2 <img src="/images/preferences.png" alt="The Preferences window">
9 Global <dfn>preferences</dfn> control general workflow and system
10 configuration, and should apply to all sessions. They are located in <kbd
11 class="menu">Edit > Preferences</kbd> and stored in Ardour's <dfn>user
12 configuration file</dfn> in the user's home directory.
16 Preferences are conveniently grouped by category:
20 <li><a href="#preferences-general">General</a></li>
21 <li><a href="#preferences-editor">Editor</a></li>
22 <li><a href="#preferences-mixer">Mixer</a></li>
23 <li><a href="#preferences-signal_flow">Signal Flow</a></li>
24 <li><a href="#preferences-audio">Audio</a></li>
25 <li><a href="#preferences-midi">MIDI</a></li>
26 <li><a href="#preferences-metronome">Metronome</a></li>
27 <li><a href="#preferences-metering">Metering</a></li>
28 <li><a href="#preferences-transport">Transport</a></li>
29 <li><a href="#preferences-control_surfaces">Control Surfaces</a></li>
30 <li><a href="#preferences-plugins">Plugins</a></li>
31 <li><a href="#preferences-appearance">Appearance</a></li>
32 <li><a href="#preferences-video">Video</a></li>
35 <h2 id="preferences-general">General</h2>
39 <dfn>DSP CPU Utilization</dfn>
42 <dfn>Signal processing uses:</dfn> sets how many cpu processors can be
43 used to do signal processing. It can be set to use one up to all
49 <dfn>Memory Usage</dfn>
52 <dfn>Waveform image cache (megabytes):</dfn> sets the maximum amount of ram that
53 can be used to store the images representing the waveforms in the editor. Past
54 this amount, the images will be regenerated when needed, which can significantly
55 decrease the system's performance.
63 <dfn>Try to auto-launch audio/midi engine</dfn> allows Ardour to try to
64 automatically launch the audio and MIDI system, driver and device, thus not
65 showing the <a href="@@newopen-session-dialog">Audio/MIDI Setup</a> dialog. This
66 can save a little time if the system is always used the same way.
74 <strong>Thinning factor</strong> ranges from 0 to 1000 with larger
75 values sending fewer automation changes. Thinning is like lossy
76 audio compression, removing data that is less likely to be noticed,
77 although the more is removed, the more likely the loss will be noticed.
78 The advantage to thinning is reduced CPU usage.
81 <strong>Automation sampling interval</strong> ranges from 1 to
82 1000 ms. Determines how frequently the automation input is
83 sampled. The shorter the interval the higher the accuracy but also
84 the higher the CPU requirements.
92 <dfn>Allow non quarter-note pulse</dfn>: by default, Ardour understands the <a
93 href="@@tempo-and-meter">tempo</a> as the number of quarter notes in a minute.
94 Checking this option allows to set the tempo based on any division of the note,
95 from whole to 1/128th. This is reflected in the <kbd class="menu">Edit
96 Tempo</kbd> window (accessed by double clicking a tempo marker) that shows a
97 "Pulse" menu when this option is checked.
105 <dfn>Lock timeout (seconds):</dfn>locks the <abbr title="Graphical User
106 Interface">GUI</abbr> after this many idle seconds (zero being 'never lock').
107 The GUI can also be locked with <kbd class="menu">Session > Lock</kbd>. When
108 locked, a dialog will display a "Click to unlock" button.
111 <dfn>System Screensaver Mode:</dfn>can be used to prevent the
112 screensaver to be launched by the system, either while recording
113 (e.g. for long and unattended recording session), when Ardour is
114 simply started, or never (the screensaver is then able to start).
120 <h3 id="session">Session</h3>
124 <dfn>Undo</dfn> defines the behaviour of the Undo operations:
127 <strong>Limit undo history</strong> sets how many commands can be
128 undone using <kbd class="mod1">Z</kbd> or <kbd class="menu">Edit > Undo</kbd>.
129 Unchecking will keep an endless memory of operations to undo, at the
133 <strong>Save undo history</strong> sets how many commands are saved so
134 they are available to be undone after reopening the session. This can
135 also be unchecked to keep all actions undoable, at the cost of bigger
139 <strong>Verify removal of last capture</strong> when enabled prompts to
140 verify removal the last recording capture when
141 <kbd class="menu">Edit > Remove Last Capture</kbd> is executed.
146 <dfn>Session Management</dfn>:
149 <strong>Make periodic backups of the session file</strong> will create
150 a backup session file after changes to the timeline. The backup file is
151 the session name followed by <em>.ardour.bak</em>. The backup can be
152 used to recover from crashes when the session had not been explicitly
156 <strong>Drag and drop import always copies files to session</strong>
157 selects, and then disables changes to, the <em>Copy files to session</em>
158 option in the <a href="@@import-dialog">Add Existing Media</a> dialog.
161 <strong>Default folder for new sessions:</strong> defaults the folder
162 where Ardour will create new session folders. This is used in the
163 <em>Session Setup</em> dialog displayed by
164 <kbd class="menu">Session > New</kbd>.
167 <strong>Maximum number of recent sessions:</strong> determines how many
168 of the last opened sessions shows in the
169 <em>Recent Sessions</em> dialog displayed by
170 <kbd class="menu">Session > Recent</kbd>.
176 <h3 id="translation">Translation</h3>
179 <dfn>Internationalization</dfn>
182 <dfn>Use translations</dfn> sets if Ardour should use a translated
183 version of all the messages. The default (unchecked) is English (US). When
184 checked, and if a language file exists for the system language, this file
185 will be used to translate Ardour.
191 <h2 id="preferences-editor">Editor</h2>
197 <dfn>Prompt for new marker names</dfn> when enabled, popup a dialog
198 when a new <a href="@@working-with-markers">marker</a> is created. This allows
199 markers to be named as they are created.
202 <dfn>Auto-scroll speed when dragging playhead:</dfn> chooses how fast the canvas
203 scrolls when dragging the playhead outside of the visible canvas.
