Using Mixer Groups


A Group is used to link similar controls (panning, volume, and so on) between different channels. This creates a direct relationship between all the channels in the Group assignment. As a result, when you adjust the parameters on one channel, the same parameters in all of the channels are adjusted.

There is a similarity between using busses as submixes and assigning channels to Groups. Both enable you to adjust the output of multiple channels at once while maintaining the relative levels of the individual tracks.

However, the two differ profoundly in function, as bus submixes apply directly to signal flow, while Groups apply to channel and track control.

Assigning Channels to Groups

In this exercise you will assign similar backing vocals to a Group, linking together specific properties that you can control in the Track Mixer.

1.

On the Harm1 channel (Track 2), click the Group display (which currently reads Off) and choose Group 1.

A yellow number 1 appears in the Group display on the track. This signifies that the channel is assigned to Group 1.

2.

Click the Group display on the Harm2 channel (Track 3), and choose Group 1.

Both Harm1 and Harm2 channels display a yellow number 1 in the Group display.

TIP

You can assign the last selected Group to any channel by Option-clicking the Group display.

3.

Click the Group display on the Harm2 channel again, and choose Open Group Settings.

The Group Settings dialog opens.

In this dialog you can set the channel properties that will be linked.

NOTE

In addition to Channel Strip parameters, Groups can share other attributes, such as viewing and recording in the Arrange window, Instrument Color, and Automation Mode.

4.

Check the Send 1 box.

This links the topmost Send level knob for the Group.

5.

In the Name field type Harm Vox, and press Return.

As you do this, the Group displays updates on both tracks that are assigned to the Group, reflecting the name you are inputting.

6.

Close the Group Settings dialog.

Now that you have assigned the two tracks to a Group, you can make adjustments to both tracks simultaneously.

In this mix, the harmony vocals (labeled Harm1 and Harm2) need additional reverb processing to create a more reflective sound. Both tracks are outputting to Bus 6 and then to the Backing Vox Sub (Aux 1) for processing, but they also have Sends set for Bus 3 (a longer, more reflective reverb).

Since the two channels are alike in character and material, it is desirable to have the same Send level sent to this longer reverb. Because Send 1 was checked in the Harm Vox Group settings, changing either channel's Send 1 value will cause the other to change simultaneously.

7.

Use the Goto Next/Previous Marker key commands to locate to the Chorus 2 section.

The cycle Region adapts to the Chorus 2 section.

8.

Click the Solo buttons at the bottom of the channel strips to solo both channels in the Harm Vox Group.

NOTE

The linking of channel Solo buttons is not available within a Group.

9.

Play the song.

10.

While listening to playback, drag up the Send knob on either of the channels, applying additional reverb to your liking.

Both Send knobs move when adjusting.

11.

Stop the song when you are finished setting the reverb level for the channels.

Temporarily Disabling a Group

It is often necessary to adjust single channels in an assigned Group without affecting the Group as a whole. At these times, you can temporarily disable the Group by means of a Group Clutch. The Group Clutch works similarly to an automobile's clutch, temporarily taking the Group out of gear while letting you perform the necessary adjustments.

In the current song, the Harm2 channel is a little too loud to blend with the part sung on the Harm1 channel. In order to change the fader without affecting the other channel, you need to enable the Group Clutch, make an adjustment, and then re-engage the Group by turning off the Group Clutch.

The Group Clutch is activated by a key command, which needs to be set in the Key Commands window.

1.

Choose Logic Pro > Preferences > Key Commands.

The Key Commands window opens.

2.

In the Search field, type clutch.

3.

In the Command column menu, choose Toggle Group Clutch.

4.

Click the Learn by Key Label button.

5.

Press the accent key (`) on your keyboard (located above the Tab key).

NOTE

The accent key will be displayed in the key column as "a".

6.

Close the Key Commands window.

You're now ready to use the Group Clutch to adjust the Harm2 channel while listening to playback.

7.

Play the song, listening closely to the Harm Vox Group (the tracks are still soloed).

8.

Press the Toggle Group Clutch key command (`).

The Group display turns from yellow (active) to blue (inactive), indicating that the Group Clutch is engaged.

9.

Drag the Harm2 fader down to a level of 16dB.

10.

Press the Toggle Group Clutch key command again.

The Group display turns from blue (inactive) to yellow (active), indicating that the Group Clutch is disengaged.

11.

While the song is still playing, disable Solo on the Harm1 and Harm2 channels by clicking their Solo buttons.

The entire arrangement can now be heard.

TIP

You can quickly disable the solo status of all Audio Objects by Option-clicking any activated Solo button.

12.

Drag up the fader of one of the Harm Vox Group channels, adjusting the level of the Group in relation to the mix.

Both faders move in tandem, maintaining the relative gain between them.



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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