AIR Music Tech - Structure v2 - User Guide
AIR Music Tech - Structure v2 - User Guide
Structure is a plug-in that adds the flexibility and power of a professional sampling workstation
to your recording. Using proprietary technology and a musically intuitive design, Structure takes
sampling within your audio software to a new level.
Installation
Windows®
Mac OS X
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Overview
Main Sections
Patch List Page Tabs Parameter Panel
Part List
In the Patch list on the left side of Structure, all loaded patches are shown. You can create,
select, mix, MIDI-assign, route, and group patches in the Patch list. Click a patch to select it for
editing in the Parameter panel on the right. The handle on the left of the selected patch module
is lit yellow. You can create, edit and save patches using the Patch menu on top of the Patch
list. To learn more about the Patch list, see the Patch List section.
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Part List
The Part list shows the parts that are contained in a patch. A part can be a multisample, an
insert effect, a Sub-patch, or a MIDI processor. The Part list contains all parts within the
selected patch and reflects their grouping as well as audio and MIDI routing. You can create,
select, move, and edit parts in the Part list. The vertical order of parts reflects the actual signal
flow from top to bottom. This means that the audio output of a Sampler part is fed through any
Audio FX parts below it. The resulting signal at the bottom of the Part list is sent to the Patch
output. You can change the position of parts within the routing using drag and drop. See the
Part List section for more information.
MIDI processor
Sampler
Sub-Patch
Audio FX
• MIDI Processor: Contains a MIDI processor with its settings, for example, a tuning scale.
MIDI processors are placed before Sampler parts and change the way a Sampler part is
played.
• Sampler: Contains a multisample, its mapping information, metadata, and several sound
shaping options, such as filters, envelopes and modulation.
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• Sub-Patch: Groups multiple Sampler parts, insert effects, or MIDI effect parts within a
patch for applying combined playback conditions within a patch. For example, in a patch
that holds piano and string Sampler parts, you might want to route only the piano through
a reverb effect. In this case, you would group the piano part and an effect part using a
Sub-patch. Subpatches can be dragged to the Patch list to become patches. Patches can
be dragged into the Part list of another patch to become a Sub-patch. See the Sub-Patch
section for more information on using Sub-patches.
• Audio FX: Contains an Insert effect with its parameter and output settings.
Smart Knobs: Each patch has six Smart knobs. Each Smart knob can be assigned to
one or more Structure parameters within the patch. These linked parameters can then
be remote controlled at the same time by one Smart knob. This can be useful for
making complex sound design easy or to quickly adjust a patch to your session in
terms of feel, timbre, enveloping, or any other sensible sound shaping parameter.
Master (Output Volume): The Master control on the right adjusts Structure's Main
volume for all outputs.
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Parameter Panel
Page Tabs
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Main (Main Page)
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Database
Browser
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Setup Page
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Structure File Types
Three types of files can be saved with Structure:
• Settings: Pro Tools Plug-In Settings Files, or "presets" save the current configuration of
Structure with Patches and Parts (for more information about Pro Tools Plug-In Settings
Files, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide).
• Patch: A Patch is a single "instrument" that consists of parts. A patch can receive MIDI on
a unique MIDI port and channel, and plays out through the selected audio output.
• Part: A part can be a multisample, an insert effect, a Sub-patch, or a MIDI processor.
Settings
Using the Settings menu, you can save the complete state of the plug-in including all loaded
patches, parts, their parameters, and routing.
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Patch
To save a patch:
1. Select the patch in the Patch list.
2. Select Save Patch from the Patch menu.
3. In the following dialog, enter a name and
location for the patch and select one of the
Export check boxes depending on how you
want to export the patch.
• Without Samples means that just the
Patch file is saved without copying the
used samples.
• With Samples means that the used
samples are copied into a folder named
Samples next to the patch. The saved
patch will point to the samples in this
folder.
• Monolithic means that a single Patch file
is saved that contains all used samples.
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Part
You can save a single part with all parameters in the Part menu.
To save a part:
1. Select the part in the Part list.
2. Select Save Part from the Part menu.
3. In the following dialog, enter a name and location
and select one of the Export check boxes depending
on how you want to export the part.
• Without Samples means that just the Part file is saved without copying the used
samples.
• With Samples means that the used samples are copied into a folder named
Samples next to the part. The saved part will point to the samples in this folder.
• Monolithic means that a single Part file is saved which contains all used samples.
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Importing Third-Party Sample Libraries
You can import sampler programs, patches and libraries from other software samplers and
manufacturers into Structure. The supported formats are SampleCell, SampleCell II, Kontakt,
Kontakt2, Kontakt3, Gigasampler, and EXS 24. You can load these just like genuine Structure
patches from the Browser or by using the Load dialog from the Patch menu. You can also
load Gigasampler Patch format files.
Important:
• Please see the Structure Read Me document for possible known issues with the import of
foreign sample formats.
• Encrypted content from third-party vendors cannot be loaded in Structure. iLok-protected
Structure Factory Libraries and other protected or encrypted sample libraries can only be
saved as patches. They cannot be saved with samples or as monolithic files in Structure.
For more information, see Loading and Saving Patches.
• When importing Gigasampler Patch files, the sample files are copied to your local
computer and a Structure Patch is created. You can specify the directory where Structure
will copy the new files on the Setup page using Copy Samples to Local Drive Settings
(Content > Copy Samples To Local Drive Options).
• Please note that importing third-party sample libraries can be quite complex because of
the many available versions of these formats and the different methods each vendor uses
to make instruments play naturally (such as key switches, alternations, modulations, MIDI
playback variations, and also different filters and effects). Consequently, a perfect
reproduction of the original patch in Structure is not always possible. As a general rule, the
simpler your original patch, the more precise the imported result in Structure. The larger
and more complex your original file is, the more likely it is that you might need to invest
some time tweaking the patch to get an exact sonic reproduction.
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The Editor Window
In the Editor window, you can display and modify individual samples within the Sampler parts in
a patch. You can wave-edit and loop the contained samples, create and modify sample
mappings, and adjust individual playback, filter, and amp settings per sample zone. The
Treeview, Mapping, and Edit sections in the Editor window are designed to serve the different
purposes of multi-sample editing as explained in the following.
Treeview
Section
Edit
Section
Mapping
Section
To learn more about the Editor window, see the Editor Window section.
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Treeview Section
The Treeview section on the left lists the names of all Sampler
parts of the patch and the names of all samples that are
contained in these parts. Click a part or sample zone in the
Treeview to select it for further editing in the Mapping and Edit
section on the right.
Mapping Section
The Mapping section reflects the selected part's zones and their keyboard assignment as
rectangular zones above the mini-keyboard. A zone represents a sample and holds all its
relevant information like keyboard assignment and play parameters within Structure. Zones can
be moved, modified, copied, or deleted in the Mapping section. The selection of zones in the
Mapping section is synchronized to the Treeview, Wave, and Zone parameters within the Editor
window.
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Edit Section
• Zone (Zone Parameters): Provides controls for all available playback parameters of a
Zone such as Transpose, Modulation, and Output assignment. The displayed parameter
depends on which zone is currently selected.
• Wave (Wave Editor): Displays the wave sample of the selected Zone in the Treeview or
the Mapping section and provides tools to edit and loop these. The Wave Editor consists
of a graphical waveform representation and a parameter and tool set above.
• Browser: Provides controls for searching and displaying the local file system. Files like
patches, parts, and samples can comfortably be loaded from here using drag and drop
into the Patch or Part list. For more information, see the Browser Page section.
• Database: Provides a powerful set of integrated tools for tracking, organizing and
managing your Structure patches, parts, and samples. For more information, see the
Database Page section.
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MIDI Learn
Structure lets you assign standard MIDI controllers ("MIDI Learn") to virtually any parameter so
that you can control Structure from a MIDI controller in real-time.
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Adjusting Controls
You can adjust all controls by using the computer mouse. Some controls are adjusted by a
selecting a value from a pop-up menu or by activating a button.
Most controls have a range of 0–100%. Some controls are bipolar, meaning they support
negative values and usually have a range of –100% to +100%.
