Cymbals don't work sometimes

Question

Level 1

7 points

Cymbals don't work sometimes

I'm baffled as to why cymbal hits from the loop library don't work in some sections of certain songs. It doesn't happen often but it's annoying when it does because I have to add those missing cymbal sounds by recording a real cymbal.
Sometimes even within the same song the cymbal loops will play fine throughout the song let's say before every chorus. But then the cymbal hit that comes right at the last chorus will refuse to play even though it's turned way up. No sound, nothing. I've tried doubling it and tripling to no avail. I've added effects but still no sound. Why would it work it all the previous choruses
which are all identical in structure, mix and instrumentation, number of notes, etc. Has anyone experienced this?

iMAC G5 20", Mac OS X (10.4.6), Lacie Ext Hard Drive, Studiophile DX-4 Speakers, Firewire Audio Interface

Posted on Aug 17, 2006 7:13 AM

Reply

Answer 1

xs4is

Level 4

2,800 points

Aug 18, 2006 12:08 AM in response to Dylanmusic

Do you inadvertently have the volume automated?

If not, try repairing permissions with Disk Utility, then do a search for Garageband and put the files that end in ".plist" and ".cs" in the trash. Restart your computer and try again.

Let us know if that works.

X

Reply

Answer 2

Aug 17, 2006 10:44 PM in response to Dylanmusic

I have never heard of this, sorry. Just one thing: You know that you don't have to use cymbal loops, but you can use the software instrument drum sets and hit the crash cymbal whenever you want it? That sounds like an easier workaround than recording a real cymbal ...

Reply

Answer 3

Aug 18, 2006 2:12 AM in response to Dylanmusic

In your post, you mention "cymbal hits from the loop library", so I guess you are using loops like "Long Crash Cymbal 01", which are audio loops. What I wrote was that you can create a cymbal crash simply by using a software instrument track, select e.g. the "Rock Kit" as instrument and hit the A2 note to play a sampled cymbal crash.

Reply

Answer 4

Dylanmusic Author

Level 1

7 points

Aug 18, 2006 7:35 AM in response to Christoph Drösser

I guess it's time for me to hit the manuals that I bought and never looked at. I don't know how to do what you describe. So far I only know how to put loops together to create songs. I intend to add other musical instruments and new musical sections in the studio. At home I just create a song template with the loops consisting of fully a constructed drum track with percussion and a few musical loops. I leave spaces where no loop would be appropriate and then fill in those spaces with my own playing when I get into the studio. I know it sounds somewhat lame but everyone is telling me I've got some great tracks here. Some of the songs are actually 100% loops and I pulled it off with sheer determination. I combined, edited and manipulated the sound and timing of the loops in a really original way that rocks. (Jam Pack guitars are incredible)
I bought a Firewire Solo recording interface to try and record live playing at home but I have no idea how to use it and I have no idea how to connect a keyboard or guitar to the computer through the interface. This is my first Apple computer and I've only used GB for a couple of months. I don't want to waste other people's time by using this forum as a tutorial. I think the only way I'll learn more stuff is by joining Applecare and getting 1 on 1 instruction at the Apple store. The songs that I posted on Myspace represent my "pre-GB" period. They were all recorded in a pro tools studio but the expense of it made me vow to try and record at home, hence the purchase of the Apple computer. You can hear those pre-GB songs that were recorded with pro tools at: http://www.myspace.com/scottimusic I've only been on Myspace for a month and I could really use the plays! I'll be replacing those songs when these new GB songs are finished. They will rock much harder!

Reply

Answer 5

Aug 18, 2006 8:40 AM in response to Dylanmusic

I think the only way I'll learn more stuff is by joining Applecare and getting 1 on 1 instruction at the Apple store.

I think that would be the most expensive and worst effective way to learn it. Most Applecare people aren't GB specialists, so they only know the obvious stuff. Better look at some of the online tutorials or get a good book - there's a couple of recommendations in a thread that was opened two days ago. From what you wrote, I'm sure you already know some of the loop handling better than your ordinary Apple store employee.

As for playing your own drums: Create a new software instrument track. Choose one of the drum sets as the instrument. Open the screen keyboard with Apple-K (assuming you don't have a midi keyboard). Klick the keys until you know where the crash cymbal sits. Hit record and click the key when you think it's appropriate.

(You can later edit the position of your cymbal crash by double clicking the region you just created and move the little bar that is the note back and forth in time.)

Reply

Answer 6

Aug 21, 2006 2:42 PM in response to Christoph Drösser

FWIW, I often start with a software drum loop that is "close" to what I want, then edit it to be "exactly" what I want, by dragging the notes or adding/deleting notes as needed. Starting with a software loop, most of the work is already done, and my edits make it my own. It does take some practice, but I think it is a smart way to do drum tracks.

Reply

Answer 7

Aug 21, 2006 3:30 PM in response to Scott Laughlin-Richard

im just learning garageband on my 1st mac. i use an external midi controller to do drum parts. this vid has the jazz kit selected. i play along with itunes. my midi mapping has 1 problem, the pad i strike for a splash cymbal comes out like a cowbell in garageband. check it out if you like
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1074833249& n=2

Reply

Answer 8

Dylanmusic Author

Level 1

7 points

Aug 18, 2006 1:38 AM in response to Christoph Drösser

I'm not sure what you mean, Chris, would you please elaborate?

Reply