3

Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer ............................................................................................................... 1

2. Welcome to AMATI VIOLA ........................................................................................ 2

3. Document Conventions ............................................................................................. 3

4. Installation and Setup ............................................................................................... 4

5. About AMATI VIOLA ................................................................................................. 5

5.1. Key Features ................................................................................................... 5

6. Main Page ............................................................................................................... 7

7. Snapshots ................................................................................................................ 9
7.1. Overview of Snapshots ..................................................................................... 9
7.2. Saving a User Snapshot .................................................................................... 9
7.3. Loading a Snapshot ....................................................................................... 10
7.4. Deleting a User Snapshot ................................................................................ 11

8. Articulation ............................................................................................................. 12
8.1. Articulation Slots ........................................................................................... 13
8.2. Keyswitch ..................................................................................................... 13
8.3. Bow Change .................................................................................................. 13
8.4. Con Sordino .................................................................................................. 14
8.5. Legato Modes ............................................................................................... 14

9. Articulation Types ................................................................................................... 16

9.1. Long Articulations .......................................................................................... 16
9.2. Short Articulations ......................................................................................... 17
9.3. Expressive ..................................................................................................... 17
9.4. Dynamic ....................................................................................................... 18
9.5. Special .......................................................................................................... 18
9.6. Adaptive ........................................................................................................ 19
9.7. Legato and Bow Change Controls .................................................................... 19

10. Performance ......................................................................................................... 21

10.1. Dynamics .................................................................................................... 21
10.2. Vibrato ........................................................................................................ 22

11. Position ................................................................................................................ 23

11.1. Fingering Visualization .................................................................................. 24
11.2. Force Open Strings ....................................................................................... 24

12. Mixer .................................................................................................................... 25

13. NKS Integration, Host Automation, MIDI CC Mapping .............................................. 27

13.1. NKS Keyboard Mapping ................................................................................ 27
13.2. NKS Control Mapping in AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic ............................................. 27
13.3. NKS Control Mapping in AMATI VIOLA ........................................................... 28
13.4. Host Automation .......................................................................................... 29
13.4.1. Pre-Mapped Host Parameters for AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic NKI ............... 29
13.4.2. Pre-Mapped Host Parameters for AMATI VIOLA NKI ............................. 30
 4

13.5. MIDI CC Mappings ....................................................................................... 30

14. Credits .................................................................................................................. 32

 DISCLAIMER 1

1. Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.

“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.

Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.

Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Document authored by Antti Oikarinen

Software version: 1.0 (09/2020)

 WELCOME TO AMATI VIOLA 2

2. Welcome to AMATI VIOLA

AMATI VIOLA is part of Native Instruments' Cremona Quartet series. A pioneering luthier, Andrea
Amati is widely regarded as the inventor of the violin as we know it. His son Gerolamo continued
this tradition in their family workshop in Cremona, and built the ‘Stauffer’ viola in 1614, making it
the oldest instrument in the Cremona Quartet series.

During the extensive recording process for this virtual instrument, the streets of Cremona were in
silenct as the council closed roads, car parks and urged the people of the town to remain as quiet
as possible. Meanwhile, inside the Auditorium Giovanni Arvedi, designed by pioneer acoustician
Yasuhisa Toyota, Hamburg’s e-instruments captured every single note of the viola using 32
carefully selected microphones placed throughout the hall to provide this digital recreation of a
historic masterpiece.

The instrument provides 20 different, professionally played articulations, each with up to five legato
transitions. In addition, the innovative, Performance-Captured Vibrato models the natural vibrato
technique of a professional player and the Stereo Phase-Aligned Dynamic Crossfades eliminate
phasing between dynamic transitions. These features combine to make AMATI VIOLA one of the
most realistic, true-sounding solo viola recreations.

We hope that you enjoy using AMATI VIOLA!

 DOCUMENT CONVENTIONS 3

3. Document Conventions
In this document the following formatting is used to highlight useful information:

Italics Indicates paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices
Bold Highlights important names, concepts and UI elements.
[Brackets] References keys on a computer’s keyboard

The following three icons represent different types of information:

The tick icon indicates a useful tip, suggestion or interesting fact.

The exclamation mark highlights important information that is essential for the given
context.

The warning icon alerts you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
 INSTALLATION AND SETUP 4

4. Installation and Setup

Before you can make music with AMATI VIOLA you must install and setup the necessary software.
Follow these instructions to get started:

Native Access
Native Access is where you will install the software for AMATI VIOLA. If you are new to Native
Instruments, you will first have to create your Native ID.

1. Download and install Native Access here.

2. Login to Native Access using your Native ID.
3. Click the Not installed tab.
4. Click INSTALL for the following products:
• KONTAKT or KONTAK PLAYER
• AMATI VIOLA
→ The software is installed automatically.

