Cakewalk Project 5 Version 2

Project Proposal

Cakewalk’s Project 5 began life as a software groove workstation of sorts – combining, loop manipulation, MIDI and softsynths. Version 2 takes significant steps forward from version 1 in several areas, including a redesigned user interface, the addition of audio recording, the powerful GrooveMatrix, a flexible per-track Arpeggiator, audio recording, the new Dimension and PSYNII DXi synths, Rewire hosting and client support, tap tempo, and more. Project 5 Version 2 addresses a similar market to that of Ableton Live, ACID™ and to some degree Reason, but with it’s own approach to the world of grooves.

Project 5 Version 2 is geared towards the user that wants to build grooves quickly without necessarily creating their own loops and sequences from scratch, and perform live with a variety of triggering options. Being able to import and edit ACIDized loops makes it compatible with the large contingent of ACID™ libraries currently available, and opens a wide range of possibilities. Project 5 Version 2 also comes with a respectable complement of software instruments, as well as audio recording, and very flexible MIDI triggering possibilities. This review will point out new features for existing Project 5 (v1) users, as well as cover the program as a whole for anyone looking for such a product. New features, or sections containing new features are highlighted with an asterisk (*).

Project Planning

Project 5 Version 2 comes on a DVD, as do most new programs now, due to the size of the extra content. A nice splash menu installer greets the user, making it quite easy to install, select the destination for the install, and even reinstall portions of the program if necessary. Project 5 Version 2 requires DirectX 9, and will install it if not present on the system. Installation went without a hitch on my review system. There is a library of sample loops and wav files in the Extra Content folder that must be copied manually, but are a good place to start when learning Project 5, or just giving it a test drive before diving into a project.

Configuring Project 5 Version 2 is also quite simple. Audio and MIDI devices can be setup under the Options menu. Project 5 Version 2 supports WDM, ASIO, and Dsound audio drivers (Dsound is for older audio cards). Playback bit depth can be set for either 16 or 24 bit, as well as audio file bit depth. Sample rate can be set for any standard rate from 11k up to 96k. If playback is set for 24 bit, Project 5 Version 2 must be set for the byte alignment the audio card is using – LSB or MSB (least significant byte vs. most significant byte). The simplest explanation is that some audio cards utilize a different justification for how bytes are aligned in the full 32-bit word (PC audio is processed in 32-bit data words), and software playback must correspond. LSB is the default because if incorrect, audio will simply playback at a very low volume. If this is the case, selecting MSB will return Project 5 Version 2 to normal playback levels for the user’s audio card. MSB was the correct setting for my RME audio card. Both ASIO and WDM drivers were tested during this review.

Project Launch

The best way to start off Project 5 Version 2 for a new user is to go through the tutorial in the quick start manual. With current DVDs, there are some files missing for the tutorial (which Cakewalk is aware of and addressing in a future release), but at least a user can get a quick overview and some practice with Project 5’s major features. There are also several demo projects that provide a reference point for Project 5’s capabilities.

Project 5 Version 2 contains all necessary access in one main window that includes tracks, track parameters, inserts (FX) options, and the Editor/Loops and Patterns window, which can be either docked below the main window, or floating. Putting together tracks is as simple as inserting audio or instrument tracks, right clicking on instrument tracks to get a drop down list of available software instruments (both DXi and VSTi, via Cakewalk’s VST-DirectX wrapper) to insert; and dragging sequence patterns (for instruments) or loops (for audio tracks) onto their respective tracks. Simply dragging an audio file or loop into blank space on the arrange pane will create an audio track – a nice time saver. Project 5 Version 2 will adapt Acidized files to the project tempo, and of course patterns for instrument tracks also follow tempo settings, as with any MIDI file.

As with any product, reading the Quick Start guide is a minimum for getting a feel for the potential of Project 5 Version 2, and reading the manual opens even more possibilities. Project 5 Version 2 is relatively straightforward to use, even for users new to Cakewalk products.

