Section Grouping in Mixer with Preset Management for Musescore

Justification
MuseScore’s mixer becomes visually and functionally congested in orchestral or large ensemble scores, reducing efficiency during playback adjustment and mix balancing. This congestion is especially problematic when using multiple sound libraries or integrating VSTs, leading to unnecessary scrolling, visual strain, and inconsistent FX management. Current solutions (manual volume adjustment, manual reverb routing) are non-scalable for large projects.

Introducing section-based mixer grouping and preset-based mixer configurations would provide a scalable solution that:

Enhances usability without altering core engraving workflows,

Improves audio routing logic and accessibility,

Encourages reusable, shareable project structures among users.

Specification
Mixer Section Grouping
Definition: Allow user-defined or score-derived groupings (e.g., Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion).

Visibility: Groups are displayed in the mixer as collapsible headers containing sub-channels (instruments).

Hierarchy: Group > Instrument channel.

Options per group:

Solo/Mute group

Volume and pan at group level

Shared FX sends (e.g., reverb, EQ)

Optional VST group insert (e.g., bus compressor or EQ)

Group Definition Methods
Manual assignment via right-click menu or properties panel.

Automatic detection based on bracketed score sections (optional toggle).

Preset System
Mixer configuration (channel order, volumes, pans, FX, groupings) saved as .mixerpreset files.

Presets can be loaded into any score.

Ability to export/import via musescore.org for community sharing.

Supports project-wide default mixer settings.

Implementation Considerations
UI/UX
Extend existing mixer UI with collapsible containers (likely using vertical list views or grid layouts).

Minimize screen space by allowing user to collapse/expand entire sections.

Non-intrusive: default view remains flat for users uninterested in grouping.

Data Model
Extend instrument and mixer channel data structure with a groupID and optional groupProperties (volume, FX sends).

Use score brackets as a passive metadata layer to auto-initialize groupIDs during score setup.

Tie FX routing to groups via shared buses (already conceptually in use with MuseFX).

Compatibility
Backward-compatible with existing scores.

Presets saved externally or in project metadata (non-intrusive for engraving/export).

Functional when using Muse Sounds, SFZ/SF2, or VSTs.

Extensibility
Leaves room for future development such as:

Nested groups (e.g., low brass inside brass),

Group automation or expression curves,

DAW-style routing matrix.

Summary
This proposal introduces non-disruptive but highly impactful mixer improvements that scale with score complexity and remain accessible to both casual users and power users. The design favors modularity, extensibility, and UI clarity, and integrates well with MuseScore’s existing architecture and open-source development model.