However, the real power behind VST Expression was arguably its pervasive implementation across different areas of Cubase. Articulations were accessible via the Project window’s Inspector and the Key editor, of course; but VST Expression Maps also included data for interpreting Articulation Events in the Score editor. In addition to being able to switch between articulations such as legato and pizzicato using what Cubase termed as Directions, it was also possible to specify additional Attributes for certain notes. For example, you might be playing the legato articulation (or Direction), but want to make one note play an accent using a different sample set. Assuming your map was set up correctly, this could be achieved by setting a note’s Attribute to Accent in the Event Infoline. An accent symbol would automatically be added to the appropriate note in the Score editor.
In Cubase 6, VST Expression is now known under the more generic‑sounding banner of Expression Maps. (For those who are interested, ‘VST Expression’ is now used as a marketing term to describe a family of related functionality that includes Expression Maps.) However, there have been some other, non‑lexical improvements as well.
One of the hurdles to overcome when using VST Expression in Cubase 5 was that suitable Maps would first need to exist for instruments. Some Maps were made available by developers, but often users would need to create them manually. And while not exactly a task that would validate an application for Mensa, this extra step may have prevented some from garnering the full potential of Expression Maps.
This situation has changed in Cubase 6. Thanks to a 3.5 update to the VST3 plug‑in specification, VST Instruments can now declare keyswitch data to Cubase, so that a suitable Expression Map can be created automatically. Assuming you have a suitable VST 3.5 plug‑in loaded with a patch that has registered its keyswitches — such as the included Halion Sonic SE with the Halion Symphonic Orchestra library installed — a special option will be available from the Expression Maps pop‑up menu called Import Key Switches. Select this, and you’ll be ready to go.
The fact that the command to automatically create Expression Maps is called ‘Import Key Switches’ is an indication that, disappointingly, the concept of Expression Maps in general is still tied to keyswitches. By keyswitch, I mean a note on the keyboard that triggers an articulation change instead of making a sound. Although keyswitches are arguably the most common approach used by libraries, it does seem a shame that you can’t trigger different sample sets (or Sound Slots, to use the Cubase terminology) via other MIDI messages, such as program or control changes. This is particularly annoying given the fact that you can make a Sound Slot change trigger different types of MIDI messages if you want to make a Map that works with older hardware synths.