Using Input Objects


Input Objects are used to directly route and control signals from your audio hardware's inputs to your mix. They function independently of record-enabled tracks (which are also receiving input signals), allowing you to monitor a signal without recording, regardless of which track is selected. In this exercise, you'll create these handy Objects while exploring some useful ways to use them.

NOTE

In order to use input Objects (or any kind of audio monitoring in Logic), software monitoring must be turned on in Audio > Audio Hardware & Drivers.


Creating a Talkback Channel

Following the "mixer-less" paradigm from the previous exercise, let's create a talkback section for the internal Logic mixer. To do this, you need to create input Objects within Logic's Environment. Start by using a shortcut to the Audio layer of the Environment.

1.

While holding down the Control key, double-click Audio 1's track name in the Arrange window.

The Environment window opens, highlighting the Audio 1 Object.

Tip

This shortcut can be used to locate in the Environment any Object listed within the Arrange window's Track List.

2.

Click the Maximize button at the top of the window to get a good view of the Audio layer of the Environment.

3.

Use the scroll bars to scroll to the bottom right corner of the Environment window.

4.

In the Environment's local menu, choose New > Audio Object.

An Audio Object icon appears.

5.

Drag the Audio Object icon just to the left of the Click channel strip.

6.

Double-click the newly created Audio Object icon to expand it into a channel strip.

NOTE

You will probably need to reposition the new channel so that it doesn't overlap the Click channel within the environment. This can be done by dragging the channel by its name (located at the bottom of the channel).

7.

In the Parameter box located at the far left of the Environment window, choose Channel > Input 4.

Tip

You'll want to choose an input that is out of the way from your main recording inputs but still has access to a preamp for the talkback microphone. The built-in preamps of many popular audio interfaces work well for this, especially if you have higher-quality external preamps available to reserve for the tracking inputs.

8.

Double-click the Object's name in the Parameter box (Audio Object), enter Talkback, and press Return.

9.

Click-hold on the output field for the newly created input fader, and choose Bus > Bus 8 (Headphones).

Your talkback channel is now ready to use. You can access this fader with the Track Mixer (Global view with Inputs selected) and will be able to quickly mute or adjust the volume of the talkback microphone with the fader.

Printing Effects upon Recording

Another useful function of input Objects is to enable you to apply effects processing upon input (recording the take along with the assigned effects). For instance, take the common technique of inserting a compressor or limiter on a vocal input to smooth out the dynamics of the recording. In this exercise you will assume that you are recording through the microphone preamp that we labeled earlier via Input 1 on the audio interface.

1.

In the Environment window, use the process you just learned to create an input Object assigned to Input 1.

Remember to name this object Input 1 in the Parameter box.

2.

Click-hold the top insert of the channel strip and choose Mono > Logic > Dynamic > Compressor.

NOTE

When using input Objects that you intend to feed into an audio track, it is important not to assign an output. (The output field is blank by default.) Having an output selected creates a "live" monitor that will always be heard regardless of what track is record-enabled, which works well for a talkback channel, but not in this case.

3.

Close the Environment window.

Screenset 2 should still be visible.

4.

Click the Global button to deselect it and view your tracks.

5.

Click-hold on the input field for Track 1, and choose Input > Input 1 (Pre 1), if it is not already selected.

With this setup, whenever you record onto a track with Input 1 selected, the signal will pass through the compressor plug-in before recording, allowing you to print the track with the effect.

NOTE

Be sure to keep track of the plug-ins you assign to your inputs, as you may inadvertently record something with unwanted processing.

6.

Choose File > Save As Template.

7.

Click Save.

Saving and Removing the I/O Labels

As mentioned at the beginning of the chapter, the I/O labels are saved to an independent configuration file that is accessed by all Logic songs. Since the labels are not saved to the song itself, all of the work that you performed on the I/O labels will not be truly saved until you exit Logic.

1.

Quit Logic by choosing Logic Pro > Quit Logic Pro.

However, be aware that the labeling done in this lesson may not represent your own setup. Therefore, it is important to delete the file containing the I/O labels before you proceed, otherwise you will continue to see the labels created for this exercise in every Logic song.

2.

In the Finder, go to ~/Library/Application Support/Logic.

There you will find a file named IOLabels Core Audio.

3.

Drag the IOLabels Core Audio file into the Trash.

The next time you launch Logic, the labels created in this lesson will be gone.



Apple Pro Training Series Advanced Logic Pro 7
Apple Pro Training Series: Advanced Logic Pro 7
ISBN: 0321256077
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 166
Authors: David Dvorin

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