Behringer Energy XT 2.5 User Manual
2
Table of contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 4
What is energyXT? ......................................................................................................... 4
Main features at a glance .................................................................................................... 4
About the manual .......................................................................................................... 5
Which aspects of the software are covered? ................................................................ 5
Conventions used in the manual .....................................................................................5
Comparison between energyXT2.5 and energyXT2.5 Compact........................... 7
Entering Demo mode in energyXT2.5 Compact......................................................... 8
Upgrading energyXT2.5 Compact to energyXT2.5 .................................................... 8
Chapter 2 Setup ...................................................................................................... 9
Portable (All OSes) ......................................................................................................... 9
Installation ...................................................................................................................... 9
Windows / Mac OS / Linux .................................................................................................. 9
Activating your copy of energyXT .............................................................................. 9
Software and hardware setup ..................................................................................... 9
Setting up your audio interface and hardware MIDI controllers .......................... 9
Setting folder paths .............................................................................................................11
Setting the look of the user interface ...........................................................................11
Chapter 3 The Basics ............................................................................................. 12
Structure of energyXT ................................................................................................. 12
Basic functions ......................................................................................................................13
Edit functions.........................................................................................................................14
Global settings ......................................................................................................................16
Chapter 4 Multitrack Audio Recorder ................................................................. 17
The setup ....................................................................................................................... 17
2-channel setup .................................................................................................................... 18
Multi-channel setup ............................................................................................................19
Audio recording step by step ....................................................................................20
Creating a Project .................................................................................................................20
Adding Audio Tracks ...........................................................................................................20
Routing audio inputs and outputs ................................................................................21
Monitor settings ...................................................................................................................21
Setting the input signal level ........................................................................................... 22
Conguring the metronome ...........................................................................................23
Recording takes ....................................................................................................................23
Exchanging a part of a recorded take with a new recording ...............................24
Working with patterns .......................................................................................................25
Creating dynamic volume changes (energyXT2.5 only) ........................................ 26
Embedding loop samples .................................................................................................28
Editing audio .........................................................................................................................30
Crossfade .................................................................................................................................30
Beatslice ...................................................................................................................................30
3
Creating a mix ............................................................................................................... 31
Adjusting channel volume and Pan ..............................................................................31
Using send / insert eects.................................................................................................31
Shaping sound with the equalizer ................................................................................. 34
Creating submix groups ....................................................................................................34
Remote mixing ......................................................................................................................35
Multiple track recording ............................................................................................. 38
Editing multiple Parts simultaneously..........................................................................41
Chapter 5 MIDI Sequencer ................................................................................... 42
MIDI setup with a master keyboard and virtual tone generators.......................42
MIDI setup with hardware tone generators ...............................................................43
MIDI recording step by step ....................................................................................... 44
Creating a Project .................................................................................................................44
Adding Instrument Tracks ................................................................................................. 45
Using virtual instruments ..................................................................................................45
Routing MIDI inputs and outputs ..................................................................................46
MIDI thru settings (MIDI monitoring) ...........................................................................48
Conguring the metronome ...........................................................................................49
Recording takes ....................................................................................................................49
Quantizing MIDI events .....................................................................................................50
Overdub recording .............................................................................................................. 53
Punch recording ................................................................................................................... 53
Working with patterns .......................................................................................................54
Editing MIDI events .............................................................................................................55
Remote controlling Instrument Tracks ......................................................................... 60
Using the Drum Track .........................................................................................................61
Freezing tracks (energyXT2.5 only)................................................................................65
Chapter 6 Virtual FX Rack ..................................................................................... 66
Guitarist / Keyboardist live setup ...................................................................................66
Guitarist / Sound Designer studio setup .....................................................................67
Building a virtual FX rack step by step ..................................................................... 67
Creating a Project .................................................................................................................68
Using the Modular view to build eect chains..........................................................68
Setting the input signal level ........................................................................................... 71
Eect racks (Guitar Amp) ...................................................................................................71
Remote controlling eect parameters .........................................................................72
Routing the input signal to an Audio Track ................................................................73
Chapter 7 Appendix .............................................................................................. 74
Using energyXT on multiple systems ....................................................................... 74
Keeping Project data together ........................................................................................74
Transfering data and restoring paths............................................................................74
Switching between OSes ..................................................................................................74
Glossary ......................................................................................................................... 75
Support ..........................................................................................................................76
4
INTRODUCTION
IntroductionChapter 1
What is energyXT?
EnergyXT is an integrated powerful music production environment. A one-stop solution for making music
so to speak. Whether you are a song writer who wants to record "hand-made" music, a producer who wants
to tap the full potential of a software-based production environment, a sound designer who wants to shape
sound, or a podcaster who is looking for a solution to simply cut his casts: energyXT is for you.
