Synchronizing
Forma Labs // System Initialization
This walkthrough builds a complete string quartet configuration from scratch, demonstrating the core Filament workflow.
Load four string instrument plugins:
Select Keyswitch 1. In the input voice panel:
Key Range: C2 – C7, Fade Low: 0, Fade High: 0
Key Range: C1 – B2, Fade Low: 0, Fade High: 6 semitones
The fade zone on Voice 1 means notes approaching C2 from below will reduce in velocity, preventing a hard split with Voice 0.
Connect Voice 0 to all four output rows:
The Split module will assign chord notes across the four connections. The cello octave is achieved by the −12 transpose on its grid connection.
If your string libraries support keyswitching:
Save the current keyswitch state as an orchestration named "String Quartet — Sustained". You can now load variations of this onto other keyswitches (e.g., a pizzicato-only version on Keyswitch 2).
Play a chord on your keyboard. The Split module distributes the four chord tones across Violin I, Violin II, Viola, and Cello. Transpose on the Cello row places it an octave below the written pitch.
Switch to Keyswitch 2 for the pizzicato variant while audio continues uninterrupted.