If the software is already installed, click the Available updates tab and check for new
updates before proceeding.

To learn more about Native Access, visit our support page here.

AMATI VIOLA via KONTAKT

AMATI VIOLA is not an independent plug-in, so once installed, you first need to open an instance of
KONTAKT or KONTAKT PLAYER to use it:

1. Open KONTAKT as a plug-in in your host software (DAW), or as stand-alone application.

2. Locate AMATI VIOLA in the Browser, on the left side of the user interface.
3. Click Instruments to open the product's content.
4. Double-click the Amati Viola.nki file to load the instrument.

If you are new to KONTAKT and want more information, visit KONTAKT PLAYER and
KONTAKT.
 ABOUT AMATI VIOLA 5

5. About AMATI VIOLA

Once installed, you will find AMATI VIOLA comes with two NKI instruments. Click the Instruments
banner to show the AMATI VIOLA NKIs. Load the desired NKI on your KONTAKT or KONTAKT
PLAYER browser by double-clicking the NKI.

Multi-microphone and standard stereo version of AMATI VIOLA as seen in KONTAKT instrument
browser.

• AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic: Use the multi-microphone version to control and fine-tune the balance
between different microphone positions and mixes, as well as the Room Noise of the recording
space. For more information on the Mixer page and Room Noise controls, see Mixer.
• AMATI VIOLA: The standard stereo NKI includes only a stereo mix of the viola. The stereo
version is ideal for saving computer resources and sketching ideas quickly without the need to
adjust the balance between microphone mixes.

The only visible difference between the multi-microphone and stereo NKI interfaces is the
mixer tool, which is not available in the stereo version.

5.1. Key Features

Chromatic Sampling

Unlike most other virtual string instruments which often rely on samples of only every other note of
the instrument, AMATI VIOLA features chromatic sampling, meaning that every single note of the
instrument is a true recording. All playing styles and articulations have been sampled
chromatically, and therefore are playable with unparalleled realism without the need to stretch
notes in between.

Phase-aligned Stereo Samples

AMATI VIOLA's phase-aligned stereo sampling technology allows you to produce natural, vivid viola
performances. Seamless, phase-aligned velocity crossfades on long articulations eliminate
phasing when transitioning between dynamic layers.

Performance-Captured Vibrato
 ABOUT AMATI VIOLA 6

One of AMATI VIOLA’s highlights are the real-life vibrato performances, performed by the best
virtuosi. The captured performances are re-applied into the sampled content, allowing you to
produce highly authentic and dynamic vibrato performances. In many other virtual string
instruments the vibrato has been included within the sample, and therefore it can only be turned on
or off. AMATI VIOLA allows you to control vibrato depth and speed dynamically, allowing for
dynamic and realistic vibrato performances.

A Comprehensive Range of Articulations

Utilize 20 different articulations that are divided into Long, Short, Expressive, Dynamic, Special and
Adaptive articulations. In addition, three different legato transitions can be found within the
articulation controls. The Virtuoso articulation intelligently combines multiple articulations
depending on the velocity, note and pitch bend information you generate through your MIDI
controller performance.

Intelligent Fingerboard Positioning

Dial in the perfect timbre for long articulations. Choose the Low String fingerboard position for a
soft, mellow tone or the High String position for a brighter, more vibrant sound. Or opt for the Smart
position, which intelligently selects the closest fingerboard position to the other notes played, as a
real violaist would.

Multiple Microphones and Blendable Microphone Positions

A multi-microphone version of the instrument provides mix faders that let you adjust three
separate mixdowns of the 32 microphones. Mix close, mid, and far mic positions. An included
second version of AMATI VIOLA provides a stereo-only mix that’s lighter on your CPU and RAM for
a speedier workflow and extra focus when composing.

The Characteristics of a Perfect Room

AMATI VIOLA was recorded in Auditorium Giovanni Arvedi, in Cremona, Italy. This special
performance space is part of Italy’s violin museum. The hall has been specifically designed with
these precious instruments in mind. Blend in the noise floor captured in the Auditorium to place
your Stradivari in the perfect acoustic space.
 MAIN PAGE 7

6. Main Page
The following features and controls can be accessed through the Main page:

Main page of the AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic NKI.

