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Mixer
This virtual mixer has channel strips for each track, bus, and output. As Soundtrack Pro's finishing module, it's the place to tweak final fader levels, apply effects, and set panning.
It also allows the creation of submixes for processing groups of channels separately. Volume and pan changes are automatable, which makes it possible to create dynamic interest and movement in a mix.
Automation can be applied by selecting either Touch or Latch in the project controls, and moving the volume and pan controls as desired during playback.
But those who prefer tactile mixing control (like me), will be happy to hear that Soundtrack Pro is compatible with the Mackie Control Universal, an external hardware controller. I connected a Mackie Control unit, and found that Soundtrack Pro's functions are fully integrated. Once you try this, it's hard to go back to a virtual mixer, no matter how good it is. As an interesting sidenote, Soundtrack Pro's virtual mixer can record automation of control surface movements.
Conclusion
If you couldn't tell by now, I think this is a great program. It is a transparent companion to Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro and Motion that processes the audio with first-rate tools, and it does so quickly and efficiently. Anyone who uses those programs on a regular basis should have Soundtrack Pro. As a powerful extension of their audio editing capabilities, it's a no-brainer. For loop assembly and multitrack arrangement, Soundtrack Pro is equally adept. Of course, the inclusion of 5,000 Apple Loops makes this process all the more fruitful, with dozens of quality choices for nearly any kind of project.
As the program evolves, there are some things I would like to see incorporated that would make it even stronger. One feature that would prove popular with many users is the addition of Broadcast Wave format to the export options. Currently, Soundtrack Pro exports AIFF and QuickTime movie formats, although it can import Broadcast Wave files. Soundtrack Pro does have a good encoder for export, the Compressor, which permits video to be preserved or encoded to a different video format. It would also be very useful for audio-oriented users to have true multitrack recording capability, instead of just one track at a time.
Another thing on my wish list would be VST plugin compatibility, opening a wide range of additional plugins that could be used in Soundtrack Pro. Also, for composers and sound designers, the addition of a MIDI sequencer (or ReWire compatibility) would make it possible to record tracks via MIDI that could be voiced differently later on, when the producer screams that he hates the keyboard sound.
Soundtrack Pro has a solid foundation already, however. It's staked out an increasingly crucial niche, bridging the audio and video worlds better than any other program I've used. Clearly, the intersection of audio and video is the place to be, not only for professional users, but for applications as well. And that means there's a bright future for Soundtrack Pro, particularly because of its seamless exchange with Apple's other professional applications. I would highly recommend Soundtrack Pro to anyone working with audio and video. Its great control over audio file manipulation results in a much better finished product -- and besides, it's great fun to use.
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