Apple Soundtrack Pro User Manual

Soundtrack ProUser Manual

10 Preface An Introduction to Soundtrack Pro Soundtrack Pro Onscreen User ManualThe Soundtrack Pro onscreen user manual allows you to access inform

100 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline To add a bus, do one of the following:m Choose Multitrack > Add Bus.m Control-click a bus, then choose eit

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 101 Moving and Copying Tracks, Busses, and Outputs As you work on your project, you may want to rearrange tra

102 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Using the Track ControlsTracks, busses, and outputs have headers, located along the left side of the Timeline

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 103 Muting and Soloing Tracks, Busses, and OutputsThe Mute button mutes (silences) the track, bus, or output. You

104 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Changing Track Time FormatBy default, tracks use the same time format as the project (Time-based or Beats-bas

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 105 2 In the Effects tab, select a category in the Category list to display the effects for that category in the

106 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Showing and Hiding Track, Bus, and Output Envelopes Clicking the automation disclosure triangle for a track o

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 107 Editing Audio Clips in the TimelineYou can edit audio clips in a variety of ways in the Timeline. You can sel

108 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Cutting, Copying, and Pasting Audio ClipsYou can cut, copy, and paste audio clips in the Timeline. You can al

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 109 To paste multiple copies of a clip:1 Cut or copy the clip.2 Set the playhead to the point you want to paste t

Preface An Introduction to Soundtrack Pro 11 Other Apple WebsitesStart at the Apple homepage to find the latest and greatest information about Appl

110 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline To move an audio clip to a new track:m Drag the clip up or down to a different track. You can also move an au

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 111 To resize an audio clip:1 Place the pointer at either the left or right edge of the audio clip. The pointer c

112 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline To set the project to crossfade mode:m Click the Crossfade Mode button, located above the Global Timeline vie

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 113 Truncating Overlapping Audio ClipsYou can have Soundtrack Pro truncate the overlapping part of audio clips in

114 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline To split audio clips with the playhead:1 Set the playhead at the point where you want to split the clip, then

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 115 Transposing Tagged Audio ClipsWhen you drag an audio file tagged with key information to the Timeline, Soundt

116 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline The following table shows the correspondence between semitones and musical intervals for transposing clips:Ch

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 117 When you change the offset of a clip, the waveform moves inside the clip’s boundary to indicate the change in

118 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline To replace the source audio file for a clip:1 In the Timeline, select the clip for which you want to replace

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 119 To replace the source audio file in all clips using the same source file: 1 Select all occurrences of the cli

120 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Types of MarkersSoundtrack Pro displays Final Cut Pro HD scoring markers, and lets you add your own markers t

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 121 Naming MarkersYou can name time markers and beat markers, so that each marker can provide a unique visual cue

122 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Deleting MarkersTo delete a marker:m Click the marker handle to select the marker, then choose Edit > Dele

6 1236 Working in the MixerThe Mixer gives you the tools to create sophisticated mixes for your projects.When you have added audio clips to your

124 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer Steps in MixingMixing a project typically involves the following steps: Balancing relative volume levels Panni

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 125 Working With Channel Strips in the MixerThe Mixer features a series of vertically arranged controls called chann

126 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer The channel strips in the Mixer make it easy to see the settings for all the tracks, busses, and outputs in your

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 127 Reordering Channel StripsYou can change the order of channel strips in the Mixer. When you open the Mixer, the o

128 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer To set the volume level of a channel strip, do one of the following:m Drag the volume fader up to raise (increas

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 129 Setting Channel Strip Pan PositionYou pan sounds to different positions to place them in the stereo field from l

1 131 Setting Up Your SystemThe way you set up your system depends on the audio equipment you plan to use. You can use your computer’s speaker o

130 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer To set the physical output channel for an output in the Mixer:m In the channel strip for the output, choose the

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 131 Enabling Track Channel Strips for RecordingYou can enable a track channel strip for recording. When you enable a

132 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer Showing and Hiding Sections of the MixerYou can show or hide sections of the Mixer window and of the channel str

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 133 Using the Channel Strip Level MetersEach channel strip includes stereo level meters to the right of its volume f

134 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer Removing Channel StripsYou can remove a channel strip from the Mixer if you decide you no longer want it in the