206 <dfn>Limit zooming & summary view to X minutes beyond session extents:</dfn>
207 prevents the zoom out both in the editor and the summary, to show anything past
208 the chosen time after the end marker, restraining the vision to only useful
212 <dfn>Zoom to mouse position when zooming with scroll wheel</dfn>: by default,
213 Ardour zooms to the <a href="@@edit-point-control">edit point</a>. When this
214 option is checked, and the zoom is done with <kbd class="mod1n"></kbd> + mousewheel,
215 the zoom will happen at the mouse cursor position regardless of the edit point
219 <dfn>Zoom with vertical drag in rulers</dfn> allows, when checked, to click
220 anywhere in an empty zone of the <a href="@@ruler">ruler</a> zone and drag
221 up to zoom in or down to zoom out.
224 <dfn>Double click zooms to selection</dfn> allows by double clicking, to zoom
225 on the selection, both on the time and tracks axes. If the selection has been
226 done with <kbd class="mod1n"></kbd> or <kbd class="mod3n"></kbd>, then this
227 key should still be pressed when double clicking for this to work, otherwise
228 the first click breaks the group selection.
231 <dfn>Update editor window during drags of the summary</dfn>: when
232 enabled the contents of the editor window will redraw the tracks area
233 as the selection rectangle in the <a href="@@summary">summary</a> area is
237 <dfn>Auto-scroll editor window when dragging near its edges</dfn>
238 when enabled will scroll the editor window automatically when dragging a
239 region. This can make it easier to see where to position the region.
242 <dfn>Show gain envelopes in audio regions:</dfn> sets in which
243 <a href="@@toolbox">modes</a> the gain envelope is displayed in audio regions.
244 The gain envelope is superimposed over the region in the selected modes, and
245 hidden otherwise for a better legibility.
248 <dfn>Show xrun markers in regions</dfn> puts a marker on the region(s)
249 while recording, when a buffer over/underflow happens.
255 <dfn>Editor Behavior</dfn>
258 <dfn>Move relevant automation when audio regions are moved</dfn>,
259 when enabled, causes automation data to stay with a region when the
260 region is moved inside the playlist. When disabled, the automation is
261 not affected by movement of regions.
264 <dfn>Ignore Y-axis click position when adding new automation-points</dfn>
265 allows to create new automation points at the x-position of the mouse, without
266 using the Y-position as the value, hence creating a new automation point at
270 <dfn>Default fade shape:</dfn> sets which <a href="@@create-region-fades-and-crossfades">
271 fade shape</a> is the default.
274 <dfn>Regions in active edit groups are edited together:</dfn> sets
275 the criteria to see if editing actions apply to tracks grouped together
279 <dfn>Layering model:</dfn> Ardour allows <a href="@@layering-display">layering</a>
280 multiple regions in the same track. This selector defines how these layers are
281 managed, either manually or by placing the latest on top.
287 <dfn>Split/Separate</dfn>
290 <dfn>After a Separate operation, in Range mode:</dfn> determines what
291 should become of the Range selection after a Separate operations:
293 <li>Clear the Range Selection: nothing is selected anymore</li>
294 <li>Preserve the Range Selection: the range selection is kept</li>
295 <li>Force-Select the regions under the range: the regions that
296 were in the range selection are selected in Grab/Object mode</li>
300 <dfn>After a Split operation, in Object mode:</dfn> determines which,
301 if any, regions are selected after a split operation. The options are:
303 <li>Clear the Region Selection: nothing is selected anymore</li>
304 <li>Select only the newly-created regions BEFORE the split point:
305 </li>if regions have been affected by the split, then the regions
306 created by the split before the split point is selected
307 <li>Select only the newly-created regions BEFORE the split point:
308 same as above, for the regions created after the split point</li>
309 <li>Select the newly-created regions: sum of the two above, i.e. all
310 the regions that are created as a result of the split are selected.</li>
311 <li>Preserve the existing selection, AND select all newly-created regions:
312 same as above (all the parts that have been created by the split) plus
313 the unaffected regions that were selected before the split.</li>
320 <h3 id="modifiers">Modifiers</h3>
322 This page allows to choose how things are done in the editor. This is a very
323 flexible way for Ardour to match an existing workflow, or speed up the editing
324 process based on the user's most used actions.
327 The <kbd class="menu">Reset to recommended defaults</kbd> button at the bottom
328 provides a way to revert any user made change to its default value.
331 <h2 id="preferences-mixer">Mixer</h2>
335 <dfn>Solo</dfn> contains settings that affect the use of
336 <a href="@@muting-and-soloing">solo, muting</a>, and
337 <a href="@@panning">panning</a>.
340 <dfn>Solo controls are Listen controls</dfn>: when enabled, the
341 soloed track is soloed only on the monitor bus, the master fader mix
342 is not affected by the solo. This option can also be set by enabling
343 pre-fader listen or after-fader listen in the <strong>Mixer</strong>
347 <dfn>Exclusive solo</dfn> when enabled will only solo the last
348 track selected for solo. Previously soloed tracks will be un-soloed.
349 This setting is also available from the <strong>Mixer</strong> monitor
353 <dfn>Show solo muting</dfn> when enabled outlines the mute
354 button on tracks and busses when another track is soloed.
357 <dfn>Soloing overrides muting</dfn> when enabled allows a track
358 to be heard when it is soloed while muted. This setting is also
359 available from the <strong>Mixer</strong> monitor section.
362 <dfn>Solo-in-place mute cut (dB):</dfn> sets the attenuation of
363 the other tracks when another track is soloed in place. This setting
364 is also available from the <strong>Mixer</strong> monitor section. The
365 default is "−inf" for −∞, meaning the other tracks are
369 <dfn>Listen Position:</dfn> determines what is listened to when
370 the solo controls are used as listen controls. The options are
371 after-fader or pre-fader.
374 <dfn>PFL signals come from:</dfn> determines whether the
375 pre-fader listen position is before or after the pre-fader processors.
378 <dfn>AFL signals come from:</dfn> determines whether the
379 after-fader listen position is before or after the after-fader
389 <dfn>Enable master-bus output gain control</dfn> adds a gain-stage to
390 the master-bus and a Loudness Analyzer & Normalizer button that
391 calculates the Loudness (LUFS) of the session (or a range selection),
392 and normalizes the loudness according to various standards.
