How do I ACIDize a file?

ACIDizing a file involves adding an extra chunk of information to the audio file that is ACID-specific. This contains all of the properties on the Track tab in the Properties window, including the stretching properties, root note, and number of beats or tempo of the file. This information is then used by ACID to time stretch and pitch shift the file for you automatically when you open it.

There are four types of tracks that ACID deals with: Midi, Loops, One-Shots and Disk-Based (Beatmapped). You can change how ACID uses the current track by changing the Track type control on the Properties tab.

When Loop is selected, the length of the original file, in beats, is required for ACID to stretch it properly. Setting a value in the Number of beats control that does not match the actual file causes the loop to play at a different speed than normal. For example, specifying 8 beats for a Loop that is actually 4 beats causes the loop to play twice as slow at any given tempo.

When Disk-Based (Beatmapped) is selected, the tempo of the original file is required for ACID to stretch it. If you do not want ACID to stretch the file at all, clear the Stretch from tempo check box. As with a Loop track, if you specify a tempo that is not the actual tempo of the file, the track plays at a different rate.

The Root note for transposing control sets the base note for Loops and Disk-Based Tracks that you wish to conform to the project key. If you do not wish a track to transpose to the song key (e.g., a track that contains a drum sample) choose Don’t transpose.

To ACIDize a file, you must save these settings. On the Track tab of the Properties page, click the Save As button. This button opens the Save As dialog and allows you to save the ACIDized file as a new file or a replacement of the current file.

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