Setting Up a Time-Based Count-In

You can set up a time-linear count-in as a timing reference for your recordings. This is useful for postproduction scenarios where projects are rather time based than referencing to bars and beats.

A typical use case would be the synchronization of voice-overs or dubbing versions. In these scenarios, you find yourself frequently jumping to positions from which you want the recording to start. By setting the locators to the sections that you want to record and defining a time-linear count-in, you can quickly assign, locate, and hear the record start position in your project.

Procedure

Select Transport > Activate Metronome to activate the metronome click.
Right-click anywhere on the Transport panel or in the Transport Bar and activate Pre-roll & Post-roll.
In the Pre-roll & Post-roll section, activate Pre-roll and set up a suitable pre-roll value.

Note
The time-linear count-in only works, if you activate Pre-roll.
Select Transport > Common Record Modes and activate Start Recording at Left Locator/Punch In Position.
Select Transport > Metronome Setup, and open the General tab.
In the Count-In section, activate Use Time-Linear Count-In during Pre-Roll and set it up according to your needs.
Click OK to save your settings and close the dialog.
Set the locators to the section that you want to record and activate recording.

If you want to record several sections, set up cycle markers for all sections that you want to record.

Result

The project cursor jumps back to the pre-roll position, and playback starts. The count-in is triggered as specified. When the cursor reaches the left locator, the count-in stops and recording starts. If you have unlocked the punch positions from the locator positions, recording starts when the project cursor reaches the punch in position.