capture reference manual
TRANSCRIPT
Reccordinng A
Applic
UserVer
cation
’s Mansion 1
n for
nual .0
r StuddioLiv
ve
Installation 2
CONTENTS
Contents....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Installation ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 About This Manual ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Versions ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Tips ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Documentation Conventions ............................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 What is Capture? ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Start Page ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
The Session Page .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Fundamentals .................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Reference ................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Recording ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Audio Device ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Creating a New Session ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Audio I/O Setup ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Audio Tracks ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Activating Recording .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Audio Recording Format .................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.2 Editing .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Audio Events ...................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Mouse Tools ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Common Editing Actions .................................................................................................................................................... 21
Session Navigation ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Importing Audio ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Suggestions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 24
2.3 Mixing .............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Mixing with Capture and StudioLive .................................................................................................................................. 25
Export Audio Files .............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Mix a Capture Session in a Different Recording Application ............................................................................................. 27
2.4 Key Commands ................................................................................................................................................................ 28
Real‐World Applications ............................................................................................................................................................ 31
3.1 Live Recording .................................................................................................................................................................. 32
StudioLive Mixing and Recording a Live Performance ....................................................................................................... 32
3.2 Studio Recording .............................................................................................................................................................. 34
Notes .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Index .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Installation 4
INSTALLATION
To install Capture on your computer, first insert the disc you received with your StudioLive mixer, which contains StudioLive drivers, a demo session, and Capture, and then follow these instructions.
Windows:
• The disc will run automatically and you will see three launch buttons. To install Capture, click on the Capture launch button.
• Capture will then be installed on your computer.
• You have the option of also installing the Capture demo session by clicking on the demo session launch button. When installed, the demo session will be placed in the Documents/Capture folder.
Mac:
• The disc will appear on your desktop. Double‐click the disc icon to open the contents of the disc.
• Double‐click on the PreSonus Capture.dmg file, and then click and drag the Capture icon to your Applications folder.
• Capture is now installed to your computer.
• You have the option of also installing the demo session. To do this, double‐click on the PreSonus Capture Demo Session.dmg file, and then drag the PreSonus Capture Demo Session folder to the location to which you would like to install the demo session (your Desktop, the Documents folder, etc).
5 Introduction | 1.1 About This Manual
INTRODUCTION
This part of the Capture reference manual contains general information, including information about this manual and the basic layout and workflow of Capture.
This is a great place to start for new audio‐recording software users.
Introduction | 1.1 About This Manual 6
1.1 About This Manual
Versions
There is one version of Capture, which runs under the Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. This manual explains both the Windows and the Mac versions.
All screenshots are taken from the Windows (Vista 32‐bit) version.
Tips
Several shortcuts and alternative methods or functions are presented throughout this manual. These tips are intended to improve your workflow and will be shown as follows:
• Really helpful information.
Also note that if you float the mouse over most tools, buttons, or windows in Capture for a few seconds, a Tooltip will appear that names the function that the tool, button, or window serves.
Documentation Conventions
Key Commands
Many operations in Capture have associated key commands (keyboard shortcuts) that can be used instead of navigating menus with the mouse. Several of these key commands use modifier keys, some of which differ depending on the operating system (Windows or Mac OS X).
When discussed in this manual, key commands with modifier keys are shown with the Windows modifier key first, as follows: [Win modifier key]/[Mac modifier key]+[key].
For example, [Ctrl]/[Cmd]‐[C] means “press [Ctrl]/[Cmd]+C in Windows, or press [Cmd]+C in Mac OS X.”
Where there is no difference between the Windows and Mac version of a key command, only one key command will be displayed; for example: [F3].
Menu Functions
Many functions can be reached via hierarchical menus. Where menu navigation is referenced in this manual, it will appear as follows: Menu/Menu Entry/…/Function.
7
1.2 W
CapturePreSonuCaptureFireWirsetup incomputready to
This cha
Start
Introduction
What is
e is an audus StudioLie, you neede port on ynstructionster, and Cao record.
apter desc
Page
| 1.2 What is
s Captu
io‐recordinive series md to installyour comps.) Once thapture has
ribes the g
Capture?
ure?
ng applicatmixer. To r the Studioputer. (Thee StudioLivbeen insta
general lay
tion createrecord fromoLive drive StudioLiveve mixer halled, simp
out of the
ed exclusivm the Studer and conne manual ihas been coply launch C
Capture u
vely for usedioLive mixnect the mncludes inonnected tCapture, a
user interfa
e with the xer into mixer to a stallation ato your nd you are
ace.
and
e
Introduction | 1.2 What is Capture? 8
When Capture is launched, by default you will be taken to the Start Page.
Create and Open Session
At the upper left of the Start Page are two buttons: Create Session and Open Session. A Session is a document in which you can record and edit audio. Click on the Create Session button to create a new Session or click on the Open Session button to browse for and open an existing Session.
Recent Files
To the right of the Start Page menu section, the Recent Files list includes links to the most recently opened documents. Click on any of these links to quickly open the Session.
Audio Device and Sample rate
Capture was specifically created for use with the PreSonus StudioLive series mixer and will only work with that device. It is not possible to configure any other audio device for use with Capture. The Audio Device window will either display “StudioLive” or “No Audio Device”; the former indicates that your StudioLive mixer is connected to the computer correctly and is ready to use with Capture. The Sample Rate window displays the currently configured sample rate, as set on the StudioLive mixer.
About Capture
To view information about Capture, including your version number and acknowledgements, choose About Capture from the Help file menu.
The Session Page
Capture features a single‐window user interface so you don’t need to manage multiple windows and views. When a new Session is created or an existing Session is opened, you will be taken to the Session page. This page contains all of the necessary tools to record and edit multitrack audio.
9
The follow
Transp
The Transp
• Mm
• M
Introduction
wing are diagram
port
port is at the to
Meter Bridge: Pmixer.
