Duplicating with offset

Another way to add interesting dynamics to a project is to duplicate tracks and add an offset to one of the pair. This trick works well with most instrument loops and allows you to create different levels of effect. For example:

•Configuring a slight offset between duplicate tracks creates a natural chorus effect.

•Configuring small offsets creates various reverb effects.

•Configuring larger offsets creates interesting echoes.

1.Right-click a track and choose Duplicate Track from the shortcut menu. A copy of the track is added to the track list.

2.Hold Alt while dragging the waveform of the duplicate track. Notice that the waveform moves within the event, which retains its size and position on the timeline.

3.Experiment with different offsets between the duplicate tracks.

Tip: As with most tricks, this method can be combined with pan and volume envelopes to produce an unlimited range of effects.

Creating ping-pong pan effects

You can use a pair of tracks to ping-pong audio from one speaker to another.

1.Right-click a track and choose Duplicate Track from the shortcut menu. A copy of the track is added to the track list.

2.Use the multipurpose slider to pan the original track 100% right and the duplicate track 100% left.

3.Use the Erase tool () to erase every other beat, alternating between the original and duplicate track.

Tip: You can also use a pan envelope on a single track to create the same effect. For more information, see Volume or pan automation on page 138.

Adding depth with assignable effects

You can add depth to your mix by panning a dry signal (no effects) to one side and a wet signal (with effects such as chorus or reverb) to the other. You can pan the dry and wet signals by adding an assignable effects chain to your project.

1.Add an assignable effects chain containing an effect such as chorus or reverb to your project. For more information, see The Mixing Console toolbar on page 151.

2.Press B to view bus tracks.

3.Right-click the bus track for the assignable effect control, choose Insert/Remove Envelope from the shortcut menu, and choose Pan from the submenu. A pan envelope appears on the bus track.

4.Drag the envelope down to 100% right.

5.Use the multipurpose slider (on the track to which you want to apply the effect) to make three changes:

•Pan the track 100% left.

•Set the assignable effect send to approximately the same volume as the track.

•Set the assignable effect send to Pre Volume.

Preview the effect. The dry signal is panned to the left, and the wet signal (with the chorus or reverb effect) is panned to the right.

Pan the track hard left...

...match the assignable effect

...and set the assignable effect send to

 

send level to the track volume...

Pre Volume

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