular to that layer, such as any applied effects and controls. 
  4. LFO Panel: Clicking this panel brings up the LFO controls for each Macro.

Additional Controls

LFO Panel

Each Macro can be controlled via an LFO. The LFO Panel contains the following elements:

  1. Shape: Choose from either a Sine, Sawtooth or Reverse Sawtooth LFO wave.
  2. Time: Adjust how long it takes for your LFO to make a full cycle. This is tempo synced to your host BPM.
  3. Amount: Adjusts the maximum value of a macro when it is controlled via an LFO.
  4. Randomize: Click to randomise your LFO Shape, Time and Amount values.

Footer Controls

  1. Dynamic Controls – Use Modulation and Expression to adjust your instrument. When a long/legato/percussion roll/sustained articulation is utilised in one of your layers, the dynamics control crossfades between the different recorded dynamic layers. Expression will adjust the overall volume of all layers before the effects chain.
  2. Assign Button – Clicking the Assign button shows which controls can be assigned to either of the two macros, as indicated by a small “+” above each control. Refer to Macro Modulation for more information.
  3. Master Volume – Adjust the output level of the signal after the effects chain.

Layers Page

The Layers page allows you to adjust and refine each of your four layers. Controls are split into envelope / filter controls on the right hand side and technique specific layer effects for you to further dial in your sound on the left. When opening the layers page, you are met with the following elements:

    1. Technique Specific Layer Controls – Here, controls applicable to the sound source type of your selected layer are shown. These adjust dynamically when a new sound source or snapshot is loaded.
    2. Layer Controls / Layer Selector – Here you can select each of your four layers, as well as adjust basic controls for each layer.
    3. Layer Envelope – Adjust the Attack, Decay, Sustain (for long / legato techniques), and Release of your layer.
    4. True Mapping – Controls the true mapping for each layer.
    5. Layer Filter – Here you can add either a high-pass or low-pass filter to your selected layer, with controls to dial in the frequency, mix and resonance of your filter.

Technique Specific Layer Controls

Below are a list of each of the layer controls available within Glade:

Velocity Curve

  1. Velocity Curve Panel – Customise the layer’s response to your MIDI keyboard. Inputted velocities will be adjusted to fit the curve shown. Here you can see, select and and adjust your velocity curve types. Choose from either a Linear, Step, or Flat velocity curve.
  2. Curve – Adjust your selected velocity curve.

Octaver

  1. Octaver Panel – The Octaver allows you to add a specific interval to be triggered automatically when a note is triggered on your keyboard. This allows you to create patches that are great for soaring melodies or enhanced short strings in different voicings instead of a primarily monophonic way to interact with the samples. The Octaver panel shows the additional notes you are able to add. Each added note will trigger alongside your pressed key. Click any key to activate / deactivate it.

    The Octaver is C based, meaning any notes that are active on the Octaver keyboard display the degree of the scale added to your input. (e.g. this example adds a 4th and an Octave.)

  2. Dynamics – Scales the volume of all notes added by the Octaver.

Arpeggiator

  1. Arpeggiator Panel – Here you can see your chosen playing style. There are 4 to choose from:
    Up – This plays the notes from lowest to highest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Down – This plays the notes from highest to lowest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Up & Down – This plays the notes from highest to lowest and then back down to lowest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Played – This will play the notes back in the order you play them in. Adding in new notes will not change the sequence, and will add them at the end.

2. Rate – Adjust the playback rate of each note in your sequence. This is synced to your host BPM.

3. Length – Adjust the envelope length of each note in your sequence.

4. Pedal Toggle – When toggled on, notes pressed whilst the pedal is held down will be added to the Arpeggiator sequence. 

Sequencer

  1. Sequencer Panels – Here you can see each step of your sequence displayed differently across the Length, Velocity, and Pitch pages. Each of these pages allow you to view and edit the displayed parameters. You can adjust each step within these panels, or via the controls below (2-5).
  2. Length – Adjust the length of each step, from 1/4 to Triplet 1/32 notes. These update dynamically on the length panel.
  3. Pitch – Click to adjust the pitch of each note in the sequence, from -12 to +12 semitones. These update dynamically on the pitch panel.
  4. Velocity – Click to adjust the velocity of each note in the sequence, from 1 to 127.
  5. Steps – Adjust the number of steps in your sequence from 1 to 16.

At the top of your sequencer you will find your Step Selector. This is used to toggle on and off certain steps within your sequence, or to create a break in the sequence for effect.

Rested Steps still have a length to them, so you will hear a silence for the allotted time given to your ‘rested step’. If you wish to remove a step, adjust the steps knob (5).

