What is Deep Tracking?
Sabes Pro categorizes DAW session formats based on internal file accessibility. Deep Tracking indexes track arrangement details and plugin configuration data rather than treating project files as generic binary data.
DAW Support Breakdown:
- Cockos REAPER (
.rpp): Parses project data to index track counts, routing settings, and active plugins. Plugin dependency tracking is fully supported. - FL Studio (
.flp): Reads binary event data to index mixer channels and plugin paths. Plugin dependency tracking is fully supported. - Ableton Live (
.als): Currently indexes track structure and return channels. Third party plugin dependency tracking is planned but not yet built. - Pro Tools, Cubase, and Nuendo: Tracked via Basic Tracking. They are permanent saves-only formats that capture save events and media files but do not support plugin detection by design.
Configuration & Verification
1. Workspace Setup
Ensure your project folder is added under Settings → Monitored Workspaces. No secondary plugins or DAW extensions are required.
2. Format Auto-Detection & Status Indicators
When you save a session in Ableton Live, Reaper, or FL Studio, Sabes Pro automatically routes the file through its Deep Parser. Check your project card on the dashboard:
- Green Dot (Deep Tracking Active): Parsing succeeded; track counts and plugin metadata are fully indexed.
- Red Dot (Parser Warning): Occurs if a session file save was interrupted mid-write by a DAW host crash. Sabes Pro falls back to Basic file-system tracking until the next valid save.
3. Viewing Plugin Dependencies
Select any Take node on your timeline to open the Take details panel. The What this Take needs section displays the list of third party plugins detected in that save. For REAPER and FL Studio, this lists the plugins currently loaded. For Ableton, Pro Tools, Cubase, and Nuendo, this section displays placeholders indicating that plugin tracking is either unbuilt or basic/saves-only.
Configuring the Snapshot Debounce Timer
If you press Ctrl+S frequently during fast mixing sessions, configure the Snapshot Debounce Timer under Settings → Tracking Preferences:
- Instant (Default): Creates a new Take node on every save event.
- 2-Minute / 5-Minute Debounce: Consolidates rapid save events occurring within the selected time window into a single Take node to keep your timeline clean.