Is this Tracktion's best friend?

[pough]

"I'd far rather just be shown the tracktion edit files only when I specifically want to go looking for them"

Did you mean the Tracktion audio clips used in an edit?

No. You read it wrong.

- show me just the edit files
- allow me to put them wherever
- only show the other files (audio, midi, etc) when I specifically ask for them to be shown

or...

I'd far rather (just be shown the tracktion edit files), (allow me to put them anywhere I want), and (show the files associated with an edit only when I specifically want to go looking for them).

[TheWall]

Personally I see eXT as the rack filter on steriod. Like many mentioned in the thread, I bought eXT before rack filter's born. One can easily build a complex effect box/instrumet with eXT, whilst it's not possible with rack as it is(eXT allows users to assign any MIDI CC to any VST parameter, therefor much more flexible). If you spend enough of time, you can even build Xphraze with eXT, or build a eXT clone of QuadFrohmage.

There are so many excellent features with eXT, it's impossible to list them all.

About the downside...I never liked Massiva's Piano-roll. eXT's is quite similar to the one in Massiva. Also, the Sequencer Comp in eXT really turns me off, as it breaks away from the rest of the methodology of eXT. There are many glitches in eXT need to be ironed out too, but it'd be mean to criticize that since eXT is such a great tool at such a great price.

As for being a standalone host...it depends on preference I guess. I'd still prefer Tracktion any day.

[christianmusicmaker]

No. You read it wrong.

- show me just the edit files
- allow me to put them wherever
- only show the other files (audio, midi, etc) when I specifically ask for them to be shown

or...

I'd far rather (just be shown the tracktion edit files), (allow me to put them anywhere I want), and (show the files associated with an edit only when I specifically want to go looking for them).

Sorry... got it now

TheWall:Personally I see eXT as the rack filter on steriod.

There are so many excellent features with eXT, it's impossible to list them all.

About the downside...I never liked Massiva's Piano-roll. eXT's is quite similar to the one in Massiva. Also, the Sequencer Comp in eXT really turns me off, as it breaks away from the rest of the methodology of eXT.

As for being a standalone host...it depends on preference I guess. I'd still prefer Tracktion any day.

I also thought the routing features were superior to Tracktions.

I did not like the EXT piano roll either I have to say.

[ModuLR]

Yeah... Tracktion's project and file stuff has been nothing but a hindrance for me - always gets in the way... anyone else feel this way?

I feel the complete opposite. I use Tracktion's project handling to the tilt. I like the fact that it keeps everything in a single location, and that the objects in a project are references to media stored elsewhere (unless you consolidate the clip). It makes it easy to keep track of what elements are involved in a project. I also keep a samples project where I have all my samples loaded. Tracktion can import entire directories and their sub directories... and if your dirs are somewhat oraganized.. the dir titles are automatically appended to the description. What this means is when I was at work editing a project and realized I needed a crash cymbol... I just entered "crash" in the search, and all my crashes came up. I could preview them, select the best and continue working. Hella efficent. I thought this was just awesome. I think T could use even better project handling, but project management is non-existant in eXT (unless I'm missing something).

[Jed]

Yeah... Tracktion's project and file stuff has been nothing but a hindrance for me - always gets in the way... anyone else feel this way?

I think it has a lot of cool features set up weirdly.

I actually like Tracktion's project management! Oops sorry Mod didn't see your post saying the same thing..

[pough]

I feel the complete opposite. I use Tracktion's project handling to the tilt. I like the fact that it keeps everything in a single location, and that the objects in a project are references to media stored elsewhere (unless you consolidate the clip). It makes it easy to keep track of what elements are involved in a project. I also keep a samples project where I have all my samples loaded. Tracktion can import entire directories and their sub directories... and if your dirs are somewhat oraganized.. the dir titles are automatically appended to the description. What this means is when I was at work editing a project and realized I needed a crash cymbol... I just entered "crash" in the search, and all my crashes came up. I could preview them, select the best and continue working. Hella efficent. I thought this was just awesome. I think T could use even better project handling, but project management is non-existant in eXT (unless I'm missing something).

