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Getting Started

basehead runs on a SQLite database and is database-driven end to end — that’s where the speed comes from. Here’s how to get sounds in and a quick tour of the layout.

Importing audio files

Press Ctrl+I / Cmd+I to open the Import panel, or just drag files onto the center of the Results List.

From the panel you can target an existing Import or Group (covered later). The gear icon in the top right reveals additional import options worth knowing about.

Import panel

Import options

Click the gear icon at the top of the Import panel to reveal these:

Import options menu

Drive Letters vs Hard Drive IDs (PC only)

Use Hard Drive IDs if your library lives on a portable USB drive that moves between machines. Otherwise leave it on Drive Letters.

Split File Matching

Detects split files (.L, .R, .C, .LFE, .Ls, .Rs, or -01/-02/-03 patterns) and groups them in the database. Playback grouping can be disabled in Options › General.

Chunks to import

Choose which metadata chunks to read on import. Always leave iXML on. The defaults are right unless you have a specific reason to change them. Some chunks (like ACID) are always imported with no toggle.

Managing databases

On first launch, basehead creates a default basehead.db. All databases — created or imported — get copied to a master Databases folder.

Open Manage Databases with Ctrl+D / Cmd+D to create new ones, rename, or run repair and indexing tools from the Tools menu.

Manage Databases panel

Results List fields

Right-click the header of the Results List to see every available field. Toggle visibility per field, plus Show All / Reset to Defaults options.

Font size for the list is set from the same panel.

Results List header right-click

basehead terminology

Here’s a labeled tour of the main UI before we get into specific panels:

basehead UI terminology

Results List

The center of the program — search results land here.

Important. Files dragged from the Results List are referenced from their original location — they bypass processing and the Transfer Path. Treat dragging from the Results List the same as dragging from Explorer / Finder into your DAW.

If you want files copied to the Transfer Path and run through processing, drag from the Drag-n-Drop bar instead, with Force Reference turned off.

Left Side Bar E

Shows the NodeTree by default. Each node — Collections, Categories, Groups, Imports, CloudPacks, Favorite and Recent Searches, Play History, Paths, X-fers — can be broken out into its own tab if your edition supports it. See the NodeTree page for the full breakdown.

Right Side Bar P

Houses several panels depending on edition: Details, Rename / Batch Renamer, Process, Markers, Metadata Viewer, Import/Export Text File, Burn-in Panel.

Bottom info strip

Shows the Transfer Path — where basehead copies non-referenced files. Ctrl+Click the path to open it in Explorer / Finder.

pitchSlider controls

pitchSlider controls
  • Three modes: Percentage, Semi-tone, Sample Rate. Newly created files are transferred with the pitch values baked in.
  • Lock button — keeps the current pitch when you change records.
  • MIDI Triggering (Standard or higher) — plays sounds across a USB keyboard or drum pad from the green TRIG marker.

MIDI Triggering

Enter MIDI Trigger mode by clicking the keyboard icon, or hold Shift and click anywhere on the waveform to drop the green TRIG marker. The waveform turns mauve / salmon as visual feedback that you’re in trigger mode. Click the keyboard icon again or select a different record to exit.

If the file has multiple cue markers, basehead defaults to Round Robin triggering with three modes to choose from.

Tech notes. Currently receives on all MIDI devices and channels. Up to 128-voice polyphony.
MIDI trigger mode

Transport controls

Transport controls
  • Performance Take Recording — recordings are added to the Play History node or Taglist, prefixed PERF-.
  • Loop region — loops a region or playback marker. L
  • Auto-Play
  • Reverse Playback — flips playback direction. R
  • Continuous Play — skips to the next file when the current one ends.
  • Shuffle Play
  • Volume
  • FOLD — downmixes surround files to stereo for preview only.
  • M/S Stereo Decoder
  • basehead Connect (B.C.) — routes basehead’s outputs through an 8-channel VST3 / AAX / AU plugin directly into your DAW.
SmartLoop. Engages automatically whenever you move a pitchSlider or pitchFX slider — the Loop icons turn green to confirm. Force it on with 0 on the numeric keypad.

Performance recording

Performance recording

Right-click the Record button to change Performance Recording settings.

Recordings land in the History node when complete. If they’re going to the default Temp Folder, transfer any keepers to your DAW before quitting basehead — Temp recordings get cleaned up on next launch.