Render or Freeze Plugin Instruments to Samples: Difference between revisions

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= Rendering Plugin Instruments To Sample Based Instruments =
= Render/Freeze Plugin Instruments to Samples =


The Plugin Grabber in Renoise allows you to create sample based instruments out of any plug-in based instruments (like VSTi or Audio Units). You can also quickly render and replace (freeze) a plug-in instrument this way.
The Plugin Grabber allows you to create sample-based instruments out of any plugin based instrument (VSTi/Audio Unit). You can also quickly render and replace (freeze) a plugin instrument this way.


Replacing a plugin with samples has several advantages:  
Replacing a plugin with samples has advantages:
When sharing your Renoise XRNS song file, your song can be opened and played back on any computer which has Renoise on it, and does not need the plug-in to be installed. Sample based instruments also always use less CPU than plug-ins, because samples simply can be played back and pitched instead of being synthesized and generated on the fly.


When not replacing, but creating new instruments with the grabber, you can quickly sample your favorite synthesizer sounds and create a small sample library out of it for later processing and sound mangling. Samples in Renoise also can be manipulated in many ways which you can't with the real plug-ins. You can for example control the playback pitch, direction and offset at any time in the pattern with Renoises Sample [[Pattern Effect Commands]]. So you can use some plug-ins as a base for new sample creation.
* When sharing your Renoise ''.xrns'' song file, your song can be opened and played back on any computer with Renoise, without the need for the plugin to be installed.
* Sample-based instruments always use less CPU power than plugins, because samples can be played back and pitched instead of being synthesized and generated on the fly.
* When not replacing, but creating new instruments with the grabber, you can quickly sample your favorite synthesizer sounds and create a small sample library for later processing and sound mangling. Samples in Renoise also can be manipulated in many ways that plugins cannot. For example, you can control the playback pitch, direction and offset at any time in the pattern with the [[Effect Commands]].


Replacing a plugin with samples also has disadvantages you should be aware of: Automation of synth parameters with for example a [[Automation Device]] will only work with the original plugin. Also samples always are limited in length. Even though you can apply cross fading to create smooth loops in Renoise with the grabber, such automatic loops may not always sound like the original.  
Replacing a plugin with samples also has disadvantages:
 
* Automation of plugin synthesizer parameters with an [[Meta_Devices#Instrument_Devices_.28Renoise_only.29|*Instr. Automation Device]] will only work with the original plugin. The Automation can no longer be applied to the rendered samples.
* Samples are limited in length. Even though you can apply cross-fading to create smooth loops in Renoise with the grabber, such automatic loops may not always sound as detailed as the original.
 
 
You may find it useful to watch [https://youtu.be/MtuX_SSWeFU our video on the subject]




== Opening the Plugin Grabber Dialog ==
== Opening the Plugin Grabber Dialog ==


To directly replace and sample a plugin instrument, you can use the record button in the [[Instrument_Settings#Plug-in_Instrument_(VST/AU)_Properties|Instrument Settings]]. Left clicking the record button will setup the grabber to replace the plugin (render the plugin and then unload it). Right clicking it will setup the grabbed to render the plugin into a new (render it into a not yet used instrument).
To directly sample and then replace a plugin instrument, you can use the Plugin Grabber in the [[Plugin|Plugin]] section. Left-clicking the Render To Samples button will set the grabber to replace the plugin instrument (render the plugin and then unload it). Right-clicking will set the grabber to render the plugin into a new instrument slot.
 
Alternatively you can also right click plugin instrument based instruments in the [[Instrument Selector]] and then choose "Render Plugin To Instrument..." or "Render Plugin To New Instrument...".


Finally you can also bring up the grabber in the main '''"File"'''  -> '''"Render Plugin To Instrument..."''' main menu.
Alternatively, you can right-click the plugin instrument in the [[Instrument Selector]] and then choose ''"Render Plugin To Instrument..."'' or ''"Render Plugin To New Instrument..."''.


== Overview ==
Finally, you can also bring up the grabber by selecting ''"File -> Render Plugin To Instrument..."'' from the main menu.


[[Image:VVoois_plugin_grabber.png]]
[[Image:3.0_plugingrabber.png]]


=== Instrument Selection ===
=== Instrument Selection ===


* '''Source:''' The plug-in that should be rendered. Only plug-in instruments that can be grabbed will show up in this list. Plug-in aliases and plug-in FX aliases can not be grabbed explicitly, and thus will also not be included.
* '''Source:''' The plugin to be rendered. Only plugin instruments that can be grabbed will show in the list. Plugin instrument and effect aliases cannot be grabbed and so will not be listed.
* '''Destination:''' Where the resulting samples should be placed to after rendering. "Current instrument" will overwrite the source instrument.
* '''Destination:''' Where the resulting samples will be placed after rendering. ''"Current instrument"'' will overwrite the actual source instrument.
* '''Remove the source plugin after rendering:''' When enabled, the plug-in will be unloaded, removed from memory after the rendering successfully finished. Unloading the plug-in can be undone just like everything can be in Renoise. So if you're not happy with the rendering result you can rewind this action without loosing any plug-in settings.
* '''Remove the source plugin after rendering:''' When enabled, the plugin will be unloaded after the rendering has finished. Unloading the plugin can be undone, just like any other operation, with ''"Left Control + Z"''.