1. Snapshots: Snapshots offer a quick way of browsing for new sounds and mixer presets, and
saving your own custom configurations. For more information, see Snapshots.
2. Mixer: Opens the Mixer, where you can access controls to change the balance between
different microphone blends, and control the amount of Room Noise. Note that the Mixer
controls are only available in the multi-microphone version of AMATI VIOLA, and therefore the
Mixer icon is not visible in the Standard NKI. For more information, see Mixer.
3. Performance Controls: Adjusts the dynamics of the performance with the Dynamics and
Vibrato controls. Click the icon in the top left corner to open the Performance page, which
provides further controls over different performance elements. For more information, see
Performance.
4. Articulation Slots: Select from 20 different articulation variations to load into the eight
Articulation slots. Click the icon in the top right of the selected articulation slot to open the
Articulation page. For more information on articulations, see the section Articulations.
 MAIN PAGE 8

5. Position Control: Control the timbre of your performance by choosing notes to be played in
High String or Low String positions, or opt for the Smart option to let AMATI VIOLA choose the
string positioning intelligently. Click the icon in the top right corner to open the Position page.
For more information, see Position.
6. NKS: Indicates the active keyswitch mapping in NKS format. For more information, see NKS
Integration, Host Automation, MIDI CC Mapping.
 SNAPSHOTS 9

7. Snapshots
Snapshots offer a quick way to access different sound and mixer presets, as well as saving your
own configurations for convenient access. Examples of Snapshots included in AMATI VIOLA are
Quartet Seating, which places the viola in a realistic string quartet position, and Orchestral Seating,
which has been designed with a broader orchestral setting in mind.

When a User Snapshot is saved, features such articulations, mixer settings and customized
keyswitches are stored within the preset. Using Snapshots, you can create your own preset
sounds, save them in the .nksn file format and use them in other projects, across computers or
even share them with other users.

7.1. Overview of Snapshots

Snapshots offer a quick and convenient way of browsing for new sounds and saving custom
presets in AMATI VIOLA. Key features relating to Snapshots include:

1. Load Snapshot: Opens the Snapshot menu where you can load a Snapshot from the User
library. For more information, see Loading a Snapshot.
2. Snapshot Name: Displays the name of the currently selected Snapshot.
3. Snapshot Previous/Next (<> icons): Allows you to quickly browse and load Snapshots.
Pressing an arrow icon will load the previous or next Snapshot in the selected category. If no
Snapshot is active, the first Snapshot on the list will be loaded. For more information, see
Loading a Snapshot.
4. Save Snapshot (floppy disk icon): Allows you to save changes made to a sound. When a User
Snapshot is saved, the macros settings, parameter controls, and sequence are stored within it
and can be accessed at any time via the User library. For more information, see Saving a User
Snapshot.
5. Delete Snapshot (bin icon): Deletes the currently selected Snapshot from the User library. You
can only delete User Snapshots and not Factory Snapshots. For more information, see
Deleting a User Snapshot.
6. Snapshot View (camera icon): Provides access to the Snapshot features described above;
saving, loading, browsing, and deleting. When Snapshot View is selected, configuration
settings and features relating to the Info View are replaced in the display.

7.2. Saving a User Snapshot

Snapshots can be saved at any time while you are working on them. When a Snapshot is saved,
parameters and features such as articulation slots, mixer settings and customized keyswitches are
saved within the preset.
 SNAPSHOTS 10

To save a Snapshot:

1. Click the Snapshot View button (camera icon) to open Snapshot view.
2. Click the Save button (floppy disk icon).
3. Enter a name for your new Snapshot in the Save dialog box.
4. Click Save to finish the process and close the dialog box.

→ Your Snapshot .nksn file is saved to the User Snapshot Library. It appears in the User
Snapshot list.

To overwrite a Snapshot:

1. Click the Snapshot View button (camera icon) to open Snapshot view.
2. Click the Save button (floppy disk icon).
3. Click Overwrite to confirm the process.

→ Your Snapshot .nksn file is saved to the User Snapshot Library, in replace of the old file.

7.3. Loading a Snapshot

Snapshots are loaded from the drop-down menu in the top header of the instrument. You can also
use the arrows to the left of the floppy disk icon to load the next or previous preset.

To load the previous or next Snapshot:

1. Click the Snapshot View (camera icon) to open Snapshot view.

2. Click the arrow icons (<>) in the Snapshot header to browse through the Snapshots list.
→ The previous or next Snapshot will load immediately each time an arrow icon is clicked.

To load a Snapshot from the library:

1. Click the Snapshot View (camera icon) to open Snapshot view.

2. Click the arrow next to the Snapshot name field.
3. Select the User category to load one of your own snapshots.
4. Click a Snapshot to load it.

