A R I A software by GARRITAN www.akaipro.
INTRODUCTION This Quickstart Manual is intended to give you a brief overview of Aria – software designed by Garritan for use with the Akai EWI USB. In this manual, you’ll find instructions on how to set up the EWI USB with Aria and an outline of its capabilities. SOFTWARE OVERVIEW SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS To use Aria, your system must meet the following requirements: PC MAC 2.8 GHz, Pentium 4/Athlon 4 processor (or better) Windows 2000 (XP or Vista recommended) 1.
MENU FILE Load: Select this to choose an .aria file to load in the software. An .aria file contains previously saved instruments and parameter settings – that is, the sounds you assigned to each channel along with their volume levels, reverb levels, etc. Loading an .aria file allows you to recall those previously saved settings conveniently. You can also load .aria files by dragging the file itself over the software window. Save As…: Select this to save the current instruments and parameter settings as an .
EWI Configuration A Note About MIDI and Some Useful Terms: MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is not actual music or audio signal but data being transferred. This data is a series of “event messages” – in this case, from the EWI USB to the Aria software – that controls what note is being played, what is happening to that note depending on the parameters you select, and what parameters those are.
Key Delay: Since the EWI USB is electronic and responds to fingering input much faster than an acoustic instrument, you may find it plays extra notes. This Key Delay setting determines the reaction time of the EWI USB’s note keys. A higher setting will result in a slower key response. (For beginners, we recommend a higher setting to reduce the number of note “glitches.” Most intermediate players can play much cleaner with a setting of 10–12.) Performance Controls: Reset: Restores Configuration.
CHANNELS OVERVIEW 1 7 2 3 4 5 6 1. Channel: Click here to select either -OMNI- or the number for the corresponding channel. Channel Number (CHN:01, CHN:02, CHN:03, or CHN:04): You can have up to four instruments loaded in the window and play only one at a time with the EWI USB. To do this: 1) Load an instrument into the channel, then click on the Channel field and select its number. 2) Go to the Tools menu, then EWI Configuration, then Performance Controls.
PARAMETER WINDOWS Note: All virtual knobs in the software can be adjusted by holding down the left-click button of your mouse and moving it up or down (rather than circular, in the direction of the knob). Release the button to set the level. An orange line around the knob will indicate how far it is turned, and a box next to it will give a measurement reading. MIX Volume (Vol): This knob controls the volume level of the corresponding channel.
REVERB Presets: Click this box to select a reverb preset from a dropdown menu. The reverb parameters will jump to their preset positions. You can adjust the individual reverb parameter knobs yourself, as well. Status: Click this box to activate and deactivate reverb. The parameter knobs will remain in their respective positions. Reverb Parameters Decay: Determines the “decay time,” or how long the reverb will trail off. Diffusion: Determines how far apart the echoes from the reverberating sound are.
AUDIO RECORDER The Audio Recorder at the bottom of the screen allows you to record the EWI USB through the software. 123 1. 2. 3. Record Stop Name File To record your playback to an audio file: 1. Click “Name File.” 2. Specify where you want to save the file. 3. Make a name for the file you want to record. (If you are using a PC, it will be recorded as a .WAV file. If you are using a Mac, it will be recorded as an .AIFF file.) 4.
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