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 135 Showing Channel Strip Effects SettingsOnce you add an effect, you can view and adjust its settings in the Effect

136 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer Turning Effects Off and OnYou can turn off a channel strip’s effects. Turning off an effect lets you hear the ch

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 137 Adding Sends to a Channel StripYou can add sends to a channel strip, show send settings in the Effects tab, bypa

138 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer Setting the Overall Project Volume LevelAs you finalize a project mix, you set the overall project volume to the

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 139 The Meters tab also includes peak indicators, Value and Location displays and Go to Peak buttons for each stereo

14 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Hard Disk SpaceIt’s also a good idea to have a large hard disk with plenty of available space to store the medi

140 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer Listening to a Temporary Mono Mix In some situations, even where the final mix is stereo, you may want to listen

Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer 141 Creating Multiple MixesYou might want to create multiple mixes of a project for one of the following reasons:Â T

7 1437 Working in the Waveform EditorYou can edit audio files nondestructively in the Waveform Editor, and analyze and fix common audio problems

144 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Getting Started With Audio File ProjectsYou can create audio file projects, open audio files in the Wa

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 145 Creating and Opening Audio File ProjectsYou start working in the Waveform Editor by creating an audio

146 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Saving Audio File ProjectsYou can save a project as an audio file project or as a standard audio file,

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 147 For audio file projects sent from Final Cut Pro or Motion and for reference movies, the original sourc

148 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 7 Click Save.When you save an audio file with the same name, location, and extension as the original a

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 149 Choosing the Sample Units in the Waveform DisplayAlong the left edge of the waveform display is a scal

Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 15 Connecting Audio EquipmentYou can use a variety of audio equipment with Soundtrack Pro for both recording and p

150 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor To zoom in to see individual samples:m Choose View > Zoom To Samples.If you have previously zoomed

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 151 Viewing an Audio File in Spectrum ViewWhen you first open the Waveform Editor, it shows the audio file

152 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor To show the frequency spectrum on a logarithmic scale:m Control-click the Sample ruler along the left

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 153 Scrubbing Audio Files in the Waveform EditorYou can also scrub the audio file in the Waveform Editor.

154 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Editing Audio Files in the Waveform EditorYou can edit audio files in many different ways in the Wavef

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 155 To select the entire audio file:m Choose Edit > Select All.You can select one channel (left or righ

156 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor To select the right channel of an audio file:1 Move the pointer near the lower edge of the waveform di

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 157 Moving Between SelectionsYou can select different areas of the audio file to apply different actions o

158 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor To paste audio in the Waveform Editor:1 Set the playhead to the point where you want to paste the audi

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 159 Graphically Editing Audio FilesThe Waveform Editor includes four waveform editing tools you can use to

16 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System FireWire (IEEE 1394)FireWire is a professional and consumer standard for both audio and video equipment. The co

160 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Stretch ToolYou can time stretch all or part of an audio file to change the amount of time it occupies

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 161 Processing Audio FilesYou can process audio files in the Waveform Editor in a variety of ways. You can

162 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor  Reset button: Resets all effect parameters to their default values. Cancel button: Closes the adv

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 163 Adjust AmplitudeChoosing this command raises or lowers the gain of the audio file or selection by the

164 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor To set the length of the inserted silence:1 In the Insert Silence sheet, choose the format you want to

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 165 To set the volume level of the inserted noise:m In the Noise Generator dialog, drag the Volume slider

166 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Time StretchYou can time stretch an audio file or selection. When you time stretch an audio file, you

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 167 Apply Ambient NoiseThe Apply Ambient Noise command applies the ambient noise stored in the ambient noi

168 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Reducing NoiseSome audio files contain unwanted noise, making it difficult to hear the voices, music,

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 169 To set the threshold of the noise reduction:m In the Reduce Noise dialog, drag the Noise Threshold sli

Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 17 PCI (Peripheral Connect Interface) PCI interfaces, unlike FireWire and USB interfaces, require that you install

170 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Show Realtime EffectsIn addition to processing effects, you can apply realtime effects to an audio fil

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 171 Applying ActionsYou start working with actions by applying an action to the audio file or the currentl

172 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Editing ActionsMany actions have settings that you can edit. When you apply an action that has editabl

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 173 Using the Action Insert BarThe Action Insert bar appears as a purple bar along the left side of the Ac

174 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Reversing the Order of the Actions ListYou can reverse the order in which actions are shown in the Act

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 175 To flatten all actions, do one of the following:m Choose Process > Flatten All Actions.m Choose “Fl

176 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Deleting ActionsYou can delete an action if you decide you no longer want it in the project.To delete

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 177 Analyzing an Audio FileSoundtrack Pro includes a set of audio analysis tools. You can analyze an audio

178 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Types of Audio AnalysisThe following types of analysis can be performed in the Waveform Editor:Clicks

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 179 Setting Analysis ParametersThe Clicks and Pops and Silence analysis types have parameters you can set.

