Expression Maps

Expression maps allow you to set up a map for all your articulations. This allows you to audition a project including articulations.

You can select expression maps in the Inspector for MIDI or instrument tracks, and specify the sound mapping and characteristics for all your articulations.

If you select an expression map for a MIDI or instrument track, the articulations defined in the map are automatically applied during playback. Cubase recognizes the expressions scored for the MIDI part and searches the sound slots in the expression map for a sound that matches the defined criteria.

When a matching sound slot is found, the current note is either modified, or the MIDI channel, program change, or key switch information is sent to the instrument selected on the Output Routing pop-up menu for the track, so that a different sound is played. When no sound slot is found that matches the articulations used in the part, the closest match is used.

When you enter articulations in a MIDI part, you must set up an expression map in a way that the right sounds in the connected VST or MIDI instrument are triggered.

Expression maps also allow you to link your articulations with remote keys on a MIDI input device and map these to sounds that can be played by a MIDI device or VST instrument. This way, you can enter notes and articulations using a remote MIDI device and have these automatically recorded and played back correctly by Cubase.

Expression maps are useful in the following situations:

• When you want to enter musical articulations directly in the Key Editor, Drum Editor, Score Editor, or In-Place Editor, without having to record MIDI data first.

• When you want to play/record music in real time and control articulation changes while playing.

• When you open and edit projects from other users. By using expression maps, you can map the articulation information to a different instrument set or content library quickly and easily.

Expression maps are available for MIDI and instrument tracks. You can create your own expression maps or download expression maps for orchestra libraries and virtual instruments from steinberg.net.