Project Progress Report

Get In The Groove:
Project 5 Version 2 combines aspects of a traditional digital audio workstation (DAW) with loop-based composition tools and a nice software instrument library with the idea that a user would have everything they need to start composing music, right out of the box (hardware sold separately of course). The main sections of Project 5 Version 2 are the Main Control view, the Editor, and the Loops/Patterns browser. The Editor and Loops/Ptns sections share the same window, which can be docked below the Main Control view, or floated and freely placed anywhere – on another monitor for example.

*The Main Workspace:
There is no mixer view as with traditional DAWs, but everything you need is in this one window. This contains a traditional track view (Arrange Pane, formerly called Tracker) with a track inspector section for each. Beside each track, in the Track Pane, you have access to record enable, monitor, mute, solo, volume, pan, and show/hide automation buttons for each track. For each selected audio track, a full left-side Track Inspector column provides access to add effects, and access to aux sends.

Another feature accessible here is Device Chains where the user can create and store chains of DX/VST instruments, effects, etc, for easy duplication in the project, or in other projects. Similar to combinations or performance setups on many popular synthesizer workstations, this is an easy way to setup for performances, or store favorite instrument and effect combinations. The MIDI Track Inspector contains access to MIDI effects, a per-track arpeggiator, insert instruments, insert audio effects for the instrument’s output, and Aux sends. MIDI input port/channel, note range (useful for splits/layers), velocity range, transpose and channel send can also be set here. There is no MIDI output built in for using external MIDI instruments, but there is a DXI plug in that handles this available on Cakewalk’s website.

Track Inspector:
The Main Control view also includes a new Bus Pane, which gives access to show/hide the aux busses, main buss, and the new Tempo Track. The main header bar includes tempo, tap tempo, swing value (for the project), display time (measure/bar/tick, or hours/min/seconds), transport with a global record arm/disarm, and edit/automation select tools, loop enable, global volume and grid enable/quantize values. For DX and VST instruments, as well as Rewire instruments, a heading called “Active Output” appears with a drop down list to enable or bypass any or all of the available outputs for that instrument, and select which output is being accessed when inserting effects.

While the drop down list of outputs saves space by selecting which output the Track Inspector applies to, some form of Mixer window would be nice – with the option to dock or float it, similar to the way the Editor window is handled.

*Recording:
Version 2 now includes audio recording. Audio tracks can be set for left, right or stereo input, for the selected input device (set in the Audio Options). Only one input is accessible, but for most Project 5 Version 2 users, overdubbing a solo, lead or rhythm part, this won’t be a limitation. When recording a part over a looped section, Project 5 Version 2 will continue to create takes for that track. Each take has it’s own mute, solo and arm control making it easy to review and select the best take. The desired take can be moved to the main audio track if desired, and unwanted takes can then be deleted, along with their take lanes. One minor issue I ran into was setting the length of a recorded clip. While the grid is on, the length is still determined by when the user stops recording. In most recording applications, this is normal and perfectly fine, but for building grooves and loops, it would be nice to have the option to set the end of the clip to measure or beat boundaries automatically.

Editing:
Clips can be recorded or dragged onto a track in the Arrange Pane. If there is no track of that type (e.g. audio for a loop), one is automatically created, or if you drag to open space in the Arrange Pane, one is created – a time saving feature. Once your loop or MIDI clip (many rhythm and arpeggiated patterns are included), dragging the left end out repeats the clip, locked to the grid value selected. (The grid resolution ranges from Measure down to 128th notes, and can be turned off for sliding clips freely). This makes it easy repeat loop for as many measures as desired. Be aware however, if you record a MIDI or audio track, and don’t end on the grid boundary you want to repeat, you won’t be able to do this as easily. The Editor however allows you to edit the size of the clip, which isn’t difficult to do as long as you turn off the “lock” which keeps notes and the grid the same size. Clips can also be copied using ctrl-drag, and will lock to the grid boundary selected, when Snap is active. While editing could be improved (compared to more extensive, and expensive DAW applications), it is good for a loop-based application.