18 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System RCARCA connectors are used on consumer audio equipment such as home stereo systems and videocassette recorders.

180 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Zooming In on Analyzed ProblemsYou can zoom in on an item in the Results list using the Magnify button

Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor 181 Using Markers in the Waveform Editor You can insert markers in an audio file project in the same way a

182 Chapter 7 Working in the Waveform Editor Applying a Saved Droplet to a Clip in Final Cut ProYou can apply a series of actions saved as a drople

8 1838 Working With Video in Soundtrack ProYou can import a video into a multitrack or audio file project, view the video as you work on your pr

184 Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro Adding a Video to a ProjectYou can import a video file by dragging the file from the Media and E

Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro 185 Playing the VideoWhen you play the project, the video plays in time with the audio in your proje

186 Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro Controlling Video Playback Using Keyboard ShortcutsThere are a number of keyboard shortcuts you

Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro 187 Using Video Output DevicesYou can connect an external video output device to your computer and p

188 Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro To switch off output to an external video output device:m Choose View > Show > Show Extern

Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro 189 To preview a video file in the Details tab:1 If the Details tab is not visible, click the Detail

Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 19 AmplifiersIf you are recording audio from microphones, and are not running the microphone’s signal through a mi

190 Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro Using the Time Display and Time Ruler With VideoWhen you import a video file into a Soundtrack P

Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro 191 Using Markers With VideoSoundtrack Pro displays Final Cut Pro scoring markers included in a vide

192 Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro To align an audio clip with a marker:m Make sure that snap is turned on and that Markers is sele

Chapter 8 Working With Video in Soundtrack Pro 193 To score a marker to the playhead:1 Select the marker’s handle at the top of the Timeline, above

Removing a Video From a ProjectYou can remove a video if you decide you no longer want to use it in the project.To remove a video clip from a project,

9 1959 Working With Audio Effects You can modify the sound of your project in many ways using audio effects. Soundtrack Pro includes a complete

196 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Processing EffectsYou can apply processing effects to an audio file project. The Process menu includes an

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 197 Dynamics EffectsDynamics effects let you adjust the dynamic range (the range between the softest and loude

198 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects LimitersLimiters (also called peak limiters) prevent the audio signal from exceeding a maximum volume leve

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 199 Frequency Ranges Used With EQAll musical sounds can be categorized into one of three basic frequency range

 Apple Computer, Inc.© 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part,

20 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting Up a System Using a USB Audio InterfaceWith this setup, you can record audio input from microphones and

200 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Note: The frequencies shown for each range are approximate. Any division of sound into frequency ranges i

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 201 Graphic EQsGraphic EQs give you a set of filters (often with 10 or 31 filters), each with a set center fre

202 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Phase ShiftersPhase shifters produce a characteristic “whooshing” sound by combining the original signal w

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 203 Delay effects let you set the delay time, the time between the original signal and the delayed signal. Del

204 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects  High-frequency and low-frequency reverb time: These parameters let you specify the decay of higher and

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 205 Spectrum AnalyzerThe Spectrum Analyzer divides the audio signal into 31 independent frequency bands. Each

206 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Miscellaneous EffectsMiscellaneous effects don’t fall into any of the other categories. They include denoi

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 207 Stereo SpreadThe Stereo Spread plug-in is a useful effect for sound design or audio clean-up. It enhances

208 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Adding Realtime EffectsYou can add realtime effects in the Effects tab. You can create effects chains, whi

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 209 To add a realtime effect to an audio file project in the Waveform Editor:1 In the Waveform Editor, click t

Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 21 Setting Up a System Using a FireWire Interface and a Control SurfaceWith this setup, you can record audio input

