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Frequently Asked QuestionsHere are some questions you may have about the Wavelore American Zither. Please look through them if you have a problem with your library or if you are considering purchasing a copy. If your question is not answered here, you're welcome to drop us a line at info@wavelore.com
Q: What is an "American Zither"? A: A Zither from America. Next question. Just kidding-well first you may want to know what a zither is. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary (http://www.m-w.com) defines it as follows: Pronunciation: 'zi-[th]&r;, -th&r; That's pretty much it. Let us amend this entry for clarity's sake by mentioning that the samples in The American Zither library were performed not with pick or fingers, but with wooden mallets. More on this later. Zithers come from many different cultures. They represent such a fundamental concept in string instrument design that it is not uncommon for many types to come from one area. Numbers of strings can vary widely, various sizes and shapes exist (add some frets and you've got a guitar, for example), and some even come with "thumper gizmos", where the push of a button can engage a spring-loaded device that plays a string or group of strings for you. Our reference to the "American Zither" is a nod to a manufacturer who made such instruments in New Jersey during the late 1800's through the first quarter of the twentieth century. For decades after that period, many models continued to be made by various companies, most of whom also operated in the New England area. The only instrument made in the U.S during this period which is still in production is the Auto-Harp, a zither that is strummed with a pick or the player's fingers while chord buttons are pressed to damp unwanted notes. This allows a sonorous accompaniment (typically) for a voice or other instrument. Think, The Lovin' Spoonful's, "Do You Believe In Magic?". Q: So is the Wavelore American Zither a sampled Auto-Harp? A: No, the model we sampled is called a "Chartola". It has no dampers, and (in the case of how the samples are played) is not plucked or strummed, but struck with hard wooden mallets. The sound ended up resembling a "Marxophone", which is almost identical to a Chartola, except that it's strings are set in motion by small metal mallets that bounce on the strings after being activated by a key. For an idea of this sound, check out The Doors' "Alabama Song". Rolls performed on a Chartola with hard mallets come very close to this. As an example of one of the American Zither library's many musical applications, it could be used to create a pretty faithful rendition of the Marxophone parts in "Alabama Song". It also resembles, of course, the sound of a hammered dulcimer. Don't forget there's a demo player at the top of this page (and every page on this site) that you can use anytime. There's also a playable trial version for GS3 or GVI owners, available in the extras section of this site. Q: Why hard mallets and not soft ones? A: It would've been a bit much at the time to record both, and so we simply chose the mallets with the brightest tone and best feel for performance. They are acually pictured as part of the library's Gigapulse interface. The brightest-tone choice was made so that we would end up with samples that have a rich spectrum, which would in turn lend well to EQ and filtering. We are also proud of the way the samples lend themselves to the resonance models we made using Gigapulse, allowing the user a degree of tonal control that works independantly of the percieved amount of resonance. Quite simply, hard mallets gave us really cool sounding, pliable samples covering a wide dynamic range. Q: So there are no plucked samples in the American Zither library? A: No. A: Quite honestly, we didn't know how big this thing was gonna turn out until all the samples were edited, and you've gotta stop sampling sometime and make an instrument out of the stuff. Since TASCAM's Giga technology does such a great job of losslessly compressing the audio data, it turned out we could have squeezed the plucked equivalent onto the same DVD. Don't worry: It's very likely that we'll be putting together more samples of this instrument and other similar ones in future installments. In the meantime, isn't 1.5 gigabytes (2.1 before compression) of impeccably recorded, edited and programmed virtual zither plenty for now? Sheesh! Q: Isn't twelve samples per velocity layer overkill? Why so many? A: According to standards set by most sample libraries to date, it is overkill. If this library had been produced a few years ago, it would probably contain one or two hits per dynamic. We recorded fifteen to twenty, and settled on the best twelve. We did it this way because we knew that a common musical application for such an instrument is to have it play rolls. GVI's iMIDI tremolo rule allows rolls to be constructed from single shots, but that would sound very repetitive with one or two samples, so we set up twelve, where samples 1 through 8 alternate round-robin-style in normal playing, and samples 5 through 12 alternate in rolls. Speed is controlled by the modwheel, and an optional version has dynamics switched by CC#2 (Breath). This arrangement gives the