Shared region parameters

You can edit the following common parameters for both audio and MIDI regions:

  • Quantize: All note events contained in the MIDI region are time corrected to the (quantize) grid format chosen in the pop-up menu. For information on choosing the Quantize parameter value, see Quantize parameter values.

    Note: There are two types of region quantization: Classic Quantize and Smart Quantize. You select the type by clicking the Quantize label in the Region inspector.

  • Q-Swing: This percentage value alters the position of every second point in the current quantization grid. Values over 50% delay the beats, and values under 50% pre-delay them. The most practical settings fall between 50% and 75%, imparting a swing feel to strictly quantized (or tightly played) audio or MIDI regions. For information about Q-Swing and other advanced quantization parameters, see Advanced quantization parameters.

  • Loop: The playback of all region types can be continuously repeated by selecting the Loop checkbox, or by using the Loop tool. (See Loop regions in the Tracks area.)

  • Delay: The playback of all region types can be delayed (positive values) or advanced (negative values) by ticks, or by milliseconds. (For more information, see Shift the playback position of regions in the Tracks area.)

  • Advanced Quantization: Q-Strength: This percentage value determines how far a note is shifted toward the nearest grid position. 100% results in full quantization; 0% leaves the note at its recorded position.

  • Advanced Quantization: Q-Range: Q-Range is a very musical quantization method that requires a certain amount of technical musical prowess. It’s ideal for recordings that already have the right groove, but are too hurried or laid back in places. It allows you to retain the original feel, but positions the rhythmic center precisely in the groove. A value of 0 means that every note is quantized. If you enter negative Q-Range values, only notes that fall outside the set range are moved to ideal quantization grid positions, while notes closer to an ideal position remain unquantized. This moves the most poorly played notes (those outside the range) to perfect timing positions on the quantization grid, or at least toward these positions, depending on the Q-Strength setting.

MIDI region defaults

If no region is selected, the upper line of the Region inspector displays MIDI Thru. Any live MIDI input (in stop mode, as well as during recording or playback) is played with the settings chosen here. When you record a new MIDI region, the settings in the inspector are carried across to the new region’s Region inspector. The MIDI Thru inspector can be viewed as an adjustable default inspector.

The MIDI Thru parameters can be adjusted when no regions are selected. Click an empty part of the Tracks area to deselect all regions.

Note: The Set Track and MIDI Thru Parameters by Region/Folder key command allows you to set the MIDI Thru parameters to match those of a selected MIDI region. This action also selects the region’s track.

Editing several regions simultaneously

If several regions are selected, the number of selected regions is displayed, in place of a region name. If you alter any region parameter, all selected regions are affected. If a given parameter is set differently in the individual regions, an asterisk (*) appears in the parameter field. You can alter this parameter for all selected regions, and the value differential will be retained (relative alteration). If you want to set all selected regions to the same value, hold down Option-Shift while changing the value (absolute alteration).