398 <dfn>Default Track / Bus Muting Options</dfn> sets the muting options
399 for a newly created tracks or bus. The mute options for an existing track
400 or bus are changed by the right-click context menu on a mute button.
403 <dfn>Mute affects pre-fader sends</dfn> when enabled pre-fader
404 sends will be muted by default.
407 <dfn>Mute affects post-fader sends</dfn> when enabled post-fader
408 sends will be muted by default.
411 <dfn>Mute affects control outputs</dfn> when enabled control
412 outputs are muted by default.
415 <dfn>Mute affects main outputs</dfn> when enabled main outputs
416 are muted by default.
422 <dfn>Send Routing</dfn> affects <a href="@@aux-sends">aux and external sends</a>.
425 <dfn>Link panners of Aux and External Sends with main panner by default</dfn>
426 when enabled, sends follow the channel panner. When disabled, sends can panned
427 independently of the channel panner and fader. Double clicking the send in the
428 processor box toggles the main panner and fader between the aux send and the
436 <h2 id="preferences-signal_flow">Signal Flow</h2>
440 <dfn>Monitoring</dfn>
443 <dfn>Record monitoring handled by:</dfn> determines whether Ardour provides
444 monitoring of incoming audio or whether monitoring is provided by hardware.
445 See <a href="@@monitoring">Monitoring</a> for more information.
448 <dfn>Auto Input does 'Talkback'</dfn> when enabled, the
449 <kbd class="option">Transport > Auto Input</kbd> option also sets
450 the tracks to monitor its audio input when transport is not rolling.
456 <dfn>Track and Bus Connections</dfn>
459 <dfn>Auto-connect main output (master or monitor) bus to physical ports</dfn>
460 auto-connects the outputs to the first N physical ports. In a session without a
461 <a href="@@monitor-section">monitor section</a>, the master-bus is
462 connected to the system's playback ports, and if a monitor section exists,
463 the monitor-bus' output are connected.
466 <dfn>Connect track inputs:</dfn> allows to choose when a new track is
467 created whether its inputs will be automatically connected to the physical
468 inputs of the system or not (hence the user has to manually connect it).
471 <dfn>Connect track and bus outputs:</dfn> allows to choose, for any new
472 track or bus created, whether its output will automatically be connected
473 to the master bus, directly to the physical outputs or to nothing (the
474 user has to manually connect it).
477 <dfn>Use 'Strict-I/O' for new tracks or busses</dfn> determines the default
478 choice for the <a href="@@trackbus-signal-flow">signal flow</a> of a newly created track or bus.
479 This can be overridden in the <a href="@@adding-tracks-busses-and-vcas">
480 Add Track/Bus/VCA</a> dialog
486 <h2 id="preferences-audio">Audio</h2>
490 <dfn>Buffering</dfn> settings determine how many seconds of audio off of disk
491 will be buffered in memory. Longer settings reduce the risk of buffer
492 under-runs but consume more memory.
495 <dfn>Preset:</dfn> will automatically choose the values for the playback
496 and recording buffer based on the chosen size of the session. The
497 <strong>Custom</strong> option allows to manually select the buffers with
498 the two sliders below.
501 <dfn>Playback (seconds of buffering):</dfn> sets how many seconds of
502 audio Ardour will buffer during playback.
505 <dfn>Recording (seconds of buffering):</dfn> sets how many seconds of
506 audio Ardour will buffer during recording.
512 <dfn>Denormals</dfn> are a specific type of very small numbers that
513 can cause issues with CPU consumption when using some plugins in some
515 Ardour provides two methods of handling the issue. Trying different
516 combinations of these settings may minimize CPU consumption.
519 <dfn>Use DC bias to protect against denormals</dfn> adds a small
520 constant value to numbers to move the numbers away from zero.
523 <dfn>Processor handling:</dfn>, if the computer's hardware
524 supports it, offers two methods that can be used individually or
525 combined. Flush to zero and denormals are zero.
534 <dfn>Enable automatic analysis of audio</dfn> generates the transient
535 values (used in e.g. the <a href="@@rhythm-ferret">Rhythm Ferret</a>)
536 automatically. When unchecked, the transient values will be generated
540 <dfn>Replicate missing region channels</dfn>: if a track is N-channel,
541 and the region has fewer channels, this option copies the existing
542 channel's data for this non-existent one. If left unchecked, the missing
543 channels will stay silent.
549 <h2 id="preferences-midi">MIDI</h2>
556 <dfn>Initial program change:</dfn> Ardour will send a MIDI program
557 change message on the <code>ardour:MMC out</code> MIDI port when a session
558 is loaded and whenever this field is changed. A value of -1 means don't
559 send any program change message.
568 <dfn>Sound MIDI notes as they are selected in the editor</dfn> will play
569 any selected or added MIDI note when in Draw or Internal Edit modes. The
570 note is sent as MIDI as if Ardour was playing it withe the session, so the
571 processors and signal routing will be applied.
578 <dfn>Virtual Keyboard</dfn>
581 <dfn>Virtual Keyboard Layout:</dfn> selects which (if any) computer
582 keyboard layout is used to be mapped on the keys of the musical
583 keyboard of the Virtual Keyboard (<kbd class="menu">Window > Virtual Keyboard</kbd>).
590 <dfn>MIDI Port Options</dfn>
593 <dfn>MIDI input follows MIDI track selection</dfn> allows Ardour to automatically
594 connect the MIDI input to the selected track. Selecting a different MIDI
595 track results in Ardour disconnecting the MIDI device from the former track
596 and connecting it to the newly selected one, so that the MIDI device is
597 always connected to the selected track. Which MIDI device will follow
598 selection can be chosen below.
604 <h2 id="preferences-metronome">Metronome</h2>
608 <dfn>Metronome</dfn> handles the way Ardour's metronome is played when
609 enabled in the <a href="@@transport-bar">Transport Bar</a>.