210 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Chaining and Reordering Realtime EffectsYou can add more than one realtime effect to a track, bus, output,

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 211 To reorder effects in an effects chain:m In the Effect Parameters area, drag the effect up or down in the

212 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Adding Sends to TracksYou can add sends to a realtime effects chain. When you add a send, the send is adde

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 213 Adjusting Send VolumeYou can adjust the volume level for the audio routed through a send.To adjust send vo

214 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects To automate a realtime effect parameter:1 In the Effects tab, select the Auto checkbox next to the paramet

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 215 Advanced Settings for Realtime EffectsMany realtime effects have an advanced settings window. The advanced

216 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects Working With Processing EffectsYou can apply processing effects to an audio file or a selected part of a f

Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects 217 Working With Effect PresetsSome effects have several combined parameter settings called presets. For examp

218 Chapter 9 Working With Audio Effects To apply an effect preset:1 Select the preset you want to apply from either the Factory Preset or User Pre

10 21910 Working With AutomationUsing automation, you can create changes over time to volume, pan, effects, and other controls.Automation offers

22 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting Up a System Using a Video Output DeviceWith this setup, you can play video and audio through an externa

220 Chapter 10 Working With Automation Track, Bus, and Output EnvelopesEach track and bus has envelopes for volume and pan, and each output has a v

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 221 To show or hide the master envelopes, do one of the following:m Choose View > Show Master Envelopes. m Cl

222 Chapter 10 Working With Automation Selecting Envelope PointsYou can select a single envelope point or a group of adjacent or nonadjacent envelo

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 223 To move an envelope point:m Select the envelope point, then drag it to a new position.Each envelope has an e

224 Chapter 10 Working With Automation Viewing and Editing Envelope Point DetailsYou can also view and edit the value, position, and other details

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 225 To change the units shown in the Position value slider:m Choose the units you want to show from the pop-up m

226 Chapter 10 Working With Automation To paste envelope points:m Set the playhead to the point where you want to paste the envelope points, then c

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 227 Automating Effect and Send ParametersYou can automate effect parameters for tracks, busses, and outputs, and

228 Chapter 10 Working With Automation Recording Automation DataIn addition to working with envelopes, you can record automation data in Soundtrack

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 229 Thinning Envelope Points in Recorded Automation DataRecording automation data can generate a large number of

2 232 The Soundtrack Pro InterfaceIn Soundtrack Pro, you work in four main windows: the Project window, the Mixer, the Media and Effects Manage

230 Chapter 10 Working With Automation To select a Timeslice from multiple tracks:1 Click in the selection bar of the topmost track you want to inc

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 231 To select a master Timeslice:m Drag in the selection bar of the video track, located above the Time ruler. C

232 Chapter 10 Working With Automation Deleting TimeslicesTo delete a Timeslice:m Select the Timeslice, then choose Edit > Delete (or press the

Chapter 10 Working With Automation 233 To lengthen the Timeslice in increments:m Click the left arrow to lengthen the beginning of the Timeslice in

11 23511 Recording Audio in Soundtrack ProYou can record your own audio in a track in the Timeline, as well as recording audio in the Mixer and

236 Chapter 11 Recording Audio in Soundtrack Pro Recording Audio in the TimelineYou record in the Timeline by enabling a track for recording, setti

Chapter 11 Recording Audio in Soundtrack Pro 237 To adjust recording settings:1 In the Recording tab, choose the input device and channel (or pair

238 Chapter 11 Recording Audio in Soundtrack Pro Recording Multiple TakesYou can record multiple takes in the Timeline. You can record multiple tak

Chapter 11 Recording Audio in Soundtrack Pro 239 To choose a take, do one of the following:m Select the clip, choose Clip > Recording Take, then

24 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Project WindowThe Project window is the “canvas” where you work on your projects. For multitrack projects

240 Chapter 11 Recording Audio in Soundtrack Pro Recording Audio in the MixerYou can record audio in the Mixer in a similar way to recording audio

Chapter 11 Recording Audio in Soundtrack Pro 241 As you record, the recorded area appears red in the waveform display. The level meters in the Reco

12 24312 Using Control Surfaces With Soundtrack ProYou can connect and use control surfaces to automate recording, mixing, and other tasks in So

