If you would like to streamline your workflows, reduce the amount you use the mouse, not only in Pro Tools but other apps like iZotope RX, Soundminer or other DAWs like Nuendo and Cubase then you have to check out SoundFlow.

In this article, which includes an exclusive video demo and tour, we are going to look into detail at what SoundFlow can do and investigate the new features introduced in SoundFlow 3, which now offers the ability to create your own macros and design your own controllers on macOS, Android and iOS devices.

What Is SoundFlow

SoundFlow has been created by sound designer and composer Christian Scheuer. 8 years ago he got so fed up with “clicking on small buttons all day”, that he started making an app to create extra shortcuts for Pro Tools.

“SoundFlow helps me to stay focused. However, it was one thing to have this tool that helped me, I decided I wanted to share it and create a global community for creative professionals who want to work smarter instead of harder”

2 years ago Christian launched it as a product with 103 shortcuts for Pro Tools, which we reported on, here at Pro Tools Expert.

A year later, helped by a dedicated team of collaborators from around the world, they had turned Soundflow into a platform with the release of SoundFlow 2, in which you could now build your own scripts and develop your own workflows. Commands can be triggered from the keyboard, external hardware devices, MIDI controllers, touch surfaces or be integrated into existing scripting. Bringing all these integrations together in one, easy to use platform is what makes SoundFlow so powerful. However, there was one major feature that was missing and that was for the regular user to be able to build their own macros.

SoundFlow 3 now offers non-technical users the ability to make their own automated workflows in DAWs like Pro Tools as well as iZotope RX, Soundminer, in fact any macOS application. With this new release, SoundFlow adds a number of features to complete the platform. Its deep integration with the Stream Deck, which is a 15 button hardware device with LCD screens behind every button, enables you to be able to design dynamic ‘Decks’ inside SoundFlow that react to what you are doing, as well as providing access to all of SoundFlow’s integrations.

The brand new Macro Editor allows users to build their own workflows via a simple drag and drop interface. But Christian and the team have not stopped there. With the introduction of SoundFlow’s Surface Designer, you can even design cross platform touch surfaces for macOS, as well as for Android & iOS, although these two are still in beta.

From the SoundFlow Store, users can install packages and apps built by the community. There are a growing number of ready-to-use packages for things like Dialogue Editing, Notes Management, AudioSuite shortcuts, Session Management, Field Recorder workflows and MIDI editing.

Pro Tools Expert Exclusive Demo Of SoundFlow 3

In this extended demo video, SoundFlow founder Christian Scheuer takes Pro Tools Expert and Post Production specialist Mike Thornton through the key new features introduced with SoundFlow 3. Christian starts by explaining how SoundFlow came about and how it has developed over the last 3 years…

SoundFlow 3 Key Features

• More than 500 built-in commands to control Pro Tools, Soundminer, iZotope RX, Cubase, Nuendo, Finder and much more. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• User settings are stored in the cloud so you have access to all your shortcuts from any computer in the world running SoundFlow.

• Pro Tools commands include Marker Navigation and Search, AudioSuite & Preset Search, Instant access to Inserts, Sends, Track Outputs, Faders, Automation Shortcuts, Temp Markers, Field Recorder Conforming, One-Click Integration with iZotope RX and much more.

• NEW! Build your own macros via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, combining and customising over 120 action building blocks. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• NEW! Automate any macOS app with a macro editor, intelligent UI picker and keyboard/mouse emulation features. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• NEW! Design your own macOS surfaces (soon: support for iOS, Android) from the drag-and-drop UI designer. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• NEW! Download apps, packages, surfaces, decks, macros and scripts made by 3rd parties or other users from their new Store. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• NEW! Control your macros from hardware buttons with Stream Deck and X-keys integration. Design Stream Decks directly inside SoundFlow with their Deck Designer. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• NEW! Use the Notes app to import/export notes from popular 3rd party services and integrate directly into Pro Tools. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• NEW! Use the Video Converter to convert videos to DNxHD. Watch our exclusive video to see examples of this.

• The platform is in continuous development, so features are added as they are built.

What Do Professionals Think About SoundFlow

SoundFlow 3 Pricing And Availability

SoundFlow 3 is available as a subscription service from the SoundFlow website starting from $ 4.99 per month. There are options for Pro users who want access to all features, and a special version for MPAA-approved facilities that need to work offline. All updates are included in the subscription.

SoundFlow 3 is also available as a free download with a 30 day free trial.

What Do We Think About SoundFlow 3

I was impressed with what Christian had achieved back in May 2017 with the first version that added 103 shortcuts to Pro Tools. Like Christian, I try and use as many keyboard shortcuts as possible and avoid using the mouse to reduce the risk of developing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). However what Christian and his team of developers have achieved in the last 2 years on their own is nothing short of amazing.

Not only have they developed a very powerful solution for streamlining workflows, and interaction with Pro Tools using very powerful macros but also harnessing tools like Elgato’s Stream Deck. A great example of this is in our exclusive video where Christian shows how he has been able to streamline the process of using RX Connect to take clips out of Pro Tools into iZotope RX, then use powerful macros and shortcuts to work on the clips in RX before shipping it back to Pro Tools, all without having to touch the RX Connect plug-in.

As part of SoundFlow 3, they have added a Surface Designer so that you can design your own controllers that suit you and your client. This is another amazing tool set at our disposal and a perfect example of this is in our exclusive demo video where Christian shows the Notes app, in which the director, sat back on the client sofa, can during a viewing or as you are mixing, add timecode stamped notes on the fly, using their own tablet.

I still can’t get over how well Christian and his team has done without external financial support. It is a credit to them all.

Although SoundFlow is a macOS only application it is good to see that Christian and the team are developing tools for the Android platform as well as iOS.

As you will have seen from the pricing information, SoundFlow will be available as a subscription. This may not be to everyone’s taste, but step back and look at it from Christian’s perspective. By going down the subscription route, he is getting a regular income from user’s subscriptions, which will help him continue to develop SoundFlow even more. I for one do not begrudge developers like Christian the benefits in the subscription business model. If you would rather read what Christian says about this and how it is helping his business then he has written an article on how subscriptions are helping his business.

In conclusion, if you are a busy editor or mixer working in Pro Tools, Cubase or Nuendo, then you have to at least download the free 30 day trial of SoundFlow 3. Expect it to transform your workflows and be much more efficient and more creative, because SoundFlow is another great tool that streamlines the boring stuff so you can get on with being creative.

I cannot fault it and for this reason, and all the above, I am awarding SoundFlow 3 our coveted Expert’s Choice Award.