Metric Halo SpectraFoo Version 1.5 - Manual (Page 28)

Capture and Storage
SpectraFoo provides the ability to record selections of audio into the computer’s RAM and perform incredibly
detailed non-real–time analysis. All captures are referenced to the timecode of the source material. Captures may be
initiated manually or can be triggered automatically, either with a level–based trigger or a time–based trigger. The
start and stop times for the most recent recording are retained and can be used to record material that occurs at the
same time with respect to the external timecode source. You can use this to grab multiple aligned tracks of audio or
to record the same audio with different types of processing. All recording is controlled and initiated with the Capture
Control window. There are three basic capture modes that you may use. You may select among these modes by click-
ing the appropriate radio button.
1. Manual
Use manual mode to record on the fly. Click the record button to start recording and click it again to stop
recording.
2. Timecode-based auto–punch
Use timecode-based auto–punch to record a segment of audio that starts at a particular time and ends at
another time. This is like the auto–punch feature of many tape decks. Simply type the start and end times
into the punch in and punch out fields and click the Record button. SpectraFoo will arm its auto-punch
mechanism and wait until the timecode clock matches the punch–in time. It will then record until the
timecode clock matches the punch–out time, and automatically stop.
3. Level-based auto–punch.
Use level-based auto–punch to start and stop recording based on the volume of the audio being moni-
tored. This is great for capturing individual drum beats or for capturing entire songs. A specific example
of the usefulness of level-based captures is when you are trying to determine the optimal placement of
microphones on a drum kit. When coupled with the Auto Arm feature, level–based punches can be used
to capture individual drum beats in a hands–free way, allowing you to devote your attention to placing
the mic, while still benefiting from SpectraFoo’s analysis.
SpectraFooTDM Operation Guide 27