EnergyXT comes with all components of a professional recording studio such as a modular mixer, versatile
EQs, a MIDI sequencer and the potential to use an unlimited number of commercially and freely available
VST instruments and eects — all powered by a pristine and streamlined audio engine. It even brings along
its own integrated sound sampler and synthesizer. Record audio, incorporate external sound modules, play
top-notch software synthesizers and create mixes in a mixer environment, where nearly every parameter can
be automated. There's much more to discover in energyXT. Find out for yourself by reading this manual.
Main features at a glance
EnergyXT has unique advantages over other music production suites making your work much easier and
more ecient.
First of all it's organized in views rather than in window layers. MIDI and audio events can be edited right
within their residing tracks. In fact every parameter and function can be controlled in one of the three main
views without having to switch between dierent windows.
EnergyXT supports drag & drop transfers of VST instruments, eects and audio les and makes setting up
a new production environment just a matter of a few minutes.
Each component of energyXT is part of a modular environment where instruments and mixer channels
can be freely connected to each other. This opens up a variety of applications in which some sequencers
simply fail.
Best of all, you can take energyXT with you anywhere you want to. Just copy the application les to a USB
ash drive and you're ready to make music within a minute on every computer without having to undergo
lengthy installation and conguration procedures.
The Sequencer
The Sequencer is the heart of energyXT. That's where the music is being composed. The Sequencer supports
MIDI and audio tracks for recording plus additional folder tracks for grouping. Events are clearly organized
in Parts which can be freely distributed in a classic timeline view. Every Part features a powerful integrated
piano roll editor for editing notes and controller events such as Modwheel or Pitch Bend. To avoid a high
CPU load, tracks can be frozen to temporarily free up resources. Modern hooks and lines can be simply
created with the multi-mode Arpeggiator and the Swing / Shue control, whereas rhythms can be easily
imported as REX2-slices or WAV / AIFF les for a fast production process. The playback options for audio
include high-quality timestretching, pitched and reverse playback.
The Drum Track
The Drum Track of energyXT is a special audio track with a built-in drum sampler and a powerful drum
machine-like editor for easy rhythm creation. Trigger notes are created by placing note events in a grid which
also grants direct access to volume, pan and lter cuto parameters. Samples are organized in sampler cells
and can be saved as a drumset preset for later use.
5
INTRODUCTION
The Mixer
The Mixer is the control center of energyXT. It houses all audio signals as separate channels which can be
added dynamically. Parameters can either be automated from the Sequencer or controlled remotely from
an external MIDI controller. With an unlimited number of possible VST eects, both insert and send, 4-band
channel EQs and additional submix groups, mixing is as comfortable as it gets.
The Modular environment
The Modular environment is the core of energyXT and all its components. It serves as a multi-functional
patchbay where each synthesizer, audio input / output, audio channel and eect can be freely routed. This
opens up some exceptional application scenarios which can be realized with energyXT.
The Synth / Sampler
The built-in Synth is a complex phase modulation synthesizer and sampler for creating complex sound layers. With 4 LFOs powered by a complex modulation matrix, a versatile multi-mode lter, 6 envelopes and
phaser, chorus, anger, delay and reverb eects it meets all requirements you'd expect from an all-in-one
sound workstation.
The Browser
The built-in Browser grants quick access to all energyXT relevant sound samples, instruments, eects and
presets and supports drag & drop functionality. With the quick search bar even large amounts of sound
samples can be browsed within seconds.
About the manual
For easy understanding, all sections are supported by multiple screenshots. This concept helps you to get
to know the software and its possibilities in a fast and easy way.
On the last pages you can nd a glossary which contains a brief description of important terms used
throughout the manual. Refer to these explanations for background information on selected terms.
Which aspects of the software are covered?
This manual covers all important aspects of music production with energyXT. From MIDI to audio recording
and editing you will nd all the information you require to get the most out of the software quickly. The
chapters are specically tailored to dierent user groups and tasks. It should be easy to nd at least one of
these topic-related chapters useful for your work.
However there is still a lot more to discover within energyXT. Find out for yourself once you know the basics.
Don't miss the online tutorials and the community support at www.energy-xt.com.
Conventions used in the manual
Menu functions and energyXT terms
Functions that can be reached via menus are described as follows:
File◊ > Open
The rst entry identies the menu name. It is followed by one or more sub entries which name the menu
function. Entries are separated with the ">" symbol.
For many functions you can also use the context menu (right-click). œ
EnergyXT related terms are printed as they appear in the application, which is most often in Sentence
case.
