Using LADSPA plugins in chains

[RogerWhitcomb]

I'm working on a DVD project that requires recording (mono mic) around 200 short audio segments, then applying basically the same processing to each one. I'd LIKE to be able to do this with the "chains" feature in 1.3.x, but the LADSPA plugins (like Plate Reverb) aren't available, nor are some actions like "Select All", "Add Audio Track", "Copy", "Paste", "Join Tracks", etc. that I would need to use. I've downloaded the source and have started looking at how to do some of this stuff, but I was wondering if anyone else had had similar thoughts/desires and might have thought about the implementation (i.e., are some of these things even possible)?? Thanks.

[steve]

Your correct, plug-ins cannot be used in chains. However, if you want to apply the same effect to lots of files, import the files into the same project, (they will load as separate tracks), then use Ctrl+A to select all, then choose your effect. The effect should then be applied to each track.

Unfortunately you will still need to export each track individually (select a track, then use "Export Selection").
You could configure a hot key to operate "Export Selection" (Edit > Preferences > Keyboard), and if you have Audacity 1.3.5 you can switch off the MetaTag window.

[RogerWhitcomb]

Thanks for thinking about this. That would work, except for the "Mono to Stereo" conversion which (I think) involves copying the whole track, making a new one, pasting the audio in that new track, then joining the two and making into a stereo track. That would be hard to do this way (with 200 tracks loaded). Or am I missing something there too?

[steve]

except for the "Mono to Stereo" conversion which (I think) involves copying the whole track, making a new one, pasting the audio in that new track, then joining the two and making into a stereo track

You've not said what platform you are on, but if you're on Linux, I think you can do that bit with soundKonverter. I presume there are similar tools for other platforms (possibly "Foobar 2000" on Windows?)

[RogerWhitcomb]

Oh, sorry, I'm on Windows XP SP2.
I was HOPING I could do everything with just use one tool ..... SIGH .....
Actually, I have an idea of how to automate the LADSPA plug-ins and I have a mandate from my boss to get my hands into open-source projects, so ..... (I work for an open-source software company as a software architect )
But, thanks for your help! I'll let you know what I end up doing.

[steve]

Thanks for thinking about this. That would work, except for the "Mono to Stereo" conversion which (I think) involves copying the whole track, making a new one, pasting the audio in that new track, then joining the two and making into a stereo track. ...

You can do it by this method:
1) Select the track
2) Ctrl+D (duplicate the track)
3) Pan one to the left and the other to the right.

When you export the 2 tracks, they will be mixed to a stereo file (or you can use "Mix and Render")

I'll let you know what I end up doing

Please do. I'll be interested to hear.

- Steve