+<figure class="right">
+ <img src="/images/preferences.png" alt="The Preferences window">
+ <figcaption>
+ The Preferences window
+ </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
<p>
Global <dfn>preferences</dfn> control general workflow and system
configuration, and should apply to all sessions. They are located in <kbd
configuration file</dfn> in the user's home directory.
</p>
-<h2 id="general">General</h2>
+<p>
+ Preferences are conveniently grouped by category:
+</p>
+
+<ul>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-general">General</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-editor">Editor</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-mixer">Mixer</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-signal_flow">Signal Flow</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-audio">Audio</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-midi">MIDI</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-metronome">Metronome</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-metering">Metering</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-transport">Transport</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-control_surfaces">Control Surfaces</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-plugins">Plugins</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-appearance">Appearance</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#preferences-video">Video</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+<h2 id="preferences-general">General</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Tempo</dfn>
<ul>
<li>
- <dfn>Allow non quarte-note pulse</dfn>: by default, Ardour understands the <a
+ <dfn>Allow non quarte
r-note pulse</dfn>: by default, Ardour understands the <a
href="@@tempo-and-meter">tempo</a> as the number of quarter notes in a minute.
Checking this option allows to set the tempo based on any division of the note,
from whole to 1/128th. This is reflected in the <kbd class="menu">Edit
The GUI can also be locked with <kbd class="menu">Session > Lock</kbd>. When
locked, a dialog will display a "Click to unlock" button.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>System Screensaver Mode:</dfn>can be used to prevent the
+ screensaver to be launched by the system, either while recording
+ (e.g. for long and unattended recording session), when Ardour is
+ simply started, or never (the screensaver is then able to start).
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<li>
<strong>Save undo history</strong> sets how many commands are saved so
they are available to be undone after reopening the session. This can
- also be unckecked to keep all actions undoable, at the cost of bigger
+ also be unchecked to keep all actions undoable, at the cost of bigger
session files.
</li>
<li>
saved.
</li>
<li>
- <strong>Always copy imported files</strong> selects, and then disables
- changes to, the <em>Copy files to session</em> option in the
- <a href="@@import-dialog">Add Existing Media</a> dialog.
+ <strong>Drag and drop import always copies files to session</strong>
+ selects, and then disables changes to, the <em>Copy files to session</em>
+
option in the <a href="@@import-dialog">Add Existing Media</a> dialog.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Default folder for new sessions:</strong> defaults the folder
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="editor">Editor</h2>
-
+<h2 id="preferences-editor">Editor</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>General</dfn>
<ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>Snap rubberband to grid</dfn> when
- enabled uses the grid when <a href="@@select-regions">selecting regions</a>
- with a rubberband rectangle.
- </li>
<li>
<dfn>Prompt for new marker names</dfn> when enabled, popup a dialog
when a new <a href="@@working-with-markers">marker</a> is created. This allows
markers to be named as they are created.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Allow dragging of the playhead</dfn>, when enabled, allows
- dragging the playhead with the mouse in the <strong>Editor</strong> window.
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Playhead dragging speed (%):</dfn> chooses how fast the canvas
+ <dfn>Auto-scroll speed when dragging playhead:</dfn> chooses how fast the canvas
scrolls when dragging the playhead outside of the visible canvas.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Limit zooming & summary view to X minutes beyond session extents</dfn>
+ <dfn>Limit zooming & summary view to X minutes beyond session extents:</dfn>
prevents the zoom out both in the editor and the summary, to show anything past
- the chosen time after the end marker, restraining the vision to only usefull
+ the chosen time after the end marker, restraining the vision to only useful
content.
</li>
<li>
The gain envelope is superimposed over the region in the selected modes, and
hidden otherwise for a better legibility.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Show xrun markers in regions</dfn> puts a marker on the region(s)
+ while recording, when a buffer over/underflow happens.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Editor Behaviour</dfn>
+ <dfn>Editor Behavior</dfn>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Move relevant automation when audio regions are moved</dfn>,
fade shape</a> is the default.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Regions in edit groups are edited together:</dfn> sets
+ <dfn>Regions in active edit groups are edited together:</dfn> sets
the criteria to see if editing actions apply to tracks grouped together
in an group.
</li>
multiple regions in the same track. This selector defines how these layers are
managed, either manually or by placing the latest on top.
