[CLOSED] Cakewalk 2021.09 Early Access [Updated to build 114]

[Morten Saether]

[UPDATE 22-Sep-2021: version 2021.09 has been released]

We're pleased to announce Early Access for 2021.09! This release introduces enhanced audio file export, including batch exporting, filename tokens,  and a completely redesigned Export Audio dialog box,  improved AudioSnap transient detection,  lots of other enhancements and optimizations, and several bug fixes.

This is a huge update with major enhancements to audio export workflow, as well as improvements to AudioSnap transient detection, so we'd love to for you to check it out and offer feedback before we drop the official public version. 

Please note that Early Access installers are update installers, which only update from a specific version. To install the 2021.09 Early Access build, you must be on the latest public release of 2021.06. 

Download Cakewalk 2021.09 EA installer

Should you need to revert to the 2021.06 release, you can download the Cakewalk 2021.06 Rollback installer.

If you haven't already done so, please read about the Early Access Program before participating.
Please keep responses specific to problems or comments on this release. Unrelated bugs or feature requests should be posted in other threads or the feature request channel.

Thanks again for your participation!
The Bakers

 

---

Update September 5 2021:

2021.09 Early Access build 27.09.0.114

Bug fixes

• Fixed a regression with exporting task queues when the task was created with no selection made, leading to an empty exported file.
• Export toast notification now respects the Show Toast Notifications setting in Edit > Preferences > Customization - Display.

 

---

Update September 4 2021:

2021.09 Early Access build 27.09.0.112

Bug fixes

• Bouncing or exporting audio in real time could cause a crash or unexpected behavior in some projects due to a race condition.

 

---

Update September 3 2021:

2021.09 Early Access build 27.09.0.111

 

Export Audio dialog changes

• In the What to Export section, Track Folders has been added as a source category. This setting exports the tracks in each of the selected track folders as heard through the entire mix, as separate files. This provides yet another convenient way to export stems without modifying the source project.
• In the Format section, the Bounce Buffer Size settings only applies when Render in Real-time is disabled.  The playback latency buffer size is used when Render in Real-time is enabled.
• Clicking the blank space in a section header no longer expands/collapses the panel.
• In the filename tag pop-up panel, the DATE 1-5 buttons have been streamlined to 3 buttons (plus custom):
  • YYYYMMDD
  • MMDDYYYY
  • DDMMYYYY

 

Improved handling of aux tracks and sidechains when exporting or soloing tracks

When exporting with source category Tracks, sidechain or aux track sends or outputs are now properly included in the export for the track containing the sidechain.  The same applies to aux tracks. Please note that it is still necessary for the sending tracks to be included in the tracks exported.

When soloing a track that contains a sidechain plugin, any sends from other tracks in the project are now automatically included, similarly to how it behaves with sends to aux tracks.

 

Bug fixes

File export and bounce

• MIDI data sent to soft synths was not rendered properly when exporting the entire project if the now time was non zero
• When using a bounce buffer size higher than the playback buffer size, the buffer size was incorrectly computed when using mono plugins leading to missing data in the bounce.
• Sidechains are not rendered when fast bouncing with Bounce/Export source category is set to Tracks.
• Aux tracks are not rendered with export as Tracks.
• Collapsed filename summary not updating after recalling task.
• Tooltips hidden in Export Audio dialog if toast notification is visible.
• Tooltip can hide Overwrite Existing File prompt in Export Audio dialog.
• Bounce Buffer Size cannot be set to zero by manual entry.
• Tracks in selection are excluded from bounce/export unexpectedly.
• Step Sequencer clips render incorrectly with fast bounce (Render in Real-time disabled).

Misc.

• Unable to copy/paste multiple Arranger tracks between projects.
• Modal message boxes do not always disable the main app window.
• Export video does not include audio.

 

Should you need to revert to the 2021.06 release, you can download the Cakewalk 2021.06 Rollback installer.

 

---

Update August 27 2021:

2021.09 Early Access build 27.09.0.099

 

Bug fixes

File export

• File export with Split Mono channel format no longer working
• Cannot run task with Tracks Through Entire Mix source category
• Subsequent export complete toast notifications not showing after dismissing
• Settings not recalled correctly when using DSD format
• Sample Rate should not be editable when format is DSD
• Cancel button in Export Audio dialog unresponsive during task execution

Misc.