Note that the User category will not appear until you have first saved a Snapshot.
 SNAPSHOTS 11

7.4. Deleting a User Snapshot

Snapshots can be deleted using the bin icon in the instrument header. To delete a User Snapshot:

To delete a User Snapshot:

1. Click the Snapshot view (camera icon) to open Snapshot view.

2. Load the User Snapshot you wish to delete.
3. Click the Delete button (bin icon).
4. Confirm deletion of the Snapshot by selecting Yes in the dialog box.
 ARTICULATION 12

8. Articulation
Just like a true virtuoso is able to make their instrument speak in different colors and tones, AMATI
VIOLA includes a comprehensive selection of articulations allowing for expressive and realistic
viola performances. Articulations shape the sound of the instrument through variations in
transients, length of the notes, bow pressure and position as well as in hand, finger and wrist
movements. AMATI VIOLA provides 20 articulation variations that can be loaded into eight slots.
For more details on articulation types and their respective controls, see Articulation Types.

The Articulation page.

1. Keyswitch: Articulations can be switched using keyswitches that are assigned to MIDI notes
of your choosing. For more information, see Keyswitch.
2. Articulation Types: 20 different articulations are grouped into six categories. For more
information, see Articulation Types.
3. Con Sordino: Play the instrument in mute style with a damper. For more information, see Con
Sordino.
4. Open (dots icon): Opens the Articulation page for the selected articulation slot.
5. Legato Modes: Select from a number of different legato modes, which define the transition
from one note to the next when playing legato. For more information, see Legato Modes.
6. Bow Change: Control and force bow changes when playing certain articulations. For more
information, see Bow Change.
7. Close (x icon): Closes the Articulation page and returns to the Main page.
 ARTICULATION 13

8.1. Articulation Slots

AMATI VIOLA offers eight articulation slots, which can be found at the bottom of the Main page.
Select an articulation by clicking the corresponding articulation slot. Open the Articulation page by
clicking the symbol in the top right corner of the slot, and load an articulation into the slot by
selecting from the 20 available articulation types.

Articulation slots at the bottom of the Main page.

8.2. Keyswitch
The articulations can be switched using keyswitches that are assigned to MIDI notes of your
choosing. The active keyswitch is visible in the top-left corner of each articulation slot in the Main
page.

The Articulation keyswitch and MIDI learn button.

• Keyswitch Selector: Selects the preferred keyswitch for the selected articulation. Drag the
selector up or down to select the the keyswitch note.
• MIDI Learn: Activates the MIDI Learn button. Use this to alternatively set the keyswitch by
pressing a key on your MIDI keyboard or controller

8.3. Bow Change

AMATI VIOLA allows you to control and force bow changes when playing certain articulations. The
active keyswitch for Bow Change is indicated with an illuminated purple key in the keyboard
section, located at the bottom of the KONTAKT or KONTAKT PLAYER window. Not all articulations
allow for bow changes, see Legato and Bow Change Controls for a list of articulations that offer
this feature.

The Bow Change keyswitch and MIDI learn button.

• Keyswitch Selector: Selects the keyswitch for controlling bow changes. Drag the selector up or
down to select the the keyswitch note.
• MIDI Learn: Activates the MIDI Learn button. Use this to alternatively set the keyswitch by
pressing a key on your MIDI keyboard or controller.
 ARTICULATION 14

The active keyswitch for Bow Change is indicated with an illuminated purple key.

If you hold a note down long enough when using a longer articulation such as Sustain or
Legato, AMATI VIOLA performs the bow change automatically in a natural-sounding way.

8.4. Con Sordino

A sordino is a damper used to mute or control the volume level of a string instrument performance.
String instrument sordinos were widely popularized by romantic composers who looked for new
timbres and ways to perform in more conservative volume levels. AMATI VIOLA allows you to play
the instrument in Con Sordino (italian for 'with mute') style, which produces a completely different
timbre. Use the Con Sordino switch to activate the damper.

The Con Sordino button.

• Con Sordino: Switches the damper on or off. When Con Sordino is active, the button is
highlighted and the damper is in effect.

8.5. Legato Modes

Legato is a musical term used to describe notes that are played smoothly and connected without
silence in between. Long articulation styles offer the choice between a number of different legato
modes, which define the transition from one note to the next when playing legato. Click the
respective legato type to select the desired legato mode.

The Legato Mode selector with Legato types.

Depending on the articulation, up to five legato modes are available:

• Fingered: Changes the note without changing the direction of the bow, allowing you to play
multiple notes without rebowing.
• Bowed: The bow direction is changed simultaneously with the note change.
• Portamento: The note changes are performed with a glide, simulating how a violaist would slide
a left-hand finger on the fingerboard to move between two notes.
• Rebow: Rebow changes the note with a new bow stroke, but without audible finger movement of
the left hand.
• Runs: Legato mode designed for playing fast legato runs.
 ARTICULATION 15

Legato mode is not available for all articulation types. For more information, see Legato
and Bow Change Controls.
 ARTICULATION TYPES 16

9. Articulation Types
Articulations are grouped into six different categories; Long, Short, Expressive, Dynamic, Special
and Adaptive. The following chapter describes the characteristics of each articulation. The
controls vary depending on the type of articulation, and the available controls are also described
below.

