TRACKTION 2

MUSIC PRODUCTION SOFTWARE

U S E R S

G U I D E
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Tracktion 2

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This is where the majority of the action takes place, on each of the Tracktion pages.

Control section

The region labelled controls in the image below is called the control section. Here you will find most of the tools for working with Tracktion. The tools available depend on the page you have selected.
Many items in Tracktion have a range of tools and options specific to them. When such items are selected, these tools and options are displayed in the properties panel. The properties panel is integral to Tracktions everything in one place design. If you have ever used other sequencer software that requires you to work though layers of menus and windows, thus constantly breaking your workflow, you will definitely appreciate the properties panel.
This section is only used when the project and edit pages are open. When the project page is selected, this section shows the current clipboard for copy and paste operations. If you switch to the edit page, this section will become the transport section, where you can control the transport and change related settings.
1.2 Setting up your audio and MIDI devices
Click on the settings tab at the top of the Tracktion interface. This displays the settings page with tabbed names along the left hand side. Select the audio devices tab to view and configure the audio and MIDI devices available on your computer. The top-most part of this page is the wave device region (Fig. 1.2.1).

Figure 1.2.1

At the top of this display, there is a drop-down list. This is where you choose your wave device. Tracktion will normally select the correct ASIO or CoreAudio driver by default. If for some reason it does not select the best choice, or if you have more than one sound card installed, you may need to change this. The entries in the wave device list refer to the available audio drivers installed on your computer. There may be a number of entries in this list depending on the type(s) of sound card(s) you have installed, but generally speaking, you will only be interested in the ASIO/ CoreAudio options.

PC and ASIO drivers

If you are using a PC and have no ASIO options available, then you probably dont have an ASIO capable audio device installed. As such, you will need to try one of the other options. However, using Tracktion with non-ASIO drivers may have an impact on performance, and it is worth investing in a sound card or computer audio interface with ASIO driver support. If you know your hardware has ASIO support but you do not see it in the list, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the drivers for this audio device. Consult the documentation that came with the sound card for further information.

Open this edit by double-clicking on it, or by selecting it, and clicking the open for editing button near the bottom right corner of the properties panel (Fig. 2.2.4).

Figure 2.2.4

2.3 The project properties
When a project is selected, its properties are displayed in the properties-panel (Fig. 2.3.1). Various tools and options related to the project can be found on this panel.

Figure 2.3.1

Name: You can view and edit the project name from this field. It is this name you see in the project-list. Note that changing the name here does not affect the project file name. Description: This field allows you to enter a description of the project, or make notes for future reference. File: This field shows the location of the project on your hard drive. Export project: This option allows you to bundle the project and related materials into an archive. Use this if you want back up your work, or transfer it to another computer. Exporting is discussed in the final chapter of this guide. Create new edit: This option creates a new empty edit in the current project. If you wish to make a copy of an existing edit, select the edit in the item-list and click the make a copy of this edit button.

Chapter 3: The edit page

3.1 Familiarising yourself with the edit page
The edit page is where you arrange your compositions, and is the main screen in which you will spend most of your time in Tracktion. If you look at Figure 3.1.1, you can see there are nine sections of note on this page. Working from the top-left hand corner notice the following:

Figure 3.1.1

A: The quick scroll tool
The blue box shows the area of the whole edit that is currently in view. At a glance you can see how far into a song you are. By dragging the box from side to side, you can also use this tool as a fast way to navigate through the entire length of your edit.

B: The time-line

The time-line provides a series of time divisions against which you can arrange the components and sections of your song, in terms of bars/beats, seconds/milliseconds, or seconds/frames. In figure 3.1.1 you can see three vertical lines, that span the section labelled E, and reach up into the time-line. The orange lines are the In and Out markers and the blue line is the play-head cursor. The In and Out markers are used to define a section of an edit to be played in looped mode. They are also used to specify record start and stop points for punch mode. Some editing tools can also be set to work only on the region between the In and Out markers. To move these markers, simply click and drag them left or right.
During playback, the play-head cursor shows the current location on the time-line. Dragging the play-head cursor left or right scrolls through the edit.

C: Miscellaneous tools

The new filter. icon is used to add new filters to tracks. We will look at filters in more detail in a later chapter.
Toggle option to show/hide the input section (shown as D in Fig. 3.1.1). Shortcut SHIFT + CTRL + I.
Toggle option to show/hide the filter section (shown as F in Fig. 3.1.1). Shortcut SHIFT + CTRL + F.
Toggles the visibility of the rack editor window (not shown in Fig. 3.1.1). Shortcut CTRL + G (CMD + G for Mac users). We will look at rack filters in a later chapter.