612 <dfn>Emphasis on first beat</dfn> plays a different sound when the first
613 beat is played (e.g. 1/4 in 4/4, 1/3 in 3/4,…). When unchecked, all
614 the beats are indistinguishable.
617 <dfn>Use built-in default sounds</dfn> when checked, uses Ardour's own
618 sounds for the metronome click. Unchecking this allows to set some custom
622 <dfn>Audio file:</dfn> selects an audio file for the beats, in any
623 <a href="@@supported-file-formats">format</a> Ardour supports.
626 <dfn>Emphasis audio file:</dfn> in conjunction with
627 <kbd class="option">Emphasis on first beat</kbd>, selects an audio file
628 for the first beats of each bar.
631 <dfn>Gain level:</dfn> allows the metronome's click sounds to be boosted
641 <dfn>Enable Metronome only while recording</dfn>: when enabled, the
642 metronome will remain silent unless Ardour is recording.
648 <h2 id="preferences-metering">Metering</h2>
655 <dfn>Peak hold time:</dfn> allows the meter to keep displaying the highest
656 signal level for a period of time before reverting to showing the actual
657 instantaneous value (unless an even higher peak occurs). The longer this
658 time is, the easier it is to spot peaks, at the expense of instantaneous
662 <dfn>DPM fall-off:</dfn> describes how fast the Digital Peak Meters can
663 go from a high value to a lower one. Faster values are more accurate but
667 <dfn>Meter line-up level; 0 dBu:</dfn> chooses a standard for the
668 conversion between dBFS (Full Scale) which represent the numeric signal
669 level, and dBu which represents the analog signal level. This value is used
670 to configure meter-marks and color knee-points, or set the reference levels
671 for various meter-types.
674 <dfn>IEC1/DIN Meter line-up level; 0 dBu:</dfn> sets the reference
675 level for the IEC1/DIN Meter
678 <dfn>VU Meter standard:</dfn> selects which standard to use for the zero
679 value of the vu-meters, i.e. the analog dBu value that will show as 0 on the
683 <dfn>Peak indicator threshold [dBFS]:</dfn> at that value and over, the
684 signal will make the peak meter to turn red, indicating a level too high.
690 <dfn>Default Meter Types</dfn> sets the default meters when creating a session
691 or track. These meters can be changed afterwards by
692 <kbd class="mouse">right</kbd>-clicking a meter.
695 <dfn>Default Meter Type for Master Bus:</dfn> defines which kind of
696 <a href="@@metering-in-ardour">meter</a> will be used when creating a new
697 session (does not apply to the current session).
700 <dfn>Default Meter Type for busses:</dfn> defines which kind of
701 meter will be used when creating a new bus (applies to the bus created
702 after changing the value).
705 <dfn>Default Meter Type for tracks:</dfn> same as above, for tracks.
711 <dfn>Post Export Analysis</dfn>
714 <dfn>Save loudness analysis as image file after export</dfn> allows, when the
715 <kbd class="option">Analyze Exported Audio</kbd> is checked in the
716 <a href="@@export-dialog">Export dialog</a>, to save the analysis graph
717 as a file named <code>session.png</code> alongside the exported audio
718 file(s) (in the same folder).
721 <dfn>Save Mixer screenshot after export</dfn> creates and exports
722 a graphical image of the Mixer window as a file named
723 <code>session-mixer.png</code> alongside the exported audio file(s)
724 (in the same folder).
730 <h2 id="preferences-transport">Transport</h2>
737 <dfn>Stop at the end of the session</dfn> causes the transport to
738 stop during playback when it reaches the end marker. Behavior during
739 recording is not changed.
742 <dfn>Keep record-enable engaged on stop</dfn> leaves the global
743 record-enable engaged after transport is stopped. Does not affect track
744 level record-enable which is never changed on stop.
747 <dfn>Reset default speed on stop</dfn> when the
748 <a href="@@transport-bar">Shuttle speed control</a> is in <em>wheel</em>
749 mode, i.e. the transport speed can be constantly changed, enabling this
750 option makes these changes temporary, and the transport speed reset
751 each time the transport is stopped.
754 <dfn>Disable per-track record disarm while rolling</dfn>, when
755 enabled, will not allow the any track's record-enable to be disarmed
756 during record, preventing accidentally stopping the recording of a take.
759 <dfn>12dB gain reduction during fast-forward and fast-rewind</dfn>
760 when enabled will reduce the unpleasant increase in perceived volume
761 that occurs when fast-forwarding or rewinding through some kinds of audio.
764 <dfn>Preroll:</dfn> sets the duration of the preroll for playing and
765 recording when using a preroll. Can be a musical duration (in bars) or a
775 <dfn>Play loop is a transport mode</dfn> changes the behavior of the
776 loop button, turning it into a toggle. When enabled, the loop button does
777 not start playback but forces playback to always play the loop. Looping
778 stays engaged when the transport is stopped. Playback continues where the
779 transport stopped and continues to loop. When disabled, the loop button
780 starts playing the loop but stop then cancels loop playback.
783 <dfn>Loop Fades:</dfn> when the transport moves from the end of the loop
784 range back to the beginning, clicks might be audible. This parameter
785 allows for adding fades (in, out or cross-) to prevent those clicks.
791 <dfn>Dropout (xrun) Handling</dfn>
794 <dfn>Stop recording when an xrun occurs</dfn> will stop the transport
795 when an xrun occurs during recording, ensuring no audible glitches are
799 <dfn>Create markers where xruns occur</dfn> will create a new
800 <a href="@@working-with-markers">marker</a> when an xrun occurs during
801 recording at the location of the xrun. This marks where possible xruns
802 might produce audible glitches.
805 <dfn>Reset x-runs counter when starting to record</dfn>, when enabled,
806 sets the x-run counter in the <a href="@@status-bar">Status bar</a>
807 to 0 each time a recording is started, hence showing only the relevant
808 number of x-run while recording.
814 <dfn>Transport Masters</dfn>
816 This section defines which time source(s) Ardour should use (LTC, MTC, JACK or MIDI),
817 and the options linked to this transport master.
822 <dfn>Keep rolling if sync is lost</dfn>, when checked, forces Ardour to
823 keep its transport speed even if a transport master signal is lost.