6
INTRODUCTION
included))
WAV / AIFF (all OSes)
MP3 import only (if free 'lame.exe' installed (not
included))
REX2 (Windows / Mac), WAV / AIFF (all OSes)
MP3 import/export (if free 'lame.exe' installed (not
Simultaneously usable instruments Not restricted 8
Sequencer
Arpeggiator Yes No
Shue quantize Yes Yes
Track freeze / Bounce to track Yes No
eXT Synthesizer / Sampler, Multi-eect, Drum sampler Yes Yes
Remote controller support Yes Yes
Oine mixdown Yes Yes
Supported audio formats
Resample Re-pitch, Stretch Re-pitch, Stretch
Edit MIDI controller events Static, Envelope Static
Send eects Not restricted 2
Insert eects Not restricted 2 per channel
4-band EQ on all channels Yes Yes
Modular environment / Sequencer
Modular environment view / edit Yes Yes
Feature energyXT2.5 energyXT2.5 Compact
General
Portable Yes Yes
VST version (for use with other hosts) Yes No
Max. bit / sampling rate 32-bit / 192 kHz 32-bit / 192 kHz
Number of tracks (Audio, Instrument, Drum, Folder) Not restricted 8
Audio input / output channels 32 / 32 8 / 8
MIDI In / Out ports (16 ch. each) Not restricted / 1 1 / 1
Mixer
Available channels Not restricted Not restricted
Number of Mixer / Sequencer Components Not restricted 1 / 1
Full eq/fx strip per Drum sampler slot Yes No
7
INTRODUCTION
File and folder names
File and folder names are put in quotation marks:
"energyXT2.exe"◊
Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can be used to trigger various functions of energyXT. They are displayed as follows:
Ctrl◊ + S
A key combination is separated by a "+". Press the keys simultaneously to trigger the function.
Shortcuts mentioned in this manual refer to the default keyboard shortcut scheme. œ
Screenshots
In the manual all screenshots has been taken from the Light skin of energyXT. For more information on how
to change the skin of your application, see chapter Setting the look of the user interface.
User groups
Each application chapter begins with a list of target user groups. Use the list below to identify the user
group prole that matches your interests. With this classication it should be easy to nd the chapter(s)
that are of interest to you.
The target groups covered in this manual are :
Podcaster:◊ cuts and fades audio snippets and prepares multiple tracks for mixdown.
Sound Designer: ◊ cuts samples and creates new sounds by using VST eects, time stretching algorithms
and sound layering.
Mastering Engineer: ◊ cuts and creates mixdowns by using equalizers and shapes the dynamic level
of signals by using VST eects.
MIDI-Producer: ◊ records MIDI data and makes use of VST instruments and internal drum pattern
creation.
Songwriter: ◊ records instruments with simultaneous playback of previously recorded tracks and uses
input signal processing with VST eects.
DJ: ◊ re-organizes audio snippets and uses VST eects with remote control for live application.
Guitarist / Keyboardist: ◊ uses VST eects for signal processing instead of outboard equipment.
Terminology
In the manual the term energyXT is used to describe both the full version energyXT2.5 and the light version
energyXT2.5 Compact. Dierences between these two versions are stated, if necessary. For details, refer to
the table on the previous page.
Comparison between energyXT2.5 and energyXT2.5 Compact
EnergyXT2.5 is the full featured software suite. It is sold separately as a boxed version or can be downloaded
from www.energy-xt.com.
EnergyXT2.5 Compact is the light version of energyXT2.5 with selected functionality (see table on page 6).
It is sold with selected hardware (e.g. BEHRINGER). EnergyXT2.5 Compact users can explore all functions of
the full version at any time by entering a special Demo mode (see page Basic functions).
8
INTRODUCTION
Entering Demo mode in energyXT2.5 Compact
EnergyXT2.5 Compact users can explore all functions of the full version by entering a restricted Demo mode.
In Demo mode, you can test the full potential of the software, but you can't save a Project.
As soon as you are about to use an exclusive energyXT2.5 feature you'll receive a notication.
Click on
Try ◊ to enter Demo mode and test the function.
Cancel◊ to abort and go back to energyXT2.5
Compact mode.
Remember to always save your projects œ
before entering Demo mode to prevent
data loss.
Upgrading energyXT2.5 Compact to energyXT2.5
Registered energyXT2.5 Compact users may upgrade to the full version of energyXT2.5 at www.energy-xt.
com or by using the menu XT > Upgrade now ....
9
SETUP
Chapter 2 Setup
EnergyXT has a unique feature that separates it from many other music production software — It can be
used as a portable application which can be launched from removable devices like USB ash drives. This
gives you the opportunity to take your whole setup with you and make music on dierent computers. Of
course, you can also conventionally install the software on a single computer.
Portable (All OSes)
To launch energyXT without installation, you simply have to copy the complete energyXT folder to a
target device (e.g. USB ash drives, hard disks) you wish the application to run from and execute the le
"energyXT2". See chapter "Using energyXT on multiple systems" for details on how to use energyXT on
dierent computers.
Installation
Windows / Mac OS / Linux
To install energyXT:
Visit the online tutorial at i. www.energy-xt.com or refer to the Quick Start Guide for details on how to
install energyXT on your operating system.
Activating your copy of energyXT
As soon as you launch energyXT for the rst time, you will
be prompted to enter your name and the serial number that
came with your software. Provide the requested information
to activate the software.
If you choose not to enter the requested data, œ
energyXT will run in Demo mode. You can enter
your serial number when launching the program
at any time.
