Choosing Flex Modes

Flex modes are track-based settings that determine how the audio will be altered—either by using time compression or expansion algorithms, by manipulating invisibly sliced segments, or by speeding up or slowing down the material. Your first step is to assign a flex mode to the audio track, which affects the entire contents of the track.

To assign a flex mode to an audio track
Do one of the following:
  • Click the Flex Mode button in the arrange track list, then choose a mode from the pop-up menu.

    Figure. Arrange track showing Flex Mode pop-up menu.
  • Select the Flex Mode parameter in the Track Parameter box, then choose a mode from the pop-up menu.

    Figure. Track Parameter box showing Flex Mode pop-up menu.

The flex mode you choose is assigned to all audio regions or audio take folders across the track.

Figure. Arrange area showing Rhythmic flex mode applied to two regions on a track.

Note: When you set the flex mode for a track, the Freeze Mode parameter in the Track Parameter box switches from Pre Fader to Source Only. For details about the Freeze feature, see Freezing Tracks in the Arrange Area.

After assigning a flex mode to an audio track, you have the option of isolating individual regions—or take regions in the case of take folders—from the effects of the chosen flex mode algorithm. You do this by turning off the flex mode for the individual regions or take regions.

To turn off the flex mode for individual regions, or take regions, on an audio track
  • Select a region or take region on the chosen track, then deselect the Flex checkbox in the Inspector’s Region Parameter box.

This disables all Flex Time editing properties on the region or take region.

Figure. Region Parameter box showing Flex checkbox deselected for selected region.

Note: Flex markers are disabled, but not deleted, and the region plays at its original speed.

You can also choose a flex mode and assign it to all audio tracks in the Arrange area.

To assign the same flex mode to all tracks
Do one of the following:
  • Hold down the Shift key while you open the Flex Mode pop-up menu in the arrange track list and choose a mode.

  • Hold down the Shift key while you open the Flex Mode pop-up menu in the Inspector’s Track Parameter box and choose a mode.

When you assign a flex mode to an audio track for the first time, all audio files on that track are passed through a transient detection process. Audio files on the track are scanned, transients in the audio material are detected and marked, and all information about transient positions is stored in the audio files.

Note: Transient markers are identical in all audio regions that refer to the same section of an audio file, and they are consistently present when you use that audio file in multiple projects.