244 Chapter 12 Using Control Surfaces With Soundtrack Pro Adding and Deleting Control SurfacesWhen you have connected the MIDI interface to your co

Chapter 12 Using Control Surfaces With Soundtrack Pro 245 Premapped ControlsWhen you connect a control surface, many controls are premapped to work

246 Chapter 12 Using Control Surfaces With Soundtrack Pro 3 In the Control Surface Buttons window, drag an action from the Available Commands list

13 24713 Exporting Multitrack ProjectsOnce you have created a final mix of a multitrack project, you can export the project mix. You can also ex

248 Chapter 13 Exporting Multitrack Projects Exporting a Project Mix When you export a mix, all unmuted tracks routed to the first output (Output 1

Chapter 13 Exporting Multitrack Projects 249 To export individual tracks, busses, or outputs:1 In the Timeline or the Mixer, select the tracks, bus

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 25 ToolbarThe Toolbar is located at the top of the Project window. When you first open Soundtrack Pro, the T

250 Chapter 13 Exporting Multitrack Projects Exporting With CompressorYou can export a project using the Apple Compressor application. When you exp

Chapter 13 Exporting Multitrack Projects 251 4 Do one of the following:Â To export the video in its original format, select Preserve Video, then ch

252 Chapter 13 Exporting Multitrack Projects Distributing a Multitrack Project and its Media Files TogetherYou can save a multitrack project with a

14 25314 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional ApplicationsYou can work with media files from Final Cut Pro, Motion, DVD Studio Pro, and

254 Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications Editing a Final Cut Pro Clip Nondestructively in the Waveform EditorYou ed

Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications 255 For any audio file project, regardless of whether it originated in Final C

256 Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications Editing a Clip Using a Soundtrack Pro ScriptYou can edit a Final Cut Pro c

Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications 257 To create a multitrack project from a group of clips or a sequence:1 Do on

258 Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications To update a Soundtrack Pro multitrack project sent from Final Cut Pro:

Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications 259 To send an audio track from Motion to the Waveform Editor:1 In the Motion

26 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface TimelineThe Timeline gives you a visual representation of a multitrack project, showing the position of c

260 Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications Using Soundtrack Pro With DVD Studio Pro You can edit a DVD Studio Pro

Chapter 14 Using Soundtrack Pro With Apple Professional Applications 261 Using Soundtrack Pro With Other ApplicationsYou can open an audio file exp

263AAppendixA Using Apple Loops UtilitySome audio files you use in Soundtrack Pro can include metadata called tags. Tags provide information ab

264 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityThe Apple Loops Utility InterfaceThe Apple Loops Utility interface consists of a window with two tabs: the

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 265 Tags TabThe Tags tab includes areas for different types of tags, and also includes a set of playback contr

266 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilitySearch TagsThese tags are used by the Search feature in Soundtrack Pro when you search for files matching

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 267 The Transients tab includes the following controls:Â Transient Division pop-up menu: Sets the beat va

268 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityPlayback and File Management ControlsThe bottom of the Apple Loops Utility window contains a set of playba

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 269 Opening Files in Apple Loops UtilityYou can open audio files from within Apple Loops Utility, or directly

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 27 Â Level meters: As the project plays, the level meters show the volume level of the first output (Output

270 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityTagging Files in Apple Loops UtilityTo tag files, you select the files in the Assets drawer, and then make

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 271 Tagging Multiple FilesWhen multiple files are selected, only the tags that apply to all the selected files

272 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityTo move a transient marker:m Drag the marker by its handle in the area above the Beat ruler.To change the

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 273 Saving Changes to FilesWhen you save changes in Apple Loops Utility, you can save changes to only the curr

274 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityApple Loops Utility PreferencesYou can set preferences for the startup behavior and default file saving be

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 275 Apple Loops Utility Keyboard ShortcutsGeneral and FileNavigationKey command FunctionCreates a new, blank A

276 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityKey and Scale Type TaggingKey command FunctionTurns on keyboard tagging.Sets the key to A.Sets the key to

Appendix A Using Apple Loops Utility 277 Descriptor Tagging For the following descriptor keyboard shortcuts, pressing the key once selects the firs

278 Appendix A Using Apple Loops UtilityTransientsKey command FunctionIncreases sensitivity.Decreases sensitivity.Increases sensitivity five times