Right after activation you will be prompted to register your product. Registration enables you to always
receive the latest updates and news.
The registration process requires an active internet connection. œ
Software and hardware setup
Setting up your audio interface and hardware MIDI controllers
Before you can start to make music you rst have to congure the software, to ensure that your hardware
works properly with energyXT. The list below notes required hardware for dierent applications.
If you
are using external MIDI hardware, such as synthesizers, drum machines or samplers, you need at least ◊
a MIDI interface.
are using VST software instruments you need at least a MIDI input device, such as a remote control or ◊
a keyboard and an audio interface.
10
SETUP
record and play back audio you need an audio interface.◊
EnergyXT supports audio interfaces with DirectSound (DS) / ASIO on Windows, Core Audio on Mac OS X
and ALSA on Linux operating systems.
If you want to work with VST instruments or record audio, it is strongly recommended that you œ
use a professional audio interface to ensure low latency audio.
Connect and install all hardware before you enter the Setup of energyXT. œ
Setting up your audio interface
To set up your audio interface:
Go to i. File > Setup > Audio.
Under ii. Device, choose the appropriate driver type for
your audio interface.
EnergyXT automatically detects your audio interface and
chooses the best driver type.
Identify your hardware in the subsequent eld.iii.
Under iv. Buer size, choose an adequate latency setting.
As a rule of thumb a low latency setting implies bet- œ
ter audio performance, but the best setting for your
system depends on your hardware. If you experience
audio dropouts, try higher values. A reasonable
entry to start with would be 1024 samples.
Under v. Sample rate and Record, choose the recording
and playback settings.
If possible, choose 24-bits for high-quality recordings. œ
Check the inputs and outputs of your audio interface you want to use under vi. Audio inputs and Audio
outputs.
Make sure that at least one pair of inputs and outputs is active. œ
Setting up your MIDI hardware
To set up your MIDI hardware:
Go to i. File > Setup > MIDI.
Check your MIDI hardware under ii. MIDI inputs and MIDI
outputs.
Remember to connect and activate both inputs and œ
outputs for devices which rely on a MIDI data loop to
work properly (e.g. motorized fader remote control,
keyboard with a tone generator).
11
SETUP
Setting folder paths
EnergyXT oers a le browser which grants quick access to plug-ins, presets, projects and samples. To use
the Browser eectively, you have to set the necessary folder paths rst.
To set the folder paths for the Browser:
Go to i. File > Setup > Browser.
Select the entry for which you want to set the folder path.ii.
Click on iii. Add to add an entry to the list.
In the browser window, navigate to the folder which iv.
contains the respective les and conrm by clicking
on OK.
You can add multiple folder paths to each cat- œ
egory.
Repeat steps ii.-iv. to include all folders that contain v.
relevant les.
Setting the look of the user interface
The user interface of energyXT can be set to either dark or
light colors, according to your preference.
EnergyXT2.5 users can download additional skins from
www.xt-user.com.
To set the look of the user interface:
Go to i. File > Setup > Looks.
Click on the respective entry to set the user interface to either ii. Light or Dark colors.
Alternatively, click on Open to apply a downloaded skin.
You may also customize the look of your interface. Use the browser to change the look of all ele- œ
ments within the application manually
12
THE BASICS
The BasicsChapter 3
Target user: All users
Structure of energyXT
The main window
Before you can start making music you have to learn the basics of energyXT rst. The basic structure of
energyXT is simple but eective. The main window is divided into three areas.
The menu bar and global control area1
The menu bar shows the options available for each of the three views (Modular, Sequencer, Mixer). Below you
see from left to right the Recent Projects drop-down list, the MIDI input meter with the controller mapping
options, the metronome icon, the tempo designation for the Project, the transport controls, the mixdown
icon and the song position timer. The text to the bottom right (actually Arpeggiator Mode) changes accord-
ing to the function where the mouse pointer actually hovers above. Always keep an eye on this needful
information to identify the dierent functions, especially if you are not familiar with them.
13
THE BASICS
The Browser area2
With the Browser you can easily explore all plug-ins, presets, projects and samples on your computer, as long
as you have located all relevant folders in the Setup beforehand. Each global entry in the Browser grants
direct access to the deposited folders without cumbersome navigation. Via the Disks entry you can also
explore all drives of your computer. The Audio pool entry lists all samples that are currently in use by your
Project. Next to the magnifying glass is the search eld which helps to locate les quickly.
The main working area3
The content of the main working area depends on the active view. It either shows the Modular, the Sequencer
or the Mixer view. You can switch views by clicking on the respective entry in the global control area. The
actual screenshot shows the Sequencer view. You can easily add additional views for VST instruments and
eects, by selecting Add from the context menu, which proves especially useful for laptop users.
Basic functions
Before we go into detail with the application chapters it's necessary to understand the basics of energyXT.
Some functions apply to all views, others only apply to one of the three views. The following paragraph
headings include the view to which the described function applies to in brackets.
