Controlling Segments

When multiple segments are playing, one segment always functions as the controlling segment and sets certain parameters that can have only a single value for all segments. For example, a performance can have only one tempo. When different segments with different tempos in their tempo tracks are playing, only the controlling segment can set the tempo.

By default, the primary segment is the controlling segment. However, you can designate a secondary segment as the controlling segment. When you play a primary segment and a controlling secondary segment simultaneously, some tracks in the controlling segment essentially replace the corresponding tracks of the primary segment. When playback of the controlling secondary segment stops, the primary segment becomes the controlling segment again.

The following tracks in a controlling segment, called controlling tracks, override the contents of corresponding tracks in other segments:

• Chord Track
• Groove Track
• Mute Track
• Tempo Track

All other tracks are noncontrolling; that is, each segment uses its own tracks. For example, each segment that contains a Style Track derives its patterns from the styles in that track.

When a secondary controlling segment does not contain a given controlling track, but the primary segment does, that track in the primary segment is controlling. For example, if the secondary controlling segment does not contain a groove track, but the primary segment does, the current groove level is taken from the primary segment.

The default behavior of controlling and controlled segments can be changed by setting flags on the Flags Tab of the track Properties Window. You can set a track to get parameters from its own segment even when another segment is the controlling segment.

In DirectMusic Producer, you can audition a segment as a secondary controlling segment, but you cannot save this property as part of the segment file. Usually it is the responsibility of the application playing the segment to designate it as the controlling segment. You can, however, force a segment to play as the controlling segment by cueing it as such in the Segment Trigger Track of another segment, or by cueing it from a script.