A lot of what it does is very good, but what gets done the most (for me, anyways) is opening a project and then spending far too much time sifting through all the crap to find the edit I want. If the default view contained only the edits and everything could be viewed and searched as an option, it would be ideal, IMO.

[ModuLR]

A lot of what it does is very good, but what gets done the most (for me, anyways) is opening a project and then spending far too much time sifting through all the crap to find the edit I want...

click the type descriptor at the top project window and it'll resort placing all your edits at the top. That's how I get around that one...

[pough]

click the type descriptor at the top project window and it'll resort placing all your edits at the top. That's how I get around that one...

Ah, but that should be the default! Or better yet the default should have just the edits...

[Lunch Money]

I personally feel that the file and project management could be improved, but it's still a step up from.. say.. VST 5.1, which is my only other frame of reference.

It's not so much even the project tab itself, but the way the project and edit tabs interact that I'm not keen on. For example, the way it names files, creating a mess in both my edits and the project window. Example: I have a track called "Greg Rhythm Guitar". I record a clip, and it's named "Greg Rhythm Guitar 1". Groovy so far. Well, I'm not a huge fan of it, so I move it into a track called "Storage" to get it out of the way for now. I re-record. What is my clip called? That's right, "Greg Rhythm Guitar 1" when in fact it's the second take. Fine, still not a HUGE deal, as I can quickly click the clip and change the 1 to a 2. Livable, right?

Except now in my project directory (or if I navigate to it in Windows explorer) I have 2 very similar files: "audio_new edit 1_Greg Rhythm Guitar 1_18Aug2004" and "audio_new edit 1_Greg Rhythm Guitar 1_18Aug2004(2)" Suddenly not seeming very descriptive or clear. Even if I had changed the name of the clip, I would then have to make another set of clicks to decide to rename the filename to match.

But it gets worse--

I normally wouldn't just keep an edit called "new edit #1" or "new edit #2" because they don't help me. But in this case, I forgot until AFTER recording to use my normal naming convention. Fair enough, I can change it in the project window, but my files still have the "new edit 1" bit in them.

On top of that, I don't really want the word "audio" at the beginning. Heck, *I* know it's audio. I don't need it in the filename. And then the date at the end I could do without, too. Here's what I would rather see--

Greg Rhythm Guitar 1_clip 1
Greg Rhythm Guitar 1_clip 2

etc.

If I really want the date, I'll just look at the file's properties.

__

NOW, just like many things with Tracktion, there may already be a way around this, but my rant won't have been a waste because someone will either say, "Duh, there's a whole setting you can change for this" or will have a suggestion. I don't mind looking stupid if I can get rid of this cumbersome naming convention.

Greg

[Lunch Money]

If you spend enough of time, you can even build Xphraze with eXT, or build a eXT clone of QuadFrohmage. to criticize that since eXT is such a great tool at such a great price.

If you ever build an eXT clone of either of those things, you'd better share your .ext files.

Greg

[glurgle]

NOW, just like many things with Tracktion, there may already be a way around this, but my rant won't have been a waste because someone will either say, "Duh, there's a whole setting you can change for this" or will have a suggestion. I don't mind looking stupid if I can get rid of this cumbersome naming convention.

Greg

it's set on the input properties. you can type anything you like, I think it's set as it is to show you all the possible 'dynamic' values you can have (like the edit name and date etc.) which reminds me, I've been meaning to fix mine a bit as well

[Lunch Money]

Cool! I could have sworn I had seen it before, but right before I posted that rant, I had a look and couldn't find it anymore.

Well, that's part of the problem solved!

Greg

[headquest]

Good for you at least you know exactly what you want, however...I noticed that you are UK based... if that is correct then you may not be aware that as an EU based customer you cannot order indvidual plugs from the Sonitus suite. If you are US based then you can.

Of course if you want all of them then fine...

Yes, I do want them all, although I had thought of getting them one at a time, but hey.

Having said all that, I've just auditioned the Kjaerhus Golden effects (which are on the new CM cover CD this month) and I've been blown away by them, so I might get them first, or even instead.

