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One source per track

Each track has a single sound source, one audio sample or one instrument, followed by one effects chain: one source, one chain, one output. On a sample track every clip is a region of that track’s one audio file; on an instrument track every clip is MIDI for that one instrument. To play a second sound, add a second track. To change a track’s kind: Convert Tracks.

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Track types

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Clips

A clip is a region on a track with its own position and length. Editing a clip never alters its source, so trimming, splitting and moving are non-destructive, with full undo. Duplicating a clip keeps the copies linked by default, so an edit to one updates them all. Creating, moving and looping clips: Clips.

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What works differently

  • Keyboard first. The Command Palette (⌘K) reaches any command by name, and almost every command has a key.
  • One window, inline editing. There is no separate piano-roll or audio-editor window: Focus Mode opens a clip where it sits and folds it back into the arrangement.
  • Recording is a mode. Caps Lock turns it on and the selected track is the target; there is no per-track arm button (Record MIDI).
  • Groove moves the grid. A groove shifts the grid itself, so snapping and editing swing the way playback does.
  • Automation lanes stack. One lane can drive several parameters and several lanes one parameter, setting the value or offsetting it (Automation).
  • Ducking needs no plugin. A track is turned down by a drawn shape whenever another track’s clips fire, with no latency (Ducking); the sidechain modes trigger from positions too.
  • No bundled plugins. Gridshift hosts the Audio Units installed on your Mac.

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What stays familiar

A bar-and-beat ruler with tracks stacked vertically and clips laid out horizontally; groups, buses and a master; Audio Units, MIDI, sends and quantize; drag, trim, split, copy and paste.
Last modified on October 22, 2026