Keith McMillen Instruments StringPort User manual

StringPort Reference Manual
for Violin
StringPort Version 1649 for Mac OS 10.6
September 2010
Keith McMillen, Barry Threw, Chris Shaver, Ashley Adams, Nick Bonardi, Chuck Carlson,
Joel Davel, Raja Das, Diane Douglas, Sarah Howe, Mike McHam, Marielle Jakobsons,
Conner Lacy, Chris Muir, Miller Puckette, Danishta Rivero, Denis Saputelli, Mike
Zawitkowski, and Michael Zbyszynski

Copyright 2007-2010 Keith McMillen Instruments a wholly owned subsidiary of Kesumo
LLC. All rights reserved. Made in USA.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose
without the express written permission of the copyright holders.
The content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change
without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Keith McMillen
Instruments. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is
accurate. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality,
suitability or accuracy of this document. Keith McMillen Instruments reserves the right to
change the contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time
without the provision of prior notice to specific persons or organizations. Keith McMillen
Instruments shall not be held liable for damages of any kind arising from the use, or the
inability to use this product or its documentation, even if the possibility of such damage
is known.
Product and brand names contained in this document are used for identification purposes
only. Keith McMillen Instruments, the Keith McMillen Instruments Logo, the StringPort
and StringPort logo are trademarks of Kesumo LLC. Apple, Finder, GarageBand, Mac,
MacBook, Macintosh, Mac OS and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in
the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and other countries. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. SONiVOX is the
brand name trademark of Sonic Network, Inc. VST and ASIO are trademarks and
software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. ReWire, Recycle and REX2 are
trademarks of Propellerhead Software AB. All other product and company names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All other names and
designations of companies, products, trademarks, or brands used in this document are
the registered property of their respective holders.
maxim digital audio (mda) VST Plug-ins are Copyright ©1998-2000, Paul Kellett
([email protected]).
Mac conversions by Glenn Olander ([email protected]) and Brian Chrisman
([email protected])
BeOS conversions by Christopher Lenz ([email protected])
Based on the Steinberg VST PlugIn Software Development Kit which is Copyright ©1996, Steinberg Soft
und Hardware GmbH. These plug-ins are free software and are provided 'as is' with no warranty of any
kind. You may make and distribute copies. Check for the latest versions at http://www.maxim.abel.co.uk/
vst/. This file updated 21 October 2000.

Table of Contents
1. Welcome ........................................................................................ 5
1. Questions or Feedback? Contact Us!.................................................. 5
2. Before Getting Started ................................................................... 5
1. System Requirements ..................................................................... 5
2. What's in the StringPort Package ...................................................... 5
3. StringPort ...................................................................................... 6
4. The Hardware ................................................................................ 6
5. Getting Started .............................................................................. 7
1. Downloading the Software ............................................................... 7
2. StringPort Audio/MIDI Driver ........................................................... 8
3. How to Hook up the StringPort ......................................................... 9
4. VST Plugins ................................................................................... 9
6. Using the StringPort Software Suite .............................................. 9
1. MainFrame .................................................................................. 10
2. Navigating the StringPort Software Suite ......................................... 11
3. Audio Setup................................................................................. 11
4. Audio Input ................................................................................. 12
1. Automatic Trim.......................................................................... 13
2. String Assignment ..................................................................... 14
5. MIDI Input .................................................................................. 15
6. Preset Mod .................................................................................. 15
7. Presets ....................................................................................... 18
1. Creating, Editing, Saving Presets ................................................. 18
2. Factory Presets.......................................................................... 19
3. Managing Presets ...................................................................... 19
8. Analysis ...................................................................................... 20
1. Loudness Curves ....................................................................... 22
9. Processing ................................................................................... 22
10. Wave Guide ................................................................................. 23
11. Modulation .................................................................................. 23
1. String Select ............................................................................. 24
12. PolyFuzz...................................................................................... 24
1. Modulation................................................................................ 25
13. Phase Vocoder ............................................................................. 25
1. Modulation................................................................................ 27
14. SMACK........................................................................................ 27
15. VST Wall ..................................................................................... 32
1. Modulation................................................................................ 34
16. Synthesis .................................................................................... 35
17. Classic ........................................................................................ 36
1. Modulation................................................................................ 38
18. Synful......................................................................................... 38
1. Modulation................................................................................ 40
2. Synful Accompaniment ............................................................... 41
1. Modulation ............................................................................. 42
19. MIDI Out..................................................................................... 42
1. Synth Pitch Bend ....................................................................... 45
2. Modulation................................................................................ 46
3. MIDI Out Accompaniment ........................................................... 46
1. Modulation ............................................................................. 48
20. Control Out.................................................................................. 48
21. Notation...................................................................................... 48
1. Mouse Gestures......................................................................... 50
2. Key Presses .............................................................................. 51
3. Selection .................................................................................. 51
22. Integration With Digital Audio Workstations ..................................... 52