  1. A solid square displays an active step
  2. A missing square displays a skipped step
  3. A highlighted square displays the current step

Doubling

Mode 1 – Subtly adjusts the timbre of the layer by triggering the sample above your selected note and pitching it down.

Mode 2 – Subtly adjusts the timbre of the layer by triggering the sample below your selected note and pitching it up

Con Sord

Activates or deacitves the Con Sordino emulation control. This emulates the addition of a mute on the selected instrument when active.

Stacking

  1. Stacking Layer Count – The stacking control allows you to layer additional round robins on top of each other for a larger than life. When active, the layer count displays how many additional layers are being triggered.
  2. Random – Adjusts the time between each additional stacking voice by up to 1000 ms.
  3. Stereo – Adjusts where in the stereo field the layers can be randomly placed, with 180 degrees at 100% to mono at 0%.

Legato Smoothing

This control affects the length of the crossfade used on legato sound sources. A higher value corresponds to a longer transition.

Polyphonic Legato

This control allows you to assign how many simultaneous legato lines you can have triggered in that single particular layer. You can have up to 5 splits, with the velocity dividing equally over the number of splits you assign.

Keyboard Mapping

Across the Designer Interface, the range of your instrument is created by combining the ranges of all layers which are turned on. Each note of this key range will trigger all four layers of your instrument, even if your inputted note is outside the range of a particular layer.

In this instance, the closest note in the range of each layer will be automatically transposed up or down the instrument to align with your inputted note.

True Mapping

If you wish to represent the ‘true’ range of each layer, you can toggle on True Mapping. This allows you to extend or truncate the range of each layer manually.

  1. Key Range – With True Mapping on, this keyboard displays the playable range of your selected layer.
  2. Low Keyboard Range – Defines the lowest key that this layer will trigger on.
  3. High Keyboard Range – Defines the highest key that this layer will trigger on.

Layer Controls Preset Browser

Selected layer effects allow you to select from a number of factory presets to help you get started.

  1. Layer Controls Preset Browser – Click to display all of the presets available for your selected layer control.
  2. Effects Browser Navigation – Quickly select the previous and next preset without the need to open the Preset Browser.
  3. Presets – Browse through and choose your desired preset.

Effects Page

The Effects Page allows you to design and sculpt your sound by adding up to 6 effects to each layer. Refine your presets with utility effects such as EQ, Saturation and Delay, or add one of the more uniquely named creative effects to transform your preset. These creative effects will change per product, and are specifically based on the aesthetic on the content and the presets within it. On the Effects Page you are met with the following elements:

  1. Effects Rack – Each side of the UI contains an effects rack for you to load up to 3 effects. These racks create your effects chain, processed down the left hand side and then the right (1-6).
  2. Layer Controls – Here you can select each of your 4 layers, as well as adjust basic controls for each layer.

Effects Browser

You can use the effects browser to apply effects to each slot within your effects rack.

  1. Effects Browser – Click to display all your effects.
  2. Effects Browser Navigation – Quickly select the previous and next effect without the need to open the Effects Browser.
  3. Effects – Browse through and chose your desired effect. Any effect loaded into your chosen slot in your effects rack will be replaced.

Utility Effects

The designer interface contains 7 utility effects to help you to sculpt your sound.

Compression

Even out the volume of your preset, making your sound feel smoother and more balanced.

  1. Ratio – Adjusts how strong the sound is compressed after it has passed the threshold (from 1:1 – 20:1).
  2. Shape – Adjust the attack and release of your compressor.
  3. Make Up – Adds gain after the signal has been compressed, normally used to compensate for the effect of the compressor.

Delay

Repeats part of the audio signal after a short time, making it feel bigger and more spacious or as a stylistic effect.

  1. Size – Increases the feedback size.
  2. Mix – Increases the amount of wet signal heard.

EQ

EQ (Equaliser) lets you adjust the balance of different sound frequencies within your layer.

  1. Low – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 90hz.
  2. Mid – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 500hz.
  3. High – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 8khz.

Hall Reverb

Adds the natural acoustics of a Hall to your layer.

  1. Predelay – Adjusts the time between your original sound and the start of your reverb.
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the room emulated in the reverb.
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard.

Pandora Reverb

Combines delay and reverb to create a virtual space unlike anything that exists.

  1. Modulation – Adjust the modulation and feedback
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the emulated space
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard

Room Reverb

Adds the natural acoustics of a medium sized room to your layer.

  1. Predelay – Adjusts the time between your original sound and the start of your reverb
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the room emulated in the reverb
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard

Saturation

Adds warm, rich harmonics by gently distorting the sound, making it feel fuller and more alive.

