Topic: Making a “matrix” and choice of software?

[notsofast]

I have been working on my first matrix, have read all I could and even using guidance from a couple of members, thanks to them. I have two questions, on the how to side and the other on choice of software.

This has been a complex effort as the sources were not contiguous. I received the SBD on 2 CD’s and the Aud  I had my V3 drop due to battery power, creating a 10 second drop of signal.

How to Question:
I have been doing the slicing /dicing/syncing method, seems OK, still getting some phasing issues, so I am not happy yet with the results.  I am using Samplitude.  I now want to try the stretch/shrink method for my own learning. Thanks to my mentors, I have a good idea on the theory but I am looking for the practical and specific “how to” within either Samplitude or SF9. Any one familiar with either of those programs and could help with the specifics?

Software Question:
For software I have SF9 and Samplitude 10 demo (30 day trial). I am happy with SF9 for most processing but find it lacking for building a multichannel effort. I like Samplitude and am looking to purchase it or something else like Wavelab or? From a performance and ease of use what do folks recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Tim

[Brian Skalinder]

I've not timestretched in SAM SE, but it looks to me like you want to use either the Object Editor, Stretch Length or Stretch Factor fields, and Standard mode.  Alternatively, you could use Offline Effects | Resample / Time Stretching, Standard Algorithm, and specify the Stretch Factor or New Length.  Just make sure you leave the Pitch fields at 0 and don't change the BPM fields.  Sorry, I can't provide any more detailed "how to" than that...but it should be reasonably straightforward to implement the theory, I hope.

As for s/w, it's a very personal decision.  Most of the commonly used multichannel audio editors do most of the same stuff.  I've previously tried Wavelab and CEP/Audition, and finally settled on SAM SE.  It's a steeper learning curve, I like it's interface and workflow much better, and it's tough to beat the bang for the buck.

[notsofast]

Brian thanks for the quick response. I am leaning towards SAM. It is not clear on their website if the SE V 10 is available for download, yet I could not find it. I think it would suit my needs but can not get it yet for download, I like the SE price better. DId SE become Music Studio 15?

Tim




 

[Brian Skalinder]

I don't think SAM v10 SE and Music Studio 15 are the same.  They probably share base code, but the feature set looks very different to me.

I can't find SAM v10 SE for download on their site, either.  SAM v10 SE is available, per the SAM v9 SE download page:

Samplitude 10 SE is available in English. We are currently working on the shop and will update this page within the next time.

So maybe it's available, just not from their online shop.  Not sure.  People are using it, apparently, as there's mention of v10.2 SE in the Support forums.  Maybe try contacting Magix NA sales support:

MAGIX North American
Markus Gunn
1105 Terminal Way #202
Reno, NV 89502
Tel: + 1 905-470-0400
Fax: +1 905-470-0403
Email: mgunn@magix.net

[kirk97132]

I ended up with Adobe Audition v3.   I tried Wavelab, Samplitude, Soundforge and Pro Tools.  Audition just feels right for me.  Like Brian said it is a personal choice. 

[live2496]

I have used the time stretching thing in Samplitude to line up a stereo pair with a multitrack ADAT that were on separate clocks.

From what I remember it was pretty easy. The key factor is calculating the number of samples to stretch the audio by. Then you enter that number into the object editor's timestretch dialog. Upon playback the audio will be stretched by that exact number of samples.

To get the number of samples to stretch by it involves aligning the audio at the beginning and ending of an audio segment. Then calculating how many samples you had to shift one object to get things to line up at the end. Then line up the beginning again and playback using the stretch factor.


 

[stevetoney]

I would add to this discussion that if you didn't use a stretch function to time synch the two sources at the start of your work in post, you'll probably have phasing issues every time.  The only way this isn't an issue is if the two sources were recorded to separate pairs on a 4-track recorder, so that the two sources are time synched.  Even tiny differences in timing will result in drift over the course of the length of a song or a show...which of course ends up sounding like reverb on the mixdown when the two sources eventually time-drift farther apart from each other.

Bottom line is that the very first thing to do in post every time you're working with pairs is to stretch/shrink to get the two sources time synched.

[notsofast]

I appreciate the advice from all, I did some work as outlined in Samplitude, seems to be working once I got the math straight. I have reached out to find Samplitude SE, await the vendor response.

Thanks to all for helping me up and over the learning curve.

Tim

[Brian Skalinder]

Glad to hear the stretch method seems to be working for you.  Please let us all know when/what you find out about SAM 10 SE availability?

[rowjimmytour]

Vegas is real easy to use for matrix and works side side to side SF Tim but even easier thing to do is sale your toyz and buy my R4
Peace

[easy jim]

Glad to hear the stretch method seems to be working for you. 

Getting excited to hear the results when you're done. 

[notsofast]

Two words Rowjimmytour.....El Nino!

I got a copy of Vegas, older one, and will play with it as well, just to get my chops and see if I can manage it. I am still learning the programs and looking for the one that calls to me. SAM is nice, the demo I have actually brought in the Sony FX's and I can utilize there as well.

Tim

[notsofast]

Well I heard back from Markus, nothing new to report, I will let folks know what I hear in the future.

"Hi Tim,
Sorry for the delayed response.  Our dev team is still working on the Samplitude 10 SE version.  We’ll contact you as soon as it becomes available.  Thanks for your interest in MAGIX and Samplitude. 
Cheers,
Markus "

Again thanks so much for the advice, I think I have everything sync'd and ready to do the final mix down.  Tonight I will do that and with luck Jim you will be listening to the pull this weekend.

Tim

[rowjimmytour]

Well I heard back from Markus, nothing new to report, I will let folks know what I hear in the future.

"Hi Tim,
Sorry for the delayed response.  Our dev team is still working on the Samplitude 10 SE version.  We’ll contact you as soon as it becomes available.  Thanks for your interest in MAGIX and Samplitude. 
Cheers,
Markus "

Again thanks so much for the advice, I think I have everything sync'd and ready to do the final mix down.  Tonight I will do that and with luck Jim you will be listening to the pull this weekend.

Tim

Cool Tim and like learning how to ride a bike it gets easier each time.

[kirk97132]

Two words Rowjimmytour.....El Nino!

I got a copy of Vegas, older one, and will play with it as well, just to get my chops and see if I can manage it. I am still learning the programs and looking for the one that calls to me. SAM is nice, the demo I have actually brought in the Sony FX's and I can utilize there as well.

Tim

Watch your demo EFX.  Sometimes they will only let yo do a small sample or it inserts a chime every 30 seconds or will not let yo save the effect to the clip.