Browser And Search

The browser is the operator's main entry point into the track database. Use it to find audio, preview items, check metadata and prepare content for playlists, carts and production work.

Search Workflow

Search by title, artist, category, content type or another field that is relevant to the station. Narrow the result set before auditioning items. This reduces the risk of selecting an older promo, a wrong mix or an item that should no longer be scheduled.

The search function is designed to keep the browser responsive while searching larger libraries. It also handles many non-standard characters, so a search can still find artists and titles that use punctuation or accented characters. For example, search behavior should remain practical for names such as P!nk or Bjork.

Useful habits:

• Filter by content type when looking for imaging, promos, spots or music.
• Check start and end dates for temporary content.
• Sort by title, artist, duration or category when comparing similar items.
• Preview audio before adding it to a live playlist or cart.

Use the filter tree when working with large libraries. It helps narrow results by station classifications such as Criteria, Special, Rotation, Decade, Audience, Language, Tempo, Mood, Rating and Content type.

Use column settings to show the information needed for the task. For example, show intro times and BPM during music review, or created-on and modified-on fields during cleanup.

Optional columns and sorting are especially useful during library cleanup. Keep the everyday browser view simple for presenters, and use a more detailed column layout for administrators who maintain metadata.

Preview And PFL

Use PFL to listen before an item goes on air. This is especially important for newly imported files, live-show carts, voice tracks, external recordings and downloaded programs.

When several audio devices are available, confirm that PFL is routed to the operator's headphones or preview channel and not to the program output.

The space bar can start PFL in the browser, similar to the Mix Editor workflow. Ctrl+P can also be used. When PFL is playing and another track is selected with the keyboard or mouse, the newly selected track can be auditioned without first closing the browser.

Editing Item Information

Good item information makes the whole system more reliable. Before an item is used in generated playlists, check:

• Content type.
• Title and artist.
• Categories and scheduling attributes.
• Intro, mix, fade and end markers where applicable.
• Whether the item may be scheduled automatically.
• Whether the item should publish Now Playing metadata.

For temporary items, use clear titles and date-related metadata so they can be found and cleaned up later.

The browser context menu can open planning analysis for a track or artist. Use this when an item seems to be missing from generated playlists. The answer is often an active flag, date range, criteria value, artist exclusion or repeat rule rather than a browser search problem.

If a context menu does not show the expected options after repeated use, close and reopen the menu before taking action. This is a safe habit during live operation because it prevents acting on a stale selection.

Working During Live Shows

During a live show, keep browser actions deliberate:

• Preview before adding an item to the running hour.
• Avoid replacing the next on-air item unless the presenter is aware of the change.
• Use carts for items that need immediate manual control.
• If a search result has unclear metadata, choose a known-good item instead.

Adding A Single Track

Use Add single track when one individual file must be added quickly, for example a late promo, interview clip or emergency item. Select the correct file, set the content type and complete the most important metadata before using it on air.

For folders or larger imports, use Batch Import or Library Import instead. Batch workflows let administrators apply shared metadata consistently and reduce repetitive manual edits.