• Controls in Offset Tempo Map dialog are not legible
• Effect bin menus have dark background
• Cannot copy special selection with tempos from SONAR to Cakewalk

 

Should you need to revert to the 2021.06 release, you can download the Cakewalk 2021.06 Rollback installer.

 

---

 

2021.09 Highlights

 

• New export audio features 
• Improved AudioSnap transient detection
• Misc. enhancements
• Bug fixes

 

New export audio features 

The Export Audio feature has been greatly improved and optimized to handle the most demanding rendering tasks. Highlights:

• An intuitive new UI with collapsible panels to make it easier to get to the most commonly used features,.
• Task queues for export automation.
• Complete control over output file names using tag based file name presets.
• New additional export categories available:
  • "Tracks Through Entire Mix" for track stems, exports the audio from each chosen track as heard through the main output. This is a useful way to create track stems as heard through master effects.
  • "Arranger sections" allows you to export each individual arrangement section as a separate audio file.
• Export uses significantly less memory and runs faster by eliminating making an extra copy of the project in memory.
• Support for setting the export buffer size independently from the audio driver buffer size. Setting a higher export buffer size can significantly speed up export operations. (Max size is 350 msec).
• Convenient access to select and mute or solo tracks directly from the export UI.
• Set export time ranges or export entire project directly from the export UI. 
• Automatic effects tail flushing is now part of export/bounce to prevent left over effects tails from leaking into exports or being heard.
• New default Export Audio Files folder setting in Edit > Preferences > File - Folder Locations.
• Toast notification on export completion with link to the completed render.

More details:

• Related settings are organized into collapsible panels. The size, position and expanded state of each section is remembered once you close the dialog.
• The task queue allows you to create multiple export tasks and run them all as a batch. A task in the export queue contains the set of export settings including the mix settings, export file name, selection, location, and the time range. The export queue is saved in the project and can be recalled and re-executed. Any prompts appear at the time of adding the task, so you can run the whole queue without any user intervention.
• To batch export all tasks in the task queue, click Run Tasks.
• To export a single job with the current export settings, click Export. 
• Filename and location are shown as two separate fields. Filename is the name of the file you want your exported audio to be called, and location is the directory where it should be saved.
  • When you first open the dialog, the location will be set to the default location as specified in Edit > Preferences > File - Folder Locations under Export Audio Files. The default is \Audio Exports under the current project directory, where the current project folder is indicated by the %PROJECTFOLDER% environment variable.
  • You can change the export directory by clicking on the browse location button , and this location will be remembered for the duration of the project’s session. You can change the global export location for all projects with the Export Audio Files path in Edit > Preferences > File - Folder Locations.
• Filename tokens. Filenames now support substitution tags for common project and export properties. You can type tags directly into the filename edit box, or use the filename builder pop-up to add them for you. You can still type while this pop-up is showing, so you can mix literal characters with tags, or use backspace to correct any mistakes.
  • Filename presets let you save and recall custom filename formats.
  • The filename itself now supports both literal characters and substitution tags (“tokens”). Substitution tags replace tags within the filename with common project and export properties. Each tag is contained within curly brackets.
  • You can type in the tags directly into the filename edit box, or use the filename builder pop-up to add them for you. It’s worth mentioning that you can still type while this pop-up is showing, so you can mix literal characters with tags, or use backspace to correct any mistakes.
  • A preview of the first audio export filename is shown below the filename edit box.
  • The filename builder pop-up also support filename presets, so you can easily recall a formatted filename by selecting it from the drop-down. As with all Cakewalk presets, you can save new presets, replace existing ones, or delete one’s you don’t want.
• Export presets can now store a default filename.
• In addition to arrangements, individual Arranger sections are available as an export category. This allows you to export each individual section as a separate audio file.
• Under Format, the Bounce Buffer Size (ms) setting is used to specify the audio buffer size that will be used during export. A larger buffer size will speed up the export process, but will use more memory. Specifying zero will use the current playback buffer size.
• Tracks Through Entire Mix has been added as a new source category under What to Export. It exports individual tracks including all downstream bus effects and automation. The result is the same as if you solo one track at a time during export.
• When exporting multiple files as MP3 or Windows Media Advanced Streaming (WMA) format, the Export Options dialog box has a new Use These Settings for All option that lets you apply the same settings to all files instead of prompting for each file.
• Export works on the current project selection. The What to Export panel contains a fly-out project selection editor. This allows you to modify the current track selection and the mute and solo status of each track and bus, without exiting the Export Audio dialog box. This is especially convenient if you if you want to create several tasks, each with a different selection, or if you want to export multiple stems. Simply solo the tracks that you want to include in the stem, then add as a new task.
  • A track that is checked means it’s included in the selection. If all the tracks are unchecked, that means there is no selection, and all tracks will be available.
  • Changing the project selection changes which source items are available.
  • A note about selection and the Tracks export category: When the source category is Tracks, the project selection has a special meaning:
    • Having a project selection means there is also a time selection. So if you have tracks selected in your project selection, then all the tracks chosen in your audio source will be exported at exactly the length of the selection. In other words, the length of each tracks’ audio file will be the same.
    • If you have nothing selected in your project, then no specific export time range has been set, and the length of each tracks’ audio file will be the length of each individual track.
• To the right of the What to export drop-down is a search filter, which lets you search for a particular track, bus, arrangement, section, or Mix Recall preset, should you have a large number of sources to search through.
  • Tip: To quickly select all/none in the source list, hold down CTRL+SHIFT and click any checkbox. To select all, press CTRL+A. To check/uncheck the selected sources, press SPACEBAR.
• The Range panel specifies the time range to be exported. The drop-down provides the following choices:
  • Entire Project =  The entire length of the project.
  • Time Selection =  A specified time selection. The Start and End edit boxes allow you to manually enter the start and end times of the export range. Clicking the button  to the left of the Start label will toggle between musical  and absolute  time. The      buttons to the right of the Start and End edit boxes will allow you to choose a time based on defined project landmarks, such as the beginning of the project, the now time, or marker locations.
  • Loop Range =  The current loop region. Only available if Loop is enabled.
  • Punch Range =  The current punch region. Only available if Punch is enabled.