279BAppendixB Soundtrack Pro Keyboard ShortcutsGeneral and FileWindows, Tabs, and LayoutsKey command FunctionCreates a new, blank multitrack pr

28 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface  Volume slider: Sets the track, bus, or output relative volume in the overall mix. Output pop-up menu:

280 Appendix B Soundtrack Pro Keyboard ShortcutsProject Playback and Setting the PlayheadOpens the Browser tab of the Media and Effects Manager.Op

Appendix B Soundtrack Pro Keyboard Shortcuts 281 General EditingEditing Audio Clips in the TimelineKey command FunctionUndoes the last command.Redo

282 Appendix B Soundtrack Pro Keyboard ShortcutsAdjusting Audio Clips in the TimelineNavigating in the TimelineTrims the selected clips.Double-cli

Appendix B Soundtrack Pro Keyboard Shortcuts 283 Editing Audio Files in the Waveform EditorReturns to the default zoom level.Fits the project in th

284 Appendix B Soundtrack Pro Keyboard ShortcutsTracks and MarkersVideo OutKey command FunctionAdds a new track to the Timeline below the selected

Appendix B Soundtrack Pro Keyboard Shortcuts 285 RecordingKey command FunctionMakes Take 1 the active take for the selected clip. Makes Take 2 the

287CAppendixC Audio BasicsYou can create professional-sounding music projects in Soundtrack Pro without any background or training in music. Th

288 Appendix C Audio BasicsMusical SoundsMusical sounds typically have a regular frequency, which we hear as the sound’s pitch. Pitch is expressed

Appendix C Audio Basics 289 EnvelopesAnother aspect of sound that helps us to distinguish between instruments and voices playing the same pitch is

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 29 MixerYou mix your project in the Mixer. Each track, bus, and output has a channel strip in the Mixer with

290 Appendix C Audio BasicsAnalog RecordingWhen a sound is recorded using analog technology, the sound waves are recorded as a continuous electric

Appendix C Audio Basics 291 Digital recording technology offers several advantages over analog technology for recording sound, including lower nois

292 Appendix C Audio BasicsDigital DistortionTo record sound with the widest possible dynamic range, the input level must be set high enough to ca

293 D Appendix D Solutions to Common Problems and Customer Support If you run into problems while working with Soundtrack Pro, there are sever

294 Appendix D Solutions to Common Problems and Customer SupportSolutions to Common ProblemsAudio Files and Audio InterfacesThere are several fact

Appendix D Solutions to Common Problems and Customer Support 295 8 Visually compare the original track and the newly recorded track. Zoom in to

297IndexIndex1/3 Octave Analyzer 2054-pin connectors 166-pin connectors 16AAAC files 56, 144ACID music application 263Action Insert bar 32

298 Index inserting noise in 164inserting waveforms in 165normalizing 162overloaded signal 178pasting in Waveform Editor 158phase issues 178pops

Index 299 tagging with Apple Loops Utility 263–278time stretching 160, 166unable to find 74WAV 56audio input 14audio interfaces 15audio output

3 1 Contents Preface 7 An Introduction to Soundtrack Pro7 What Is Soundtrack Pro? 9 Resources for Learning About Soundtrack Pro 10 Soundtrack

30 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Each channel strip includes the following controls:Â Drag handle: Click to select the channel strip and

300 Index reordering 127selecting 126sends 137setting outputs for 129–130soloing 130stereo level meters 133volume levels 127–128working with 1

Index 301 directories 65–67disk space 14, 41, 235disk space indicator 41distortion 196, 198, 292distortion effects 196distributing projects 247,

302 Index described 289effects and 220, 227hiding 106master 219, 220–221output 106overview 219–220percussive 289removing 227sends and 227show

Index 303 General preferences 75Global Timeline view 26, 97Global Waveform view 32, 150Goniometer 205Go to Beginning button 25, 55Go to End butto

304 Index Final Cut Pro 191–193information about 44inserting 120keyboard shortcuts 284naming 121scoring 190–193time 120–122, 190, 191types of

Index 305 recording. See recording audiosaving 86–87saving with media files 87, 252scrubbing 54unable to find files 74music, basic concepts 287–2

306 Index phase shifters 202, 289phone plug connectors 17physical output channels 28, 30, 91, 92, 129, 251pink noise 164pitch 288Play/Pause butto

