Basic multitrack controls

Multitrack sessions can include four different types of tracks:

• Video tracks  contain an imported video clip. A session can include one video track and clip at a time. You can watch a preview in the Video panel (Window > Video).

• Audio tracks  contain either imported audio or clips recorded in the current session. These tracks offer the widest range of controls. You can specify inputs and outputs, apply effects and equalization, route audio to sends and buses, and automate mixes.

• Bus tracks  let you combine the outputs of several audio tracks or sends and control them collectively.

• The Master track , which is the last in each session, lets you easily combine the outputs of multiple tracks and buses. You can also control them with a single fader.

For more information, see Routing audio to buses, sends, and the Master track.

Multitrack sessions support an unlimited number of mono, stereo, and 5.1 audio and bus tracks. When adding tracks, choose a channel configuration based on the configuration of the Master track:

• For mono masters, add mono audio and bus tracks.

• For stereo masters, add stereo audio and bus tracks. Except for audio tracks with mono sources (like a single microphone).

• For 5.1 masters, add stereo audio tracks and 5.1 bus tracks (to maintain proper gain staging). If you have any 5.1 audio clips, however, add 5.1 audio tracks to contain them.

For information about converting a waveform between surround, stereo, and mono, see the following:

• Convert a waveform between surround, stereo, and mono.

• To add a track, select the track you want to precede it, and then choose Multitrack > Track > Add [type of] Track.

• To add multiple tracks, choose Multitrack > Add Tracks. You can enter the number of tracks you want to add and the channel layout. Audition also lets you add Bus tracks. You can also choose the channel layout for Bus tracks.

• To delete a track, select the track and choose Multitrack > Track > Delete Selected Track.

To delete all empty tracks at once, select Multitrack > Delete empty tracks.

For more information, see the following:

• Insert an audio file into a multitrack session

• Insert a video file into a multitrack session

You can name tracks to better identify them, or move them to display related tracks together.

• In the Editor panel or Mixer, type in the name text box.

• Position the pointer to the left of the track name, and then drag either up or down in the Editor panel. You can also drag them right or left in the Mixer.

While working on the multitrack editor, you can use the Tracks panel to customize tracks. You can use the panel to choose the tracks you want to see or hide while working on a project. To open the Tracks panel, follow this step:

• Select Windows > Tracks.

Use Track Visibility to see the available presets for tracks. To open Track Visibility options, do one of the following:

• To open Track Visibility from Tracks panel, select the Tracks pop-up window> Track Visibility.
• To open Track Visibility from Editor panel, select the Editor pop-up window > Track Visibility.
• To open Track Visibility from the main menu, select Multitrack > Track Visibility.

To save custom presets, select Track Visibility > Save > Preset. You can save up to nine presets.

To hide tracks, use the eye icon.  indicates that the track is visible, and  indicates that the track is hidden.

When you use the vertical Zoom options in the lower right of the Editor panel, all tracks zoom simultaneously. If a session contains many tracks, it is advised to zoom them individually.

• In the track controls, drag the top or bottom border of the track up or down.

You can mute solo tracks to hear them separately from the rest of a mix. Conversely, you can mute tracks to silence them in a mix.

• To mute a track, click its Mute button  in the Editor panel or Mixer.
• To solo a track, click its Solo button  in the Editor panel or Mixer. To automatically remove other tracks from Solo mode, Ctrl‑click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS).

  Tip: To remove other tracks from Solo mode by default, select Track Solo: Exclusive in the Multitrack section of the Preferences dialog box. (Regardless of this setting, when you solo a bus, assigned tracks are always placed in Solo mode.)

To increase your efficiency, you can quickly apply several settings to an entire session.

For more information, see the following:

• Assign audio inputs and outputs to tracks

• Record audio clips in the Multitrack Editor

• Drag the Pan knob  in the Editor panel or Mixer.

To change settings in large increments, hold down Shift. To change settings in small increments, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (MacOS)

Tip: By default, the Multitrack Editor pans using an equal power method, which maintains consistent perceived loudness by slightly boosting one channel over the other. To change the boost amount, or switch to logarithmic panning (which simply attenuates one channel), change Panning Mode in the Multitrack preferences.

To perfectly copy all clips, effects, equalization, and envelopes in a track, duplicate it. Duplicate tracks provide a great starting point for new adjustments, helping you compare different processing and automation settings.