Automation/macros/applescript, How to make a boring job go faster Options

[mormess]

Hello all

I hope you can help. We're working on a project which involves making personalised CDs for kids. We fitted all the names in the songs in Protools, then, because PT doesn't have offline bouncing, we consolidated the vocal tracks to WAV and bounced the backing tracks to WAV, then put the files on my Mac so I can bounce them offline to MP3 on Logic 6 (not pro). Sounds a bit Heath Robinson, but we're trying to make this as fast as poss as it's such a boring job!

What I'd like to know is if it's possible to automate this task. Perhaps set up the stereo backing track on Logic, then take one vox track and bounce to MP3, take a new vox track and bounce, etc.

Anything so I don't have to sit there doing this by hand! There are over 700 names with more to go!

I've read a bit about Applescript, could this be the answer?

<skulks off back to the mac>

[gdoubleyou]

Should be able to do it in Apple script, I haven't mess with A scripts since OS9 so my current knowledge is poor.

Google Apple Scripts there may already be a script in existance or one you can adapt with a little editing.

[mormess]

Thanks for the reply, I suspected as much but it's a bit of a needle in a haystack job! Anyone else able to hone gdoubleyou's suggestion?

I am so bored!

[lepetitmartien]

gdoubleyou is right, it's a job for applescript like it is.

There's a "lot" of communities around on Applescript with knowledgeable persons who can help you in the process, they may not know the logic commands but still help about the procedural techniques.

Note that there is applescripts which are driving actions in the finder or in apps, and intelligent folders which have applescripts actions attached to. Your solution may be a mix of both. like:

- Wav files in a folder W deposed in a folder A watched out for sending to your mac
- folder content get sent (folder W get sent)
- folder W comes in another one B watched out for logic processing
- job worked out in Logic
- mp3 got into a folder C watched out for burning
- and burned

There will be the question on how to name stuff as it goes not to mix one content with another and the burning will still be tedious.

As it's rather complex, I think you need some benevolent applescripter to help

(note, I've got only basic applescript knowledge, I only tried to give you an idea of how it'll run, trust more the AS gurus!

[mormess]

Merci lepetitmartien

I have thrown myself on the mercy of an applescript forum. It's about time I looked into AS as it could help me with some other problems. Now all I have to do is find a way of automating Protools on a *cough* PC and we won't have to do anything!

We're just burning the whole lot onto a data DVD for the client and they sort out the burning of individual CDs.

Thanks both for your help, I feel it's one step closer to sanity.

[lepetitmartien]

Let us know how it'll turn out, it's not current for an affair (fortunately!)

Good luck and happy scripting!