Using multiple instances of a single instrument

[briandc]

Playing around with amSynth, the thought came to mind of opening multiple instances, and control them all through a single MIDI controller. That would make for some very rich sounds! (and in fact, amSynth has a "add new instance" selector in the menu, too..) So I tried it, opened a second amSynth, connected it and it works! Cool! That means double oscillators, double filters, etc. etc!

So a few things come to mind:
- how many instances can be used?
- do multiple instances increase polyphony?
- can multiple instances create problems for CPU, etc?
- can any of the DAWs handle multiple instances together when recording? (I know that Audacity can only receive one source at a time...at least for now...)

Yoshimi/Zynaddsubfx can layer many sounds in one instance, so it doesn't seem necessary to open other instances in this case. (I don't know if Yoshimi/Zyn can save a sound that has multiple voices activated. Anyone know?)


brian

[autostatic]

- how many instances can be used?

As many as your system can cope with

- do multiple instances increase polyphony?

No, not when using one MIDI keyboard. Well, unless you can configure your MIDI keyboard keys to emit MIDI notes on different channels.

- can multiple instances create problems for CPU, etc?

See my first answer.

- can any of the DAWs handle multiple instances together when recording? (I know that Audacity can only receive one source at a time...at least for now...)

Yes. But then I'd use the amSynth DSSI plug-in, saves you a lot of hassle.

Yoshimi/Zynaddsubfx can layer many sounds in one instance, so it doesn't seem necessary to open other instances in this case.

It is necessary unfortunately because every patch outputs on the same JACK outputs. If every patch would have its own JACK outputs then it wouldn't be necessary.

(I don't know if Yoshimi/Zyn can save a sound that has multiple voices activated. Anyone know?)

It sure can!