Conflicts Between Bands

A PChannel can use only one instrument sound and one set of PChannel properties at a time during playback. When you design a band and assign an instrument sound to a PChannel, you must keep in mind that other bands may be using the same PChannel with a different instrument assignment. In this case, there will be a conflict between the bands when they are used simultaneously during playback.

For example, suppose an application plays a primary segment that assigns PChannel 1 to a piano at center stage. While the segment is playing, you play a secondary segment containing a band that assigns PChannel 1 to a trumpet at stage right. In this case, the sound for the PChannel changes as playback reaches the secondary segment's band, and the piano notes in the primary segment are suddenly taken over by the trumpet.

If a band does not contain any settings for a PChannel, then settings for that PChannel are not affected when the band is reached. Also, PChannel settings can be applied selectively by a band. For example, a band can change the pan setting without touching the volume or instrument assignment. For more information, see PChannel Properties.

You can avoid band conflicts by assigning unique PChannels to each of the different instrument sounds in every band used in the project. Use the PChannel names, which are global throughout the project, to keep track of which sounds you have assigned to PChannels.

Another way to avoid conflicts is to put all bands in special segments that you use to control PChannel settings. The other segments do not contain bands. You can use this method regardless of whether the segment containing the band is a primary segment or a secondary segment. Similarly, it does not matter if you designate a segment as a controlling segment.