Using a Mouse
You can adjust controls by dragging the control's slider or knob, or by moving
over it with the cursor and scrolling up or down with the scroll wheel. Adjust rotary
controls by dragging horizontally or vertically. Parameter values increase as you
drag upward or to the right, and decrease as you drag downward or to the left.
Activating Buttons
Zone Mode
Some buttons on Part level do not only have an On or Off state but
feature a third state, called Zone mode. This state is indicated by a
black dot in the middle of the lit button. If Zone mode is activated,
the state of this parameter is taken from each zone in the part
(accessible in the Zone section of the Editor window).
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Keyboard Shortcuts
For finer adjustments, hold down Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) while moving the
control.
To return a control to its default value, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) the control.
Displaying Values
Parameter values of knobs and faders can be displayed in the Info display without editing them.
To display the value of a control in the Info display, click the control without dragging it.
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Scroll Wheel on Knobs, Faders, and Menus
If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it to adjust Structure parameters.
In the Editor window, you can adjust text box values by MIDI input. This can be helpful when
defining, for example, key ranges.
See the MIDI Learn section for information on Structure's MIDI Learn functionality.
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Quick Start
This chapter helps you to explore Structure's basic concepts with a hands-on approach within
® ®
Avid Pro Tools . You will touch the most important functions, understand the basic concepts
and make the first guided steps to get Structure to sound.
Structure is the sole audio input source for any Instrument track, audio track, or Auxiliary input
on which it is inserted. When Structure is inserted on an audio track, any audio clips on that
track will not sound during playback. Additionally, the track input will effectively be muted during
playback if Structure is inserted on the track. If Structure is inserted more than once in a single
track, only the last Structure insert will produce sound. You can use Structure as an insert on
more than one track at a time.
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Basic Operation
Loading Structure
Making Sound
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Loading a Patch
1. Click the Browser tab in the Parameter panel to display the Browser page.
2. Click your way through the folders to access the Structure QuickStart content folder. If you
chose the suggested path during installation, it is located here, depending on your OS:
• Windows: Program Files\Digidesign\Structure\Structure QuickStart
• Mac OS X: /Applications/Digidesign/Structure/Structure QuickStart
3. Drag the Patch named 01 Six String
Guitar.patch onto the Sine Wave Patch to load it
and replace the Sine Wave patch. A red frame
around the patch when dragging indicates that you
are replacing the existing patch with the new one.
Wait until the Loading message in the display
beneath the Parameter panel disappears.
4. After loading, the multi-purpose display shows a
short description of the Patch, and the Parameter
panel above displays its Patch parameters.
5. Play some notes and chords. Adjust the Patch
volume using the horizontal fader on the Patch
module in the Patch list.
1. Click the Browser Page tab to display the Browser in the Parameter panel.
2. Drag the part 02 High String Guitar.part into the Part list below the 6 String Pick part.
This adds a sampler part with high string guitar samples to the patch.
3. Play some notes and chords; the six-string guitar has now become a twelve-string.
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Adding an Effect Part
1. To save the edited Patch, choose Save Patch from the Patch menu.
2. In the file dialog, choose a name and destination for the Patch, and click OK.
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Using Smart Knobs
Every Patch has six Smart Knob assignments which are (in the factory content)
pre-assigned to useful parameters. You can use them to easily adjust a patch to fit
your session.
1. Select the synth patch to display its Smart Knob assignments in the Keyboard
section.
2. Set the Smart Knob for Cutoff to 30%.
3. Set the Smart Knob for Attack to 65%.
4. Set the Smart Knobs for Phaser and Delay to 30%.
5. Set the Smart Knob for Release to 75%.
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Using Global Send Effects
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Using Key Switches
Key Switches are special MIDI notes or keys that are assigned to switch control values instead
of triggering notes. For example, they can switch between different Smart Knob settings for a
Patch or mute certain parts within a patch. Nearly every control in Structure can be assigned to
a Key switch.
1. Load the Patch 04 Electronic Drum Kit.patch, and play with it on your keyboard.
2. The different Effect parts in this specific Patch are not audible initially. Their Mix
parameters and Smart Knobs are assigned to key switches so you can mix them in by just
clicking or playing a Key Switch. All available Key Switches appear blue on the screen
keyboard. The currently activated Key switch is green. After activating a Key Switch, a
short description is shown in the multi-purpose display. A Key switch does not trigger
samples that are mapped in the corresponding key range.
3. Click the second Key Switch C#0, or play the
corresponding key to add dirt to the kit's sound.
4. Try out the other Key Switches.
5. The synth pad patch has Key Switches too. Check them
out!
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Working with REX Files
Structure is capable of directly importing REX files. When you load a REX file in Structure as a
patch it is automatically split up in two parts: a sampler part which holds the slices of audio and
a MIDI part which plays back these slices in the correct tempo and order.
1. Drag the REX file 05 4 On The Floor Loop.rx2 from the QuickStart folder into the Patch
list. Structure automatically creates a new Patch module with two parts: a Rex Player and
a sampler part.
2. Assign the patch to MIDI channel 1.
3. Solo the patch.
4. Play notes between C0 and B0 to trigger single slices of the loop.
5. Hold down a note from C1 upwards to trigger the REX loop at different pitches. The loop
tempo automatically matches your session tempo.
For more information about Rex Player controls, see the Rex Player section.
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Using Viewgroups
In complex setups with lots of patches it can be useful to organize patches in viewgroups for a
better overview. Viewgroups do not affect the playback but only the displaying of Patches. Let's
put the guitar and the synth patch into one viewgroup called Keys and the drum and the loop
patch in a viewgroup called Drums.
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Exploring the Editor Window
1. To zoom into the Mapping section, click the right Zoom button on the
upper left of the Mapping section.
2. Double-click any Zone to zoom and center it. Double-click again to
zoom out.
3. Click the Zoom Selection button to fully zoom into the selected Zones.
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Moving Sample Zones
Select Undo from the Edit menu in the Treeview section to revert the last editing step.
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Setting Sample Start and End Points
On the top right of the Editor window, the Wave editor shows the waveform of the currently
selected Zone. Here you find the same zooming tools as in the Mapping section.
1. Select a Zone to display its sample waveform, and drag horizontally into the waveform to
make a selection.
2. Click the Zoom Selection button to fully zoom into the selected area.
3. Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Mac OS X) into the
selection to show the context menu. Choose Set Sample to
set the sample start and end points to your selection.
4. Select the whole waveform and choose Set Sample again to
bring the sample back to its initial state.
1. Click the Zone tab to bring up the sub-page for Zone parameters. Zone parameters are
basically the same as Part parameters but are applied individually per zone. You can
apply Zone parameters to multiple selected Zones at a time.
2. Go to the Treeview and select the folder FX which holds all three zones of the upper
octaves. All Zones must be selected.
3. Set the Octave control in the Zone parameters to –1. All
selected zones are now tuned down by one octave.
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Playing, Mixing, and Recording Structure: Pro Tools
Whether you are using a single instance of Structure or multiple instances, you can take
advantage of the vast capabilities of Pro Tools as a powerful MIDI sequencing, recording,
editing, and mixing environment.
Bus-Recording Structure
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Routing Multiple MIDI Tracks to Different Parts in Structure
Each Part in a single instance of Structure can receive MIDI data from Pro Tools on unique
virtual MIDI ports and channels. In this way you can use a single instance of Structure as an
entire band or orchestra, with each Part played by separate Pro Tools MIDI tracks.
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Routing Structure Audio Outs to Multiple Pro Tools Tracks
A more sophisticated way to work with Structure than simple bus-recording is to assign different
Parts in Structure to different Audio Outs. You can then route the different Outputs from Parts in
Structure to the Inputs of multiple tracks in your Pro Tools session for multitrack mixing,
processing, and recording.
To assign Structure Parts to separate Outputs and route to Pro Tools tracks:
1. In the Part list in Structure, assign each Part to
a separate Audio Out.
2. In your Pro Tools session, create enough new
stereo Auxiliary Input (for monitoring and
mixing) or audio tracks (for recording and
mixing) for each of the Audio Outs used by the
Parts in Structure.
Note: The Audio Outs from Structure are
stereo, so if you want to mix each Part to a
mono track in Pro Tools, assign pairs of Parts
to the same Audio Out (for example, assign
both the first and second part to Out 4). Then
for each pair, pan one Part hard left and the
other hard right. You can then select the left or
right channel of a single Structure Out as the
Input of a mono track in Pro Tools.
