How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
jayq
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 3
  • Joined: 2014/08/03 16:51:22
  • Status: offline
2014/08/03 17:08:30 (permalink)

How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project

I do a lot of backing tracks and often I'll get a request to add time at the beginning of a track. I need to add odd and alternating time signatures at the beginning of the project. None of the SONAR features do this the way I need them to. I can add measures to the beginning of the project, however when I change the time signature it adds or subtracts total beats, thus putting the audio and markers out of sync. I need a feature such as "insert a 6/4 measure".  I need everything to move over, including audio, midi, and markers. I've tried various cut and paste gymnastics to no avail. Is there a way to do this?
 
Thanks!
#1

5 Replies Related Threads
    TomHelvey
    Max Output Level: -80 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 537
    • Joined: 2013/02/26 20:23:54
    • Status: offline
    Re: How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project 2014/08/03 18:08:56 (permalink)
    I think this can be easily done, it just takes a couple steps.
    Select all the tracks
    Put the now marker at the place you want to insert the 6/4 measure
    Project menu -> insert time signature change 6/4
    Project menu -> insert measure, make sure all the boxes are checked
    Move the now marker to the end of the 6/4 measure
    Project menu -> insert time signature change 4/4
     
    If you're doing backing tracks, do yourself a favor and start the song at measure 5 instead of measure 1, this allows you to add clicks before the song starts. :)

    System: i7-6900, 64Gb, AMI X99 Carbon Pro Gaming, AMD Radeon HD 7700, Win 10 Pro
    PCIe: UAD Octo
    USB: MOTU midi express 128, OB-6 Module, Akai MPK-249, Moog SUB 37, Antelope Orion 32 HD, Softube Console 1, iLok, eLicenser
    DAW: Cubase Pro, Ableton Live, Sonar Platinum
    Plugins: Waves, UAD, Xfer, Lennar Digital, u-he, Reveal Sound, Spectrasonics, SoundToys, VPS, Blue Cat, iZotope, NI, Valhalla, Lexicon, etc.
     
    https://soundcloud.com/thomas-helvey
    #2
    sock monkey
    Max Output Level: -80 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 547
    • Joined: 2011/11/06 12:12:08
    • Location: Tree Top Studios
    • Status: offline
    Re: How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project 2014/08/04 10:46:54 (permalink)
    "If you're doing backing tracks, do yourself a favor and start the song at measure 5 instead of measure 1, this allows you to add clicks before the song starts. :)"
     
    Ook +1 
     
    There are lots of reasons to always give a song a little room at the start. I normally leave 2 blank measures. 3rd will be count in. 
    After export I open in a wave editor and cut the beginning to about 1/2 measure. 
     
    PS, unless your printing sheet music it really doesn't matter much what the time signature is as long as the count in is on the quarter notes. Just use the correct amount for the feel of the song. A 4/4 song will have 4 beats and 6/4 song will have 6.  

    Cakelab - Sonar X3e Studio   
    Singer Songwriter, Solo Performer, Acoustic Duo and semi pro Sound Monkey.   
      
    #3
    jayq
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 3
    • Joined: 2014/08/03 16:51:22
    • Status: offline
    Re: How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project 2014/08/04 20:11:56 (permalink)
    Thank you for the replies. I edited this response as I did not read your response close enough. I followed your suggestion however the result is the same. I must be missing something so I'll keep trying! 
     
    I always add many bars for a count in and general editing space. This time the client decided to add an intro! I sure wish Sonar had the ability to use negative bar numbers and way to designate the "beginning" without using a marker.
    I ship my click tracks with 1 accented, so the bars need to line up.  I use the built in metronome to print an audio click. This way I'm sure the click matches. I can use a midi track and adjust the note on beat one but it is a lot of work on tracks that change time frequently. 
    post edited by jayq - 2014/08/04 20:23:14
    #4
    jayq
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 3
    • Joined: 2014/08/03 16:51:22
    • Status: offline
    Re: How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project 2014/08/05 21:51:53 (permalink)
    I tried all kinds of copy/paste operations and measure inserts and time changes. I could not insert a section in my project without skewing the markers or the events, or both.
     
    The solution is to start a new project with the new section in place, and then copy the entire existing project and paste it at the end of the new section.
    #5
    bapu
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 86000
    • Joined: 2006/11/25 21:23:28
    • Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
    • Status: offline
    Re: How to add odd time signature measures at beginning of a project 2014/08/06 21:34:58 (permalink)
    jayq
    The solution is to start a new project with the new section in place, and then copy the entire existing project and paste it at the end of the new section.


    I was just about to suggest this. Just before I read your post. This is tried and true.

    My name is Ed. I Am still bapu though.
    My Studio
     
    www.beyondmydaw.com
     
    The Forum Monkeys
    BJZ
    BBZ 
    The Coffee House Collaborators 
    Fizzy Pickle
    The Coffee House Band
    Stan Dupp and The Jennifer Tillies
    BAPU
    #6
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1