  1. Mix – Adjusts the amount of signal that is saturated

Creative Effects

The Designer Interface contains several creative effects per product designed to transform your sound:

Aurora

Aurora is an ambient, space effect, combining delay and reverb.

  1. Echo – Increases the time and feedback amount of your delay.
  2. Ambience – Increases the size of the reverb.

Nomad

Nomad involves digital sample rate manipulation and destructive bit reduction.

  1. Intensity – Increases the number of frequencies processed through the effect.

Quiver

Quiver adds undulating, wavering motion to create movement and depth

  1. Pulse – Increases the depth of the motion
  2. Flow – Increases the speed of the motion
  3. Bloom – Increases the higher frequencies

Settings Page

The Settings Page contains less common parameters that don’t require immediate access.

Sample Start

Sample Start allows you to adjust the latency of the instrument from 0ms (great for instant playability) to -250ms (more latency but a more expressive sound).

More info about Sample Start can be found in our video below:

Macro Modulation

Within the designer interface there are 2 macro controls found on the Perform Page, as well as in the footer. Each of these macro controls can be assigned to multiple parameters within the interface and used to adjust all of them at once. This is known as Macro Modulation. To set up macro modulation on a parameter, do the following:

1. Click the Assign button found in the footer. This button can be found on every page.

2. All parameters that can be modulated will now have a ‘+’ next to them.

3. Clicking this ‘+’ will reveal an option to assign that parameter to either Macro 1 or Macro 2.

4. Selecting Macro 1 will replace the ‘+’ with a ‘1’ symbol. Drag up and down on this symbol to assign modulation to that parameter.

For positive modulation, the knob position displays the minimum value, whilst the end of the white line displays the maximum value.

This is reversed for negative modulation.

5. You have now assigned modulation, meaning that when macro 1 is moved, all parameters assigned to it will also move according to their modulation values. The dot displays your current parameter value when controlled via a Macro.

To change or remove the modulation, click on the ‘1’ icon and select either Macro 2 or None. Clicking ‘None’ will remove your modulation.

Reverb

Basic Page Layout

  • The knob controls the send amount for the reverb.
  • The on/off button toggles the reverb send bypass.

Advanced Page Layout

  • On/off button: Toggles the reverb send bypass.
  • Pre-Delay: Controls the amount of reverb pre-delay.
  • Time: Controls the reverb time.
  • Reverb Type: Selects from the two available reverb algorithms: Room and Hall.
  • Amount: Controls the send amount for the reverb.

How do I crossgrade and what products are eligible?

Logging in to your www.audioimperia.com account that you used to purchase your license will ensure you see the best prices for you across our webstore.

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Watch the video below for help managing your account: 

Eligible Crossgrades

Nucleus Lite Edition to Nucleus

Areia Lite Edition to Areia

Chorus Lite Edition to Chorus

Chorus FX to Chorus

Dolce Lite Edition to Dolce

Due to content overlap, owners of Jaeger, Nucleus or Areia are entitled to $100 off either of the products in this list.

  • Nucleus
  • Jaeger
  • Areia

Preset Browser

The preset browser provides a range of functionality to help you find the sound you want for your project efficiently.

Filters

The filters on the left allow you to browse by ‘Expansion’, ‘Genre’, ‘Focus’, ‘Instrument’ and ‘Character’.

Expansions are collections of presets and sounds which are themed around a certain genre or mood.

Clicking a filter will adjust the other visible filters based on what you have clicked. 

Filters types can be collapsed if you prefer to not browse by a particular category. You can do this by clicking the chevron on the right hand side or clicking the filter name (such as ‘Focus’ in our example below).

Selected filter buttons can be de-selected by clicking its relevant icon, or, clicking the cross on the right hand side (see below).

Preset Management

Presets can be deleted, edited and saved using these controls.

The ‘User’ and ‘Audio Imperia’ icon allows you to filter by Factory / Audio Imperia made presets and User created presets. 

After presets are updated in the /Library Data/Presets folder, you can rescan presets to make them show up in the browser. Rescanning presets will take a few minutes, but will not needed to be ran again.

Loading Presets

Presets can be loaded and favourited on the right hand side.

Next to each preset is an indication of the amount of layers used in that preset.

Clicking the below icon will show presets with that amount of selected layers. Shift + Click on this control will show all presets.

Presets can be previewed by clicking the preset name once, which will load it make the name turn gold. Once you’re happy with the preset, click the name again or click the tick in the top right hand corner of the preset browser to confirm your changes.

Articulations

Articulations (Tonal)

Articulations can be selected by clicking the articulation’s name in the list (1), or by using keyswitches.


The keyswitch display shows the currently mapped keyswitch for each articulation (2).