3. Select the corresponding Structure
Audio Out from each Pro Tools
track Input selector.
You can now record, mix, and
process multiple Structure Outs
independently in your Pro Tools
Session.
Important: For more information about mixing and recording instrument plug-ins in Pro Tools,
see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
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Using Structure on Multichannel (Greater-Than-Stereo) Tracks
Important: For Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools with Complete Production Toolkit Only.
While most instrument plug-ins are only mono or stereo (even those that provide multiple audio
outputs), Structure can be inserted on, or bussed to, multichannel tracks up to 8 channels in
width. While some factory patches in Structure are specifically designed to play back on
multichannel tracks, not every patch in Structure will play through all channels of a multichannel
track. For example, a stereo patch played back on an LCR track will only play through channels
L and R, and not C. However, you can add a surround panner FX Patch to parts in Structure to
effectively make any patch play to any of the common surround formats (such as LCR, Quad,
and 5.1).
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To pan a stereo (or mono) Sampler patch to surround in Structure:
1. In the Part list, reveal the Patch
list for the Part you want to pan
to surround.
2. From the Patch menu, select
Add Part > Tools and select
the type of surround panning
you want.
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Controls
Keyboard Section
Smart
Knobs
The Keyboard section provides 88 keys for playing Structure, six Smart knobs, and a context
sensitive Info display, as well as the Master volume control for the whole plug-in. You can play
and control Structure by clicking the keys, using MIDI input from a MIDI keyboard, or using
MIDI data in an Instrument or MIDI track in Pro Tools. When Structure receives MIDI data, the
keys reflect the MIDI note input.
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Smart Knobs
The Smart knobs are special controls which can be assigned to one or more
Structure parameters in the currently selected patch. These parameters can then
be remote controlled at the same time by moving the Smart knob. This comes in
handy for making complex sound design easy or to quickly adjust a patch to suit
your session in terms of feel, timbre, enveloping, or any other sensible sound
shaping parameter. In Structure's factory content, each patch has Smart knobs
pre-assigned to important parameters. The Smart knob can be named in the field above each
knob.
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Key Switches
Key Switches are special MIDI notes or keys that are assigned
to controls and act as a switch. For example, they can switch
between different Smart Knob settings for a patch or mute and
solo parts within a patch.
Tip: You can edit the Key switch and Smart knob assignments in detail on the Control
subpage of the patch. If you want to learn more, see Using the Control Line.
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Master (Output Volume)
The Master control adjusts Structure volume of all Structure outputs to Pro Tools.
All patches are mixed down to the Main output by default, and then output to the
Instrument or Auxiliary Input track on which Structure is inserted.
Info Display
Note: The Display does not show parameter values of incoming automation, as multiple
parameters in different patches could be changing simultaneously. Only values edited using the
mouse are shown.
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Patch List
In the Patch list on the left side of
Structure, you can create, select, mix, Patch Menu
MIDI-assign, route, and group patches. A
patch holds a virtually unlimited number Patch Module
of parts (a part can be a multisample, an
insert effect, or a MIDI module) with a
Part List
defined audio and MIDI routing.
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Patch Module Controls
Quick
Browse Menu Panorama
Expand Fader
Part List
Quick Browse Menu for Favorite Folders: Gives quick access to the factory content folders
and folders that have been added to the favorites. Click the double arrow to bring up the
favorite folders menu from which you can directly select Structure Patches. See the Browser
Page section for more information on how to add a folder to your favorites.
Mute Button: Mutes the patch.
Solo Button: Solos the patch.
Volume Fader: Adjusts the Patch volume.
Panorama Fader: Adjusts the patch's position in the stereo panorama.
MIDI Channel Selector: Selects the Port (A–H) and channel (1–16) on which the patch
receives MIDI data.
Audio Out Selector: Selects the patch's individual audio output (Out 1–32). The Audio Out
paths for Structure are stereo.
Edit Button: Brings up the Editor window of the Patch in which you can edit the mapping,
wave, and zone settings of its sampler parts. To learn more about the Editor window please see
the Editor Window section.
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Patch Menu
Tip: You can also Right-click on a Patch to access the Patch menu.
Load Patch: The Load Patch command brings up a dialog for selecting a patch that will be
added below the currently selected patch in the Patch list.
Save Patch: The Save Patch command brings up a dialog for saving the selected patch to
disk. See the Save Dialog Controls section for more information.
Add Patch: The Add Patch submenu lets you add a new empty patch to the end of the Patch
list. Like the Quick Browse Menu, it provides access to your Favorite folders for loading
patches.
Duplicate Patch: The Duplicate Patch command adds an exact copy of the selected patch
below it in the Patch list.
Remove Patch: The Remove Patch command unloads the selected patch, removing it from the
Patch list.
Remove All Patches: The Remove All Patches command clears the Patch list of all loaded
patches. Click OK in the prompted security dialog if you really want to clear the whole Patch list.
Cut Patch: The Cut Patch command copies the selected patch to the clipboard and removes it
from the Patch list.
Copy Patch: The Copy Patch command copies the selected patch to the clipboard.
Paste Patch: The Paste Patch command inserts the copied patch on the clipboard at the end
of the Patch list.
Paste Patch Parameter: The Paste Patch Parameter command inserts only the parameter
settings of the copied patch to the selected patch.
Show in View: The Show in View command assigns the patch to one of the eight viewgroups.
If the patch is assigned to a viewgroup, it appears only in the Patch list when the corresponding
viewgroup is activated. See the Viewgroups section for more information.
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Automation Channel: Structure provides 16 automation channels, each of which provides
automation for the most important Patch parameters like level, solo, mute, and Smart knobs.
(Structure has so many available parameters that it is not possible to allow Pro Tools
automation for all of them.)
Each automation channel (A, B, C, D, …) can be assigned to one patch. In the Pro Tools plug-
in automation dialog the automatable parameters for each channel are distinguishable by the
corresponding letter. For example, A Level for the Volume fader of the patch assigned to
automation channel A. Automation channels are assigned subsequent to the patches in the
Patch list by default, but the assignment can be changed using the Automation Channel
submenu.
To assign a patch to an Automation channel:
1. Select a patch.
2. Go to Patch > Automation, and select an
Automation channel from the menu.
Edit Metadata: If you use the integrated Database, you can use the Edit Metadata dialog to
edit a file's metadata tags. Metadata tags provide information which is used for improved
searching in the Database. See the Database Page section for more information.
Find Missing Samples: If a loaded patch does not find its samples, you can use the Find
Missing Samples dialog to point Structure to the location of the samples. For more information,
see Finding Missing Samples.
Unload Unused Samples: The Unload Unused Samples command lets you remove all
samples that are not used in the current part, patch, or Pro Tools session from your computer's
RAM. You can use this function to lower Structure's RAM consumption. For more information,
see Removing Redundant Samples from RAM.
Reload Unused Samples: The Reload Unused Samples loads previously removed samples
back into RAM, either for the selected patch, all patches, or the whole Session.
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Copy Samples to Local Drive: If you have loaded samples from removable media like a CD,
DVD, or over the network into Structure, a yellow exclamation mark symbol indicates the
affected patches and parts. Use the Copy Samples to Local Drive function to transfer the
loaded samples to your computer's disk. On the Setup page, you can define a folder to which
Structure will copy these files. After transferring the samples Structure can load the concerned
patches and parts without requiring the source CD, DVD, or network folder. See Copy
Samples to Local Drive Options for more information.
• Selected Patch copies the samples of the selected patch to disk.
• All Patches copies the samples of all patches of the Structure instance to disk.
• Session copies the samples of all patches of all Structure instances in your session
to disk.
You can load and save patches using the Patch menu.
To save a patch:
1. Go to the Patch menu and click Save Patch As.
2. In the following file dialog, name the patch and select a location.
3. Click OK.
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Save Dialog Controls
48
Viewgroups
In complex setups with lots of patches, it can be helpful to organize patches in viewgroups for a
better overview and patch handling. When a viewgroup is selected, only its assigned patches
are shown in the Patch list. Structure provides eight renamable viewgroups.
