ACKUS: Tips and Tricks

  • Thread starter Thread starter moskus
  • Start date Start date
That's a nice one....

(So it did work as I said?)

:D
 
Here's a little tip for Livesynth users:

If you find yourself constantly loading the same soundfont(s) for each project, why don't you save it as a preset? Then it's accessable even through the DXi-Rack, so you don't need to open Livesynth and manually load the 'fonts... :)
 
moskus said:
That's a nice one....

(So it did work as I said?)

:D
Click to expand...

yes, thanks a lot. i didn't have to click around though. i just left the sonar/projects/audiodata folder open, and when sonar crashed, i'd just check the last file on the folder, and there it was.
it won't let me import it directly to sonar though. i have to save it somewhere else to be able to import.
 
...another tips.

Do not use MIDI (SoundFonts and GM banks) when recording for your final mix. Especially if you have audio data in your session also. I found that when you try to set your mix levels when MIDI and Audio data is being played back, the Mix is different when recorded. Maybe it is just my inexpensive SoundBlaster cards, but this is my experience. Also, I have found you can run into timing problems if you have a large number of tracks. It is more difficult for the SoundCard to keep the audio and MIDI in sync. As soon as you are happy with your MIDI composition you should get it into audio format ASAP. Then Archive your MIDI composition incase you want to make any changes at a later date. When you archive it Sonar treats the file differently than if you just mute the track. I find if I make a cool drum groove in MIDI, I record the 4- 8 measures into Audio and then use Sonar's great looping capabilities.
 
As soon as you record audio - Normalize it. You do this by selecting Edit -> Audio -> Normalize. Or Tools -> (Your Wave Editor apps). This will take your loudest passage in the track and set it to 0 dB. If you do this then you won't have one track with the fader at -35 dB and another at +6.3 dB because the record levels were all different. This is especially helpful if you record (lets say your guitar) on two different days and you aren't sure if the mixer record levels were set the same. If you normalize it won't matter! Do this even when you record your MIDI tracks into Audio format. This will make the relative volumes of all your tracks about the same and it will be easier to mix.
 
Re: ...another tips.

James Argo said:
I found that when you try to set your mix levels when MIDI and Audio data is being played back, the Mix is different when recorded.
Click to expand...
It will if you have effects on the VMain (if you are using external midi-synth-sounds or onboard synths, that is). If you don't have any effects on the VMain, then just wach those levels during recording (is my experience).

With DXi's you will not have this problem...
 
if you're working with a bunch of dxi/vst instruments, and you delete, your track assignment will be screwed up.
reassign the midi tracks to their correspondent audio/dxi outputs, save it, close sonar, then load the project again. if it's still messed up, do it again. it never fails the second time around.
it's probably a bug, but most of the time it only sticks the second time around.
 
To get a nice compressed sound in your final mix, use the Sonar FXLimiter. This is a great real time plug in that will raise the levels of your lowest passages and dampen your loudest. This will make your music sound more powerful and full. Don't over do it - let your ears be your guide. I don't remember if this plug in is included with HomeStudio.
 
Re: Re: ...another tips.

moskus said:
It will if you have effects on the VMain (if you are using external midi-synth-sounds or onboard synths, that is). If you don't have any effects on the VMain, then just wach those levels during recording (is my experience).

With DXi's you will not have this problem...
Click to expand...

...I stand corected :)
 
postalblue said:
500th.
i gotta get out more.:D
Click to expand...
Definentaly!

Anyway...

Just to mention: Input Monitoring!
You know that bad feeling you get when you record something and you don't know how it will end up? Well, with Input Monitoring you wont record "blinded" again, because it let's you preview the effects and settings you have on a audiotrack before you hit that magical Record-button. Go to Options -> Audio -> Input Monitoring and select the desired inputs. The next time you arm an audiotrack, don't hit R... Just push play, and see how the sound turns out.

CAUTION! DON'T USE WITH A HIGH-LATENCY CARD!
Recommended latency is under 10 ms, I would say under 5 ms.
 
For general used...

In your final Mix use this order for your Real Time Effects to give you a professional sound.
FX Limiter (or compressor) -> FX EQ -> FX Reverb -> FX2 Tape Sim.
Use the Tape Sim. It really warms up your tracks and gives it that Analog feel. I notice a big difference.
 
And not to forget: Safe Mode
I had a problem once with DR-008. It was constantly looking for a drumset I had deleted, so it was stuck in a loop. The sollution was to open the project in safe-mode. Just hit Shift before you clikc OK to open it. Then you can select what plugins to load.

(Hey James. Did you know we registered at this BBS the same date, August 8. 2001? Now, there's a coincidence... :cool: )
 
AUTOSAVE EVERY FIVE MINUTES / at least 50 CHANGES !!! :cool:
 
SONAR will give you everything you need in computer recording, except the coffee. Then don't ask how to get some with SONAR... GET YOUR SELF AN ESPRESSO MACHINE...

:D :D :D
 
And let's not forget Markers!

To insert a marker at a certain point, place the cursor and hit F11. Name the marker, for instance "Chorus". Repeat where you want.

Now you can navigate through different sections of your projects by hiting Ctrl+PageUp and Ctrl+PageDown.
 
moskus said:
(Hey James. Did you know we registered at this BBS the same date, August 8. 2001? Now, there's a coincidence... :cool: )
Click to expand...

...Hehehe, corection... you're on August 23, 2001, and I was the day after you. August 24, 2001. ( Actualy, I signup somewhere in mid 1999 using different name, but I forget my pass...:( then I have to sign in again...)

Your birthday : July 19.
My birthday : July 17.

Heh heh heh... that's close :)
 
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