BASIC QUESTIONS

What is Trilogy™?
It's a programmable, sample-based Virtual Bass Module software plug-in, which combines a massive 3.1 gigabyte core library with a powerful, yet easy to use interface and synth engine for manipulating the sounds, and creating your own original patches.

So is Trilogy basically a "preset" machine?
Not at all. Of course, we've worked hard to make sure that Trilogy comes with an amazing library of sounds...but it can very easily be used as a catalyst for your own creations. The whole idea is to combine powerful flexibility with an easy to use interface. You can easily create and manipulate your own sounds using the core library as a starting point for your own explorations. Because of the thousands of layers that can be mixed and matched, it's not an exaggeration to say that there are millions of possibilities. Trilogy is designed to be inspiring for many years to come.

Which libraries are included with Trilogy?
The core library in Trilogy is brand new...specially created for this virtual instrument.

Can I delete certain sounds that I don't need from my hard drive?
No. All the core samples of Trilogy are cross-referenced between many different patches and layers. Deleting any samples would destroy numerous patches, complicate updates and lose song compatibility between different systems, making collaboration with other Trilogy users impossible. For all these reasons, we made the single, large wavetable of 3.1 gigabytes. Since inexpensive hard disc storage space is now so readily available, it makes sense to create instruments this way and keeps it much more simple.

What formats does Trilogy import/Can I add my own samples?
Trilogy is a virtual sound module, not a sampler. It doesn't import or load samples other than its own core library. The interface and software exist to manipulate this particular sound set and because of this, we have been able to keep the interface very streamlined and easy to use. There are many good options for software samplers to import and load AKAI sample libraries or AIFF/WAV/SF2 files, etc.

Will there ever be any updates for Trilogy?
We have had several free updates already for LFO sync and platform compatibility. Exciting things are planned for the future, but no specific information has been officially announced yet.

Does Trilogy stream from hard disc?
No. It uses the RAM in your computer, which is far less taxing on your system and allows for better and more reliable host integration.

How much RAM do I REALLY need?
We recommend at least 512Mb of RAM. It will run with less, but we would strongly suggest that you get as much RAM as you can in your computer ...the more the better. You will be able to open more instances and load more sounds with better reliability.

How fast of a computer is necessary to run Trilogy?
We recommend at least a 500mhz machine...the faster the better.

Does Trilogy work on Intel-Macs?
Yes, Trilogy will work on Intel-Macs with a special workaround system we call a 'wrapper'. You can read more about the Intel-Mac wrapper here.

I have Windows Vista 64-Bit, is Trilogy 64-bit compatible?
Trilogy will work on Windows Vista 64-bit edition provided your sequencer host can host 32-bit plug-ins

LICENSING/PROTECTION QUESTIONS

Are there any legal limitations to how I can use Trilogy?
The main limitation is that you are not allowed to use it to make a sample library or another kind of sample-based product. You are also restricted from giving away or posting online any loops or samples created using Trilogy. However, you are able to use Trilogy in all musical recording applications without paying any additional licenses.

Does Trilogy use copy protection?
Yes, we have our own system (not PACE). Once you’ve installed and open the plug-in, you’ll have a 48 hour grace period to use the product without authorization. To continue using the instrument on that computer, you’ll need to authorize the plug-in on our web site. It's fast and easy, and you'll get your Response code for your computer immediately. You don't have to use your music computer to do the web authorization.

What if I need more than one install for laptop use, if my hard drive crashes or if I get a new computer?
Not a problem...our web site is available around the clock to handle these situations immediately. It's very easy to do it online and you’ll always be able to get the authorizations that you need for your computers from Spectrasonics.

I’m very concerned about what would happen to my Spectrasonics instruments if the company were to go out of business...would I be still be able to authorize them?
Absolutely! At Spectrasonics, we believe it is essential to guarantee to our users the ability to get lifetime authorizations for the Spectrasonics instruments they purchased. In the unlikely event that the company were to go out of business, we would provide the ability for all registered users to get continued authorizations. In fact, there already exists a system in place for this contingency. However, the good news is that this event is highly unlikely...we plan to be around for many years!

Do I have to credit Spectrasonics if I use Trilogy on a project?
No, it isn't mandatory for our instruments...but we certainly would appreciate it!

Do I need to obtain a special license to use Trilogy on a commercial project?
No, the lifetime license fee to use the samples is covered in the purchase price of the instrument. You can use it on as many of your own projects as you like and we hope that you make some hits with it!

Can I use Trilogy on Music Libraries or Film Trailers?
Yes, this is fine. Some soundware companies restrict this kind of use, but Spectrasonics doesn't.

Can I use Trilogy in multimedia or game music projects?
Yes, this is OK unless you want to put samples created with Trilogy directly encoded into the game. That requires an additional license.

I work at a production music studio with several other composers/producers. Can we all use Trilogy from our main server?
No. It's very important to know that each composer must have his or her own copy and license for Trilogy. We make regular checks to verify that large production studios have obtained the proper licenses for our instruments and sample libraries.