Mouse Tools
o Arrow
o Range
o Splice T
| 1.2 What is
ms and descrip
op of the Sessio
Peak LED‐style
Tool: The defa
Tool: Select th
Tool: Splice Au
Capture?
ptions of the Se
on page and co
meters with cl
ault tool for ac
he range of an
udio Events.
ession interfac
ontains:
lip indicators fo
cess to most fu
Audio Event fo
ce.
or each input i
unctions.
or editing.
nto Capture fr
rom your StudioLive
Introduction | 1.2 What is Capture? 10
o Eraser Tool: Erase Audio Events.
• Sample Rate Display: Displays the current Capture/StudioLive Sample Rate.
• Transport Controls
o Loop: Engage/Disengage Loop Mode.
o Back to Beginning: Return to the beginning of the Session.
o Rewind: Rewind for the duration this button is held down.
o Fast Forward: Fast Forward for the duration this button is held down.
o Stop: Stop playback.
o Play: Start playback at the current playback‐cursor position.
o Record: Start recording at the current playback‐cursor position.
o Previous Marker: Jump the playback cursor to the previous marker.
o Next Marker: Jump the playback cursor to the next marker.
• Time Display: Displays the time at the current playback‐cursor position.
• Main Output Meters: Peak LED‐style meters for the main stereo output of Capture.
11
Edit W
The Edit w
The Edit W
• Ti
• M
• A
• Mm
• TrSt
• Rest
Introduction
Window
window is the m
Window contain
imeline Ruler:
Marker Lane: D
rm All: Click th
Marker +/‐: Clicmarker and click
rack Column: CtudioLive mixe
o Main: Tthe nam
emaining Timetorage left on t
| 1.2 What is
main view of th
ns the followin
Displays time
isplays user‐in
his button to ar
ck on the plus (k on the minus
Contains a dedr, including a M
The input sourme of the track
e: Displays thethe hard drive
Capture?
e Session page
g:
increments in
serted marker
rm all inputs fo
(+) button to as (‐) button to r
dicated mono aMain stereo tra
rce to this sterek (called “Main
remaining timto which you a
e, which provid
seconds.
rs.
or recording.
dd a marker atremove the ma
audio track for ack.
eo audio track n” by default) t
me that can be are recording.
des an overview
t the current parker.
each audio inp
from the Studto select a sou
recorded, base
w of the Sessio
playback cursor
put into Captu
dioLive mixer isrce to be recor
ed on the size
on for editing.
r position. Sele
re from the
s selectable. Clrded.
of the availabl
ect a
ick on
e
Introduction | 1.2 What is Capture? 12
Fundamentals
Non-Destructive Editing and Undo/Redo
Almost every user action in Capture can be undone and redone. There is no limit to how far back actions can be undone and how far forward undone actions can be redone.
Thus, Capture users can feel free to explore without fearing they will permanently alter anything. In fact, just pressing buttons might be the quickest way to learn.
High Quality Audio
Capture features a new 32‐bit floating‐point audio engine. An audio engine is the “number cruncher” that does the math required to record and play back digital audio. To put it simply, Capture will process your audio as accurately as current technology allows and maintains the highest quality possible. All you have to do is make great music!
System Requirements
To ensure best performance with Capture, we recommend your computer system have the following specifications.
• Windows
o OS: Microsoft Windows XP (32‐bit & 64‐bit) or Windows Vista (32‐bit & 64‐bit)
o CPU/Clock: Intel or Athlon 900MHz (1.5 GHz or higher recommended)
o Memory(RAM): 1 GB (2G recommended)
• Macintosh
o OS: MacOS X 10.4.x or later
o CPU/Clock: PowerPC G5/Dual 1GHz, any Intel‐based Mac model.
o Memory(RAM): 1 GB (2G recommended)
• Monitor resolution for both PC and Macintosh should be no lower than 1024x768 pixels.
13 Reference
REFERENCE
This part of the Capture reference manual contains detailed information on all aspects of the software.
It is recommended all users become familiar with the general layout of Capture as presented in the Introduction of this reference manual before attempting to read the Reference. If more information is needed on any topic or term, you may wish to refer to the Index.
2.1 R
TrackingaspectsAudio T
Audio
Before attemoment tocomputer vaudio devi
When the successfullDevice win
Creat
A Session ithe followi
• Fr
• N
• Pr
Sessio
When a neoptions wi
Session
This will befile name (that conta
Session
This is whecreate a Selocation byas the defa
Record
g is the firs of recordiTracks and
Device
empting to reco be sure your via FireWire ance on the Start
StudioLive mixly, Capture wilndow.
ing a New
s the documening:
rom the Start p
avigate to File/
ress [Ctrl]/[Cm
n Setup
ew Session is crll pop up:
n Title
e the title of yo(Title.Session), ins all data rela
n Location
ere new Sessioession. By defay clicking on thault the next ti
ing
st stage of ing tracks iEvents, an
cord anything iStudioLive mixnd that Capturt page.
xer is not connl display “No A
w Sessio
nt type in whic
page, click on t
/New Session.
md]+N on the ke
reated, a setup
our Session. Thas well as the ated to your Se
ns and all relatault, the new Sehe Browse buttme you create
audio proin Capturend more.
n Capture, plexer is properlyre displays the
ected to the coAudio Device” i
on
ch all recording
the New Sessio
eyboard.
p menu with th
his name will bname of the nession.
ted data will bession locationton and browsie a new Session
duction. Te, including
ase take a connected to StudioLive as y
omputer n the Audio
g takes place in
on button.
he following
e the Session new folder
e saved. The Sn will be the Caing to a new lon.
R
he following Session c
the your
n Capture. To c
ession locationapture folder. Yocation. The las
Reference | 2.
ng chapterreation an
create a new Se
n can be choseYou can choosst known save
1 Recording
r discussesd setup,
ession, do one
en each time yoe a different filocation will a
14
s
e of
ou le ppear
15 Reference | 2.1 Recording
Audio I/O Setup
There is no need for audio inputs and outputs to be set up in Capture, as it is automatically configured for use with your StudioLive mixer. Each input from your StudioLive mixer is represented with a mono input track in the Track column of the Session, and each input track has a corresponding level meter in the meter bridge.