player access to all 72 samples per-note continuously during rolls. Other presets use all 12 in round-robin or randomized fashion. The samples are similar enough to sound consistent, but have those slight, normally imperciptible differrences that render the fast repetitions convincing. This alternation of many samples is also great for slow playing, chords, arpeggios, melodies...everything. We think those differences are percieved, though not necessarily consciously. It makes for a very natural and fun instrument to play. See for yourself: Download the free demo for GS3/GVI users. Q: What's all this "iMIDI" stuff? A: iMIDI is short for "Intelligent MIDI", sometimes referred to as "Smart MIDI". GS3 contains the means to program all these great performance features into sampled instruments-performance features that are beyond the scope of typical MIDI control (Let's call it, for the moment, "Stupid MIDI", even thought it's pretty intelligent in itself), and hence their name: "iMIDI Rules" Though these rules can only be configured in Gigastudio, GVI and "Powered by GVI" libraries can use them, if already set in place by the developer. One example of an iMIDI Rule is the Mando-Tremolo Rule. Using this rule on an instrument with multiple round-robin samples results in a simple but useful articulation switch: Simple playing the keyboard will trigger single notes, cycling through a portion of the alternate samples. However, holding a note and moving the modwheel (or other controller) will cause the note to repeat over and over, using a different portion of the alternate samples. The position of the modwheel determines the speed of the repetitions. This will go on until you either set the wheel back to zero, or until you release the note. Using this rule, we were able to construct rolls that have expressive realtime control over speed with the ability to switch easily to "normal" playing, all without having to use different samples. Sampling rolls of every possible speed, including acceleration/deceleration, at multiple dynamics is virtually impossible. It would also cause an awful burden on you RAM, and be a pain to program. With the iMIDI Mando-Tremolo, you can perform any roll imaginable using just the basic "hit" samples! Another example of an iMIDI Rule is the Dynamic Expression Filter, often referred to as a morphing filter. This second term is fitting, as it actually allows one to use a control source, say, your modwheel, to "morph" from one dynamic layer to another, but using just a single sample. This rule not only eliminates nasty phasing problems inherent in traditional crossfade methods, but reduces the number of velocity-layer samples that are needed to create a convincing sampled instrument. It can also be assigned to respond to velocity, allowing non-sustaining instruments to play in full multi-dynamic glory with, again, a single velocity layer. The American Zither, for instance, uses this method to provide (along with the full six velocity-layer instruments), economy versions of all instruments where only one-sixth the amount of RAM is used for buffering samples as compared the the full instrument. A: That's not even a question! But don't worry-you will. We'll be hosting a bunch of tutorial material on iMIDI rules and how to use them. Check back often. As far as how iMIDI is implemented in the American Zither, you can download the free trial version (including playing instructions) in the extras section to play with the iMIDI features. If you'd really like some more info on iMIDI, for now, please check out the forums listed in the support section. There have been many discussions about these things, and some very useful information has been passed around. There are also some documents available at http://www.tascamgiga.com/support.html that explain many of GS3/GVI's coolest features. Q: What's all this "Gigapulse" stuff?? Can you even speak plain English!?? A: I'm trying, OK!?? Gigapulse is TASCAM's convolution engine. It comes with Gigastudio 3, GVI, "Powered by GVI" Libraries (like the American Zither), and is available as a VST plugin as well. For a better understanding of the different versions, what they are, and what they do, you can visit: http://www.tascamgiga.com/gp/index.html In the meantime, just so you know, its relevance to the Wavelore American Zither is that we used Gigapulse Pro (included with GS3 Orchestra) to design sympathetic string resonance (sort of like when you hold a piano's sustain pedal and play a loud note, causing the other strings to "echo" that note) and body resonance models that color and enrich the sound of the dry samples. This feature can be included in various forms of sustain-pedal automation (which can behave, for example, like the above-noted piano) when you load any instrument from the library, or it can be omitted, since the dry samples sound good by themselves. Call it a fun bonus, if you like, but we'll get offended. We think it's one of the library's coolest features. Q: What does the free trial version include? A: The trial version gives you a .gig file, which requires TASCAM GVI or GS3. It contains one velocity layer, enhanced with GVI's spectral morphing filters for full dynamic range within this single layer. It has a playing range of one octave, and uses more heavily compressed samples than the full version. By installing it, you agree to the terms outlined in the included End User Licence Agreement (EULA). This agreement grants you the right to use the samples however you wish, for as long as you wish, with the following exceptions:
Q: What do I get in the full version that I don't get in the free trial? A: Most importantly, you get a license to use the samples commercially (Of, course, you are still not granted the right to redistribute-that's our job). Besides that, you get all six dynamics, automated gigapulse resonance modelling, the full three-and-a-half octave playing range, a host of keyswitchable stacked instruments, plus the GVI engine, which includes the NFX plugins and VST/Standalone functionality. The full version also uses lossless compression for higher fidelity, as opposed to the heavier compression used on the free trial, which results in a slight loss of audio quality. Q: I am a Mac user. Can I install and run the Wavelore American Zither? A: Not yet. TASCAM is working hard on making the GVI engine Macintosh compatible, and when that happens, the American Zither will be as well. Q: How do I get my hands on this magical sounding "Full Version"? A: Go to the order page. We use secure PayPal transactions, so we'll get your payment, you'll get your product, and nobody's important private information will be shared with anyone who is not a party in the transaction. Q: So How do I play this thing? A: If you own the full American Zither library, just click on the help icon at the top-right of the interface. A file will open which contains detailed instructions. If you've downloaded the trial version, you should find a readme file inside the .zip file. It contains the same explanations, sparing you the details on features that are omitted in that version. If something about either of the versions still doesn't click with you, drop us a line at support@wavelore.com and we'll do our best to fix you up. Q: Why isn't my expression pedal switching between the velocity layers on the iMIDI rolls? A: One of two reasons:
Q: What's an "Includes TASCAM® GVI™" or "Powered by GVI™"? A: That means that this sample library comes bundled with and is tied to TASCAM's software sample playback engine (Giga Virtual Instrument, or GVI) which is based on their flagship software sampler, Gigastudio 3. The bundled software engine is essentially a "player", in that it cannot be used to "create" new samples or virtual instruments. It is simply bundled as a convenient way for you to own and use the library without having to purchase a separate sampler. It has the added benefit of running as a VSTi plugin, so you can use it in your sequencer of choice just like any other VSTi. Q: Can the GVI player edit sample libraries at all? A: It can't edit the actual wave data that the library contains, and it can't edit iMIDI. Other than that, you can use it to edit just about any aspect of the library's content. You do get access to common controls like envelope parameters, LFO's, fine/coarse tuning, etc. Typical sampler stuff. You can also create your own stacked instruments and keyswitch setups, as well as remap keys just like in GS3 and GVI. Any such edits you perform can be saved as user presets. You can also apply TASCAM's included NFX plugins, including reverb, chorus, delay and EQ. You do not get access to things like the ability to export/edit/import audio data, combining articulations at the instrument level, crossfade edits, etc. It is our promise that we have covered all the bases you'll need to use this library right out of the box. If you feel something about the library needs improvement, or would like to see a specific add-on, let us know, and we'll gladly issue an update. Just e-mail your request to support@wavelore.com. Q: Can I use it to play my existing Gigastudio/Gigasampler libraries? A: No. Currently a single instance of the player is required to run each GVI-powered library that a user owns. As developers create more libraries using this platform, users can add them together under the same interface. For example, we are already working on some free add-on instruments for the American Zither, which will be incorporated into the interface as service updates are released. These bonus materials are meant as both a thank-you to our customers, and as a way to narrow the gap between the present and the near future, when we expect to have several products that can run under a single interface. This extra content is intended to help you get the most out of the American Zither in the meantime. Q: Can I play the American Zither in Gigastudio? A: No. The American Zither uses a format which is proprietary to the GVI Player, as distinct from GVI itself. The only application that can play the samples is the bundled software engine. However, one of the major features of the upcoming Gigastudio 4 is the ability to load any number of these libraries within a single instance of its engine. Q: Can I play the American Zither in GVI? A: No. The American Zither uses a format which is proprietary to the GVI Player, as distinct from GVI itself. The only application that can play the samples is the bundled software engine. However, one of the major features of the upcoming Gigastudio 4 is the ability to