</li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Split/Separate</dfn>
+ <ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>After a Separate operation, in Range mode:</dfn> determines what
+ should become of the Range selection after a Separate operations:
+ <ul>
+ <li>Clear the Range Selection: nothing is selected anymore</li>
+ <li>Preserve the Range Selection: the range selection is kept</li>
+ <li>Force-Select the regions under the range: the regions that
+ were in the range selection are selected in Grab/Object mode</li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
<li>
- <dfn>After splitting selected regions, select:</dfn> determines which,
- if any, regions are selected after a split operation. The options are no
- regions, the regions created by the split, and if more than one region
- was selected to start with, the existing selection and the new regions.
+ <dfn>After a Split operation, in Object mode:</dfn> determines which,
+ if any, regions are selected after a split operation. The options are:
+ <ul>
+ <li>Clear the Region Selection: nothing is selected anymore</li>
+ <li>Select only the newly-created regions BEFORE the split point:
+ </li>if regions have been affected by the split, then the regions
+ created by the split before the split point is selected
+ <li>Select only the newly-created regions BEFORE the split point:
+ same as above, for the regions created after the split point</li>
+ <li>Select the newly-created regions: sum of the two above, i.e. all
+ the regions that are created as a result of the split are selected.</li>
+ <li>Preserve the existing selection, AND select all newly-created regions:
+ same as above (all the parts that have been created by the split) plus
+ the unaffected regions that were selected before the split.</li>
+ </ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="modifiers">Modifiers</h3>
-
<p>
This page allows to choose how things are done in the editor. This is a very
- flexible way for Ardour to match an existing workflow, or spped up the editing
+ flexible way for Ardour to match an existing workflow, or speed up the editing
process based on the user's most used actions.
</p>
<p>
- The <kbd class="menu">Reset to recommanded defaults</kbd> button at the bottom
+ The <kbd class="menu">Reset to recommended defaults</kbd> button at the bottom
provides a way to revert any user made change to its default value.
</p>
-<h2 id="mixer">Mixer</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-mixer">Mixer</h2>
<ul>
<li>
available from the <strong>Mixer</strong> monitor section.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Solo-in-place mute cut (dB):</dfn> sets the attenuation of the
+ <dfn>Solo-in-place mute cut (dB):</dfn> sets the attenuation of
the other tracks when another track is soloed in place. This setting
is also available from the <strong>Mixer</strong> monitor section. The
default is "−inf" for −∞, meaning the other tracks are
</ul>
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Master</dfn>
+ <ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Enable master-bus output gain control</dfn> adds a gain-stage to
+ the master-bus and a Loudness Analyzer & Normalizer button that
+ calculates the Loudness (LUFS) of the session (or a range selection),
+ and normalizes the loudness according to various standards.
+ </li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+
<li>
<dfn>Default Track / Bus Muting Options</dfn> sets the muting options
for a newly created tracks or bus. The mute options for an existing track
</ul>
-<h2 id="signal_flow">Signal Flow</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-signal_flow">Signal Flow</h2>
<ul>
<li>
See <a href="@@monitoring">Monitoring</a> for more information.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Tape machine mode</dfn> when enabled defaults new audio tracks to
- tape machine mode. See <a href="@@track-types">Track Types</a> for more
- information.
+ <dfn>Auto Input does 'Talkback'</dfn> when enabled, the
+ <kbd class="option">Transport > Auto Input</kbd> option also sets
+ the tracks to monitor its audio input when transport is not rolling.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="audio">Audio</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-audio">Audio</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<li>
<dfn>Replicate missing region channels</dfn>: if a track is N-channel,
and the region has fewer channels, this option copies the existing
- channel's data for this non-existant one. If left unckecked, the missing
+ channel's data for this non-existent one. If left unchecked, the missing
channels will stay silent.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="midi">MIDI</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-midi">MIDI</h2>
<ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>Buffering</dfn>
- <ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>MIDI read-ahead time (seconds):</dfn> defines how much time of MIDI data
- must be read in advance by Ardour and put in the buffer. More time means more
- stability while playing back, at the expense of more time to buffer the data.
- This should be set to a low value for a reasonably capable machine.