Batch exporting audio files using task queues

Using the Export button is fine if you have a single export. But what if you want to tweak your project and export again, or you want several different types of exports? You may want a task for exporting your stems, another task for exporting individual tracks, and another for exporting your final mix as a stereo file.

You can now create multiple export tasks, such as stems or different file formats, and add them to an export queue. A task in the export queue contains the set of export settings including the mix settings, filename, location, selection, and the time range. You can add as many export tasks as you like, and run all export tasks as a batch without any user intervention.

The task queue is per project and is saved with the project.

Adding a task to the queue

1. To create a task, simply go through the normal process of defining your export, then instead of clicking the Export button, click the Add Task to Queue button . This adds a task with the current settings to the task queue.
   If you are exporting multiple files as part of a task, a list of the filenames will be shown in a confirmation prompt. Any further prompts required for additional format settings will also be shown at this time… that way, you won’t get any prompts when you actually run the task.
2. Once you’ve confirmed any prompts, enter a name for your new task. Simply type the name of the task in, and press ENTER.
   Tip: The name of the task can also be used in your filename by using the {taskname} tag.
3. Repeat the above steps for any additional tasks you need.
   To the right of the task name you’ll see the number of files to be exported by each task, an estimated size (if it’s a wave file), and a summary of the file format.

Editing tasks in the task queue

You can update tasks that you already added to a task queue. To update an existing task:

1. Do one of the following:
   • Double-click on the task within the task list.
   • Click the task’s menu button , then select Recall Task Settings.
     The task’s settings are recalled in the Export Audio dialog box.
2. Make any desired edits to the current export settings.
3. Click the task’s menu button , then select Update Task with Current Settings.

The task is updated with the current settings. All other tasks in the task queue remain unchanged.

Renaming a task

To rename a task, do one of the following:

• Right-click the task and select Rename.
• Click the task’s menu button , then select Rename.

Duplicating a task

To duplicate an existing task:

1. Do one of the following:
   • Double-click on the task within the task list.
   • Click the task’s menu button , then select Recall Task Settings.
     This recalls all the task settings in the Export Audio dialog box.
2. [Optional] Make any desired edits to the current export settings.
3. Click Add Task to Queue.

Deleting tasks

• To delete a single task, right-click the task and select Delete, or click the task’s menu button , then select Delete.
• To delete multiple tasks, select the tasks that you want to delete (Tip: press CTRL+A to select all tasks), then right-click any selected task and select Delete.

The task(s) is removed from the task queue.

Executing task queue export

To execute all checked tasks in the queue, click the Run Tasks button.

