Starter Tips for New Creamware Users

subhuman · Post by **subhuman** » Tue Oct 16, 2001 9:33 am

The Creamware DSP is very flexible but with this power, there are a few things you should keep in mind -- pitfalls to avoid along the way.

1. When working in Standard Pulsar mode (not XTC), remember to CLOSE your Sequencer first, BEFORE closing Pulsar -- or you'll pull the drivers out-from-under your sequencer, resulting in a crash.

2. The "N" key should become your best friend in the Pulsar Routing Window. Wire one side of a Stereo Pair, then press the N key (for Next Wire)... Also, you can click the TEXT next to a connector, no need to click on the small little triangle. Finally in the Presets & Tools section at PlanetZ, there is <a href=http://planetz.ghostwheel.com/forums/vi ... &2>another set of cursors</a> which you might find easier to understand.

3. NEVER* patch an ASIO source directly to the same ASIO destination -- you'll get a very loud feedback loop... (* some people might find a creative use for this so..)

4. Remember to hear sound from 'normal' audio programs like WinAmp or Quake3, to have "Wave Source" or "DirectSound Source" wired in your project.

5. <a href=http://www.planetz.com/forums/viewtopic ... um=1&9>For a more detailed description of recording via ASIO in Logic, Cubase, Nuendo</a> click, also for more info on setting up VST Instruments (ASIO setup).

6. If using XTC Mode, remember to have Pulsar closed BEFORE starting your Sequencer.

7. Selecting a wire by clicking on it sometimes doesn't highlight the wire - but it still selects it.

8. Get to know the routing window -- patch things here and there and run audio through the various drivers and hardware outputs -- you can use these excellent free <a href=http://planetz.ghostwheel.com/forums/vi ... orum=16>VU Meters</a> (thanks PlanetZ) to see if you have an Audio signal flowing. Also to verify MIDI connections try the EarlyFirst <a href=http://planetz.ghostwheel.com/forums/vi ... um=16>Midi Channel Activity</a>.

9. Remember to read the manuals - you can download them <a href=http://www.creamware.de/en/Download/man ... sp>here</a>.

10. Remember that PlanetZ is searchable - click the <a href=http://planetz.ghostwheel.com/forums/search.php>Search Button</a> up at the top, use a short phrase or a couple words, and check to see if your question has been answered -- PlanetZ has excellent archives, and chances are, someone has asked already...

Okay now it's your turn -- add a tip or a list of tips here that would have helped you when you were first starting out...

_________________
<a href=http://infinitevortex.com>Infinite Vortex Audio</a>

[ This Message was edited by: subhuman on 2001-10-19 19:05 ]

[ This Message was edited by: subhuman on 2002-01-24 12:13 ]

Micha · Post by **Micha** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 12:52 am

one more:
If possible install to drive C:.
The tripleDAT-Plug-In needs the C:Pulsar3 folder and some presets of Zarg's brilliant synthesizers expect the samples in the Demo folder.
Ok, I hope this is only temporary, the Plug-In, IMHO, will be corrected.
Maybe we should discuss a Pulsar users worldwide common sample folder?
Just a proposition to make it easier to exchange presets for synthesizers with ability to use samples.
Happy pulsaring
Micha

Acid Man · Post by **Acid Man** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 1:38 am

How about connecting the pulsar when you already have a MIDI patchbay to which all your midi equipment is connected. Is it possible in the routing area to connect gear this way?

Acid

dbmac · Post by **dbmac** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 7:18 am

Hi Acid. I'm not sure what your question is, but I'm using an external midi patchbay for routing Pulsar (and Tripledat) midi I/O with no problems.
/dave

Acid Man · Post by **Acid Man** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:35 am

What I mean is that if I read the Pulsar manual nothing is metioned about using a midi patchbay i.c.w. the Pulsar.

All I can see is that you can connect a midi device to the Midi I/O of the Pulsar. Can you see the patchbay in the project window or do you have to do something special to connect all them midi devices to the Pulsar routings?

Acid

subhuman · Post by **subhuman** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:45 am

And the manual doesn't cover which digital mixers or outboard equipment to buy either!

But seriously... this thread is for TIPS. If you have some technical questions, feel free to ask in the Problem Solving or General forums. That way there is a high "TIP" ratio here. Thanks!

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 5:35 pm

I think he wants to route his midi through Cubase or Logic. Pulsar virtual midi should use the Pulsar driver where your external midi devices are listed. It seems to only let me have 2 midi sources so I would have only a total of 32 midi channels. If there is a way to get more someone please let me know.

If you accidentally close Cubase first as I always do then a window comes up saying it lost the ASIO connection. Leave that window and go back to Pulsar and push cancel on the "are you sure you want to quit?" window and then load any project with ASIO. Next you go back to the Cubase warning windows and push cancel. Now you can close Pulsar without crashing your computer.