D: The input section

This is where you manage your input devices, the input channels of your audio interface and MIDI interface(s). There are two display modes available for the input section. Figure 3.1.1 above shows the per-track view mode. The alternative display type shows all of the inputs as draggable icons (Fig. 3.1.2). Both modes behave slightly differently, and have their own advantages and disadvantages. The per-track view makes keeping track of a large amount of inputs far easier than the icon view. The icon view allows more than one input device to be connected to a single track, and works better when only a few input devices are present. We will look at the input devices in greater detail in the later chapters on audio and MIDI.

Figure 3.1.2

In addition to the input devices, the input section has selectable track names which you can use to re-order tracks, or access the track properties. We will look more closely at tracks later in this chapter.

E: The arrange area

The arrange area is where you actually construct your songs. Working with the arrange area, tracks, and clips, is described later in this chapter.

F: The filters section

The filter section can be though of as a mixer and as a plug-ins effects rack all in one place. Another way to think of it is like a traditional mixer, but rotated 90 degrees on its side, allowing it to peacefully exist as part of Tracktions one-screen interface. We will look at filters in more detail in later chapters. For now, bear in mind that each track has a corresponding filter strip.

G: The control section

The control section contains various tools and options for working with Tracktion.

If you look at the edit page, you can see that it reflects the flow of the signal path from left to right. Audio or MIDI is received from an input device, it then flows into the arrange area, and then passes into the filter section, where it is effected by the filters, has its volume and panning adjusted, and is then mixed down to stereo. If you were to mentally replace the arrange area with a multi-track recording device, and the filter section with a mixing console, it all starts to make sense. All input from external devices enters Tracktion through the input devices on the left. That signal then passes into the arrange area, where it joins any previously recorded
material ready to be passed to the filter section on the right. When the signal reaches the filter section, it passes serially from the left-most filter on the track to the right-most, being processed by each as it goes. Finally, the signal leaves the track for master outputs. Figure 3.2.1 shows a schematic diagram of this arrangement.

Figure 3.2.1

The main thing to take from this explanation is that signal always runs from left to right in Tracktion, and that each track is a recording device and mixer channel all in one. To add a new track to an edit: Click the tracks button in the control section. Select the create new track option. Keyboard shortcut: CTRL + T (CMD + T for Mac users). The new track will be inserted under the currently selected track, or at the bottom of the edit if no track is selected.
To adjust the height of the tracks such that they all fit on screen, choose the fit all tracks on screen option from the tracks button pop-up. Keyboard shortcut: F8. To reset the height of all tracks to the default, select the Set all tracks to default height option from the tracks button pop-up. Keyboard shortcut: F9.

An overview of clips

Songs in Tracktion are built up from individual clips. These clips are placed on tracks, where they can be arranged into a composition. A clip is a container for an audio file, or MIDI data. An audio clip might contain a recorded vocal, or guitar part. MIDI clips contain instructions that tell instruments (either a virtual VST instrument plug-in, or an external MIDI hardware instrument) what notes to play.

Icon view

If you are using the icon view, you will see all of your input devices (both audio inputs and MIDI controller inputs) as icons arranged in the filter section. Drag your chosen audio input device to the track you wish to record on. To arm the input, drag it to right. Figure 4.2.1 When it is close enough to the track, the tip of the arrow will attach to the track name, indicating the track is armed for recording. (Fig. 4.2.1). You can unarm the input by dragging it to the left until the arrow disappears.

Per-track view

To select an audio input device, click and drag slightly on the shaded input region to the left of the track name. This will display a pop-up menu, from which you can select your desired input (Fig. 4.2.2). Input devices in the per-track view can be enabled or disabled by clicking the large red R icon. If the icon is solid Figure 4.2.2 red, then the input is armed. Otherwise, if the icon is non-solid with a bar across it, the input is unarmed. Ensure that your input is armed if you want to record on the track it is attached to. Tip: The assign all inputs to consecutive tracks option in the per-track view pop-up menu (Fig. 4.2.2) allows you to quickly line up all of your audio inputs ready for recording. This is very useful if you are multi-track recording a band. Then, you can quickly arm or un-arm all inputs by choosing the enable/disable all devices for recording option from the pop-up menu. Keyboard shortcut: ALT + R (for Mac use CTRL + R).

Monitoring the input

The input icon contains a small level meter, which should be responding to any incoming signal at this point. If you need to monitor levels visually from some distance or just want to bask in the glow of some really big meters, Tracktion has a large meters for just this purpose. To activate it, click the options button located at the bottom-left of the edit page, and choose the show big input level meters menu option. Keyboard shortcut: CTRL + ALT + M (for Mac uses CMD + CTRL + M).