Many functions are assigned to keyboard shortcuts. Refer to the function list under File > Setup > Shortcuts
to look up or change shortcuts.
Navigation
Navigating through energyXT works in the same way as in every other application. However there are a
few things you need to know.
Using the mouse wheel to zoom and navigate (All views)
You can use the mouse wheel to navigate through each view horizontally. Turning the mouse wheel with
the Ctrl key depressed aects the horizontal zoom in the Sequencer view.
Entering values (All views)
You can change value entries in energyXT by either double-clicking on an entry and making a numeric
entry with the keyboard or by click-holding the entry and dragging the mouse up to increase and down to
decrease the value. A few entries can also be changed via context menus with a right-click.
Scrolling editor windows (All views)
You can scroll any editor window by dragging the mouse, with the right mouse button depressed, in any
direction.
The transport controls (All views)
EnergyXT has ve transport buttons which are similar to those you can nd on most hi- recording units
(e.g. MD recorder and tape deck). From left to right, the buttons are as follows:
Play: to start the song playback◊
Stop: to stop the song playback◊
Rewind: to go back to the beginning of a song◊
Loop: loops the selected range for playback or recording◊
Record: to start a recording with the selected tracks◊
14
THE BASICS
The song position pointer and timer (Sequencer)
The song position pointer shows the actual playback position. It is represented by a vertical bar in the Sequencer view. By default, the position pointer causes the track view to scroll with the actual position during
playback. You can place the song position pointer by clicking into the bar line above the displayed tracks.
The song position timer shows the actual position of the song position pointer.
It is located next to the transport controls. You can change the format from bar
count to time count by clicking on the display.
Edit functions
Setting a playback / recording range (Sequencer)
You can dene a playback / recording range in the bar line. Click on
the bar line and, with the mouse button depressed, draw the range
from beginning to end. Once set, you can alter the range by moving
the left and right edges with the mouse.
EnergyXT can loop the selected range for playback or recording. You
can use this feature for overdub recordings. Click on the arrow next
to the Record button in the transport controls to switch between
loop and forward mode.
The Quick add button (Sequencer)
The Quick add button gives you quick access to all available tracks in energyXT. Click on the
button and select a track template to easily add a new track to your project. Choose between
Synthesizer, Drum sampler, Audio, Guitar Amp and VST tracks.
The grid snap function (Sequencer)
EnergyXT has a convenient grid function which causes the song position pointer
to snap to predened note values. This is especially useful to make exact selections and move Parts and notes on a musically time basis to rasterized positions.
You can activate / deactivate the grid function by clicking on the hash. Use the triangle to the right to set the
grid value. To select triplet and dotted note values, set the 3 and the dot next to the hash active (orange). To
switch between absolute and relative snap positions, use the arrow. The grid snap setting likewise denes
the grid for the note quantization.
Editing Parts (Sequencer)
In energyXT, the content of each track is displayed as Parts on a timeline. Parts may have any size. A reasonable length would be a few bars, e.g. for chorus and verse. Smaller Parts may represent short musical phrases
which can be easily reused throughout the whole Project.
EnergyXT creates a new Part ranging from the beginning of the recording to the end with every new recording. You can move Parts by grabbing the Part with the mouse and dragging it with the mouse button
depressed to a new location on the same or another track. To make a copy of a Part, hold down the Ctrl key
while dragging the Part. The length of each Part can be altered by moving the left and right edges with
the mouse. You can select multiple Parts by clicking on the Parts' name with the Shift key depressed or by
clicking into the track view and with the mouse button depressed drawing a selection rectangle.
Make use of the grid snap function to place Parts at musical positions. œ
15
THE BASICS
Edit mode for tracks (Sequencer)
You can switch each track into
edit mode by double clicking
on its name. In edit mode, you
see a more detailed view of
the track content for editing.
The vi ew depend s on the
track type.
Instrument Tracks display ◊
note events in a piano roll
editor.
Audio Tracks display a ◊
detailed view of the waveform.
Drum Tracks display note ◊
events with additonal
drum specic controller
data entries.
All track types support the
display of ad di tional MIDI
controller data.
To change the vertical size of the edit view, grab the bottom of the track with the mouse and drag it upwards or downwards.
Naming tracks (Sequencer)
You can name tracks by right-clicking on the track and choosing Rename.
Rendering Project (All views)
Once you nished your song you'd probably want to export the Project to a
sound le. EnergyXT oers a downmix function to nalize your music with
all settings and eects. Choose File > Export Project (wav, aif, mp3) or use the
quick button next
to the transport
controls to render a WAV, AIFF
or MP3 file (en-
Under Format, choose the quality and le type of
your mixdown. You can either export the complete
project or the selected playback / recording range.
Click on Start and choose a destination and a proper
name to complete the operation.
Exporting your project to MP3 format requires an MP3 encoder/decoder to be installed. œ For more
information, refer to the energyXT2.5 Quick Start Manual or visit www.energy-xt.com.
ergyXT2.5 only).
