Logic-Pro

This is extremely useful information when performing precision sample-accurate file slicing and post slice editing while maintaining sample-accurate zero-crossing points.

In the Sample Editor, select the Hand Tool and click hold the selected area to display not only the Start and Length (Count) in Samples but also the all important End point value in Samples.

Fig 1. Sample Editor Help Tag showing Start value, End value and Length (Count).

Now you can be sure to match exactly a region start point having edited the preceding region’s end point. A common scenario when adjusting regions to have boundaries on zero-crossing points.

Further Info…

Having easy access to File Start, End and Length information will seriously increase your sample editing accuracy when editing and re-editing.

The Sample (Selection) End point is omitted from the Logic Sample Editor info display (Fig.2) and also from the Help Tag when clicking a region in the Arrange Pane (Fig.3). Having quick access to adjusted End Point information of Region [A] ensures quick and confident Start Point editing of Region [B] to be consistent with the Region [A] End Point.

Fig 2. Sample Editor info Display showing Start Point and Length.

Fig 3. Audio Region Help tag in the Arrange pane showing Start Point and Length.

When editing complex material such as bounced mixes, the waveform display can become difficult to gauge with respect to matching cut points of one region’s start point to be consistent with that of the previous region’s end point after updating that region’s start or end point. A common task when preparing loops and libraries.

Fatigue from repetitive editing can easily play a part in performing inaccurate cuts and splices. These characteristics will often only become obvious upon triggered playback and sequencing of regions, particularly in a phrase loop situation.

A common problem arises when exporting cut loops from Logic to an external unit such as an Akai MPC, where inconsistencies between tempo analysis that exist between the two platforms result in problematic and less than smooth playback.

Often, the ‘fix’ involves one of the following:

1. entering  subtle tempo change values as part of the midi sequence playback data to accommodate smooth transitions between loops of slightly unequal length. This way the edits maintain authentic pitch and time characteristics, at the expense of inconsistent temporal playback.
2. manually, or via batch processing, applying time-stretching algorithms to scale regions to a fixed length. This can result in unwanted audio anomalies.

-MC-

Tags: Audio, Region, Sample Editor, Sampler