Editor Window:
The Editor provides even more control over MIDI and audio. Within the MIDI editor, note size, value and any controller data can be drawn, selected and edited either in a freeform grid or step entry, using the respective edit tool: Selection, Note or Automation. Controller data overlays notes, and when using the Selection Tool the cursor shows a line pattern when you are editing the controller value instead of the note itself. Within the MIDI Editor, you can also select what pattern you want to edit – whether in use in the project or not, then record or send that edited pattern to a track. Other features include step entry, swing value settings, transpose, flam, note gating, save and load patterns. Step entry mode is quick and simple for drum sequences, arpeggiated patterns, as well as editing recorded sequences. Since Step mode gives the user control over the number of steps in the pattern being edited, it can also be treated as a pattern sequencer.

The audio Editor allows you to edit slices within an ACIDized or sliced loop, change the pitch, pan and gain of any slice or the loop using the Automation Tool. The quantize grid sets the resolution for automation and edits. This is a powerful area for simply tweaking a slice within a loop, or mangling the loop at will with wild pan, pitch and gain changes. The results can be then be either automatically updated in the Arrange Pane, sent or saved to a new loop pattern, or exported as a wav file. Tthe browser can be refreshed by pushing F5 on your PC keyboard. Project 5 Version 2 allows you to drag and drop audio files, loops, etc from Windows Explorer.

Loops/Patterns:
The Loops/Ptns window is the browser for locating and accessing patterns (MIDI clips) and loops. Browse mode shows a category list for accessing various styles of patterns, such as Drums, Bass, Arpeggiator, Automation, etc. Explore mode gives access to all disks, folders etc. Another useful mode is In Project, which lists patterns contained within the project categorized as In Use or Not In Use. You can also create shortcuts to your own loop libraries on other drives, or across a network.

*GrooveMatrix:
One of the key features of Project 5 version 2 is the GrooveMatrix, which allows the user to create grooves and song sections by dragging clips from the Arrange Pane into a matrix of cells. Each column is a separate groove instance, with a header for activating and controlling that section. Each track has it’s own row in the GrooveMatrix. For example, you could create a 4 bar section in the Arrange Pane with audio clips, virtual instruments, live audio, etc. Then drag those clips to a cell in each of 4 different columns. The first column might be just drums and bass, the second might add keys, the third, guitar, and the fourth would add another guitar part. Each column can be assigned a MIDI controller – MIDI notes for example. Using the MIDI controller, you can then trigger any section you wish. It is quite easy then to create an arrangement by triggering each section. An arrangement can be recorded by enabling record beneath the GrooveMatrix and triggering the sections as desired. This is a great tool for testing different arrangements, live performance, and just for working up new ideas. Listen to the example here.

In this example, the first section is a 4 bar loop of guitar, bass, drum loop and a vocal clip. This section repeats twice in the first 8 bards of the arrangement. Another feature of Groove Matrix is that Groove cells can be set to playback in sync with the Arrange Pane (song), as triggered (synced with the section only), or One-Shot. The vocal sample in this loop is set for One-Shot, so it only plays the first iteration of this section (first 2 bars). There are four Groove Matrix sections used to create this sample song – two are 4-bar grooves, and two are 1-bar transitions. One aspect of the Groove Matrix that isn’t as flexible as creating a linear arrangement in the Arrange Pane is editing parts to only play for a portion of a bar, or only on bar 3 of a 4-bar groove, for example. However, when the arrangement is recorded, it creates a linear arrangement in the Arrange Pane with full copies of each loop, sequence or audio clip. The user can then edit this as any with any other arrangement, adding, deleting, editing existing clips, or adding new ones to enhance sections.

Project 5 Version 2 Instruments and Effects

Project 5 Version 2 includes 7 instruments and 11 effects. Another new feature in version 2 is Freeze. A popular feature, especially with slower PCs, this function freezes an instrument with its’ effects by writing an audio file to disk that is played back in place of the instrument. This saves significant CPU usage, especially with more CPU hungry synths such as Dimension. Freeze is quick and easy to activate, and very useful when working on more CPU intensive projects. With the included DX instruments, most every parameter is automatable. The only downside to Project 5’s implementation is that each DXi automation parameter is listed in alphanumeric order, in lists divided by length, rather than divided by section or parameter type – just one long list.