The following diagram illustrates the one‐to‐one relationship of the StudioLive and Capture input channels. The input signal into each channel on the StudioLive mixer is automatically routed to each respective input channel in Capture.
Reference | 2.1 Recording 16
It is possible to process each StudioLive mixer input channel with the Fat Channel before the input signal is routed to Capture. To do this, you will need to engage the Post button in the Dig Out section of the Fat Channel for each channel in your StudioLive mixer. This routes the signal post‐EQ and post‐dynamics processing. The following diagram illustrates the signal flow in this scenario.
17 Reference | 2.1 Recording
Main Source Selection
The Main channel in Capture is a stereo channel intended to be used to record a stereo mix from your StudioLive. This mix could be recorded while recording the 16 individual input channels, so a mix is available immediately after a live show. This channel is also where you will record your final studio mixes from the StudioLive.
The StudioLive mixer features a software control panel to enable various channel routing options. In this control panel, there is a dedicated stereo selection for Capture (channels 17/18), which determines what the source will be for the Main track. The sources you may choose from include the following physical outputs from your StudioLive mixer: Main L/R, Sub 1/2, Sub 3/4, Aux 1/2, Aux 3/4, Aux 5/6, EFX Send A, EFX Send B, Aux Return A, Aux Return B, 2Track, TalkBack, EFX Return A, EFX Return B, and the Solo Bus.
Thus, you have many options when choosing which stereo source to record to the Main Track in Capture. The default source is Main L/R. The audio from the output you select will be ‘mirrored’ to the Main track in Capture, and does not affect the normal operation of the physical output on your StudioLive mixer.
Audio Tracks
Record Enabling an Audio Track
To record to an audio track, the track must be record‐enabled, or armed. To record‐enable an audio track, click on the Record Enable button once. This button, which sports a red dot, should turn entirely red in color when enabled, and the track’s corresponding meter in the meter bridge should begin to move up and down if there is any live audio on that channel in the StudioLive mixer.
• Click on the Arm All button at the top of the Track Column to record‐enable every track at once.
Once an audio track is record enabled, you are ready to record audio to that track. Refer to Activating Recording for more on this topic.
Monitoring Live Audio Input
All monitoring of live audio input should happen on the StudioLive mixer itself as normal. There is no separate monitoring capability within Capture.
Setting Input Levels
Setting the proper input levels is critical to making a good live mix and recording. The basic idea is to set the input gain on your StudioLive mixer as high as possible without overloading the input. Overloading the input will cause clipping (a nasty type of distortion), which will ruin the recording. This damage cannot be undone in software. There is a clip indicator for each input on the StudioLive mixer for this purpose.
If an input channel is not clipping on your StudioLive mixer, you can be sure that there it will not clip in Capture. Refer to the StudioLive documentation for more information on this topic.
Activa
Once you hRecord butTransport;will be reco
Recording Transport,
Audio
Capture utwidely use
When recoautomatica
• The reMac O
ating Rec
have the desiretton in the Tra the Playback Corded to any r
will continue uor press [Spac
Recordi
tilizes the Broaed format, and
orded Broadcaally used as the
ecommended fOS X.
cording
ed tracks recornsport. The ReCursor will starecord enabled
until you manucebar] on the k
ng Form
dcast Wave filit contains tim
st Wave audioe standard file
file system for
rd‐enabled, theecord button wrt to scroll fromd track(s).
ually stop it by keyboard.
mat
e format for reme stamps for w
files get bigge format.
the recording
e next step is twill turn red, anm left to right f
clicking on the
ecording. This when recording
er than four gig
partition on yo
R
to record. To and the Play butfrom its curren
e Stop button i
is the only formgs start within
gabytes in size,
our computer i
Reference | 2.
ctivate recordtton will turn gnt position; and
n the
mat utilized, as a Song.
, the RF64 file f
is NTFS on Win
1 Recording
ing, click on thgreen in the d a new Audio
s it is the most
format is
ndows and HFS
18
e
Event
t
S+ on
19
2.2 E
After reprocesssound.
The foll
Audio
All audio thcontain wapossibilitie
Mouse
The mousethat actionfunctionaliare availab
Arrow
This is the keyboard tArrow Too
Move a
To move aevent left o
Dragging t
Reference | 2
Editing
ecording, ths, recorded
owing cha
Events
hat exists withaveform represes, as described
e Tools
e tools allow dins done using tity without perble.
Tool
default selecteto select the Aol.
n Audio Ev
n event using tor right will mo
he event up or
2.2 Editing
he next sted events ar
pter discu
in the timelinesentations of td as follows.
irect interactiothe Mouse toormanently alte
ed tool. Click orrow Tool. The
vent
the Arrow Tooove the event
r down will mo
ep in produre manipul
sses aspec
e of your Sessiohe recorded a
on with Audio Els can be undoering anything.
on the Arrow Toe following des
ol, click anywhebackward and
ove the Audio E
uction is usated in ma
cts of editin
on will be will vudio. Audio Ev
Events using thone at any timeThe following
ool button, or scribes various
ere on the evenforward in tim
Event to the ad
sually editany ways t
ng your rec
visually represvents can be m
he mouse. It is e, so you can feMouse Tools a
press [NumPapossible funct
nt and drag lefme, relative to t
djacent Audio T
ing. In the o achieve
cordings in
ented by Audioved and split
helpful to remeel free to expand related fun
d 1] on the tions using the
ft, right, up, or the Timeline zo
Track.
editing a desired
n Capture.
o Events, whic, among other
member lore their nctions
down. Dragginoom.
