TrackRate user guide

Shuffle

Understand TrackRate shuffle modes, rating weights, unrated limits, queues, and recommended settings.

5 questions

How does TrackRate Shuffle choose the next track?

Shuffle builds an eligible pool from the active database, source mode, and every current filter. The selected Shuffle mode then chooses from that pool. Rating-aware modes give different probabilities to tracks based on ratings, while Pure Random ignores rating preference.

Because filtering happens first, Shuffle can only choose tracks that survive search chips, tags, ratings, Metric Lens, and other scope rules. If the pool contains only a few tracks, repetition is expected regardless of mode.

Which Shuffle mode should I use?

Use Pure Random for a new or mostly unrated library. Move to a rating-aware mode when enough tracks have ratings for preference to be meaningful. Stronger modes favor higher-rated music more aggressively; gentler modes retain more discovery and variety.

Practical progression

Begin with Pure Random and Max Unrated at 100%. After rating a useful sample, choose a light rating bias and lower Max Unrated gradually. Use a stronger bias only when you want the session to concentrate on favorites.

Choose Shuffle by library maturity and listening goal
Your situationStarting choiceMax Unrated
New or mostly unrated libraryPure Random100%
Still discovering, but ratings are usefulGentle rating bias40–70%
Familiar collection, balanced sessionModerate rating bias15–40%
Favorites-focused listeningStrong rating bias0–20%
What does Max Unrated control?

Max Unrated limits how much of the Shuffle opportunity can come from tracks without a rating. A value of 100% allows a new library to play freely; a lower value prevents unknown tracks from dominating after you have established preferences.

It is a ceiling, not a guarantee that the exact percentage will appear in every short session. Pool size, active filters, history, and the selected Shuffle mode can affect the observed sequence.

Why does Shuffle repeat tracks or stop finding tracks?

Repetition usually means the eligible pool is small or the selected rating mode strongly favors a small group. No result usually means the pool is empty. Clear active filters, allow unrated tracks, choose Pure Random, and confirm that the current source contains playable files.

In a filtered session, inspect the visible track count before blaming Shuffle. A stack such as one album, ratings 9–10, #!live, and a narrow Metric Lens range may leave only a handful of candidates.

Can I Shuffle only a filtered group or a playlist?

Yes. Apply filters to the library or select the intended playlist/source, then enable Shuffle. The current source and filters define the candidate pool before the Shuffle algorithm runs.

Example

Create chips for year:1970-1979, genre:soul, dur:<7, and #!live, then select ratings 7–10. Shuffle will stay inside that 1970s studio-soul pool until the source or filters change.