I’ve learned how to assign expression pedal to sounds using both the keyboard screen in Analog Lab and on the Astrolab itself. It would be handy to have a list of which sounds allow expression pedal to control swell. In my case, for categories like pads, strings, brass, etc. I always want expression to control swell. Seems like only organs and a few other categories are set up this way. My typical set up is using Part 1 for classic keyboard type sounds like piano, Rhodes, clav, etc. (no expression pedal) and I layer Part 2 sounds of organ, pads, strings, leads, brass, etc. kind of under and over Part 1 as the song progresses, controlling volume of Part 2 with the expression pedal. I don’t want to have to try this with every pad or whatev to see if expression pedal is supported by that sound. Thanks.
Hi @normalkeyboardplayer. Welcome to the community.
Such a list do not exist. Unless a user have created one.
Some instruments use a modulation matrix where the expression pedal perhaps is used on some sounds to control many different things.
Other instruments unfortunately do not have something like a modulation matrix where expression pedal can be used as a modulator, but they can use a midi config where the expression pedal is assigned to a parameter, like organs can have the Expression pedal assigned to the organs Swell pedal.
In the current firmware (1.4.4), only B3V presets respond to Expression as Swell by default, and Stage 73V presets respond to Expression as Volume by default.
The following instruments can respond to Expression if it has been mapped inside the preset by the sound designers, or using the full instruments: CMI V, CS80V, CZV, DX7V, Matrix 12V, Prophet VSV, SQ80V, Synclavier V and Pigments.
However, all instruments/presets can respond to Expression as Part1 or Part 2 or Master Volume:
In Analog Lab “Keybd. Settings”, you can route performance Controls such as the Expression pedal (and Modwheel and Aftertouch), to either Part1, Part2 or both. In this case, the function of the Control will be whatever it has been programmed to inside the instruments of that preset (for instance, those Controls might have been mapped to filter cutoff, or LFO modulation, etc…). To change its function inside the preset, you need a license for the full instrument (or the entire Collection) to be able to edit it.
But Analog Lab also allows you to Assign those Controls to any parameter in the “Edit Preset” screen (Part volume/pan, Master volume/EQ, and FX parameters).
As in your example of Piano+ Pad layer, here’s how to assign Expression to Part 2 Volume (including the maximum value when expression is all the way up)