Note: All those options will be set up for you automatically when either left or right clicking the record button in the [[Instrument_Settings#Plug-in_Instrument_(VST/AU)_Properties|Instrument Settings]]. You still can change them afterward if you're planing to record a batch of instruments without having to close and reopen the grabber.
'''Note:''' These options will be set up for you automatically when either clicking the record button in the [[Waveform#Recording_New_Samples|Waveform section of the Sampler]] or launching the plugin grabber from the [[Instrument Selector]]. You still can change the settings after a rendering, so you can record a batch of instruments without opening and closing the dialog.


=== MIDI Options ===
=== MIDI Options ===


With the MIDI options you set up which, how many notes will be sampled.
* '''Note Range:''' The note range to be rendered. This and the ''"Step"'' option define how many samples will be created in the resulting instrument. When more than one sample is rendered, a multi-sample instrument will be created. ''"Set From Song"'' will parse your song and automatically fill in the range, using the lowest played note as the lower boundary and the highest played note as upper boundary.
 
* '''Step:''' How many samples will be rendered in the ''"Note Range"''. Setting this to 1 will individually render every single note. Setting this to 12 will render one sample per octave. The more samples are rendered, the closer the rendered result will be to the original.
* '''Range:''' The note range that should be rendered. This and the "Step" option defines how many samples will be created in the resulting instrument. When more than one sample is rendered, a multi sample instrument will be created automatically. See also [[Instrument Editor]]. '''Set From Song''' will parse the song and fill in the range automatically for you, by using the lowest played notes as the lower boundary, and the highest played note from the song as upper boundary. This is especially useful when replacing a plug-in instrument. Using this together with a "Step" of 1 will create a sample for every note that is use in the song.
* '''Velocity Range:''' The Note-On velocity that will be used to trigger the instrument when sampling it. Plugins may modulate some of their settings depending on the velocity.
* '''Step:''' How many samples should be rendered in the range. Setting this to 1 will render each note in the range. Setting this to for example 12 will render one sample per octave only. The more samples are rendered, the more close will the rendered result to the original.
* '''Step:''' How many samples will be rendered in the ''"Velocity Range"''. Setting this to 1 will render only a single sample for the entire velocity range. The more samples are rendered, the closer the rendered result will be to the original.
* '''Velocity:''' The Note-On velocity that should be used to trigger the instrument when sampling it. Plug-ins may modulate some of its settings depending on the velocity.


=== Sampling Options ===
=== Sampling Options ===


With the Sampling options you set up the resulting sample length and loops.
* '''Auto-loop samples (cross-fade):''' When enabled, the sample is cross-faded and looped. Cross-fading creates a smooth, click-free loop and so is incredibly useful for pads or other long sounds. Enabling cross-fading will also disable the ''"Tail"'' ([[Playing_Notes_with_the_Computer_Keyboard#Note_Off|Note OFF]]) settings below.
 
* '''Duration:''' The duration in milliseconds of the Note-On phase, before a [[Playing_Notes_with_the_Computer_Keyboard#Note_Off|Note OFF]] is sent to the plugin. With cross-fading enabled, this will be the total length of the sample. Entering a number into the right value box and hitting ''"Set"'' will apply the correct length calculated from the line duration.
* '''Auto-loop samples (cross-fade):''' When enabled, the sample is cross faded and looped. Cross fading creates a smooth, click free loop, and thus is especially useful with pad or other long sounds. Enabling cross fading will disable the tail (Note Off) settings below.
* '''Tail:''' How long the [[Playing_Notes_with_the_Computer_Keyboard#Note_Off|Note OFF]] phase will last. This is needed to sample the sustain phase of plugin instruments. Entering a number into the right value box and hitting ''"Set"'' will apply the correct length calculated from the line duration.
* '''Duration:''' The duration in milliseconds of the Note-On phase before a Note-Off is send to the plugin. With cross fading enabled, this will be the total length of the sample. By hitting the ''"Set"'' button right to it, you can apply a millisecond length from a specified pattern line duration.
* '''Fadeout Tail:''' When enabled, the tail/sustain phases of the samples are cleanly faded out to zero.
* '''Tail:''' Whith cross fading disabled, how long the Note Off phase should last. This is needed to sample the sustain phase of plugin instruments.
* '''Fadeout Tail:''' When enabled, tail/sustain phases of the samples are cleanly faded out to zero.