Editing

A: Import an audio file. / : Split selected clip(s) at the current play-head cursor location. DELETE or BACKSPACE: Delete selected clip(s). CTRL + M: Delete selected clip(s) and source audio file(s). CTRL + C: Copy selected clip(s).
CTRL + X: Cut selected clip(s). CTRL + V: Paste clipboard contents. CTRL + I: Insert clipboard contents at current play-head cursor location. CTRL + W: Open the source audio file in an external audio editor. CTRL + LEFT / RIGHT CURSOR: Move the selected clip(s) to the next previous snap location. CTRL + UP / DOWN CURSOR: Move the selected clip(s) to the track above or be low their current track. SHIFT + drag: Move the selected clip(s) to a different track, maintaining their off set from the current snapping grid. Double-click: Starts playback of the clip at the current pointer position.

Markers

M: Set In and Out markers around selected clip(s). I: Move the In marker to the current play-head cursor location. O: Move the Out marker to the current play-head cursor location. [: Move the play-head cursor to the In marker. ]: Move the play-head cursor to the Out marker.
Chapter 5: Working with MIDI
5.1 A brief introduction to MIDI
If you are unfamiliar with MIDI, then perhaps the best analogy to start working with is one of those old player pianos -- the kind with a large roll of punched paper that allows the piano to play itself. MIDI is a modern version of that punched roll; it tells an instrument what notes to play, and a little about how to play them. In fact, it is from these devices that the term piano roll used to describe MIDI editors in sequencers is derived. A common misconception is to see MIDI data as being the sound. It is important to realise that MIDI is little more than a list of instructions that an instrument can follow. Much like a sheet of musical score, MIDI data by itself is not sound. In practical terms, MIDI data is made up of three types of MIDI events: note events, controller events, and program changes. In reality, these groups are not quite so clear-cut, and there are other types, such as system exclusive (sysex) messages. For most users, the three groups listed above are all you really need to know.

Note events

A MIDI note event tells an instrument to play or stop playing a given note. When a key is struck on a keyboard, a MIDI note-on event is generated. The note-on event tells any attached MIDI devices which note was played, and the velocity with which it was struck. The MIDI note is considered to be held until a note-off event is generated by releasing the key. Velocity typically corresponds to loudness, but it may also affect the timbre of a sound; consider the way a piano sounds when keys are struck hard.

Working with MIDI in Tracktion
You can enter MIDI into Tracktion either by recording a performance from a MIDI controller keyboard, drum pad, etc, or by entering the notes by hand. In addition, Tracktion features a handy hybrid of these two approaches, called step editing. Before you can record or playback MIDI, it is necessary to select a MIDI instrument to receive the midi data, and produce sound from this MIDI data. There are two types of MIDI instrument you can use with Tracktion:

VST instruments

VST instruments, or VSTis, are synthesiser plug-ins that can be added to the filter section just like effects. Typically, such filters will be displayed with a piano icon in the new-filter list. Software instruments should always be the first plug-in on the track, as other filters may stop the MIDI data reaching the instrument plug-in. VST instruments are often a more convenient instrument to use than an outboard hardware instrument, because the audio they produce is already inside Tracktion and ready to be mixed with other Tracktion tracks.

Hardware instruments

If you have MIDI sound-module hardware that you wish to control through Tracktion, you need to ensure that a MIDI cable has been connected between the MIDI IN of this device, and the MIDI OUT of your computers MIDI interface. In addition, if you wish to hear the audio output of the hardware MIDI instrument through Tracktion, you need to connect the audio outputs of the device to one of your computers audio inputs as if you were intending to record it.
5.2 Using external MIDI gear
To control external MIDI hardware from Tracktion, you need to: Choose the track that will contain the MIDI events for this device. Select the track by clicking on its name. This will display the track properties (Fig. 5.2.1). There is a large box on the right of the properties-panel labelled destination output for this track. Click the MIDI output device that is attached to your hardware and a check will be displayed next to it.

Figure 5.2.1

Tip: Many different tracks can send to one MIDI output device, so you can assign a different track to each MIDI channel for multi-timbral synthesizers. Once the output is set up, your external device should be receiving MIDI from Tracktion. If you are sending program changes to the MIDI device, it is a good idea to do so at the very start of the edit, and leave a bar or so before any notes are sent, since program changes can take a while to process on some MIDI hardware. Note: Take care that there are no unnecessary filters on tracks used for external MIDI as many filters do not pass MIDI data.

