For audio files containing tempo information, you can choose between different flex modes for playing back audio. Each flex mode is optimized for playback of a certain type of audio file, and you can choose which flex mode an instance of the Playback plug-in uses to play back the audio file you added. The available flex modes are:
Slicing: Slices the audio material at transient markers and plays each slice at its original speed. Slicing is a good choice for general use, particularly for rhythmic material.
Rhythmic: Based on the time-stretching algorithm used for Apple Loops, Rhythmic is best suited for playing non-monophonic material, such as rhythmic guitars, rhythmic keyboard parts, and Apple Loops.
Speed: Time-stretches material by playing the source material faster or slower, including changing the pitch. Speed is recommended for percussive material.
Polyphonic: Based on a phase vocoder, Polyphonic time-stretches material, delivering high sonic quality with suitable polyphonic material. It is recommended for complex polyphonic material and is good for all kinds of chords—such as guitar, piano, and choir—and for complex mixes.
Because each flex mode can produce different results depending on the audio material, it is recommended that you try out different flex modes for each instance of the Playback plug-in to determine which provides the best playback for your audio files.
Choose Flex Mode from the Action menu at the upper right of the plug-in window, then choose the flex mode from the submenu.
Note: For audio files that do not contain tempo information, the Flex Mode menu item is unavailable.