The six articulation categories and their respective articulation types.

9.1. Long Articulations

Long articulations include Sustain, Marcato and Detaché. Each of these articulations offers a
range of legato modes. Choose the desired mode using the selector.

• Sustain: Play long, sustained notes.

• Marcato: Play accented notes. Notes played in marcato are played with a stronger attack
compared to sustained note.
• Detaché: Each note is played with a separate bow stroke. Faster bow strokes make detaché
useful when playing faster passages. The bow changes are smooth and not accented

The Legato Mode selector with the Legato switches.

Double stop is a string instrument technique of playing two notes simultaneously.

Articulations which are usually monophonic, such as Sustain and Marcato, allow you to
play double stops. To achieve this, simply press or trigger two notes precisely at the same
time.
 ARTICULATION TYPES 17

9.2. Short Articulations

Short articulations include Sautillé Single, Spiccatissimo, Spiccato, Staccato, and Pizzicato.

• Sautillé Single: Alternating bow strokes. The wooden part of the bow jumps or hops up on each
note change. Compared to the similar spiccato articulation where the whole hair of the bow
leaves the string, sautillé allows you to play faster passages as the hair of the bow stays on the
string.
• Spiccatissimo: A shorter and more accented version of the spiccato articulation.
• Spiccato: Alternating bow strokes. The hair of the bow bounces off the string on each note
change.
• Staccato: A short, non-bouncing bow stroke, where the bow does not leave the string.
• Pizzicato: The string is picked with the index finger of the bowing hand. Pizzicato creates a very
different, almost percussive sound compared to bowing.

The loudness and the dynamics of the short articulations can be controlled via playing
MIDI notes at different velocities through your DAW or a MIDI controller.

9.3. Expressive
Expressive articulations include Tremolo, Trill, Ricochet, and Sautillé. Each articulation has varying
controls that relate to its performance and behavior:

• Tremolo: The note is played repeatedly with no specific accent with fast alternating bow strokes.

• Speed: Adjusts the change the speed of the tremolo strokes.

• Legato Selector: Switches between a Bowed legato and Rebow transitions.
• Trill: Two notes are alternated in quick succession either on a half note or whole note range.

• Speed: Adjusts the speed in which the notes are alternating.

• Interval Vel: Sets the threshold value where the trill range changes from half note to whole
note. The value implicates the velocity of the MIDI notes played on the DAW or with a MIDI
controller. For example, if the value is set at 64, MIDI notes below this velocity will trigger a half
note trill. MIDI notes played at velocity higher than 64 will trigger a whole note trill.
• Legato Selector: Switches between Portamento and Rebow legato transitions.
 ARTICULATION TYPES 18

• Ricochet: Several notes are played with the same bow direction, while the bow is bouncing on
the string.

• Speed: Adjusts the speed of the ricochet bounces.

• Sautillé: Sautillé notes played repeatedly.

• Tempo Sync: Switches sync on or off. When on, click the x 1 switch to play the notes in sync
with the tempo of your DAW. When off, use the Speed slider to control the speed of the
articulation continuously.
• Speed: Adjusts the speed of the articulation continuously, when Tempo Sync is switched off.

Use the modulation wheel or MIDI CC1 to control the dynamics of the expressive
articulations with your MIDI controller or DAW.

9.4. Dynamic
Dynamic articulations include Crescendo, Diminuendo Short, and Diminuendo Long. Each
variation provides a Speed control, that can be used to adjust the speed of the loudness increase
or decrease.

• Crescendo: The loudness of the bowed note increases gradually. Use the Speed control to
adjust the speed of the loudness increase.
• Diminuendo Short: The loudness of the bowed note decreases gradually. Use the Speed control
to adjust the speed of the loudness decrease.
• Diminuendo Long: The loudness of the bowed note decreases gradually. The loudness
decreases slower compared to the shorter diminuendo articulation. Use the Speed control to
adjust the speed of the loudness decrease.

9.5. Special
Special articulations include Sul Pont, Sul Tasto, Harmonics, and Col Legno. They recreate
techniques that produce a range of interesting timbral results. Some of these articulations offer
bow change controls.