ch r
ng the
Size an
Events canfundamentcontain is s
To size anySizing Toolresized no
The picture
before and
Select M
Multiple Amultiple A
• Cldrth
• Clsese
Range
The RangeRange Too
To select aselected; arange of thconsolidat
A commonthe Split Toshown in t
Once a ranis floated o
• The Ra[Ctrl]\
Audio Eve
n be thought oftal technique wseen, and ther
y Audio Event ul. When this tondestructively
es to the right
d after it is size
Multiple Au
udio Events caudio Events wi
lick outside of rawn while youhe events you w
lick on any eveelect them. Thielected events
Tool
Tool is used tool button or pre
a range within a gray box will he events you wed event.
n use of the Raool to make twhe pictures be
nge has been seover the select
ange Tool can \[Cmd] on the k
nt
f as windows inwherein Audiorefore heard.
using the Arrowool appears, clicany number o
illustrate an A
ed.
udio Event
an be selected ith the Arrow T
the range of au drag over thewish to select,
ent, and then wis allows you tocan now be ed
o select a rangess [NumPad 3
events, using tbe drawn overwish to select.
nge Tool is to qwo splits, then slow.
elected, the Rated range. This
be temporarilykeyboard.
nto audio files, Events are ma
w Tool, float thck and drag lefof times.
udio Event
ts
at once in ordeTool, do one of
n Audio Event,e target selectiand these eve
while holding [Co select multipdited at once.
ge, or area, wit3] on the keybo
the Range Toor the target selThe range of t
quickly select aselecting and d
ange Tool will amakes quickly
y toggled when
, where what yade shorter or
he mouse to thft or right to siz
er to edit themf the following
, and then dragion area. Releaents will now a
Ctrl]/[Cmd] onple events that
hin an Audio Eoard to select t
ol, click and draection area. Rethe events you
and delete a radeleting the se
automatically y selecting and
n the Arrow To
you see is whatlonger, so that
he left or right ze the event. A
m all at once wg:
g over any othase the click onll be selected a
n the keyboard are not close
Event(s). Click othe Range Tool
ag over the areelease the clicku have selected
ange of audio wection with the
become the Ar editing any ra
ool is selected b
Reference
t you will heart only a portio
edge of the evAudio Events c
ith a single act
er event(s); a gnce the box is dand can be edi
click on any otin proximity to
on the l.
ea to be k once the boxd is now treate
within events, Arrow Tool. T
rrow Tool wheange of an even
by pressing an
| 2.2 Editing
. Sizing is a n of the audio
vent to reveal tan be sized an
tion. To select
gray box will bdrawn over all ted at once.
ther event(s) to each other. A
x is drawn overd as a single
rather than usThis process is
en the mouse cnt very simple.
d holding
20
they
the d
e of
to All
r the
sing
cursor .
21
Splice T
Using the Sthe Split To
Click on an
Notice thascissors). Bedited indeselected ev
Eraser
The Eraser[NumPad 5
To delete aselection a
Comm
Cut, Co
As with a wactions. Onfollows:
• Cu
• Co
• Pasew
Sessio
The ability following d
Scrollin
To scroll leEdit windo
Reference | 2
Tool
Splice Tool, sinool button, or
ny Audio Event
t the split will By splitting a siependently. If vents in the sa
r Tool
r Tool is used to5] on the keybo
any event usinand will only af
mon Editin
opy, Past
word processonce a selection
ut: Press [Ctrl]/
opy: Press [Ctr
aste: Once a seelection will bewhich the select
on Navig
to quickly navdescribes the w
ng
eft and right thow.
2.2 Editing
ngle Audio Evenpress [NumPad
with the Split
occur at the lengle event, yomultiple eventme way.
o delete an Auoard to select t
g the Eraser Toffect the event
ng Actio
e
r and most othn of events, or
/[Cmd]+X on t
rl]/[Cmd]+C on
election is cut e pasted to thetion originated
ation
vigate to certaiways in which y
rough time in y
nts can be splitd 4] on the key
Tool to split th
eftmost edge ou essentially crts are selected
udio Event. Clicthe Eraser Too
ool, simply clic that is directly
ns
her software apa range of eve
he keyboard to
n the keyboard
or copied, prese current Playbd if the Playbac
n areas of youyou can quickly
your Session, c
t into multiple yboard to selec
he event at tha
f the Split toolreate two even across multip
ck on the Eraseol.
k on the eventy clicked on.
pplications, Cants, has been m
o cut the curre
to copy the cu
ss [Ctrl]/[Cmd]back Cursor posck Cursor is not
r Session is higy navigate thro
click and drag t
Audio Events.ct the Split Too
at position.
icon (the nts that can bele tracks, the S
er Tool button
t. The Eraser To
apture supportmade, these ac
ent selection.
urrent selectio
]+P on the keysition, or to thet currently set
ghly useful duroughout your S
the horizontal
Click on ol.
e Split Tool will a
or press
ool is unaffecte
s basic Cut, Coctions can be p
n.
board to pastee beginning of anywhere.
ring the mixingSession.
scroll bar near
affect all of the
ed by the curre
opy, and Paste performed as
e the selection.the track from
g process. The
r the bottom o
e
ent
. The m
of the
Timelin
You can zolength of t
• Clzo
• Pr
• Cl
Using M
In Capturethe markeanother re
The Marke
Insertin
To insert aor press [Indefault (#1Lane, type
Navigat
It is possibon the Preprevious mkeyboard, compariso
Looping
To Loop th
• Se
• Prdr
e Zoomin
oom in and outhe Session or j
lick and drag leoom in or out.
ress [W] on the
lick inside the T
Markers
, the Marker Lrs is easy. Marecording applic
er Lane is alway
ng Markers
new Marker insert] on the k1, #2, #3…). To in a new name
ting Marke
le to quickly juvious Marker bmarker. Click onto jump to thens between di
g
he playback of
elect an Event
ress [P] on therawn in the tim
ng
t of your Sessiojust view a sma
eft or right on t
e keyboard to
Timeline ruler
ane is used to kers are also hcation.
