User manual

152
The arranger track
Introduction
The arranger track allows you to work with sections of your project in a non-linear
fashion, to simplify arranging to the maximum extent. Instead of moving, copying and
pasting events in the Project window to create a linear project, you can define how
different sections are to be played back, like a playlist.
For this, you can define arranger events, order them in a list, and add repeats as
desired. This offers a different and more pattern-oriented way of working, which
complements the usual linear editing methods in the Project window.
You can create several arranger chains, making it possible to save different versions
of a song within the project without sacrificing the original version. When you have
created an arranger chain that you like, you have the option of “flattening” the list,
which creates a normal linear project based on the arranger chain.
You can also use the arranger track for live performances on the stage, in clubs or at
parties.
Setting up the arranger track
Let’s say you have prepared a number of audio files that form the base of a typical pop
song, with introduction, verse, chorus and bridge. Now you want to arrange these
files.
The first step is to create an arranger track. On the arranger track, you define specific
sections of the project by creating arranger events. These can be of any length, may
overlap and are not bound to the start or end of existing events and parts. Proceed as
follows:
1. Open the project for which you want to create arranger events.
2. Open the Project menu and select Arranger from the Add Track submenu (or right-
click the track list and select the corresponding option from the context menu).
An arranger track is added. There can be only one arranger track in a project, but
you can set up more than one arranger chain for this track, see
“Managing arranger
chains” on page 156.
3. On the Project window toolbar, make sure that Snap is activated and that the
Snap Type is set to a mode that allows your arranger events to snap to appropriate
positions in the project.
Snap to events is activated, i. e. when drawing in the Project window, new events will snap to
existing events.
4. On the arranger track, use the Draw tool to draw an event of the desired length.
An arranger event is added, called “A” by default. Any following events will be
named in alphabetical order.