SWAM Cello (or any SWAM strings) playing via on screen keyboard

[Deleted User]

Hi forum member,
Wanting to discuss playing methods of the SWAM strings via the on screen keyboard.
When I first tried out the app, I noticed:

• when I played, it was easy to play of tune, I think due to the pitch bend on X axis.
• Also I found myself easily getting into strange bow pressure values, making a too thin or scratchy sound I think due to bow pressure mapped to Y axis

I would like to play simple flowing legato lines, nothing fast or complicated. The result I'm getting is slightly out of tune, in-consistent bow pressure cello playing, with no vibrato, which sounds like poop

So, I'd like to play notes via the on screen keyboard, while adding expression and vibrato via the on-screen sliders.

I know the CC data for expression and vibrato can be added later, but does anyone have a good experience doing this live via on-screen keyboard? Any setup changes that need changed?
Thanks!

NeuM

Have you tried SWAM strings on GeoShred Pro? Speaking for myself, I hate the unresponsive keyboard built into the SWAM apps on iOS.

I know some people here are able to get very dynamic performances out of SWAM, but when I use their apps directly, everything falls apart for me.

espiegel123

@McM said:
Hi forum member,
Wanting to discuss playing methods of the SWAM strings via the on screen keyboard.
When I first tried out the app, I noticed:

• when I played, it was easy to play of tune, I think due to the pitch bend on X axis.
• Also I found myself easily getting into strange bow pressure values, making a too thin or scratchy sound I think due to bow pressure mapped to Y axis

I would like to play simple flowing legato lines, nothing fast or complicated. The result I'm getting is slightly out of tune, in-consistent bow pressure cello playing, with no vibrato, which sounds like poop

So, I'd like to play notes via the on screen keyboard, while adding expression and vibrato via the on-screen sliders.

I know the CC data for expression and vibrato can be added later, but does anyone have a good experience doing this live via on-screen keyboard? Any setup changes that need changed?
Thanks!

Turn down the pitch bend range and playing in tune is easier. The default setup is pretty hard to stay in tune with.

[Deleted User]

@espiegel123 said:
Turn down the pitch bend range and playing in tune is easier. The default setup is pretty hard to stay in tune with.

I will try that. Then can I do vibrato with rocking my finger in the X axis?
Then use my left hand for expression control...

espiegel123

@McM said:

@espiegel123 said:
Turn down the pitch bend range and playing in tune is easier. The default setup is pretty hard to stay in tune with.

I will try that. Then can I do vibrato with rocking my finger in the X axis?
Then use my left hand for expression control...

That is what I do -- not that that counts for much. I think a lot of people have trouble with the default pitch bend amount. It took some trial and error for me to find settings that I liked. I much prefer finger vibrato to the programmatic vibrato

[Deleted User]

@espiegel123 said:
That is what I do -- not that that counts for much. I think a lot of people have trouble with the default pitch bend amount. It took some trial and error for me to find settings that I liked. I much prefer finger vibrato to the programmatic vibrato

Yes, this sounds like what I was needing to tweak

@NeuM said:
Have you tried SWAM strings on GeoShred Pro? Speaking for myself, I hate the unresponsive keyboard built into the SWAM apps on iOS.

I know some people here are able to get very dynamic performances out of SWAM, but when I use their apps directly, everything falls apart for me.

I could try GeoShred, but I'm not comfortable with the key layout. I'm a piano player, so the piano style white/black keys layout suits me better.
Also, I'm not experiencing any unresponsiveness. It seems good to me.

espiegel123

The SWAM keyboard is really well-design for playing there instruments. I find it easier for me to use them expressively with their instruments than GeoShred for whatever reason.

sujoybose77

I find no other on-screen midi controller app good enough other than Blue Mangoos velocity keyboard. Try it once - it comes with all benefits of isomorphic layout, velocity sensitivity, smooth pitch bend, no stuck notes/panic pressing etc etc...