7. Appendix...................................................................................... 53
1. StringPort Sources........................................................................ 53
2. Loudness Curves .......................................................................... 54
8. Troubleshooting........................................................................... 56

Welcome
Thank you from Keith McMillen Instruments! We are excited to welcome you to the world
of the StringPort polyphonic string-to-USB 2.0 converter.
Questions or Feedback? Contact Us!
If at any time you have any questions, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.stringport.com
Before Getting Started
There's a few things that you need to know before you start using your StringPort.
• When you first receive your StringPort, please check the StringPort downloads
for the latest firmware, drivers and applications.
•Keith McMillen Instruments cannot be held liable for damage resulting
from installation and operation errors or improper use.
System Requirements
We recommend the following for using the StringPort and StringPort software:
• An Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz or greater Mac OS 10.6 or later.
• StringPort is a multi-core/multi-threaded application suite so more and faster is
always better. Expect long load times and inability to run multiple applications
simultaneously on slower machines.
• has 30 MB free hard disk space
• An instrument with a polyphonic pickup to provide audio to your computer
through the D-13 input.
What's in the StringPort Package
When you open up the box you should find:
• 1 StringPort
• 1 USB A-to-USB B cable
• 1 Power supply

StringPort
StringPort is a polyphonic string-to-USB 2.0 converter with a unique, powerful, and
extensible software suite that greatly expands the synthesis and processing palette of
guitarists, violinists, bassists, and other stringed instrument players.
While string instruments are some of the most expressive ever created, it is a struggle
for string players to wring emotion out of the computer based musical instruments that
have been introduced to keyboard players over the last 25 years.
Coupled with an instrument with a polyphonic pickup and the industry-standard DIN-13
connector, StringPort allows string players to finally enter the world of synthesis,
sophisticated processing and notation.
Stringed instruments simply don’t fit the simple event model on which MIDI is based. To
avoid the limitations of MIDI technology, StringPort brings the actual sound of each
string into the computer as an audio signal, where multiple analysis algorithms extract a
string’s sonic properties with low latency and high resolution.
The resulting data is used to control software synthesis with an unprecedented degree of
intimacy and expressivity. The entire system is optimized for the characteristics of string
behavior and produces much more information than simple MIDI conversion.
The Hardware
The audio enters the StringPort through a
13-pin polyphonic output (such as a GK3
pickup or the output on a Zeta violin), Aux
Input (with phantom power), or Instrument
Input and is routed via USB2 into the
computer. The StringPort also has a MIDI
input and MIDI output.