For DX or VST instruments with multiple outputs, the Track Inspector will have a drop down list under “Active Output” to select which output the Inspector applies to, as well as a list of all output that can be bypassed (a quick way to enable all but one, or disable all but one without checking each individually). Under the instrument name in the Track Pane, the currently active output number is also shown.

Instruments

Cyclone:
Cyclone is a loop triggering instrument with 16 pads. Each pad can be assigned an audio file. Each pad can be set for one-shot, loop, synced and latched playback. Each also includes pan, volume and pitch control. A Pad Editor divides ACIDized loops into components as blocks on a timeline. The user can then change the gain, pitch and pan of each block individually. Each pad can be assigned a MIDI note or range, MIDI channel and separate audio output.

DS864 Sampler:
The DS864 is a sampler with 8 layers and 64 voices available. Each layer has access to two filters, pitch and amplitude envelope generators, and three LFOs that can be synced to tempo. This is an interesting place to create rhythmic sounds, effects, alterations on existing samples, etc. DS864 supports Akai S5000/6000, Kurzweil, and Soundfont sample sets, as well as aiff and wav files, and it’s own sample format, .dp8.

*Dimension:
This is a sample playback synth that comes with over 3Gb of samples. Sound sets include drums, bass, guitars, keys, pianos, organs, strings, bells, leads, pads, “dimensions” which are more complex pads and sound effects, some musical grooves, and layers. The raw multisamples are useful, if not overly realistic as most aren’t multi-sampled to the level of a dedicated sample library (e.g. guitars, pianos, etc). However, the power of Dimension doesn’t simply lie within the sample set, but the configuration of the synth and what you can do with those samples.

Dimension includes 4 Elements that can each be assigned a multisample. Each Element has it’s own filter, LoFi and drive sections, three EQs, effects, LFO and modulators (pitch, cutoff, resonance, pan and amplitude), and in multitimbral mode, can be assigned separate MIDI channels (1-4). The modulators include LFOs with multiple waveform types, user drawn envelopes, etc. Modulation destinations can also be assigned to MIDI controllers freely in a MIDI controller matrix window found by selecting the MIDI icon. The Element effects section includes delays, chorus, phaser, filters, detuner, and many more. Each can be set for multiple filter modes (low pass, band pass, etc). Multiply that by four, then add a master effects section with two effects, and send routing for each element and you have an impressive synth. The depth of programming Dimension could take a review in and of itself. Suffice it to say, this is a very powerful and programmable soft synth, especially considering the price of Project 5 Version 2. For many users, this synth alone may be worth the price of admission as it makes a rather nice sound design tool.

Two audio examples of Dimension’s capabilities have been included. The first example demonstrates a 4-Element patch with orchestra and synth pad multisamples used to create an expansive, expressive pad. All effects and parts are included with Dimension. The second example demonstrates how Dimension can be used to create a full song. The drum loop is from the loop library, but could have been loaded into Dimension and triggered there. Dimension does require a bit of CPU power, but by comparison to other softsynths of similar functionality, this is to be expected.

Roland GrooveSynth:
This is a General MIDI 2 compatible software synthesizer with 256 sounds and 9 drum sets from the Roland Groove Synth library. The full list of General MIDI 2 sounds are here for building GM compatible grooves or songs. GrooveSynth includes a basic Envelope and Filter, along with a Vibrato section, Tone, Character, Portamento, Modulation, Pitch bend, Volume, Pan and tuning.

nPULSE:
This is a synthesis based drum module with three kits included. Each kit can contain up to 12 instruments, with each instrument assignable to one of 5 outputs, tuning, level, pan, etc.

*PSYNII:
This is a subtractive synthesizer with four oscillators, two filters, five 6-stage envelope generators, three LFOs, modulation sections for the EGs and LFOs, Drive, Delay, Mod FX, Portamento and Bend settings. Diving into the routing and modulation options for this synth yields some nice results. LFOs can be tempo synced. Being very programmable, this synth is also capable of quite diverse and creative sounds. One minor complaint with this synth, is readability of parameters due to font style, and a rather compacted layout. At first it may be difficult to follow the layout quickly, but after getting used to the GUI design, it isn’t hard to use. For synths with so many parameters and options, it is hard to design an easy to read GUI without taking up too much screen real estate.

