Tracks, V-Tracks, and Master Tracks

Talking About Tracks

Throughout this section, when I mention tracks by number, I'll use the following nomenclature :

Track #.V-Track # for single tracks. (i.e., V-Track 6.1)

Track #/#.V-Track # for linked tracks. (i.e., V-Track 23/24.16)

There are 24 tracks that can play simultaneously , and each of the 24 tracks has 16 V-Tracks from which to choose. The Master tracks actually consume some of tracks 23 and 24's V-Track allotments.

The Master tracks may be in either the "native" format of the project or in 16-bit CDR audio format. 16-bit CDR format tracks are identified with an asterisk (*) next to the V-Track number. Once a Master track has been recorded on, its mode (native or CDR) cannot be changed, even if the data on the tracks has been deleted. After deleting the Master tracks with the undesired mode, optimizing the project will allow the mode change to occur.

Master tracks in the native project format may be played along with any other tracks in the project, making them useful for sub- mixes . For example, you could create a mix of three background vocals with effects to V-Tracks 23/24.16, then phrase move the stereo pair to another linked pair of channels for inclusion in the mix, freeing up V-Tracks 23/24.16 for future mastering use.

Even though the Master tracks consume V-Tracks from tracks 23 and 24, any V-Track not currently designated as the Master tracks may be included in your mix. You can have a stereo drum mix on V-Tracks 23/24.1 and still use V-Tracks 23/24.16 as your Master tracks.