load any number of these libraries within a single instance of its engine. Q: What is the Syncrosoft License Control Center (LCC)? A: The Syncrosoft License Control Center is a piece of software that manages your license(s) for software that is copy-protected by the Syncrosoft eLicenser. All "Powered by GVI" libraries use this protection scheme, as well as GVI itself, The Vienna Symphonic Library's VI products, and others such as products by Steinberg and IK Multimedia. A Syncrosoft eLicenser (commonly referred to using the blanket term for USB protection devices, "dongle") resembles a common USB memory stick, though it stores software licenses, and no other data. A single eLicenser can store hundreds of licenses, all of which are downloaded using the LCC software which is installed at the same time as the samples and the GVI engine. All you need to do is run the application, enter your authorization code when prompted, and download your license to the eLicenser. Q: Blah Blah. I already own an eLicenser. It came with my copy of blah blah, which is protected by Syncrosoft. Are you gonna make me use up another USB port? A: Heck, no! You can save a few bucks, and order a copy of the Wavelore American Zither with no eLicenser included! You'll just have to use the LCC to download your license to your current eLicenser. A: It's a simple five step job:
Now that you know how to authorize your Wavelore American Zither, take comfort in the fact that your eLicenser will arrive fully loaded. That is to say, you won't actually have to perform steps 3 and 4. They'll already be done, unless you don't order an eLicensor, in which case you'll still need to download your license. Q: How about if I'm installing it on a machine without an internet connection? A: This process simply involves two extra steps, for a total of seven:
Now that you know how to authorize your Wavelore American Zither on a machine without an internet connction, take comfort in the fact that your eLicenser will arrive fully loaded. That is to say, you won't actually have to perform steps 2 thru 5. They'll already be done, unless you don't order an eLicensor, in which case you'll still need to download your license. Q: Can I use the American Zither on more than one computer? A: No. You can install it on as many machines as you'd like, but you can only use it on one at a time, since your eLicenser must be connected to a USB port in order for the GVI engine to run. Q: What if I break or lose my eLicencer? A: Details to be ironed out, but we are working toward a solution that will put your heart at ease. Q: What are the system requirements for playing the American Zither? A: We've copied below what TASCAM has to say about the kind of computer you need to run the GVI engine. The American Zither alone is not as demanding (in terms of polyphony, and thus CPU/disk streaming and RAM) as a large orchestral template, but CPU demands do increase significantly when running Gigapulse. It is also reasonable for us to expect that you will use it along side other digital audio applications and/or virtual instruments. For this reason, we strongly suggest using their "Recommended" system specs, as shown below. If possible, your system should even exceed these requirements. Also note that the American Zither is a perfomance-oriented virtual instrument, and as such, you will get more out of it if you have a MIDI controller with at least a four-octave range, a modwheel, sustain pedal, assignable expression pedal (or breath controller), and several (five, to be exact) assignable knobs/faders for realtime control of portamento time and Gigapulse features. Notes on changes to TASCAM's specs: Under "Application Hard Drive Space", we have increased the values of 1000MB to 2500MB under both the minimum and recommended specifications, as compared to TASCAM's GVI system requirements. This reflects the inclusion of the American Zither's approximately 1500 MB of samples with the GVI engine. We have also increased the RAM amounts to twice their original value, from 256MB and 512MB to 512MB and 1024MB respectively. Used by permission of TASCAM: As with all audio software, GVI's performance is directly proportional to the speed of your PC system. With disk-based sampling the hard disk speed and CPU speed govern the overall polyphony that can be achieved. A. General System Requirements Minimum: required for GigaVi to run. Recommended: B. Sofware/Audio Card compatibility GigaVi requires either,
C. Some hard drive considerations If any disk drives have thermal calibration or other control processes that may detract from real time continuous data transfer from the hard disk, there may be audible pops in the audio and use of these drives should be avoided. Some A/V drives that do NOT guarantee data integrity should be AVOIDED. Hard disk 'compression' should not be used. Periodic disk de-fragmentation is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, please use the Windows de-frag utility only. ©2007 Wavelore Instruments. All Rights Reserved. TASCAM is a registered trademark and the TASCAM logo and GVI are trademarks of "TEAC" a Teac America Inc. Company. All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Wavelore Instruments or TASCAM. 
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