Advantage of REX files over regular WAVs for use in Live?

[Citizen]

I understand that the REX format is something left over from Reason Recycle, and it is a format that allows you to save slices within the audio – is that right?

Being that Ableton Live has automatic transient detection (and slicing to midi), what is the practical advantage/difference of choosing a REX sample to import into Live over its WAV counterpart.

I've got a couple of sample packs that have one of each for each sample, and was just wondering if there is a significant advantage in choosing one over the other.

Thanks in advance guys!

[Anubis]

If they are from a quality sample house (Nine Volt Audio comes to mind) then they would have been meticulously sliced and should leave less artifacts.

[Citizen]

Less artifacts than Abletons automatic transient detection? Is that what you mean?

What artefacts do you mean - would it simply be inaccurate slicing that doesn't occur at the zero-crossing point?

[Linear Phase]

Less artifacts than Abletons automatic transient detection? Is that what you mean?

What artefacts do you mean - would it simply be inaccurate slicing that doesn't occur at the zero-crossing point?

When you are talking about Rex files.. erm, older ones.. You are not really talking about the zero crossing point, per se. What you are talking about is a beat that has been chopped up. When you are chopping up a drum beat, you are not trying to get each slice to loop, "at the zero crossing," like you would, if you are sampling a bass note... You are not going to have, "sustain," on your kick drum, so why do you need a loop point?

[Forge.]

you might find it good for slicing, but overall I think it's more just there so you can access any REX sample libraries you have. Convenience really.

[Citizen]

So, in conclusion, given Live's automatic transient detection - there isn't really any tangible advantage to working with REX files within the Live environment.

[Linear Phase]

So, in conclusion, given Live's automatic transient detection - there isn't really any tangible advantage to working with REX files within the Live environment.

Nope, that's not true bro. You would have to use Reason, not Recycle, to understand what is up with the rex files. Anyways, using transient detection to slice beats, is like playing golf with a baseball bat.

Its all about Dr Rex

[Citizen]

So, in conclusion, given Live's automatic transient detection - there isn't really any tangible advantage to working with REX files within the Live environment.

Nope, that's not true bro. You would have to use Reason, not Recycle, to understand what is up with the rex files. Anyways, using transient detection to slice beats, is like playing golf with a baseball bat.

Its all about Dr Rex

Really?! You think that Live's transient detection is THAT bad?

I'm not getting Reason...so just what is it that I am missing out on?

[Forge.]

no it's not that bad at all

and there are plenty of ways to slice - i.e. set to 16ths, or by warp marker etc

[Linear Phase]

Really?! You think that Live's transient detection is THAT bad?

I'm not getting Reason...so just what is it that I am missing out on?

No, I think Live's slicer is excellent. You should be slicing though, because it will add a whole new vibe to your music. Because you are human, you will slice differently, every time, without fail.

As far as missing out.. You are not. But the Rex files are there because of Dr. Rex... Its a lot of typing, but basically... "all software, all electronic instruments, connect."

The history of the connection starts at midi, and goes on through vst, and rewire, and that my friend leaves a whole lot of stuff out.

However, if you download the Reason demo, you will find Dr. Rex, and you will see why there are Rex files everywhere. Also, Rewire comes from Reason (prop heads)

Bro, these music software are extensive! They have features, and features, and functions, and abilities, and features forever.. Ableton is a monster of a software. So is Reason, so is Cubase.. Etc, etc...

[TheUriah]

So, in conclusion, given Live's automatic transient detection - there isn't really any tangible advantage to working with REX files within the Live environment.

Nope, that's not true bro. You would have to use Reason, not Recycle, to understand what is up with the rex files. Anyways, using transient detection to slice beats, is like playing golf with a baseball bat.

Its all about Dr Rex

Transient detection is how ReCycle makes REX2 files. And ReCycle, and the REX format, predates Reason.

[Linear Phase]

Transient detection is how ReCycle makes REX2 files.

Right.. k.. Recycle has transient detection. I never said it didn't. You are still better off slicing by hand. And recycle makes rex files, by saving them in the rex format, not by transient detect.

[Citizen]

I never said it didn't. You are still better off slicing by hand.

Do you mean this for purely in terms of having that 'human' element in your track?

Auto-slice just seems to be a massive time-saver - do you really think your chops will be that different by doing it manually? I'm not quite sure I follow what you are getting at 100%.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but if you could elaborate, I'd be really interested to know. Thanks!

[dna598]

I think the more pressing question should be "what is the advantage of Recycle over Live for Slicing?"

well, once youve bothered to drag your beat/sample in to recycle the difference is obvious.

Basically, compared to Recycle, slicing in live is a pain the arse.

There is no auto loop crossfade in live, which sucks. There is no easy (read not awkward) way to audition slices. which sucks.

Transient detection also is not quite as good, and obviously, forget about the sensitivity slider.

also, built in comp and eq in recycle help ensure you have a fat beat to go which is an advantage.

So, imo some way to go, but i think everyone knows how i feel about that!

back to the topic, if you have recycle, rex files are way more advantageous to start with, but once it gets into live, and in a sampler, you can forget it was a rex.

Rex files dragged in as audio are practically useless though, as Live cannot do shit to them in terms of editing.

[TheUriah]

Transient detection is how ReCycle makes REX2 files.

Right.. k.. Recycle has transient detection. I never said it didn't. You are still better off slicing by hand. And recycle makes rex files, by saving them in the rex format, not by transient detect.

I'm curious what you think REX format is then. Cause it is an audio file with embedded data for "slice points", which are generated via transient detection. Have you ever even used ReCycle?