 

Individual articulations can be loaded or purged using the power buttons (3). Use the control/command key for exclusive purging.

Keyswitch Options (Tonal)

Keyswitches can be moved up or down the keyboard by clicking and dragging the keyboard icon or by clicking the small arrows to either side (1).

Keyswitches can be locked using the padlock button (2). When locked, keyswitch commands via MIDI are ignored, though switching is still possible by clicking the articulation’s name in the list.

Instruments & Articulations (Atonal)

Basic Page Layout

Clicking an instrument name (1) reveals the available articulations for that instrument.

Entire instruments can be purged or loaded by using the power button next to the instrument name (2). Articulations can also be individually purged or loaded by using the power button next to the articulation name (3).

The instrument color can be previewed on the basic page, this color is reflected on all keys that trigger the instrument. (7).

Advanced Page Layout

Each articulation can be mapped to a maximum of two keys. Click the (+) button (4) to enable two-key mapping. To go back to one-key mapping, click the (-) button.

You can map an articulation to a key by dragging up or down on the key name (5), by typing in the value (double click the key name) or by using MIDI learn. To trigger MIDI learn, click the small MIDI icon (6) and press any key to map the articulation to that key.

The instrument color can be modified on the advanced page by dragging up or down on the color icon. This color is reflected on all keys that trigger the instrument. (7).

 

Select By MIDI - Atonal

The Select by MIDI function (1) when turned on allows you to visualize the instrument that is currently being triggered via MIDI.

Controllers

Basic Page Layout

  • Dynamics: When a long articulation is selected, the dynamics knob crossfades between the different recorded dynamic layers. Note that on short articulations, dynamic layers are triggered via velocity.
  • Expression: An additional layer of volume control that affects the instrument pre-reverb. It can be especially useful when used together with Dynamics for adding even more, as the controller’s name implies, expression in your music.
  • Vibrato: On specific long articulations, the vibrato knob crossfades between the recorded non-vibrato and vibrato samples.
  • Tight: The Tight button is just a simplified Sample Start controller, when setting it to on, Sample Start is set to 0ms, when setting it to off, Sample Start is set to the previously set value. This feature is especially useful when you go back and forth between recording and playback when composing.

Advanced Page Layout

  • Dyn. Range: The Dynamic Range knob applies volume scaling to all articulations. With the Dynamic Range slider set at 0, samples will play back as they were recorded. As you increase the Dynamic Range, all but the loudest dynamic layer scale down, allowing the library to play quieter on the lowest dynamics than originally recorded. With the Dynamic Range slider at maximum, a Dynamics (for long articulations) or Velocity (for short articulations) value of zero will result in silence.
  • Sample Start: The Sample Start controller can be thought of as a “realism/responsiveness” knob. When setting near 0ms, the instrument will respond with lower latency, but attacks, releases, and legato transitions will sound abrupt. When setting near -250ms, it will have the opposite effect, introducing more latency, but with the benefit of more realistic attacks, releases, and legato transitions. For an in-depth explanation of Sample Start, see the “Sample Start” walkthrough video in our YouTube channel.
  • Leg. Smooth: The Legato Smoothness controller affects the length of the crossfades used on legato articulations. Higher values tend to sound smoother but muddier, lower values tend to sound crisper but bumpier. There are no right or wrong answers, just adjust to your taste.

Designer Interface Overview

Welcome to the Designer Interface. A way of working which enhances the capabilities of traditional orchestral multi sampled articulations with bespoke effects, layering and sequencing in an uncluttered, uncompromising and easy to use interface. 

Layer together four different types of sounds, from percussion hits and rolls, orchestral longs, shorts and legato or synth based pads and drones. Sculpt your sound with powerful layer controls, and transform your sound entirely with our creative effects. Assign macro modulation to almost every parameter, allowing you to drastically change your preset with a single turn of a dial.

 

When loading any ‘Designer’ product, you will met by the Perform page. This contains the most important controls, as well as the product artwork. Instrument navigation is split into 3 main sections:

  1. About – Click the product logo to bring up the about page, which displays the credits for your selected instrument.
  2. Central Area – This displays the controls and parameters available on each page.
  3. Page Navigation – Use this section to navigate between the Perform, Layers, Effects and Settings pages. The Page Navigation is visible on every page.
  4. Footer – The Footer contains the controls that require easy access during performance. The footer is visible on every page. Refer to the Perform Page

Sample Start

Products in our Pyramid interface benefit from sample start. This feature ensures that your MIDI plays realistically and consistently in time, allowing you to quantise notes and copy MIDI from track to track with predictable results.

