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Beta Release Notes

Updated: May 27, 2008

These release notes document known issues related to the beta versions of the Adobe® Soundbooth® beta release on Adobe Labs.

Important: The Soundbooth beta is preview software licensed for use on a trial basis for a limited time. Do not use the Soundbooth beta in a commercial operating environment or with important data. You should back up all of your files before installing this software and back up your files while using the software. Save your work often.

Overview

The Soundbooth beta release is available as Windows and Macintosh downloads and is English-only. Installation instructions are detailed below.

Release versions of Soundbooth CS3 are available on Adobe.com.

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System Requirements

The minimum system requirements for the Soundbooth beta are as follows:

Windows

  • Processor: 1.4GHz or faster processor for DV; 3.4GHz for HDV; dual 2.8GHz for HD
  • OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (Service Pack 3 recommended) or Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1
  • RAM: 1GB of RAM; 2GB for HDV and HD playback
  • Hard Disk: 10GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on flash-based storage devices
  • Video: 1,280x900 display with 32-bit video card that supports OpenGL 2.0
  • Audio: Microsoft® DirectX or ASIO-compatible sound card
  • QuickTime 7 software required to use QuickTime features
  • Internet connection for activation

Macintosh

  • Multicore Intel® processor
  • Mac OS X v10.4.11–10.5.3; cannot install to a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system
  • RAM: 1GB of RAM; 2GB for HDV and HD playback
  • Hard Disk: 10GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on flash-based storage devices
  • Video: 1,280x900 display with 32-bit video card and 16MB of VRAM
  • Audio: Core Audio-compatible sound card
  • QuickTime 7 software required to use QuickTime features
  • Internet connection for activation
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Features and Enhancements

Multitrack Workflow and a Non-Destructive File Format (.ASND)

This release of Soundbooth will feature the ability to create multitrack projects. Multitrack projects let you mix together multiple audio clips to create layered soundtracks. The audio clips in a multitrack project are saved as a single file, similar to the way a layered Photoshop file is saved. A multitrack project is saved as an Adobe Sound Document (ASND). Note that unlike Adobe Audition, the multitrack feature in Soundbooth is not reference-based. That means, when you add a file to a multitrack project, a copy of the file is made and stored in the project. Multiple instances of a file in a given multitrack project mean multiple copies are created. If you make edits to the original file, those edits are not applied to copies in the multitrack project. Video files and Soundbooth Scores are not embedded in an ASND (they remain reference-based), so you still have to keep those original files to open the ASND.

To create a multitrack project, choose File > New Multitrack.

Snapshots

You can now take snapshots of the current state of your document, and return to them later. Snapshots are saved in your ASND file, and can be recalled at any time, even after exiting the program and running it later. In the case of single files, the snapshot will preserve the current state of the file, including effects, fades, volume changes, etc. In the case of multitrack documents, the snapshot will preserve the states of all tracks, all the clips in your document, and any changes you've made to them.

Snapshot functionality can be accessed with the camera icon at the bottom of the History panel. This menu also allows you to rename and delete snapshots. Some things to keep in mind when using this feature:

  • Snapshots can be a great way to save your work as go along, so you can always revert back to a previous state if you don't like the changes you've made.
  • Since snapshots are stored in the ASND document itself, they can be a great way to encapsulate several alternate versions of the same project in a single file.
  • If you're are starting work on a larger multitrack project and you are concerned with keeping track of all your source files, add the files you'll need to your multitrack document and save a snapshot. That way, if you need to start from scratch, or if you lose track of your original files, you can recall this snapshot and have everything you need.
  • Remember: Each snapshot contains copies of audio data - if you're saving lots of snapshots in your ASND document, it can quickly cause it to balloon in size. When you are sure you don't need a snapshot anymore, you can delete it from the snapshots menu to decrease the size of your ASND.
  • When you revert to a snapshot, your current undo history will be lost.

Note that Snapshot names cannot contain any of the following characters: "/?<>|:  * If you try to take a snapshot with a name that contains any of these characters,  it will not be created. If you want to double-check that your snapshot was created correctly, look in the Snapshots menu - if it isn't there, double-check that the name didn't contain any of these characters.