5.5 The MIDI editor

The basic tools for working with MIDI clips are the same as those for audio clips, except that MIDI clips do not offer the fade-in/out tool. When MIDI clips are of sufficient vertical size, however, they display a powerful MIDI editor, or piano roll. You can switch to the MIDI editor very quickly by either double-clicking on the clip to be edited, or pressing the Z key when a MIDI clip is selected. Figure 5.5.1 shows the MIDI editor, and associated tools. To create a new MIDI clip from scratch, select the track you wish to place the clip, and choose insert new MIDI clip, or use the keyboard shortcut G. The clip will be inserted at the current play-head cursor position.

Figure 5.5.1

The MIDI editor is made up of a number of lanes that run horizontally along the clip. Each of these lanes represents a note on the musical scale. A piano keyboard to the left of the clip shows the relationship between a given lane and the note it represents. As you can see, this arrangement is similar to a staff in standard musical notation. The range of visible notes can be changed by dragging the piano keyboard with the right mouse button. A default range can be set from the default midi editor vertical scale menu option available from the options button at the bottom-left corner of the edit page. To change the octave(s) shown in the editor, drag the piano keyboard vertically with the left mouse button. When the ALT key (CTRL for Mac users) is held down, you can drag anywhere in the MIDI editor to adjust the currently visible octave(s). The period of time that a note is held down is represented by the length of the note. The vertical divisions are the current time-line ticks. As such, by zooming into and out of the edit, you can change the snap resolution in the MIDI editor.

Drawing new notes

When the pencil tool is selected (shortcut D), clicking on the editor will insert new MIDI notes. The note inserted will start at the location where you clicked, and it will have a length and velocity determined by the len and vel parameters. The line tool allows you to draw a line of MIDI notes, all with their length and velocity determined by the len and vel parameters.

Editing notes

If you wish to transpose a note, or adjust the timing of an incorrectly played note, you can do so by using the select tool. Keyboard shortcut: S. Clicking on an existing MIDI note when the select tool is active allows you to either move or resize MIDI notes. If the mouse pointer is near the right-hand edge of the note, the cursor will switch to a left/right arrow to indicate you are in resize mode. If the pointer is anywhere else over the note you will be in move mode, and you can simply drag the note to a new location. It is also possible to lasso a group of notes by simply dragging a box around them. The select mode also allows displays information about currently selected notes in the properties-panel, where a number of useful tools can be found. Changing the values of the vel and len parameters will apply the new value to any selected note(s). Conversely, editing the length or velocity of a note by hand will in turn update the vel and len values. You can transpose notes without losing their start position by holding down the SHIFT key as you move them up or down. Tip: Some of the features of the select mode are also available when in pencil mode, including the ability to select, resize and move existing notes.

Groove templates

The groove option will display a pop-up menu when you click on it. From this menu, you can select a groove template to be applied to the clip. Unlike with the quantise control, you will not see the groove template changes in the clip, but when you play back the edit you should hear the effect. See the reference guide for more information on applying and creating groove templates.
5.7 Troubleshooting MIDI recording problems
I cant hear anything from my MIDI instruments, and I cant see any signal on the MIDI input device meters. Check that all of the midi filter channels are activated in the MIDI input devices properties. Ensure that you have you MIDI cables hooked up from your MIDI control hardware to Tracktion correctly, and that the MIDI Out of your controller is connected to the MIDI In of the MIDI input device.
I can see that my MIDI input device is receiving a signal, but my MIDI instrument(s) are not making any sound. Verify that you have the correct input device connected to a track. Ensure that enable end-to-end is activated in the MIDI input devices properties. In addition, ensure the e-to-e is activated in the transport section. If you are trying to control an external instrument that is playing through any hardware mixers or effects processors, make sure that they are correctly configured and mute buttons have not been activated by mistake. If you are trying to control an external instrument that is playing through Tracktion, ensure that the recording options are set up correctly as described in chapter four.
I cant hear my MIDI devices unless Im recording. Ensure that enable end-to-end is activated in the input devices properties. In addition, ensure the e-to-e is activated in the transport section.
Recordings seem to work OK, but when Im finished there is nothing there. Check the action option in the input device properties and make sure it is not set to enable end-to-end but dont record from this device.
5.8 Handy MIDI editing shortcuts