ys visible, just
s
nto the Markekeyboard. Eachrename a mare, and then pre
ers
ump the Playbabutton in the Tn the Next Mare next marker. fferent section
any range of y
with the Arrow
keyboard to smeline with a le
on with respectall region of tim
the Zoom scro
zoom out sligh
at any point in
place markershelpful when ex
below the Tim
er Lane, with pl new marker wrker, double‐cless [Enter] on
ack Cursor betwTransport, or prker button in Jumping to mans of your Sess
our Capture se
w Tool, or selec
et the loop raneft and right fla
t to time in theme to make ac
oll bar in the low
htly. Press [E] o
n time and drag
s at desired plaxporting your S
meline.
layback runninwill be numberick on the marthe keyboard.
ween markers ress [B] on thethe Transport,arkers during pion.
ession, do the f
ct a Range wit
nge to your selag on either en
e Edit window,curate edits. T
wer right‐hand
on the keyboar
g down or up t
aces in the TimSession to indi
ng or stopped, red sequentiallrker in the Mar
in the Markere keyboard, to , or press [N] oplayback allow
following:
h the Range To
lection. The rand.
Reference
, so that you caTo zoom, do on
d corner of the
rd to zoom in s
to zoom in or o
eline, after whvidual mixes o
click on the Ady by rker
r Lane. Click jump to the on the ws quick
ool, that you w
nge will be ind
| 2.2 Editing
an look at the ene of the follow
e Edit window t
slightly.
out.
hich navigationor to work in
dd Marker butt
wish to loop.
dicated by a ba
22
entire wing:
to
n to
ton,
r
23
• Clplba
Engaging Rposition. It
Import
It is possibfrom the Sclick on Op
An Audio Eplaced on tthe curren
Preview
When browpossible tothe PreviewPlayer to pStop buttoloop the pl
Reference | 2
lick on the Loolayback beforeack to the begi
Record in the Tt is not possible
ting Aud
le to import Wession menu tpen to import t
Event for the imthe currently st playback cur
w Player
wsing for files o listen to the aw Player. Click play the currenon to stop playblayback of the
2.2 Editing
op button in thee the end of theinning of the L
Transport will de to engage Lo
io
WAV and AIFF ao open the Imthe file into yo
mported file wselected track isor position.
in the Import Faudio files as ythe Play buttotly selected auback. Click the currently selec
e Transport, oe Loop range, oop range aut
disable Loop Moop while recor
audio files into port File menuur Session.
ill be created ain your Session
File menu, it is ou are browsinon in the Previeudio file. Click t Loop button tcted audio file
r press [L] on tand when the omatically for
Mode and beginrding.
your Session. Tu. Browse to th
and n, at
ng in ew the to .
the keyboard toend of the ranas long as Loo
n recording at t
To import an ahe desired file a
o engage Loopnge is reached, p is engaged.
the current pla
audio file, selecand click on it
p mode. Start playback will j
ayback cursor
ct Import Audito select it. Th
jump
o File en
Reference | 2.2 Editing 24
Suggestions
Listen While Editing
In audio production, the editing process can be particularly unforgiving. Small inaccuracies when splitting, moving, or performing other actions on recorded audio can lead to unwanted results.
As simple as it may seem, the act of listening while editing is often overlooked. For instance, when sizing the edges of a vocal part to remove unwanted sounds between words, it is tempting to make the edits based on the visual representation of the waveform. While this may work sometimes, it is a much better idea to listen as you size the events to be sure you are not removing any critical part of the vocals.
Listening to your edits as you make them will save time and frustration in nearly every case.
25 Reference | 2.3 Mixing
2.3 Mixing
Mixing is the part of the production process where all recorded tracks are combined to mono, stereo, or multi‐channel surround. (Capture does not support surround.) The goal is to balance relative volume, frequency, and dynamic content in order to achieve a desired cohesive sound.
In the following chapter, aspects of mixing audio recorded in Capture with your StudioLive mixer will be discussed.
Mixing with Capture and StudioLive
No mixing is done in Capture directly. Instead, the individual outputs of each audio track in Capture are hardwired to the FireWire returns for each corresponding input channel on the StudioLive mixer. Thus, with the FireWire returns engaged for each input channel on your StudioLive mixer, the output of your multitrack Session is routed to the StudioLive mixer, where it can be mixed just like any other audio inputs.
Creating a Mix
The process of creating a mix with Capture and the StudioLive mixer is quite simple. You play back your recorded tracks through the StudioLive and record the main output of the StudioLive to the Main Audio Track in Capture. The process works as follows:
• Be sure Record Arm is disabled for all input Audio Tracks in Capture, and the FireWire returns for all input channels on the StudioLive mixer are engaged.
• Select the Main input and enable Record Arm on the Main Track in Capture.
• Bring the playback cursor position to the beginning of the Session by clicking the Back to Beginning button in the Transport.
• Activate recording by clicking on the Record button in the Transport; the playback cursor should begin to move from left to right, and audio should be playing through each input on the StudioLive mixer. The Main Track in Capture should be recording a new Audio Event, which is the main mix from the StudioLive mixer.
The new Audio Event that has been recorded from the StudioLive mixer will be stored as a stereo WAV file at the sample rate to which the StudioLive mixer is set. It is possible to export this file, and any other audio files from Capture, to another storage location (such as a backup hard drive), as discussed in the Export Audio Files section of this chapter.
Expor
To export athe keyboa
Locatio
The top sewhere youfile. Click olocation. Dname, andfile.