As a studio owner, can I include Trilogy on a rental or studio computer for studio clients to use on their projects?
No. The standard license to use Trilogy is only granted to the buyer. We have a "single user/multiple computer" lifetime license policy. If it is your own recording project that you are producing, of course that isn't a problem...but your studio clients aren't licensed to use it for their own projects, and Trilogy use can't be "rented". Multiple license packages are available by contacting your Spectrasonics distributor. If you have questions regarding multi-license packages contact info@spectrasonics.net

Does this mean that I can’t use Trilogy when working on someone else’s project?
This type of use is very standard and not a problem at all. The "single user" is defined as the person who is licensed to use the software instrument. This means that the licensed user can use it on an unlimited number of musical projects they are involved in. This can be a person’s own project, a project where they are acting as a producer for another artist, as a session musician performing on someone else’s project live or in the studio, etc, etc. The main point of our license agreement is the concept of a single licensed user. If a licensed Trilogy user is not musically involved in a project, that is where there is a restriction - hence the inability to simply rent the instrument or rent "time" to use the instrument as part of a studio’s services. Most of our customers use their Spectrasonics instruments on many different kinds of musical projects for different artists and collaborations.

Can my writing partner use a copy of my instrument on their computer?
No...the license to use Trilogy is on a per-person (single user) basis. They would need their own copy of Trilogy to use it on their computer.

Can I install my Trilogy on a client’s computer for their use?
Not unless they are a licensed user. They will need their own serial number and registration to be licensed to use the instrument.

I’ve never heard of these kinds of licensing restrictions before. This seems unusual and totally different from using hardware sound modules. Why does Spectrasonics have such an unusual policy?
It’s not actually unusual at all or even unique to Spectrasonics. In fact, this is the identical type of license agreement used by thousands of sample libraries, virtually all sample-based virtual instruments and the vast majority of music software. Single user license agreements do have different restrictions compared to using hardware devices, and many people are not aware of these types of differences and restrictions. Part of the purpose of this FAQ section is to serve as a clear explanation of our policies. In this case, these types of "single user" license restrictions are standard for nearly all software/soundware companies, not only Spectrasonics.

Can I resell Trilogy used to someone else?
Not without obtaining a license transfer from Spectrasonics. The sounds and software are licensed and registered ONLY to you. You cannot automatically transfer the license to someone else, and therefore you cannot simply sell it used. If you do attempt to sell it used without obtaining a license transfer, the buyer will not be able to use the product because it is registered and licensed to you. The Trilogy license is the right given to a single person to use the instrument. When you purchase the product, you are primarily purchasing the lifetime right to use the product and the sounds it contains in your own music projects. Also, if you sell any of your computers that have a Spectrasonics instruments installed on them, you are required to delete them first from the hard drive.

How would I obtain a license transfer and how much does it cost?
The vast majority of sample libraries and sample-based virtual instruments on the market do not allow license transfers of any kind. However, at Spectrasonics we realize that there are certain circumstances where it can be a legitimate transaction. Because circumstances can vary so much, we only grant up to one license transfer on a case-by-case basis to the original owner. Any license transferred versions of this software do not have all the same upgrade privileges as standard new units purchased at an authorized Spectrasonics dealer. Depending on the circumstances, when a license transfer is granted, there is often an additional fee involved that covers the transfer all the rights to the new user to use the core library sounds, to receive full tech support and continuing support update rights, issuing a new serial number and account, etc. If you have more questions about obtaining license transfers, how much it costs and what the limitations are of license transferred versions, please contact us directly at info@spectrasonics.net

Can I use the demo songs?
No, they are just there to give you an idea of what Trilogy can do.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

Can the faders in Trilogy be automated?
Yes. All knobs and faders can be controlled from external MIDI controllers.

Do you support Mac OSX?
Yes. We support native VST, Audio Units and RTAS in OSX. These versions are available on the updates page.

Does Trilogy work with Pro Tools HD?
Yes! You can use it at any sample rate/bit depth session up to 24 bit/192k.

Will you support HTDM format for Pro Tools?
Probably not. It's unnecessary since it is almost identical to the RTAS format in actual use.

Will you support Pro Tools Windows RTAS platform?
Yes, Trilogy is now supported natively within Pro Tools Windows as an RTAS stereo audio plug-in.

Does Trilogy work in Sonar?
Yes. You can currently use the following VST-DXi wrappers that have been tested with Trilogy in Sonar 2.0 and higher: DirectiXer, FXpansion VST-DXi Adapter and the Spin Audio VST-DXi wrapper.

Does Trilogy work with Logic Audio and TDM hardware?
Yes, but you should have a lot of RAM (we'd recommend 700mb or more). And you'll need the Emagic ESB software to use the VST plug-in with the TDM system.

Does Trilogy work with Digital Performer and TDM hardware?
Yes, but only within DP 4.52 or higher on OSX Panther.

How is the latency in Trilogy?
It's completely dependent on your sound card. Most current quality sound cards have drivers that are very fast for real-time playing (as low as 1.5 ms).

How much CPU does Trilogy use?
Moderate amount. It is one of the more efficient synth plug-ins on the market.

Do the LFOs in Trilogy sync to the host tempo?
Yes, this feature is now available.

What bit rate are the samples in Trilogy?
The custom UVI engine we use can handle any sample rate/bit rate up to 192k, 32 bit. This gives us the flexibility to use the highest rate necessary to capture the best quality sound on a sample by sample basis...so you always get the best possible sound, with the optimum memory efficiency.

Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
You can send us an email at info@spectrasonics.net.

We also recommend the Yahoo Spectrasonics Users Group. It's not an official company forum, but it's full of excellent tips and very knowledgeable users.

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/spectrasonics/