Using Real-Time Effects - CAKEWALK PRO AUDIO User Manual

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Using Real-Time Effects

In Chapter 6, you learned how to use Pro AudioÕs plug-in MIDI effects to
modify MIDI data, and in Chapter 7, you learned how to use Pro AudioÕs
plug-in audio effects to modify digital audio data. In the Console view,
you can use plug-in effects nondestructively, in real time.
For example, suppose you want to add a reverb effect to an audio track
containing a recorded violin solo. You could do it in two different ways:
¥ Select the trackÕs data in the Track or Audio view and use the Edit-
Audio Effects-Cakewalk-FX Stereo Reverb command.
¥ In the Console view, patch the Cakewalk FX Stereo Reverb effect in
the trackÕs patch point.
LetÕs look at the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
In the Þrst (ofßine) case, you are applying a destructive edit. The digital
audio data itself is modiÞed. Although this may be exactly what you
want, it does limit your options. If you want to modify the effect para-
meters slightly or to remove the effect and try a different effect, you
must use the Undo command, or revert to a saved copy of the original
data.
In the second case, you are applying the effect nondestructivelyÑthe
digital audio data in your track is not changed but simply altered on the
ßy during playback. This means you can experiment with effects
parameters, bypass effects, or remove them entirely at any time. Since
most effects require complex numeric calculations, real-time effects
processing puts a heavy load on your computerÕs CPU. If you use too
many effects, the CPU will not be able to keep up and playback will
sound choppy and disconnected.
You can also apply real-time audio effects to a submix in an aux bus or to
a main output. For example, rather than patching separate reverb
effects in each of several guitar tracks, you can mix the guitar tracks
together in an aux bus and apply a single reverb effect to the submix.
This makes much more efÞcient use of CPU time. Patching effects on an
aux bus or main output also opens up new creative possibilities.
There are several reasons why you might want to apply effects ofßine
(destructively):
¥ If you want to apply more effects than your CPU can handle,
applying some of the effects ofßine will reduce CPU usage during
playback.
¥ If you want to apply effects to an individual audio event, rather than
the whole track, it is simpler to do so using ofßine effects.