- </li>
- </ul>
- </li>
-
<li>
<dfn>Session</dfn>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Initial program change:</dfn> Ardour will send a MIDI program
- change message on the <code>ardour:MMC out</code> JACK port when a session
+ change message on the <code>ardour:MMC out</code> MIDI port when a session
is loaded and whenever this field is changed. A value of -1 means don't
send any program change message.
</li>
note is sent as MIDI as if Ardour was playing it withe the session, so the
processors and signal routing will be applied.
</li>
+
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Virtual Keyboard</dfn>
+ <ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Virtual Keyboard Layout:</dfn> selects which (if any) computer
+ keyboard layout is used to be mapped on the keys of the musical
+ keyboard of the Virtual Keyboard (<kbd class="menu">Window > Virtual Keyboard</kbd>).
+ </li>
+
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>MIDI Port Options</dfn>
+ <ul>
<li>
- <dfn>Midi Audition Synth (LV2):</dfn> allows to select in the list of LV2
- instruments, which one will be used to audition MIDI when e.g. in the
- <a href="@@import-dialog">import dialog</a>.
+ <dfn>MIDI input follows MIDI track selection</dfn> allows Ardour to automatically
+ connect the MIDI input to the selected track. Selecting a different MIDI
+ track results in Ardour disconnecting the MIDI device from the former track
+ and connecting it to the newly selected one, so that the MIDI device is
+ always connected to the selected track. Which MIDI device will follow
+ selection can be chosen below.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="metronome">Metronome</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-metronome">Metronome</h2>
<ul>
<li>
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="metering">Metering</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-metering">Metering</h2>
<ul>
<li>
</li>
<li>
<dfn>VU Meter standard:</dfn> selects which standard to use for the zero
- value of the vu-meters, i.e. how manu analog dBu are considered 0 on the
+ value of the vu-meters, i.e. the analog dBu value that will show as 0 on the
VU-meter.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Post Export Analysis</dfn>
<ul>
<li>
- <dfn>Save loudness analysis as image file</dfn> allows, when the
+ <dfn>Save loudness analysis as image file after export</dfn> allows, when the
<kbd class="option">Analyze Exported Audio</kbd> is checked in the
<a href="@@export-dialog">Export dialog</a>, to save the analysis graph
as a file named <code>session.png</code> alongside the exported audio
file(s) (in the same folder).
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Save Mixer screenshot after export</dfn> creates and exports
+ a graphical image of the Mixer window as a file named
+ <code>session-mixer.png</code> alongside the exported audio file(s)
+ (in the same folder).
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="transport">Transport</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-transport">Transport</h2>
<ul>
<li>
record-enable engaged after transport is stopped. Does not affect track
level record-enable which is never changed on stop.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Reset default speed on stop</dfn> when the
+ <a href="@@transport-bar">Shuttle speed control</a> is in <em>wheel</em>
+ mode, i.e. the transport speed can be constantly changed, enabling this
+ option makes these changes temporary, and the transport speed reset
+ each time the transport is stopped.
+ </li>
<li>
<dfn>Disable per-track record disarm while rolling</dfn>, when
enabled, will not allow the any track's record-enable to be disarmed
starts playing the loop but stop then cancels loop playback.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Do seamless looping</dfn> removes any clicks that might
- otherwise be audible when the transport moves from the end of the loop
- range back to the beginning.
+ <dfn>Loop Fades:</dfn> when the transport moves from the end of the loop
+ range back to the beginning, clicks might be audible. This parameter
+ allows for adding fades (in, out or cross-) to prevent those clicks.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
recording at the location of the xrun. This marks where possible xruns
might produce audible glitches.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Reset x-runs counter when starting to record</dfn>, when enabled,
+ sets the x-run counter in the <a href="@@status-bar">Status bar</a>
+ to 0 each time a recording is started, hence showing only the relevant
+ number of x-run while recording.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
-</ul>
-
-<h2 id="sync">Sync</h2>
-
-<ul>
+
<li>
- <dfn>External Synchronization</dfn>
+ <dfn>Transport Masters</dfn>
+ <p>
+ This section defines which time source(s) Ardour should use (LTC, MTC, JACK or MIDI),
+ and the options linked to this transport master.
+ </p>
+
<ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>External timecode source</dfn> determines which external source to
- use when Ardour is using an external
- <a href="@@working-with-synchronization">synchronization</a> source.
- Depending on the timecode source chosen, the additional preference options
- below are available.