The StringPort then sends a separate audio
channel for each string, along with a summed
mono signal, to the computer via USB2. The
StringPort also includes a D13 output to pass
through to legacy devices commonly used with
polyphonic pickups.
The audio signals leave the StringPort hardware via USB2 and are fed into the powerful
collection of bundled StringPort applications running on the host computer. The hardware
also delivers processed audio information via balanced line outs and headphone jack.
Getting Started
Before you can expect to get sound to come out of your StringPort with the software
make sure you do all of the following in this order:
1. Purchase a StringPort with the software at www.stringport.com
2. Download the Software from www.stringport.com
3. Unzip the software file into your Applications folder
4. Install the StringPort driver before hooking up the StringPort
5. Restart your computer and plug in the StringPort and turn it on
6. Hook up speakers and plug your instrument into the Din13 input on the
StringPort Hardware
7. Check your System Preferences and Audio/MIDI setup to make sure your
computer can find the hardware
8. Open up the SP-MainFrame application in your StringPort folder (highlighted in
green)
9. Make sure you are connected to the internet and paste your license code into the
field and license the software (see the separate licensing guide document)
10. Quit the Application and then re-open it so the license changes can take effect
11. Open up Audio Setup and make sure the StringPort driver is selected as the
device
12. Open the Audio Input Window and make sure you can see signal coming in when
you strum your instrument
13. Run Automatic Trim and save a preset for the trim settings
14. Turn up the Strings Monitor to make sure you can hear your instrument
15. Now your ready to start playing around! Open up an app of your choice and
start exploring!
If you have trouble with any of these steps consult the chapters of the manual devoted
to them (and linked to) for more information before trying to move to the next step. If
you continue to have problems consult the Troubleshooting chapter. If these problems
continue e-mail us at [email protected] with an explanation of your problem.
The more descriptive you are about your problem, the more we will be able to help you.
Thanks!
Downloading the Software
The first step after opening your StringPort package is to check your e-mail. You should
receive an e-mail with a link to to download the StringPort Software along with a key
code appropriate for the software you purchased.
Once the software has finished downloading, drag and drop the entire "StringPort" folder
into your Applications folder.

The contents of the StringPort folder should look like this:
The folder has everything you
need, including the driver, the
software, a folder containing all
the presets, another folder with
samples, another folder with
VSTs, and a support folder
containing things the
applications need to run.
There are also several useful
documents including a readme
file which includes information
about the current version you
have downloaded, a EULA
(licence agreement), a
Licensing Guide to help you out
if you have trouble licensing the
software, a Quickstart Guide for
when you're first starting out,
and the full StringPort Manual.
The SP-MainFrame application is highlighted because this is the main application. All
other applications can be opened from within the Mainframe.
If it is your first time installing the software onto your computer you'll want to start by
installing the StringPort driver.
Upgrading the Software
After downloading an upgrade from the StringPort downloads site you can just unzip the
file into your applications folder. At that point you can either delete your old version or
not. If you should decide to delete your old version remember to save your presets.
See the Managing Presets chapter of the manual for more information on how to
transfer your presets to a new version.
StringPort Audio/MIDI Driver
In order to use the StringPort polyphonic string-to-USB 2.0 converter, you will need to
install the StringPort Audio/MIDI Driver included in the StringPort package. Make sure
that when you install the driver, the StringPort is off. If you get an updated version of
the software you don't need to reinstall the driver unless you notice a newer version
number.
Once you install the driver you'll want to connect and turn on the StringPort hardware
and check your System Preferences and Audio/MIDI Setup to make sure it is showing
up. If you are having trouble with this see troubleshooting.
Note: If the StringPort driver is not properly installed and the StringPort hardware is not
connected and turned on the software will automatically quit after a few seconds.

How to Hook up the StringPort
Back of the StringPort
• make sure the string port is powered by plugging it into the wall
• hook up the USB cable to the String Port and to your computer
• plug your instrument into the D-13 input
• plug in your speakers or headphones to the outputs in the back of the StringPort
or the headphone jack in front
• turn on the String Port
VST Plugins
We have included a few VST plugins in the StringPort Package to get you started:
• SoundHack Freesound Bundle
• SoundHack Spectral Shapers (Trial version)
• mda-vst (VST bundle from Smartelectronix)
• Frohmage (Ohmforce)
Note: Pluggo is not currently supported
These plugins are contained in a folder within the StringPort directory called "vstfx". In
order for the StringPort software to recognize other VST effects put the .vst file in the
"vstfx" folder. Once you have successfully installed the VST plugins, they will become
available to you in the VST Wall application of the String Port software (see VST Wall
chapter on page 31 for more information) in the drop-down menu on each signal slot
(string) upon starting the StringPort applications. Note: VST instruments do not work
with VST Wall so don't put VST Instruments into this folder.
Using the StringPort Software Suite
The StringPort Software Suite gives you multiple apps to work with, all with their own
way of allowing you to manipulate and control the sound of your instrument. You can
stay simple and pick your favorite or you can explore different combination and use

