.. _sourcegroups:

.. image:: ../_images/folder.svg
    :alt: Add New Source Group.
    :width: 15%
    :align: left

Source Groups
--------------------------


Larger, or more complex loudspeaker system designs can comprise many :ref:`sources<sourcetypes>`. Source Groups exist to allow these to be managed more effectively, as they can bring order and structure to the :ref:`Source Manager<sourcemanager>`. Source Groups can also have a position offset and gain/delay deltas applied to them, which in a hierarchal sense are applied to all the groups children. Source Groups can contain either :ref:`sources<sourcetypes>`, and crucially, other groups.

**Adding a Group**
    To add a Source Group to the sources list, simply press the add group button on the top bar of the :ref:`Source Manager<sourcemanager>`, which is the icon in the shape of a folder. This will present a new controller where you can give the group a name to identify it. When this controller is dismissed, the group will exist in the sources list, with the distinguishing feature of an arrow to the left of it. Clicking the group within the sources list will expand and collapse the groups.

**Position Offset**
    A position offset (X / Y / Z) can be applied to a Source Group using the group's :ref:`edit pencil<input>`. The offset is applied to all of the group's children.

**Adding Sources to a Group**
    With a Source Group already existing in the Sources list, to assign a :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` to the group, simply click the :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` and drag it on to the group. The group, as the destination for the assignment, will turn green just prior to the assignment. The :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` will now reposition itself under the group and will be indented slightly from the left.

**Removing Sources from a Group**
    To remove a :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` from a group that it is already assigned to, expand the group by clicking it, so the members are all visible. Click the :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` in question and drag it to the top of the Sources list, until such time as the background colour of the header turns green. Release the mouse, and the :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` will no longer be a member of the group. The :ref:`Source<sourcetypes>` will now relocate to the bottom of the sources list.

**Expanding and Collapsing Groups**
    Groups can be expanded or collapsed, to keep the Sources list ‘clean’ and free of clutter. To do this, simply click the name of the group in the Sources list, and all members will be collapsed. Repeat this process again, and all the members will be expanded.

**Gain and Delay Delta**
    Gain and Delay values can be added or subtracted from all :ref:`Sources<sourcetypes>` within a group. To do this, click the group's :ref:`edit pencil<input>` and change the value in the data entry box by clicking and typing, or scrolling the mouse wheel inside the box.
    

.. image:: ../_images/sourcegroups.JPG
   :alt: Source Groups.
   :width: 80%
   :align: center