Cakewalk Next: Understanding Track Types

Tracks are the building blocks of your project in Cakewalk Next — they hold your recordings, loops, MIDI data, and instruments. Knowing the different types of tracks and their functions will help you create and organize your music more effectively. Let’s dive into each one! 

Audio Tracks

Audio tracks are used to record or import sound from external sources like microphones, guitars, or any instrument connected to your audio interface.

• Common Uses: Recording vocals, live instruments, or external hardware synths.
• Input Source: Select your mic or instrument input.
• FX and Processing: Add effects like reverb, EQ, or compression.
• Waveform View: See your audio as a waveform for easy editing.
  
  

Tip: Use separate audio tracks for each instrument or vocal to make mixing easier.

Instrument Tracks

Instrument tracks are for virtual instruments (VSTs). They combine a MIDI track and a corresponding audio output into a single track.

• Common Uses: Synths, drum machines, piano plugins.
• MIDI Input: Play with a MIDI keyboard or program notes in the Piano Roll.
• Instrument Selection: Load virtual instruments directly into the track.
  
   

Tip: Use the Piano Roll to fine-tune your MIDI notes.

Sampler Tracks

Sampler tracks let you trigger samples, loops, or one-shots using MIDI.

• Common Uses: Chopping drum loops, triggering sound effects.
• Drag & Drop Samples: Load audio clips or loops directly onto the track.
• Playback Modes: Stretch, pitch, or reverse samples.
  
  

Tip: Use the Loop Browser to find royalty-free loops to enhance your project.

Pad Controller Tracks

Pad controller tracks turn your MIDI controller into a beat pad for live triggering.

• Common Uses: Finger drumming, triggering loops or instrument layers.
• Pad Layout: Map up to 16 pads.
• Layering Sounds: Stack multiple sounds on a single pad for dynamic performance.
  
  

Tip: Use velocity sensitivity to add dynamics to your beats.

Bus Tracks

Bus tracks are used for grouping multiple tracks and applying effects or volume adjustments collectively.

• Common Uses: Creating drum buses, vocal buses, or effects sends.
• Send/Return Routing: Send audio from multiple tracks to a bus.
• Global FX Processing: Add reverb, delay, or compression to multiple tracks at once.
  
  Tip: Use buses to keep your project organized and simplify mixing.

Track Folders

Track folders are not audio or MIDI tracks themselves, but they help organize your workspace by grouping related tracks.

• Common Uses: Grouping all drum tracks, guitar layers, or vocal harmonies.
• Composite View: See all clips in the folder as a single view.
• Folder Controls: Apply mute, solo, or volume changes to the entire folder.
  
  

Tip: Use folders to reduce visual clutter and speed up your workflow.