User guide
Tracktion 4 Reference Manual
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Enable end-to-end: When end-to-end is active on an input, audio will be received during playback, and
not just when recording. If an input is actively receiving input, it will be using some of your computer’s
processing power. However, enabling this option would allow you to use Tracktion as an effects proces-
sor for a live external audio source, such as a guitar, or vocals. Generally you will want to leave this
option enabled since you can silence inputs within the edit page at any time.
Note: In addition to this end-to-end option, there is a global end-to-end option in the transport section
This global end-to-end option allows Tracktion to receive and transmit audio and MIDI data even when
playback is stopped. If you are intending to use Tracktion to apply effects to a live guitar, vocal, or syn-
thesiser performance, you should enable this end-to-end option also.
Input gain: This option allows you to boost or cut the level of the incoming audio. You should use
caution when adjusting this setting as the gain adjust is performed digitally after the signal has been
converted from analogue. Changing the gain will therefore not help with proper gain staging; it is simply
a convenience for a situation where you know you will need to increase the gain of the recorded audio
les. It can also serve to obscure problems with gain-staging that should be corrected at source. For
this reason, it is usually best leave this setting at 0dB, and if necessary, change the gain of the recorded
audio non-destructively using the channel fader or clip level properties from inside the edit page.
Trigger level: Recording from this device will only begin when the trigger level has been reached. It is
good practise to leave this setting at “–INF dB” when not needed, as it may save you a few frustrating
minutes trying to work out why your recordings are being lost.
You can use the trigger level as an alternative to punched recording:
• In the edit page, select the audio input though which you wish to make recording.
• The properties-panel will show the audio-input-device options with an extra input meter.
• Use this input meter to see the audio level of any background noise reaching the input.
• Set the trigger level at a few dBs above the noise-oor level.
• Start recording. If you have set the threshold correctly, Tracktion will begin recording from this
device when the vocalist or instrumentalist attached to this input begins their performance.
Time adjust: If you nd that your recorded audio is a little early or late in relation to everything else, try
adjusting this value to compensate. The auto detect button can be used to have Tracktion automati-
cally compensate for timing errors caused by audio hardware.
Auto-detect: The auto-detect option will determine the time taken for audio to pass through the con-
verters of your audio hardware, and congure the time adjust eld to compensate for any delay. To
perform the delay detection, Tracktion sends a series of pulses from an audio output device, and re-
cords the time taken for them to reach the audio input device. Before starting the test, you will need to
connect a cable from one of your audio outputs to the input you wish to test.
It is a good idea to use the auto-detect option after installing/re-installing Tracktion, or adding new
audio hardware to your computer.
Alias: If you have a number of input devices, it can sometimes be hard to keep track of them all. You
may, therefore, nd it helpful to enter a descriptive name in the alias box.