Modifying Plug-in Settings in Real Time

[Durumbrain]

Especially when working with synthesizers, I have an interest in changing the settings of plug-ins in real time. What I mean with this is the method of changing the settings of a real-time effect over time and as the track is playing. This can not be done with normal rendering or mixing, since the track must then have a persistent setting. The closest you can come to it with normal rendering or mixing is to use non-realtime effects. However, that is a whole different deal since settings can not be gradually altered over time.

After some thinking I came up with a way to implement this. If I would, for example, synthesize a piece of MIDI, I would first record the midi on one track and then create an empty audio track. On this audio track, I would set the input to "Output Master Direct", switch on "record" on the track and start recording. I could then change the settings of the MIDI track's synthesizer plug-in in real time. Yay!

There is only one problem, and quite a major one. Since I can find no way to record input from a specific track, I have to solo the track I am working with, since output from other tracks would also end up on my audio track.

Is there another way to do this?

[Jerm]

If I understand correctly, what you want to do is called "Automation" or "effect parameter automation". This feature is available in the full version of Metro only.

You could do it your way with an external mixer. Route the track to an aux out on the mixer and route the aux out to your computer audio in.

[Scoot]

If I understand correctly, what you want to do is called "Automation" or "effect parameter automation". This feature is available in the full version of Metro only.

And this is probably what makes full metro worth the extra money.
You can turn up and down all parameters inside your plugins as well as the normal track volume, pans, etc.

Download the full demo and try it out and see if it's what you're after.

[Durumbrain]

I have the full version of Metro , I just didn't know that there was such a function. I haven't worked much with real-time effects.

Now I found how to do it in the graphic editor, but isn't there any way to "record" parameter changes in real time as you can record changes in the mixer? How do you do that?

[Jerm]

Use automation record. Read "Instruments Mixer window" as "Mixer Window".

[Scoot]

Now I found how to do it in the graphic editor, but isn't there any way to "record" parameter changes in real time as you can record changes in the mixer? How do you do that?

With the record button down (top left of mixer window) and playing the piece of music, just slide the faders up and down.

[Durumbrain]

Wow. I seems like I learn a new feature in Metro every day, and it just never ceases to surprise me.

When it comes to software, Metro is the best thing that's ever happened to me! It's simply great!

The only thing I am a little sceptic about is that it's a little hard to actually find some functions. For example, since the automation buttons are in the mixer window, you only expect them to be automating the mixers.

Thanks for your help and a wonderful piece of software.

[Jerm]

The only thing I am a little sceptic about is that it's a little hard to actually find some functions. For example, since the automation buttons are in the mixer window, you only expect them to be automating the mixers.

Yes. It is a bit misleading especially since it will automate effect/synth parameters.

If you have suggestions on how to improve our products we welcome them in our feature request forum.

[Scoot]

Problem is - where else would you stick it?
The only thing I can think of for this one is a menu command / keystroke combination or onto the transport window.

Personally I like the thing where it is........it's like the mixer is the master mixer/automator and all the extra plugin windows are on top of that but I know where the automation record button resides.

It's great having different ways of doing the same tasks - like adding the effect popup to the graphic editor - just as long as it doesn't clutter everything up.

I do like trying to have as much done within the graphic editor and mixer as possible and using the other windows on occasion.