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Match session video frame rate to external timecode</dfn>
- controls the value of the video frame rate <em>while chasing</em>
- an external timecode source. When enabled, the session video frame rate will be
- changed to match that of the selected external timecode source. When disabled,
- the session video frame rate will not be changed to match that of the selected
- external timecode source. Instead, the frame rate indication in the main clock
- will flash red and Ardour will convert between the external timecode standard
- and the session standard.
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Sync-lock timecode to clock (disable drift compensation)</dfn>
- When enabled, Ardour will never varispeed when slaved to external
- timecode. Sync Lock indicates that the selected external timecode
- source shares clock-sync (Black & Burst, Wordclock, etc) with
- the audio interface. This options disables drift compensation.
- The transport speed is fixed at 1.0. Vari-speed LTC will be ignored
- and cause drift. When disabled, Ardour will compensate for potential
- drift regardless if the timecode sources shares clock sync.
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Lock to 29.9700 fps instead of 30000/1001</dfn>, when
- enabled, will force Ardour to assume the external timecode source
- uses 29.97 fps instead of 30000/1001.
- SMPTE 12M-1999 specifies 29.97 df as 30000/1001. The spec
- further mentions that drop-frame timecode has an accumulated error
- of -86 ms over a 24 hour period. Drop-frame timecode would
- compensate exactly for an NTSC color frame rate of 30 × 0.9990 (i.e.
- 29.970000). That is not the actual rate. However, some vendors use
- that rate—despite it being against the specs—because the
- variant of using exactly 29.97 fps has zero timecode drift.
- </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Keep rolling if sync is lost</dfn>, when checked, forces Ardour to
+ keep its transport speed even if a transport master signal is lost.
+ Unchecking this option makes Ardour stop transport if it looses the
+ signal.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Match session video frame rate to external timecode</dfn>
+ controls the value of the video frame rate <em>while chasing</em>
+ an external timecode source. When enabled, the session video frame rate will be
+ changed to match that of the selected external timecode source. When disabled,
+ the session video frame rate will not be changed to match that of the selected
+ external timecode source. Instead, the frame rate indication in the main clock
+ will flash red and Ardour will convert between the external timecode standard
+ and the session standard.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="ltc">LTC</h3>
<ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>Linear Timecode (LTC) Reader</dfn>
- <ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>LTC incoming port:</dfn> specifies which physical incoming port of
- the system will provide the LTC signal.
- </li>
- </ul>
- </li>
<li>
<dfn>Linear Timecode (LTC) Generator</dfn>
the generated LTC signal in dbFS. A good value is 0dBu=−18dbFS
in an EBU calibrated system.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>LTC Output Port:</dfn> selects to which port (if any) the
+ LTC generator will be connected by default.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<li>
<dfn>Enable Mclk generator</dfn> when enabled Ardour will generate a
(tempo dependant) beat clock at a rate of 24 pulses per quarter note on
- the <code>ardour:MIDI clock out</code> JACK port.
+ the <code>ardour:MIDI clock out</code> port.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Enable MTC Generator</dfn> when enabled Ardour will generate MIDI
- time code on the <code>ardour:MTC out</code> JACK port.
+ time code on the <code>ardour:MTC out</code> MIDI port.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Percentage either side of normal transport speed to transmit MTC:</dfn>
<li>
<dfn>Respond to MMC commands</dfn> when enabled Ardour will respond
to MIDI Machine Control commands received on the <code>ardour:MMC in</code>
- JACK port.
+ MIDI port.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Send MMC commands</dfn> when enabled Ardour will send MIDI Machine
Control commands on the <code>ardour:MMC out</code>
- JACK port.
+ MIDI port.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Inbound MMC device ID:</dfn> is the only device ID Ardour will
respond to when an MMC command is received on the <code>ardour:MMC in</code>
- JACK port.
+ MIDI port.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Outbound MMC device ID:</dfn> is the MIDI device ID Ardour will
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="control_surfaces">Control Surfaces</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-control_surfaces">Control Surfaces</h2>
<p>
This tab contains settings for <a href="@@control-surfaces">control surfaces</a>.
protocol settings</kbd> (only for Generic MIDI and Open Sound Control).
