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Sonica Instruments
SHO
Virtuoso Japanese Series
User Manual
Version 2.0 — July 2022
Thank you for purchasing SHO, part of Sonica Instruments' Virtuoso Japanese Series.
We hope you fully enjoy SHO, which has been designed to achieve the ultimate in
authentic Japanese sound.
The Sonica Instruments Team

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Summarization of Contents

Version History
Release notes for Update 2.0
Details new features and changes in Update 2.0, including Groove Browser and Status LED.
Release notes for Update 1.5
Details new features and changes in Update 1.5, including NKS and Native Access support.
Introduction to SHO
What is the SHO Instrument?
Explains the sho, a free reed Japanese woodwind instrument used in gagaku music.
Sonica Instruments SHO Library
Introduces the SHO library by Sonica Instruments and its goal to reproduce the sho's sound.
Product Highlights
Details 24-bit/96kHz recordings, mic techniques, and articulation realism for authentic sound.
Key Instrument Controls and Features
Pipe Indicator
Shows the sho pipe arrangement and monitors currently played pipes.
Key Mode and Fingering Options
Explains chromatic and traditional fingering modes for authentic playing feel.
Scale Tuning and Customization
Allows individual fine-tuning of pitches and selection of tuning types like Pythagorean.
Expression and Blow Speed Control
Controls tonal strength and attack via breath input and controller assignments.
SHO Library Features
Polyphonic Legato
Enables gradual addition of tones for legato sustain, controllable with a sustain pedal.
Articulation Assortment
Lists a rich variety of articulations controlled via key switches for expressive performances.
Ensemble Selector
Allows choosing solo or multi-performer ensembles and adjusting balance/spread.
Groove Browser
Browse, preview, and export MIDI grooves directly from the library.
NKS Compatibility
Details NKS readiness for seamless integration with Komplete Kontrol hardware.
MIDI Controller Integration
Required MIDI Controllers
Lists essential MIDI controllers like sustain pedal (CC #64) and modulation wheel (CC #1).
Quick Reference Guide Recommendation
Recommends using the PDF quick reference for an overview of playing techniques.
Product Installation and Setup
Installing Native Access 2
Step-by-step guide to downloading and installing the Native Access 2 tool.
Logging In with Native ID
Instructions for logging into your Native Instruments account.
Serial Code Registration
Registering Your Serial Code
Instructions for entering the 25-digit serial code to register the product.
Overview of SHO Interface
Using the Library with Kontakt
Guides on activating and using the SHO library within Kontakt.
Using the Library with Komplete Kontrol
Explains linking the library with Komplete Kontrol hardware for intuitive control.
Articulation Monitoring
Articulation Monitor Fields Explained
Displays current articulations selected via key switches for chord and single tones.
Articulation Details
Articulation List and Key Switch Parameters
Comprehensive list of chord and single tone articulations with key switch parameters.
MIDI Keyboard Layout and Modes
MIDI Keyboard Layout Overview
Visual representation of key switch and performance zones for playing.
Key Modes: Chromatic vs. Trad. Fingering
Details the two key modes for authentic playing feel and note mapping.
Mix Pane Controls
Audio Mixer Functions
Controls for volume, width, pan, and reverb for microphone channels.
Multi-Channel Output Setup
Guides on setting multiple outputs for DAW integration from KONTAKT.
EQ and Reverb Settings
EQ Controls for Channels
Four-band equalizer for each channel with on/off options.
Reverb Parameters and Options
Adjusts reverb dwell time and volume using 30 convolution reverbs.
MIDI CC Learn and Automation
Assigns MIDI CC messages to control knobs for automation.
Play Pane Controls
Ensemble and Velocity Settings
Settings for ensemble performance and velocity curve adjustments.
Key Trigger Connection System
Key Trigger Connection Operation
How to blend articulations smoothly using key triggers for seamless transitions.
Velocity Source for Key Triggers
Selects velocity source for articulations in Key Trigger Connection.
Performance Control Features
Sustain Pedal Control Behavior
Configures sustain pedal for legato or key trigger connection.
Pitch Bend, Blow Speed, and Expression
Controls pitch bend, attack speed, and tonal character via breath strength.
Tune Pane Controls
Pipe Indicator and Chord Tuning
Displays pipe information and allows fundamental pitch adjustment for chords.
Key Mode, Scale Tuning, and Slots
Manages key mapping, fine-tuning of pitches, and saving custom scales.
Groove Browser Functionality
Groove Browsing and Parameters
Browse, preview, and adjust MIDI grooves with velocity, swing, and tempo controls.
Groove Process and Scale Notes
Controls swing application timing and notes on scale usage with grooves.
Using MIDI Grooves
Loading and Previewing MIDI Grooves
Instructions on loading and previewing MIDI grooves from the browser.
Dragging Grooves to a DAW
How to drag and drop MIDI grooves into a Digital Audio Workstation.
Memory Management
SHO Memory Footprint Control
Selectively load samples to adjust memory usage and KONTAKT footprint.
Komplete Kontrol Integration
Komplete Kontrol Parameters Overview
Overview of intuitive parameter control with Komplete Kontrol hardware.
Inst Editor and Mixer Mic/Vol Controls
Details on Inst Editor and Mixer Mic/Vol settings for sound customization.
Mixer and EQ Controls
Mixer Width and Pan Adjustments
Adjustments for stereo width and panning of individual microphone channels.
Reverb and Direct/Overhead EQ
Controls for reverb send volume and EQ for Direct/Overhead channels.
Channel EQ and Groove Parameters
Room and Stereo EQ Settings
Adjustments for Room and Stereo channel EQ for fine-tuning.
Groove Browser Parameter Control
Controls specific to the Groove Browser, such as Velocity, Swing, Grid, and Process.
Credits
Production and Development Credits
Lists executive producer, recording, programming, GUI design, and marketing team members.

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