Hi all,
I just completed Lesson 3 in Logic Pro X 10.5. I'm really enjoying learning all of this!
My question surrounds how Summing Stack work with software instruments/midi data/busses etc.. I think I understand it, but would appreciate clarification or correction if I don't quite have it. I've searched through the forums and read up on busses, aux channels, and on the way learned about VCAs, and the difference between summing stacks and folder stacks.
Okay. So using the Lesson 3 track names and how everything is setup - this is how I understand how everything is routed, and where I get confused:
The Summing Stack, Track 5, "Layered Arp" contains the midi data and routes it to both the Track 6 "Lead Synth" and Track 7 "Synth Double" (I assume this just happens in the background?).
Track 6 receives the midi data and routes it to the MIDI FX "Arp", which then routes it to the software instrument "Alchemy" (which converts the midi data to audio), which Sends the the audio signal through Bus 1, where it's received via input by Aux channel named "Reverb", which routes the signal to Audio FX, Space Designer, which routes it to Audio FX, Channel EQ, which outputs the signal to Stereo Out.
Here's where I start to get confused. Track 6 outputs its signal to Bus 4 (the book says Bus 2 but it's not a big deal because Bus 2 is being used by by Track 4, "Gtr Harmonics"), where it's received via input by Summing Stack, Track 5, "Layered Arp" which outputs the signal to Stereo Out. I thought that because Track 5, "Layered Arp", is receiving the input of Bus 4 (which has the output of Track 6 before Audio FX is applied), then it would only be controlling the dry audio. But when I lower the fader on Summing Stack, Track 5, "Layered Arp" - both the dry audio, and the wet audio, are lowered.
So I guess that's what I'm confused about how does the Summing Stack, Track 5, "Layered Arp" control/take priority over/influence Track 6 and it's signal that's sent through Bus 1 for Audio FX processing?
I guess the question from a practical standpoint would be, is this how I should approach the faders/knob?
Track 6, "Lead Synth" - the fader increases or decreases both the dry and wet audio signal.
Track 6, "Lead Synth" - the Bus 1 knob increases or decreases the wet audio signal.
Summing Stack, Track 5, "Layered Arp" - it's fader changes the dry and wet audio signal of every sub track in it's stack (similar to like how a VCA would function?)
Thanks for your help clarifying this in my head. I think I'm almost there to understanding how it works.
- David
p.s. Also, for parallel processing, as described in Chapter 3, is there a way to send a signal via Bus for Audio FX, but only have the wet signal, and completely remove the dry signal?