Slice Files

Slice Files are a unique type of file; they contain (or reference) a single piece of sample data, have a list of of markers denoting "slices" of the sample, and also have a set of parameters such as tempo and time signature.

Slice Files represent rhythmic sounds, typically called "loops", which can be drum licks, synth patterns, of other things. Using slices makes it possible for certain programs to speed up, slow down, or even change the pattern without chnaging the pitch or character of the loop.

These ar the supported slice file types Translator supports:

• ACID files: these are .wav files with an added "ACID" chunk on the end plus a list of slice points
• Apple Loops: Apple in competition, using their SoundTrack utility plus Garage band. These are AIFF files with a slice list.
• Recycle: Called "rex files" (because of the extension). They contain the slice list and encrypted sample data in one file. (The encryption makes it impossible to write Recycle 2 files at the moment, but Translator is able to write new slice points on an already existing Recycle file. Recycle 1 files can be written, but they cannot be stereo (although two Recycle 1 files can be written like this).
• Stylus RMX: Their outstanding Stylus RMX playback machine uses these files. They are a XML file that references an audio file just called "audio" stored in a specified place.
• Kontakt: A regular Kontakt can be in "Beat machine" mode, which is in effect a slice playback unit. The nki file references any external sample file.
• Ableton Live: Ableton Live also has a slice player and uses .wav files with a slice list.

Here is how Translator support converting into, out of, and inbetween slice files:

Creating new Slice Files from non-Slice files
By default, Translator takes each sample from the multisample and makes a slice file out of it, using it's internal beat detector to estimate the slices. The beat detector is not as accurate or quality as ones in the beat machines themselves, but you can always reestimate the slcies in the beat machione of your choice. You can also take each sample and make it it's own slice, creating just one slice file.

Exporting Slice Files into non-Slice formats
Translator writes a combined loop on the first key, then writes seperate samples for remaining keys up the keyboard (chromatic, white, or black keys, your choice).

Converting one Slice File into another Slice File
Pretty much what you expect, the data, slice list, and parameters get converted into the new format. NOTE: Recycle 2 (.rx2) files cannot be written, but you can choose to either make a Recycle 1 (.rex or .rcy) file, which is OK but it cannot be stereo (Translator will make two slices for the stereo file), or you can write the incoming slice list onto an already existing Recycle 2 file.