Note: Viewgroups do not affect the playback of Patches. They only affect the display of
Patches.
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Removing Redundant Samples from RAM
The Unload Unused Samples command lets you remove samples that are not used in the
current part, patch, or Pro Tools session from your computer's RAM. To find out which samples
can be removed, Structure needs to analyze your session as described in the following
procedure.
The Reload Unused Samples command loads previously removed samples back into RAM,
either for the selected patch, all patches, or all Structure instances in the whole Session.
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Part List
The Part list shows the parts that are contained in a patch. A part can be a multisample, an
insert effect, a Sub-patch, or a MIDI processor. The Part list contains all parts within the
selected patch and reflects their grouping as well as audio and MIDI routing. You can create,
select, move, and edit parts in the Part list.
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The Different Types of Parts
MIDI processor
Sampler
Sub-Patch
Audio FX
MIDI Processor: Contains a MIDI processor with its settings (such as a tuning scale). MIDI
processors are placed before Sampler parts and change the way a Sampler part is played.
Sampler: Contains a multisample, its mapping information, metadata, and several sound
shaping options (such as filters, envelopes, and modulation).
Sub-Patch: Groups multiple Sampler parts, insert effects, or MIDI effect parts within a patch for
applying combined playback conditions within a patch. For example, in a patch that holds piano
and string Sampler parts, you might want to route only the piano through a reverb effect. In this
case, you would group the piano part and an effect part using a Sub-patch. Subpatches can be
dragged to the Patch list to become patches. Patches can be dragged into the Part list of
another patch to become a Sub-patch. For more information on using Sub-patches, see the
Sub-Patch section.
Audio FX: Contains an Insert effect with its parameter and output settings. Select an Audio FX
Part in the Part list to show the Audio Effect controls in the Main page.
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Part Parameters
Part Menu
Tip: You can also right-click on a Part to access the Part menu.
Load Part: The Load Part command brings up a file dialog for selecting a part that will be
added below the last part in the Part list.
Save Part: The Save Part command brings up a dialog for saving the selected part to disk.
Add Part: The Add Part submenu lets you add a new part (Sampler, Sub-Patch, FX, or MIDI)
to the selected patch.
Remove Part: The Remove Part command removes the selected part from the Part list.
Duplicate Part: The Duplicate Part command adds an exact copy of the selected part at the
end of the Part list.
Cut Part: The Cut Part command copies the selected part to the clipboard and removes it from
the Part list.
Copy Part: The Copy Part command copies the selected Part to the clipboard.
Paste Part: The Paste Part command inserts the copied Part from the clipboard at the end of
the Part list.
Paste Part Parameters: The Paste Part Parameters command inserts only the parameter
settings of the copied part to the selected part. This function can only be used with the same
types of parts. Zones and Zone parameters are not pasted.
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Find Missing Samples: If a loaded part does not find its samples, you can use the Find
Missing Samples file dialog to point Structure to the location of the samples. For more
information, see the Finding Missing Samples section.
Replace Samples: The Replace Samples function brings up a dialog to locate samples to
replace the ones currently used in the part. The new samples must be named exactly as the
ones to be replaced. You would commonly use this function to replace samples in a part with
newer or processed versions.
Move Part Up: The Move Part Up command moves the selected part one level up in the
routing.
Move Part Down: The Move Part Down command moves the selected part one level down in
the routing.
You can load and save parts using the Part menu in the Patch list.
To save a part:
1. Go to the Part menu and click Save Part As.
2. Set the Save Dialog controls (see below), name the part, and select a location.
3. Click OK.
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Save Dialog Controls
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Finding Missing Samples
If a loaded patch or part does not find its samples because folders have been renamed or
moved to another location, you can use the Find Missing Samples file dialog to point Structure
to the new location of the samples. Patches and parts which are missing samples are indicated
by a red exclamation mark symbol.
Full Recursive Search: Search for missing samples in the specified folder and all its
subfolders.
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Sub-Patch
A Sub-patch is a special type of part.
You can use a Sub-patch to group any
combination of parts, and to control
how they are played.
Sub-Patch Controls
Octave: Transposes the incoming MIDI notes for the Sub-patch in octave steps.
Semi: Transposes the incoming MIDI notes for the Sub-patch in semitone steps.
Fine: Tune tunes the Sub-patch up and down by cents.
Pitch Bend: Activates the reception of MIDI Pitch Bend for the Sub-patch.
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Condition: Selects up to three play conditions for the Sub-patch, selected from the following:
• Key: Key number of incoming note.
• Velocity: Velocity of incoming note.
• Mod wheel: Current CC1 value.
• Sustain Pedal: Current CC64 value.
• Soft Pedal: Current CC67 value.
• Playing Speed: Time since last note-on.
• Legato Interval: Distance on keyboard from last key played.
• Held Notes: Number of keys currently held.
• Random Value: Different random value for each note played.
• Smart Knob: Positions of Smart Knobs 1–6.
• Key Switch: Last Key switch pressed.
Trigger On: Sets when notes will be triggered in all Sampler parts contained the Sub-patch:
• Note On: Triggers the Sub-patch when a note is received.
• Note Off: Triggers the Sub-patch when a note is released, including notes released
by lifting the sustain pedal.
• Key Up: Triggers the Sub-patch when a note is released, even if the sustain pedal is
held.
• Condition A True: Triggers the Sub-patch when the value of the first condition
enters the specified range. (For example, useful for piano sustain resonance that
starts when the sustain pedal is pressed).
Velocity Source: Selects wether the velocity of notes sent to contained parts is taken from the
note-on velocity or the note-off velocity of the incoming note, when Trigger On is set to Note Off
or Key Up.
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Level Decay: Reduces the amplitude of Note Off and Key Up triggers depending on how long
the note has been held.
Velocity Decay: Reduces the velocity of Note Off and Key Up triggers depending on how long
the note has been held. Velocity may then have an effect on amplitude as programmed in the
Sampler part, but may also used for sample selection.
Decay Keytrack: Makes Level Decay and Velocity Decay faster for higher notes on the
keyboard. Emulates the behavior of pianos, guitars, and other similar instruments:
• 0: No keytracking
• 100: Each octave decays twice as fast as the octave below.
To add a Sub-patch to the Part-list, right-click (Windows or Mac) or Control-click (Mac) into
the Part list, and choose Add Part > Sub-Patch from the pop-up menu.
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Sub-Patch Output Page
On the Output Sub-page, you can assign the Sub-patch to individual outputs, and adjust its
output level and send amount to each of the four Send Effect slots on the Effects page.
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Main Page
Page Tabs
After inserting Structure, the Main page is selected by default. Coming from another page, click
the Main tab to access the parameters for patches and parts. The Main page provides easy
access to all useful Patch and Part parameters like transposition, filter, and output on sub-
pages. If a patch or part is selected, Structure switches automatically to the Main page.
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To show the play parameters of a part, click a part in the Part list. The selected part is shown
with a light blue background.
Play Sub-Page
Octave: Transposes the incoming MIDI notes for the patch in octave steps.
Semi: Transposes the incoming MIDI notes for the patch in semitone steps.
Fine Tune: Tunes the patch up and down in cents.
Pitch Bend Up: Sets the upward pitch bend range for the patch in semitones.
Pitch Bend Down: Sets the downward pitch bend range for the patch in semitones.
Max Polyphony: Sets the maximum number of voices available for the patch.
Note: Each sample zone in each Sampler part triggered by a note-on uses one voice. For
example, a patch containing two Sampler parts with one zone each per key will use two
voices for each held note.
Priority: Sets the voice stealing priority for the patch. Voices in patches set to low priority will
be stolen first.
Key Range: Sets the key range in which the patch plays. You can define the upper and lower
borders and a transition.
Vel (Velocity) Range: Sets the velocity range in which the patch plays. You can define the
upper and lower velocity limits and a transition.
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Control Sub-Page
SMART (Smart knob assignments): Shows all Smart knob assignments of the patch. You can
create, edit, and delete assignments in this section. Select a source Smart knob in the Name
column on the left to show its destinations in the column on the right.
MIDI (MIDI CC): Shows all MIDI CC assignments of the patch. You can create, edit, and delete
assignments in this section. Select a source MIDI CC number in the Name column on the left to
show its destinations in the column on the right.