Mac users: Replace the CTRL key with the CMD key.
Z: Show / hide MIDI editor. D: Select the pencil tool. E: Select the eraser tool. V: Show / hide the velocity editor. CTRL + LEFT / RIGHT CURSOR: Move the selected note(s) to the next or previous snap location. CTRL + UP / DOWN CURSOR: Transpose the selected note(s) up or down a semitone from their current location, maintaining their offset from the current snapping grid. SHIFT + drag: Transpose the selected note(s) to a new note, maintaining their offset from the current snapping grid. DELETE / BACKSPACE: Delete selected notes.
Chapter 6: Mixing and Adding Effects
6.1 Adding effects and setting levels
A fundamental part of bringing a song to life is the process of setting the volume of all instruments, vocals, and percussive sounds, such that the listeners attention is drawn to the sounds you wish to emphasise, while keeping other sounds clearly audible. Effects processes, such as reverb, may be used to give sounds a sense of position and space. Treatments, such as compression, may be used to give sounds punch or weight without making them too loud. You may even use a little EQ to boost the bass of a kick drum, or maybe roll a little of the treble off an overly bright piano. Tracktion allows you to do all of these things, and much more. Fundamentally, mixing is all about levels, and Tracktion makes this very easy. When a track is first created it will contain a volume/pan filter, and a level meter. These are the filters you will use for setting levels. In this way, the filter section of each new track represents the functionality of a classic mixing console. Figure 6.1.1 shows the default filter configuration.

Figure 6.1.1

Adding new filters
If you want to add other filters to your tracks, simply drag the icon labelled new filter. that is located just above the filter section, and drop it where you want the new filter to be placed. Figure 6.1.2 shows a filter being added to track one. Notice that the area in front of the volume/pan filter is glowing red; this is how you can tell where the filter will be placed. If there is no illumination then you are not currently over a valid target area.

Figure 6.1.2

Once the new filter icon has been dropped, a list will appear of available filters will appear. Choose the filter you wish to add to the track from this list.
Filters can be anything from volume/pan controls, to effects such as delays, or reverbs. Filters can even take the form of virtual instruments. Tracktion simply uses the term filter to refer to a plug-in, be it native to Tracktion, or a 3rd party plug-in such as a VST plug-in. The filter order can be changed, and filters can even be moved onto a new track, by simply dragging the filter icons in the same way that you first added them. Tip: You can copy filters by holding down CTRL (CMD for Mac users) and dragging an existing filter to a new location. The newly copied filter will also have the same configuration state as the original filter. Tip: Filters can be applied to a single audio clip by dragging the new filter icon onto the clip itself. This is especially useful if you wish to apply a special effect to just a small portion of a track.

Snap-to-grid

When snap-to-grid is enabled, the size of the grid is automatically adjusted to match the current zoom settings, or in other words, the snap-to-grid can be relied on to be at the optimum grid size no matter how far you are zoomed into, or out of, the current edit. Figure 8.1.2 shows how it works. In the image on the left, the snap resolution is 1/16 of a beat. As you can see, the area between the first and second beats of bar one is divided into 16 tick marks on the time-line. Equally, the second image shows a snap resolution of 1/4 of a beat, and as such, there are four visible tick marks for each beat.

Figure 8.1.2

Tip: To see the current snap resolution in the pop-up form shown in Figure 8.1.2, simply position the mouse pointer over the time-line for a few seconds.
The zoom level can quickly be adjusted via your mouse-wheel, or by the CURSOR UP / DOWN keyboard shortcuts. In addition you can use the F4 key to zoom into a selected clip, or the F7 key to zoom to a few seconds either side of the cursor.

8.2 Using markers

Tracktion allows you to set markers on the time-line. These markers act as bookmarks that can be used to quickly jump between sections of a song. You could, for example, set a marker at the start of each verse, chorus, and the middle-eight of your song. Figure 8.2.1 shows the time-line with four markers set.

Figure 8.2.1

The markers are numbered 0-9 and correspond to the number keys on your keyboard. To jump to a marker, simply press the corresponding key. The play-head cursor will then move to the marker location. Holding the CTRL key (CMD for Mac users) whilst pressing a number key will set the corresponding marker at the play-head cursor location. Repeating this process will remove the marker. If you set a marker that has already been placed, the marker will simply move to the new location. Tip: The play-head cursor will snap to markers even when they are not aligned with the current snap grid. This can be useful when editing audio files as it allows you to zoom right into the file, where you can set markers at points of interest, then zoom back out to make edits. You can also use markers simply as flags to point out different song locations that you want to have bookmarks for, like verse 1, chorus 1, guitar solo, etc.
8.3 Working with the click-track
In previous chapters we have briefly touched on the click-track. The click-track provides a metronome that performers can use to keep time during recording. Using a click-track when recording audio is particularly beneficial. Trying to align recorded audio to the tempo of a song, when the performer was not keeping good time, can be very time consuming. Clicking on the click track button (Fig. 8.3.1) displays a number of options for customising the click track.

