Format Strategies

Constructor uses two modes of operations when building Instruments - Free, and everything else.

Free means that any limits are ignored - you can have as many velocities, layerings, switches, and controllers as you want. No limits. Many software samplers have no limits (they do, just just are so large they are impractical at that stage). These include Kontakt, Independence, EXS24, HALion, MachFive, and many more.

Everything Else means... everything else. Many formats have structural limitations to them, and it's mandatory Constructor builds soemthing within those structural limits.

Just as vital, you want to organize areas so they line up with those structures. For example, a Motif XS Voice has 8 Elements. Each Element can access one "Waveform", which is a KeyMap with no more then 128 channels of samples, variable keyranges and velranges, but no overlapping.

Constructor has certain ways to force your opertaions to adhere to those structures. Every Instrument you can dictate a "Format Limiter" which imposes a set of rules that your instrument must adhere to. If you attempt an operation that goes beyond the structure, Constructor will abort the operation. Constructor will also create some preset View Groups that will aid you in staying within the structure limits.

In addition to that, the best strategy is for you to know what the limits should be. With that in mind, below is a list of Format Strategies for every format that Constructor supports. Please read the areas you are interested and learn them; it will make your Instrument building experience a lot easier with no guessing.

Akai S-1000, S-3000, S-5000, MPC-4000, MESA, Creamware Pulsar

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Akai MPC-3000, 2000

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Akai MPC-1000, 2500, 500, 5000

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Roland S-7x, XV-5080

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Roland Fantom

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Roland MV-8000

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Emu EmulatorX

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Emu Emulator 4 (EOS)

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Emu Emulator 3, ESi

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Ensoniq EPS/ASR-10

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Ensoniq ASR-X

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Kurzweil K-2000, 2500, 2600

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Yamaha Motif

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Korg Triton

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Alesis Fusion

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Native Instruments Kontakt

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Native Instruments Battery

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Native Instruments Reaktor

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Tascam GigaStudio

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Apple EXS24

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Yellow Tools Independence

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Digidesign Structure

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Cakewalk Dimension (SFZ)

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Propellerheads Reason NN-XT

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Steinberg HALion 1 and 2

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Sound Font

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Digidesign SampleCell

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

IkMultimedia SampleTank

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Vember Audio ShortCircuit

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create

Steinberg LM-4 mrk 1 and mrk II

An Instrument is called a Program. A Program can have up to 99 KeyGroups, which are keyranges that can access up to 4 samples. Note:On the S-5000, they can be stereo samples. "Stereo samples" on the S-1000/3000 are split into two mono files and take up 2 slots in the KeyGroup.

Samples have their own volume, filter cutoff, pan and Sample Start controls. Keygroups handle the Envelopes, LFO's, and other real-time parameters.

Keygroups can overlap each other, which greatly expands the amount of possible velocity splits for example. Programs can be layered as well, so if you run out of 99 KeyGroups, another Program can be created.

Format Strategy: Create