nreyes

Automating Aus - Can It Be Done In Soundtrack?

Hello.

I am primarily a ProTools user, but am currently away from my 002 for several months so in the meantime, I am using GarageBand 2 on a Powerbook.

I need to automate certain knobs / parameters on a particular Audio Unit I am using, but GB does not cater for this (only volume / panning).

Therefore I am considering two options:

Logic Express 7
I think this allows full automation of Audio Units parameters. However, this is a costly option given that my main setup is ProTools and I don't really need a second audio editing / sequencer application.

Soundtrack
Although this used to cost quite a bit too, I see that I can obtain it as part of the bundle when upgrading Final Cut Express 2 (which I have) to FCE HD (and will therefore cost less than buying LE7).

QUESTION IS:

- CAN I AUTOMATE Audio Unit PARAMETERS WITHIN SOUNDTRACK? Or is it as limited as Garageband2 ?

Thanks for any advice.

Idrum Rtas Plugin Problems

As an existing iDRUM user (in Audio Unit format) but primarily a Pro Tools user, I was glad to see Glaresoft release an RTAS version of their excellent little drum machine for use directly in PTLE.

However, after installing the RTAS plug-in (Version 1.03) AND installing (as per the installation notes) the Main installer 1.01 downloaded from my idrum account I have the following problems:

When selecting the RTAS plugin within ProTools I get an error message stating something about the GSPlug and an error at line 587 (cannot remember the exact wording) followed by an error message related to authorisation/expiry of demo period.

However, I do not have any demo versions installed (because I deleted them when I installed the full Audio Unit version). I have not had any problems with the Audio Unit version.

- Has anyone got the RTAS plugin version to work?

Alternatives To Logic Express?

- Briefly: I will be away from my Pro Tools setup for around 3 months, and was toying with the idea of getting Logic Express 7 as a simple audio editor & Audio Unit host (which I can use without any hardware, unlike Pro Tools).

- However, are there any other (cheaper) alternatives than LE7? To be honest, GB is good as an "ideas pad", but does not support automation of any of my Audio Unit parameters.

- I am checking out "Intuem" right now, but I would appreciate any suggestions on programs I can use that will allow me to play with midi, audio as well as tweak the individual audio unit parameters (e.g. automation of filter sweeps etc.).

- Having another look around, I think it basically comes down to Metro SE Vs. Intuem? Any thoughts from users of these?

Thanks in advance for your usual kind support!

Garageband Vs Logic 7 Express - Hardware Requireme

- Even though I primarily use a Pro Tools LE & 002 setup, I have to admit that I like messing around with Garageband from time to time (especially to try some of the Audio Units I have which are not RTAS compatible).

My question is this:
- In a few months time, I am off to New Zealand for a while and I am not taking my OO2 with me (due to weight restrictions - I am packing for several months worth of stay down there, I am not lugging my 002 with me, unfortunately!).

Since Pro Tools is not 'standalone', I want to keep working on some tracks with my G4 Powerbook (1GHz / 1Gb RAM) in the same way as I do with Garageband, but wanted something like Logic Express 7 to take things a bit further (i.e. I need more functionality than GB but don't need a replacement for my excellent PTLE setup which I will use when I get back next year).

So, in short.....Has anyone had the opportunity to compare Garageband & Logic Express in terms of the hardware requirements? Does it 'run faster' than Garageband, or is it CPU hungry for more or less the same number of tracks and apple loops etc.?


Thanks for any help you can give. Basically, I am worried that I will fork out on Logic Express only to find that it is not much more 'usable' on my Powerbook. Unfortunately I haven't been able to see for myself because there is no "Logic" demo.

Using Au In Pro Tools Le...and A Rant...

Hello.

- I am primarily a Digi 002 / Pro Tools LE user, and therefore most of my plugins are RTAS.
However, I also own a few virtual instruments etc. which are Audio-Unit only (no RTAS exists or is planned). Unfortunately I either have to use them as standalone (or via 'RAX') or (ahem), in "Garageband", occasionally, just to try them out.
Since I don't want to have a second sequencer/editor (like, er, Logic Express) just to use my Audio Units, I was wondering if it is possible to use Audio Units directly within Protools?
I know there is a wrapper for VST to RTAS, but as far as I know there is nothing for AU to RTAS?

Also,

- Does anyone know if Digidesign is planning to develop their LE software (with more focus on the end-user?).
For example, I can't remember if they officially responded to the numerous requests to allow registered users to run PTLE in 'standalone' mode (albeit with an iLok authorisation) when not connected to the Digi 002 or other interface? I really miss this feature from other sequencers / editors. I would really like to edit my audio/midi 'offline' when actually building up a session. I only use the mixing console later on, but I find I always have to be connected.
- Are they likely to support other plug-in formats (like AU) in the future?
In my opinion, they run the risk of dropping behind the other so-called competitors by not listening to users..
Yes, I am an avid (excuse the pun) user of Digidesign products, but the LE version (which is aimed mainly at the home user or hobbyist should be more than just a cut-down feature-set of the already existing Pro system. It should implement the end-users suggestions etc.