Reference Guide

1000 ProChannel (Producer and Studio only)
SONAR X3 includes the following ProChannel modules:
• Compressor (Producer only). The Compressor modules let you limit the dynamic range and
balance the overall level. Compression makes the loud parts of the signal quieter, resulting in a
more even level. SONAR includes two different compressor modules:
• PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor. This is the default mode when using ProChannel on a
track. This mode is meticulously modelled after one of the most renowned and famous solid-
state (F.E.T.) compressors that is used in professional studios and recordings. Known to bring
out the brightness and presence of a sound. Commonly used on vocal tracks, but also
recommended for stereo drum buses and guitar tracks. For details, see “PC76 U-Type
Channel Compressor module (Producer only)” on page 1014.
• PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor. This is the default mode when using ProChannel on a
bus. This mode is based on the legendary center console stereo bus compressor in one of the
world's most successful analog studio production mixing consoles. Known to add punch and
drive to a mix. Also recommended for instruments like piano and drums. This mode supports
sidechaining. For details, see “PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor module (Producer only)” on
page 1016.
• QuadCurve Equalizer. The QuadCurve Equalizer module allows you to fine tune the frequency
spectrum of your music or sound. You have control over six individual bands, which allows you to
attenuate or boost specific frequency ranges and shape the overall characteristics of the audio
signal. Equalization may also be applied creatively, to add presence or enhance certain
frequencies, to remove noise, hum or low-end rumble, for special effects or numerous other
purposes. The QuadCurve Equalizer fly-out panel also includes a real-time FFT spectrum
analyzer. For more information, see “QuadCurve Equalizer module” on page 1019.
• Tube Saturation (Producer only). Digital audio recordings can sometimes sound sterile and
lifeless. The Tube Saturation module employs advanced analog vacuum-tube circuit modeling,
which allows you to apply ultra-high-quality analog warmth and saturation to individual tracks and
full mixes. Under the hood are dynamic, virtual vacuum-tubes that mimic the “animated” nature of
their real, analog counterpart as they respond to different audio input. The result is the coveted
warm, lively and realistic analog sound of classic vacuum-tube processors and amplifiers. For
details, see “Tube Saturation module (Producer only)” on page 1026.
• Softube Saturation Knob. The Softube Saturation Knob module borrows from Softube’s
famous German FET distortion and compression circuitry modeling, and provides smooth, one-
knob, frequency saturation operation for adding just the right amount of tube warmth to any track.
• Console Emulator (Producer only). The Console Emulator module emulates the sound of
three classic recording consoles in SONAR's mixer. For details, see “Console Emulator module
(Producer only)” on page 1027.
Note: The PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor is faithfully modelled after the hardware circuitry
of a classic compressor that does not support sidechaining. Consequently, the PC76 U-Type
Channel Compressor does not support sidechaining either. If you need to use sidechaining, use
the PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor mode.