Index 307 QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component 183RRAM 13RCA connectors 18Read Before You Install document 13Read mode 228realtime effects 207–21

308 Index projects 54selections 54Search database 65–67searches, keyword 36–37searching. See finding itemsSearch Results list 37Search tab 36–37

Index 309 system setup 13–21connecting audio equipment 15–19control interface 21example hardware setups 19–21FireWire audio interface 21overview

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 31 Â Record Enable button: Click to enable the track for recording. When you click a track’s Record Enable

310 Index selecting audio clips in 107setting height of 97showing 220soloing 103time format 104working with 99–106transducers 289transients 26

Index 311 processing audio files in 161–170recording audio in 240–241Sample units 149saving projects 146–148scripting actions in 181scrubbing aud

32 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface  Waveform View and Spectrum View buttons: Change the display between Waveform view and Spectrum view.Â

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 33  Clear Fixed button: Removes fixed items from the Analysis Results list. Magnify button: Zooms in on

34 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Browser TabThe Browser tab displays the disks connected to your computer in a view similar to the Finder’

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 35 Favorites TabYou can store frequently used items in Favorites, so that you can easily access them directl

36 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Search TabThe Search tab lets you locate audio files using a variety of criteria. You can perform text se

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 37  Button and Column view buttons: Change the view to either Button or Column view. Category pop-up men

38 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Bin TabThe Bin tab lists the media files added to the project. You can drag files from the Bin tab to the

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 39 Effects TabYou add effects and sends to your project and adjust effect parameters in the Effects tab. Whe

4 Contents 89 Viewing and Editing Clip Properties 90 Tracks, Busses, and Outputs Chapter 5 93 Working in the Timeline94 Moving Around in the Timeline

40 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Utility WindowThe Utility window features tabs for viewing a video in a project, observing project levels

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 41 Recording TabThe Recording tab is where you edit a track’s recording settings. When you click a track’s R

42 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Meters TabThe Meters tab displays stereo level meters that you can use to observe the volume of the first

Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface 43 Details TabThe Details tab shows information about the currently selected media file, clip, marker, or en

44 Chapter 2 The Soundtrack Pro Interface Marker Details Type buttons: Select whether the marker is a Beat marker or a Time marker. Name field:

3 453 Getting Started With Soundtrack ProThis chapter describes the two kinds of projects you can create in Soundtrack Pro, and describes how to

46 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro You can export a project mix to an audio file, which you can import into Final Cut Pro or another

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 47 Setting Up Your Workspace There are several ways you can set up the Soundtrack Pro workspace t

48 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro To detach a tab from the Utility window or the Media and Effects Manager:m Drag the tab out of its

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 49 Customizing the ToolbarThe Toolbar at the top of the Project window contains buttons for frequentl

Contents 5 216 Working With Processing Effects 217 Working With Effect Presets Chapter 10 219 Working With Automation219 Working With Envelopes 228 R

50 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro To show only icons in the Toolbar, do one of the following:m Control-click the Toolbar, then choos

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 51 Setting the Playhead The playhead appears as a thin black line running vertically through the Time

52 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Setting the Playhead Using the Time DisplayWhen a project is playing, the Time display constantly

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 53 For example: Â If you enter 01.23, and the Time ruler units are set to seconds, Soundtrack Pro int

54 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro To change the playhead position by entering a value:1 Double-click the value slider.The value slid

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 55 Controlling Playback With the Transport Controls You use the transport controls to control playbac

56 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Controlling Playback Using Keyboard ShortcutsThere are a number of keyboard shortcuts you can use

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 57 Looping and Non-Looping FilesSoundtrack Pro supports two types of audio files: looping and non-lo

58 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Using the Browser to Locate FilesThe Browser tab shows the hard disks and other storage media conn

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 59 Using Favorites to Locate FilesFavorites let you store frequently used file locations, so that you

6 Contents Appendix B 279 Soundtrack Pro Keyboard Shortcuts279 General and File 279 Windows, Tabs, and Layouts 280 Project Playback and Setting the P

60 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Using Search to Locate FilesUsing Search, you can search for media files to add to your project. S

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 61 To search for files in Column view:1 Choose the type of keywords to display in the Keywords list f

