Why Do I Sometimes Hear Portamento, Especially in Fast Runs? / How to Control and Limit Portamento in SWAM String Sections

Like all SWAM instruments, SWAM String Sections are designed for seamless playability without the need for key switches or pre-selected articulations. Understanding how they work can lead to immediate and satisfying control of your performance. Here's how it works:

- When playing staccato, the "note on velocity" controls the attack of the sound.

- When playing legato, the "note on velocity" of the destination note regulates the portamento time.

So, if you don't want to trigger portamento during legato playing, aim for higher velocity dynamics.

However, you can also adjust the instrument's behavior to suit your playing style and the sensitivity of your MIDI controllers. In the Advanced Parameters, under the MIDI tab, you'll find the following settings:

Portamento Control

- Velocity: The portamento time is controlled by the Note On velocity of overlapping notes.

- CC: The portamento time is controlled by a MIDI Continuous Control (such as Control Change, AfterTouch, NRPN).

Portamento Max Time

This controls the maximum portamento time. You can set it to OFF to disable portamento (no portamento when this value is < 1.1).

Additionally you can remap the Velocity, by clicking on the MIDI button in the home interface, you can access MIDI mapping and assignment options. Here, you can click on velocity and enable a curve to modify the response of input velocity, thereby adjusting the sensitivity of portamento time control during legato playing.

In conclusion, it's advisable to take the time to understand how these settings work, intervene in the parameters if necessary, and practice mastering this mode of interaction. With patience and practice, you can achieve remarkable results. The ability to finely control portamento adds a new dimension of expressiveness to your performances with SWAM String Sections.