Format
Select the middle secfrom WaveResolution
• If you CD, thresolu
Options
The bottom
Choose froa single aueach track
Choose froentire rangThe ExportThe Exportmarkers in
Export
The most cmix on an Main Trackpurpose. Informat set
t Audio F
audio from youard to open the
n
ction of the Exu will select a loon the LocationDouble‐click ond then press En
t
format of the ction of the Expe (WAV) or AIFn and Sample R
wish to put yoe format shouution and a 44.
s
m section of th
om Export Masdio file. Exportseparately.
om Export Sessge of your Sesst Each Marker t Between Sele the Marker La
t Your Fin
common mediaudio CD, the k in Capture, itn the Export totings for an au
Files
ur Session in Ce Export to Au
xport to Audio ocation and nan button to cho the filename, nter to choose
mixdown audiport to Audio FFF and then choRate.
our audio on a ld be a Wave f1 kHz sample r
he Export to Au
ster or Export Tt Tracks will ex
sion, Each Marsion, which wiloption will expected Markers ane.
al Mix to
um to which remix file must bt is recommendo Audio File meudio CD.
apture, navigadio File menu.
File menu is me for the audoose a file type in a new a name for the
o file in the File menu. Chooose the desire
standard audiofile with 16 bit rate.
udio File menu
Tracks. Export xport the audio
ker, or Betweel be to the furtport separate foption will exp
an Audio
ecordings are pbe a 16‐bit, 44.ded you exportenu, you shoul
ate to Session/
dio
e
oose ed
o
has several op
Master will exo from each tra
en Selected Mathest point in tfiles for each raport an audio f
File
physically publ.1 kHz WAV filet the audio frod choose to Ex
Export to Audi
ptions that will
port only the aack individually
arkers. The Exptime that any Aange betweenfile(s) between
lished is the aue. Once you haom the Main Trxport Master a
Reference
io File, or press
l affect how th
audio on the My to its own file
port Session opAudio Event onthe markers in
n the range of a
udio CD. In ordave recorded yrack to an audind select the a
| 2.3 Mixing
s [Ctrl]/[Cmd]+
e file(s) is crea
Main Audio Trace, creating a fil
ption will expon a track extenn the Marker Lany two select
er to put your our final mix too file for this aforementione
26
+E on
ated.
ck to e for
rt the ds. Lane. ed
final o the
ed
27
Once the cmix on a re
Mix a C
It is anticiptracks latein the follo
Save a
Many audiOpen TL filyour Captupossible fo
To save anusual, and
Click on SaconfirmatiCapture Se
Import
Some audiDAWs) do somewhatthis case, ySession intpossible infor more in
Note that igiven trackis highly rebefore attein the Expo
You will waExport Audtrack in the
• Once ymuch
Reference | 2
correct audio fiecordable audi
Capture
pated that somr in a differentowing.
Capture
io‐recording prle provides a reure Session, soor you to open
Open TL versichoose Open
ave to save youon window. Thession file. Not
t Capture
o‐editing applnot support tht limited when you must manuto the audio‐ed that programnformation on
in some cases,k, as opposed tecommended tempting to import Audio Files
ant to be sure dio File menu ae session.
you have singleeasier. All that
2.3 Mixing
ile for your mixio CD.
e Session
me users will wat recording app
Session a
rograms provideference for al that another ayour Capture S
on of your SesTL (*.tl) in the
ur Session as anhis file will be pe that the Ope
Session A
ications (e.g., dhe Open TL forimporting sessually import thditing applicati. Refer to the dthis process.
you may haveto a single contthat you first eport into an ausection of this
to have the Exas shown, so th
e continuous at is required to
x has been exp
n in a Diff
ant to use Captplication. There
as Open T
de support for ll of the audio audio programSession and wo
ssion, select SaSave As Type s
n Open TL docplaced by defaen TL format w
Audio File
digital audio wmat, which masions created ihe Audio Evention, using whadocumentation
e more than ontinuous Audio xport the audiudio‐editing prs chapter.
xport Tracks ophat the result o
audio files for eo reconstruct y
ported, you ma
ferent R
ture strictly ase are several w
TL
opening a doctracks and Aud
m can reconstruork as you nor
ave Session As selection box.
ument, and coult in your Sess
will not save you
s Directly
workstations, orakes the optionn other progras from your Catever means n of your softw
ne Audio EventEvent. In this co for each tracogram, as desc
ption selected of the process
each track, direour Capture Se
ay use any CD‐b
ecording
a track‐recordways in which t
cument type cadio Events, wituct your Sessiormally do in yo
in the File men
onfirm the comsion folder andur markers.
y
r ns ams. In apture
ware
t on a case, it ck cribed
in the will be a single
ectly importingession is to alig
burning applic
g Applica
ding tool and whis is made po
alled Open TL (h their correspon automaticalur favorite rec
nu of Capture.
mmand by clickid will not overw
e continuous a
g the files into gn each file at t
ation to put th
ation
will mix the recossible, as desc
(Open Track Lisponding positioly. This makes ording applica
Name the file
ing Yes in the write the origi
udio file for ea
an audio editothe same start
hat
corded cribed
st). An ons, in it tion.
as
nal
ach
or is t time.
Reference | 2.4 Key Commands 28
2.4 Key Commands
This chart is a reference for all available Key Commands in Capture.
