Logic Pro 9 REX files to Apple Loops

Bolder

Logician
Hello All,

I'm a sample library developer. Currently I'm working on a Bluegrass Banjo sample library for the EXS24 and Kontakt. Included in this library are some loops. The loops were first put into ReCycle! format (REX -.rx2).

What I want to do is to bring these REX loops into Logic and have them convert them to Apple Loops for ease of use within the Logic 9 environment. I understand the process. After dragging the REX loop into the arrange window Logic gives me some options - one of them is "convert to Apple Loop". This is very straight forward and all goes well.

But here is the problem - These loops were recorded slowly (at 80 bpm for accuracy-sake). When I crank up the BPM say to 160 or 200 BPM, the articulation of each note becomes quite staccato. I worked with a Native American drum library in the same manner about a year ago and did not notice this problem.

So as a test on 2 separate tracks - I lined up my banjo Apple Loops with a track of the same loops in REX format (I imported the REX loops with no conversion to Apple loops and chose the default crossfade value). I set the BPM to 200. The REX loops sound great, no staccato effect. However the REX to Apple Loop conversion track sounds awful - staccato and very unmusical.

Can anybody tell me what might be happening here? I wanted to put these in Apple Loops format for ease of use in the Loops Browser. Using the REX file format loops in Logic is a bit more "clunky".

Any Suggestions?

Thanks for your time!
Dennis @ Bolder
 
Sorry to tell you this, but going 150 times faster than the original speed is going to have issues, and this if one of them. Apple loops squeeze the audio data together, where using a REX file doesn't. A rex file plays back small chucks of audio data faster or slower, but doesn't alter the size of these at all, where Apple Loops does.

I's suggest trying one of these 2 methods: 1) use the Apple Loops version to figure out what loops you want to use and then drop the REX files onto a new audio track in the correct order. That will sound better, or

2) use the Apple Loops version to figure out what loops you want to use and then import the REX file into the EXS sampler. Play each "loop" in the instance of the EXS as long as it's required. now, the good thing about this: you can filter, or use the synthesis component of the EXS to change the sound of the REX files, or you can write new parts, since you can now reorder each midi note from the loop. The bad thing: you end up with lots of ESX and midi data if you intend to use allot of REX files.

So, they sound that way due to the very high speed the loops are playing back compared to the original speed, you can't really do much about it. The alternatives will sound allot better.

I hope this is clear enough... tough night, so I'm a bit spaced out today 8)
 
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It's not really a matter of what *I* want to do but what is best and most user friendly for my customers.

Yes .. I realize using the REX files do not create any problem at all with increasing the tempo. I don't feel like the 2nd option is very user-friendly.

Thanks - Dennis
 
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Dennis,
I'd like to give you a friendly advice cause I'm a pro sample library developer who works on multi formats like you - Konakt, EXS, SAGE, REX, Apple loops etc.
Forcing samples originally recorded at 80 Bpm to 200 Bpm is a big challenge even for the Kontakt TM or the TM Pro. As a whole forcing slow tempos to faster works better using advanced technologies like ReCycle which can not be compared to the poor free Apple Loops technology. Working with drum or pluck sample material works well in most of the cases but I work with very high quality vocal samples inc vocal trios, quartets, choirs, solo vocals (using very special ethno ornamentation and articulations) which is a hard job even for the ReCycle regarding the artifacts. In some cases I have to use the "Zero-X Beat Creator" which handles better with Rex HQ format like vocals.
So, my friendly advice is to record multiple BPM original recorded versions like 80, 110, 140, etc. Have a look at some Kontakt Pro "Phrase" libraries. You will find out lots of original recorded BPM version groups controlled by a special KSP script which follows the main DAW BPM and enables the "nearest BPM" group by tempo.
I have created such a KSP script for my libraries as well. Regarding the Apple Loops I prefer to create them using the Apple Loop utility tool (setting the best auditioning parameters) and not convert them form Rex files. Anyway you must thing seriously of multiple BPM original recorded versions which differ at least at 30 BPM...
Success,
A.G
 
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