824 Unchecking this option makes Ardour stop transport if it looses the
828 <dfn>Match session video frame rate to external timecode</dfn>
829 controls the value of the video frame rate <em>while chasing</em>
830 an external timecode source. When enabled, the session video frame rate will be
831 changed to match that of the selected external timecode source. When disabled,
832 the session video frame rate will not be changed to match that of the selected
833 external timecode source. Instead, the frame rate indication in the main clock
834 will flash red and Ardour will convert between the external timecode standard
835 and the session standard.
841 <h3 id="ltc">LTC</h3>
846 <dfn>Linear Timecode (LTC) Generator</dfn>
849 <dfn>Enable LTC generator</dfn> when enabled Ardour will
850 output an LTC timecode signal on its <em>LTC-out</em> port.
851 If this option is checked, the two options below are active:
854 <dfn>Send LTC while stopped</dfn>, when enabled Ardour will
855 continue to send LTC information even while the transport (playhead) is
859 <dfn>LTC generator level [dBFS]:</dfn> specifies the peak volume of
860 the generated LTC signal in dbFS. A good value is 0dBu=−18dbFS
861 in an EBU calibrated system.
864 <dfn>LTC Output Port:</dfn> selects to which port (if any) the
865 LTC generator will be connected by default.
871 <h3 id="sync_midi">MIDI</h3>
875 <dfn>MIDI Beat Clock (Mclk) Generator</dfn>
878 <dfn>Enable Mclk generator</dfn> when enabled Ardour will generate a
879 (tempo dependant) beat clock at a rate of 24 pulses per quarter note on
880 the <code>ardour:MIDI clock out</code> port.
886 <dfn>MIDI Time Code (MTC) Generator</dfn>
889 <dfn>Enable MTC Generator</dfn> when enabled Ardour will generate MIDI
890 time code on the <code>ardour:MTC out</code> MIDI port.
893 <dfn>Percentage either side of normal transport speed to transmit MTC:</dfn>
894 MIDI time code generation will be disabled when the transport speed is
895 greater than normal speed plus this percentage or less than normal minus
902 <dfn>MIDI Machine Control (MMC)</dfn>
905 <dfn>Respond to MMC commands</dfn> when enabled Ardour will respond
906 to MIDI Machine Control commands received on the <code>ardour:MMC in</code>
910 <dfn>Send MMC commands</dfn> when enabled Ardour will send MIDI Machine
911 Control commands on the <code>ardour:MMC out</code>
915 <dfn>Inbound MMC device ID:</dfn> is the only device ID Ardour will
916 respond to when an MMC command is received on the <code>ardour:MMC in</code>
920 <dfn>Outbound MMC device ID:</dfn> is the MIDI device ID Ardour will
921 use when it sends MMC commands.
927 <h2 id="preferences-control_surfaces">Control Surfaces</h2>
930 This tab contains settings for <a href="@@control-surfaces">control surfaces</a>.
933 It lists all the Control Surface protocols Ardour knows. To enable a
934 <dfn>Control Surface Protocol</dfn>, the <kbd class="option">Enable</kbd> checkbox
935 next to its name should be ticked. Editing the settings related to this protocol
936 can be done by double-clicking its name or clicking the <kbd class="menu">Show
937 protocol settings</kbd> (only for Generic MIDI and Open Sound Control).
941 <h2 id="preferences-plugins">Plugins</h2>
944 The content of this preference page varies heavily between versions or Ardour:
945 both the platform and the build-time options can make Ardour support some types
946 of plugins and not others. While this documentation tries to show all possible
947 options, most systems will only show a subset of the options hereunder, e.g.
948 AudioUnits are macOS only…
953 <dfn>Scan/Discover</dfn>
956 <dfn>Scan for Plugins</dfn> will initiate an immediate scan of the system
957 for available plugins. Useful to get a newly installed plugin recognised
967 <dfn>Always Display Plugin Scan Progress</dfn> When enabled a
968 popup window showing plugin scan progress is displayed for indexing
969 (cache load) and discovery (detect new plugins).
972 <dfn>Silence plugins when the transport is stopped</dfn> when stopping
973 playback or recording, if this option is checked, the plugins that still
974 emit sound (reverbs, etc…) will be stopped. If unchecked, the plugins
975 will continue playing after the transport stop.
978 <dfn>Make new plugins active</dfn> when enabled, any plugin added to a track
979 will be in active mode. If unchecked, the plugins will be added in inactive
980 mode by default, hence have no processing effect on the track/bus.
983 <dfn>Limit automatable parameters per plugin</dfn>: as some plugins
984 (synthesizers, …) have a lot of parameters, and those parameters
985 can be automated by Ardour, checking this will limit the number of parameters
986 that are listed as automatable, hence making the lists shorter and the GUI
996 <dfn>Conceal LADSPA (LV1) Plugins if matching LV2 exists</dfn> When
997 enabled, gives precedence to the LV2 (more up-to-date) version of
998 a plugin over its LV1 version, if both exists.
1004 <dfn>Plugin GUI</dfn>
1007 <dfn>Automatically open the plugin GUI when adding a new plugin</dfn>
1008 shows the plugins GUI as soon as it is added to the processing box. If
1009 unchecked, the plugin will be added in the processor box but the GUI will
1010 only be shown when <kbd class="mouse">double clicking</kbd> it.
1013 <dfn>Show Plugin Inline Display on Mixer strip by default</dfn> allows Ardour
1014 to show, in the <a href="@@audiomidi-mixer-strips">mixer strips</a>, a
1015 visual rendering of the effect. These Inline Display are a special feature
1016 of Ardour, so not all plugins are able to show this display. Most of Ardour's
1017 <a href="@@plugins-bundled-with-ardour">own plugins</a> have an Inline Display.
1018 At any time, the plugin's Inline Display can be toggled on or off by
1019 <kbd class="mod3n"></kbd>double-clicking it.
