Apple MainStage 3 Instruments - MainStage 3 Instruments

Program a picked bass sound with Sculpture
The basic bass is played with the fingers. In the following example, you will simulate playing
the strings with a pick, using the Pick object type. The Timbre parameter will be used to adjust
the relationship between the speed and intensity at which the string is struck. The Variation
parameter will be used to define the virtual material density, or hardness, of the pick.
If you imagine the fingers to be very soft picks, it makes sense to alter the Pick parameters so
that a hard plastic pick is the outcome.
Simulate playing with a pick
1 Load the E-Bass Fingered Basic setting.
2 Set the Timbre parameter of Object 1 to its maximum value of 1.00.
The attack is now stronger.
3 Try several different Variation settings to get a feel for the material qualities of the pick.
Note: Not all positions will deliver usable results for the entire range of the instrument.
4 You’ll get a consistent, working setting for the two octaves above E 0 with the following
parameter settings: Position 0.17 (Pickup display), Strength 1.00 (maximum), Timbre 0.90, and
Variation 0.56.
When these settings are used, you’ll find that the sound has become softer and very thin. In fact,
it’s somewhat reminiscent of a clavinet.
Compensate for thinning side effects with the Body EQ
1 Activate the Body EQ and add a healthy portion of bottom end to the sound by setting the Low
parameter to 0.60. Mid should be set to 0.33.
2 Set the High knob to −0.45 because the sound is now so bright that rolling off a few of the highs
can’t hurt.
3 Bring the volume into line. If you adjust the Level knob to 2.5 dB, nothing should be distorting. If
this isn’t the case, try reducing some more of the bottom end with the Low knob.
4 Save this setting as Pick Open Roundwound.
Chapter 13 Sculpture 314