TRACKTION 2

MUSIC PRODUCTION SOFTWARE
USERS GUIDE ADDENDUM VERSION 2.1
Table of Contents Tracktion 2.1 New Features -------------------------------------3
1. Custom Control Surface Creation ------------------------------------------------- 3 2. MP3 Import and MP3/Ogg Export ------------------------------------------------ 5 3. MIDI Loop Recording ---------------------------------------------------------------- 7 4. Support for Frontier Design Group Tranzport --------------------------------- 7 5. Filter Icon Quick Control Parameter-------------------------------------------8 6. File Import Improvements ---------------------------------------------------------9 7. MIDI Bank Select Messages --------------------------------------------------------10 8. Advanced Program and Bank Naming -------------------------------------------12 9. Filter Selection Menu Behaviours -----------------------------------------------16 10. Solo Isolate --------------------------------------------------------------------------17 11. Level Control on the Aux Send Filter Icon -------------------------------------18 12. Global Setting for Soloing Behaviour ------------------------------------------19 13. Improved Organization of Settings Tab ---------------------------------------19 14. Hide Control Section at Bottom Area of Edit Tab -------------------------- 20 15. Filter GUI Locked Default---------------------------------------------------------21 16. MIDI Channel and MIDI Volume Changed for Multiple Clips -------------21 17. Added Support for FLAC, CAF, AU, VOC to export/import ----------------21
Dont forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more information about this and other Mackie products.
Part No. SW0295 Rev. A 1/LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Tracktion 2.1

Tracktion 2.1 New Features
This addendum to the Tracktion 2 Users Guide highlights the new features included with the version 2.1 software upgrade.
1. Custom Control Surface Creation
Tracktion now supports the creation of Custom Control Surfaces for control of the transport, navigation, options, and channels. You can now control many aspects of Tracktions operation with your favorite low-cost hardware controller, or even the sliders, buttons, and keys on your MIDI controller keyboard. These custom controllers support 1, 4, and 8 channel bank changes so a controller can easily be set to control track parameters for all tracks. To create a Custom Control Surface, click the add custom control surface. button from the control surface settings tab, type a name, and click ok.
Then, with the new Custom Control Surface selected, set the midi input port in the properties panel and click the edit control mapping button to create the custom mapping. You can click the hide midi input device button to hide the associated midi input icon on the edit screen. Finally, these Custom Control Surfaces can be exported and shared with others using of the same controller.

Users Guide Addendum

The MIDI control mappings edit panel allows you to choose parameters to map to MIDI controllers and MIDI notes. Select a parameter to map by clicking on the right column and choosing an item from the popup menu. Global commands such as the transport and the master options can be mapped to MIDI Notes.
You can also create a custom control surface to control channel parameters. To do this, choose a parameter in the track parameter menu for up to 8 tracks. Then from the switch fader banks parameter menu, map the left and right parameters. For example, you can control four tracks at a time by mapping volume for tracks 1-4 and the left 4 and right 4 parameters to allow selection of any 4 tracks, shifting 4 at a time. This setup is illustrated below:

See Appendix B for a list of all Master Controllers that can be mapped.
2. MP3 Import and MP3/Ogg Export
MP3 les can now be imported using drag and drop or the import audio le dialog using the LAME codec. This codec handles the MP3 conversions. The rst time you try to import or export an MP3, you will be prompted to nd the LAME codec on your computer.
Click the Download the Lame codec link to open a web browser and download the LAME codec for the computer. Tracktion can use the Lame le from anywhere on your computer although other applications may require it to be in a certain location. Once the le is on your computer, click the nd button to open a le dialog and navigate to the location of the codec. Alternately, you can set the location of the Lame codec from the LAME location le chooser found in the le settings settings tab.
Similarly, both MP3 and Ogg les can be exported by using the new Export>Create an MP3/OGG le. menu item.
This resulting dialog allows the user to choose a le format (OGG or MP3), select a mode (variable, average, or constant bitrate), and choose a bitrate value as described in the table below.

Format ogg

Mode average bitrate
Bitrate bitrate: 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320 quality: 1-10 bitrate: 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320 bitrate: 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320 quality: 1-10
variable bitrate mp3 average bitrate

constant bitrate

variable bitrate
It also allows the creation of ID3 tabs for the exported les so when you add your newly created mp3s to a program like iTunes or Windows Media Player, they will appear with all the relevant information, just like your commercial audio les.

3. MIDI Loop Recording

You can now create MIDI loop clips during loop record that function the same as audio loop clips by choosing overlay new clips containing newly recorded MIDI as the midi input action setting.
The merge newly recorded midi into any existing clips action will still merge looped midi into one take, while the replace existing clips with newly recorded midi clips action will only keep the last take during loop record. MIDI loop clip takes can be selected from the takes pop-up list accessed by clicking the plus sign on the clip.

