Freezing a track temporarily renders all MIDI and audio effects into a single audio file, reducing CPU usage while preserving the ability to make changes later.
What's Track Freezing Used For?
Track freezing serves several key purposes:
- Reduces CPU load by rendering CPU-intensive plugins and effects, which can help reduce latency
- Allows you to work with more tracks on lower-powered computers
- Helps manage system resources in large projects
- Provides a way to temporarily commit effects while maintaining editability
- Lets you preview how rendered effects will sound in the final mix
The frozen track remains editable - you can always unfreeze it to make changes to the original track's devices and automation.
How to Freeze Tracks in Ableton 12
- Select the track you want to freeze
- Right-click on the track header
- Select "Freeze Track" from the context menu
- Wait for the rendering process to complete
To unfreeze:
- Right-click the frozen track
- Select "Unfreeze Track"
Note: While frozen, the track's devices become grayed out but remain visible.
What does 'Freeze and Flatten Track' do?
You'll notice that there's also an option to 'Freeze and Flatten Track'.
This fully converts a frozen track to audio, removing all instruments and effects, leaving only the rendered audio. Use it to free up CPU, commit effects, or prepare stems.
Flattened tracks cannot be unfrozen. Duplicate before flattening if you need to keep the original.
FAQs
What happens when I freeze a track?
When you freeze a track, Ableton renders all devices and automation into a temporary audio file. The original track's devices are bypassed but preserved, and CPU usage is reduced.
Can I edit a frozen track?
You can't edit device parameters or MIDI data while a track is frozen. However, you can:
- Adjust track volume and panning
- Edit track routing
- Add time-based effects to the track (like delay or reverb)
Do frozen tracks sound different?
No, frozen tracks should sound identical to their unfrozen versions, as they're simply rendered versions of the same processing chain.
What's the difference between freezing and flattening?
Freezing is temporary and reversible, while flattening permanently converts the track to audio and removes all devices. Use freezing when you want to reduce CPU but might need to make changes later.
Can I freeze tracks with sidechain inputs?
Yes, but the sidechain relationship will be rendered into the frozen audio. To maintain dynamic sidechaining, keep the source track unfrozen.
Will freezing tracks save CPU on all devices?
Freezing is most effective for CPU-intensive plugins like complex synthesizers and heavy effects chains. Simple effects might not show significant CPU reduction.
Can I freeze multiple tracks at once?
No, tracks must be frozen individually in Ableton. This allows for more precise control over resource management.
Do frozen tracks export differently?
No, frozen tracks export exactly the same as unfrozen tracks since freezing is just a temporary render of the same processing.
Can I move frozen tracks between computers?
Yes, but you'll need to include the entire project with all plugins and devices. The frozen state will be maintained when opening the project on another computer.
Does freezing affect project file size?
Yes, freezing creates temporary audio files that increase project size. However, these files are automatically managed by Ableton and removed when tracks are unfrozen.