Expression Maps in Cubase 12 (Beginner to Advanced)

In this video, I demonstrate a few useful tips for getting the most out of Cubase 12 expression maps. I demonstrate using orchestral samples from Orchestral Tools.
Leave a comment with your favorite Cubase expression maps tips!

[@brucewang5073]

the most complete and clear video on this topic on CZcams

[@MahlonBouldin]

Man, HUGE thanks for this. I was really struggling trying to understand how groups worked in expression maps and how you'd set that up. This video got me to see the light. I always turn to your channel first when needing very well explained and comprehensive information. Thank you so much. You do not disappoint, sir!

[@timparkin9805]

Very good video on a subject that is not widely covered. Thank you.

[@doodle6497]

One thing I do to speed up the expression map process is having a default file saved with about twenty or so empty articulations with their key switches already mapped. By and large all that remains for that first stage is naming. It's a small thing, but it makes it a little less tedious.

[@AlexHeppelmann]

Thanks! Very useful!

[@jorgmadeheim3832]

great instructions, thx!!!

[@SecondTierSound]

Great Stuff! I haven't thought about vibrato myself, so I will add that.
One thing to consider is using program change instead of keyswitches. You must obviously have a controller that can do this (some keyboards can). But using a tablet/ipad with OSC (free) or similar (touchDAW is cheap for example) works well. The reason I bring this up is because you won't be locked to an articulation by default, as is the case with attributute. Meaning, cubase will always select the first articulation in the list when you play on your keyboard. This can be annoying when you want to play shorts and you get legato, for example. Program change doesn't do this.
I otherwise do a hybrid. Meaning, I have articulation maps, but ALSO the articulations divided to midi channels with ONE instrument track. All the midi tracks control ONE instrument track. This way, I get ONE output in terms of channel and mics, but I can still either jump with switches, OR midi channels. This way I can set up latency to be different on each articulation. Shorts usually trigger much faster than legato for example.
Lastly, save your instruments as Track presets, so that you can recall the exact settings in ANY project, and not just a template

[@AlexHeppelmann]

Thanks, great tips all around! I'll definitely start saving track presets from now on.

[@patlecat]

Thanks that's very helpful.

[@samuelhaines617]

Alex, this has been a very helpful video. I just got a couple new VSL libraries and the expression maps are not programmed correctly and I have to reprogram them. Your video has helped me understand how expression maps can work in the advanced needs that I have so I can get the most out of my incredible libraries without having to start from scratch. Thank you, sir.

[@GinSabre]

I'm a Cubase user, but boy does Studio One make this process worlds easier. Really wish Steinberg would change to something similiar.

[@Kingchord2000]

Using Cinematic Studio Series instruments, the user interface has 2 choices either by using the basic keyswitches or using the CC58 which is very similar to this expression map=)

[@ArnoudCarel]

I think the CC58 method is used in this video czcams.com/video/kbt6Uyul0xE/video.html which explains articulation mapping in Logic.

[@sarahaprincesa]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ascorethatfitz]

Is there a way to purchase these already set up?

[@AlexHeppelmann]

Unfortunately I'm not selling these... yet. But you should check out Babylon Waves, they offer a ton of expression maps!

[@rodterrell304]

is this only for Pro version or all versions?

[@shawn-singh]

Pro only, according to the online manual

[@earitch5856]

These are articulations, not expressions FYI