Choosing delete unused takes from the takes pop-up list will remove all unused takes leaving only the active take. This effectively converts the MIDI loop clip into a standard loop clip for the selected take.
4. Support for Frontier Design Group Tranzport
Tracktion 2.1 can be controlled with the Frontier Design Group Tranzport wireless controller. Enable the MIDI input and output pair connected to the Tranzport Hardware in the MIDI Settings Tab.
Select Frontier Design Group Tranzport in the External Controllers Settings Tab.
With the Tranzport control surface selected, set the corresponding MIDI Input and Output ports in the Properties panel.
See Appendix A for a list of Tranzport controls and their associated Functions.
5. Filter Icon Quick Control Parameter
All lter icons can display any automatable parameter as a small horizontal slider on the lter icon for quick adjustments. This is called the Quick Control Parameter. This can be used, for example, to quickly adjust the decay time on a reverb plug-in, without having to open the plug-in GUI.
To set the Quick Control Parameter for a lter icon, simply right click the lter and choose select quick control parameter from the context menu. A pop up menu will appear allowing selection of any Automatable parameter. This parameter can then be adjusted from the lter icon directly.
6. File Import Improvements
Importing multiple les into an edit from the import les dialog or via drag and drop has been greatly improved. You can now select multiple les from the edit import le dialog. When importing via this dialog, drag and drop, or from a CD on the PC, you are presented with a dialog allowing you to choose how the les will be placed into the edit. For a single le containing a BWAV timestamp (le header information indicating at what time the le was originally recorded), you are prompted whether to place the le at the BWAV timestamp position or at the cursor position.
For multiple les, you can choose whether to place them all on the same track or onto separate tracks. You can also choose to use a BWAV time stamp, if present, to place the les, or to ignore the time stamp and place them at the edit cursor position instead.

7. MIDI Bank Select Messages
You can now select programs on multiple banks using the MIDI input properties. This is useful for external MIDI sound modules with multiple banks of programs. The MIDI input programs list lets you select the number of banks you wish to display, and submenus for each bank allow you select programs from any bank, sending the bank change and program change at once.
Program changes on a MIDI clip are now editable for each bank. The user chooses which bank of program changes to display and edit.
The Active bank is displayed in black while all other banks are displayed in gray.
8. Advanced Program and Bank Naming
MIDI program and bank names can be customized to create sets of names for use with each piece of hardware in the studio. These names can be exported and shared with others. To create a program names set, go to the MIDI settings tab, select a MIDI output, and choose add next to the program names drop-down in the properties section. You can choose a preset from the list of program names or choose to make your own.
Now click edit to rename up to 16 banks with custom bank and program names.
To name a bank, select the bank from the bank name list, click rename, and enter the new name.
Rename programs by double-clicking a program name and typing in a new one. Press Tab to select the next program for renaming.
From the options menu, you can choose to use zero based numbering. This is useful if the synth numbers programs from 0-127 instead of 1-128. In addition, the user can set the current bank to general midi names, reset the current bank to names patch 1 to patch 128, and clear the current bank to use only program numbers for selecting patches for that bank. The options menu also lets you export and import all custom bank names for sharing with other users. Note that, in addition to importing Tracktions native program name format, you can also import standard Midnam les.
The bottom of the Custom Program Names edit screen allows advanced users to customize the MSB (most signicant byte) and LSB (least signicant byte) for each bank. In most cases, you will not have to adjust these settings, but some sound modules may require this level of customization.

Repeat this naming process for every MIDI output connected to a hardware unit. Now, when assigning a MIDI input to record onto a track routed to one of these MIDI outputs, you can select MIDI programs using the custom names they have created.
9. Filter Selection Menu Behaviours
The behaviour of the lter selection menu (accessed by dragging the lter icon to a track) can now be changed from the popup tree to a popup menu allowing faster selection of deeply nested items. This operation can be changed by selecting either popup menu or popup tree for the lter selection setting in the user interface settings tab.

10. Solo Isolate

A track that is solo isolated always sends its audio or MIDI to its assigned output and is not automatically muted when other tracks in the session are soloed. The most common use of solo isolate is to isolate the tracks containing aux returns followed by effects lters, such as reverbs or delays. That way, when you solo a source track that is feeding the effect via an aux send, the tracks containing the solo isolated aux returns will still be heard, and will not be muted.
To solo isolate a track, click the solo isolate button from the track properties, or right click on a solo and choose solo isolate.
The solo S will change to an SI to indicate the track has been solo isolated.
Soloing any other track will cause the solo buttons on solo isolated tracks to ash indicating that the track is still passing audio even though it has not been directly soloed.
11. Level Control on the Aux Send Filter Icon
Aux Send Filter Icons now display a small horizontal level control allowing adjustment of the aux send level.
12. Global Setting for Soloing Behaviour
A new setting for solo behaviour allows you to decide whether you want to have exclusive soloing or cumulative soloing. This can be changed by choosing exclusive solo or cumulative solo for the solo behaviour setting in the user interface settings tab. Cumulative solo (the new default) allows you to solo more then one track at once, which mimics how a hardware mixer functions.
Exclusive solo allows you to only have one track soloed at a time. This is usefull for focusing on only a single track at once. In either mode, control clicking a solo on the PC or command clicking on the Mac gives you quick access to the alternate solo method.