• The tasks in the queue are exported one after another.
• The status of each task is updated as the queue is executing, and a summary is shown in the task queue header.
• Once a task is completed, the task is unchecked.
• Checking a task resets it.
• Clicking on the Run Tasks button resets all checked tasks before executing each task.
• While the queue is running, the Run Tasks button changes to a Cancel button, which allows you to cancel the execution of the task queue at any time.
• The checked status of a task persists when opening/closing the Export Audio dialog box, and with the project.

Resetting a completed task

Tasks are automatically unchecked on successful completion. To reset a task so it will execute again the next time you click Run Tasks, simply check the task.

Canceling an in-progress queue export

While the queue is running, the Run Tasks button changes to a Cancel button, which allows you to cancel the execution of the task queue at any time.

Opening a task’s export location

To open a task’s export location, click the task’s menu button , then select Open Export Location.

 

Using export filename tags and presets

You can now use “tokens” to define filenames for exported audio files. Tokens allow you to use placeholder tags that automatically extract the corresponding information (such as the project name, artist, sample rate, bit depth, current date or time, etc.) from a project and adds it to the resulting filename.

For example, instead of manually typing the project name and date into the filename edit box, you can enter the following:

{projectname}_{d}

This will automatically use the project’s name and the current date. Each token is enclosed by curly brackets (aka braces) e.g. {d}.

Adding filename tags

To enter a tag, do one of the following:

• Open the Tags panel and click a tag. You can still type while this pop-up is showing, so you can mix literal characters with tags, or use backspace to correct any mistakes.
• Type in the tags directly into the filename edit box. Be sure to enclose each token by curly brackets (aka braces) e.g. {d}. Tokens are case sensitive.

A preview of the first audio export filename is shown below the filename edit box.

 

To see all tokens that can be used to specify the filename, click the Build Filename Using Tags button  to open the Tags pop-up panel. To add a tag, click a tag button, or manually type the tag in the filename edit box.

Below are some common tokens:

• Project name = {projectname} or {P}
• Name field in Notes Browser = {notesname} or {N}
• Artist field in Notes Browser = {notesartist} or {A}
• Sample rate = {samplerate} or {sr}
• Bit depth = {bitdepth} or {bd}
• Channel format  = {channelformat} or {cf}
• Track name = {trackname} or {T}
• Track number  = {tracknumber} or {t}
• Date = {d}
• Tempo = {tempo} or {b}
• Meter / time signature = {meter} or {m}
• Key = {key} or {k}
• Task = {taskname} or {TN}

Press the Build Filename Using Tags button  to display all available tokens.

Most tags have a long token and a short token. For example, the project name token can be {projectname} or {P}. Each tag’s tooltip shows its full and abbreviated tokens. To always use abbreviated tokens when you click a tag, select Use Abbreviated Tokens in the filename builder pop-up panel. You can freely use either format.

Tokens can be combined as in the examples below:

• {notesartist}_{notesname}_{d}
• {notesartist}_{notesname}_{samplerate}_{bitdepth}_{channelformat}_{d=Ymd}

You can combine tokens and regular text, as in the following example:

Client Name_{samplerate}Hz_{bitdepth}b_{channelformat}_{d=Ymd}

Saving filename presets

You can save your custom export  filename format as a preset in the filename tag panel. To open the filename tag panel, click the Build Filename Using Tags button  next to the filename edit box.

To save the current filename as a preset, type a name in the Presets combobox, then click the drop-down menu and select  Save Preset.

To delete a preset, select the preset in the Presets combobox, then click the drop-down menu and select Delete Preset.

By using filename tokens to define a naming scheme and saving the filename format as a preset, you can reuse the presets in any project without having to manually type a filename.

Note: The public 2021.09 release will include several factory filename presets.

 

Misc. export enhancements

Default ‘Export Audio Files’ folder

A new Export Audio Files folder path has been added to Edit > Preferences > File - Folder Locations. This path is used as the default location when you open the Export Audio dialog box. The default path is %PROJECTFOLDER%\Audio Export, which is an \Audio Exports subfolder in the current project directory. The current project folder is indicated by the %PROJECTFOLDER% environment variable.

Tip: If you change the folder path in the Export Audio dialog box, you can restore the %PROJECTFOLDER%\Audio Export path by opening Edit > Preferences > File - Folder Locations and clicking OK or Apply.

 

Toast notification with link to open export location

Upon completion of a single export job via the Export button, a toast notification appears with a link to open the export location in Windows Explorer.

