Using Instruments as Effects on Audio Tracks

You can use instruments that support side-chaining to modify the audio on audio tracks. The following example shows you how to apply the parameters in Retrologue to a drum loop.

Prerequisite

You have a drum loop on an audio track. You have created an instrument track with Retrologue loaded.

Procedure

  1. On the Retrologue control panel, click Activate Side-Chain.
  2. On the control panel, click Set Up Side-Chain Input.
  3. Click Add Side-Chain Input, and select the audio track from the selector.
  4. In the Project window, select the audio track.
  5. In the Inspector for the audio track, open the Output Routing pop-up menu and select Retrologue as a side-chain input.
  6. On the Retrologue panel in the Oscillator Mix section, adjust the Input Level control.
  7. Optional: Deactivate oscillators OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3.
  8. Do one of the following:

    • On the instrument track, create a MIDI event, set up a cycle with the left and right locators, and activate cycle mode.

    • Play notes on your MIDI keyboard.

      Note

      For this to work, your MIDI keyboard must be installed and set up.

Result

When a note is played, the drum loop is played back through Retrologue.

After Completing This Task

Use Retrologue to modify the sound of your drum loop. For example, you can do the following:

  • Use the filter and distortion settings on the Synth page.

  • Modulate the input signal. To do this, select Modulation Matrix > Destination > Oscillator > Audio Input.

  • Set up a rhythmical modulation on the Arp page.

  • Use the effects on the FX page, for example the Resonator.

Note

For detailed information about Retrologue and its parameters, see the separate document “Retrologue”.