Hear more about sample start and how to benefit from it in our video here: 

Loading Designer Presets

Loading from "Play" or "Library" view

 Each preset within the Designer Interface is saved as a snapshot. Snapshots are Kontakt’s underlying file format for instrument presets. They offer a quick and convenient way of browsing for new sounds and saving custom presets. Each product in the designer interface is shipped with a number of presets that present the perfect starting point for your next composition.

You can browse through presets through either ‘Play View’ or the ‘Library View’.

Within the ‘Play’ view, installed libraries are shown as tiles. Selecting a tile filters the ‘Results’ list with relevant presets. Hovering over a tile reveals an arrow icon (>) which when clicked loads the first preset of the associated product. 

Snapshots and instruments are listed alphabetically, with instruments always shown first.    

Click a preset to audition the sound without loading the preset. Double-click a preset to load it into the current slot. You can also use the up/down arrows on your computer keyboard to select the previous/next preset from the list

The ‘Library’ browser provides access to viewing many instruments and snapshots at once, with additional controls to filter by brand, tags, text and Favourites. The Kontakt manual contains in depth information on loading instruments and snapshots from this browser, so we will cover Audio Imperia specific information.

Presets can be further filtered by ‘banks’. These are collections of presets which have a common characteristic or use. Read below for information relating to Designer interface bank categories, which are standardized between products. 

Designer Snapshot Types

Designer Interface presets are sorted into ‘banks’. These are collections of presets which have a common characteristic or use within your compositions. These are standardized between products that utilise this interface.

Getting Started

Presets that provide an instantaneous result, and are a great introduction to the aesthetic of the product. These are often without complex under the hood configurations, allowing you to dive into the inner workings of each one easily.

Toolkit

All in one detailed presets with multiple layers and complex under the hood sequencing and event layer manipulation and modulation.

Leads

Lead sounds, great for melodic playing.

Sequences

Sequenced patterns and rhythms which utilise the arpeggiator/sequencer or have a metered component (e.g. certain granular configurations)

Pads

Static, non moving sounds with a limited amount of movement.

Textures

Moving sounds which are not static – either in timbre or volume.

Options

Options can be selected from the main drop-down menu (1). Enable or disable options using the power button (2). An asterisk will appear next to the name of any enabled options (3).

  • Velocity Curve: This option allows you to change how a patch reacts to velocity. There are three curves that can be selected using the drop-down menu (2): linear, shelf and fixed. These can be further customized by clicking and dragging up or down on the velocity curve display (1).
  • Transpose: (1) Shifts the playable range up or down the keyboard. Note that this option does not affect keyswitches.
  • Range: (2) Increases or decreases the playable range of an articulation above or below the recorded range of the instrument. Unlike the previous options, which are global, Range is set per-articulation. The extended range will show up as yellow on the keyboard.

Envelope: On articulations other than Legato, the envelope controls set Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release for the currently selected articulation. This can be useful for creating pads from sustains, or to adjust the feel of a short articulation.

Polyphonic Legato: On legato articulations, this option allows you to control two independent legato lines by playing notes in a specific velocity range. The Velocity Splits control determines how many lines can be played simultaneously. For instance, with 2 velocity splits, any notes above Velocity 64 trigger one legato line, while notes with a velocity less than 64 trigger a second independent legato line. 

Source Browser

The Designer interface lets you browse and load the samples used as presets in each of the four layers.

You can open the source browser by clicking the name of each preset within the layer controls on either the Perform, Layers and Effects pages. On click, you are met with the following elements:

  1. Instrument Filter: Here you can browse through every instrument available within your designer preset. You are only able to select one instrument at a time.
  2. Technique Filter: After selecting your Instrument, you can browse through each technique type. If you select a different instrument, a new set of techniques will populate this list and your previous selection will be reset. Techniques are sorted into three categories: Short, Extended and Long. Short techniques are standard typical short articulations you would use for fast passages, such as staccato or spiccato. Extended techniques are more unconventional sounds which you may use for an additional color or texture in your music. Long techniques are standard typical long articulations you would use for chordal writing, for example, sustains or tremolos.
  3. Layer Selector: Here you can select any of your four layers you wish to change the sound source within. Clicking the corresponding ‘Layer’ button within the Layer Selector found on the ‘Perform’/’Layers’/’Effects’ page will select the Instrument and Technique corresponding to that selected layer sound source.
  4. Favourite: Clicking this star will show favourited presets in each selected technique. You can add a sound source to your favourites by clicking the star icon next to that preset.
  5. Preset List: After selecting an Instrument and Technique the sound source preset list will be populated. Click a sound source to load it into the instrument, and double click to confirm your change and return back to your previously selected page.
  6. Accept/Deny Changes: Once you have selected a new preset, click the tick to accept the changes and exit the Source Browser. Click the cross to revert back to the previous sound that was loaded into your selected layer.
  7. Randomize: Chooses a random sound source across all possible instruments and assigns it to your selected layer.