1022 <dfn>Don't automatically open the plugin GUI when the plugin has an inline
1023 display mode</dfn>: this option, available only if
1024 <kbd class="option">Automatically open the plugin GUI when adding a new plugin</kbd>
1025 is checked, supercedes it and hides the plugin GUI at creation if it has an
1026 Inline Display, like Ardour's own <code>ACE *</code> plugins.
1032 <dfn>Instrument</dfn>
1035 <dfn>Ask to replace existing instrument plugin</dfn>: if a MIDI track already
1036 has an instrument (i.e. MIDI to audio converter of some sort) and this
1037 option is checked, Ardour will detect it and offer to replace the existing
1038 instrument with the newly added one, avoiding a possible conflict.
1041 <dfn>Interactively configure instrument plugins on insert</dfn>: when inserting
1042 a multichannel instrument plugin, if this option is checked, prompts the
1043 user for the channel configuration for this plugin.
1049 <dfn>Statistics</dfn>
1052 <dfn>Reset Statistics</dfn>: clears the statistics used to determine
1053 the most used and most recently used plugins.
1056 <dfn>Plugin chart (use-count) length:</dfn> In the Mixer view's
1057 <a href="@@favorite-plugins-window">favorite plugins</a> section,
1058 determines how many plugins are displayed when in <em>Top-10 Plugins</em>
1062 <dfn>Plugin recent list length:</dfn> Same as above,
1063 when in <em>Recent Plugins</em> mode.
1069 <h3 id="vst">VST</h3>
1076 <dfn>Enable Mac VST support (requires restart or re-scan)</dfn> makes a
1077 MacOs system able to run VST-Mac plugins. As stated, a new scan for plugins
1078 is required, be it manually or by restarting Ardour.
1081 <dfn>Scan for [new] VST Plugins on Application Start</dfn> When
1082 enabled new VST plugins are searched, tested and added to the cache
1083 index on application start. When disabled new plugins will only be
1084 available after triggering a 'Scan' manually.
1087 <dfn>Verbose Plugin Scan</dfn>: adds information about the plugin in the
1088 <a href="@@status-bar">Log window</a>.
1091 <dfn>Scan Time Out</dfn> Specifies the default timeout for plugin
1092 instantiation. Plugins that require more time to load will be
1093 blacklisted. A value of ∞ disables the timeout.
1102 <dfn>VST 2 Cache:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd> button
1103 removes all VST plugins from the list of plugins available to be
1104 inserted into the processor box. A new VST plugin scan is then required.
1107 <dfn>VST 2 Blacklist:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd>
1108 button makes blacklisted VST plugins available to be added to the processor
1112 <dfn>Linux VST2 Path:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Edit</kbd> button
1113 pops up a dialog to manage the directories that will be searched for Linux
1114 VST plugins. When modified, Ardour will offer to scan those paths for plugins.
1117 <dfn>Path:</dfn> are the paths chosen above.
1120 <dfn>Windows VST Path:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Edit</kbd> button
1121 pops up a dialog to manage the directories that will be searched for Windows
1122 VST plugins. When modified, Ardour will offer to scan those paths for plugins.
1125 <dfn>Path:</dfn> are the paths chosen above.
1134 <dfn>VST 3 Cache:</dfn> Same as above, for VST 3
1137 <dfn>VST 3 Blacklist:</dfn> Same as above, for VST 3
1140 <dfn>Additional VST3 Path:</dfn> The VST 3 specs clearly define where
1141 the host application should look for plugins. Although Ardour provides a
1142 way to search other directories for plugin, it is out of spec and not
1146 <dfn>Conceal VST2 Plugin if matching LV3 exists</dfn> When
1147 enabled, gives precedence to the VST3 (more up-to-date) version of
1148 a plugin over its VST2 version, if both exists.
1154 <h3 id="audio_unit">Audio Unit</h3>
1158 <dfn>Audio Unit</dfn>
1161 <dfn>Scan for [new] AudioUnit Plugins on Application Start</dfn> When
1162 enabled, new AU plugins are searched, tested and added to the cache
1163 index on application start. When disabled, new plugins will only be
1164 available after triggering a 'Scan' manually.
1167 <dfn>AU Cache:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd> button
1168 removes all AU plugins from the list of plugins available to be
1169 inserted into the processor box. A new AU plugins scan is then required.
1172 <dfn>AU Blacklist:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd>
1173 button makes blacklisted AU plugins available to be added to the processor
1180 <h2 id="preferences-appearance">Appearance</h2>
1184 <dfn>Graphics Acceleration</dfn>
1187 <dfn>Disable Graphics Hardware Acceleration (requires restart)</dfn>
1188 Ardour uses hardware accelerated UI rendering by default for speed.
1189 Sometimes though, a buggy driver can cause this to make the system slow or
1190 unstable. Checking this will make Ardour draw its UI without
1191 hardware acceleration, in software, improving stability and responsiveness
1192 on those buggy systems at the expense of speed.
1195 <dfn>Possibly improve slow graphical performance (requires restart)</dfn>
1196 Wherever gradients appear in the UI, Ardour uses hardware accelerated
1197 gradients creation. Checking this will make Ardour draw its own gradients without
1198 hardware acceleration for stability on systems with buggy drivers.
1204 <dfn>Graphical User Interface</dfn>
1207 <dfn>Highlight widgets on mouseover</dfn>, when checked, makes Ardour's
1208 widgets (buttons, sliders, …) slightly change color when the mouse
1209 hovers them, visually indicating what a mouse action would interact with.
1212 <dfn>Show tooltips if mouse hovers over a control</dfn> when checked,
1213 displays a little help bubble about the control the mouse hovers. The mouse
1214 pointer needs to stay idle for about 1 sec for the tooltip to appear.
1217 <dfn>Update clocks at TC Frame rate</dfn>: Ardour updates its clocks every
1218 100 ms. Checking this will make the clock refresh at every TimeCode
1219 frame which is more responsive, at the cost of a bit more system stress.
1222 <dfn>Blink Rec-Arm buttons</dfn>: when enabled, the record-armed
1223 buttons on tracks will blink when they are armed but not currently recording.
1224 When disabled, the record-armed buttons on tracks will be outlined in red
1225 instead of blinking. The global record-arm button in the
1226 <a href="@@transport-bar">Transport bar</a> is unaffected.