16
THE BASICS
Global settings
Song tempo / Signature (All views)
The song tempo and signature indicators show the current tempo in beats
per minute (bpm) and the song's metric scheme. You can change both by
clicking into the appropriate elds.
Info panels (Sequencer)
EnergyXT provides two info panels which show important options for the selected track or Part. The panels
can be activated / deactivated by using the symbols next to the signature indicator.
The horizontal panel grants access to important track and Part options◊
The vertical panel displays the mixer channel strip of the track and gives full ◊
access to all mixer functions.
Make sure that both panels are visible as they provide valuable information and edit options. œ
Channel lters (Mixer)
In the Mixer view, you have access to all audio channels. By default all types of channels
(Inputs, Outputs, Sends, Groups, Components) are displayed. You can choose which type of
channel you want to see by clicking on + and checking the appropriate entries.
Mute and solo functions (Sequencer / Mixer)
You activate either entry by clicking on S (Solo) or M (Mute).
When you activate Solo only the selected track(s) / channel(s) are played back.◊
When you activate Mute the selected track(s) / channel(s) are not played back.◊
Accessing Components in energyXT (Modular)
depressed, drag the mouse pointer to the square of the Component to which you want to connect the
selected Component. You can always break an established connection with a right-click on an occupied
connector square.
The number of independent inputs and outputs for each Component is represented by a corresponding
number of connector squares. Audio connections and connectors appear blue, MIDI connections appear
green. Connections to physical inputs / outputs of your hardware are not displayed.
You can switch tracks in the Sequencer view and channels in the Mixer view to Solo or Mute.
EnergyXT features a powerful Modular view which can
be regarded as a virtual patchbay. It allows for free signal
distribution of MIDI and audio signals between physical
inputs / outputs of hardware, virtual inputs / outputs
of plug-ins and energyXT's Sequencer. Each element is
called a Component and appears in the Modular view.
You can change the routing for each Component by
right-clicking on its symbol. The context menu lists all
possible input and output connections. Alternatively, you
can connect the inputs / outputs of each Component by
drawing a direct connection with the mouse. To do so,
click on a connector square and, with the mouse button
17
MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
Multitrack Audio RecorderChapter 4
Target user: Podcaster, Songwriter, Sound Designer, Mastering-Engineer
EnergyXT oers extensive capabilities for recording audio signals. Audio signals are generated by microphones when you record an acoustic instrument or a vocalist. Most commonly the signal of the microphone
will pass a mixer and enter the computer through the audio interface. Some audio interfaces even allow
for microphone signals to be plugged in directly. If so, you don't have to use an additional mixer unit.
Another source of audio signals originate from guitars and keyboards. These instruments output an audio
signal directly.
All audio signals that enter your computer can be recorded on Audio Tracks. Each Audio Track can be either mono (1-channel) or stereo (2-channel). The possible sample rate for audio signals complies with all
professional standards across the world as long as your audio interface lives up to the specs of energyXT.
Audio signals can be recorded either one instrument after the other or you may record a group of signals
simultaneously (e.g. a live band).
The Mixer of energyXT lets you create mixes of your audio recordings with additional eects and equalizer
settings.
The setup
Basically there are three dierent setups for recording audio signals in energyXT.
With a 2-channel (stereo) audio interface, you can either
record up to two mono signals on two dedicated Audio Tracks or one stereo signal on a single Audio ◊
Track. Each Audio Track then carries the dedicated input signal.
record several signals as a mix on a stereo track. The Audio Track then carries a mixed version of the ◊
input signals.
With a multi-channel audio interface, you can also
record several input signals on dedicated Audio Tracks. Each Audio Track then carries the dedicated ◊
input signal.
The maximum number of independent record signals depends on the number of input channels œ
of your audio interface and the energyXT version you are using (compare with table on page 6).
If you want to record instruments (either mono or stereo) one after the other, it's sucient to use a 2-channel
audio interface.
If you want to record a live rehearsal (e.g. band performance) and like to create a mix later on, you should
record each input signal on a dedicated Audio Track with a multi-channel audio interface.
See the application examples on how to make the necessary connections for 2-channel and multi-channel
recordings.
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
FIREWIRE 1
CD/TAPE INPUT
Laptop
CTRL ROOM
OUT
LINE IN 3/4
ANALOG OUT
CD Player
LINE IN 2MIC IN 1
Microphone
(e.g. BEHRINGER B-2 PRO)
Analog Mixer
(e.g. BEHRINGER
XENYX 802)
Electric Guitar
DI
Box
BAL/UNBAL OUT
CD/TAPE OUTPUT
UNBAL IN
FIREWIRE
Audio Interface (e.g. BEHRINGER FCA 202)
INPUTS
Active Monitor Speakers
(e.g. BEHRINGER MS40)
2-channel setup
You need
a 2-channel audio interface with microphone inputs◊
or
a 2-channel audio interface with line inputs and a mixer.◊
A suitable combination of an audio interface and a mixer is always desirable as it gives way more œ
exibility for dierent recording purposes. Actually it is a prerequisite if you want to record a signal
mix with a 2-channel audio interface.
