Elastic Audio is one of those things that can often get us into more trouble than we bargained for. Recently I was asked to bolster a sequenced drum line with some real life drums, here's the easy way to do it.
Before we start lets have a listen to the drums in question. First the sequenced drums, then the real drums with the sequenced drums.
Sequenced drums
Real drums with the sequenced variety
Step 1
First create a group out of your drums, select each of the drum tracks while holding down the shift key. Now press command+G to bring up the group window
Press OK and we are on to Step 2
Step 2
Select an elastic audio plugin algorithm.
I have chosen "Rhythmic" as this is drums and therefore transient, precisely what the rhythmic algorithm was created for. Once selected it will place the elastic audio plugin on each of the tracks in your drum group.
Your tracks will now be analysed. While you are waiting for this to happen put your tracks into "warp" view.
Step 3
Find a loop. I have chosen bars 5-7. This seems relatively tight and will offer the least resistance! Ensure that loop playback is selected and have a listen to your selection to ensure it loops appropriately.
Separate your loop (command+E). Now zoom right into the end of your loop and ensure that it is finishing on the start of the next bar, in my case bar 7. If it isn"t grab your "time compression/expansion" tool and drag the end till it snaps to the bar line. Ensure Grid mode is selected for this.
Now we need to apply warp markers to the start and end of the loop. Do this by right clicking inside your selected loop (on any track) and select "add warp marker".
This will ensure that it is only this section of audio that we are affecting.
Step 4
Now with your loop still selected, go to the event window and choose "Quantize" from the Event operations tab.
The event operations window will pop up, select the desired quantizing parameters and click apply. I have chosen 16th notes to suit the 16th note kick drum.
The Wind up
Now lets have a listen to the before and after, with the sequenced drums.
Before elastic audio
After elastic audio
It was vital for the drums on this track to be tight as they were to be used in conjunction with the sequenced drums on the final track.
Happy elastic-ing everybody!