multiple apps simultaneously (only limited by the number of cores and the speed of your
computer). All of these apps are contained within one main application: the StringPort
MainFrame. Processing, VST Wall, Synthesis, MIDI Out, and Notation are all
standalone applications that you need to launch in addition to StringPort.app in order to
get them to instantiate in the MainFrame.
If you do not plan to use the features of an application, do not launch it. Your computer
will run faster without it. Also set all unused applications to the Off preset as this will
also conserve CPU cycles. In addition close any windows you are not using, especially
graphics intensive windows such as Analysis and Input.
MainFrame
At the top you have the apps that involve set up:
•Audio Input - this is where you set up your string assignments and input levels
•MIDI Input - here you can set up an outside MIDI controller to use with the
software
•Preset Mod - here you can set a source for controlling jumps between individual
and main presets
The next line is where you can save a Preset that tells all of the apps below this line
which preset of their own to use:
•Analysis - this is where
the incoming audio from
the Din13 input gets
analyzed for use with
various other apps
•Processing - open this up
to check out other apps
that will process your
sound in their own unique
way
•VST FX Wall - here you
can use and control VST
effects to process the
sound from your
instrument
•Synthesis - this app
contains Synful and
Classic, two applications
that will allow you to
synthesize your own
sounds with your
instrument
•MIDI Out - if Analysis is
running your sound can be
converted to MIDI notes
that you can send out to
other applications or out
the MIDI output on the
back of your StringPort
•Notation - here you can
create recordings of your
instrument to preview and
convert into a MIDI file
that you can then open in
any notation software.

At the very bottom of the page are string level and tuner indicators for a quick view of
the level and tuning of your strings. If your string is flat the shape above the string level
will be blue. If it's sharp, it will be red. If tuned correctly the shape will be green
(shown above). There is also a CPU indicator to help you see how CPU intensive the
application is running on your computer.
Navigating the StringPort Software Suite
There are many applications in
the StringPort software suite and
you may find it overwhelming to
navigate through the many
windows if you are indeed using
more than one app at a time.
There are a few things to know
that will make finding your way
around easier. Each application
includes a button that brings it's
parent window to the front.
The image on the right shows the
buttons you can find in each
application and what the buttons
lead to should you click on them.
For example: The button shown in
the box where it says "Synful" is
the button that will appear in the
Synful window. Clicking on that
button will bring the Synthesis
window to the front. Now that
you're in the Synthesis window
you will see the button shown in
the box above where it says
"Synthesis". Clicking on this
button will lead you back to the
MainFrame.
Audio Setup
Once the StringPort driver and software are installed and you open the application for
the first time, one of the first things you should do is check your audio settings. A
convenient CPU meter shows how much of the CPU (as a percentage) the application
process is using. Again closing windows and setting unused applications to Off will free
up cycles for your needed applications.
The main StringPort window has an audio
setup button in the bottom right corner.

Click on it and you will see that you can
change the sample rate, I/O vector size,
and the signal vector size. The smaller the
I/O and signal vector size, the shorter the
latency. That is why these start at 64.
However, at the cost of only a couple
milliseconds, the larger your I/O vector is,
the greater the processing power and the
more effects you can use at once.
StringPort is optimized for use at 44100
sample rate and 64 signal vector size so
keep in mind that changing this might have
unexpected consequences.
WARNING: The StringPort is the only Audio/
MIDI interface that can be used with the
StringPort applications. If the StringPort
hardware isn't attached and powered on
when you open the StringPort software,
audio will be disabled and the message on
the right will pop up.
Audio Input
The Input window is used to adjust the gain for each string, and to map the StringPort
inputs to application processing slots. The window has a row for each instrument string,
with a Trim fader, spectrograph, monitor mute, a level indicator, and a tuner. There are
simple tuning indicators on the Mainframe window as well for quicker access to the
tuner. There is also a hex master trim for incrementing and decrementing all of the
string's trim faders at once.