MP3 preview

When saving a file as an MP3, you can now preview different bitrates to find one that best meets your needs. To save a file as an MP3, choose File > Save As. Choose MP3 Audio from the Save As Type drop-down box, and then click Save. In the MP3 Compression Options dialog, choose a bitrate, and then click Preview. The size of the file at the selected bitrate is displayed in the dialog to help you balance size and quality of the final MP3. Once you've settled on a bitrate, click Save to create the MP3 file.

Match volume of multiple clips

Soundbooth now gives you an easy way to normalize the volume of multiple clips. You now have the option of matching the volume of multiple files to a specified RMS average level, or to a chosen peak amplitude value. In the Tasks panel, select Match Volume. Drag two or more files from the Files panel into the Files to Match area. Click the "Match Volume" button to match the levels using Soundbooth's default value. You can also expand the Settings area to specify your own RMS or peak volume. To have Soundbooth determine the average and peak volumes for each file, click the "Analyze Files" button.

Equalize clip volume levels

A new command lets you equalize the volume level within a clip. To equalize volume, open a clip in the Editor panel and then choose Edit > Equalize Volume Levels, or click the Equalize Volume button at the bottom of the Editor panel.

Beat detection

Automatic beat detection makes it even easier to create loops. With automatic beat detection, beats are indicated in the Editor panel as orange lines. When creating a loop, you can adjust the in and out points by individual beats until you get a loop you like. Settings let you adjust the minimum and maximum frequency, as well as the sensitivity of beat detection. You can also enable tempo-based beat detection, which lines beats up in a musically meaningful way.  Use this setting if want to create seamless loops from music that can loop for extended periods of time.

To create a loop using beat detection, open a file in the Editor panel, and then in the Tasks panel, choose the Create Loop task. Beats are automatically detected in your file. To display beat indicators, expand the Settings area and enable the Show Beat Indicators option. To fine-tune your loop, use the arrows to move the in and out points to the next or previous beat. When done, click the Save Loop As button to save the loop.

Tip: When making a selection to create a loop, it might be helpful to enable snapping to beats. To enable snapping, choose Edit > Snapping, and then choose Snap to Beats.

Tip: Place the CTI at the location in your file where you want a loop to start. Press the right arrow to the right of "Duration". This will create a short loop. Press it one more time. This will usually result in a better loop. Press play and make sure the loop sounds good. Press "Lock Duration". Now you can press the left and right arrows next to "Duration" to find loops of a similar length in the audio file. It's a fun way to "surf" a file for loops to grab.

Metadata Improvements

Soundbooth now has added full support for import, editing, and export of XMP metadata.

  • The XMP metadata from files created in other Adobe applications will now be visible when they are opened in Soundbooth, and vice versa.
  • XMP fields can be edited in the Metadata panel, which can be shown and hidden from the Window menu.
    • Further XMP preferences are available in the metadata panel's flyout menu at the top-right corner.
  • Each clip in your multitrack document has it's own metadata. This is visible in the Metadata panel, under the Clip heading, when the clip is selected.
  • In addition, the multitrack document itself has it's own metadata, available in the File heading of the Metadata panel.
  • XMP data will be embedded in any files created by a Save As or mixdown operation.
    • Some file formats (e.g. AIFF & MPEG) do not support embedded XMP metadata - when saving as these formats, a filename.xmp file will be placed next to the file you are saving - as long as these are kept together, Soundbooth will still be able to view and edit the metadata of the file.
  • Flash Cue-Point markers are now embedded in a file's XMP, and will be visible if the file is reopened in Soundbooth, or other Adobe applications. You can also still export Flash cue-point markers using File > Export > Markers.
  • Beat markers are also stored in XMP so that other applications can access them.
    • Soundbooth does not read beat markers from XMP, it only writes them to XMP. It will recreate beat markers when you open a file.
    • Whenever saving a file, the current state of Beat Markers is what will be stored
      • Note: If no beat markers are shown, none will be stored
  • Metadata and speech transcripts can be searched using the search box at the top of the metadata panel

New User Interface

This public beta shows off the new UI skin we've been working on for this release.

New Normalize and Hard Limit features

The Louder button can do both Normalization and Hard Limits, but some users have been requesting the ability to perform one of those actions. So we've added a Hard Limit and Normalize option to the Processes menu.

New WDM Audio Driver

This driver is using the WDM method of playing back audio instead of the DirectSound method used in Soundbooth CS3. This allows Soundbooth to work with more devices and increases the compatibility with Windows Vista. The performance of both the WDM and DirectSound drivers should be very similar with the exception that the current state of the WDM driver may not allow you to play audio at buffer sizes lower than 2048 samples.