Key Commands
Action Key Command
File
New Session Cntrl/Cntrl/Cmd+N
Open Session Cntrl/Cntrl/Cmd+O
Close Session Cntrl/Cmd+W
Save Session Cntrl/Cmd+S
Save Session As Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+S
Quit Cntrl/Cmd+Q
Edit
Undo Cntrl/Cmd+Z
Redo Cntrl/Cmd+Y
Cut Cntrl/Cmd+X
Copy Cntrl/Cmd+C
Paste Cntrl/Cmd+V
Delete Del
Select All Cntrl/Cmd+A
Deselect All Cntrl/Cmd+D
Zoom In Cntrl/Cmd + Shift + + or E
Zoom Out Cntrl/Cmd ‐ or W
Zoom Full F
Session
Import File Command+I
Export to Audio File Command+E
Insert Marker Ins, I
Insert Named Marker Shift+I
Locate Next Marker N
Locate Previous Marker B
Recall Marker 1‐9 Num Pad+1‐9, Command+1‐9
Mute Track M
Solo Track S
Arm Track A
Tools
Select Arrow Tool 1
29 Reference | 2.4 Key Commands
Select Range Tool 2
Select Split Tool 3
Select Eraser Tool 4
Transport
Toggle Start/Stop Space Bar
Start Enter
Record Numpad*, R
Stop Numpad0
Return to Zero Numpad,
Navigation
Focus Next Tab
Focus Previous Shift+Tab
Left Left Arrow
Extend Selection Left Shift+Left Arrow
Extend Selection Left Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Left Arrow
Skip Left Cntrl/Cmd+Left Arrow
Right Right Arrow
Extend Selection Right Shift+Right Arrow
Extend Selection Right Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Right Arrow
Skip Right Cntrl/Cmd+Right Arrow
Up Up Arrow
Extend Selection Up Shift+Up Arrow
Extend Selection Up Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Up Arrow
Skip Up Cntrl/Cmd+Up Arrow
Down Down Arrow
Extend Selection Down Shift+Down Arrow
Extend Selection Down Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Down Arrow
Skip Down Cntrl/Cmd+Down Arrow
Page Up Page Up
Extend Selection Page Up Shift+Page Up
Extend Selection Page Up Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Page Up
Skip Page Up Cntrl/Cmd+Page Up
Page Down Page Down
Extend Selection Page Down Shift+Page Down
Extend Selection Page Down Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Page Down
Skip Page Down Cntrl/Cmd+Page Down
Start Home
Extend Selection Start Shift+Home
Extend Selection Start Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+Home
Reference | 2.4 Key Commands 30
Skip Start Cntrl/Cmd+Home
End End
Extend Selection End Shift+End
Extend Selection End Add Cntrl/Cmd+Shift+End
Skip End Cntrl/Cmd+End
31 Real‐World Applications
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
This part of the Capture reference manual contains information on practical applications and scenarios when using Capture and StudioLive together and assumes a basic knowledge of both.
Real‐World Applications 32
3.1 Live Recording
When recording live, most people usually make a single, continuous multitrack recording. This involves record‐enabling Audio Tracks in Capture, triggering recording, and continuing to record until the performance is done. The following describes aspects of the live‐recording workflow using the StudioLive mixer and Capture.
StudioLive Mixing and Recording a Live Performance
The StudioLive mixer is capable of mixing your live show with stunning flexibility and ease, while Capture records the show to your computer. This is possible because each input channel on the StudioLive mixer has a hardwired output that continuously streams audio over FireWire to your computer, and Capture is designed to receive and record this stream.
Once the StudioLive mixer has been set up to mix a live performance, you will need to decide, individually for each StudioLive channel, whether to add pre‐ or post‐Fat Channel dynamics processing and EQ to the signal before it is sent to the computer. To switch between pre/post processing, press the Post button (Dig Out subsection) in the Fat Channel section for each input channel on the StudioLive mixer. If the Post button is illuminated, the channel’s signal will be sent to your computer after it is processed in the Fat Channel; if the Post button is not illuminated, the signal will be sent without Fat Channel EQ and dynamics processing.
After setting the input channels on the StudioLive mixer for pre/post processing, the next step is to launch Capture and create a new Session. Once in the new Session, record enable each Audio Track you would like to use, or just record enable all of the Audio Tracks by clicking on the Arm All button at the top of the Track column. If audio is streaming in from the StudioLive and the Audio Tracks are record‐enabled, you should see each track’s input level displayed in the track’s level meter in the meter bridge.
• You should set input levels for each input channel on the StudioLive mixer while preparing to mix the live performance. If the hardware inputs on the StudioLive mixer are not clipping, you do not need to worry about clipping in Capture.
Once the desired tracks are record‐enabled and you have verified input levels in Capture’s meter bridge, you are ready to begin recording.
Worry Free Live Recording
Many people are concerned when a computer is involved while mixing a live show. While Capture has been engineered to be remarkably stable, there are many variables on any given computer beyond Capture’s control.
This is why the StudioLive mixer has been designed to be completely independent of any computer to which it is connected. The FireWire connection to the computer simply allows the computer to receive audio outputs that are completely independent from all other channels in the StudioLive mixer. Even if the computer blows up during the live show, your live mix will be completely unaffected. You can mix and record a live performance using the StudioLive mixer and Capture with complete confidence.
33 Real‐World Applications
Insert Markers While Recording
It is highly recommended that markers be inserted during the recording of a live performance, as the markers will make the rest of the production process much easier. Each of the examples that follow begins with the same scenario:
You are mixing and recording a live show using the StudioLive mixer and Capture. You start recording before the start of the actual performance, and you will not stop recording until the end of the performance. During the performance, you insert a marker during the break between each song of the ten‐song set. At the end of the set, you stop recording and save the Session. You are then ready to shut down your system. (Remember to shut down in the proper sequence: first turn the master level down on the StudioLive mixer, then turn off power amps and speakers, shut down the computer, and power down the StudioLive, in that order.)
Basic Example
The band you recorded the previous night comes over the next day to check out the recordings. You launch Capture, open the Session, and begin playback through the StudioLive mixer. After half a minute of tense silence while the band wonders what went wrong, you realize that the band did not start the actual performance until 20 minutes after you started recording because the lead singer took so long to get on stage.
You click on the Next Marker button in the Capture Transport to quickly advance to the next marker, which is the first song of the set, and the band perks up. The band thinks they played terribly during the first song, and they want to skip to the next song to see if they did any better. You click on the Next Marker button again, and the next song starts immediately. The band listens to a bit of each song, and you skip through the whole set within a few minutes as if you were skipping through finished tracks on a CD.
The band is so impressed with the quality of the recording and your production skills, they hire you on the spot to mix the show and turn it into a live‐performance album they can release to their adoring fans.