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 5:49 pm

I'll answer my own question. If you add another sequencer source and you don't have the drivers it asks if you want to add one, then you have to reboot. I think there's a limit to how many virtual midi drivers you can use in windows 98 but I forgot how many it is. Was it 11?

Air_PoLLo · Post by **Air_PoLLo** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 7:27 pm

No, 11 was win95.

98 allows as many as u like.

Not bad for a mac user, huh? eheh

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 9:42 am

thanks, that's good to know.

at0m · Post by **at0m** » Fri Feb 01, 2002 1:48 pm

Topic Reminder

Nice hints you too, Ken!

[ This Message was edited by: atomic on 2002-02-01 15:29 ]

Hey peoplez,

You have 2 lines where you can define a file, for it to be uploaded:
-you can browse on your computer and select the file. the file will now be uploaded to planetz, (i've noticed the files are still on planetz.ghostwheel, shouldn't make a difference!)
-you can give an url. The files will then not be hosted on planetz, but it just puts a link on the Z to the file that has to be openly available on the web. Not on a password protected site like groups.yahoo.com or mp3.com.

Please, do not upload links to mp3.com for songs. Put your mp3.com page on your Profile instead. Or mention it as a mirror/hint in the text accompanying your song on the Z.

Don't have to worry about of file versions you uploaded here, you can always Edit the first message from the topic and upload a new file: improved preset list, new remix, project updates,...
It would be nice to reply to your own post announcing the update. Visitors will be reminded more easily next time they're on z.

Salut,

the atom.

[ This Message was edited by: atomic on 2002-02-21 03:53 ]

kensuguro · Post by **kensuguro** » Fri Feb 01, 2002 3:04 pm

Sort of a general, newbie pulsarian, newbie musician type of tips.

Tip:
Initially, Pulsar may be hard to understand. It may even cause problems. When that happens, listen to the music forum on Planet Z to keep yourself motivated.

Tip:
The dynamics sound bad. The EQ sounds bad. Synths sound bad. Make sure you're using them properly before you complain. Many times, it ain't your gear's fault. Give yourself about 3 months to get the "feel".

Tip:
Pulsar is a complicated platform. Especially Mod2. Sometimes you have to turn to books for the right info. Be academic. A musician is built half of knowledge.

Tip:
Once you know enough, share.

We here at PlanetZ share with flair.

Tip:
You've reached PlanetZ, you've reached the center of the Pulsar Universe. You're going to be here ALOT. Be considerate, be kind.

Tip:
Don't have too much sex with your music.

[ This Message was edited by: kensuguro on 2002-02-01 19:55 ]

marcuspocus · Post by **marcuspocus** » Mon Feb 04, 2002 7:58 am

Well, that last tip Ken, is not for me!

[ This Message was edited by: marcuspocus on 2002-02-04 07:58 ]

paulrmartin · Post by **paulrmartin** » Mon Feb 04, 2002 8:06 am

That last tip! Tell it to Atomic!

mano · Post by **mano** » Sat Feb 16, 2002 3:21 pm

There should be a page on planetZ with ALL the tips approved by the admins gathered and organized in categories. I am bookmarking this thread (got my pulsar year and half ago but its always good to read tips) but a permanent section would rock.

my 2 francs

remixme · Post by **remixme** » Sat Feb 16, 2002 4:24 pm

One other tip, never underestimate the effect a fresh install can have to solving problems. People come to me to fix their problems sometimes, and with the amount of junk (hardware & software ) they have installed. Its a wonder anything works at all!

at0m · Post by **at0m** » Sat Feb 16, 2002 5:07 pm

Mano,

There actually is such a page on z. Browse it outside the forums. As you understand, such a page is not in the forum.

Have a look, I'll let you search yourself. John put up a real nice list of posts and contributions from (hard-core?) users!

RedSun · Post by **RedSun** » Sat Feb 16, 2002 7:33 pm

A tip? Oh! sorry, I'm all out of pocket change...

Seriously, one thing that helps with the CreamWare platform is perspective: Every module in your project should be thought of as a hardware module.

This sounds obvious but to someone new to it, it might not be. Think about it: In most audio software, you load a plug-in and you can hear the result right away. Not so with Creamware modules. You have to install them in your studio(project) then, then get cables(virtual) and route the audio and midi signals properly.

Now the good part: you don't get to have to deal with ground loops!

Then again, if the only cables you're used to deal with are those between your mouse, keyboard, screen and computer well... Don't worry, you'll get it in no time!

RedSun .:.

mano · Post by **mano** » Sat Feb 16, 2002 9:34 pm

On 2002-02-16 17:07, atomic wrote:
Mano,
There actually is such a page on z. Browse it outside the forums. As you understand, such a page is not in the forum.

ahhhh my bad!

I thought there wasnt such a thing because of threads like this one

good good
see you around

subhuman · Post by **subhuman** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 9:27 am

<a href=http://www.planetz.com/forums/viewtopic ... &1>Starter Tips for new STS users</a> (feel free to add your STS tips to that thread!)