Work with channel strip settings

Channel strip settings (CST files) are specific to each channel strip type. Instrument channel strips feature a number of instrument settings, separated into instrument, GarageBand, and Jam Pack categories. Audio channel strips offer effect routings optimized for particular instrument, vocal, and other processing tasks. Similarly, output and auxiliary channel strips provide channel strip settings for particular mastering or sweetening processes.

You can load, copy, paste, reset, save, and delete channel strip settings in a channel strip. You can also access channel strip settings in the Library.

You can remotely switch between channel strip settings by sending MIDI program change messages. This allows you to select your favorite sounds by pushing a button on your MIDI keyboard. To use this feature, you need to save a channel strip setting as a performance.

Load a channel strip setting

Do one of the following:

  • Click the Setting button at the top of the channel strip, then choose a setting from the pop-up menu.

    Figure. Showing the Setting pop-up menu open.
  • Select the relevant channel strip in the Mixer, then click the blue triangle that appears to the left of the Setting button in the inspector channel strip.

    The Library updates to show channel strip settings, and you can choose the setting you want to add.

Choose the next or previous channel strip setting

  • Click the Setting button at the top of the channel strip, then choose Next or Previous Channel Strip Setting from the pop-up menu.

Copy or paste a channel strip setting

  • Click the Setting button at the top of the channel strip, then choose Copy or Paste Channel Strip Setting from the pop-up menu.

Reset a channel strip setting

  • Click the Setting button at the top of the channel strip, then choose Reset Channel Strip from the pop-up menu.

Save a channel strip setting

  1. Click the Setting button at the top of the channel strip, then choose “Save Channel Strip Setting as” from the pop-up menu.

  2. In the dialog that appears, select the appropriate folder, enter a name for the channel strip setting, and click Save.

Delete a channel strip setting

  • Click the Setting button at the top of the channel strip, then choose Delete Channel Strip Setting from the pop-up menu.

Save a channel strip setting as a performance

  1. Configure a channel strip that you want to have available as a performance.

  2. Click the Setting button, then choose Save as Performance from the pop-up menu.

  3. In the dialog that appears, enter a performance name, choose a program change number, then click OK.

  4. Send the program change number from your MIDI controller.

    When a channel strip receives a program change message that corresponds to an assigned performance number, it loads this performance. All saved performances are shown in the Performance folder of the Settings pop-up menu.