Interface

Sound design patches have a two-page layout as well: Main and FX. The Main page contains a set of essential sound modifying tools, and the FX page contains a set of insert and send effects that you can apply to the sounds.

Main Page

  1. Sound Selector: Click on the sound name to open the sound selection menu. You can also browse through sounds by using the left and right arrows.
  2. Sound Modifiers: Pyramid offers 8 automatable controllers for Volume, Pan, Attack, Release, Pitch, Stereo Spread, Low Pass Filter Cutoff and High Pass Filter Cutoff.
  3. Semitone Lock (Pitch): When enabled, truncates the pitch difference value to semitones.
  4. Sample Start: Determines where playback of the selected sample will start from. Click and drag the cursor to set a new position.
  5. Forward/reverse playback: The direction of the arrow reflects the direction of playback, either forward or reverse.
  6. Global: Determines whether the main page controllers affect the patch globally or per-sound.

FX Page

  1. Effect selector: Click on an effect name to select it.
  2. Effect on/off: Click the power button to turn the effect on/off.
  3. Effect parameters: All the parameters for the selected effect are displayed here. All parameters are automatable.
  4. Save/open buttons: Can be used to save or load presets. Presets are stored in .nka files.

Perform Page

The Perform Page is the primary page of the instrument, displaying the most important controls for instrument playback. The most important area of the Perform Page are the central layer controls, consisting of the following elements:

  1. Layer Controls: Here are your basic controls for each layer, including an on/off button, a Mute (mutes selected layer) and Solo (mutes all other layers) button, as well as knobs to control the volume, tuning and panning of your layer. Clicking the preset name brings up the Source Browser. Turning off a layer will unload its samples from memory.
  2. Macro Control: At the heart of the designer engine are our Macro Controls. Almost all controls across the Designer Interface can be assigned to one of these two macros and then manipulated all at once, either manually as you play (via mouse or CC), or via an LFO (see Point 4). Refer to the Macro Modulation page for more info.
  3. Layer Selector: Available on the the Perform, Layers and Effects page, the layer selector allows you to quickly cycle through each of the four layers of the instrument, as well as display the technique currently used in the selected layer. Each technique is represented with a different symbol and your selected layer is outlined with a white stroke. Selecting a layer will show all the controls relevant to that particular to that layer, such as any applied effects and controls. 
  4. LFO Panel: Clicking this panel brings up the LFO controls for each Macro.

Additional Controls

LFO Panel

Each Macro can be controlled via an LFO. The LFO Panel contains the following elements:

  1. Shape: Choose from either a Sine, Sawtooth or Reverse Sawtooth LFO wave.
  2. Time: Adjust how long it takes for your LFO to make a full cycle. This is tempo synced to your host BPM.
  3. Amount: Adjusts the maximum value of a macro when it is controlled via an LFO.
  4. Randomize: Click to randomise your LFO Shape, Time and Amount values.

Footer Controls

  1. Dynamic Controls – Use Modulation and Expression to adjust your instrument. When a long/legato/percussion roll/sustained articulation is utilised in one of your layers, the dynamics control crossfades between the different recorded dynamic layers. Expression will adjust the overall volume of all layers before the effects chain.
  2. Assign Button – Clicking the Assign button shows which controls can be assigned to either of the two macros, as indicated by a small “+” above each control. Refer to Macro Modulation for more information.
  3. Master Volume – Adjust the output level of the signal after the effects chain.

Layers Page

The Layers page allows you to adjust and refine each of your four layers. Controls are split into envelope / filter controls on the right hand side and technique specific layer effects for you to further dial in your sound on the left. When opening the layers page, you are met with the following elements:

    1. Technique Specific Layer Controls – Here, controls applicable to the sound source type of your selected layer are shown. These adjust dynamically when a new sound source or snapshot is loaded.
    2. Layer Controls / Layer Selector – Here you can select each of your four layers, as well as adjust basic controls for each layer.
    3. Layer Envelope – Adjust the Attack, Decay, Sustain (for long / legato techniques), and Release of your layer.
    4. True Mapping – Controls the true mapping for each layer.
    5. Layer Filter – Here you can add either a high-pass or low-pass filter to your selected layer, with controls to dial in the frequency, mix and resonance of your filter.