• Sul Pont: Notes are bowed close to the bridge, resulting in a different timbre.
• Sul Tasto: Notes are bowed near or over the fingerboard, resulting in a very soft, flute-like timbre.
• Harmonics: Notes are played by placing fingers gently on the strings, resulting in harmonic
overtones.
• Col Legno: Notes are played by striking the string with the wooden part of the bow as opposed
to the hair of the bow, resulting in percussive notes.
 ARTICULATION TYPES 19

9.6. Adaptive
• Virtuoso: Virtuoso is a performance mode that intelligently combines several articulations.
Virtuoso is a great way to perform realistic viola performances on a MIDI keyboard or sketch
ideas quickly and efficiently without programming keyswitches. Here are some of the features
that make Virtuoso a unique performance tool.

• Legato Style: By default, when playing legato notes in lower velocities, the note transitions will
be played in fingered or bowed legato styles. Legato notes with higher velocities will trigger
portamento transitions. Use the Legato Style selector to change the order of aforementioned
styles according to the velocity, so that lower velocities will trigger portamento transitions and
higher velocities result in fingered or bowed legato transitions.
• Velocity: Set the threshold value for the velocity where the legato style is changed. Notes with
low velocities (104 and under) will trigger notes played with sustained articulation, while notes
with higher velocities (105 and higher) will result in notes played in marcato style.

In Virtuoso mode, the spiccatissimo and staccato articulations are controlled via mod
wheel instead of keyboard velocity. Use the pitch bend control on your MIDI keyboard or
DAW to adjust the playing style between spiccatissimo and staccato articulations. Turn the
control up to play notes in spiccatissimo and turn the control down to play notes in
staccato.

9.7. Legato and Bow Change Controls

Category Articulation Fingered Bowed Portamento Rebow Runs Bow
Legato Legato Change
Long Sustain x x x x x
Marcato x x x x x
Detaché x x
Short Sautillé Single
Spiccatissimo
Spiccato
Staccato
Pizzicato
Expressive Tremolo x x
Trill x x
Ricochet
Sautillé
Dynamic Crescendo
Diminuendo
Short
 ARTICULATION TYPES 20

Category Articulation Fingered Bowed Portamento Rebow Runs Bow

Legato Legato Change
Diminuendo
Long
Special Sul Pont x
Sul Tasto x
Harmonics x
Col Legno
Adaptive Virtuoso x x x x

Detaché articulation has no automatic bow change, so notes end when they are played
long enough. However, you can change the bow direction manually with the Bow Change
feature.
 PERFORMANCE 21

10. Performance
AMATI VIOLA's state-of-the-art dynamic performance feature and stereo phase-aligned samples
allow for seamless and natural-sounding transitions and crossfading between notes, dynamic
layers and velocities.

The Performance page contains the following settings and controls:

The Performance controls.

1. DYNAMICS: Provides a range of controls relating to the Dynamics and Expression of the
instrument. For more information, see Dynamics.
2. VIBRATO: Provides a range of controls relating to Vibrato. For more information, see Vibrato.
3. Open (dots icon): Opens the Performance page.
4. Close (x icon): Closes the Performance page and returns to the Main page.

10.1. Dynamics
In addition to various articulations, the emotion and expressiveness of a viola performance can be
changed by playing the instrument softly, loudly or anywhere in between, within the volume
spectrum. The Dynamics controls allow you to control the volume and dynamics of the viola
performance seamlessly and realistically.
 PERFORMANCE 22

The Dynamics controls

• Expression: Adjusts control the volume of the performance. Use MIDI CC11 to control the
expression value via your DAW.
• Dynamics: Controls the volume and the dynamics of the performance. To control the dynamic
value via your DAW, use MIDI CC1. The Dynamics slider can also be accessed from the Main
page.
• Short Articulations: Opens a drop-down menu to assign the short note dynamics either to
keyboard velocity or MIDI controller. To change this value via your DAW, use MIDI CC1.

10.2. Vibrato
Vibrato is one of the most recognized ways to inject emotion into a viola performance. AMATI
VIOLA features performance captured vibrato performances, which are re-applied into the non-
vibrato samples. AMATI VIOLA lets you adjust the speed of the vibrato seamlessly and in real time.

The Vibrato controls.

• Rate: Adjusts the rate of the vibrato. Use MIDI CC15 to control the vibrato rate with your DAW.
• Vibrato: Controls the depth and intensity of the vibrato. Use MIDI CC14 to control the depth of
the vibrato with your DAW. The Vibrato slider is also accesible from the Main page.
• Style: Opens a drop-down menu with options for vibrato presets. The available vibrato styles are
Passionate, Intensity, Wide, Evolving, and Narrow. To change the vibrato style via your DAW, use
MIDI CC20.
 POSITION 23

11. Position
As AMATI VIOLA’s samples have been captured chromatically without re-pitched samples, the
resulting fingering is as close to real-life as possible. You can choose from three different intelligent
fingering preferences and find the most suitable timbre for your performance.