I think the Tracktion effects leave a LOT to be desired, and I have mostly been using the Kjaerhus Classic freebies of late (also Ambience and NyQuist EQ). I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I need to invest in something more high end now.

Audition is a very powerful editor that has CD burning, rewire and surround sound with an encoder.
I too have tried the demo and see it as potential replacement for any host now that is has rewire.
If I am not mistaken rewire is very important for you, so you could simply rewire Reason, Projects 5 or FL studio into AA and then use the extensive audio options there to master and burn to a CD!AA has so many FX as well.

Yes to all of that, but if Samplitude 8 is all its cracked up to be, it might be worth me waiting to check that before I take the Audition plunge... it looks like Samplitude can do most of what Audition can, having looked at the preview stuff you directed me to on the Magix website...

I already have applications for mastering as you well know so I want be getting AA but the rewire addition for AA finally opens this powerful application up.

Didn't know - what do you use for mastering?

[christianmusicmaker]

I think the Tracktion effects leave a LOT to be desired, and I have mostly been using the Kjaerhus Classic freebies of late (also Ambience and NyQuist EQ). I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I need to invest in something more high end now.

If you are still interested in freebies this is one of the best...

*LFX-1310 is a VST multi-effector including 24 types of algorithm and 3 serial slots. This freeware is the stand-alone version of Effecting Module of Ravity(S) & Ravity(R). Every algorithm realizes the very effect you have on your mind, and is fully optimized for low CPU load.

Effectors :

- S'Filter 12 / S'Filter 24 / 3-band EQ
- Peak Compressor / RMS Compressor
- Overdrive / Distortion / Amp Distortion
- Crusher / LP Noise / Stereo Image
- Chorus / Flanger / Phaser / Auto Wah / Tremolo / Auto Pan
- Delay / Stereo Delay / Ping-pong Delay
- Gate Reverb / Room Reverb / Hall Reverb / Spring Reverb


Specifications :

- 24 types of high-quality effector algorithm
- 3 serial-routed slots
- 128 factory sound presets
- mono or stereo input / stereo output
- 32-bit sound processing
- HLMS™ : Hyper Layed MIDI assign System for real-time performance and sound editing
- FOEM™ : Fully Optimized Effecting Module

The CPU usage of this plug is the lowest I have seen of any...!

Download LFX 1310


Also what about the recent $399 addition to Tracktion 1.6 then... Final mix?

"Tracktion version 1.6.0.1
Built July 15, 2004

- authorizes in the presence of Onyx Firewire card
- demo period is now unrestricted use for 2 weeks, after which periodic bursts of white
noise are presented until properly registered
- 'Finalmix PC Mastering Software' is now bundled for free as a Tracktion only plugin in the PC version (Mac version coming soon)".

Final mix

Didn't know - what do you use for mastering?

Since you asked...Izotope Ozone

"Ozone combines analog modeling with 64-bit digital precision to deliver a complete set of world class mastering processors.

From the warm sound of tube modeled equalizers to the pure transparency of linear phase filters, Ozone provides the tools and the technology you need to deliver top notch audio masters."

Multiband Dynamics
Paragraphic and Parametric EQ
Multiband Harmonic Exciter
Multiband Stereo Imaging
Loudness Maximizer
Dither

All highly recommended...but as ususal demo for yourself.

Reviews and quotes

Ozone overview

Ozone Mastering and dithering guides

[headquest]

If you are still interested in freebies this is one of the best...

*LFX-1310 is a VST multi-effector

Thanks - I'll check it out...

Also what about the recent $399 addition to Tracktion 1.6 then... Final mix?

This came out while I was away on holiday, so I've not started looking at it yet, although I have downloaded it ready for action. I didn't realise it cost that much... is this going to be a permanent Tracktion addition (i.e. in v.2) or just a sweetener to keep us all on board in the meantime?

From wshat I've seen it looks like it could turn Tracktion into a more viable mastering option...

Since you asked...Izotope Ozone

All highly recommended...but as ususal demo for yourself.

I'll have a look - not come across this one before, but I always check out your recommendations!

Thanks again!