If Analysis is on you can use the
tuner to tune your instrument. A
tuned instrument will yield more
accurate results by far.
There are two rows that display the
Mono and Aux Inputs to the
StringPort.
MONO - outputs and displays the
signal coming through 'Instr IN'.
AUX - displays the signal from 'Aux
IN' on the StringPort. If you select
Inst Out in the string Assignment
window, the signal from your mono/
magnetic pickups will be sent out
the lower ¼in jack and the Aux
Input will be disabled.
The meter light, below the mute
button, displays the input level of
each string. It is important for the
signal processing applications that
the input level does not clip. If the
meter lights are red, please adjust
the trim fader to attenuate the
input level for that string.
At the bottom right of the INPUT
window you will find the INPUT
MONITORS. These include: a knob
to audition the combined String
Inputs, a knob to audition the Mono
Input, and a knob to audition the
Aux Input.
You can monitor the signal coming in through the StringPort directly by adjusting the
corresponding gains. This signal is parallel to the rest of the StringPort applications. Use
them to set string levels and tune your instrument. Once you have set your levels and
tuned up, turn the monitor level down so as not to confuse the monitor signal with the
one you will process through the rest of the StringPort applications. You can still leave
the Aux and Mono Monitor level up if you wish to hear these signals.
Automatic Trim
You can adjust the digitally controlled trim
sliders in the StringPort with an automatic
trim system that allows you to simply
strum your guitar to optimize the gain.
Click on the 'automatic trim' button on the
top left corner of the Input window and
follow the instructions displayed. You
should give each string one very strong
pluck to correctly set these levels.

After setting the levels with automatic trim it's a good idea to turn up the strings monitor
so that you can make sure auto trim gave you accurate levels. The strings should all
sound equal in loudness and should not clip. This is the first place where you begin to
affect the way things sound and how well the sound will be Analyzed and converted into
MIDI so if everything looks and sounds good here you'll have better results further down
the line.
String Assignment
Each StringPort application has numbered processing slots that will affect each of your
individual strings. By default, the processing slots will be assigned to the strings of your
instrument in order from highest to lowest on channels 1-6. The StringPort applications
DSP are optimized to take advantage of this ordering.
Some instruments have different wiring characteristics that may make the strings appear
out of order to the StringPort applications. The String Assignment window, accessed
through a button on the Input window, allows you to re-order your strings so that they
appear in the correct processing slots.
If you have an instrument with fewer strings, you can re-route the Mono or Aux Inputs
from the StringPort to the extra available processing slots. These slots only work with
VST FX Wall and Processing. They will not function properly with Analysis, MIDI out or
Synthesis applications.
To do this, click on the "string
assignment" button in the Input
window. If you are playing a guitar, you
will need to turn one of your strings off
to access one of the 6 string slots. If
you are playing a violin, you have 2
extra slots available to do this.
In the example to the right, Input 6 has
been turned off. This means the input
on string 6 is off. Also, the mono signal
has been routed to Input 6, which
enables you to process it as you would
an individual string.

MIDI Input
The StringPort can also receive data from external devices in the form of MIDI messages
using the MIDI/OSC Routing window. Make sure you have plugged your MIDI device to
the MIDI In on the StringPort. If you plug in the MIDI device after the StringPort
software has been launched, you will need to hit the "MIDI update" button to recognize
the device. Select the channel; type of parameter from three options: Note, Controller,
Program Change; and parameter/controller number. You will find MIDI A-J as sources in
all the modulation windows.
Preset Mod
Upon opening the Preset Mod window you will be confronted with an array of "mod
lines." Every modline is identical, and they provide a standard mechanism for mapping
MIDI sources and data from Analysis to the parameter destinations in a musically useful
way.
From the modline in this window your parameter destinations can be set to increment or
decrement your saved presets for any of the other windows. There are also destinations
for the master volumes of the applications and also to start and stop recording in
Notation. You can set up a MIDI footcontroller to select presets remotely and trigger
your Main Preset to increment to a different preset, changing the tone of your sound.
This allows you to create multiple presets and use them all within one piece without even
having to touch your computer.
Here's a quick introduction to the options available in every modulation line:
on/off - click on the circle to enable the modulation line and it will show a blue-
green color. When disabled, the modline on/off appears dark.
init - the initial value. Adjust the initial value to preview what that value does
to the rest of the modline. This is also the starting value in the absence of any
raw data from the source.