KEY SW (Key Switches): Shows all Key switch assignments in the patch. You can create,
edit, and delete assignments in this section. Select a source Key switch in the Name column on
the left to show its destinations in the column on the right. See the Key Switches section forfor
more information on working with Key switches.
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Name
Using the Control Line On/Off Direction
Field
The Control line adjusts the behavior and settings of
control assignments of Smart knobs, MIDI CCs, and
Key switches. The control line appears on the
Control sub-page and in the context menus of
assigned controls.
Mode Range
Name field: Shows the name of the assigned parameter. Selector Controls
On/Off: Enables or disables the assignment.
Direction: Adjusts the direction of the controller. Activate this control to invert incoming values.
Mode Selector: Selects an operational mode for the assignment: Absolute, Switch, or Relative.
• Absolute sets the destination parameter to a value between the specified minimum
and maximum.
• Switch sets the destination parameter to the specified minimum (if source value is <
64) or maximum (if source value is > 63).
• Relative adds an offset to the destination parameter without loosing the currently set
knob position. The minimum and maximum in this mode have a range from –100% to
+100%. This mode is useful if you want two controls to both affect the same
destination parameter.
Range: Sets the minimum (Switch = off) and maximum (Switch = on) values of the assigned
destination parameter will be set to.
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To create a new assignment:
• Click in the Parameter section and
select a destination parameter from
the pop-up menu.
• Right-click (Windows or Mac) or
Control-click (Mac) a control and
choose an assignment.
To delete an assignment, click into the Name field and select Delete Assignment.
To delete all assignments, click into the Parameter section and select Delete All
Assignments from the pop-up menu.
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Mod (Modulation) Sub-Page
Output Sub-Page
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Sampler Part Parameter Sub-Pages
To access the sub-pages for Sampler parts:
1. Select a Sampler part in the Part list.
2. Click the sub-page tabs in the Parameter panel.
Part Sub-Page
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Glide Time: Sets the time needed to glide from one note to the other.
Max Polyphony: Sets the maximum number of voices available for the part.
Note: Each sample zone in each Sampler part triggered by a note-on uses one voice. For
example, a patch containing two Sampler parts with one zone each per key will use two
voices for each held note.
Key Polyphony: Adjusts the maximum number of voices that each key can play. Default value
is Any which means unlimited. Priority Sets the voice stealing priority. Voices in parts set to low
priority will be stolen first.
Sample Start Point: Changes the attack sound of zones by moving their sample start points
later.
Key Range: Sets the key range in which the part plays. You can define the upper and lower
borders and a transition.
Vel Range (Velocity Range): Sets the velocity range in which the part plays. You can define
the upper and lower velocity limits and a transition.
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Filter Sub-Page
Tip: For detailed information about the Envelope (AHDSR) controls, see the Envelope
Controls section.
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Sync: Scales the envelope times with the session tempo.
Envelope Velocity Curve Selector: Sets the curve Output Level
for translating incoming velocity values to envelope
level (Inverse, Linear, Normal, Squared, Cubed,
dB, Zone). Inverse
Vel Sens (Velocity Sensitivity): Adjusts the Linear
envelope velocity sensitivity (range in dB between Vel
lowest and highest velocity). Sens
dB
Env Key (Envelope Key Scaling): Scales Envelope
Attack, Hold and Decay times across the keyboard
(positive values make high notes faster).
Rel Key (Release Key Scale): Scales the Envelope
Release time across the keyboard (positive values Input Velocity
make high notes decay faster).
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Amp Sub-Page
Tip: For detailed information about the Envelope (AHDSR) controls, see the Envelope
Controls section.
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Mod (Modulation) Sub-Page
Ignore MIDI Performance Controls: Selects whether the Sampler Part Always ignores MIDI
performance controls, ignores MIDI performance controls only after notes have been released
(Release), or does not ignore MIDI performance controls (Off).
Source: Selects a modulation source.
Modifier: Selects an optional modifier to apply to the source value.
Modifier Depth: Adjusts how strongly the modifier applies to the source.
Destination: Selects a destination parameter to be modulated by the source.
Depth: Adjusts the general modulation depth.
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LFO 3/LFO 4
The two LFOs (low frequency oscillators) can be used to modulate Structure parameters per
part.
LFO On: Turns the LFO on and off. The LED is lit yellow when activated.
Rate: Adjusts the speed of the LFO in Hz.
Step: Switches to a stepped waveform, rather than a smooth line between points.
Grid X: Activates a horizontal tempo grid for editing the LFO waveform.
Grid Y: Activates a vertical amplitude grid for editing the LFO waveform.
Key Trig (Key Trigger): Selects a restart condition for the LFO, or OFF for free-running. 1st
Note restarts the waveform when the first note of a chord is played. Note restarts the LFO each
time a key is pressed.
Sync: Synchronizes the LFO speed to the session tempo.
Delay: Adjusts a delay time after pressing a note before the modulation starts.
Fade: Adjusts the time taken for the modulation to fade in.
Random Start: Sets a random start phase for the LFO waveform.
Random Rate: Adjusts the amount of random LFO rate variation.
Random Depth: Adjusts the amount of random LFO amplitude variation (e.g. for Sample &
Hold waveforms).
Source: Fades the modulation source between LFO only (left), LFO scaled by Mod wheel
(center), and Mod wheel only (right).
Destination: Selects a destination parameter to be modulated.
Depth: Adjusts the intensity of the applied modulation.
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Output Sub-Page
On the Output Sub-page, you can assign the part to individual outputs, and adjust its output
level and send amount to each of the four Effect slots on the Effects page.
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Envelope Controls
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Envelope Graph
Decay Time and
Level and Time Sustain Level
Sustain Level (only)
Control Point Control Point
Control Point
Curve
Control Point
Initial Level
Release Time
Control Point
(only)
Control Point
The Envelope graph provides a visual representation of the envelope and it also lets you edit
the Time, Curve, and Level parameters of different stages of the Envelope.
To adjust the Level (in dB) of the Initial Level, Attack, Hold, or Sustain portions of the
Envelope, do one of the following:
• Click the corresponding solid-white control point, and move it up or down.
• In Fader view (Sustain only), drag the corresponding Level fader up or down.
• In Text view, enter a Level value.
To adjust the Time of the Attack, Hold, Decay, or Release portions of the Envelope, do
one of the following:
• Click the corresponding solid-white control point, and move it left or right.
• In Fader view, drag the corresponding Time fader up or down.
• In Text view, enter a Time value.
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To adjust the Curve of the Attack, Hold, Decay, or Release portions of the Envelope, do
one of the following:
• Click the corresponding hollow-white control point, and move it up or down.
• In Text view, enter a Curve value.
To adjust the Velocity Sensitivity of the Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, or Release portions
of the Envelope, do one of the following:
• In Fader view, drag the corresponding Velocity Offset fader up or down.
• In Text view, enter a Velocity Sensitivity (Vel) value (–100% to +100%).
Level (S only)
Velocity Sensitivity
(inverted) Velocity Sensitivity;
Time (AHDR only)
In Fader view, you can use Faders to adjust the Time (AHDR), Level (S), and Velocity Offset
values. You can also double-click the Velocity control to invert it.
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Text View Controls
In Text view, you can enter values for all of the variable
parameters of the envelope.
Time: Adjusts the Time of the Attack, Hold, Decay, or Release segments of the envelope (from
0 ms to 100 seconds).
Vel: Adjusts the Velocity Sensitivity of the Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, or Release segments
of the envelope (from –100% to +100%).
Curve: Adjusts the slope of the Attack, Hold, Decay, or Release segments of the envelope
(from –100 to +100).
Level: Adjusts the Level of the Attack, Hold, or Sustain segments of the envelope (from –INF
dB to 0.0 dB).
Sync: Scales the envelope times with the session tempo.
Init Level: Adjusts the initial level (from –INF dB to 0.0 dB) at MIDI Note On before the onset of
the Attack segment of the envelope.
Envelope Velocity Curve Selector: Curve for Output Level
translating incoming velocity values to envelope level
(Inverse, Linear, Normal, Squared, Cubed, dB, Zone).
