ReCycle by Propellerhead Software is a program designed especially for working with sampled loops. By “slicing” a loop and making separate samples of each beat, ReCycle makes it possible to match the tempo of a loop and edit the loop as if it was built of individual sounds. Cubase can import 2 file types created by ReCycle:
REX files (export file format of the first versions of ReCycle, extension “.rex”).
REX 2 files (file format of ReCycle 2.0 and later, extension “.rx2”).
Important For this to work, the REX Shared Library needs to be installed on your system.
Procedure
- Select an audio track and move the project cursor to where you want the imported file to start.
You probably want to import REX files to audio tracks that are set to musical time base, since this will allow you to change the tempo later on (having the imported REX file automatically adjust).
- Select “Audio File…” from the Import submenu of the File menu.
- On the file type pop-up menu in the file dialog, select REX File or REX 2 File.
- Locate and select the file you want to import, and click Open.
The file is imported and automatically adjusted to the current Cubase tempo.
Unlike a regular audio file, the imported REX file will consist of several events, one for each “slice” in the loop. The events will automatically be placed in an audio part on the selected track and positioned so that the original internal timing of the loop is preserved.
- If you now open the part in the Audio Part Editor, you can edit each slice separately by muting, moving and resizing events, adding effects and processing, etc.
You can also adjust the tempo and have the REX file automatically follow (provided that its track is set to a musical time base).
Note
You can achieve similar results by using Cubase’s own loop slicing features.
