Acid Pro 2.0 From Sony


Acid Pro 2.0 From Sony
by Jack Conrad
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Acid Pro 2.0 is the latest version of Sonic Foundry's groundbreaking and much-acclaimed loop-based music creation program for the PC platform. The original Acid programs' ability to change tempo, pitch and then audition loops in real time made it an instant hit with songwriters, project studios and re-mixers everywhere. The latest release, Acid Pro 2.0, carries on Sonic Foundry's tradition of easy-to-learn interfaces with some powerful new features. There is "Track-At-Once" CD burning, support for both 16 and 24-bit audio and the ability to save and export different digital audio formats including MP3. Also included is a stereo sound editor, Sound Forge 4.5XP, that lets you create and edit your own loops, synchronize audio to video, develop interactive web content as well as convert files. Acid Pro 2.0 comes with the DirectX effects package XFX 1 that includes Reverb, Time Compress/Expand, Multi-tap Delay, Chorus, Pitch Shift, and Delay/Echo. Furthermore, you can access and use any other DirectX files you may have already installed.

I found Acid Pro 2.0's front panel so intuitive I had to jump right in and have some fun with it before I cracked the manual. I gave a listen to the demo song of narration and looped tracks for an overview of the program and then practiced a little "creative editing". My sincerest apologies to the narrator and band. The "snap to grid" placement of loops is great. When you increase the magnification of your track, the grid divides bars and beats into finer units allowing pushes or syncopation.

There are hundreds of loops included with this package representing a nice cross section of the thousands of loops available on the 20 or more CD's available in the Acid library. As a songwriter, I appreciate the speed with which a rough track can be realized. This is one program that won't get in the way of your music. Acid supports multiple outs so, after the song is written, you can layout a really nice track and begin production. The program's volume and effects envelopes, and other numerous editing features allow you to be just as anal as you want to be...or not.

The "Select Tool" feature allows you to copy and move fields so you can repeat segments, i.e. intro, verse and chorus, as you would in any MIDI sequence. The only drawback is that, unlike a MIDI sequence you are manipulating actual digital drum recordings, so if you decide to change a drum sound you must also reprogram the performance. If you can't find the exact loop you want, there are numerous "one shots" that allow you to create your own beats. You can add vocals and other non-looped tracks as well.

I found the MIDI synchronization to be easily accessed and dependable. The manual is well written, a quick and easy read with an index and the "Quick Start" section of the manual answered most of my basic questions. The tech-help phone line is good and friendly, but hey, this is Acid not brain surgery.

Jack Conrad, retired studio musician and former touring member of bands including The Doors and The Beach Boys has been hiding out in his Hollywood Hills abode for years writing hits with some really outstanding co-writers for groups such as Three Dog Night, The Babys and Heart. A home studio advocate who is definitely having too much fun in the digital domain!

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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