2011-02-15

AudioFinder as a Plugin Manager

Although AudioFinder was reviewed in my previous post as being a great sound library database tool, I wanted to touch on another features of the software.

Firstly, AudioFinder can be used as a plugin manager. What does this mean? Well quite simply you can create sets of your plugins and have AudioFinder activate and deactivate your plug in sets. Why is this handy? Well if you are running a swap of plugins and you don't happen to want say your "Waves" plugins loaded as your dongle is on another machine, you can simply omit these from one of your sets. You may also have sets set up for particular tasks you are doing. ie - editing or mixing. Another great aspect of the AudioFinder Plugin manager is that each plugin is listed with tits release version, making this easy to check for any updates/ clashes etc.

2011-02-10

AudioFinder: audio library and production database software


While wanting to speed up my editing time, I decided that I was going to purchase an audio library database application. Looking for a recommended industry used and affordable sound effects library database I studied the features of SoundMiner and Netmix Pro. These are two of the leading industry database software platforms for sound design in film. In my research however I also came across a lesser known cheaper software application, Audiofinder.  Visiting the website of Iced Audio, Audio Finder it is apparent that this software is not produced by a large company. Theer are not multiple versions of the software at varying prices, it is just one product and one price.
 At only $70US, I decided to download the demo to see if this would suffice my needs. Being time limited to 20 minute blocks I soon became frustrated with the software, so much so that I bought it as I was interested in pushing it. Although appearing to be set up for music libraries, I soon learned that Audiofinder is just as fluent with SFX libraries. A few limitations were annoying with the first version I downloaded, however I have since trialed a new beta version of the next release of the software and these annoyances have been answered. The software works seamlessly with ProTools with the spotting of sounds directly into your sessions. If you work with the ProTools Workspace - STOP. Get Audiofinder as it is incredibly fast for searching and auditioning your sounds. You can audition files, select a snippet right click and instantly the audio is imported into your ProTools timeline. Audiofinder also works the same way with Logic. You can also pitch on the fly, and process using your plugins.
What I also like about Audiofinder is that I can bring in my own sound effects recordings and use the slice tool, and embed meta data for even quicker more precise library searches. This software is quite simply, amazing value for money and a MUST for any sound editor.

Some features include:
• Sophisticated Metadata Database
• Groundbreaking Mac OS X Finder Integration
• Integrated Sample Tool trim/loop/fade editor with beat slicer
• Browser, bookmarks, history, favorites, and navigation tools
• Database Notes for keeping track of things.
• Play multiple sounds at one time and explore layering.
• Instant playback with mouse and MIDI input for pitch control
• Peak analysis and pitch analyzer tools
• Find Duplicate sounds by analyzing the sound content.
• Drag-and-drop integration with Finder and all audio apps
• Direct Pro Tools and Logic support for spotting sounds to the track/cursor location.
• High-quality sample rate, depth, and format conversion
• Most operations available in automated batch processing mode
• AU/VST/MAS/RTAS plugin manager and AU presets management
• Create single sample EXS instruments with one click
• Direct connect with SoundCloud.
• 100% Non-destructive, AudioFinder will not modify your files. Instead it creates new files when processing leaving the originals intact.
• Supports ReCycle/REX playback and export to AIFF
• Apple Loop, BWF and ACID Wav Metadata display
• Formats: Apple Loops, CAF, AIFF, AIFC, SDII, BWF, WAV, REX, RX2, MP3, ACC, M4A, SYX, MID, FLAC and OGG Vorbis