"Bouncing" multiple audio tracks

Upon completing a project, all of the audio files in the editor window must be mixed or "bounced" into a single audio file. Digital Performer handles this with a command in the Audio menu called Bounce to Disk... The use of this command requires the user to first have made a selection of a single or multiple audio regions. In addition, the state of the mixer (shift-m) is reflected when "bouncing" tracks. If a selected audio region resides on a muted track, then it will not be present in the newly created audio file.

To create a mix of the entire project, enter the Sequence Editor (shift-s) and select all the audio regions in the project (use the mouse to click-drag or press cmd-a.) Anything selected will potentially appear in the "bounce."

Next, enter the mixer window (shift-m) and make sure all volumes, pan indicators, mutes, solos, and plugins are set correctly. The selected audio will mirror these settings.

Without disturbing the selection, go to the Audio menu and choose "Bounce to Disk..." A dialogue box will appear. It is important to observe the settings here, as they determine important qualities about the "bounce."

To keep the stereo separation apparent in the bounce, choose "Split Stereo (two mono files)" within the "Channels" pop-up menu. This option will allow further manipulation of the new "mix" of your project before exporting it from Digital Performer. Other options allow the creation of monophonic bounces or combined stereo files (wave, .mp3, aiff, etc.).

For "Resolution," select "16 bits." This is the standard bit depth for compact disc audio. "8 bits" and "24 bits" are also available. The "8 bits" option is most useful for Internet and multi-media because it reduces the "bounced" file's size.

The "Import" option determines where the new "bounced " file will reside. For purposes of this class, choose "Add to Soundbites Window," as we will use this file again later. Other choices allow adding the bounce as a new track in the Sequence Editor or saving it to the audio files folder without importing it.

Set the "Source" pop-up menu to "Built-in Audio 1-2." This should be the only selection unless there is an alternative sound card connected to the computer. Be sure to name the file in the "File Name" box. Click on the "Choose" button to determine the destination of the new "bounce." If no selection is made, the program defaults to the current project's audio files folder.

The new bounce now resides in the audio files folder within the project's folder. However, most audio software manufacturers do not include provisions in their software for split-channel audio files. Remember, the new "bounce" resides in the audio files folder as a "your file name.L" and "your file name.R." A single file is needed for ultimate compatibility, and this can be accomplished with the "Export Selected Bites..." command in the Soundbites window (shift-b.)

Before proceeding with the following paragraphs, visit my instructions on "normalizing" the audio file. This process will give your new "bounce" maximum volume.

Find the new "bounce" in the list of soundbites. Make sure it is selected and then proceed to the "mini-menu" icon at the top of the Soundbites window. Choose "Export Selected Bites..." A dialogue window will appear.

At the top of the window, enter a name for the exported file. Next, choose a location for the file. Finally, in the "Format" pop-up box, select either "AIFF format" or "Windows WAVE format." Both of these are common audio file types.

The final sound file is ready to be used in a variety of other applications. It can be dragged in to an iTunes playlist and burned to a compact disc.

Back to notes...

All screen shots © Mark of the Unicorn