Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

Hi all

Probably missing something really obvious here.

I use an SFX catalog in DigiBase to search and audition effects and recordings, etc. Descriptions are embedded in the 'File Comment' metadata, so I use the 'File Comment' field in the Workspace when doing searches.

My problem is when I drag audio onto the timeline / region list, Pro Tools uses the 'File Name' to name the file, not the 'File Comment', which actually contains the useful information and not a XX1-001-01 library number. This isn't a problem when using my own recordings, as the File Name usually has enough info, but when using library stuff my timeline quickly fills up with 'PE-...' 'SI-...', etc.

I have worked in facilities where the audio is named using the File Comment, so am pretty sure this is possible.

I am using Pro Tools HD 7.3.1.

Thanks!

Re: Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

You´ll have to manually use the "copy file comment to clip name" command in the project browser AFTER your drag-drop.

BUT: This commend only works in Catalogs

So would only help if you used those instead of draging from the finder.

I don´t think there is a way to do it easily unless you use something like soundminer for spotting instead.

Frank.

Re: Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

Hi Frank

Yes, I am dragging files in from the catalog.

Am I being blind? I cannot see a 'copy file comment to clip name' command in any windows of the project /workspace / catalog browsers.

Cheers

Re: Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

Have found the commands under the Catalog browser options, but when I select them nothing happens :confused:

Re: Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

Hm...well, there you go. The wonder-world of the ProTools browsers....

(which is why I´ve been using soundminer for years)

Sorry, I´m out of wisdom on that one. I actually never use catalogs. Maybe someone else will chime in.

best of luck,

frank.

Re: Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

Hi Frank.

Seems to work if you search and drag in from the catalog window, and not from the workspace, so thanks for pointing out the command.

There is some kind of bug though, as after selecting 'copy file comments to clip names' for example, there is no tick or indicator to show it has been selected.

Perhaps this is a HD 7.3.1 thing?

Re: Audio files dragged in from DigiBase
 

Digibase was much anticipated and looked forward to but the reality is that the SFX DB I made in FMP (and I'm not a programer) had almost the same power and was quite a bit better in some ways. It's better than nothing but not a lot. Soundminer is the #1 choice but there are others that also run circles around DigiBase. Snapper, from Audio Ease has some of the functionality that is missing. Though it does no cataloging you can audition, in a nice resizable window, and select a bit and then spot to the PT cursor. A fundamental function missing from DigiBase. Didn't mean to rant but PT added this "BIG" feature and other than getting more file format details it really isn't any better than using the Finder, and the cost is not being able to eject disks with out opening a browser window to do it.