Advanced Example
The day after the gig, you prepare to mix the previous night’s live recording in your personal studio. You realize that each song will probably be mixed in a different way. Wouldn’t it be convenient if you could break up the original, continuous recording of the entire set of ten songs so you could work on one song at a time? With Capture, you can use the markers you inserted between each song to automatically generate all the multitrack files for each individual song.
To do this, first open the original Session. If you have not already done so, rename each marker to the desired name for each song. Then, select Export to Audio File from the Session menu. In the Export to Audio File menu’s Options section, select Export Tracks and Each Marker, and set the Format to the desired file‐format settings. Then click OK. Capture will then automatically generate separate audio files for each track in each song. The names and files will be based on the name you specified in the Export to Audio File menu, the names of the markers, and the track names in your Session (Export Name‐Track Name‐Marker Name). You can then import the files for each song into a new Capture Session, or into an audio editing program, to be mixed with the StudioLive mixer.
A few days after the original performance, you have finished producing a ten‐song live album for the band you recorded, and they could not be more impressed.
Real‐World Applications 34
3.2 Studio Recording
The studio‐recording process often appears very different from the live‐recording process. However, the StudioLive mixer and Capture are equally at home in the studio and in concert. The following describes aspects of the studio‐recording workflow using the StudioLive mixer and Capture.
Overdubbing
In a studio‐recording session, as opposed to recording live, you might wish to record on only a few tracks, or on a single track at a time, and then record more later. This process of adding to your recorded tracks later is called overdubbing. Using Capture and the StudioLive mixer, you can play recorded audio on any tracks through the StudioLive mixer and simultaneously record new audio to tracks in Capture.
To do this, it is a good idea to first establish a good mix to listen to while recording. Just as when creating monitor mixes for a live performance with the StudioLive mixer, you can create a number of mixes to listen to as required. For instance, you might create a stereo mix of the playback from Capture on Auxes 1 and 2 for a guitarist who is about to overdub a lead guitar part. To accomplish this, do the following:
• For all input channels on the StudioLive mixer on which you wish to play tracks from Capture, engage the FireWire return by pressing each channel’s FireWire Input Select switch (near the top of the channel strip) so that it illuminates. This will route the output of the tracks in Capture to their respective input channels on the StudioLive mixer.
• Start playback in Capture. The output from each track in Capture will play through their respective input channels on the StudioLive mixer (Capture Track 1 on StudioLive Channel 1, etc.).
• At this point, link Aux 1 and 2 on the StudioLive mixer and create a mix for the linked Aux1/2 by adjusting the level for each input channel that has playback coming from Capture. This is a stereo aux mix, so you can also access the pan for each input channel in the mix by pressing the Mix/Pan button for Aux 2. (For details on how to set aux mixes, see Section 2.7 of the StudioLive manual.)
• Now you can plug the guitar or guitar‐amp mic into an input channel on the StudioLive mixer and set the input level as you normally would. Then add the guitar‐input channel to the Aux 1/2 mix that the guitarist will listen to so he can hear himself.
• If you record‐enable the Audio Track that corresponds to the guitar input channel in Capture, you should see that track’s level meter showing live input in the meter bridge.
With the Aux 1/2 mix set so that the guitarist can hear his live guitar‐playing and the tracks from Capture, you are ready to record the lead guitar. You can position the playback cursor to any point in the Timeline so that recording starts there or just start recording from the beginning of the Session. Once you have the lead‐guitar part recorded, you might find a few things you would like to correct in the part. This is where punching, as described in the next section, comes in handy.
35 Real‐World Applications
Punching
Recording can be activated at any time, even during normal playback. Among other possibilities, this enables you to record over parts of existing Audio Events on the fly, which is usually called punching. To punch in on any Audio Tracks, the first step is to record enable the tracks. Then start playback near the area where you wish to record.
When the location in which you wish to start recording is reached, you can quickly enable recording by pressing [R] on the keyboard. A new Audio Event will begin recording from that point on the record‐enabled tracks. When you reach the location where you wish to stop recording, punch out by pressing [R] on the keyboard again.
A continuation of the example from the Overdubbing section above would look as follows:
• The guitarist missed a few key notes while recording his killer lead part. You tell him to play the same part again as before, but with the corrected notes, while you record another take.
• The guitar’s track is still record‐enabled. Don’t add the guitar track from Capture to the aux mix you created before; the guitarist needs to hear his live playing on his guitar’s StudioLive input channel, not the recorded track.
• This time around, you will punch in the right notes by starting recording in the Transport just before each bad note, and stopping recording just after each bad note. Playback will continue to roll the entire time so the guitarist will hear everything normally.
Notes 36
NOTES
37 Notes
Index 38
INDEX
A
Activate Recording ....................... 17 Add Track ..................................... 10 Arrow Tool ........ 8, See Mouse Tools Audio Device ............................ 7, 13 Audio Event .................................. 18 Audio I/O Setup ........................... 14 Audio Tracks ................................ 16
E
Edit Window ................................ 10 Eraser Tool ........ 9, See Mouse Tools Export Audio ................................ 25
I
Import Audio .......................... 10, 22
K
Key Commands ........................ 5, 28
L
Loop ............................................ 21
M
Main Source Selection ................. 16 Markers ....................................... 21 Meter Bridge ................................. 8 Mixdown ..................................... 24 Mixing ......................................... 24 Monitoring .................................. 16 Mouse Tools ............................. 8, 18
O
Open TL Export ............................ 26 Overdubbing ............................... 35
P
Punching ..................................... 35
R
Range Tool ....... 8, See Mouse Tools
record enable .............................. 16 Recording Format ........................ 17 Redo ................................. See Undo
S
Sample rate ............................. 7, 25 Sample Rate ................................... 7 Scrolling ....................................... 20 Session ........................................... 7 Session Navigation ...................... 20 Song ............................................... 7 Splice Tool ........ 8, See Mouse Tools Start Page ............................ 6, 7, 13
T
Transport ....................................... 8
U
Undo ............................................ 11
Z
Zooming ....................................... 20