Using MPE Sources

When MPE is enabled on the System Page, the following MPE Modulation Sources are activated:

• MPE X (aka Pitch Bend)
• MPE Y (aka CC #74, Timbre, 3rd Dimension, or Slide)
• MPE Z (aka Pressure)

Each of these modulation sources can be assigned to any target in Omnisphere. Here’s an example of how to set them up for a simple MPE patch :

MPE X

The MPE X Modulation Source receives per-note MIDI Pitch Bend messages from an MPE controller.

The per-note Pitch Bend messages sent from an MPE Controller are assigned by default to control per-note pitch bend in Omnisphere, without requiring a dedicated Modulation Matrix routing.

The MPE X Modulation Source is an additional, and optional, way to assign per-note Pitch Bend messages to modulation targets other than pitch.

To control the range, use the MPE Pitch Bend Range menu on the System Page, along with the per-note Pitch Bend range on your MPE controller.

*If you prefer to use MPE X for a different target instead of pitch, set the MPE Pitch Bend Range to 0 in the System Page and use the Modulation Matrix to create a routing with MPE X as the Source and a Target of your choice.

MPE Y

The MPE Y Modulation Source receives per-note MIDI CC #74 messages from an MPE Controller.

MPE devices call the MPE Y axis different ways, such as “Timbre,” “3rd Dimension,” or “Slide.” A practical use for MPE Y is to assign it to control the filter CUTOFF.

• On the Layer you want to control, set the CUTOFF to 0.079kHz and the Filter Envelope Depth (ENV) to zero.
• Right-click on the CUTOFF knob, and select “Modulate/All Mod Sources/MPE Y.”
• Adjust the Modulation Source Amount to .750.
• Using the MPE Y axis on your MPE controller will open the filter.

*You can adjust the responsiveness of the MPE Y source by using the Rise/Fall Smoothers on the System Page.

MPE Z

The MPE Z Modulation Source receives per-note MIDI Channel Pressure messages from an MPE Controller
A practical use for MPE Z is to assign it to control the Layer GAIN parameter, accessible on the right side of each Layer Page.

• Click on the AMP button to display the GAIN slider.
• Right-click on the GAIN slider, and select “Modulate/All Mod Sources/MPE Z.”
• Adjust the Modulation Source Amount to .300.
• Applying pressure on your MPE controller will apply a Gain boost to the Layer you are modulating.
• For more dramatic volume swells, bring GAIN to -inf and the Modulation Source Amount to 1.000.

*You can adjust the responsiveness of the MPE Z source by using the Rise/Fall Smoothers on the System Page.

Using MPE Without a Hardware Controller

NOTE: You don’t need an MPE-compatible hardware controller to make use of MPE features in Omnisphere. If you’re using an MPE-compatible DAW, you can manually draw MPE messages on a track and achieve expressive results similar to those produced with an MPE controller. The current versions of Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, MainStage, Studio One, Reaper, and Waveform are all MPE-compatible.