Reference Manual

400 Live Instrument Reference
24.3.5 Pickup Section
The Pickup section simulates the behavior of the magnetic coil pickup that amplifies the sound of
the resonating fork.
The R-W buttons switch between two different types of pickups. In the R position, Electric simu-
lates electro-dynamic pickups, while W is based on an electro-static model.
The Input knob is used to adjust the amount of the fork’s signal that is fed to the pickup, which in
turn affects the amount of distortion applied to the overall signal. The Output knob controls the
amount of signal output by the pickup section. Different combinations of these two knobs can
yield very different results. For example, a low amount of input with a high amount of output will
produce a cleaner sound than a high input with a low output. The output level can be further
modulated by note pitch via the Key scaling control.
The Symmetry and Distance knobs adjust the physical location of the pickup in relation to the
tine. Symmetry simulates the vertical position of the pickup. In the center position, the pickup is
directly in front of the tine, which results in a brighter sound. Turning the knob to the left or right
moves the pickup below or above the tine, respectively. Distance controls how far the pickup is
from the tine. Turning the knob to the right increases the distance, while turning it to the left moves
the pickup closer. Note that the sound becomes more overdriven as the pickup approaches the
tine.
24.3.6 Global Section
The Global section contains the parameters that relate to the overall behavior and performance
of Electric.
The Volume knob sets Electric’s overall output level.
The Voices chooser sets the available polyphony. Since each voice that’s used requires ad-
ditional CPU, you may need to experiment with this chooser to find a good balance between
playability and performance, particularly on older machines.
The Semi and Detune controls function as coarse and fine tuners. Semi transposes the entire in-
strument up or down in semitone increments, while the Detune slider adjusts in increments of one
cent (up to a maximum of 50 cents up or down).
Stretch simulates a technique known as stretch tuning, which is a common modification made
to both electric and acoustic pianos and is an intrinsic part of their characteristic sound. At 0%,