4
Pipe Indicator
The Pipe Indicator lets the performer see the
sho
pipe arrangement and monitor the current pipes being played.
The pipes are labeled with their traditional note names. When one of the eleven chords is played, the traditional
chord name appears in the center. And because the Pipe Indicator works in conjunction with the Scale Tuning
boxes (described below), it is very useful for monitoring the note of each pipe with notes on the keyboard.
Key Mode faithfully recreates the instrument’s traditional playing feel
The library comes with two key modes: The Chromatic mode maps the keys to chromatic scale tones, and the
Trad. Fingering mode maps one white key to one pipe in a way that recreates the feel of real
sho
fingerings. In
the Trad. Fingering mode, placing the fingers of both hands on the white keys is like covering the holes on the
pipes. This arrangement not only lets
sho
performers feel at home with the library; it is also a great aid to
learning and understanding the instrument.
Scale Tuning
Each chromatic pitch across the
sho
’s entire register can be individually fine-tuned. Controls provide easy
selection of Pythagorean tuning, used in
gagaku
music, and equal temperament tuning. It is also possible to
create and play custom tunings, which can be saved and recalled.
Key Trigger Connection lets you string together playing techniques on the fly without ever
interrupting the sound
The
sho
is known for its seemingly endless flowing tones modified by breathing techniques that produce a
wealth of articulations. Most of the time, articulations are blended from one to another while sustaining the
sound. Designed specifically to recreate this playing technique, the Key Trigger Connection lets the performer
change between any articulations smoothly and naturally just by hitting the assigned keys while playing.
Expression control adjusts the tonal strength in fine increments
This function gives control over the tone by adjusting the strength and velocity of the breath. The expression
control makes playing a keyboard feel like a wind controller, giving you access to smooth, dynamic breath
expressions despite being sample based.
Blow speed control adjusts the tonal attack
Any ordinary controller can be used to control the speed of the tone’s attack by adjusting the breath speed.
When combined with the Expression control, the Blow Speed control unleashes even more fluid-sounding
performances.
