Sub groups at mixdown?

[original flipper]

HI

Is there anyway I can create subgroups to help at mixdown?

Basically I want at least 4 groups which I can direct particular audio/vst tracks to and add inserts ect?

Flipper.

[Hovmod]

Use multiple mixers. You can route the sum output from one mixer into a single track in another.

[Serendipity]

NicFit once came up with an excellent way of creating "Group" tracks in the sequencer. He used Battery (with multiple outputs) as an example but I guess you can rout anything to it and use inserts on the group as well.

Here's what he said:

Now for a "Group" track...load an instance of EnergyXTE(the fx version) into your sequencer....but not as an "insert" or "send"...load it as an output for a track like an instrument....(then un-route the track from it) ...now for all your Battery outputs that are connected to the Sequencers "Master out#", route those channels to the EnergyXTE plugin you just loaded as an instrument, and remove the Battery channels original routing. Inside the EnergyXTE plugin you could just route the Master in direct to the Master out ....or put any FX in between if you like. Now click on the EnergyXTE plugin name in your Sequencer Mixer and rename it "DrumGroup"

I hope this is of use to you. It works for me anyway.
This is actually something for the FAQ or Wiki when you think about it. If it's not already there...

[original flipper]

HI

Thanks.

Flipper.

[Serendipity]

As I mentioned in the BR beta 26th of August thread:

Using NicFit's technique of building grouptracks I found that you can't solo anything going into a grouptrack or the grouptrack itself, in the mixer to the left. Everything gets muted instead. Hmm...why is that?

Well, hopefully someone can answer this question or solve the problem. I'll investigate further myself using delicate equipment such as a blowtorch and a sledgehammer!

[original flipper]

HI

I think that the sequencer should probably come in a range of 'flavours' - with subgroups 'hard-wired in', I imagine 4 and 8 would be more than enough - I believe that subgroups are particularly usefull.

Perhaps if enough people ask it could be an FR?

Flipper.

[Serendipity]

I bet it's already on Jorgens list somewhere but I agree with you. It's a must have in some form.

[Caleb]

Sub groups already exist in the Sequencer component.

If you add outputs to the sequencer component in the main window and attach all outputs to the main output, you will see several channels in the sequencer section of the mixer. These are your group channels with which you can insert effects etc...

What you don't have is a main output if you want to put a master limiter on the end of the output of the sub groups - well not one that will be rendered anyway.

If you do want to have both sub groups and a master output then you will need to be a bit trickier and use EnergXT VSTfx and use that as an insert - or something. I would have to remember exactly how I did it - but it's not tooooooo complicated.

Caleb

[Caleb]

OK - Sussed it out.

Select EnergXT VSTfx plugin as an output of any midi track.
Once you've done that deselect the plugin as an output. The plugin will still stay in the project in the main mixer.

Open the EnergyXT plugin and right-click on the Input icon. Select Inputs and Outputs and add as many inputs as you want.

From here you just connect mixer strips and effect plugins etc.. that you need in your subgroups and then connect them all to you plugin output.

When you want to direct one of your instruments/audio to a sub group, you simply Select the plugin channel as an output for that instrument/audio. You'll see what I mean when you try it.

Make sure the output of the EnergyXT plugin is connected to the single sequencer output and then you can use that output channel for you master effects.

All of that will render from the sequencer.

Caleb

[original flipper]

HI

Thanks, unfortunately I need to finish my current project and start something new in the next couple of days - this is all commercial work destined for release (hopefully).

I have found XT great for my intense midi work but otherwise I am finding it less than transparent - I really don't have the time or the inclination to explore the modular nature of the beast.

I will come back to it but alas I need automation that is 'there' - in track and wired up, the envelopes/midi cc's have been far too time consuming for my workflow - which has suffered.

I am going to switch to Live for my next project and see if it can offer me a more instant access to things like automation and manipulation of audio (much needed for vocal tracks).

Thanks all the same.

Flipper.

[Caleb]

Appreciate the time critical nature of commercial work 'Flip.

If you want I can put together a template for you with some sub mix/effects channels and put together a little docco for you to follow for each time you use it so that you can use it more quickly if that helps.

I'm presuming you want sub groups and 1 master channel yes?

This way you don't have to get too modular because it will be kinda done for you. I'm happy to try if you like.

Caleb

[original flipper]

HI

I would appreciate that.

And please don't anyone misinterpret what I have written - XT is a great program that I will continue to use: I will just complement it with a brother!

Flipper.

[Caleb]

OK 'Flip.

I've put together a project file with SubGroup functionality built in.
When I get some time I might put together some docco on it and make it a complete EnergyXT product downloadable from the Energy eXTra website.

I think I'll call it SubGroup Therapy.

Anyway, this allows for 8 sub groups - probably more than needed so you just delete what you don't want. I've docked the SubGroup plug-in and then within the plug-in I've docked all the sub group mixer channels. The idea is that if you add insert fx to any of the group channels you dock it on that subgroup page. Check the Energy eXTra page if you need docco on Docking. This just helps with navigation.

All the volume and panning for each channel is mapped by default to CCs 7 and 10 respectively and you send automation data through separate midi channels (1 to 8 ).

In the main project I've put an arrangement in the playlist called SG Automation which handles all the Subgroup automation from the sequencer. All the automation is neatly categorised under separate folders for each SubGroup and I've taken the liberty of adding envelope tracks for volume and pan for each SubGroup and configured them to the correct midi channels and CC numbers. If you need to automate any SubGroup insert effects, just add another envelope to the appropriate folder, rename and configure - and away you go....

I hope it makes sense. If nothing else it should help you set up a default project file with all your subgrouping needs catered for so that you can just load up and start working.

Ask any questions if there's something you don't understand.

SubGroup Therapy

The zip file actually contains two project files:
SubGroupProj.ext - contains the main project with the works. Best place to look first to understand how to use the SubGroup functionality.
SubGroup.ext - contains just the SubGroup functionality (use this if you want to insert a SubGroup into an existing project).

PS.....I haven't actually gone through and tested this thoroughly or anything so I hope I got it 100% right. Again, just ask if something doesn't seem to be working as you thought it would and I'll check it out.

I hope this helps out a little.

Caleb

[original flipper]

HI

I have downloaded it and will check it out.

Thanks again.

Flipper.

[Serendipity]

Most impressive! I wouldn't have thought out something like that in a million years. My brain would've turned into slimy goo after the first fifteen minutes.

Maybe I should just keep practising my triangle and stop imagine I know anything about eXT.
Carry on everybody! I'll get drunk now.