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  • Setting a breath controller

    PaoloTP
    PaoloTP

    Hi,

    I recently purchased a TEControl basic USB breath controller. I'm trying to set it up for use with the VSL libraries. Please let me ask some questions to the users of this or similar devices.

    - The TEC has a bleed valve, allowing breath to exit from the mouthpiece. Opening it makes the devices easier, while closing it makes it more resistant. Very open is similar to a flute, where you waste a lot of air. Very closed is similar to a reed instrument, where you have a lot of resistance. How do you set it? I fear that leaving it too closed (resistant) can get tiresome soon. On the contrary, leaving open makes a lot of breath noise, that I don't like.

    - The TEC has settings for the response curve. You could, for example, change the maximum sensitivity, to reach the loudest notes with more ease. Or, you can design the response curve, to have more sensitivity either towards the softer or the louder notes. How do you set it up? I would like to be able to easily and accurately control any nuance, as with a real wind instrument.

    - Is it just my impression, or settings good for a flute are not as good as a violin section? Do you change preset for each type of sound you are playing?

    Thank you very much for any hint you can give me in using this funny (and very expressive) device!

    Paolo
  • Xander S.X
    Xander S.X

    I got one too recently! Magical thing. I didn't notice the bleed valve and already wondered how to use this without eventually suffering a stroke. Thanks, PaoloT, for saving my life! :)
  • PaoloTP
    PaoloTP

    Quioloy, I would be very interested to read your impressions on this controller. How you use it, how you set it, and so on. It's very new for me, and I'm looking for any first-hand impression.

    Paolo
  • Xander S.X
    Xander S.X

    To be honest, I'm not using it yet. I have Modwheel for Expression, and though I think the Breath Controller could do well with Expression, I can't set it to this parameter, because it sends value 0 while not being used actively. On the other hand, I don't want to use it all the time, so I'd have to switch it on and off and re-assign to Modwheel, which is all to much overhead. I have yet to think what for and how exactly I'm going to use it. Having said that, I as well had hoped for this thread to provide some ideas.