User Manual

Chapter 6
Advanced Editing Techniques
This chapter builds on the techniques that were introduced in the last chapter. Ripple editing, pitch shifting, and takes are
just three of the more advanced editing topics that are covered in this chapter.
Snapping events
CD Architect
™
software is preset to snap events into place as you drag them. Events can snap to another event’s edges, to
the cursor position, or to a time selection. CD Architect software also allows events to snap to grid lines and markers. As
you move an event along the timeline, its edge automatically aligns to designated snap points. At the highest level, all
features in the application can quantize to individual CD frames.
Enabling and disabling snapping
You can quickly enable or disable all snapping by clicking the Enable Snapping button on the toolbar. The
application also allows you to selectively enable and disable snapping options in the Options menu:
• Enable Snapping - controls all snapping behavior except quantizing to
frames.
• Snap To Grid - controls snapping to grid markers. CD Architect software
provides a variety of grid measurements. For more information, see
Changing grid spacing on page 103.
All enabled
• Snap To Markers - controls snapping to markers. The Snap To Markers
option applies to markers, regions, and CD layout markers. For more
information, see Adding project markers and regions on page 55.
Quantizing to frames
The Quantize To Frames command in the Options menu takes snapping one step further. With this feature enabled, all
edits are forced to occur on frame boundaries. Quantizing ensures that moving events, placing markers, making
selections, and positioning the cursor do not occur between CD frame boundaries.
Time compressing/stretching events
Time stretching and compressing events is the process of using the same amount of source media to fill a shorter or
longer event.
1. Hold the Ctrl key.
2. Drag the edge of the event toward the center of the event to compress (shorten) it or drag the edge out away from
the center to stretch (lengthen) it.
You can see the results of the time compression or stretching by viewing the properties of the event. Right-click the event
and choose Properties from the shortcut menu. Time compressing/stretching an event affects the Time stretch/pitch
shift settings.
Note: You can time compress/stretch several events at once by grouping them first. For more information, see Grouping
events on page 74.
Working with takes
A take is a version of an audio recording. CD Architect software allows you to include a number of takes in the same
location (event) of the project. You can then rapidly switch between these separate takes to see which one fits into the
project the best. Although this is what takes are designed for, you can actually use any media files you want as a take,
even completely different sounds. Since an event is just a container of a specific length and at a specific location, the
actual content (media file) is easily changed.
ADVANCED EDITING TECHNIQUES | 61