Quick Tip: How to Setup Expression Maps in Cubase 9

Here is a quick guide/tutorial on setting up expression maps in Cubase 9. If you run a big template with single track instances of each instrument articulations, this could help you save tracks and computer resources.

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[charlottemcmillan]

Thank you SO much! You saved the day! I'm new to this and couldn't get my expression maps to work. Now they are, thanks to a tip in this video (designating the correct key in the output mapping column). Woot!

[rdalton]

Very helpful. I didn't even know I need to know this but it is going to make creating so much easier! Thanks.

[NathanClearyMusic]

Thanks Todd! I&m currently migrating from Ableton to Cubase and trying to get my head round some of the extra features. This looks super cool so thanks very much for helping and sharing your wisdom! :)

[ChristopherSarapin]

Hello bro. Thank you for the tutorial. I already setup expression map but when I look at Articulation/Dynamics, there is only dynamic.. what can I do to make those articulations appear?

[eds]

Hi Tod, thanks for this tutorial. I'm planning to buy an external Midi-cc controller. I use a Yamaha Moxf as keyboard which has two controller wheels (pitch and vibrato). I'd like to be able to use different expressions while I play (cc-1, cc-7, cc11 etc.). Do you have any recommendations on which type could suit me? Thanks for your reply ;-)

[blacktminister]

Thank you! Great tip and very well explained.

[jellevangiel]

Hi Todd, I’m also using the expression maps that I made myself for different sample libraries. I’m on Cubase 9.5 pro. When I assign it to an instrument track, save the project and open the project again I need to reasign it to all the instrument tracks. How can this be resolved? Or is this a bug? Have you had any issue with this? Thanks!

[danwool]

How is this easier than Key Switches? ...Is it just that the switches are labeled in the map, or is there more? Thx

[vocalead]

Super helpful thanks. How will this behave when group editing instrument tracks? Can you somehow configure it to control several tracks with the same vst? Say for example, making a string quartet (on four separate grouped tracks) to all change to pizzicato, with one master expression map? Is something like that possible? Thanks.

[bobcarwell]

Just learned an important nice thing about this. A downside to inputting articulations with the maps is you can't hear while inputting. BUT: you can play a line in in real time using conventional key switches and hear them as you play. They will then appear captured in the map just as if you had put the articulations in via the expression map track for further editing of the articulations. Really COOL, huh ????

[GirishHothur]

Hey, Todd, this is gold! thanks a ton! does this work on Cubase elements 9?

[ole-thomasbechensten]

I am an 58 years old Norwegian. New on Cubase 9 pro. What do i got in this program when it comes to Symphonic Instruments? And what can you advice me to buy as to improve and build up my instrumentsounds ( quality-samples) on a budget?With my M-audio keystation 61, followed EightyEight 2, 5, and i had very good male and female choir and strings, in addition to outstanding pianosounds. I lost my lisence due to a thunderstorm on that, burning up of by entire computer. But i have seen "the promised land :) )I hope you will find the time to answer.

[maxtofone]

Thanks a lot for this video! May I ask if Cubase 9 score editor has changed from Cubase 7 or it is more or less the same? I assume expression maps are also linked to the score editor, correct? Thanks in advance for any feedback... Cheers, Max

[jeffheftyhorn]

Hey Todd, thanks a lot. By the way, how do you get the different views, getting the key editor to come up on the same page? Thanks Jeff

[letsplayharmonica]

Hey guy, could you please make another tutorial showing how to create those expression maps in Studio One?

[jandm]

Great videos Todd, thanks. I have a couple of questions. Firstly it seems you now have reduced your Template track count by using Expression Maps so you do Templates differently now after this? would that be correct because I just watched your other video about Templates and Expression Maps dont get mentioned yet it seemed that video was uploaded after this one.

the other question is a problem I am having setting Spitfire Albion One Expression Maps as per your video. You dont seem to fill in the Expression Map/Sound Slots/Art 1 field in your example and I followed that exact method and nothing worked. I then had to fill in the Art 1 slot and it worked. I assume you just didnt complete the entire process in this video but skipped that stage? would that be right or am I doing something wrong, does Art 1 Auto fill?

[auralsculpture]

I cant see the articulation names in the key editor - otherwise its working ok. There is a post in the cubase forums that refers to a colour preference in the key editor but I cant find this.  I can see the lanes, make edits but the names of the articulations are not shown

[willb]

the tip about the command > open more dropdowns: The rest: Thanks mate. I have downloaded some preset Maps from Steinberg.

*** I discovered today that holding CMD (mac) and clicking on the e (edit) button on a plugin opens the plugin easily - no "trying to find the right place to click".

[hodshonf]

i can't get any expression maps to load.

i have a Kontakt track with Cinematic String 2, i clock thge load button, browse to the EM file, and nothing happens.

what am i missing?

[cgmuzic]

I recently got a fully licensed Cubase 9, but it doesn't have the expression map feature. Please help me solve this problem.