Scores in Multitrack

Adobe Soundbooth Scores are now fully integrated in Soundbooth's new multitrack project. Scores can be used just like regular audio clips, One or more scores can be used on multiple audio tracks (vertical stacked) or just on one audio track in a sequential order. Score clips can now be edited in-place, so there is no separate score editor needed anymore. The in-place score editor provides ability to add/set/delete/move/change keyframes for several score specific keyframe parameters like "Intensity" and some other modifier parameters. A context menu (ctrl-click on keyframe) provide more options for a selected keyframe.

Score Library Panel

The Soundbooth Score library panel provides an easy-to-use interface for browsing scores by different genres like "Rock-Pop", "Jazz" etc. Scores can be easily previewed before using them in Soundbooth's new multitrack project.

  • How to preview a score
    • Option #1: Double-Click the score listed in the score list view.
    • Option #2: Select a score in the score list view and then press the "play" button below in the score library panel.
    • Option #3: Switch on "Autoplay" by pressing the "Autoplay" button below in the score library panel. Then selecting a score in the list view will automatically playback the selected score.
  • How to use a score in Soundbooth's Multitrack project
    • Option #1:
      1. Create new multitrack project (File->New Multitrack)
      2. Drag & Drop a score from the score library panel onto an audio track in Soundbooth's multitrack project window
    • Option #2:
      1. Create new multitrack project (File->New Multitrack)
      2. Select score in the score library panel
      3. Position the CTI where you want a score to be placed
      4. Select "Overlay score in multitrack" button below in the score library panel (the third one, from left to right)

Adobe Crash Reporter

Soundbooth now includes Adobe's proprietary crash reporter on both PC and Mac.  It enables you to send a crash log directly to Adobe in the event of a crash, instead of sending a log only to the OS provider.

The reporter window provides you some options to leave a detailed description, your e-mail address as well as an option to send a log or never send any log.  By giving a description, the development team can narrow down a problem much easier.  Also, giving an e-mail address allows the team to contact you when more information is needed to solve an issue or send you notification when there is any solution to a particular crash.

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Installation and Uninstallation

Instructions for installing and uninstalling the Soundbooth beta are as follows:

Installation

You may install the Soundbooth beta on the same machine where you have Soundbooth CS3 installed, or you may install it on another machine.

  1. Close all applications currently running on your system, including other Adobe applications, Microsoft® Office applications, and browser windows.
  2. Windows: Extract the .zip file you downloaded to any location on your system and then open that folder.
    Mac: Double-click the .dmg file you downloaded to open it.
  3. Double-click Setup.exe (Windows) or Setup (Mac OS), and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: To reinstall your software after the original installation, you will need access to the original installer (the download from the web). Before you begin additional installations or reinstallations, please make sure the installer is in the same drive or location it was in during the original installation.

Uninstalling

  1. Close all applications currently running on your system, including other Adobe applications, Microsoft® Office applications, and browser windows.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • In Windows XP, open the Windows Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs. Select Adobe Soundbooth CS4 Beta, click Change/Remove, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Click Uninstall instead of Remove Components/Change or Remove
    • In Windows Vista, open the Windows Control Panel and click on Uninstall a Program. Select Adobe Soundbooth CS4 Beta, click on Uninstall/Change, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Click Uninstall instead of Remove Components/Change or Remove
    • In Mac OS, DO NOT drag applications to the trash. To safely uninstall software, double-click the alias to the uninstaller in the root of the Soundbooth folder called “Uninstall Adobe Soundbooth CS4.”. Authenticate as an administrator, then select Remove Components and follow the on-screen instructions. Click Uninstall instead of Remove Components/Change or Remove
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Electronic Licensing

The Soundbooth beta is preview software licensed for use on a trial basis for a limited time. Serial numbers from any CS3 suite or standalone product may be used to create a Soundbooth beta serial number.

For users that do not have a CS3 product serial number, you may use the Soundbooth beta for a short, two-day trial period. Beyond that you may purchase Soundbooth CS3 and use that serial number to generate one for the Soundbooth beta for the remaining beta period.

