Expand 2 Plugin

Today we focused extensively on the Expand 2 Plugin. We covered various ways it can be used and manipulated.

Key Points:

Expand uses four slots (each slot can hold 1 of 500 synthesizers).

Note:

Holding command and shifting mouse allows you to move knobs in smaller increments.
Option click returns fader to default
Control click on any knob and select "learn midi cc" allows you to use midi controller (to disconnect select "forget midi cc"). This can be done to any mix, midi, or pageater, modulation, or effects setting.

Smart knobs on the top of the plug in allow you to toggle between manipulating individual synths or the entire plug in as one. In each slot you can alter level pan effects 1 or 2.

Note:

Pan pot = panoramic potentiometer
(was invented by Walt Disney)
tr/fine = transpose fine
hi/ low key allows you to assign each slot to part of the midi controller (the quick key is control click and pressing your desired key on the keyboard)
Using mod allows you to change undertones within a slot
Using arp allows you to arpegiate to a desired tempo

Note:

Using the latch mode within the plug in repeats any desired instrument

Markers and Automation

Today we discussed various ways to add, delete and manipulate markers. First we brought up the marker ruler:

* Select markers in ruler option window and press enter to create the markers.
(Note: Apple 5 brings Marker Memory Location Widow - in here there is a bevy of options to
help manage your markers / .#. Recalls memory location).

~ To edit markers double in edit window or in memory location window. Dragging marker up
deletes


Next we touched on the many possible ways to use automation:

* In the edit window choose track view selector (by default its set to waveform). Once you select the option you'd like to alter (vol., pan ect.) a line appears and you can use the pencil tool to draw freehand or varies shapes (the size of the shapes a determined by the grid value in the upper right window.

Automating Plugins

* To automate any point on a plugin use Ctrl/Apple/Opt. and Click on the knob you'd like to automate and select enable. You can use the auto button in the top of plugin and add your choice of options.

Next Class Session We Talk About The Expand 2 Plugin

Assessment Week (Pitch Shift)

This week was vary laid back in regards to work load. Because we were testing on Monday we only received instruction Wednesday. We covered a couple minor things much of which felt like review from other classes.

Grouping

1. Select all track you wish to group
2. Apple G (create group)

Shift + Apple + N (New Tracks)

Pitch Shift

1. Audio Suite
2. Pitch Shift
Select Pitch Shift
3. Choose dimensions to change audio


We then received a new homework assignment to help reinforce these techniques... I think it should be fun.

Midi Drums & Piano

This week we discussed using midi drums and pianos. I found the process very understandable and user friendly. We also had our first group assignments handed out and had organize time outside of class to complete the task. On a side note: I find that having the program at home allows for better understanding of many of the topics.

Getting Midi

Create New Session 24bit / 44.1k

1. Create two instrument tracks
*Select Plugins (Boom/Drums & Mini Grand/Piano
* Opt. 3 (step input)

2. Create one click track (marimba 2)
*After building track Opt. 4 allows you to further quantize if necessary

Quick keys

Opt. 3 = Quantize (step input)
Opt. 4 = Quantize (Midi/Audio)
Apple + or Apple N = New track
Opt. click fader = Unity Gain
ctrl. click on track tittle = Edit tittle options

Access Lost Audio

1. Window
* Workspace
*Digidesign Workspace
* Magnifying Glass
* Kind

MPA 306 Blog 09/06/10 - 09/10/10

Unfortunately, this week was cut short do to Labor Day. However, we were still able to cover an array of information in our one class session. I will highlight a few of the key points...

Accessing Audio Midi

App. / Utilities / Audio Midi / Select Audio Device {Digidesign M Box 2}

Saving Session

Create New Folder On Desktop / Save As / Select Folder / Save

Optimize Drive (for recording / mixing)

Options / Playback Engine Buffer Size/ Hardware Buffer & CPU Usage

Note:
For recording set buffer lower / For Mixing set buffer higher

Next we reviewed what each header at the top to of Pro tools did, for the most part the first 3 (File, Edit, View)were pretty similar to any processing program.

Note:
Use View to setup rulers...

Other Headers included:

Track: Controlled track specific commands
Regions: Controlled groups
Audio Suite: Special effect applied to actual audio
Setup: Control preferences

There were are an abundance of other quick tips and tricks however, these were just the most accessible and universal to my pro tools set up at home I plan to go in the midi lab Monday and further practice these techniques. In comparison to my understanding of the program last year I feel extremely more confident and prepared. I look forward to mastering this info and working on group assignments.

My 306 Blog 08/28/10 - 09/03/10

This week we discussed the basics in regards to starting (creating a new session) in Pro Tools. Before even beginning we were instructed to drag the pro tools le logo down to the menu bar so that it would be quicker and easier to access it in the future. Then we created a new blank session with the dimensions 24 / 44.1 and saving the file to the desktop (note: all info saved to the computer is deleted nightly therefor must be backed up to an external hard drive). Once in the program we created and armed a new track record audio in using sm57's and an xlr cable. After there was audio present on the track we practice with the mix knob... Fully counter clockwise showing non of the apparent audio and clockwise doing the opposite. It was established the best position for tracking was to a have it @ the halfway point.

Then we experimented with getting a midi signal in and getting sound:

1. Created a midi track and set to record
2. Using a midi controller record data in
3. Create new track
* under insert section
* select multi channel {plug-in}
* instrument
* minigrand

4. On the midi track (w/ data)
set input to ALL
set output to minigrand 1

My Introduction

This blog will serve as a medium between myself and the world. I plan to actively document and communicate the process of recording engineering and arranging the album "CANT AFFORD TO FAIL". Upon successful completion I will further document the procedures of copyriting, obtaining publishing, promoting and releasing an album independently. Aside from just addressing technical aspects of recording I will gradually introduce my research on Chess Records and give tidbits of information(as that will be the focus my senior capstone).