1229 <dfn>Blink Alert indicators</dfn>: when enabled, the Alert indicators (like
1230 the <kbd class="menu">Error Log</kbd> or the <kbd class="menu">Feedback</kbd>
1231 button) will blink when they are active (when an error or feedback
1232 has been detected, respectively). When disabled, the indicators will turn red instead of
1236 <dfn>GUI and Font scaling:</dfn> allows the display size of most of the
1237 text and buttons in the user interface to be scaled up or down. May
1238 require a restart to take effect.
1244 <h3 id="appearance_editor">Editor</h3>
1251 <dfn>Use name highlight bars in region displays (requires a restart)</dfn>:
1252 when enabled, the region name is displayed, in the editor, in its own opaque bar
1253 at the bottom of the region. When disabled, the region name is overlaid
1254 at the top of the region, possibly over audio waveforms or MIDI notes.
1257 <dfn>Region color follows track color</dfn>: when enabled,
1258 the background color of regions in the editor will be displayed using
1259 the color assigned to the track. When disabled the default region
1260 background color will be used.
1263 <dfn>Show Region Names</dfn>: when enabled, overlays the name of
1264 the region over its waveform representation, in the top-left.
1267 <dfn>Track name ellipsis mode:</dfn> when the track header is not
1268 wide enough to display the track's name in full, selects how the
1269 name will be shorten between:
1271 <li><em>Ellipsize start of name</em> will show only the end of the name</li>
1272 <li><em>Ellipsize middle of name</em> will show only the start and end of the name</li>
1273 <li><em>Ellipsize end of name</em> will show only the start of the name</li>
1277 <dfn>Add a visual gap below Audio Regions:</dfn> selects whether or
1278 not the audio regions fit the height of the track or leave a gap at
1279 the bottom, either small or large.
1285 <dfn>Waveforms</dfn>
1288 <dfn>Show waveforms in regions</dfn> when enabled shows a visual
1289 representation of the region's audio waveform.
1292 <dfn>Show waveform while recording</dfn> when
1293 enabled, will draw the audio waveform in regions being recorded, in near
1294 real time. When disabled, only a region block will be drawn while recording,
1295 reducing CPU requirements.
1298 <dfn>Show waveform clipping</dfn>: when enabled the waveform
1299 displayed will show peaks marked in red if they exceed the clip level.
1302 <dfn>Waveform Clip Level (dBFS):</dfn> sets the level at which the
1303 waveform shown in an audio region will be drawn in red to indicate
1304 clipping. Setting lower than 0.0 dBFS can be useful if any tool in
1305 the audio chain has problems near 0.0 dBFS.
1308 <dfn>Waveform scale:</dfn> when waveforms are shown in audio regions,
1309 they can be displayed using a <em>linear</em> or a <em>logarithmic</em>
1310 scale. See <a href="@@waveform-display">Waveform display</a>.
1313 <dfn>Waveform shape:</dfn> when waveforms are shown in audio regions,
1314 they can be displayed using a <em>traditional</em> or a <em>rectified</em>
1315 shape. See <a href="@@waveform-display">Waveform display</a>.
1321 <dfn>Editor Meters</dfn>
1324 <dfn>Show meters in track headers</dfn>, when enabled, shows
1325 a small meter in the Editor's <a href="@@audio-track-controls">track headers</a>.
1326 The meter is shown on the right side area of the header and provides an
1327 instant, if unprecise, view of the levels on this track/bus.
1330 <dfn>Limit track header meters to stereo</dfn>: if a track has more than
1331 two outputs (e.g. with a drum plugin), limits the number of meters in the
1332 track header to the first two ones. Only affects audio meters, not MIDI.
1338 <dfn>MIDI Regions</dfn>
1341 <dfn>Display first MIDI bank/program as 0</dfn>: when patches and bank changes
1342 are displayed in the editor, if this option is checked, the numbering will
1343 be zero-based instead of one-based, i.e. banks/programs will be numbered
1344 O, 1 ,2… instead of 1, 2, 3…
1347 <dfn>Don't display periodic (MTC, MMC) SysEx messages in MIDI Regions</dfn>:
1348 if checked, will hide these control messages from the MIDI regions for better
1352 <dfn>Show velocity horizontally inside notes</dfn>: when on, each note
1353 of a MIDI region (in <em>Sustained</em> mode) displays its velocity
1354 (0-127) with a darker fill proportional to its value.
1357 <dfn>Use colors to show note velocity</dfn>: if checked, makes the
1358 saturation of the notes color proportional to its velocity, hence making
1359 a more veloce note more intense in color.
1365 <h3 id="appearance_mixer">Mixer</h3>
1369 <dfn>Mixer Strip</dfn>
1372 This table enables (checked) or disables (unchecked) the display of controls
1373 in the <a href="@@audiomidi-mixer-strips">mixer strip</a>. Controls whose
1374 display can be toggled are:
1375 <strong>Input</strong>, <strong>Phase Invert</strong>,
1376 <strong>Record & Monitor</strong>, <strong>Solo Iso/Lock</strong>,
1377 <strong>Output</strong>, <strong>Comments</strong> and VCA Assigns.
1380 <dfn>Use narrow strips in the mixer for new strips by default</dfn> When
1381 enabled, new mixer strips are created in narrow format. When disabled,
1382 they are created in wide format. Existing mixer strips width can be toggled
1383 with the width control at the top left of the mixer strip.
1386 <dfn>Limit inline-mixer-strip controls per plugin :</dfn> Whether or
1387 not, and how many, controls each plugin can show in the mixer strip.
1388 These mixer-strip controls are added by checking <em>plugin context-menu
1389 > Controls > □ control parameter</em>.
1395 <h3 id="toolbar">Toolbar</h3>
1399 <dfn>Main Transport Toolbar Items</dfn>: this section allows to toggle the
1400 visibility of some elements of the main toolbar:
1403 <dfn>Display Record/Punch Options</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1404 <a href="@@selection-and-punch-clocks#punch_controls">punch and record</a> slice of
1408 <dfn>Display Monitoring Options</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1409 <a href="@@other-toolbar-items#monitor-options">monitor options</a> slice of
1413 <dfn>Display Latency Compensation Info</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1414 Latency Compensation slice of the main toolbar.