Vel Sens (Velocity Sensitivity): Adjusts the envelope Inverse
velocity sensitivity (range in dB between lowest and Linear
highest velocity). Vel
Sens
Env Key (Envelope Key Scaling): Scales Envelope dB
Attack, Hold and Decay times across the keyboard
(positive values make high notes faster).
Rel Key (Release Key Scale): Scales Envelope Release
time across the keyboard (positive values make high
notes decay faster). Input Velocity
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Effects Page
The Effects page provides four global Send Effect slots (Send 1–4) and the Main output, each
of which provides four effects Inserts. Signals from each patch, part, or zone can be sent
individually to the Send Effect slots using its Output sub-page.
Page Tabs
Insert Selector
Effect Insert
Output Selector
Send Effect
Slots Main Output
The Effects page in the Parameter panel is divided into two sub-pages:
Global Send Effects and Main Output Page: Provides five effects send slots. Each slot can
hold 4 inserts, which allows for complex multi-effects processing The outputs of the slots are by
default sent to Structure's Main output, but they can also be routed to individual outputs. An
effect slot provides the following controls:
• Insert 1–4
• Output selector
• Level control
• On/Off switch
Effect Parameter Page: Provides controls for editing the selected effect algorithm. To access
the Effect parameter page, click the Effect insert button.
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Send 1–4
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Assigning Individual Channel Outputs
You can assign Send 1–4 and Out 1 to individual outputs. These can be
used as inputs for Auxiliary Input tracks for further mixing and processing.
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Editing Effects
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Database Page
Database Metadata
Management Search
Menu Columns
Result List
The Database provides tools for key word based searching of patches, parts and samples
(audio files) on the local file system. Files can be registered to the database and metadata
tagged with information like manufacturer or category. Three columns of selectable metadata
tags enable you to find the files you need. Files on your computer matching the requirements
are instantly displayed in the Result list and can be loaded directly by dragging them into the
Patch or Part list.
To find all files that contain a certain text string in their name or metadata, type the words
you are searching for into the Search field and press Enter, or click the Looking Glass button.
The Result list displays all matching files.
To load a patch, part, or sample from the result list, drag the file from the Result list to the
Patch or Part list.
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View Filter Controls
Scan Directory: Opens a dialog that lets you choose a directory to scan. Select the directory
you want to scan and click Choose to scan the directory for Patches, Parts, and Samples. Any
Patches, Parts, or Samples that are found will be added to the Database.
Open Metadata Editor: Brings up a dialog to edit
the selected file's metadata tags. Any changes to
the metadata are saved to the original patch file
when you click OK.
Unregister from Database: Removes the
selected entry from the Database.
Remove Missing Files: Removes all entries from
the Database that reference missing files (files that
have be deleted or moved).
Get Metadata from Registered Files: Refreshes
the database entries of all selected files. This is
useful to update the database information for
patches, parts, or samples that have been
previously tagged by other users.
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Rebuild Database: Clears all entries from the database, rescans all directories that have been
registered with Structure (using the Edit Content Locations command), and rebuilds the
Database. This may take awhile!
Important: The Rebuild Database command will clear the metadata for all files that are
not Structure format patches or parts, and also all Structure format Patches and Parts that
are located in folders not listed under Edit Content Locations.
Edit Content Locations: Opens the Content Locations dialog where you can see which
directories are registered with Structure. You can edit, add, and remove the directory paths
used for locating Structure Content.
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Browser Page
Page Tabs
Browser
Controls
The Browser lets you search and display the local file system. Files like patches, parts, and
samples can comfortably be loaded from here using drag and drop. The Browser is not
supposed to be a file manager. Modifying operations like copying, moving, or deleting are not
available.
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Common Operations in the Browser
Previewing Samples
In the browser and all file dialogs, you can preview all types of supported audio files.
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Browser Controls
Previous Next Add to New
Directory Directory Favorites Folder
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Setup Page
The Setup page contains controls for adjusting
Structure's basic configuration and behavior.
There are settings for improving system
performance and software integration. There are
four sub-pages giving access to settings for
different purposes:
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Global Settings
The MIDI Note Display selector defines how incoming MIDI note values are interpreted by
Structure and displayed in the Keyboard section.
• Middle C = C3
• Middle C = C4
• Middle C = 60 (MIDI note number)
Interface Options
Auto Open Part List: Expands the part list of the selected patch automatically.
Show Tooltips: Activates or deactivates the displaying of tool tips. A tool tip is a small window
that displays descriptive text for a specific control. It appears next to the cursor when holding
the cursor over a control for longer than one second.
Structure Editor; Takes Keyboard Focus Enables keyboard focus for key commands in the
Editor window. Works only for key commands not using combinations with the Alt and Control
keys (Windows), or the Option and Command keys (Mac).
For more information on key commands, see the Structure Key Commands section.
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Pro Tools Integration
Disk Prioritization: Adjusts between reliable playback of audio tracks and Structure voices, or
playback of a potentially higher number of Structure voices. When audio tracks and samples
are stored on separate disks, or when the software will play back many audio tracks it is
recommended to set this value towards Audio Tracks to enable direct Structure integration with
the software audio engine (disk scheduler). When fewer audio tracks are playing back in
parallel with Structure, set the parameter towards Sampler Voices for a higher polyphony and
more voices.
Important:
• Structure must be newly instantiated (loaded) for Disk Prioritization changes to take effect.
• The Disk Prioritization feature works only with Pro Tools 7.3 or higher.
MIDI Controller Number: Selects the default MIDI controller number assigned to each Smart
knob when a new patch is loaded.
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Engine Settings
Disk Streaming
Use Streaming: Activates or deactivates disk streaming. When activated, Structure reads
samples that do not fit into RAM from your computer's disk. When deactivated, all samples are
loaded fully into RAM.
Maximum Buffer Size: Adjusts the maximum RAM used for audio disk streaming buffers in
MB. Increase this value if audio drop-outs are occurring or if Structure is streaming samples
from multiple disks.
Maximum Pre-Load Memory: Adjusts the maximum amount of RAM Structure will use to
preload sample data in MB. Reduce this value if high RAM usage in Structure conflicts with
other applications. Increase the value if you are unable to load patches due to insufficient RAM.
Performance
General
Performance
Max Polyphony: Adjusts the maximum number of voices that will be played by the whole plug-
in instance.
Max CPU: Adjusts the limit of Structure's maximal CPU usage. If this limit is exceeded,
polyphony will temporarily be reduced to lower the CPU usage.
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Content Settings
If samples or patches are loaded from volumes like CDs, DVDs, or over a network, Structure
will load the audio files into RAM by default. This can lead to sample playback performance
issues because of the slow data transfer between media, or limited RAM. Using the Copy
Samples to Local Drive command, you can transfer all used audio files to your computer's
disk. After transferring Structure can load the concerned patches and parts without requiring the
source CD, DVD, or network folder. See Copy Samples to Local Drive for more information.
Note: REX files are automatically transferred to disk (into the session folder) when loading from
external media.
Import to: Selects wether files will be copied to a user-defined folder or to the Pro Tools
session folder.
Path: Selects a user defined folder to which the audio files will be copied.
Clean Up: Deletes all transferred files located in the user-defined folder.
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Content Search Folders
If patches can not find their samples because directories have been renamed or moved,
Structure will automatically search for missing samples in the specified Content Search Folders,
pointing the patches to the new file location.
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Editor Window
In the Editor window, you can display and modify the samples within the sampler parts of a
patch. You can wave-edit and loop samples, create and modify sample mappings, and adjust
individual playback, filter, and amp settings per sample zone.
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Resizing the Editor Window
The whole Editor window and its three areas can be resized:
To resize the Editor window, click the handle in the lower right of the
window and drag to resize the window.
To leave the Editor, click the Exit button on the top right of the Edit section.
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Treeview Section
The Treeview section lists all Sampler parts of the current Patch and the samples contained in
these Parts. You have to click a part in the treeview to select it for further editing in the Mapping
and Edit section on the right.
Treeview Controls
Edit Menu
The Edit menu in the Treeview section provides commands for editing and organizing parts and
zones.
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Redo: Redoes the last operation in the Editor page, which moves back through the Undo
history by one step.
Cut: Cuts the selected parts and zones and copies them to the clipboard.
Copy: Copies the selected parts and zones to the clipboard.
