We all know that Zetta can preview all types of audio, but what makes Zetta unique is its ability to truly customize how a user auditions their audio. There’s a quick microbar or users can dock the full Audition module, typically at the bottom of their Zetta workspace. Then, each user can isolate which type of audition playback control they want to include or hide within the Zetta interface. And if that wasn’t enough, that same audition behavior can be found throughout each module, making it extremely easy for any type of user to preview their desired audio.
Let’s start with where users can audition, or preview audio throughout Zetta. Most users enjoy the simple microbar that is featured at the top right of the Zetta workspace. This offers the basic audition controls in a tight, but efficient progress bar. For users that prefer a more detailed experience, Zetta offers the Audition module, that can be docked or floated within your Zetta layout. Make a note that no matter which audition route you chose, Zetta will preview the same element in both the Audition module and the microbar. In fact, if you preview audio from any module, you’re still utilizing the same two audition features and controls.
Which brings us to how to properly customize auditioning audio within Zetta. Remember, Zetta is all about designing the layout to how you specifically interpret radio automation. There are two settings that can be configured via the User Preferences window, found at the top right drop-down, next to the signed in user. Head to the third Auditioning tab and you’ll see there are options to display or hide the audition microbar, default audition, preroll closing, and the Audition Module Customization or Context Menu Customization. If you’re working within the Audition module, then include or hide any desired values within the Transport and Marking point buttons. These options include different types of start, stop, pause, and play, as well as where to start, stop, pause, or play. For example, within the Audition module, if you care about previewing a piece of audio from Intro 1, then include the value: Intro 1 in the Marking point buttons. Anything outside of the Audition module, like previewing audio from the Logs or Library, will be part of the Context Menu Customization. Again, highlight or remove any of these control options, but as to avoid any potential confusion, most users prefer to keep the Audition Module and Context Menu Customizations the same. And if you are working outside of the User Preferences window, like other dropdown settings in Zetta, users can always right click to change the default. For example, if your current audition control is Opening, but you want to change it to Hook, simply right click on the Hook value and now all your audition options will default to Hook.
One thing we forgot to mention in this week’s RCS Live, users also have the ability to preview unique pieces of audio. For example, if you’re utilizing Media Import (Tools | Media Import), once you select your desired audio, from the left column, you can right click and preview the selection before it’s loaded into Zetta.
Speaking of optimizing the Zetta user experience, we’re getting ready to accept new Beta testers for Zetta 5.22.1. We’ll save the feature review for an upcoming RCS Live, but if you want to get your hands on the latest in radio automation, reach out to your local RCS contact. You can see a full review of previous new versions of all our products via the RCS Live Archive. If you want to feature your station or studio in an upcoming #StudioSpotlight, reach out to marketing@rcsworks.com and don’t forget to check us out on the road later this summer/fall. Otherwise, we’ll see you next Thursday at 11am ET for another RCS Live!