Podcast Academy

In this installment I would like to discuss yet another work-flow enhancement that is available as a tabbed option in the lower area of the Soundtrack Pro 2 application UI. Along with the file attribute/metadata information area referred to as the bin, we find what Apple has named the Multitake Editor.

Scenario:

A voice artist needs to record a quick ten second spot for a radio broadcast. The client specifies a characteristic or “mood” that is required in order to maintain consistency with the specified product referenced in the spot. The artist decides to record a few takes [4], hoping that at least one segment will suit the client’s needs. During post production the artist determines that individual segments of each take would work well if they were incorporated into a single flowing track. Enter the Multitake Editor.

This type of workflow is not too difficult to accomplish, especially if the producer is savvy using a professional quality multitrack DAW. On the other hand in my opinion Apple has once again incorporated a few groovy features into the STP 2 application concept that ultimately improves productivity for this type of project.

The Process:

I set an 11 second playback cycle as displayed in the selected area in the Time Ruler located at the top of the multi-track view. This attribute holds true for a recording session as well. In this case you simply arm a single track for recording, engage record in the lower transport area, and begin a new take each time the playhead returns to the beginning of the cycle interval. At the end of the recording session we are presented with what appears to be a single track of audio … until we access the Multitake Editor at the bottom of the application interface.

Remember that we recorded [4] takes. Each individual take is now available independently in the editor along with the composite track. Tracks can be auditioned and subsequently cut with the blade tool in order to achieve a segmented output that plays back seamlessly. You have access to a scrub tool, slip edits can be performed, reordering is supported, and lastly - you can remove takes and/or add files from external projects and sources.

Cross-Fades:

Here is where things get interesting: As displayed in the screen capture, cut points can be expanded into customizable cross-fades in order to maintain seamless edits. Remember that in your projects, cross-fade attributes will undoubtedly vary depending on the source material and your intended results. The Multitake Editor supports full customization options. Once satisfied, the single multitake clip will be accessible within the multi-track project work-space.

Very cool …

[the image is linked to a higher res. graphic]