Paste: Pastes the selected parts and zones from the clipboard.
Paste to New Folder: Creates a new folder and pastes the selected parts and zones from the
clipboard into the new folder.
Paste to New Part: Creates a new part and pastes the selected parts and zones from the
clipboard into the part.
Remove: Removes the selected zone or part.
Select All: Selects all zones and parts.
Deselect All: Deselects all zones and parts.
Invert Selection: Inverts the current selection.
Expand All: Opens all parts and folders.
Collapse All: Closes all parts and folders.
Follow Selection: Links selection of zones in the Treeview, Mapping, and Edit section.
Sort By
The Sort by function sorts the zones in the Treeview according to the following attributes.
Key (Low to High): Sorts the zones by assigned key, starting with the lowest.
Key (High to Low): Sorts the zones by assigned key, starting with the highest.
Name (A to Z): Arranges the zones alphabetically.
Name (Z to A): Arranges the zones in a reverse alphabetical order.
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Mapping
Use the Mapping functions to arrange (map) the selected samples in the Mapping editor
according to the following methods.
Root Key Only: Maps the samples according to their root key
Root Key Centered: Maps samples according to their root key. The key ranges of the resulting
zones are enlarged equally to the left and right to fill gaps.
Root Key Up: Maps samples according to their root key. The key ranges of the resulting zones
are enlarged to the right to fill gaps.
Root Key Down: Maps samples according to their root key. The key ranges of the resulting
zones are enlarged to the left to fill eventual gaps.
Vertical at Root Key: Maps samples according to their root key. Samples sharing the same
root key are evenly spaced over the full velocity range.
Chromatic Up: Maps samples chromatically according to the Treeview sorting, starting
upwards at the highlighted red and regardless of root key.
Black Keys Up: Maps samples to black keys according to the Treeview sorting, starting
upwards at the highlighted red key and regardless of their root key.
White Keys Up: Maps samples to white keys according to the Treeview sorting, starting
upwards at the highlighted red key and regardless of their root key.
Vertical: All selected samples will be mapped over the velocity range at the highlighted red
key, regardless of root key or key range.
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Root Key
The Root Key command sets the zone root keys according to the following behaviors.
Set Root Key to Zone Center: Sets the root key depending on the zone's center in the
mapping.
Set Root Key to Zone Bottom: Sets the root key depending on the zone's left border in the
mapping.
Set Root Key to Zone Top: Sets the root key depending on the zone's right border in the
mapping.
Move Root Key With Zone: Adjusts the sample's root key depending on the current position in
the mapping to keep it within the key range when editing the mapping.
Refresh
The Refresh function is commonly used to update changes made to the raw audio files, for
example, after they have been trimmed, looped, or processed in an external editor.
Loop and Length: Updates the loop and length information for the selected zones from the
actual audio files.
Root Key and Tuning: Updates the root key and tuning information for the selected zones
from the actual audio files.
All: Updates the loop, length, root key, and tuning information for the selected zones from the
actual audio files.
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Copy Samples to Local Drive
If you have loaded samples from removable media like a CD, DVD, or over the network into
Structure, a yellow exclamation mark symbol indicates the affected patches and parts. Use the
Copy Samples to Local Drive function to transfer the loaded samples to your computer's hard
disk. On the Setup page, you can define a folder to which Structure will copy these files. After
transferring the samples Structure can load the concerned patches and parts without requiring
the source CD, DVD, or network folder. See Copy Samples to Local Drive Options for more
information.
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Mapping Section
The Mapping section reflects the keyboard assignment of the selected part's samples as
rectangular zones on a 2-dimensional field. A zone is a loaded sample including all the relevant
information of keyboard assignment, and play parameters within Structure. Zones can be
moved, modified, copied or deleted in the Mapping section. The selection of zones in the
Mapping section is by default mirrored in the Treeview, Wave, and Zone parameters within the
Editor window. If you want to learn more about Zones, please see the Samples and Zones
section.
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Mapping Section Controls
Zoom Tool: Zooms horizontally and vertically into the Mapping section.
Zoom to Selection: Automatically zooms into the selected zones. You can also double-click a
zone to zoom in.
Zoom to Full: Zooms out to show the full key and velocity range.
Root Key: Sets the root key for the selected zone.
Note: The Root Key can be entered by clicking a key on the on-screen keyboard, or by
playing a key on your MIDI keyboard.
Detune: Detunes the selected zone in cents.
Level: Adjusts the volume level of the selected zone.
Key Min: Sets the lowest key that will trigger the zone.
Key Max: Selects the highest key that will trigger the zone.
Note: The Key Min and Key Max values can be entered by clicking a key on the on-screen
keyboard, or by playing a key on your MIDI keyboard.
Vel Min: Sets the lowest velocity that will trigger the zone.
Vel Max: Sets the highest velocity that will trigger the zone.
Control: Selects an alternative MIDI controller for the selection of velocity layers. Two of the
options that merit special attention are Velocity+MW and MW at Note-On. When Velocity+MW
is selected, the position of the Modulation Wheel offsets the incoming velocity up or down. This
is useful for playing swells, such as with brass or string samples. When MW at Note-On is
selected, the position of the Modulation Wheel at note on determines which velocity is used.
This is useful if you want to use the Modulation Wheel to control velocity, but you don't want it
to affect the sound after the note is played. You can use this option with short samples, such as
pizzicato strings.
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Select Zone by Midi: Enables the selection of zones by incoming MIDI notes.
FX Bypass: Temporarily bypasses all Effect parts and Send effects. All effects are
automatically switched back on when leaving the Editor window.
Play Zone Tool: Activates the play-by-click mode. Click and hold a zone in the mapping
section to hear it.
Tuning Reference
Frequency
Volume
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Additional Context Menu Entries in the Mapping Section
Show Key Range Fades: Activates the display of Key range fades for all zones in the Mapping
section.
Show Velocity Fades: Activates the display of Velocity range fades for all zones in the
Mapping section.
Set Fades From Overlaps: Adjusts the Key Range and Velocity Fades to match the overlap
between zones for all zones in the selected part. This saves you the trouble of having to
manually edit Key Range and Velocity Fades after adjusting zone borders.
Show Sample Names: Activates the display of sample names on each zone in the Mapping
section.
To activate the selection of zones by MIDI input, click the Select by MIDI
button.
To load one ore more samples into the part, do one of the following:
• Drag clips from tracks or the Clip list into the Mapping section.
• Drag wave files from the Structure Browser or Database into the Mapping section.
• Drag wave files from the Explorer (Windows) or the Finder (Mac) directly into the
Mapping section.
To move a zone within the Mapping section, click in the zone and drag
it to a new location.
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To adjust a zone's border in the Mapping section, click the zone's
border and drag it to a new location.
To select all vertical zones on one or more keys, Ctrl-drag over the keys.
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Edit Section
Provides controls for all available playback parameters of a Zone, for example, Transpose,
Modulation, or Output assignment.
PITCH
PLAY
Sample Delay: Adds a time delay between pressing the key and the note playing.
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ZONE SEL
Variation Mode: Selects if the zone will play every time, or should alternate with other
overlapping zones.
• Select Always to make the zone play every time the corresponding note is played.
• Select Per-Key R.R. (per key Round Robin) to play alternating zones, like Round
Robin, but maintain an alternation count independently for each key on the keyboard.
This can help avoid repeating patterns of alternations where the number of played
notes in a phrase is the same or a multiple of the number of available alternating
zones.
• Select Round Robin to play alternating through the available zones.
• Select Random to randomly select one overlapping zone to play on each note-on.
• Select Random Excl. (Random Exclusive) to randomly select one overlapping zone
to play on each note-on and to not repeat the same zone two times in a row (if there
are more than two zones).
• Select Never to keep the zone from playing at all.
Exclusive Group: Other zones in the same group will be cut off when this zone plays.
FILTER
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Key Track Root Key: Selects a note around which the filter keytracking pivots.
Key Track Depth: Adjusts keytracking of filter cutoff. At zero the filter cutoff is the same for all
keys. At +100% the cutoff follows the pitch exactly.
Display Mode Selector: Switches between fader and text view for the envelope settings.
Attack Time: Adjusts the attack time of the filter envelope.