If you experience problems with your serial number, send a message to Soundboothcs4beta@adobe.com. Please do not call Adobe Customer Service or Technical Support. This email address is for use only for problems with serial numbers. For assistance installing or using the Soundbooth beta please use the Adobe Labs Forum.

This release includes electronic license (e-license) management technology to ensure compliance with the Product License Agreement. When present, this technology prompts you to verify the license of your product within 2 days after you start it for the first time. If prompted, verification is mandatory.

The on-screen prompt may ask you to activate the software. This verification process does not collect, transmit, or use any personally identifiable information. To learn more, visit the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/activation.

Note: If you want to install the product on a different computer, you must first deactivate the software on your computer. To deactivate, choose Help > Deactivate.

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Technical Assistance

The Soundbooth beta is an early look at an upcoming release. For assistance installing or using the Soundbooth beta please use the Adobe Labs Forum.

Adobe Customer Service and Technical Support will not accept calls about this beta software.

For serial number problems, send a message to Soundboothcs4beta@adobe.com.

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Adobe Product Improvement Program

The Adobe Product Improvement Program lets you voluntarily participate in the direction of future products by helping Adobe better understand your individual needs. With your participation, Adobe collects anonymous data on how you use our products. We analyze the data to understand how customers use Adobe products and how we can improve our products in the future. If you agree to participate in the program, we will automatically receive anonymous product information through your Internet connection, including:

  • System information, such as the operating system, processor, and memory installed
  • Browser type and version
  • Adobe product information, such as version number
  • Adobe product feature usage, such as the menu options or buttons that you select while working with the product (Soundbooth only)

To participate in the program requires minimal effort: You simply grant us permission to collect the data and then everything happens automatically. You do not have to fill out lengthy surveys, nor will you receive follow-up emails related to this program. You are just helping us collect anonymous information to improve Adobe products. If you participate in this program, a small configuration file will be downloaded to your computer from time to time. The purpose of this file is to update the configuration of the data that is collected.

After the first few times you launch the Soundbooth beta, you will see a dialog that will allow you to choose whether or not you would like to participate. If you change your mind later and would like to disable the Product Improvement Program, please do the following:

  1. Launch Soundbooth
  2. Go to Help>Adobe Product Improvement Program and chose to opt out from that dialog.

For more information see the Adobe Product Improvement FAQ.

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Known Issues

  • Canceling the installation, then trying to remove the application via the control panel throws an error and uninstall fails. Do not cancel the installation, even if it seems to be running slowly.
  • Although it may be possible to install to different languages, this public beta is intended to be for the English language only. Unexpected issues may be found in other languages that aren't known or aren't covered here.
  • In the public beta, the trial is limited to only 2 days, even though the installer may tell you it is available for 30. After the 2 days are over you must enter a serial number. See the electronic licensing section of this document to learn how to acquire a serial number.
  • Due to unexpected behavior after deactivation, you should not deactivate the public beta unless you intend to uninstall Soundbooth.
  • The "Launch Adobe Soundbooth CS4" button at the end of the installer doesn't launch Soundbooth on Windows Vista 64-bit systems.
  • Windows Only Issue: Attempting to open a file into Soundbooth by double clicking an associated file type or by right clicking on a file and choosing "Open With Soundbooth" will cause soundbooth to close (crash) within 2 minutes after opening. This problem only happens if the action taken cause Soundbooth to launch. If Soundbooth is already open, this will work properly.
  • Windows Only Issue: If you perform the File>Close All command when two or more QuickTime files are open, it can crash Soundbooth.
  • Many file formats/codecs are missing in the public beta. Due to licensing rules, we have removed many formats for this public beta that you may be used to seeing in Soundbooth CS3.
  • "Capture Noise Print" functionality is not working properly. The feature may not capture a profile at all or may cause Soundbooth to crash if attempting to capture profiles on different types of audio files. All other noise removal features are working properly including the default noise removal functionality (without using a captured profile).
  • File > Adobe Dynamic Link options do not work with CS3 applications and are therefore unusable in this public beta.
  • If you trim a video clip in the multi-track view, it can unlink with its associated audio and result in them being out of sync.
  • Dragging another application's window over the video panel while it plays video will cause the interface to freeze.
  • Taking snapshots will delete all newly added metadata. This includes all markers as well as text metadata added to the metadata panel.

 

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Fixed Issues

This section will be used if new versions of the Soundbooth beta are posted.

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Technologies

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