Chapter 7

Using Markers, Regions, and the Playlist/Cutlist

This chapter describes the use of markers, command markers, the Regions List, and the Playlist/Cutlist. These tools allow you to tag and organize audio data and make audio editing more efficient. Sound Forge® Pro software can save marker, Regions List, and Playlist/Cutlist information as metadata in most file types. You also have the option of saving the Regions List and Playlist/Cutlist to an external file.

Why use markers, regions, and the Playlist?

There are at least four reasons for you to master the use of these features:

•Rapid navigation

•Added effects for streaming media

•Multiple versions of edits

•MIDI synchronization and triggering

Rapid navigation

The most obvious use of the Regions List is for dissecting an audio file into multiple regions. Once created, regions can be selected and played in the data window. You are also able to tag important time positions with markers. This allows you to navigate large files and locate important audio events.

Added effects for streaming media

Command markers allow you to add interactivity to media streamed over the Internet by inserting metadata into streaming media files. As your file plays, any number of other actions can be triggered, including opening a Web page in a browser or displaying caption text.

Multiple versions of edits

The Playlist and Cutlist allow you to try out different edits before committing to them. You can add regions to the Playlist or Cutlist and then rearrange and audition them endlessly without requiring the software to perform an edit on the file.

Another advantage is that you can quickly save regions organized in the Playlist or Cutlist as a new file based on the finished arrangement.

MIDI synchronization and triggering

You can trigger regions created in Sound Forge software using MIDI or SMPTE timecode. This feature is used for synchronizing audio files to sequencers, MIDI controllers, or any other time-based media. For example, a MIDI trigger can be assigned to an audio file in the software and triggered by a sequencer along with other MIDI instruments. For more information, see Triggering region playback on page 255.

You can also assign SMPTE times to special effect audio files. This allows you to match audio to the action on the screen.

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