muted vs empty tracks & resources

Quick question I couldn't find an answer to. I understand that muted tracks incur no processing overhead. Is this also true for empty tracks that are not muted? The reason I ask is the case of empty tracks used as spacers/blanks. Is it necessary to mute these to keep them from using machine resources, or is the fact that they have no media items and no FX enough?

I dont know for sure, but I think that empty tracks use no CPU, and RAM only for the track graphics to be displayed. but you can test it for yourself: open a project, add lots of empty tracks and see what it does (or not) to the CPU and RAM.

ok, relax. :-) but you did the experiment, so we can all relax. :-)

There's another option: Preferences/Audio: Reduce CPU use of silent tracks during playback (experimental)

I've actually created a template that is a muted track with no input, master/parent disabled and blank layouts selected for MCP & TCP. Simple solution to a repetitive task, no experiments needed :)