Technique Specific Layer Controls

Below are a list of each of the layer controls available within Glade:

Velocity Curve

  1. Velocity Curve Panel – Customise the layer’s response to your MIDI keyboard. Inputted velocities will be adjusted to fit the curve shown. Here you can see, select and and adjust your velocity curve types. Choose from either a Linear, Step, or Flat velocity curve.
  2. Curve – Adjust your selected velocity curve.

Octaver

  1. Octaver Panel – The Octaver allows you to add a specific interval to be triggered automatically when a note is triggered on your keyboard. This allows you to create patches that are great for soaring melodies or enhanced short strings in different voicings instead of a primarily monophonic way to interact with the samples. The Octaver panel shows the additional notes you are able to add. Each added note will trigger alongside your pressed key. Click any key to activate / deactivate it.

    The Octaver is C based, meaning any notes that are active on the Octaver keyboard display the degree of the scale added to your input. (e.g. this example adds a 4th and an Octave.)

  2. Dynamics – Scales the volume of all notes added by the Octaver.

Arpeggiator

  1. Arpeggiator Panel – Here you can see your chosen playing style. There are 4 to choose from:
    Up – This plays the notes from lowest to highest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Down – This plays the notes from highest to lowest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Up & Down – This plays the notes from highest to lowest and then back down to lowest. Adding in new notes will change the sequence.
    Played – This will play the notes back in the order you play them in. Adding in new notes will not change the sequence, and will add them at the end.

2. Rate – Adjust the playback rate of each note in your sequence. This is synced to your host BPM.

3. Length – Adjust the envelope length of each note in your sequence.

4. Pedal Toggle – When toggled on, notes pressed whilst the pedal is held down will be added to the Arpeggiator sequence. 

Sequencer

  1. Sequencer Panels – Here you can see each step of your sequence displayed differently across the Length, Velocity, and Pitch pages. Each of these pages allow you to view and edit the displayed parameters. You can adjust each step within these panels, or via the controls below (2-5).
  2. Length – Adjust the length of each step, from 1/4 to Triplet 1/32 notes. These update dynamically on the length panel.
  3. Pitch – Click to adjust the pitch of each note in the sequence, from -12 to +12 semitones. These update dynamically on the pitch panel.
  4. Velocity – Click to adjust the velocity of each note in the sequence, from 1 to 127.
  5. Steps – Adjust the number of steps in your sequence from 1 to 16.

At the top of your sequencer you will find your Step Selector. This is used to toggle on and off certain steps within your sequence, or to create a break in the sequence for effect.

Rested Steps still have a length to them, so you will hear a silence for the allotted time given to your ‘rested step’. If you wish to remove a step, adjust the steps knob (5).

  1. A solid square displays an active step
  2. A missing square displays a skipped step
  3. A highlighted square displays the current step

Doubling

Mode 1 – Subtly adjusts the timbre of the layer by triggering the sample above your selected note and pitching it down.

Mode 2 – Subtly adjusts the timbre of the layer by triggering the sample below your selected note and pitching it up

Con Sord

Activates or deacitves the Con Sordino emulation control. This emulates the addition of a mute on the selected instrument when active.

Stacking

  1. Stacking Layer Count – The stacking control allows you to layer additional round robins on top of each other for a larger than life. When active, the layer count displays how many additional layers are being triggered.
  2. Random – Adjusts the time between each additional stacking voice by up to 1000 ms.
  3. Stereo – Adjusts where in the stereo field the layers can be randomly placed, with 180 degrees at 100% to mono at 0%.

Legato Smoothing

This control affects the length of the crossfade used on legato sound sources. A higher value corresponds to a longer transition.

Polyphonic Legato

This control allows you to assign how many simultaneous legato lines you can have triggered in that single particular layer. You can have up to 5 splits, with the velocity dividing equally over the number of splits you assign.

Keyboard Mapping

Across the Designer Interface, the range of your instrument is created by combining the ranges of all layers which are turned on. Each note of this key range will trigger all four layers of your instrument, even if your inputted note is outside the range of a particular layer.

In this instance, the closest note in the range of each layer will be automatically transposed up or down the instrument to align with your inputted note.

True Mapping

If you wish to represent the ‘true’ range of each layer, you can toggle on True Mapping. This allows you to extend or truncate the range of each layer manually.

  1. Key Range – With True Mapping on, this keyboard displays the playable range of your selected layer.
  2. Low Keyboard Range – Defines the lowest key that this layer will trigger on.
  3. High Keyboard Range – Defines the highest key that this layer will trigger on.

Layer Controls Preset Browser

Selected layer effects allow you to select from a number of factory presets to help you get started.

  1. Layer Controls Preset Browser – Click to display all of the presets available for your selected layer control.
  2. Effects Browser Navigation – Quickly select the previous and next preset without the need to open the Preset Browser.
  3. Presets – Browse through and choose your desired preset.