</p>
-<h2 id="midi_ports">MIDI Ports</h2>
-
-<ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>MIDI Port Options</dfn>
- <ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>MIDI input follows MIDI track selection</dfn> allows Ardour to automatically
- connect the MIDI input to the selected track. Selecting a different MIDI
- track results in Ardour disconnecting the MIDI device from the former track
- and connecting it to the newly selected one, so that the MIDI device is
- always connected to the selected track. Which MIDI device will follow
- selection can be chosen below.
- </li>
- </ul>
- </li>
-
- <li>
- <dfn>MIDI Inputs</dfn> This is a list of all the MIDI devices connected as
- inputs (capture devices) to Ardour. For each devices, there are 3 checkboxes:
- <ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>Music Data</dfn> if checked, Ardour will consider this device as a source
- for musical data input (notes, etc…)
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Control Data</dfn> if checked, Ardour will consider this device as a source
- for control data input (play/stop, etc…)
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Follow selection</dfn> if the above
- <kbd class="option">MIDI input follows MIDI track selection</kbd> is
- checked, Ardour will make this device follow track selection.
- </li>
- </ul>
- </li>
-
- <li>
- <dfn>MIDI Outputs</dfn> This is a list of all the MIDI devices connected as
- outputs (playback devices) to Ardour. For each devices, there are 2 checkboxes:
- <ul>
- <li>
- <dfn>Music Data</dfn> if checked, Ardour will consider this device as a target
- for musical data output (notes, etc…)
- </li>
- <li>
- <dfn>Control Data</dfn> if checked, Ardour will take this device as a target
- for control data output (play/stop, etc…)
- </li>
- </ul>
- </li>
-</ul>
-<h2 id="plugins">Plugins</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-plugins">Plugins</h2>
<p class="note">
The content of this preference page varies heavily between versions or Ardour:
both the platform and the build-time options can make Ardour support some types
of plugins and not others. While this documentation tries to show all possible
options, most systems will only show a subset of the options hereunder, e.g.
- AudioUnits are MacOs only…
+ AudioUnits are macOS only…
</p>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Scan for Plugins</dfn> will initiate an immediate scan of the system
- for available plugins. Usefull to get a newly installed plugin recognised
+ for available plugins. Useful to get a newly installed plugin recognised
by Ardour.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>LV1/LV2</dfn>
+ <ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Conceal LADSPA (LV1) Plugins if matching LV2 exists</dfn> When
+ enabled, gives precedence to the LV2 (more up-to-date) version of
+ a plugin over its LV1 version, if both exists.
+ </li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
<li>
<dfn>Plugin GUI</dfn>
only be shown when <kbd class="mouse">double clicking</kbd> it.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Show Plugin Inline Display on Mixestrip by default</dfn> allows Ardour
+ <dfn>Show Plugin Inline Display on Mixer strip by default</dfn> allows Ardour
to show, in the <a href="@@audiomidi-mixer-strips">mixer strips</a>, a
visual rendering of the effect. These Inline Display are a special feature
of Ardour, so not all plugins are able to show this display. Most of Ardour's
<dfn>Don't automatically open the plugin GUI when the plugin has an inline
display mode</dfn>: this option, available only if
<kbd class="option">Automatically open the plugin GUI when adding a new plugin</kbd>
- is checked, superseeds it and hides the plugin GUI at creation if it has an
- Inline Display, like Ardour's own <code>a-*</code> plugins.
+ is checked, supercedes it and hides the plugin GUI at creation if it has an
+ Inline Display, like Ardour's own <code>ACE *</code> plugins.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Statistics</dfn>
+ <ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Reset Statistics</dfn>: clears the statistics used to determine
+ the most used and most recently used plugins.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Plugin chart (use-count) length:</dfn> In the Mixer view's
+ <a href="@@favorite-plugins-window">favorite plugins</a> section,
+ determines how many plugins are displayed when in <em>Top-10 Plugins</em>
+ mode.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Plugin recent list length:</dfn> Same as above,
+ when in <em>Recent Plugins</em> mode.
+ </li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="vst">VST</h3>
<li>
<dfn>Scan Time Out</dfn> Specifies the default timeout for plugin
instantiation. Plugins that require more time to load will be
- blacklisted. A value of &infinity; disables the timeout.
+ blacklisted. A value of ∞ disables the timeout.
</li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>VST 2.x</dfn>
+ <ul>
<li>
- <dfn>VST Cache:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd> button
+ <dfn>VST 2 Cache:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd> button
removes all VST plugins from the list of plugins available to be
- inserted into the processor box. A new VST plugins scan is then required.