sources - Choose what data source will control the individual modline. The
source in the example above, "Str1 Note", means that the raw data will be the
MIDI notes from the first string. See the Sources section of the Appendix for a
list of available StringPort sources.
raw - the raw values coming from the selected source.
gain - this is the first place where you can use math to modify the signal.
Whatever number is put in the gain box is multiplied by the "init." For example,
if the parameter destination is a pitch speed control, clicking on the gain
window and typing "2" will double the pitch (making it an octave higher) for
every value received from the source. A value of "-2" however will have the
opposite effect, and will either slow down the playback speed or even reverse it.
offset - set a value to add or subtract from the raw value after it has been
multiplied by the gain value.
result - the resulting value, which is then applied to the table. If the result is
within the range of min and max values, then it will be modified by the slew
before finally impacting the parameter destination.
table - the result is compared to the given table, and used to plot the result on
a chart. There are a number of table options, each which will affect the
modulation as it changes value over time. See the Loudness and Modulation
Curves list in the Appendix for more information on the different modulation
tables to choose from.
You can also view and edit the table
by clicking "open". This allows you to
draw in any kind of response curve.
There are two modes to choose from
for shaping your curve. Drawing
mode (represented by the pencil
button) lets you draw your own curve
freehand. Line mode (represented by
the line button) allows you to create
more accurate straight lines. There is
a slider at the bottom where you can
test what the input value would do to
the output value. Then, of course,
you can save any of your own tables
as a table preset.
The tables are all saved in the same
preset list and are referred to globally
throughout the StringPort
Applications. That means when you
save one custom table in one
applications modulation window, that
same custom table will appear in the

same slot in all of the applications
modulation windows.
min - the minimum value of data, which will affect the range or at what source
value the effect will be triggered or modulate the parameter.
max - the maximum value of data or the highest range of value that will have
an effect on the parameter destination. The reason the above modline's
maximum value is set to 1 is because it uses a destination that increments
when it changes from 0 to 1, therefore the other values are of no relevance.
slew - this affects the speed at which the modulation fades in or fades out. The
larger the slew, the slower the effect will respond to the source. This is similar
to the attack or release parameters found in other music technology.
parameter destination - the destination of the result of this modulation line.
In other words: which parameter is going to be controlled by this modline. The
parameter destination varies depending on which application modulation is
being used. (For example PolyFuzz lists different parameter destinations than
Phase Vocoder.) In the example above the destination is set to increment the
Main Preset. This is a great way to move from one section of a piece to
another.
One simple way of thinking of how a modulation line works is recalling the algebraic
formula that plots a line on a grid or x and y axis:
y = mx + b
...is the same as:
(result) = (gain)(init or MIDI source value) + (offset)
The table further impacts what numbers are plotted for "x" (value) and "y" (result). If
the result is within the range (defined by min and max) then it will apply to the
parameter destination. However, you also have to take time into consideration. The
slew will determine how quickly or slowly the result value will be applied to the
parameter. Example: A very high slew on the phase vocoder scrubbing will make
"scratching" feel slow as syrup. A very low or no slew will give a faster response.
The first step of setting up an interaction in the Modline is turning the line on by clicking
the on/off button. It will turn to a bright blue. This indicates that the modline is active,
and values from the source will pass through the modline to the parameter
destination.
The next step is choosing a source. MIDI sources are selected from the ten MIDI input
lines available in the MIDI Input window. A complete list of StringPort sources is
available in the appendix.
Next select a parameter destination. These are different depending on which app your
Modulation window comes from. You can also turn another Mod Line On and Off which
can be useful for combining conditions. For example you can have a Mod Line turn on
the envelope filter only above fret 7. Once you become familiar with this conditional