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
Multi-channel setup
Active Monitor Speakers (e.g. BEHRINGER MS40)
INPUTS
Multi-channel
Audio
Interface
Analog Mixer
(e.g. BEHRINGER
XENYX 2222FX)
ANALOG IN 1-8
Laptop
CHANNEL INSERTS 1-8
LINE IN 7-8
ANALOG OUT 1-2
E-Drums
Bass Head
(e.g. BEHRINGER
BX4500H)
Bass Guitar
Electric Guitar
LINE IN 6
LINE IN 3
Guitar Amp
(e.g. BEHRINGER
LX210)
Microphone
(e.g. BEHRINGER B-2 PRO)
LINE IN 4-5
Keyboard
MIC IN 1/2
FIREWIRE
FIREWIRE
You need
a multi-channel audio interface with microphone inputs ◊
or
a multi-channel audio interface with line inputs and a mixer with direct outputs.◊
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
Audio recording step by step
The following section will show you how to make use of the full audio potential of energyXT. On the basis
of a typical recording application, all important aspects of audio recording are covered from adjusting input
signal levels up to the nal mix.
Before you follow the instructions below, make sure you've already set up your computer and œ
energyXT properly. See chapter "Setup" for details.
Each paragraph heading outlines the main steps you need to undergo to perform a typical audio recording.
You may follow all of the paragraphs or simply pick the ones that are of interest to you. However, it might
be useful to read all texts to get to know all the possibilities energyXT has to oer.
For better understanding, the guide reects a real-life recording example by recording two acoustic instruments (guitar, vocals) one after the other and then adding a drum loop. You will learn how to record audio
signals and mixdown all recorded tracks with eects. Later on, you may want to take this demo Project as
a starting point and tailor it to your needs. Keep track of the demo Project's progress by reading the text
after each diary icon.
Creating a Project
Before you can make a recording you have to create a Project.
The Project is the foundation for your song and holds all musical
data, settings and parameters.
To create a Project:
Go to i. File > New Project.
Alternatively choose the respective template from the Welcome
screen.
Choose ii. File > Save as... to call up the save dialog.
Choose a folder for your Projects.iii.
The save dialog of energyXT is similar to that of the Windows
Explorer user interface. The left column shows the folder tree of
your drives and the right column lists all subfolders and energyXT
related les that are present in the selected folder. The selected
folder path is displayed at the top of the window.
Under iv. File:, enter a reasonable name for your Project.
Click on v. OK to save the Project.
You must save your Project before you start a recording. œ
In our example we created a new Project called Audio recording example and saved it to D:energyXT Projects.
Adding Audio Tracks
Audio Tracks in energyXT either carry a mono or a stereo signal. The quality of the recorded audio signal
depends on the settings in the Setup. See chapter "Setting up your audio interface" for details. Common
sample settings include 24-bits / 96000 Hz for DVD-A / SACD and 16-bits / 44100 Hz for CDDA.
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
To add an Audio Track:
In the Sequencer view from the menu, choose i. Track > Add New > Audio Track.
Alternatively, use the context menu on the empty track column or select an already present Audio Track and doubleclick into the track column to add a new track.
You may name each track to identify ii.
it easily. See chapter "Naming tracks
(Sequencer)" for details.
From the info panel, choose a record-iii.
ing format.
Select Stereo for signal sources such as CD
players and keyboards.
Select Mono for signal sources such as a
microphone and guitar signal.
Alternatively, you can use the œ Quick add button next to the bar line to add a new track.
In our example we created two stereo tracks named Guitar and Drums and a mono track for the Vocals.
Routing audio inputs and outputs
By default each Audio Track is connected to an available input / output Component of energyXT. See chapter
"Accessing Components in energyXT (Modular)" for details on Components. The actual routing appears in
the Input and Output elds of the info panel.
If you have a 2-channel audio interface:
or only activate two channels of a multi-channel
interface in energyXT's Setup:
Choose i. Audio In as Input and Audio Out as Output,
if not already preselected.
If you have a multi-channel audio interface:
Choose the i. Input and Output of your audio interface from the drop-down list.
The entries are named consecutively in pairs, e.g. [1+2]
Audio In, [2+3] Audio In. Choose the Input and Output according to the connections you made to your audio interface.
It is possible to mix input signals by activating more than one Audio In Component of an Audio œ
Track. The same goes for the output.
In our example we set all Audio Tracks to the default Audio In and Audio Out routing.
Monitor settings
The monitoring determines whether the input signal can be heard or not. By default the input signal is
always active. However, you may want to change the option depending on your hardware setup to prevent
audio feedback loops.
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
The monitoring options in energyXT are as follows:
O◊ : Disables monitoring.
