perfectprint
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What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
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FastBikerBoy
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 02:15:02
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ALthough there are now easier ways since X1 automation was introduced here's a typical use.........
You have a volume envelope with lots of automation on it throughout a track. You decide that the level is a bit too loud and needs lowering by a few dB throughout the whole song.
One method is switch to 'Offset' mode lower that tracks fader by 3 or 4 dB and then switch out of Offset again. The result is you have 'offset' the whole envelope by a few dB.
Notice that the change in level in Offset mode is not reflected anywhere other than by fader position while in offset mode. That is why it is so common for it to 'catch' users out who have accidentally switched to that mode and adjusted something such as level or pan.
In the above scenario in X1 it is easier to switch the edit filter to the envelope you wish to lower and with nothing at all selected and the smart tool active, click & drag down in the top 25% of a track. That moves the whole envelope in one go.
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Blogman
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 08:53:56
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Another is when your mixing and you notice that when you bumped the sax up in the mix and it hitting red and you still need more headroom. Highligh all audio/synth (minus midi), this is to quick group, then hit "o" for offset mode, hold cntrl and drag the volume of 1 of the quick group audio tracks and pull it down 6db or so. this will offset all automation and won't screw up the compressor inputs or anything. You will gain instant headroom. In the old days you would start your mix with the Kick at say -6db or -10db (depending on your number of tracks) and mix from there Offsetting on the front side because to offset 'Real' Fader later took actually moving each 1 down by hand. :) Offset mode makes this easy to do any time. PLUS, you make a mix with full automation, everything's perfect but the vocal needs +1db. Offset mode, raise 1db. Done. Handy for tracking if you need more volume on the one your listening too without distorting. Offset mode can Bring everything else down. "Offset mode: When turning up isn't the answer."
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vicsant
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 09:28:39
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How do you access offset mode in X1?
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 09:33:42
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M_Glenn_M
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 09:49:38
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This is a very helpful thread.
Used both methods yesterday. Thanks guys.
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perfectprint
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 14:57:11
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thanks guys. so how is it different from using Trim? is it just the position in the signal chain?
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Beagle
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 16:00:04
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I LOVE offset mode for the reasons mentioned above!
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dorism
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 16:58:40
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Try this - clone your audio track. Put the cloned track into offset mode & ride the fader to 0db. Add in an effect (chorus for instance). Slowly ride up the fader and you'll start to hear a more rich/complete effect. You can create some interesting sounds this way.
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Blogman
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/17 23:54:08
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Trim is for you input gain, say if your starting track signal was recorded too soft. Trim is on the very front end, pre-compression, EQ, etc. Offset happens later in the chain and won't effect the inputs of your effects....With trim you can distort the input of a plug-in so be careful there. But if lacking signal on the 'front end', trim will help. :) Offset mode is great though. You can even set if the volume offset is absolute or relative. Absolute everything is up or down the absolute same amount. (good if everything's similar volume) Relative is better when the starting levels are varied. (softer db things won't vanish as quick) This is changed by right clicking the volume slider and choosing group manager.
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 04:10:47
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Yes, if you use trim to adjust the gain, then you'll have to readjust all the thresholds or input gains of any dynamics plugins further down the chain.
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vicsant
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 09:34:41
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I remember that in a similar thread on using the offset mode, some users recommend that one should always use offset mode from the start of a project.
Would you guys agree?
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John
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 09:55:20
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Beagle
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 10:13:48
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I'm not sure how that would be beneficial. Offset mode is beneficial because it's convenient to change the output levels after FX and envelopes have already been added. starting out in offset mode would negate your ability to make full scale changes after FX and envelopes have been added.
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compositor
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 10:34:20
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This got me interested in using the group function more. Thanks for this tip. The mistake that gets me quite often is when I mean to hit the "I" key for Inspector, but I hit the "O" key instead, since it is right next to it. I hit the "I" a second time to get the Inspector up, thinking it didn't work the first time, but I'm also in offset mode and don't realize it. I wish I could lock out the offset mode when I don't need it.
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jbraner
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 11:28:21
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some users recommend that one should always use offset mode from the start of a project. Would you guys agree? I always work in offset mode. This way, when I set envelopes, I don't see the volume and/or pan controls moving up and down. I then use the volume and pan controls to globally change the track - without affecting any envelopes. I guess it just depends what you're used to - I've always done this...
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stevec
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 12:19:29
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While I never personally start out using Offset mode, once I've enabled it I typically leave it on for the remainder of the project. The little "+" signs are a good indicator that it's enabled, but something more obvious wouldn't hurt either...
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Blogman
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Re:What are the practical uses for Offset Mode?
2012/05/18 14:36:04
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I'll start the MIXING process with the -6db offset (for headroom that I'll need later after sweetening everything.) Don't usually stay in "offset mode", just hit 'O' adjust and return by hitting 'O' again. Offset during tracking can be used more like the DIM Solo. Track your part as normal, then before tracking the next instrument Offset the last by -6db. This will allow for the instrument you're working on to be louder while you're recording for monitoring purposes. (without having to gain current track up) As you compile more and more tracks your overall volume will increase making it harder to hear the one you're on currently. Depends on how much headroom you need when.... I like to do this too when mixing, Offset everything down, then quickgroup the Vocals, then adjust the Offset of the vocals to sit correctly. Maybe a new mix with the Vocals Offset + 0.5 dbs. :)
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