Understanding Voices in ProTools: From Mono to Stereo and Divisi

Introduction to ProTools Voices

Voice in ProTools refers to tracks that are used to record and play back audio. For a clearer understanding, consider a mono track as a single vocal part, typically representing one voice. On the other hand, a stereo track can hold two voices, such as a duet or two separate vocal parts. When you combine multiple mono or stereo tracks, the total number of voices used in your song is the sum of all voices on these tracks.

Voices in MIDI Instruments

The term 'voices' in MIDI instruments carries a specific meaning. It signifies how many audio samples are being triggered simultaneously. Let's illustrate this concept with an example using a string patch in Kontakt. When you load a single violin patch and play a single note, the software triggers one sound sample from the library. However, if you play a C chord, which comprises three notes—C, E, and G—the software triggers three separate samples, resulting in three voices. This is because each note in the chord is treated as a distinct sample.

Consider the limitations: the Kontakt plugin can play up to 128 voices at one time. While it may seem excessive, it serves as the maximum capacity for triggering distinct sounds. Even in a solo instrument context, reaching this limit is rare. However, when using an ensemble patch, the number of voices can accumulate quickly. For instance, a string quartet patch would trigger 12 voices when playing a C chord (3 voices per instrument X 4 instruments).

The Concept of Divisi in Ensembles

In a real-life ensemble setting, notes of a chord are distributed across various instruments, leading to a more natural sound. However, in many MIDI plugins, including Kontakt, this same note is triggered by all instruments simultaneously, leading to an unnatural sound buildup. This is where the Divisi function proves beneficial.

Divisi is a sophisticated feature designed to emulate the distribution of notes across instruments in a real ensemble. This not only produces a more natural sound but also helps in conserving processing power. For example, when you play a C chord in a string quartet patch, Divisi would distribute the three notes across the four instruments, reducing the number of voices being played at any given moment.

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of voices in ProTools and MIDI instruments is crucial for producing high-quality audio content. Whether you are working with solo instruments or complex ensembles, the proper use of Divisi can help you achieve a more natural sound and efficient processing. By optimizing your voicing techniques, you can maximize the potential of your audio production software and enhance your musical projects.

Keywords: ProTools Voicing, Voices in MIDI, Divisi Function