Auto◊ : Enables monitoring anytime (Default setting).
Record◊ : Enables monitoring only during recording.
Manual◊ : Enables monitoring only if the monitoring for
each track is activated in the track column.
To adjust the monitoring settings:
From the menu, choose i. Options > Monitor and select
the appropriate setting.
In our example we chose the default setting Auto.
Setting the input signal level
Setting a proper signal level for the input signal is very important in order to avoid annoying
artifacts.
If the level of the input signal is
too high the signal will distort.◊
too low the signal probably will be covered with noise and results in a falsied sound.◊
You can adjust the level of the input signal in the Mixer view. The Mixer is organized in channel
strips.
To set a proper input signal level, you need to be familiar with the following elements:
The Trim for boosting or lowering the input signal level at the top.◊
The level fader with the corresponding level meter at the bottom.◊
To adjust the level of the input signal properly:
In the Mixer view, identify the input channel strip to which your signal is connected (e.g. i. Audio
In, [1+2] Audio In).
The channel name corresponds to the input Component you selected for the recording track in the Sequencer view
(Audio In in Sequencer view = Audio In in Mixer view). See chapter "Routing audio inputs and outputs".
Make sure that you set the Monitor setting correctly if you hear no input signal. See chapter "ii. Monitor
settings".
Play your instrument or playback the signal you have connected to your audio interface and observe iii.
the level meter next to the level fader.
Adjust the level of the input signal at your audio interface according to the user manual of the unit in iv.
case your audio interface includes a control for trimming the signal level.
Adjust the level of the input signal further with the Trim so that the peak amplitude of the signal barely v.
causes the level meter to reach the top.
Reduce the recording level with the level fader, if needed.vi.
In our example we adjusted the input signal level with the Trim to +12 dB and left the level fader at its default 0.00 dB position.
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
Conguring the metronome
If you want to record several instruments one after the other it is critical that you
perform your music as exactly as possible to a given song tempo when recording.
In energyXT, you can use a metronome which, like its real counterpart, produces
an audible click, the beat.
To set the tempo:
Input the song tempo into the eld next to the transport controls.i.
To congure the metronome:
Right-click on the metronome icon.i.
Choose the number of beats per bar (1 to 8 beats). ii.
E.g. 4 beats to count quarter notes for a 4/4 time signature.
Check the iii. Count-In entry if you want to have a one bar precount before the recording starts.
Check the iv. Playback and Recording entries if you want to hear the metronome's click during playback
and recording.
Select a volume for the click under the v. Volume entry.
Check the vi. Enable entry to activate the metronome.
Alternatively, you can left-click the metronome symbol to enable / disable the metronome.
In our example we chose a song tempo of 100 bpm and enabled the metronome with a one bar precount to count quarter notes during
a recording.
Recording takes
Among musicians a recording is most commonly known as a take. A take can be just a few bars of length or
even cover the whole song. For each take energyXT creates a Part from the beginning of the recording to
its end. Parts can be modied later on in various ways as described in chapters "Editing Parts (Sequencer)"
and "Working with patterns".
To record a take:
In the Sequencer view, select an Audio Track for recording.i.
Set a recording range in the bar line if you know the length of your musical performance.ii.
Alternatively, turn o loop mode and set a zero range, if you can't predict the length of your recording.
Place the song position pointer at the very beginning of the song or at the beginning of your record-iii.
ing range.
Remember to use the grid function to place the song position pointer exactly at musical units (see chapter "The grid
snap function (Sequencer)").
Click the Record button in the transport controls to start the recording.iv.
If you have activated the metronome's Count-In, the recording
starts with the secondly counted bar.
Perform your music.v.
EnergyXT creates a Part for your recording.
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MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDER
Click on the Stop button in the transport controls to stop the recording.vi.
The Part ends as soon as you stop the recording.
In our example we recorded a 4 bar Guitar take from the beginning of the song.
Exchanging a part of a recorded take with a new recording
Assuming that you have recorded a good take with just a small mistake you don't necessarily have to record
the whole performance again. In fact you could pick a musically reasonable slice of your take (e.g. two bars)
which includes the mistake and replace just this small slice with a new recording. Audio engineers call this
a punch recording, as you jump in with your new recording for just a predened range.
However, this course of action is only possible if the signal contains enough silence (signal pauses) at which
you can cut the audio material properly without getting annoying artifacts such as a truncated sound. A
signal pause in the waveform view appears at.
To exchange a slice of a recording with a new recording:
In the Sequencer view, enter the track's edit view.i.
Disable the grid snap function.ii.
In the recorded Part you wish to exchange a few bars, locate a signal pause at the beginning of the iii.
range you wish to re-record and place the song position pointer.
Use the zoom function for easy navigation.
From the menu, choose iv. Part > Split to split the Part into two pieces.
Locate a signal pause at the end of the range you wish to re-record and place the song position v.
pointer.
From the menu choose vi. Part > Split to isolate the slice.
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