[CLOSED] Cakewalk 2021.09 Early Access [Updated to build 137]

[Morten Saether]

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

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 release 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
 

Updated to build 137 (release candidate for the 2021.09 update)
We are very close to to releasing 2021.09. Please give this build a thorough workout and report any  regressions in this thread. At this time only blocking issues or regressions will be investigated. Thank you for your great feedback so far!

Build 137 contains the following fixes.

• Hang exporting project with arrangements containing IK Multimedia Plugins 
• Bounce buffer size value was not respected in ASIO mode
• Exporting project with mono sidechain track send could cause problems flushing effects tails
•  Exporting tracks with sidechains doesn't work if you don't make a direct track selection
•  File Export dialog should default to Arrangements when launched from Arrangements Inspector
• Add new default config variables for "BounceFlushTailsMaxDurationSec" and "BounceFlushTailsThresholdDb"
   

Improvements:

• Track Folders and Tracks Through Entire Mix options are now available in source category for Bounce To Tracks Dialog
• Ability to type full path into Export Filename field in Export Audio dialog
• Optimizations to speed up project loading with projects containing high track counts.
• Export audio is faster with UAD plugins
• Bounce to clip is now faster
• Export audio optimization to flush plugin by utilizing all available cores. (flushing is more than 4X faster now)  
• Export audio shows progress bar while flushing plugins.
• UI Layout improvements in the export and bounce dialogs
• Articulation Map Editor UI improvements
• Improvements to track solo handling
• Improvements to handling of export for aux tracks and tracks with sidechains:
• You can now directly export single aux tracks or tracks containing plugins with sidechains from other tracks without needing to select all contributing tracks. To do this select the desired track and export or bounce with source category tracks or source entire mix.

Incompatible ASIO driver detection
Cakewalk will now detect use of known incompatible ASIO drivers and warn the user to switch to a different native ASIO driver or WASAPI Shared mode for a better experience. This is in response to many reports in the field of such drivers causing problems in Cakewalk. ASIO4All variants are currently flagged as being incompatible. Note: Users may still use these drivers but Cakewalk will not use them by default.

Fixes:

• Hang when attempting to use Realtek ASIO driver
• Crash when cloning track with synth envelopes
• Track could be unexpectedly soloed in some projects in 2021.09 Update
• Sending to a sidechain from bus causes Metronome to be muted while soloing
• Flushing effects tails was not setting plugins to offline mode
• Unnecessary flushing of effects chains and plugins not part of mix
• Fix to installer for some users missing export presets
• Fix menus on some systems displaying garbled text 
• Opening Bounce dialog with an aux track selected disregards selection and selects entire project
• Render properties dialogs can appear behind File Export dialog
• Crash exporting user project as OMF 
• Close export toast messages when closing project

 

---

 

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. 
• 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 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 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.
  This value defaults to use the current playback buffer size and can be changed to a max size of 350 ms. A larger buffer size can speed up the export process in large projects by allowing the CPU to process data more efficiently.  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.
• 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.
  • Set Time Selection to Loop Range =  Set the time selection to the current loop region. 
  • Set Time Selection to Punch Range =  Set the time selection to the current punch region.

Note: The 2021.09 Early Access installer will delete the old factory export presets and replace them with new and updated presets. If you have overwritten the factory preset names, those presets will be replaced. Other custom export presets will not be affected.

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.

 

Misc. export enhancements

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. This limitation may be removed in the future.

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.

 

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
• Unable to copy/paste multiple Arranger tracks between projects
• Modal message boxes do not always disable the main app window
• Cannot copy special selection with tempos from SONAR to Cakewalk

 

 

[Will.]

Is this the official feedback thread for build 120? The old one reads closed. 

[Keni]

The highlighted text in filename box still weird. Text can be read but highlighting near invisible as in 114

 

[Will.]

Love the new smaller Audio and Synth menu size - great touch.

[scook]

There are only 3 presets showing up in the Export dialog

 

[Keni]

18 minutes ago, scook said:

There are only 3 presets showing up in the Export dialog

 

I'm seeing the whole "normal" list here...

 

[Will.]

23 minutes ago, scook said:

There are only 3 presets showing up in the Export dialog

 

Shows the full list here too scook. Maybe try a re-install?  

 

[Keni]

1 minute ago, Will_Kaydo said:

Shows the full list here too scook. Maybe try a re-install?  

 

My list is even longer here containing my personal presets too

[scook]

Not relying on export presets I am not sure when it happened but I suspect somewhere in the 2021.09 series, they were wiped out.

Reinstalling from full versions of CbB 2020.11 then 2021.06 and applying 2021.09 build 120 update the list now shows

 

[Xoo]

49 minutes ago, Will_Kaydo said:

Love the new smaller Audio and Synth menu size - great touch.

Agree.

[Aimorin Hanheart]

Best improvements and dear upgrades!

[Aimorin Hanheart]

When I do close a project window, Cakewalk fails sometimes to load an other project!

[Keni]

I must repeat how annoying it is that the export success toast never goes away.

 

Please make an option....

[summer2000]

Can someone please help me get the additional audio export presets? I only see these two.  I am a brand new user of CbB and only started with version 2021.6 so I cannot use the rollback utility to access version 2020.11. Can someone let me know where I can download the missing presets? Thanks in advance.

 

[Keni]

Thanks for changing where the folder selection menu appears on screen. Far more logical and faster/easier to use...

 

That's for the export filename dialog

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by Keni

[Keni]

In regard to making the toast go away...

 

I did notice that at least it goes away if I run tasks afterwards.

In my work scenario, I export a mix from the song's masterfile

Import that mix into my mastering "song"/template where I create the mastered wav and mp3 files dithered down to 14/44.1k

 

So at least I only have to ignore the song export success toast for a short time when doing this process.... A little relief, but... ?

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by Keni

[scook]

1 hour ago, summer2000 said:

Can someone please help me get the additional audio export presets? I only see these two.  I am a brand new user of CbB and only started with version 2021.6 so I cannot use the rollback utility to access version 2020.11. Can someone let me know where I can download the missing presets? Thanks in advance.

 

2020.11 probably was not necessary but the 2021.06 rollback installer does not add all the presets.

Probably, the full 2021.06 installer is enough.

If you did not retain that installer, the only way I know for you get get another copy of the full installer is uninstall CbB and re-install.

That or wait for the next 2021.09 installer.

see the next post for a better solution

Edited September 10, 2021 by scook

[Jonathan Sasor]

53 minutes ago, summer2000 said:

Can someone please help me get the additional audio export presets? I only see these two.  I am a brand new user of CbB and only started with version 2021.6 so I cannot use the rollback utility to access version 2020.11. Can someone let me know where I can download the missing presets? Thanks in advance.

Go to Help | About Cakewalk, and double-check that you're on build 120. If so, close the app, then hold CTRL when launching Cakewalk. This will force copy the new presets. 

[scook]

Thanks @Jonathan Sasor

I did not know personalization would copy those presets.

 

[Jonathan Sasor]

14 minutes ago, scook said:

Thanks @Jonathan Sasor

I did not know personalization would copy those presets.

It does now! ?