+ inserted into the processor box. A new VST plugin scan is then required.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>VST Blacklist:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd>
+ <dfn>VST 2 Blacklist:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd>
button makes blacklisted VST plugins available to be added to the processor
box.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Linux VST Path:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Edit</kbd> button
+ <dfn>Linux VST2 Path:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Edit</kbd> button
pops up a dialog to manage the directories that will be searched for Linux
VST plugins. When modified, Ardour will offer to scan those paths for plugins.
</li>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
+
+ <li>
+ <dfn>VST 3</dfn>
+ <ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>VST 3 Cache:</dfn> Same as above, for VST 3
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>VST 3 Blacklist:</dfn> Same as above, for VST 3
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Additional VST3 Path:</dfn> The VST 3 specs clearly define where
+ the host application should look for plugins. Although Ardour provides a
+ way to search other directories for plugin, it is out of spec and not
+ recommanded.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Conceal VST2 Plugin if matching LV3 exists</dfn> When
+ enabled, gives precedence to the VST3 (more up-to-date) version of
+ a plugin over its VST2 version, if both exists.
+ </li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="audio_unit">Audio Unit</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Scan for [new] AudioUnit Plugins on Application Start</dfn> When
- enabled new AU plugins are searched, tested and added to the cache
- index on application start. When disabled new plugins will only be
- available after triggering a 'Scan' manually.
+ enabled, new AU plugins are searched, tested and added to the cache
+ index on application start. When disabled, new plugins will only be
+ available after triggering a 'Scan' manually.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>AU Cache:</dfn> Clicking the <kbd class="menu">Clear</kbd> button
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="appearance">Appearance</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-appearance">Appearance</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Graphics Acceleration</dfn>
<ul>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Disable Graphics Hardware Acceleration (requires restart)</dfn>
+ Ardour uses hardware accelerated UI rendering by default for speed.
+ Sometimes though, a buggy driver can cause this to make the system slow or
+ unstable. Checking this will make Ardour draw its UI without
+ hardware acceleration, in software, improving stability and responsiveness
+ on those buggy systems at the expense of speed.
+ </li>
<li>
<dfn>Possibly improve slow graphical performance (requires restart)</dfn>
- Ardour uses hardware accelerated gradient creation by default for speed.
- Sometimes though, a buggy driver can cause this to make the system slow or
- unstable. Checking this will make Ardour draw its own gradients without
- hardware acceleration, improving stability and responsiveness on those
- buggy systems.
+ Wherever gradients appear in the UI, Ardour uses hardware accelerated
+ gradients creation. Checking this will make Ardour draw its own gradients without
+ hardware acceleration for stability on systems with buggy drivers.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Blink Alert indicators</dfn>: when enabled, the Alert indicators (like
the <kbd class="menu">Error Log</kbd> or the <kbd class="menu">Feedback</kbd>
- button) will blink when they are active (when resp. an error or a feedback
- has been detected) When disabled, the indicators will turn red instead of
+ button) will blink when they are active (when an error or feedback
+ has been detected, respectively). When disabled, the indicators will turn red instead of
blinking.
</li>
<li>
<li>
<dfn>Use name highlight bars in region displays (requires a restart)</dfn>:
when enabled, the region name is displayed, in the editor, in its own opaque bar
- at the bottom of the region. When disabled, the region name is overlayed
+ at the bottom of the region. When disabled, the region name is overlaid
at the top of the region, possibly over audio waveforms or MIDI notes.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Region color follows track color</dfn>: when enabled,
- the background color of regions in the editor will be displayed using the
+ the background color of regions in the editor will be displayed using
the color assigned to the track. When disabled the default region
background color will be used.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Show Region Names</dfn>: when enabled, overlays the name of
+ the region over its waveform representation, in the top-left.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Track name ellipsis mode:</dfn> when the track header is not
+ wide enough to display the track's name in full, selects how the
+ name will be shorten between:
+ <ul>
+ <li><em>Ellipsize start of name</em> will show only the end of the name</li>
+ <li><em>Ellipsize middle of name</em> will show only the start and end of the name</li>
+ <li><em>Ellipsize end of name</em> will show only the start of the name</li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Add a visual gap below Audio Regions:</dfn> selects whether or
+ not the audio regions fit the height of the track or leave a gap at
+ the bottom, either small or large.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
if checked, will hide these control messages from the MIDI regions for better
legibility.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Show velocity horizontally inside notes</dfn>: when on, each note
+ of a MIDI region (in <em>Sustained</em> mode) displays its velocity
+ (0-127) with a darker fill proportional to its value.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Use colors to show note velocity</dfn>: if checked, makes the
+ saturation of the notes color proportional to its velocity, hence making
+ a more veloce note more intense in color.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
they are created in wide format. Existing mixer strips width can be toggled
with the width control at the top left of the mixer strip.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Limit inline-mixer-strip controls per plugin :</dfn> Whether or
+ not, and how many, controls each plugin can show in the mixer strip.
