Automating Filter cutoff for multiple instruments

[tobypearce]

Hi,

This is the kind of thing that I love about Reason, but I can't figure out the simplest workflow.

I have 3 synths and want to control the filter cutoff for each of them via a single automation lane.
I'd like the scale the amount up or down for each synth, so that the one automation line going from 0 - 100% has the right amount of effect on each synth.

I've created a separate combinator with track to control this, but I'm trying to find the easiest set up. It's some kind of CV splitting and basic CV controlled, possibly with the combinator control. What's the simplest method?

[guitfnky]

I think Thor has four CV outs, right? I’m not a huge Thor user, but if it has an assignable knob (that you would automate with), you could use the programmer section to send that value to the first three CV outs, and save the need for a splitter.

[diminished]

I'd go with Thor, using its CV outs to control the cutoff freq of all synths. With the mod matrix you could then assign amount & scale. As a source, select one of Thor's big knobs and automate it with one automation lane

[BRIGGS]

Is the combinator not working for you?

[mon]

I would also do it with a combi. Min/max values will work similarly to scale.

[guitfnky]

I don’t think using a combi is the best answer, since he’s specifically asking for the simplest solution (which I take to mean the least amount of routing and devices). if you do it with a combi, you would then have to add a CV splitter, at the very least, no?

[zoidkirb]

If all three synths are in one combi you can assign the one rotator to change your cutoff by different amounts each

[MannequinRaces]

Maybe buy Frame CV Generator for $9 and call it a day.

[Philup]

If all three synths are in one combi you can assign the one rotator to change your cutoff by different amounts each

This is the easiest way. You can assign a single combinator knob to the cutoff for each synth and you can set the range for each synth all on one place. You even have the ability to switch the polarity of the values eg. one filter opens as the other closes.

This may offer some guidance

You could do the same with a CV splitter and individual tweaking on the CV input parameter on each synth (if the developer put one there). However, with the combinator matrix, everything is in one place and input parameters are easier to fine tune.

[Tweak]

For me this is absolutely what the combinator was setup to facilitate - no need for other devices. As mentioned by others, simply combine the synths, then map the filter cutoff of each to a single combinator rotary.

[guitfnky]

that does sound like a good solution. does that work if you want different MIDI going to each instrument? I can’t remember how instrument stacking in a combi is supposed to work, since I never do it.

[splitpen]

that does sound like a good solution. does that work if you want different MIDI going to each instrument? I can’t remember how instrument stacking in a combi is supposed to work, since I never do it.

You can set the working range of each instrument in the combinator.
As long you give each instrument his own range (without overlap) it is possible.

[Heigen5]

Combi would be my solution as well. Just combine all the synths and map them to the knob of choice. CV b/s - I never do CV for stuff like this because it's like still using morse to communicate.

[Philup]

that does sound like a good solution. does that work if you want different MIDI going to each instrument? I can’t remember how instrument stacking in a combi is supposed to work, since I never do it.

Key Splitting is your best option here.

This works really well for live performance.
Extra Bonus - when you Use as singe instance of the Morfin Crossfader you can double the amount of splits you can do in one combinator.

However, If you want to maintain the full key range fore each synth and send different midi commands to each synth you may be missing the point of the combinator as it is designed to "combine" individual synths into one "super synth"

[guitfnky]

that does sound like a good solution. does that work if you want different MIDI going to each instrument? I can’t remember how instrument stacking in a combi is supposed to work, since I never do it.

Key Splitting is your best option here.

This works really well for live performance.
Extra Bonus - when you Use as singe instance of the Morfin Crossfader you can double the amount of splits you can do in one combinator.

However, If you want to maintain the full key range fore each synth and send different midi commands to each synth you may be missing the point of the combinator as it is designed to "combine" individual synths into one "super synth"

yeah, I was more asking out of curiosity than anything. I don’t really need to stack different instruments playing the same thing—my ears don’t have that kind of attention span. the other idea—using multiple instruments all playing different things, but with one control setting the filter for all of them—that sounds pretty intriguing to me.

either way, this is the kind of stuff that makes Reason awesome.

[Philup]

the other idea—using multiple instruments all playing different things, but with one control setting the filter for all of them—that sounds pretty intriguing to me.

Sure, set the combinator up to control your synth filters with a single knob. Then, Instead of creating/recording a midi track for the combinator, Right click/ctrl click each synth within the combinator one at a time and create a separate MIDI track for each one.

[tobypearce]

I've tried to say thank-you a couple of times already - obviously I am not pressing submit correctly!
The Thor option is good for me as it's a single place and via the matrix I can control the amount of filter opening on each of the synths.

The combinator options is also good but I would like to keep the synths in separate channels for mixing and sends.

Thanks again.

[Philup]

Another option if you feel like throwing money at the solution:

Morpher