USER’S GUIDE Final Mix plug-in ™ For Tracktion 2
Final Mix for Tracktion Mackie Software License Please read this license carefully before using the accompanying Software. By downloading and using the Software, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this license.
Final Mix for Tracktion YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE AND FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY. 8. Disclaimer of Warranty on Software. You expressly acknowledge and agree that use of the Software is at your sole risk. The Software and related documentation are provided “AS IS” and without warranty of any kind.
Final Mix for Tracktion Iconography This icon will lead you to some further explanations of features and practical tips. This icon marks information that is very important, so please make sure you have a read. This icon does not appear in this guide. Well, except here, of course. Note: Visit our website at www.mackie.com to obtain the latest manuals and downloads for all your Mackie products. “Mackie” and the “Running Man” figure are trademarks or registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc.
Final Mix for Tracktion Contents Mackie Software License-------------------------2 Dynamics Processor ------------------------------14 Contour Edit Screen------------------------------ 15 Introduction ----------------------------------------6 Parametric Equalizers----------------------------- 8 Dynamics, Crossover and Key Filters ---------- 8 Global Controls Block ---------------------------- 9 Block diagram and Help screens---------------- 9 Band View/Edit ----------------------------------- 16 Gain Mak
Final Mix for Tracktion Introduction Thank you for choosing Mackie software products for your computer-based audio recording system. This version of Mackie's Final Mix stereo mastering plug-in comes with Tracktion, our easy-to-use music production software application. When you install Tracktion, Final Mix is automatically installed in Tracktion's plug-ins folder. Note: This version of Final Mix only works with Tracktion, and will not work with any other VST host applications you may have on your computer.
Final Mix for Tracktion Main Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Stereo mastering plug-in solution for Tracktion 6-band pre-dynamics parametric equalizer 3-band dynamics processor 6-band post-dynamics parametric equalizer Soft-Clip feature to provide peak overload protection DC removal filter Noise gate Integrated on-screen help (click on the question mark button) Dynamics auto make-up gain Individual key selector for each dynamics band Graphical user-definable dynamics band contours Li
Final Mix for Tracktion Front Panel Overview You can think of Final Mix as being broken into three basic blocks: EQ, Dynamics, and Global. The dynamics and equalizer blocks have alternate pop-up screens that can be accessed for detailed editing. Pre/Post Parametric Equalizers (Six Band) Dynamics Crossover and Key Filters Parametric Equalizers The parametric equalizer block contains two separate six-band parametric equalizers. One is pre-dynamics processing, and the other is postdynamics.
Final Mix for Tracktion dynamics bands. Double-clicking on any of the smaller contour screens brings up the corresponding larger screen for detailed editing of the contour. The contour allows you to control the threshold and ratio, as well as a desired knee. It is a view of the overall ‘shape’ or contour of exactly what the compressor is going to do to your signal. You can even draw in regions of expansion. From this screen you can also enable or disable the band’s auto make-up gain.
Final Mix for Tracktion Pre/Post Parametric EQ Pre and Post Parametric Equalizer graphs The main EQ graph allows you to display and edit both the Pre EQ and Post EQ. Pre EQ is applied to the signal before it reaches the dynamics processing section, and Post EQ is applied after the processing. (See the block diagram on the previous page.) The EQ's IN/OUT buttons let you select which EQ is engaged (on) or bypassed (off). (You cannot edit or view when off.
Final Mix for Tracktion Fine adjustment is accomplished by clicking in the text boxes. A single right-click in the box increments the value, and single left-click in the box decrements the value. Achieving the right amount of compression can change the EQ of a signal. For this reason, it’s handy to have post-compression EQ. The changes that are made in the Post EQ can be used to rebalance the overall EQ of your mix.
Final Mix for Tracktion Crossover and Key Filter Crossover and Key Filter graph (with Crossover ready for editing) The graph illustrates the Crossover and Key Filter settings. As with the Pre and Post EQ graph, parameters and views of this screen are controlled using four buttons to the right of the graph. These are: DYN EDIT and DYN VIEWS. DYN VIEWS enables or disables viewing of either the Crossover or the Key Filters. DYN EDIT selects which of these can be edited.