The Position page contains the following settings and controls:

The Position page.

1. Preference: Selects the Position Preference. Use MIDI CC21 to change the position preference
via your DAW controls. The following options are available:
• High String: Fingering on higher strings is preferred where possible. Playing passages on
higher strings result in brighter and metallic timbre.
• Smart: Enabled by default, AMATI VIOLA's Smart fingering mode intelligently chooses the
most realistic fingering for the notes played. As an example, when playing a chromatic
passage, the Smart mode chooses to play the notes on the same string when possible, just
as a real violaist would do, yielding realistic results. In contrast, when playing a motif moving
around different strings in the same area of the fingerboard, fingering on different strings is
preferred intelligently and realistically.
• Low String: Fingering on lower strings is preferred when possible. Playing passages on
lower strings results in softer and more delicate timbre.
2. Fingering Visualization: Displays the fingering visualization in the fingerboard interface using
dots. For more information, see Fingering Visualization.
3. Force Open Strings: Select the preferred keyswitch for forcing open strings using the Force
Open Strings control. For more information see Force Open Strings.
4. Open (dots icon): Opens the Position page.
5. Close (x icon): Closes the Position page and returns to the Main page.
 POSITION 24

11.1. Fingering Visualization

In AMATI VIOLA, the fingering is visualized in the fingerboard interface with dots.

The dots indicating the fingering position.

The following dots are used to represent different actions:

• White: When playing notes, the white dots in the fingerboard interface shows the finger and
string position in real time.
• Dim: The dimmed dot shows alternative finger and string positions, which can be forced by
enabling another fingering preference with the Preference selector.
• No fill: A dot without a fill indicates that the note can be played on an open string.

When playing notes, the dots indicating the fingering position can also be seen in real time
on the lower right-hand side of the Main page.

11.2. Force Open Strings

AMATI VIOLA’s engine can be forced to use open strings where possible. The active keyswitch for
Force Open Strings is indicated with an illuminated green key in the keyboard section, located at
the bottom of the KONTAKT or KONTAKT PLAYER window.

The Force Open Strings keyswitch and MIDI learn button.

• Keyswitch Selector: Selects the preferred keyswitch for Force Open Strings. Drag the selector
up or down to select the the keyswitch note.
• MIDI Learn: Activates the MIDI Learn button. Use this to alternatively set the keyswitch by
pressing a key on your MIDI keyboard or controller.
 MIXER 25

12. Mixer
AMATI VIOLA has been recorded with a multi-microphone setup, using a total of 32 microphones in
close, middle and far positions. These microphone positions can be controlled within the Mixer
page. The mixer controls can be used to adjust the loudness, position and depth of the instrument
in the mix. For example, when composing or performing a piece designed for a string quartet, the
mixer controls can be used to place each instrument of theCremona Quartet series in their
respective realistic string quartet positions.

The Room Noise was captured in the historical Auditorium Giovanni Arvedi, and can be used to
remove digital silence even with longer pauses between notes. This provides a great way to glue
your viola performance together and give it an extra hint of realism.

The Mixer contains the following controls:

The Mixer controls.

1. Open (mixer icon): Opens the Mixer page.

2. Microphone On/Off: Switches each microphone position on or off, accessible in the multi-
microphone version of AMATI VIOLA. This will also purge the samples from the NKI, ideal for
saving system resources.
3. Pan: Adjusts the placement of each microphone mix in the stereo field. Turn the control left or
right to adjust to the desired position.
4. Volume Slider: Adjusts the volume of each microphone mix.
5. Room Noise: Adjusts the amount of Room Noise. Use the slider to increase or decrease the
amount of the noise floor of the auditorium captured during the recording process.
6. Close (x icon): Closes the Mixer and returns to the Main page
 MIXER 26

Note that the standard NKI version of AMATI VIOLA features a stereo mixdown of the 32
microphones used during the recording process. Therefore the Mixer is only available in
the multi-microphone instance of AMATI VIOLA.

AMATI VIOLA was recorded and captured as closely and realistically as possible to the
true sound of the instrument. Therefore the Mixer does not include separate effects
controls. However, you can control the reverb and spaciousness of the sound by adjusting
the Far mic position.
 NKS INTEGRATION, HOST 27
AUTOMATION, MIDI CC MAPPING

13. NKS Integration, Host Automation,

MIDI CC Mapping
13.1. NKS Keyboard Mapping
AMATI VIOLA supports NKS (Native Kontrol Standard). The default NKS mapping can be seen in
the KONTAKT or KONTAKT PLAYER keyboard:

Virtual keyboard in KONTAKT indicating the NKS mapping with colors.