 

Updated Bounce to Track(s) dialog box

The Bounce to Tracks(s) dialog box has been redesigned similar to the Export Audio dialog box.

 

 

Improved AudioSnap transient detection

The transient detection algorithm has been greatly improved to more accurately detect audio transients in a variety of source material.
Transients are useful when using audio snap and are also used for time stretching as well as when snapping to the transient pool.
The AudioSnap transient detection method can now be specified in Edit > Preferences > Project - AudioSnap under Transient Detection. There are three methods:

• Magnitude
• Spectral (default for legacy projects)
• Multi-Resolution (default for new projects)

Multi-Resolution is the new default transient detection method for new projects, and Spectral and Magnitude are the older legacy modes. The Multi-Resolution transient detection algorithm provides improved transient analysis that works well with most audio source material. 

The detection mode is stored in the project and older projects will continue to use Spectral until changed via Edit > Preferences > Project - AudioSnap.

NOTE: The new transient analysis will not be used by default on previously saved projects. You must explicitly pick the Multi-Resolution algorithm from Edit > Preferences > Project - AudioSnap before this will take effect for that project. Once you resave the project with this change it will continue to use the new algorithm for all audio. 

When the detection method is changed, you will be prompted that project audio waveforms will be recomputed. After regeneration of the waveforms are complete, the new transients will be visible when switching the edit filter to Transients. The default transient threshold (available in the AudioSnap palette) is different for each transient detector mode. Note that any edited transients are retained when switching the transient detector mode.

 

 

Misc. enhancements

 

Mackie Control revspread VPot DataType

On the Mackie Control surface, a VPot’s datatype defines the type of control being edited and how it should be displayed on the VPot LED halo.

Currently, the Mackie Control surface supports a spread DataType for the LEDs that surround the VPots. The LEDs start in the middle for small values, then "spread" around the VPot for larger values.

With certain parameter types, such as an equalizer "Q" setting, where a small Q value means a large spread, and a large Q value means a narrow spread, the VPots show the opposite in the LED spread, which is confusing.

To address this, the Mackie Control surface now supports a new revspread VPot DataType that can be assigned in MackieControl.ini (C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Shared Surfaces). With the revspread VPot DataType, high values show a narrow LED spread, and low values show a wide LED spread. This doesn't affect the actual numerical value being shown, just the way the LEDs spread around the VPot.

For details, see the instructions in MackieControl.ini.

 

Allow multiple MIDI files to be dragged into a project simultaneously

You can now import multiple MIDI files into a project by dragging from Windows or the Media Browser.

By default, multiple tracks are created. To import back-to-back instead, hold down CTRL+SHIFT when dragging the MIDI files into a project.

  

 

Bug fixes

Stability

• Crash Freezing Track with synth in project
• Crash when bouncing with sidechain FX

UI

•  Aim Assist draws incorrectly after collapsing/expanding MultiDock
• Arm Tracks command arms hidden audio track in Instrument tracks
• Aim Assist can appear unexpectedly when turned off
• Selection module does not automatically update display after setting display times to SMPTE

Misc.

• Process slide not sliding some track envelopes
• Paste Special behaves unexpectedly when combining Paste to One Track and Paste Into Existing Clips
• When the Snap module set to Measure or any value below that in the list, the Snap Value drop box fails to turn snap on/off
• Save Copy As MIDI interferes with project cwp save
• Last File 1-4 key bindings are all linked unexpectedly

 

[chris.r]

?

[Jim Hurley]

Installed OK

[Jacques Boileau]

This is exciting! I have wished and kindly asked for improvements in the export functionality. This is awesome, and so much more than I would have though possible. I can't wait to use it. Thanks a lot bakers! 

???

[user 905133]

The new export UI seems to quite handy! Looking forward to learning to use it.

Edited August 26, 2021 by User 905133
To reduce footprint

[Jacques Boileau]

I have just setup two tasks in my latest project. One is in WAV and the other is MP3. The WAV one gets rendered correctly but not the MP3. It stops almost at the beginning. I can see the file created in file manager then after a second or two it gets erased and the export stops. Then the MP3 task as an error icon in front of it and the message as below. There is 266GB of available space on the drive.

Edit: I did some investigation into this and was lucky. The bounce buffer size makes a difference for MP3s. I set it back to 0 and was able to export successfully in MP3. I took the time to try different buffer size and it works up until 315. So only 350 is problematic on my PC with MP3s.