Effects Page

The Effects Page allows you to design and sculpt your sound by adding up to 6 effects to each layer. Refine your presets with utility effects such as EQ, Saturation and Delay, or add one of the more uniquely named creative effects to transform your preset. These creative effects will change per product, and are specifically based on the aesthetic on the content and the presets within it. On the Effects Page you are met with the following elements:

  1. Effects Rack – Each side of the UI contains an effects rack for you to load up to 3 effects. These racks create your effects chain, processed down the left hand side and then the right (1-6).
  2. Layer Controls – Here you can select each of your 4 layers, as well as adjust basic controls for each layer.

Effects Browser

You can use the effects browser to apply effects to each slot within your effects rack.

  1. Effects Browser – Click to display all your effects.
  2. Effects Browser Navigation – Quickly select the previous and next effect without the need to open the Effects Browser.
  3. Effects – Browse through and chose your desired effect. Any effect loaded into your chosen slot in your effects rack will be replaced.

Utility Effects

The designer interface contains 7 utility effects to help you to sculpt your sound.

Compression

Even out the volume of your preset, making your sound feel smoother and more balanced.

  1. Ratio – Adjusts how strong the sound is compressed after it has passed the threshold (from 1:1 – 20:1).
  2. Shape – Adjust the attack and release of your compressor.
  3. Make Up – Adds gain after the signal has been compressed, normally used to compensate for the effect of the compressor.

Delay

Repeats part of the audio signal after a short time, making it feel bigger and more spacious or as a stylistic effect.

  1. Size – Increases the feedback size.
  2. Mix – Increases the amount of wet signal heard.

EQ

EQ (Equaliser) lets you adjust the balance of different sound frequencies within your layer.

  1. Low – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 90hz.
  2. Mid – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 500hz.
  3. High – Add/remove up to 20db gain at 8khz.

Hall Reverb

Adds the natural acoustics of a Hall to your layer.

  1. Predelay – Adjusts the time between your original sound and the start of your reverb.
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the room emulated in the reverb.
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard.

Pandora Reverb

Combines delay and reverb to create a virtual space unlike anything that exists.

  1. Modulation – Adjust the modulation and feedback
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the emulated space
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard

Room Reverb

Adds the natural acoustics of a medium sized room to your layer.

  1. Predelay – Adjusts the time between your original sound and the start of your reverb
  2. Size – Adjusts the size of the room emulated in the reverb
  3. Mix – Adjusts the amount of wet signal heard

Saturation

Adds warm, rich harmonics by gently distorting the sound, making it feel fuller and more alive.

  1. Mix – Adjusts the amount of signal that is saturated

Creative Effects

The Designer Interface contains several creative effects per product designed to transform your sound:

Aurora

Aurora is an ambient, space effect, combining delay and reverb.

  1. Echo – Increases the time and feedback amount of your delay.
  2. Ambience – Increases the size of the reverb.

Nomad

Nomad involves digital sample rate manipulation and destructive bit reduction.

  1. Intensity – Increases the number of frequencies processed through the effect.

Quiver

Quiver adds undulating, wavering motion to create movement and depth

  1. Pulse – Increases the depth of the motion
  2. Flow – Increases the speed of the motion
  3. Bloom – Increases the higher frequencies

Settings Page

The Settings Page contains less common parameters that don’t require immediate access.

Sample Start

Sample Start allows you to adjust the latency of the instrument from 0ms (great for instant playability) to -250ms (more latency but a more expressive sound).

More info about Sample Start can be found in our video below:

Macro Modulation

Within the designer interface there are 2 macro controls found on the Perform Page, as well as in the footer. Each of these macro controls can be assigned to multiple parameters within the interface and used to adjust all of them at once. This is known as Macro Modulation. To set up macro modulation on a parameter, do the following:

1. Click the Assign button found in the footer. This button can be found on every page.

2. All parameters that can be modulated will now have a ‘+’ next to them.

3. Clicking this ‘+’ will reveal an option to assign that parameter to either Macro 1 or Macro 2.

4. Selecting Macro 1 will replace the ‘+’ with a ‘1’ symbol. Drag up and down on this symbol to assign modulation to that parameter.

For positive modulation, the knob position displays the minimum value, whilst the end of the white line displays the maximum value.

This is reversed for negative modulation.

5. You have now assigned modulation, meaning that when macro 1 is moved, all parameters assigned to it will also move according to their modulation values. The dot displays your current parameter value when controlled via a Macro.

To change or remove the modulation, click on the ‘1’ icon and select either Macro 2 or None. Clicking ‘None’ will remove your modulation.