• Red: The Red keys are used for switching between different articulation slots. For more
information, see Articulation.
• Purple: The purple key is used for the Bow Change feature. For more information, see Bow
Change.
• Green: The green key is used for the Force Open Strings feature. For more information, see
Force Open Strings.
• Blue: The blue keys indicate the range of notes playable with AMATI VIOLA

13.2. NKS Control Mapping in AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic

AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic NKI comes with pre-mapped NKS controls.
 NKS INTEGRATION, HOST 28
AUTOMATION, MIDI CC MAPPING

AMATI VIOLA's Multi Mic NKS controls as seen in KOMPLETE KONTROL software.

The following controls have been pre-mapped:

• Expression
• Vibrato Style
• Vibrato Intensity
• Vibrato Rate
• Position Preference
• Volume, Close Microphone
• Volume, Mid Microphone
• Volume, Far Microphone

13.3. NKS Control Mapping in AMATI VIOLA

The standard version of AMATI VIOLA comes with pre-mapped NKS controls.
 NKS INTEGRATION, HOST 29
AUTOMATION, MIDI CC MAPPING

AMATI VIOLA's NKS controls as seen in KOMPLETE KONTROL software.

The following controls have been pre-mapped:

• Expression
• Vibrato Style
• Vibrato Intensity
• Vibrato Rate
• Position Preference

13.4. Host Automation

AMATI VIOLA has pre-mapped host automations.

• Click Automation in the top-left side of KONTAKT or KONTAKT PLAYER to show the list of
mapped parameters.

• Click Host Automation to show the list of pre-mapped host controls.

13.4.1. Pre-Mapped Host Parameters for AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic NKI
The following parameters have been pre-mapped for AMATI VIOLA Multi Mic:
 NKS INTEGRATION, HOST 30
AUTOMATION, MIDI CC MAPPING

Host parameter Assigned to

# 000 Expression
# 001 Vibrato Style
# 002 Vibrato Intensity
# 003 Vibrato Rate
# 004 Position Preference
# 005 Volume, Close Microphone
# 006 Volume, Mid Microphone
# 007 Volume, Far Microphone

13.4.2. Pre-Mapped Host Parameters for AMATI VIOLA NKI

The following parameters have been pre-mapped for AMATI VIOLA’s standard version:

Host parameter Assigned to

# 000 Expression
# 001 Vibrato Style
# 002 Vibrato Intensity
# 003 Vibrato Rate
# 004 Position Preference

13.5. MIDI CC Mappings

The following MIDI CCs are either pre-mapped or used internally by .

Pre-mapped CCs have the respective parameters written next to them. The unmarked CCs are
used internally by the AMATI VIOLA engine. It is suggested to avoid using or remapping these CCs
to avoid any possible MIDI issues.

CC Parameter
1 Dynamic
2
3
4
11 Expression
14 Vibration Intensity
15 Vibrato Rate
20 Vibrato Style
21 Position Preference
35
40
41
42
 NKS INTEGRATION, HOST 31
AUTOMATION, MIDI CC MAPPING

CC Parameter
43
45
50
51
52
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
 CREDITS 32

14. Credits
Hamburg

Thomas Koritke, Alexander Paprotny, Andreas Rogge, Till Weinrich, Lars Dahlke, Sascha Haske, Dr.
Florian Pfeifle, Martin Bartsch, Martin von Frantzius, Iain Horrocks, Jochen Kux, Ivo Sloman,
Andreas Barzyk, Johannes Marguerre

Cremona

Leonardo Tedeschi, Mattia Bersani and Audiozone Studios. Virginia Villa, Fausto Cacciatori, Marco
Fornasari, Alessandro Bardelli and the team of Museo del Violino. Paolo Bodini and Friends of
Stradivari. The Musicians: Antonio De Lorenzi, Gabriele Schiavi, Marcello Schiavi, Andrea Nocerino,
Wim Jannsen. Donato Masci, Stefano Mistura. Musical Acoustic Lab of Politecnico University of
Milano. Gianluca Galimberti—City of Cremona.

Berlin

Christian Wachsmuth, Frank Elting, Pia Detjen, Francesco Sabatini, Maik Siemer, Sebastian Müller,
Geoff Wright, Alastair Oloo, Matt Harris, Thomas Evans, Michael Sohn, Elisabeth Dehlke, Anna
Pisarek, Shane Mason, Mark Nickels, Georg Wohnsen, Antti Oikarinen, David Gover, Jan Ola Korte,
Anni Kokko, Hannah Lockwood

Special Thanks

Massimo Paradiso, Ludger Böckenhoff, Johannes Waehneldt, Russ Hughes, Townsend Labs,
HEDD Audio GmbH, The Blink Fish Film and Creativity Factory, the people of Cremona