Verdun for Mac: The Complete Operation Guide

Create a New Project: After launching Verdun, a project template selection window will automatically pop up. You can also create one at any time via “File” > “New” or the shortcut Command+N. In the dialog box, set the project name, save location, sample rate (e.g., 44.1kHz), bit depth (e.g., 24-bit), and template (e.g., “Blank”, “Podcast”, “Music Production”).

Open an existing project: Navigate to the location of your project file (.verdun format) via “File” > “Open” or Command+O, then select and open it.

Import audio files: There are three main ways: 1) Drag files directly from Finder into the track area or media panel; 2) Use “File” > “Import” > “Audio File” or Command+Shift+I; 3) Click the “+” button in the media panel on the right to add a folder.

Record audio:

1. Make sure your audio input device (e.g., microphone) is selected in “System Settings” > “Sound” > “Input,” and confirm it in Verdun’s track input settings.
2. Create a new audio track (“Track” > “New Audio Track” or Option+Command+A).
3. On the track header, click the red “R” (Record Enable) button so it lights up.
4. Click the red circular record button on the transport controls (or press the R shortcut) to start recording. Click again or press the spacebar to stop.

Basic editing: Use the “Pointer tool” in the toolbar (default, shortcut T cycles through tools) to select, move, and trim audio clips. Use the “Scissors tool” (shortcut C) to split clips at the playhead position or at the click point (Command+E is the shortcut for splitting at the playhead).

Adjust Clips: Select a clip and control handles will appear on its edges. Drag the edges to trim. Move the mouse to the upper-left or upper-right corner of the clip to drag and create fade-in/fade-out curves. In the inspector on the left, you can precisely adjust parameters such as fade-in/fade-out duration and gain.

Multi-Track Editing: Drag files from the media panel to different tracks, or copy (Command+C)/paste (Command+V) existing clips to build your project timeline. Use the snapping feature (magnet icon in the toolbar, toggle with shortcut N) to ensure clips align precisely to the grid.

Adjust Volume and Pan: In the track area, drag the volume slider on the track header up or down, or drag the pan knob left or right. More fine-grained control can be done in the mixer panel (Command+2).

Add Effects: In the “Plug-ins” section of the inspector on the left, click an empty slot and select an audio unit (AU) or a built-in Verdun effect (such as equalizer, compressor, reverb) from the list. Effects process the signal in the order they are inserted.

Automation: On a track, click the “Show Automation Curve” button (near the track header or press the A key). Select the parameter you want to automate from the drop-down menu (such as volume, pan, plug-in parameters). Use the “Pencil Tool” or “Pointer Tool” to click and drag on the automation line that appears to draw automation curves.

Set the export range: Above the timeline, drag the yellow cycle area marker, or manually enter the start and end times in the transport controls to precisely define the audio segment to export.

Perform the export: Choose “File” > “Export” > “Audio” or use the shortcut Command+E (note that this differs from the cut shortcut; this is the global export shortcut).

Configure export parameters: In the dialog that appears:

• Format: Usually choose WAV (lossless) or MP3 (lossy compression).
• Bit depth and sample rate: It is recommended to keep them consistent with the project settings.
• Export range: Confirm whether it is “Entire Project” or “Cycle Area”.
• Channels: Choose stereo or mono.
• File name and location: Set the file name and save path.

Finally, click the “Export” button and wait for rendering to complete.