1417 <dfn>Display Secondary Clock</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1418 <a href="@@transport-clocks">secondary clocks</a> slice of
1422 <dfn>Display Selection Clock</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1423 <a href="@@selection-and-punch-clocks#selection_clocks">selection clocks</a> slice of
1427 <dfn>Display Monitor Section Info</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1428 Monitor Info slice of the main toolbar.
1431 <dfn>Display Navigation Timeline</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1432 <a href="@@mini-timeline">navigation/mini timeline</a> slice of
1436 <dfn>Display Master Level Meter</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
1437 <a href="@@other-toolbar-items#mode_selector">selection clocks</a> slice of
1444 <dfn>Display Action-Buttons</dfn> enables or disables the visibility
1445 of the six possible columns of <a href="@@other-toolbar-items#mode_selector">Lua script buttons</a>.
1446 Each columns contains two user-assignable buttons.
1450 <h3 id="theme">Theme</h3>
1457 <dfn>Draw "flat" buttons</dfn>: when enabled, button controls
1458 in the user interface will be drawn with a flat look. When disabled button
1459 controls will have a slight 3D appearance.
1462 <dfn>Draw "boxy" buttons</dfn>: when enabled, button controls
1463 in the user interface will have square corners instead of being slightly
1467 <dfn>LED meter style</dfn> if checked, the bar meters in the editor and
1468 mixer will be styled to look like if they were made of LEDs, with a dotted
1469 bar. Unchecking this option makes the bars flat and continuous.
1472 <dfn>Waveforms color gradient depth:</dfn> determines how much gradient
1473 effect is applied to the inner of audio waveforms displayed in the editor.
1474 Values range from 0.0, no gradient effect, to 1.0, maximum effect.
1477 <dfn>Timeline item gradient depth:</dfn> Determines how much
1478 gradient effect is applied to the backgrounds of regions displayed in the
1479 editor. Values range from 0.0, no gradient effect, to 1.0, maximum effect.
1482 <dfn>Icon Set:</dfn> Changes the mouse cursor icons used to indicate
1483 different tool modes in the editor. An example would be the icons used to
1484 indicate whether the cursor will select a region or change the length of a
1491 <h3 id="colors">Colors</h3>
1498 <dfn>Color Theme</dfn> allows to switch between some presets bundled with
1499 Ardour, changing both the palette and items colors, hence styling Ardour
1503 The table allows to change the color settings in Ardour by acting on three
1507 <dfn>Items</dfn> that allow to choose any color from the palette (see below)
1508 to color a UI element. Clicking on a color sample in the <strong>Color</strong>
1509 column bring up the Palette, to choose from.
1512 <dfn>Palette</dfn> that allows to create a set of colors that will be used
1513 in the UI. Using a palette allows for better consistency, instead of
1514 picking "free" colors for each UI element. Clicking on a color patch brings
1515 up a full color selector, to assign this color to this patch of the palette.
1518 <dfn>Transparency</dfn> where possible, allows to select, with a slider,
1519 the transparency of the UI element, with 0 (slider to the left) being
1525 <dfn>Restore Defaults</dfn> turns all the palette, item colors and transparency
1526 back to Ardour's default base setting, in case Ardour's appearance has turned
1527 into a toddler's toy.
1533 <h3 id="quirks">Quirks</h3>
1537 <dfn>Various Workarounds for Windowing Systems</dfn>: As Ardour is available
1538 on a number of platforms and windowing systems, some specific workarounds are
1539 sometimes required to provide a smooth experience to the user.
1542 <dfn>Use visibility information provided by your Window Manager/Desktop</dfn>
1543 allows the system window manager's rules for the windows visibility to
1547 <dfn>All floating windows are dialogs</dfn>: when enabled, Ardour will
1548 use type "Dialog" for all floating windows instead of using type
1549 "Utility" for some of them. This may help usability with some
1550 window managers. This setting requires a restart of Ardour to take effect.
1553 <dfn>Transient windows follow front window.</dfn>: when enabled,
1554 transient windows will follow the front window when toggling between the
1555 editor and mixer. This setting requires a restart of Ardour to take effect.
1558 <dfn>Float detached monitor-section window</dfn>: as the <a href="@@monitor-section">
1559 monitor section</a> can be detached from the mixer, this option makes it a
1560 floating window, which may be handled differently by the windowing system
1561 and easier to access.
1567 <h2 id="preferences-video">Video</h2>
1571 <dfn>Video Server</dfn>
1574 <dfn>Show Video Export Info before export</dfn> Shows a warning message
1575 when exporting a video about licensing and offers to open the
1576 <a href="@@workflow-amp-operations#export">export video</a> section of
1580 <dfn>Show Video Server Startup Dialog</dfn>: when using video inside Ardour,
1581 this video is accessed via Xjadeo from a source file through a Video Server.
1582 This options shows the server's startup dialog (useful for debugging a
1583 malfunctioning video).
1586 <dfn>Advanced Setup (remote video server)</dfn> can be used when the setup
1587 is more complex than opening a local file with Ardour. The tools used behind
1588 the scene by Ardour allow a lot of flexibility, so for a competent user,
1589 the options below are provided to access a distant file (i.e. on another
1590 machine). The default options for the two following fields ("http://localhost:1554"
1591 and "/") are suitable for local files.
1594 <dfn>Video Server URL:</dfn> Base URL of the video server delivering the video
1595 through the network (<code>http://IP-or-address:port</code>).
1598 <dfn>Video folder</dfn> is the server's local path to the document-root,
1599 i.e. the files that can be delivered by the server.
1605 <dfn>Video Monitor</dfn>
1608 <dfn>Custom Path to Video Monitor (xjadeo) - leave empty for default:</dfn>
1609 Ardour bundles offer xjadeo bundled, so it should run flawlessly. Though,
1610 for custom builds or if a newer version of xjadeo is available, one can
1611 specify a path to the wanted version of xjadeo.