I just purchased SpectraLayers and am trying to export Drum Stems which will be imported into Pro Tools. If I understand this process correctly I can use the module Unmix Drums. When I did that I see that the drums were separated into Layers? From there is I go to File then Export Layer the exports are only as stereo files. I need the option to export the Kick and Snare as Mono files where they will then be processed in Pro Tools with external Equalizers. I don’t want to have to use a stereo EQ for a Kick or Snare drum. Is it possible to export and make the decision between Mono vs Stereo?
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Not in the current version. We’ll see later today if version 12 can do it.
I have edited the files in WaveLab to make mono versions.
If you don’t own WaveLab you can dowload Audacity. (Freeware an open source)
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surely can be done in PT!
I haven’t used PT is 15 years; but there are plenty of users here
In my DAW, I would bounce to mono first b4 putting into SL
that said, I use SL standalone
There is no mono vs stereo choice directly in the export function.
However, you can achieve the desired result as follows:
- After using Unmix Drums in your stereo project, select all layers except the Kick and Snare and choose File>Export Layers>Selected Layers. These will be stereo files.
- Reformat the Project to mono using Project>Reformat>Configuration (choose ‘Mono’). After reformatting all layers will be mono. (You could save this mono version of the project for future reference but this is not obligatory).
- Select the Kick and Snare layers only and choose File>Export Layers>Selected Layers. Since the project is now mono the exported files will also be mono.
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Ok, but a bit of a workflow killer right there…
Didn’t see any mention in the SL12 preview vid about any improvement on this; would be an instant win to include/add (mono vs stereo file format choice at export).
Obviously there could be any number of (smaller) things coming in SL12 that weren’t highlighted there. Definitely some other useful feature updates though; am looking forward to higher overall quality in the results myself (not just on stem separation). All to be revealed on July 2nd…
Yes it would be convenient to have a more elaborate export function including channel configuration.
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sure seems like it would easier to reformat>export before opening anything in SL for unmixing
do y’all think there will be phase cancellation or some other degradation?
It doesn’t sound like that much work to me
RipX offers this which is what I’ve been using.
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Yes, there’s always the possibility of phase cancellation issues dependent upon the source and certainly something to be aware of. Probably unlikely to be a problem with kick drum and snare in the majority of cases.
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indeed, my comment was rather tongue in cheek
so, beyond that; say we have mono sources mastered to stereo and then unmixed back to mono;
the sheer fact there is any unmixing could easily affect the original source…likely just as seriously as any phase issues
really, the source files being unmixed ought to be declared…if somebody is unmixing When The Levee Breaks; some degradation should be expected
unmixing someone’s personal drum machine parts? go crazy…I’m just sayin’…there are many ways to approach this stuff and many differing sources…does SL need to do everything!?! I sure hope not
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So, any change in SL12 for mono exports of individual (drum) sounds.? I couldn’t tell from any of the launch/review videos…
Importing tracks in Cubase gives the chance to switch stereo to mono any track, then render them into a new track.
Route the channel to a mono bus and Render in place.
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as I said 
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However, back on topic… anyone.?
The OP stated his need thus:-
So, his request is for convenience and ease of workflow - it’s not about more tricks/hoops inside the DAW (PT) after the fact, or any ‘bounce to mono first before putting into SL’ etc… (mind, I expect the former is already what’s having to happen).
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That was the first thing I looked for after installing SL12. When I couldn’t find it I asked Support and they came back and said “Unfortunately, there is no mono vs stereo choice directly in the export function.” I will say this though I have tried ~five other products that do Stem creation and SL12 by far has the least amount of artifacts. It’s very impressive. But for me I need the ability to Export in Mono at times. My clients send me Stereo WAV files that I need to enhance the mix from and that means selectively using Stems mixed back with the original stereo WAV file. I then process the Stems using outboard hardware processing but without the Mono export function I have to use Stereo EQ’s or Compressors when I only need Mono. I’m told there are some workarounds to get Mono but I haven’t tried them yet.
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No change at all
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Understood… I think its a valid, simple enough feature request. Steinberg support may say one thing, but the developer himself, who responds on occasion right here in the forum, may present a more positive view for the future (if he were to chime in)..
Yes.. There are good suggestions further back in the thread - not necessarily coming from inside SL mind…
Good luck.!
Thank you! I’m just getting around to this and Wow - Incredible. It gets me what I want. It really should her an option from the beginning but this works. Thanks again!
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Unmix the drums and use Reason’s Recycle (now free) to convert/merge into a mono single track and re-save. It’s a lot quicker (plus you can slice/export individual drum hits and the MIDI if you want/need). You can much around with tempo/pitch/transients/time stretch the individual drum hits too. It’s an amazing tool and even better now that it’s free.
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Man, I loved Recycle as a standalone and still have my original CDs for Recycle and Reason. I have never enjoyed slicing in the Reason sequencer…Maybe it’s better now…it’s been a minute since I opened Reason!