Using Metro Outputs Outputs are a straightforward concept in Metro. They determine where you send the MIDI or audio data in each track during playback, as well as where you record data from (audio or MIDI devices). You can send a track’s data out the same MIDI channels (or audio device) it was recorded on by using a Port assignment, or assign the track to a Metro Output, which ignores the channel data for each MIDI event and forces it out a single MIDI channel. Metro Outputs allow you to assign audio tracks to a different audio device from the one with which they were recorded. You can assign each track to a particular Output (or multiple Outputs) in the Tracks or Graphic Editor windows. Assigning a track to a Port or Metro Output representing an audio device defines a track as an audio track. Use the Instruments Mixer window to control the bank, patch, channel, pan, volume, and other parameters for Metro Outputs that you have defined. Metro Outputs link tracks with MIDI channels on a specific port (or audio device). In fact, the port assignment of a track determines whether a track is a MIDI or an audio track. Typically, you set each Metro Output to a different channel/output of a MIDI or audio device and assign your tracks to the desired Outputs. This allows you to customize parameters for each Metro Output, using them to orchestrate changes on multiple tracks simultaneously. Audio devices can have up to 64 Output assignments. Unlike Ports, Metro Outputs allow tracks to play on any MIDI device/channel or audio output that you desire, not just the ones with which they were originally recorded. This means that you can change output mapping to suit any arrangement you need in a particular studio setup. Although Metro Outputs can only play on a single channel or audio output, you can overcome this limitation by layering ports within an Output or assigning more than one Output to a single track. Layering ports and/or channels in the Layers popup in the Instruments Mixer window (click the Port name) allows each Metro Output to play up to eight channels on up to eight different MIDI devices. Additionally, you can assign up to eight Metro Outputs to a single track by holding down the shift-key when choosing Metro Outputs using the Outputs field popup menu in the Tracks or Graphic Editor windows. Once you customize your Metro Outputs, you can save your outputs setup by using any of Metro’s Preferences dialog boxes available in the File menu. This allows you to save a customized Outputs configuration that opens each time you launch Metro. You can’t layer outputs with MIDI and audio device assignments within the same track. The following topics explain how to configure Metro’s outputs and faders: Creating Outputs with OMS or MSS Creating Layered Outputs Metro Outputs In OS 9 without OMS Naming Outputs Setting Output Channels Auditioning Programs from the Instruments Mixer Window Faders Adding Outputs/Faders Deleting Outputs/Faders Assigning Pan or Volume Faders to Shape Controller Data Assigning SysEx to Output Faders Recording Controller Events Using Faders Viewing Controller Events Recording One Controller Event Recording Data on Multiple Faders Grouping Faders Moving All of the Faders at Once The Master Fader Saving Faders and Output Setups Opening Old Metro Document Files