All the arcs for both Century Brass and Strings have multiple dynamics (at least 3, depending on which art you're using, sometimes there are 4). These are triggered by velocity (p-mp triggers at low velocities, hard velocity triggers mf-ff etc. etc).
All Arcs (Brass and Strings) and Soaring Marcatos (for brass) are programmed so the speed knob alters the length. The length is NOT altered by Time Machine or simply jumping to a release trigger. Time Machine can screw up the vibrato and sound pretty wonky beyond a 10-15% change in length. Regular release triggers don't give you the natural shape of the note. They just jump to release at whatever point you stop playing, so you lose the full shape of the note. For example, release halfway through a note, and you lose the natural decrescendo of the arc or the final "push" off of the note in a soaring marcato. That push is everything to me for epic emotional brass marcatos. I want DaaaaaaAAAAAH! Not Daaaaa....meeep
For Century, individual arcs and soaring marcatos are split in multiple groups with a very nuanced set of envelopes. The speed knob alters multiple sample starts and envelopes within each group. It only took about 8 months to figure it out
So you have a "natural" performance (vs. a crossfade) that allows you to change the length organically, without artifacts. Length change on the Century speed knob is up to around 30-40% depending on art, so way beyond Time Machine capability. There are short and long variations of all these as well. In my experience I can get away from crossfading sustains and cover just about anything I want in the the typical "long" category, but now using natural organic performances. The end result is significantly better to my ears vs. sustains (even the smoothest sustains). It's not subtle, they just sound a lot better. I will only use sustains if I'm short on time, honestly (which I know most of you are!!!!). So sustain away, but this is also an option to consider!
I feel this is the number one feature of Century that is overlooked. I really thought it was going to be something that everybody loved....but THUD
I think we haven't done enough video tutorials emphasizing this feature. It's definitely a different workflow, but worth it in my opinion.
Colin