13. Improved Organization of Settings Tab
The settings tab has been completely reorganized making it easier to nd the settings you need including Audio, MIDI, User Interface, Plug-ins, File Settings, Key-Mappings, and Control Surfaces.
Audio: Contains settings related to any attached audio interfaces. MIDI: Contains settings related to any attached MIDI interfaces. User Interface: Contains settings related to how the program is displayed and how the user interacts with various aspects of the GUI.
Plug-ins: Contains settings related to Tracktions installed plug-ins (lters) File Settings: Contains settings related to Tracktions le housekeeping, etc. Key-Mappings: Contains settings related to Tracktion key mappings Control Surfaces: Contains settings related to Tracktions pre-congured and user created external control surfaces.
14. Hide Control Section at Bottom Area of Edit Tab
The Control Section at the bottom area of the Tracktion Edit tab can now be hidden allowing a larger view of the tracks, inputs, and lters. This is done via the corresponding hide button in the top right of the screen or from an assignable key command.
In addition, a new customizable key command allows you to hide or show the inputs, lters, and controls areas at once allowing quick access to a full screen track editing view.
15. Filter GUI Locked Default
Filter GUIs can now be locked by default. This can be done by choosing unlocked or locked for the lter gui default setting in the user interface settings tab.
16. MIDI Channel and MIDI Volume Changed for Multiple Clips
MIDI Channel and MIDI Volume can now be changed for multiple clips at once. Simply select more then one MIDI clip and change the MIDI Volume or Channel from the properties panel. This allows you to change MIDI channels for groups of clips at once; this may be used to change the program on a multi-timbral synth that is being played.
17. Added Support for FLAC, CAF, AU, VOC to export/import
You can now import and export les of type FLAC, CAF, AU, and VOC. These are accessible from the standard export and render dialogs as new le types.
Appendix A: Tranzport Button-Function Mapping
Button REW FFWD STOP PLAY RECORD <TRACK TRACK> REC MUTE SOLO IN OUT PUNCH LOOP PREV ADD NEXT UNDO DATAWHEEL FOOTSWITCH Rewind Fast Forward Stop Play Record Previous Track Next Track Arm Track Mute Track Solo Track Go to In Go to Out Toggle Punch Toggle Loop Previous Marker Add Marker Next Marker Undo Scroll Record Function Shifted Function Go to start Go to end Toggle E-to-E Toggle automation read Toggle automation write Save Toggle Snap Arm/Unarm all Tracks Clear all mutes Clear all solos Set In Set Out Toggle click Toggle Level/Pan Zoom In Zoom to Fit Zoom Out Redo Level/Pan

Appendix B: Custom Control Surface Mapping Parameters
Group Transport play stop record home end rewind fast forward mark in mark out automation read automation record add marker next marker previous marker nudge left nudge right abort abort and restart jog jump to the mark in point jump to the mark out point options toggle beats seconds mode toggle loop toggle punch toggle click toggle snap toggle slave toggle e-to-e toggle scroll moves transport forward for CCs 1-64 and backwards for CCs 65-127 Command Sub Command Detail

Group lter

Command master volume master pan quick control parameter automatiable parameters

Sub Command

Detail
quick control parameter for the selected lter parameter 1-16 track 1-8 track 1-8 track 1-8 track 1-8 track 1-8 track 1-8 track 1-8 adjusts right most aux send lter rst 16 parameters for the selected lter adjusts right most volume/pan lter adjusts right most volume/pan lter
volume pan mute solo arm select aux

navigation

zoom in zoom out scroll tracks up scroll tracks down scroll tracks left scroll tracks right zoom tracks in zoom tracks out toggle selection mode Changes the select mode between selecting lters only and anything. In lters only mode, your control can only move the selection around the lters area. If the selection is out side of the lters, the selection will jump to the lters. In anything mode, the selection can be moved all over selecting lters, clips, and tracks. select left select right select up select down select clip in track track 1-8 select lter in track track 1-8 selects rst clip in the track selects rst lter in the track

Command

Detail shifts tracks under control to left by 1 shifts tracks under control to left by 4 shifts tracks under control to left by 8 shifts tracks under control to right by 1 shifts tracks under control to right by 4 shifts tracks under control to right by 8
switch fader bank left 1 left 4 left 8 right 1 right 4 right 8
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