The Threshold command allows you to split up an audio document into its component parts by analyzing the amplitude levels in the audio document and setting a cutoff or threshold amplitude. For instance, you might use the Threshold command on an audio document that contains successive notes from a musical instrument to split them up, or on a drum loop to break it up into its component parts. You can save the segments with Markers, or as Regions.
To use the Threshold command:
1. Select the audio you wish to process and choose Threshold from the DSP menu. After Peak analyzes the amplitudes in the selection, the Threshold dialog will appear, allowing you to select a threshold amplitude for both attack and release values.
2. Drag the threshold indicator left or right to set the threshold amplitude. As you drag the indicator, new markers will appear in the audio document forming markers or regions, depend-ing on your settings. For best results, you should generally set the threshold range between 75dB and 85dB. The Sludge sliders allow you to “nudge” the onsets of markers or regions if they are off by a few samples.
3. Select “Create Regions” to create regions instead of markers. The separate “release Threshold,” attack and sludge settings affect the region end points, allowing you to eliminate silence from the region end points.
4. Adjust the Attack value. This setting sets the amount of time that audio must stay above the given threshold to qualify as a new marker or region.
5. When you have finished, click OK.
6. After the audio document has been
“Thresholded” to your satisfaction, you can use the Export Regions command in the File menu to export the separated regions into new windows or files.
7. To select and play regions in order from left to right, press the Page Up key on your computer keyboard. To select and play regions in order from right to left, press the Page Down key.
User Tip: Use the Threshold command to create several looping points. To convert a marker to a Loop Start or Loop End point, double-click on the marker and change it to “Loop Start” or “Loop End” in the Edit Marker dialog. Also, try rearranging the regions generated by the Threshold function to create new interesting compositional and rhythmic ideas!
