Mixing with real-time effects

[Fred Lessing]

I use Sonar X1, and with my band's new album having reached mixing stage, I wonder if there is a way to manipulate FX parameters (e.g, changing settings in an EQ plug-in) while the track is playing, rather than having to stop playback, change the parameters, OK and resume playback. Sorry if this is a silly question, but on my system (very old - Windows XP), it doesn't work.

[Nigel Mackay]

Click on the mapping pin icon in the top right corner of the plugin. Then it won't close when you hit Play, and you can adjust the settings.

EDIT: Just thought, maybe that doesn't exist in Sonar X1.

Edited June 26, 2020 by Nigel Mackay

[reginaldStjohn]

You should be able to open a plugin with the transport playing and adjust to your heart's content. When you say "it doesn't work" what do you mean? What is happening and what are the steps you are trying to take?

[user 905133]

I do realtime FX manipulation with the z3ta+ FX plug-in. I am pretty sure I did it in X1 on my XP. On my Win 10 PC with Cakewalk I have been using a nanoKontrol to control an FX parameter or two by using MIDI learn. Its a personal thing (the use of z3ta+ and the nanoKontrol); for me sliders is much easier to use than knobs, a mouse, etc.  You can probably use the midi controller of your choice and the plug-in of your choice, if it supports midi learn.  Just offering it as an idea to look into if it appeals to you, fits your work flow, works with your plug-in of choice, etc.

ADDENDUM: FYI, my current project has a pro-channel EQ (see below).  My nanoKontrol is not hooked up at the moment, buy just tested one of the knobs being controlled by a usb controller knob. It works, too.  If the use of remote control midi appeals to you, I can try it with X1 on my XPSP3 PC.

 

Edited June 26, 2020 by User 905133

[bitflipper]

Short answer to your not-silly question: yes, you can record any automatable parameter in real time. It's not an uncommon practice.

It's called "automation recording". You'll find it much more ergonomic to use a hardware control surface, but that's optional. You can do it with just a mouse, it's just a little awkward.

Here's one reference to get you started.