=== Sampling Format ===
=== Sampling Format ===


* '''Bit depth:''' The destination format of all rendered samples. 32 bit will use the internal bit depth and highest possible precision & quality, but also create larger files. 16 or 24 are good alternative bit depths which still sound excellent (CD players use a bit depth of 16 at a sample rate of 44100 Hz) and create smaller samples.
* '''Bit depth:''' The destination format of all rendered samples. 32-bit will create the highest quality files, but also the largest in terms of file size. 16 or 24 are good alternative bit depths, which still sound excellent and create smaller files.
* '''Channels:''' Allows the option of forcing the rendering to take place in stereo or mono.

Latest revision as of 17:01, 20 July 2022

Render/Freeze Plugin Instruments to Samples

The Plugin Grabber allows you to create sample-based instruments out of any plugin based instrument (VSTi/Audio Unit). You can also quickly render and replace (freeze) a plugin instrument this way.

Replacing a plugin with samples has advantages:

  • When sharing your Renoise .xrns song file, your song can be opened and played back on any computer with Renoise, without the need for the plugin to be installed.
  • Sample-based instruments always use less CPU power than plugins, because samples can be played back and pitched instead of being synthesized and generated on the fly.
  • When not replacing, but creating new instruments with the grabber, you can quickly sample your favorite synthesizer sounds and create a small sample library for later processing and sound mangling. Samples in Renoise also can be manipulated in many ways that plugins cannot. For example, you can control the playback pitch, direction and offset at any time in the pattern with the Effect Commands.

Replacing a plugin with samples also has disadvantages:

  • Automation of plugin synthesizer parameters with an *Instr. Automation Device will only work with the original plugin. The Automation can no longer be applied to the rendered samples.
  • Samples are limited in length. Even though you can apply cross-fading to create smooth loops in Renoise with the grabber, such automatic loops may not always sound as detailed as the original.


You may find it useful to watch our video on the subject


Opening the Plugin Grabber Dialog

To directly sample and then replace a plugin instrument, you can use the Plugin Grabber in the Plugin section. Left-clicking the Render To Samples button will set the grabber to replace the plugin instrument (render the plugin and then unload it). Right-clicking will set the grabber to render the plugin into a new instrument slot.

Alternatively, you can right-click the plugin instrument in the Instrument Selector and then choose "Render Plugin To Instrument..." or "Render Plugin To New Instrument...".

Finally, you can also bring up the grabber by selecting "File -> Render Plugin To Instrument..." from the main menu.

3.0 plugingrabber.png

Instrument Selection

  • Source: The plugin to be rendered. Only plugin instruments that can be grabbed will show in the list. Plugin instrument and effect aliases cannot be grabbed and so will not be listed.
  • Destination: Where the resulting samples will be placed after rendering. "Current instrument" will overwrite the actual source instrument.
  • Remove the source plugin after rendering: When enabled, the plugin will be unloaded after the rendering has finished. Unloading the plugin can be undone, just like any other operation, with "Left Control + Z".

Note: These options will be set up for you automatically when either clicking the record button in the Waveform section of the Sampler or launching the plugin grabber from the Instrument Selector. You still can change the settings after a rendering, so you can record a batch of instruments without opening and closing the dialog.

MIDI Options

  • Note Range: The note range to be rendered. This and the "Step" option define how many samples will be created in the resulting instrument. When more than one sample is rendered, a multi-sample instrument will be created. "Set From Song" will parse your song and automatically fill in the range, using the lowest played note as the lower boundary and the highest played note as upper boundary.
  • Step: How many samples will be rendered in the "Note Range". Setting this to 1 will individually render every single note. Setting this to 12 will render one sample per octave. The more samples are rendered, the closer the rendered result will be to the original.
  • Velocity Range: The Note-On velocity that will be used to trigger the instrument when sampling it. Plugins may modulate some of their settings depending on the velocity.
  • Step: How many samples will be rendered in the "Velocity Range". Setting this to 1 will render only a single sample for the entire velocity range. The more samples are rendered, the closer the rendered result will be to the original.

Sampling Options

  • Auto-loop samples (cross-fade): When enabled, the sample is cross-faded and looped. Cross-fading creates a smooth, click-free loop and so is incredibly useful for pads or other long sounds. Enabling cross-fading will also disable the "Tail" (Note OFF) settings below.
  • Duration: The duration in milliseconds of the Note-On phase, before a Note OFF is sent to the plugin. With cross-fading enabled, this will be the total length of the sample. Entering a number into the right value box and hitting "Set" will apply the correct length calculated from the line duration.
  • Tail: How long the Note OFF phase will last. This is needed to sample the sustain phase of plugin instruments. Entering a number into the right value box and hitting "Set" will apply the correct length calculated from the line duration.
  • Fadeout Tail: When enabled, the tail/sustain phases of the samples are cleanly faded out to zero.

Sampling Format

  • Bit depth: The destination format of all rendered samples. 32-bit will create the highest quality files, but also the largest in terms of file size. 16 or 24 are good alternative bit depths, which still sound excellent and create smaller files.
  • Channels: Allows the option of forcing the rendering to take place in stereo or mono.