Subject:Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Posted by: Mike C

Date:9/30/2009 5:07:55 AM

I know that this is a simplistic question because I know that you can use A7 to record multi-tracks. I recently got A7 and had been using Acid Studio to compose drum tracks with I feed into Reaper, the multi-track software that I use. I love Reaper's capabilities but I am wondering if I couldn't be just as productive using A7 for all my recording tasks. So when I ask about productive multi-tracking does A7 have the multiple take capability that Reaper has? Does it have enough of the important features that make a good multi-tracking software effective?

Thanks in advance.

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: Bremen Cole

Date:9/30/2009 5:56:51 PM

I would say yes, and since you already have A7 just try a couple of projects in it it see how it goes.

I think Acid is the best there is, but I do little recording of external instruments. What I do is a lot of midi (VSTi's), then render track to audio, and then work with the audio file. (make it into a loop and mess with it)

But, I can also do all that in Reaper as well (yes I have a bought copy of Reaper) and sometimes do for stability reasons. As much as I like Acid, it does have some problems. Especially with some VSTi's (Sylenth1, Oatmeal, Wavestation....some that I have that don't work right in Acid). If Acid was more stable and VSTi friendly, I would dump Reaper in a heartbeat.....

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: Mike C

Date:10/1/2009 4:36:26 AM

RIght - I was thinking of just trying it. I love Reaper's ability to do multiple takes on a track and then pick the one you like. Does A7 have those capabilities?

Stability (and performance) are both huge issues for me, because I then to load up Reaper will a LOT of plug-in's during my mix and it is very stable.

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: Bremen Cole

Date:10/1/2009 5:03:28 AM

I would copy and paste this info, but the manual will not allow it....

If you have not already done so, download the AP7 Manual (PDF file). Open the file, then open the "Recording Audio" section. Scroll about half way down this section, and you will find a section called "Working with multiple recorded clips". I think this is the info you are looking for. Hope it helps, and in general the Manual is a wealth of info.....

In a nutshell, as I understand your question, yes... AP7 can do that.

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: lofreequency

Date:10/5/2009 8:22:28 AM

"I love Reaper's ability to do multiple takes on a track and then pick the one you like. Does A7 have those capabilities?"

Yes, you can record right over any given take and then right click on the clip and find a list of takes, original included, usually labeled something like "Clip 1-2", "Clip 2-1", "Clip 2-2", etc. You can also put a loop region around a specific part you may want to try multiple takes over. It'll keep looping over the spot, starting a new clip each time. Then you can access them via the right click method described above. Or you can highlight the clip and hit "Control -arrow "and scroll through the clips that way. ( I think it that command...not in front of AP7 at this time).

I have Reaper to and it does seem to play nicer with more plugins but I have not given it a multi-track recording work out yet to see if I like it better than AP7.

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: guitacid

Date:10/5/2009 6:02:19 PM

I also have a question related to the topic of this thread. I've looked in the manual and I'm not sure I can see the answer I need. Hopefully a fellow Acid user can help me out.

My main use of Acid is to record electric guitar. In Acid 3 I was able to set a loop region and record a track and that performance would just continue along the timeline. After stopping I'd just select the best part whether or not it was 4, 8 or 16 bars down the line and discard the rest. This is applicable say if I was recording a riff or hook. It's also applicable if you're recording a solo. You set a loop region and just keep jamming over it until you know you've nailed a good performance.

In AP7 the loop region method creates clips, as we know. I don't think clips method suits when it comes time to lay down a solo.

The workaround I'm using is to record into loop region, finish, right click and select in Chopper and there you can pick up the whole performance. Then edit to suit.

Is there a method to record during a loop region but have your performance continue along the timeline?

Thanks

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: pwppch

Date:10/5/2009 8:10:55 PM

Is there a method to record during a loop region but have your performance continue along the timeline?

No. The old modal record mode from ACID 3 no longer exists.

I think that if you try out the record takes/clips into a selected event you will find the same ability and even more.

Peter

Subject:RE: Effective multi-tracking with ACID 7

Reply by: guitacid

Date:10/5/2009 8:44:13 PM

Thanks Peter. I'll check it out.