modulation, many performance options become available.
Now take note of the relationship of your StringPort source to the change in your
destination. This is a linear and fast relationship. If you wish the relationship between
the two to be less fast, or more "smoothed out" increase the amount of "slew." If you
wish to limit or expand the range of the destination that you are affecting, use the gain
and offset controls to alter the result. If you wish to create a non-linear relationship
between the two, you may use a different Table, or create a table yourself.
Presets
Almost every window in StringPort can be saved, named, and recalled as one of 99
available custom presets. In the StringPort main window, you can save and recall the
presets of all the individual applications in various combinations. This enables you to
create, save, and recall effects that use multiple StringPort applications quickly and
easily.
Anywhere that you see the word "save" or "preset" you have the option of saving the
settings in that window or application.
A preset can also be saved for the entire StringPort suite in the main window, so that
settings from multiple applications can be recalled all at once.
Creating, Editing, Saving Presets
Creating presets and saving them is easy.
If for example you currently calibrated the trimpots to use the StringPort with your Zeta
4 string Violin, and you want to switch to use your Zeta 5 string which you play a little
bit differently, here's how you would do it:
From the Automatic Trim window, digitally adjust the trimpots as explained above.
Click "save" to open up the "Save Preset" window.
Choose the preset number slot to save your new calibration settings.
In the picture to the right, if I were to click "save"
then my old calibration settings saved under preset 12
"Zeta 4 string" would be replaced with the latest
adjustments, and Preset 12 would now be called "Zeta
5 string."

Instead, use your mouse to click and drag the Preset
Number to a blank "unnamed" slot (in this case "13")
and give it a new name in the "Preset Name" field.
This enables you to save multiple custom presets of a
calibration.
This procedure of saving presets works the same throughout the StringPort software.
Not only can you save presets for individual trimpots adjustments, but also save groups
of presets for larger changes.
Factory Presets
The StringPort software comes with its own factory presets. There are a few standard
presets you should know about that appear throughout all of the applications:
Off - This preset means that the application is off. If you aren't using an application
you're definitely going to want to set it to Off in order to preserve as much CPU as
possible.
No Change - When you use this preset in any application it will preserve the current
settings that are already loaded in that application. It's a special preset that you'd want
to use in a very specific situation. Let's say you're setting up your presets for a
performance and you want to use a specific preset in Phase Vocoder in one section and
later you want to use PolyFuzz along with that same preset from Phase Vocoder that
you've been playing with. So you set up one of your Main Presets in Processing to start
up with everything off except for the Phase Vocoder and then you make another Main
Preset to have that same Phase Vocoder preset on and add in the one from PolyFuzz that
you want to use... This is great except that when you switch from the first one you made
to the second one, if you've altered any of the values in Phase Vocoder since you first
loaded that preset, going to the second Main Preset will re-initialize all of the Phase
Vocoder parameters and you'll probably end up hearing some sort of click. In order to
avoid this situation you can choose the Phase Vocoder's "No Change" preset for the
second Main Preset so that the application will not re-initialize when your preset is used
twice in a row. Warning: do not use this preset as a starting point for setting up your
own presets, instead use Init or one of your other presets.
Init - This preset is a base/neutral preset which acts as a good starting point for setting
up your own presets or starting out as simply as you can.
Managing Presets
In order to ensure that your presets are not lost when updating the StringPort software,
you should be aware that all presets are saved within a folder in your StringPort
directory called "presets". You can copy this folder to a folder outside the StringPort
folder, so as not to lose them when you update. The folder must be called "presets" and
be in the StringPort directory in order for the presets to be recognized when the
application is in use.

Analysis
Analysis is a single window that allows you to set up and see the data being analyzed by
the StringPort software.
You can turn the flow of data on or off for each individual string. We also support
alternate tunings. If you change the tuning of any string of your instrument you just
have to indicate how many halfsteps above or below you've moved from the standard
tuning of that string.
Each string can be set to have a specific Gate On level or loudness. The higher the
number (which is in dB) the higher the loudness of your playing will have to be in order
to trigger the note. The Gate Off threshold works in a similar way – the lower the