62 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Refining a Search in Column ViewThere are several ways you can refine your searches in Column view

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 63 Searching for Files in Button ViewIn Button view, the upper area of the Media and Effects Manager

64 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Refining a Search in Button ViewThere are several ways you can refine your searches in Button view

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 65 Adding Custom KeywordsYou can add custom keywords, which appear in the Keywords list in Column vie

66 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro To add a directory to the Search database:1 Click the Setup button at the top of the Search tab.2

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 67 Removing a Directory From the Search DatabaseIf you move or change your collection of audio files,

68 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Previewing Audio FilesOnce you locate an audio file you want to use in your project, you can previ

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 69 Using the Preview ControlsThe preview area at the bottom of the Media and Effects Manager contains

7 Preface An Introduction to Soundtrack Pro Soundtrack Pro gives you the tools you need to create high-quality soundtracks for your video pr

70 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Viewing Audio File InformationYou can view information about an audio file in the Media and Effect

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 71 Note: The information that is displayed depends on whether or not the file is tagged. Untagged fi

72 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Using Snap When you move and resize clips in the Timeline, or select part of an audio file in the

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 73 For projects set to Beats-based format, the available Snap To values are:  Ruler ticks 1/4 notes

74 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Reconnecting Media FilesBecause Soundtrack Pro multitrack projects contain references to media fil

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 75 Setting Soundtrack Pro PreferencesYou set preferences for various aspects of Soundtrack Pro that a

76 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro  Scrollwheel pop-up menu: Choose whether an attached mouse with a scrollwheel scrolls the Timeli

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 77 Â Snap To pop-up menu: Sets the default Snap To value for new multitrack projects. The choices ar

78 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Synchronization PreferencesThese preferences let you specify synchronization settings.Input Sync

Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro 79 Control Surfaces PreferencesThese preferences let you specify settings for communicating with atta

8 Preface An Introduction to Soundtrack Pro In audio file projects, you can edit audio files in the Waveform Editor for tasks ranging from audio re

80 Chapter 3 Getting Started With Soundtrack Pro Video Out PreferencesThese preferences let you specify settings for video output from Soundtrack P

4 814 Working With Multitrack ProjectsYou can arrange and mix audio clips in a multitrack project. Multitrack projects include tracks, busses, a

82 Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects Closing Multitrack ProjectsTo close a project:m Select the project’s tab in the Project window, then

Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects 83 To set the time format:m Click the Time Format button to set the format to Time-based, or click the B

84 Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects TempoThe tempo sets the rate of the basic beat value for the project. When you add looping files to a

Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects 85 KeyThe project key sets the root note (or tonic) for the project. When you add looping files to a pro

86 Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects Setting the Project Length By default, the length of a project depends on the media in the project. T

Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects 87 To save a project and its audio files together:1 Choose File > Save.2 In the dialog that appears,

88 Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects To add an audio file from the Media and Effects Manager, do one of the following:m Drag the file from

Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects 89 To add an audio file from the Finder:m Drag the file from the Finder to the Timeline to a track, betw

Preface An Introduction to Soundtrack Pro 9 Â Synchronized video display: You can add a video to a project and view it in the Video tab, or displa

90 Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects  Duration value slider: Sets the duration of the clip. The duration of looping files is displayed i

Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects 91 BussesUsing busses, you can create submixes, letting you adjust volume and pan and add effects to gro

92 Chapter 4 Working With Multitrack Projects Each output has a drag handle, a name, an icon, and a set of controls that appear in the output’s hea

5 935 Working in the TimelineThe Timeline is where you arrange audio clips to build your soundtrack. You can also adjust volume and panning, add

94 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Moving Around in the Timeline Soundtrack Pro provides several controls that let you change the view of the Tim

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 95 Using the Zoom ControlYou can zoom in to make precise edits in the Timeline, or zoom out for a wider view of y

96 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline You can also zoom in and out using menu commands or keyboard shortcuts. If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 97 Setting Track HeightYou set the height of tracks, busses, and outputs in the Timeline using the Track Height c

98 Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline Using the Time RulerThe Timeline has a Time ruler that shows the divisions of time in a project. You can set t

Chapter 5 Working in the Timeline 99 To activate the playback region:m Click the Cycle button in the transport controls.To move the playback region