Dorico Workflow Tips - Percussion Maps Demystified

Working with unpitched percussion libraries in Dorico is a different matter, compared to using a sampled instrument like a violin. The main difference is that unpitched percussion is, well... unpitched. In other words the sound is on a single MIDI note. By comparison, a violin is sampled several times and spread over the whole key range, right? So, Dorico needs to know which key is specific to the percussion sample we want to play - and it'll only be one key. We have to know that and tell Dorico. We do that using Percussion Maps.
In this video, I'll demonstrate a wood block pattern using a high and low sample. I'll show how they're configured in a percussion map and show you how you can create your own percussion maps for your preferred percussion samples!

[@martycli9299]

Very useful and well presented. Thanks :)

[@musicchefpro]

You're very welcome!

[@glenirvine6161]

Very useful…thank you!

[@musicchefpro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JanoYago]

Hi thank you for the explanation👍 Very helpfull

[@musicchefpro]

You are welcome!

[@jonathanwingmusic]

Thanks so much for doing this! It's helpful and actually not as hard as it seems once you dig in. One interesting quirk related to percussion (and also sometimes special FX libraries with pitched instruments) is the way some developers will create variations on the type of instrument/articulation, really just a tiny timbral difference to give you options. Or other times, it's a slightly different size of the same instrument - such as a suspended cymbal, you might have 17", 18", and 19" on the same patch. I've been reading and I think you can address this in the edit instrument > edit percussion playing techniques dialogue and attach the noteheads to different playback techniques (you have to create) - and then you would add those to your percussion map. The end result is you can ideally use shift+alt up/down arrows to cycle through the available samples on different midi notes. I still haven't totally figured that part out but after some tests it's kinda coming together. Everything on your channel has really lit the path for me, so thanks again!

[@musicchefpro]

Glad it’s helpful! Thanks for supporting my channel. Often times the variations you mentioned are intended to keep the performance sounding realistic. I think those features are better matched to recording straight into the DAW rather than in notation, perhaps?

[@jonathanwingmusic]

@@musicchefpro Indeed, technically such minor sample variations for playback would have no difference in handing a score to a live player (you wouldn't need to see markings this way), but I have found there are some ways to cheat different samples without having to show it in the score, so that might be the best of both worlds. I'll let you know how it goes!

[@shubus]

One missing step here: In the Track Inspector BOTH wood blocks need to be setup to the same VST, port & channel. And then: Voila!

[@musicchefpro]

Good catch!

[@SoundofDragonSociety]

What is this sine app? does it come with Dorico? Do I need to install another app to work with Dorico Pro 5 in order to assign unpitched percussion sounds?

[@musicchefpro]

Thanks for posting! The SINE player is a sample player made by Orchestral Tools for their sample libraries (like the Berlin Series). No, you shouldn’t have to install another app to use unpitched perc. with Dorico Pro 5. Depending on the sound library you’re using, you’ll likely use either SINE or Kontakt.