Velocity:
Velocity is a polyphonic drum sampler with 18 voices, each with its’ own pad. It includes several kits, from realistic drums, to 808/909 kits, various dance/techno kits, and percussion. Up to four stereo outputs can be configured in addition to the Master output. Velocity uses multiple layers for multisampled sounds. Each pad has small icons for trigger note, output channel, level, pan, mute, solo, and choke group settings. These are small, but they are there and not to be missed. In addition, each pad has its’ own Loop settings, Filter, Amplitude Envelope, Pitch Envelope, and Sample Edit Controls. A Main section contains volume and pan for the instrument as a whole. Each parameter is fully automatable.

Velocity is more than just a drum sample playback instrument. For example, a kick could be configure with automated filter sweeps in the sequence, a snare with resonance peaks, and a high hat that decays and cuts off on each snare hit, turning a dry acoustic kit into synthetic mayhem.

Audio Effects

Project 5 Version 2 comes with a variety of useful effects, including Chorus/Flanger, Classic Phaser, Compressor/Gate, Tempo Delay, HF Exciter, Modfilter, Para-Q, Spectral Transformer, Alias Factor (for bit decimation and lofi effects), and Studioverb2.

Multivoice Chorus/Flanger can be setup for Mono or Stereo Chorus, 6 Voice Chorus, Ensemble, and Mono or Stereo Flanger, each with three modulating waveforms to choose from. In addition four EQ modes are provide to set the frequency range for the effect, in addition to adding resonance in two of these settings.

Classic Phaser can be setup in Mono, Stereo, or Quad modes, with tempo sync resolutions from 16 beats down to 1/32 of a beat, with dotted and triplet variations of each increment. LFO rate, depth and waveform (three), as well as center frequency are also available.

Compressor/Gate includes attack, release, threshold, ratio and input gain, with a gate that can be turned off, or set for manual or normal modes, as well as it’s own threshold.

Tempo Delay is a tempo syncable delay plugin that can be set for Stereo, Ping (ping-pong), Cross (cross delay pattern), or LRC (left, right, center). Tempo sync resolution can be off, or 16, 8, 4, 2 or 1 beats, or 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, or 1/32 notes, with dotted or triplet values available for all of the above except 1/16th and 1/32nd notes. Project 5’s Tempo Delay also has six EQ modes to filter delayed notes, three of which pass resonant bands.

HF Exciter enhances the high end of the frequency spectrum – basically a high frequency shelf.

ModFilter offers LFO, Envelope Generator and Manual filter modes, tempo syncable with Cutoff, Resonance, and Mod Depth controls. Waveform options include Sine, Triangle, Square and Sample & Hold, with attack and release control for EG modulation.

Para-Q is Project 5’s two-band parametric EQ. While not a high end sounding EQ, it can handle general EQ duties, as well as useful effect-oriented EQ. It can provide reasonable low and high pass filtering with higher bandwidth settings.

Spectral Transformer is a unique combination of effects as a chain, with modulation options. There are four effect slots. Each can be loaded with Transpose, VOC Transpose, Exaggerate, Accumulate, LoHi Filter, Trace or Band Shift effects. Each of these can be modulated by any of three LFOs, or two U-LFOs. Needless to say, this plugin is capable of some quite radical effects. It does however introduce a 46ms latency, which is significant, especially when considered for live use.

Alias Factor is a bit depth decimator plugin with user configurable sampling frequency, filter cutoff, filter resonance, bit depth, and filter cutoff mode. The cutoff mode can be set for Free (self-adjusted), Under (just under the Nyquist frequency for smoother aliasing), At (at the Nyquist point), Over (over Nyquist for rougher aliasing). While some bit decimator plugins just sound harsh, this plugin is capable of noisy, but interesting effects, more kin to radio static than typical digital destruction.

StudioVerb2 is Project 5’s main reverb plugin. StudioVerb2 allows the user to set Room Size, Decay Time, High frequency roll off and decay, density, predelay, motion rate and motion depth. Mix and level controls are also included.

