How to Commit Chainsetup Changes in Ecasound

This article explains how to commit structural changes made to an audio chainsetup within Ecasound’s Interactive Mode (IAM). You will learn the specific command required to apply and initialize these modifications, the role it plays within the processing engine, and the proper workflow for safely updating an already active session.

In Ecasound Interactive Mode, the command used to commit changes made to a chainsetup is cs-connect.

Ecasound treats chainsetups as modular routing configurations consisting of inputs, outputs, signal chains, operators, and controllers. When working in interactive mode, making structural modifications—such as adding inputs (ai-add), outputs (ao-add), or new chains (c-add)—does not immediately apply them to the real-time DSP engine. The engine requires an explicit instruction to parse, validate, and allocate resources for the updated setup. The cs-connect command locks in these changes and links the selected chainsetup to the engine, preparing it for processing.

Workflow for Modifying an Active Chainsetup

If a chainsetup is currently connected or actively processing audio, you must temporarily detach it from the engine before applying structural changes. The standard procedure is as follows:

Stop Playback: If the engine is running, halt processing by entering:
```
stop
```
Disconnect the Chainsetup: Detach the active setup to re-enter configuration mode:
```
cs-disconnect
```
Apply Your Modifications: Modify the setup as required by adding, removing, or reconfiguring chains, inputs, outputs, or operators.
Commit the Changes: Finalize and commit the updated configuration to the engine:
```
cs-connect
```
Resume Processing: Restart the engine with the newly committed setup:
```
start
```

Real-Time Parameter Changes vs. Commits

A distinction exists between structural modifications and parameter adjustments. While structural changes strictly require cs-disconnect followed by cs-connect to commit, dynamic parameter values (such as changing gain levels, filter frequencies, or panning via cop-set) take effect immediately in real time without needing to disconnect or re-commit the chainsetup.