Topic: Learning new software/workflow sucks -- Reaper questions

[Brian Skalinder]

Since SAM SE won't work in Win7 64-bit (it won't even install), I'm giving Reaper a try.  Just starting the learning curve, and it's going to take me a while.  I didn't see anything in Help about the following, so thought I'd ask you guys.  I've found a lot of answers in the manual, poking around the Preferences, and such, but still have a few questions...

• Is it possible to apply different FX to each individual selection within the track?  For example, apply compression (with settings X) only to selection #1, apply limiting to selection #2, etc.
• Is there a way to configure the size of the increments when zooming in/out?
• Can the location of the docked Docker and Transport Controls be selected, or must they always be docked at the very bottom of the screen?  I'd much rather have them docked at the top of the screen, but the only way I've found to display them at the top is if they float...in which case they get in the way.
• Is it possible to have the cursor snap to markers and/or selection (item?) edges when clicking close to those objects?  I'm finding it difficult to precisely re-align the cursor on a previously created selection without zooming way in.  I've enabled Snapping and tweaked the Snap/Grid settings, but can't seem to find a way to do this.
• Is there a way to automatically create track (cue) markers at the start/end of each selection (item?)?*

*  Here's what I've done so far as background to this questions:

• Create project
• Load 100min stereo waveform into a single track
• Split the waveform into multiple selections (items?), one for each music portion and dead space portion (approx 60 total)
• Delete the dead space selections, leaving only the music selections (approx 30 total)

What I want to do now is bounce ("render" in Reaper parlance?) each selection to its own WAV file, applying any FX along the way.  In SAM, I would complete the workflow by <a> executing a single command to automatically create track (cue) markers at the start and end of each selection, then <b> perform another single command to bounce / render each selection to its own WAV file (reasmpling or dithering along the way, if desired).

Is there an easy way to create track (cue) markers at the start/end of each selection and then bounce each selection to its own WAV file?  I'd rather not go back and add each marker manually, unless I really have to (since there are 60+, one for each selection start/end).

[mattmiller]

I can't answer any of your questions, but if your Win7 is the Pro version (or above) you can install older software in XP Mode using the Windows Virtual Machine.

[Brian Skalinder]

I can't answer any of your questions, but if your Win7 is the Pro version (or above) you can install older software in XP Mode using the Windows Virtual Machine.

Ooooo...never even occurred to me.  I knew there was a reason I spent a few extra bucks on Pro.  Great news, I'm going to give this a try.  Thanks!

[Brian Skalinder]

Thanks, Matt.  SAM SE is up and running in XP Mode via VM.  Unfortunately, it's been mildly unstable (resulting in app crashes) and playback is problematic.  Something about the XP/VM environment is introducing substantial noise (HF hiss) into the playback signal for some reason.  Not sure how much time I want to invest in an unstable app/environment, but I'll mess around with it for a while.  Fingers crossed!

I still may opt for Reaper, if I can't resolve my SAM/XP/VM issues.  Any Reaper experts able to chime in on my original questions?

[Gutbucket]

Can't answer your Reaper questions,  just posting to follow the thread as I am considering looking into using Reaper. I've never put enough time into SAM to get very comfortable with its style and workflow, although I can usually do the things I need to with some concerted effort.  Ironically I was doing just that over the weekend and saw your post in the SAM forum, Brian.  SAM has most of the capabilities I need, but navigating and figuring it out has been a struggle.

I guess I'll just have to find some time and roll up my sleeves with a trial installation of Reaper to see if it better fits my mindset.

[ifthir]

What features of Reaper make it your choice over some of the others like Soundforge, etc?

[Brian Skalinder]

What features of Reaper make it your choice over some of the others like Soundforge, etc?

I'm not convinced Reaper is the right app for me, yet.  My basic feature requirements:

• < $100 for a legitimate license
• Runs on Win7 64-bit
• Reasonably good GUI
• Multichannel (i.e. > 2)
• Non-destructive workflow
• Basic editing features w/ real-time preview (compression / limiting, normalizing, fades/crossfades, volume envelope, parametric EQ, etc.)
• Full VST plugin support, especially important for specific editing features not always included in some apps
• Object-oriented editing, but not sure if I can find this at my price point now that SAM SE is no longer available

Most of the big name apps fail #1 by a large margin:  Adobe Audition, Steinberg WaveLab, Sony Sound Forge, etc.  Last I tried it, Audacity fails on #6-7.  Magix's web presence and information sucks, so I'm still trying to determine if <a> Music Maker has sufficient capability, and <b> whether or not it's worth the money to double my budget for Samplitude Producer.  If either of these will work, I may just use 'em as I'm familiar with the workflow.

[ifthir]

Thanks, was just curious what people are looking for in their software

[live2496]

I'm an avid Samp user but Reaper has a 64-bit data path throughout.

But currently this is the best app for routing required to encode/decode b-format recordings.

This is interesting to work through and read if you are interested in using the advanced routing in reaper for ambisonics.
http://uod-true-multi-channel-mixing.wikispaces.com/Reaper

I will likely continue to use Samp for mastering, but Reaper when I want to/need to do anything with b-format.

[Gutbucket]

^^^
Thanks, I'll give that a look.  Extensive, flexible and intuitive routing is one of my primary requirements and a large part of what piqued my interest in Reaper.

It's unfortunate that Magix has choosen to discontinue the lower cost SE and Mastering Editions.  Having spent more time exploring SAM in depth over the last few days, I'm finding functions I had overlooked before and easier ways of doing things. Yet I'm half wondering if I want to dedicate the time and effort towards really learning it's workflow well if I'm forced to upgrade to a more costly version in the future (which currently lack a number of the atractive features that the less expensive Mastering Edition includes). 

[Brian Skalinder]

Anyone?  Especially 1, 4, 5?  I'm off to the Reaper boards...hopefully will find some info there...

[Brian Skalinder]

Closing this thread.  I've created a Reaper tips & tricks thread with a few of the answers to my questions I've identified and encourage others to share their taper-related tips & tricks.

BTW, I checked out the trial version of Magix Music Maker.  I was told this was the replacement for Samplitude SE.  It's nowhere near the same functionality as SE.  Totally foreign to me.  I suspect one needs Samplitude Producer to get close to the old SE version, but it's more than double the cost of Reaper.  So, I'm going to give Reaper a trial run for now, see how it works out for me.

[Brian Skalinder]

SAM SE is up and running in XP Mode via VM.  Unfortunately, it's been mildly unstable (resulting in app crashes) and playback is problematic.  Something about the XP/VM environment is introducing substantial noise (HF hiss) into the playback signal for some reason.  Not sure how much time I want to invest in an unstable app/environment, but I'll mess around with it for a while.  Fingers crossed!

Update!  I had a forehead-smacking (d'oh!) moment this morning when I realized I hadn't yet tried running the SAM SE v9 installer in XP-compatible mode.  Aside from a minor installation error that didn't seem important, it installed and seems to be working just fine.  No messing around with VM.  Woohoo!