Final Mix for Tracktion Crossover/Key Filter Values Panel Double-clicking on the Crossover graph brings up a screen which displays all of the parameters for the crossover and key filters. Crossover/Key Values panel All the values from this screen can be adjusted by clicking on the digits and dragging up or down. For fine adjustments, right-click in the text box to increment the value, and left-click to decrement the value. Key Gain The Key Gain Control ranges from –15 dB to +15 dB.
Final Mix for Tracktion Dynamics Processor Final Mix’s crossover splits the signal into three bands, each of which is fed into its own independent dynamics processor. Typically, the dynamics processor is used as a compressor. However, depending on the settings it can act as a compressor, limiter, or expander, or even a combination of all three. Having a separate dynamic processor for each band can give you great flexibility while mastering.
Final Mix for Tracktion Contour Edit Screen Band view/edit Gain makeup Auto makeup Right-click to add or delete a Node Attack Release Node Select Node Enable Threshold End Point In and Out Ratio The Contour Edit Screen allows you to have very powerful control over the heart of Final Mix. Double-clicking on any of the three dynamics overview screens brings up this more detailed screen. The graph you see when first accessing this screen represents the dynamics contour for the currently selected band.
Final Mix for Tracktion and louder signals become quieter. We see an example of this below. For input signals below node 2 in amplitude (approximately –28 dB), the dynamics processor acts as an expander. For signals above node 3, the processor is a compressor. See the "Node Editing" section on the next page to find out more about how to set up these kinds of contours. Expansion and compression together to “level” a signal Band View/Edit One dynamics band can be edited at a time from the contour screen.
Final Mix for Tracktion Node Editing Final Mix’s Node Editing is a unique and powerful feature that goes far beyond the usual concept of assigning a dynamics band’s ratio. The Contour Edit screen allows you to draw your own curve between the threshold and the end point. Up to four nodes can be added to the curve. This depth of editing is helpful in defining detailed nuances in your curve such as hard knee, soft knee, and expansion.
Final Mix for Tracktion or maximum output on the graph. A soft knee curve has a smoother curve that connects the two points. This creates a more gradual transition between non-compressed and compressed signals. Reset This will reset the Dynamics section to its factory default settings. Link All When engaged, this button allows you to edit all three bands of dynamics at once. Changes don't take place until you move a parameter within the dynamics section.
Final Mix for Tracktion Global Controls Block Help Screen (?) This button brings up a handy quick reference screen to assist you in using Final Mix. It offers a signal path block diagram, definitions, and editing tips. Toggle the arrows to change screens. Click the "X" to close the help screen. Preset Toggle Buttons The arrow buttons to the left of the window, enable you to scroll up or down through either the factory or user presets.
Final Mix for Tracktion Specifications 6 band Parametric EQ Crossover Frequencies Gain ±15.0 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency 20 Hz to 20 kHz Q range 0.1 to 16 Filter type High/Low shelf or bandpass Dynamics Gain Makeup ±15 dB Attack 0 to 100 ms Release 30 ms to 3000 ms Threshold –48 dBfs to 0 dBfs Crossover Slopes 6 dB/octave to 36 dB/octave Key Filters Frequency Limited to crossover band Slope 4th order low pass 4th order high pass DC Filter On/Off, frequency = 3.
Final Mix for Tracktion Final Mix Factory Presets The following table is a simple guide to help you understand some of Final Mix’s factory presets. Final Mix presets can be used effectively as they are, or as a starting point that lets you do the fine tuning mix. Final Mix also lets you create your own user presets with custom parameters that meet your specific needs. So get creative and have fun! Please visit www.mackie.com periodically to download new audio examples and additional free presets.
Final Mix for Tracktion Final Mix Preset Preset Description H_Jazz Mix Uses 3-band pre EQ w/three bands of compression that are Contemporary jazz mastering set as tighter bass, mids, and highs. H_Leveler With EQ Three bands of pre EQ with a shelf set on the highs. A pro- Hot output + EQ mix nounced key in the lows, and 6 dB of gain makeup. Comp bands are linked H_Loudness & Mild Comp Mild loudness EQ curve set by post EQ peak in the lows, and a shelf in the highs.
Final Mix for Tracktion Final Mix Preset Preset Description Preset Type Moderate + Hi Low EQ Moderate compression with high and low EQ boost High and low EQ boost Moderate + Mid EQ Moderate compression with a bit of EQ boost for mid frequencies.
16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA United States and Canada: 800.898.3211 Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333 Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000 Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com E-mail: sales@mackie.