+ These mixer-strip controls are added by checking <em>plugin context-menu
+ > Controls > □ control parameter</em>.
+ </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
the main toolbar.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Display Monitor Options</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
+ <dfn>Display Monitoring Options</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
<a href="@@other-toolbar-items#monitor-options">monitor options</a> slice of
the main toolbar.
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Display Selection Clock</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
- <a href="@@selection-and-punch-clocks#selection_clocks">selection clocks</a> slice of
- the main toolbar.
+ <dfn>Display Latency Compensation Info</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
+ Latency Compensation slice of the main toolbar.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Display Secondary Clock</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
<a href="@@transport-clocks">secondary clocks</a> slice of
the main toolbar.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Display Selection Clock</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
+ <a href="@@selection-and-punch-clocks#selection_clocks">selection clocks</a> slice of
+ the main toolbar.
+ </li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Display Monitor Section Info</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
+ Monitor Info slice of the main toolbar.
+ </li>
<li>
<dfn>Display Navigation Timeline</dfn> toggles the visibility of the
<a href="@@mini-timeline">navigation/mini timeline</a> slice of
</li>
<li>
- <dfn>Lua Action Script Button Visibility</dfn> enables or disables the visibility
- of the
four columns of <a href="@@other-toolbar-items#mode_selector">Lua script buttons</a>.
+ <dfn>Display Action-Buttons</dfn> enables or disables the visibility
+ of the
six possible columns of <a href="@@other-toolbar-items#mode_selector">Lua script buttons</a>.
Each columns contains two user-assignable buttons.
</li>
</ul>
in the user interface will be drawn with a flat look. When disabled button
controls will have a slight 3D appearance.
</li>
+ <li>
+ <dfn>Draw "boxy" buttons</dfn>: when enabled, button controls
+ in the user interface will have square corners instead of being slightly
+ rounded.
+ </li>
<li>
<dfn>LED meter style</dfn> if checked, the bar meters in the editor and
mixer will be styled to look like if they were made of LEDs, with a dotted
- bar. Unckeking this option makes the bars flat and continuous.
+ bar. Unchecking this option makes the bars flat and continuous.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Waveforms color gradient depth:</dfn> determines how much gradient
<li>
<dfn>Use visibility information provided by your Window Manager/Desktop</dfn>
allows the system window manager's rules for the windows visibility to
- superseed Ardour's.
+ supercede Ardour's.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>All floating windows are dialogs</dfn>: when enabled, Ardour will
</li>
</ul>
-<h2 id="video">Video</h2>
+<h2 id="preferences-video">Video</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>
<dfn>Show Video Export Info before export</dfn> Shows a warning message
- when exporting a video about licencing and offers to open the
+ when exporting a video about licensing and offers to open the
<a href="@@workflow-amp-operations#export">export video</a> section of
this manual.
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Show Video Server Startup Dialog</dfn>: when using video inside Ardour,
this video is accessed via Xjadeo from a source file through a Video Server.
- This options shows the server's startup dialog (usefull for degbugging a
- malfunctionning video).
+ This options shows the server's startup dialog (useful for debugging a
+ malfunctioning video).
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Advanced Setup (remote video server)</dfn> can be used when the setup
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Video Server URL:</dfn> Base URL of the video server delivering the video
- through the network (<code>http://IP-or-adress:port</code>).
+ through the network (<code>http://IP-or-address:port</code>).
</li>
<li>
<dfn>Video folder</dfn> is the server's local path to the document-root,
projects / ardour-manual / blobdiff