Edited August 26, 2021 by Jacques Boileau

[Keni]

I got a similar problem here.

 

I setup two tasks. One to export a 16/44.1 wav and the other a 16/44.1 mp3 each using Pow-R 3 Dithering.

The wav is fine, but the mp3 result shows as 44.1k/ZERO bit

 

I just tried it as a single action. No created taks and the same result to the mp3 settings were for 16/44.1 pow-r3 and ended up 0/44.1

Edited August 26, 2021 by Keni

[Noel Borthwick]

16 minutes ago, Jacques Boileau said:

I took the time to try different buffer size and it works up until 315

Very interesting I wasn't aware of any limits with mp3 but perhaps the encoder has limitations.  We'll look into this. Perhaps we should lower the max buffer size to 256ms

[Noel Borthwick]

14 minutes ago, Keni said:

The wav is fine, but the mp3 result shows as 44.1k/ZERO bit

 

Were you also running at a higher bounce buffer size?

Mp3 does not report bit depth so that's a red herring.

 

[Keni]

8 minutes ago, Noel Borthwick said:

Were you also running at a higher bounce buffer size?

I left it at the default.

Interesting though. It plays ok! Windows reports it correctly as 320 baud....

When I look to import it, Cake displays it's file info as 0bit. So it appears the file export is working correctly though Cake is reading the file's data differently than expected?

Using Free MP3 Tag Editor it shows as

MPEG Version 1 Audio, Layer 3
320 kbps,1044 frames,
44100 Hz, SingleChannel,
Copyrighted: No, Original: Yes, Protected: No, Padded: No

 

Single channel? It was set as stereo?

Tested - It is stereo

 

Edited August 26, 2021 by Keni

[Noel Borthwick]

See my reply mp3 doesn't report bit depth that's normal

[Keni]

1 minute ago, Noel Borthwick said:

See my reply mp3 doesn't report bit depth that's normal

Thanks Noel.

I was just about to report this. I see my earlier made mp3 files read the same so it's actually working fine here.

Things were a bit like juggling adjusting my settings. I'll have to see the correct order to change things as some changes reset earlier settings I had just made (not using any presets).

 

[Keni]

This issue is a bit uncomfortable.

It seems that no matter what file type I select, it forces the sample rate to 48 forcing me to continually reset it to 44.1 which is what I want for my final masters

[Keni]

Is there no way to save the task queue?

I tried saving the preset after creating them but they are not recalled.

[Noel Borthwick]

Are you confusing presets with the task queue? The queue and its tasks is saved and recalled as part of a project file.

[MarianoGF]

Thanks bakers for another awesome update, and specially for adding my request of exporting each individual arrangement section as a separate audio file. Now let's see how it works!

Edited August 26, 2021 by MarianoGF

[Keni]

1 hour ago, Noel Borthwick said:

Are you confusing presets with the task queue? The queue and its tasks is saved and recalled as part of a project file.

Thanks for the explanation Noel.

I wasn’t confusing them, I was searching for method of saving the tasks.

i understand now that the task queue is saved with the project. Good idea.

...but I could wish for a system of saving tasks (task presets).  It gets tedious rebuilding things repeatedly

 

Same with settings in the mp3 dialog. Presets there would be a big work saver too!

[msmcleod]

2 hours ago, Keni said:

Thanks for the explanation Noel.

I wasn’t confusing them, I was searching for method of saving the tasks.

i understand now that the task queue is saved with the project. Good idea.

...but I could wish for a system of saving tasks (task presets).  It gets tedious rebuilding things repeatedly

 

Same with settings in the mp3 dialog. Presets there would be a big work saver too!

A task basically =  Bounce Settings + Project Selection + Checked Sources

• The Bounce Settings can be stored as a preset in the top preset dropdown.   The filename is now also stored with the preset, so if you use the new filename tags it can pick up what it needs from the project properties, or alternatively make it blank before saving the preset.
• Project Selection + Checked Sources are obviously project specific.

In most cases, the bounce settings presets should suffice.

There's no reason why you couldn't save your tasks as part of a project template though.  You might need to recall/update them if you change or add new tracks though.
 

[Skyline_UK]

Good grief!  You chaps really are the best! ???? 

[petemus]

?   Now I know what I'll be doing tonite! Lots to try.

THANKS!