MIDI Effects

Arpeggiator:
An arpeggiator is included in the Track Inspector for each Instrument Track. There is a large library of patterns to choose from via a drop down menu (also in the Loops/Ptn library in the browser for use on MIDI tracks). Note values can be set from measure to 128th note values, with dotted and triplet variations. Octave range, Velocity, Gate, Pitch Offset, Flam amount, pattern format/direction, and MIDI channel can also be set. In addition, the amount of chord mix can be set from 0 to 100% for any amount of “bleed through” of the original chord, mixed with the arpeggiated notes. For instruments such as Dimension, that are multitimbral (Dimension’s four Elements can be assigned to MIDI channels 1-4), the Arpeggiator could be setup to arpeggiate only one Element of a four-Element program.

The Project 5 Version 2 Arpeggiator pattern library is comprised of two main categories: Rhythm and Shape. The Rhythm section includes five subcategories: Arpesque, which contains 32 arpeggio patterns (each with 'a' and 'b' versions); Bass; Guitar; Keyboard (which includes chords and solo/riff patterns); and single note patterns. Shape selections include patterns based on notes played, and the order, including forward, reverse, circle, as played, inward, outward, etc). A complete groove can be created with the Arpeggiator and a few instruments alone ­ add loops, vary up the patterns used, and you have a basis for a complete song. All of these patterns are available as a dropdown selection in the track inspector, or as midi patterns in the browser. This provides a high degree of flexibility for working with, and creating new patterns. Find a pattern you like, except for the last note? Simply find the same pattern in the browser, drop it onto a track, edit in the Editor window, send it back to the track, and/or save it to your own pattern preset. You can also create your own from scratch or other midi tracks and save those as well.

Synchron 32:
Synchron 32 is a MIDI pattern sequencer plugin that can be set for up to 32 steps. The matrix covers a full octave at a time, with eight octaves available. Note names are listed when inserted on an instrument track, and drum labels when used with drum and percussion instruments such as Velocity or nPULSE (nice). For each step, multiple notes can be entered, each with any velocity setting (1-127), flam, legato, bend and multiple controller assignments. The duration of the sequence can be set for 2, 1, 1/2,1/4, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, 1/64th or 1/128th notes. Multiple patterns can be stored with each instance, as well as saved or loaded offline. Synchron runs in sync with the sequencer, but independently (must be started manually and left open to run). Synchron32 is included but not checked by default in the installer (nor are any of the MFX).

Other:
Other included MIDI plugins are the Cakewalk FX Arpeggiator (not as advanced as the Project 5 Version 2 Arpeggiator), Chord Analyzer (useful for finding chord names), Echo Delay (MIDI delay), MIDI Event Filter, Quantize, Transpose and Velocity.

VST Instruments

In addition, Project 5 Version 2 will host DXi, and via Cakewalk’s wrapper, VST plugins. During this review, Project 5 Version 2 ran UAD-1 and other VST plugins, as well as VST instruments from Native Instruments with no problem.

Project Wrap-up

Project 5 Version 2.0 is a powerful and fun way to create grooves, songs, and inspire new ideas. The GrooveMatrix is a great arranging tool; the Arpeggiator is powerful and flexible; and the included instruments are especially Dimension and PSYNII, are very nice additions. With Rewire support, it would also be a nice addition for Reason users looking to expand their recording, MIDI and arranging options. As a live performance tool, Project 5 Version 2 includes many ways to trigger loops, control instruments, and trigger grooves, which should make it quite attractive to anyone combining live performance with some form of backing tracks. There is a demo version available from Cakewalk’s website. While it does need a more current PC to get the most of it, the recent 2.01 maintenance release is reported to improve cpu efficiency by about 10%. While I didn¹t notice an obviously identifiable improvement in normal use, every bit does help, and for some users that may be the difference needed to add that one last Dimension to a project. Anyone looking for a tool to build grooves, and/or perform live should give Project 5 Version 2 a try. Version 1 users should upgrade without hesitation.

* Stay tuned to audioMIDI.com eNews for a follow-up article that will cover using Project 5 V2 as a Rewire Host and Client.

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