Hold Time: Adjusts the hold time of the filter envelope.
Decay Time: Adjusts the decay time of the filter envelope.
Sustain Level: Adjusts the sustain level of the filter envelope.
Release Time: Adjusts the release time of the filter envelope.
Velocity Curve Selector: Curve for translating incoming Output Level
velocity values to level (Inverse, Linear, Normal,
Squared, Cubed, dB).
Inverse
Vel Sens (Velocity Sensitivity): Adjusts the envelope
Linear
velocity sensitivity (range from quietest to loudest note in Vel
dB). Sens
dB
Sync to Tempo: Scales envelope times with the tempo.
Env Key (Envelope Key Track): Scales Envelope
Attack, Hold and Decay times across the keyboard
(positive values make high notes faster).
Input Velocity
Release Key Track: Scales Envelope Release time
across the keyboard (positive values make high notes decay faster).
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AMPLIFIER
FX SENDS
Input Velocity
FX Send On: Activates the Effect Send.
FX Send Level: Adjusts the level sent from the zone to global Effect Send.
Pre: Sets the Effect send to pre-fader routing. When activated, the Send level is only controlled
by the Send fader, not the patch level or output level faders.
OUTPUT
Output Bus: Selects an individual audio output bus for the zone.
Output Level: Adjusts the zone output level.
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Wave (Wave Editor)
The Wave editor consists of a graphical waveform display showing the sample waveform of the
selected zone and a transport and control section above. You can use the Wave editor for the
wave editing and (crossfade-) looping of samples.
Play: Plays back the raw waveform unaffected by effects or patch and part settings. Right-click
the Play button to toggle loop playback on and off.
Stop: Stops raw sample playback.
Play from Cursor Position: When this button is activated, clicking in the waveform display
plays the sample from mouse position
Show Channel: Activates displaying of the channel in the waveform display.
Mute Channel: Mutes channel of multi channel audio files.
Show Summed Waveform: Shows a summed waveform of all channels in the waveform
display.
Raw Out: Adjusts the playback volume when playing back the waveform using the play button
(raw).
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WAVE EDITOR LOOP CONTROLS
The Loop section of the Wave editor provides tools for the creation and playback of sample
loops.
Loop: Activates looped playback for the sample and displays loop start and end markers in the
waveform display.
Edit XFade (Crossfade): Activates loop crossfading and displays Crossfade handles in the
waveform display. Adjust the crossfade with the green crossfade handles in the waveform
display.
Auto Loop Search: Searches automatically for the next good loop point.
Fine Search: Moves the loop markers by one sample position (frame).
Length: Displays the current loop length.
Quality: Displays the quality of the amplitude match for the current loop points in percent.
Match Length: Sets the length for auto loop searching. The higher this value, the better the
loop quality but searches take longer. Only powers of two can be entered here.
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ADJUSTING CROSSFADES
To adjust a volume fade for the sample, drag the white Fade handle.
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ADJUSTING CUTS
To create a cut, make a selection and select Cut from the right-click
menu.
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WAVE EDITOR CONTEXT MENU
Undo: Undoes the last operation in the Wave editor, allowing you to return to a previous editing
state. You can perform an unlimited number of undo steps.
Redo: Redoes the last operation in the Wave editor, moving back through the Undo history by
one step.
Cut: Cuts and copies the selection to the clipboard.
Copy: Copies the selection to the clipboard.
Paste: Pastes the selection from the clipboard into the waveform.
Set Sample: Sets the sample start and end points to the current selection.
Set Loop: Sets the loop start and end points to the current selection.
Set Sample Start: Sets the sample start point to the current selection.
Set Sample End: Sets the sample end point to the current selection.
Restore Cut: Removes the selected cut.
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Browser
The Browser window allows for displaying and browsing the local file system. Files like
Patches, Parts, and samples can be loaded from here using drag and drop. See the Browser
Page section for more information.
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Database
The database allows for quick searching of files like patches, parts, and samples that previously
have been metadata tagged and registered in the database. For more information, see the
Database Page section.
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Structure MIDI Processors
Structure provides the following types of MIDI Processors, which can be added as Parts to
Patches: Rex Player, Alternation Control, Controller to Note, MIDI Transformer, and
Tuning Scale.
Rex Player
Rex Player triggers rhythmic playback of
slices in a loaded REX file.
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• Max Length: Limits the loop length to 1, 2, or 4 bars.
• Keytrack: Adjusts how much the loop is chromatically transposed when played across the
keyboard.
• Swing: Adjusts the amount of swing.
• Swing Mode: Selects which notes swing is applied to.
• Quantize Depth: Quantizes the loop relatively to the selected Quantize grid.
• Quantize Grid: Selects the timing grid.
• Beat: Light on and off to indicates the beat during playback.
Alternation Control
Alternation Control determines the selection
between multiple Sampler parts or layered zones
within a Sampler part.
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• Reset: Manually resets to the first alternation. Available for assignment to a Key switch or
MIDI controller.
• Low Key Range: Sets the low key for Alternation Control.
• High Key Range: Sets the high key for Alternation Control.
• Bypass: Bypasses the effect.
Controller To Note
Controller To Note generates note-on and note-off
messages from incoming MIDI controller values.
This can be useful for such effects as adding
pedal noises to a piano patch.
• Sustain Down: Selects a note to be triggered when the Sustain pedal is pressed.
• Sustain Up: Selects a note to be triggered when the Sustain pedal is released.
• Sostenuto Down: Selects a note to be triggered when the Sostenuto pedal is pressed.
• Sostenuto Up: Selects a note to be triggered when the Sostenuto pedal is released.
• Soft Pedal Down: Selects a note to be triggered when the Soft pedal is pressed.
• Soft Pedal Up: Selects a note to be triggered when the Soft pedal is released.
• User CC: Selects a MIDI CC to be converted to note triggers.
• User On >63: Note triggered when value of specified MIDI CC increases above 63.
• User Off <64: Note triggered when value of specified MIDI decreases below 64.
• User Trigger: Triggers the any user-defined notes.
• Bypass: Bypasses the effect.
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MIDI Transformer
MIDI Transformer adjusts a selected type of
MIDI data, with the option of converting it to a
different type.
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Tuning Scale
Tuning Scale applies a different fine
tuning to each note in the scale.
• Start: Shifts the scale left or right to change the root note.
• Length: Sets the number of notes in the scale (up to 128 for whole-keyboard scales such
as stretch tunings)
• Select Scale: There are two scale memories. At any time, one of these is the active scale
applied to incoming notes. The scales can be selected automatically depending on if you
play higher or lower than the previous note (some arabic scales are different when playing
up or down the keyboard).
• Mode: Determines whether the Tuning Scale transposes or re-pitches the incoming MIDI
data:
o Transpose: If after applying the tuning scale, the resulting pitch is nearer to a
different MIDI note than the one played, the nearest MIDI note is played.
o Re-Pitch: This is useful with drum samples, where you have a different drum sound
on each key and you want the tuning scale to adjust the pitch of each drum, not
trigger a different drum sample from an adjacent key (MIDI note).
• Depth: Increases/decreases the detuning depth of the whole scale.
• Bypass: Bypasses the effect.
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Structure Key Commands
If you enable the Structure Editor Takes Keyboard Focus function on the Setup page, you
can use the following key commands in the different sections of the Structure Editor window:
Command Key(s)
Treeview Rename F2
Mapping Zoom In X T
Section Zoom Out X R
Zoom In Y Ctrl+Shift+[
Zoom Out Y Ctrl+Shift+]
Zoom Full F
Zoom Selection S
Toggle Play On Click P
Option-drag (Mac) or Copy zones
Alt-drag (Windows)
Command-click (Mac) or Select multiple zones
Control-click (Windows)
Wave Play/Stop Space
Editor Cut X
Copy C
Paste V
Unskip U
Toggle Loop Play L
Toggle Loop XFade Edit B
Toggle Play on Click P
Zoom in X T
Zoom Out X R
Zoom In Y Ctrl+Shift+[
Zoom Out Y Ctrl+Shift+]
Zoom Full F
Zoom Selection S
Global Delete Delete
Undo Z
Redo Y
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Support
For technical support, please contact us through the Support page of our website:
www.airmusictech.com/support.
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