Adding tracks and instruments
How to add tracks and choose instruments for your project.
Tracks are the foundation of your project. Each track contains one instrument and can hold multiple regions of musical content.
Adding a New Track
There are several ways to add a new track:
1. **Click the "+ Add Track" button** at the bottom of the track list
2. **Use the keyboard shortcut** Cmd/Ctrl + T
3. **Right-click** in the track list and select "Add Track"
Choosing an Instrument
When you add a track, it starts with a default piano. To change the instrument:
1. Click on the **instrument name** in the track header
2. Browse instruments by category in the popup
3. Click an instrument to select it
4. The instrument will load automatically
Available Instrument Categories
| Category | Instruments |
|---|---|
| **Piano** | Acoustic Piano (Salamander HQ), Electric Piano |
| **Synth** | Lead Sawtooth, Pad Warm, FM Synth |
| **Bass** | Electric Bass, Synth Bass, Acoustic Bass |
| **Drums** | Acoustic Drums (HQ), Electronic Kit, 808 |
| **Strings** | String Ensemble, Violin, Cello |
| **Pads** | Warm Pad, Atmosphere, Choir |
Instrument Quality Levels
SyncWave offers two quality levels for instruments:
Standard Quality
- Faster loading times
- Smaller file sizes
- Good for drafting and composition
- Available on all plans
High Quality (HQ)
- Professional-grade samples
- Salamander Grand Piano
- Acoustic Drum Kit
- Available on Creator plan
Managing Tracks
Rename a track
Double-click the track name or right-click > Rename
Change track color
Click the colored square next to the track name
Reorder tracks
Drag tracks up or down in the list
Duplicate a track
Right-click > Duplicate Track (includes all regions)
Delete a track
Right-click > Delete Track (or select and press Delete)
Track Settings
Each track has additional settings:
- **Volume** - 0% to 100% (default 80%)
- **Pan** - Left (-100) to Right (+100)
- **Mute** - Silence the track
- **Solo** - Listen to only this track
Pro Tips
1. **Name your tracks** descriptively (e.g., "Lead Melody" instead of "Track 1")
2. **Use colors** to visually organize your project
3. **Solo tracks** to focus on specific parts while mixing
4. **Limit HQ instruments** if you experience loading delays