Tips & Tricks

Importing REX loops into Pro Tools

People get confused about importing REX files into Pro Tools. Since version 7.0, Pro Tools started supporting both .rex and Acidized .wav files, so it's a good time to learn to use them.

Do NOT import .rex files using the standard Import Audio command. If you do, the file will come across in the wrong tempo, and simply appear as a standard audio file. Probably not what you wanted, and this is where the confusion starts! "Dude, how come my REX file won't snap to tempo?"

Instead of using the Import command, go to your Workspace window (Alt + ;) and import the files from there. They can be imported directly to a Track by dragging them in to the Edit window (a track will automatically be created) or imported into the Regions list by dragging them there.

Once on a track, the .rex file will appear as a Region Group, with the small group icon in the lower left corner. You can now use the Regions menu to Ungroup, Group, Quantize to Grid, etc. allowing you amazing flexibility that you don't have with a normal audio file.

Also notice, that in the Regions list, the file can be displayed as a single whole file (indicated with bold print) or expanded to show all the parts that make up the group (taking up a lot of real estate). The difference in the display depends on whether you have Show > Auto-Created Regions toggled on or off in the Region List menu.

One last thing. When importing .rex files, make sure your track is TICK-based, NOT sample-based. This way the .rex files will automatically adjust to maintain their bar and beat locations every time you change the tempo. In fact, loop playing the track and adjusting the tempo while it plays is a great way to audition the tempo when you first start constructing the tune. The .rex file simply adjusts on the fly! How cool is that!