In part 2 of our article we take a look at how to use the Trim Sub-Tools, such as TC/E, Scrub, and Loop. Each of these sub-tools has a unique purpose, and function, to allow you greater flexibility with your editing workflow.
In our previous article (Link) we showed you how to use the Standard Trim Tool, and how to work with it in different Edit Modes. In this article we move on to the Trim Sub-Tools and show you how each one of them works and what you can use them for when editing.
If you right-click on the Trim Tool, you will see a drop-down menu appear allowing you to choose on the the Sub-Tools. In order, they are TCE (Time Compression Expansion), Scrub, and Loop.
TRIM TCE
When using the Trim TCE Tool, this will allow you to stretch an audio file to play back slower, or faster. Unlike the regular Trim Tool, the TCE will actually create a new audio file based on the original file, made to be slower or faster, depending on which way you drag, left or right. In the example below we use the TCE tool to stretch the length of an audio file in our session by clicking on it and dragging to the right. When we let go of the mouse, Pro Tools will create a new audio file in place of the previous file. In order to accomplish this, Pro Tools actually uses one of the Time Compression Expansion plugins available on your system. When using this tool, Pro Tools renders the new audio files with that particular plugin as its processing backbone.
Step 1: Click and drag audio file with Trim TCE Tools
Step 2: When releasing the mouse, Pro Tools creates a new audio file in place of the original
Since Pro Tools is creating a new audio file, it gives you the option as to which of your available TCE plugins it will use as a processor in the background. You can change this option to be your preferred plugin of choice. In order to change this preference, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Setup menu, select Preferences
Step 2: Once in the Preferences, go to the Processing Tab. In the upper right corner you will see an area for TC/E. Click on the TC/E Plug-in button to select from your available TC/E plug ins.
The default setting is set to Avid TC/E. The rest of these plugins need to be bought and added to your system. They include: Serato Pitch 'n Time, SoundToys Speed, Synchro Arts TimeMod, Waves Sound Shifter, Avid Time Shift, Avid X-Form, zplane élastiqueAAX.
TRIM SCRUB
The Trim Scrub Sub-Tool is very similar to the Standard Trim Tool, the biggest difference being that it will Scrub (playback) the audio file you are trimming. It allows you to trim from the beginning or end of an audio file, while it plays the audio you are trimming. In all other respects, it works exactly like the Standard Trim, as well as being affected by the Editing Mode you have selected (Shuffle, Slip, Spot, Grid).
TRIM LOOP
The final Trim Sub-Tool is Trim Loop. Unlike the other sub-tools, this one does something completely different. Instead of editing the audio clip, it makes loop copies of the audio clip. By simply clicking and dragging as you normally would, the Trim Loop tool will create copies of the audio clip, back to back, for as long as you drag the tool. This is extremely useful when you have audio such as drum loops, sfx, ambience, etc... that you want to repeat for a length of time. In the example below, we take a 1-measure drum loop and extend it out with the Trim Loop tool so that it can fill in the gap in the song.
Step 1: Using the Trim Loop tool, click and drag the end of the clip to the right
The resulting audio is a loop copy of the original audio clip
Keep in mind that this sub tool, along with the rest, are always going to be dependent on the editing mode you are in (Shuffle, Slip, Spot, Grid). I've found that when working with music loops, i tend to stay in Grid Mode as it allows me to make sure the loops fall exactly on a Bar or Beat line, staying in time with the Tempo and Meter of the song.
I hope these articles have helped you see the potential for new and more creative workflows.
- Mihai Boloni
Avid Certified Expert Pro Tools Instructor