Converting own loops into apple loops - it doesn´t work!

I had a similar problem with a large 3rd party loop collection - the Apple Loop Utility wouldn't save the property tags.

I had to simply open each file in my audio editor and re-save the files. I did it as a batch process, so it was easy.

The files' metadata (inlcuding the 'loop' flag) was savable and accurate from then on. I suspect that the original file was either missing the proper id3 tags or they were malformed and logic couldn't read them.

Just .02
Shaun

Anne - are you setting Filetype to 'Looping' for each of your files in the Apple Loops utility and checking the region's 'follow tempo' checkbox?

Can you describe a file that won't work? Type, size, permissions etc. How is it different from one that did work?

..and have you run the disk utility to verify & repair permissions?

Thanks,
Shaun

This is exactely the problem I have: An example - I Bought 3rd party Apple Loops Collection "Urban Jointz" some time ago and added them to my loop browser (Must've been GarageBand 3, I used Logic Pro 6.4 on a G4 then) - everything worked fine: searches, looping, tempo, tags etc.

But: November 2007 I switched to Logic 8 and a new Intel iMac. Added the same loop collection (from original dvd) to the loop browser. logic and gb find them on searches. i can pre-listen, but they won't play in song tempo nor loop. if I open them in the loop utility, looping IS selected, tags are correct AND if I click prelistening there, the loop utility crashes immediately.

I also created apple loops from a wav files in the utility by myself. same problem: loops won't change tempo or scale. utility crashes if I try to prelisten. the funny thing: non-looping files won't cause the utility to crash...

this is a heavy problem. i have a library of about 200 GBs of samples which i cannot use correctly in logic 8 any longer.
any suggestions?

thx, peter

What I learned today: Things can get WORSE, when messing around with Apple loops!

Since I had no use for hundreds of apple loops that don't loop nor play in sync, I deleted all the folders and files I previously added from user/Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops today. The I forced the Loop Browser to rebuild its index (double-clicking a no longer existing file in GarageBand - I still haven't found out how to do this in logic studio?)

Afterwards gave it another try: tagged a folder with approx. 100 .wav-Files loopable in the ALU and saved them as .aiff. This time, they would loop AND play in the tempo chosen instead of causing ALU to crash. This was some progress...

I added the new loops folder to the loop browser in Logic Studio 8 and - tadah, there the folder was, in the drop down menu, and all my new loops appeared. BUT - they still play in their original tempo and only once. (incidentally, the first one DOES loop and play in snyc). ****, they all ARE tagged exactly the same way (and correct).

Once again, deleted them and rebuilt the index.

Try #3: Not only did the approach above not work, I also found out, that my new loop folder has not been copied into /User/Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops but there was only an alias there (I organize all my file collections within the library, this is why it's called a library, isn't it? I don't want my folders spread all over my computer. At least, I would like to have a coice). So this time I put it right there by myself and added the folder to the loop browser in LS8 again. At least, I tried. Because, from this moment on, the "Adding Loops" progress bar would whirl for hours and the task never be finished. Whatever folder I tried, adding loops to the browser, whether in LS8 or in GB, was impossible, even after restart.

Try #4: Gave it another try (I know, I shouldn't) and added the files themselves (without the surrounding folder). Funny, this time they were imported and COPIED into the SingleFiles Folder. So if I want some structure within my loops, I have to put them somewhere on my disc, if not, they are copied to where they should be?! But even worse - the newly added files were the only ones Logic and GB would find! Everything else was gone - soundtrack pro files, gb files, jam packs - files I am working with in my studio (I d have deadlines).

This is the end of a working day: after deleting the new, not working loops and rebuilding index, I now have the same loop browser content I had after installing Logic Studio for the first time. Could be worse. Should be better.

So here are I my questions:
- Is there a way of rebuilding the index in Logic Studio 8?
- Why do apple loops I create and tag with the Apple Loop Utility loop, sync and tune within the utility, but neither in Logic nor GarageBand?

Any help appreciated. Really.

Thx,
Peter

I also found out, that my new loop folder has not been copied into /User/Library/Audio/Apple Loops/User Loops but there was only an alias there

This is 'normal' as described in the manual - it lets you put your loops anywhere.

Is there a way of rebuilding the index in Logic Studio 8?

Yes - Christian Labbe from MacProVideo gave me these instructions. Worked for me.

1-Open the loop browser
2-Search for a default apple loop (for exemple 70s ballad drums 01).
3-Search the "70s ballad drums 01.aif" file in your finder. It should be in "HD-Library-Audio-Apple Loops-Apple-Apple Loops for GarageBand".
4-Drag the "70s balla drum 01.aif" file to your desktop.
5-In the Logic Loop browser, select the "70s Ballad Drums 01" loop.
6-Logic will tell you it can't find the file and ask you if you want to re-index all your appleloops.
7-Go back to your finder and, replace the file to it's original folder.
8-Click on "Reindex Loops" in your Logic loop browser.

BTW - everytime I have to add loops, I copy them to the User Loop directory and then drop the folder onto the loop browser.

Shaun

I'm having the same problem with Logic Express 8 and the apple loops utility. I just got a package of 3rd party loops, and they don't work in L.E. I opened them in the apple loops utility, and they work there -- i.e. they loop and follow the tempo. I noticed that there weren't any transients tagged though. I moved the sensitivity slider and transients suddenly appeared. Then I clicked save and tried to go test them in Logic Express but they still didn't work. I opened them again in ALU and the transients were gone again.

From the looks of some of the other comments on this thread it looks to be a Logic 8 issue. Anybody know how to fix this?

When my metadata won't update, I have to load the file(s) in Amadeus pro and then simply re-save as an .aif and all of a sudden metadata changes are preserved from any application.

You should check the directory that the files are in, too...you may not have read/write permissions.

Hey thanks, that finally did it!

I opened the .aiff files in Logic's sound editor, selected them all, did ^C and re-saved them as AIFF files, which named them .aif instead of .aiff (don't know if that's significant). Then I opened them in the Apple Loops Utility, clicked on the sensitivity slider (didn't even have to move it), which instantly made the transients appear. Went through each one, and then clicked "save all". And now they work!

I do wish Apple would fix this, though. I wasted almost a full work day on this, and now I'm scared to pay for any more 3rd party loops. Reminds me of Linux. I switched to Mac so this stuff would "just work!"

Glad to hear it.

There are some terrific apps out there that can automate all of this for you too. I use Amadeus pro - can't say enough good about that application - it's designed for musicians and their thinkflow.

Don't forget that you can open multiple loops in the loop utililty and make the same changes to all at the same time.

Cheers,
Shaun

Woops, I spoke too soon!

I got one set of loops working, but I went through so much trial and error, I'm not exactly sure how. And now I can't repeat it with the other sets. This is frustrating!

I checked out Amadeus Pro -- it looks like a great program. But I just shelled out $199 for Logic Express! ... really there's gotta be a way to fix this that doesn't involve buying more software. Anybody got any ideas?