User`s guide

User’s Guide
6
Final Mix for Tracktion
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Mackie software prod-
ucts 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 ap-
plication. 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 comput-
er. You can visit our website
(www.mackie.com)
and purchase the universal version of Final
Mix that works with any application that sup-
ports VST 2.0 (Virtual Studio Technology).
Final Mix is a professional stereo mastering
plug-in that offers multi-band dynamics process-
ing and equalization. It has three individual
dynamics processors, each with its own set of
controls and selectable crossover points. It also
has two separate six-band parametric eqs, one
located before the dynamics section, and the
other after. Each dynamics band is typically
used as a compressor, but expansion is also
possible. An intuitive dynamics contour edit
screen provides easy setup of your compressor
parameters, and allows you to create the perfect
soft knee curve. Final Mix also offers a simple-
to-use noise gate and a soft-clip limiter. With
intuitive screens and controls, Final Mix prom-
ises to be one of your most invaluable tools. It
can take your projects to new heights.
About Final Mix
Mastering is often the element that separates
a good production from a great one. Mackie's
Final Mix enables you to master your session
within your computer's software application
and print directly to hard disk. All this without
having to rely on expensive mastering houses or
outboard gear. Best of all, settings can be saved
as part of your DAW session!
Final Mix features a six-band parametric (pre-
dynamics) equalizer, a multi-band dynamics
processor, and a six-band parametric (post-
dynamics) equalizer—12 bands of stereo EQ
and three bands of dynamics processing in all.
All settings are easily edited to create perfect
EQ curves and compression settings. All three
dynamics bands feature individual threshold,
attack, and release times. A graphical contour
edit screen for each dynamics band allows you
to easily set a desired ratio. Then you can cre-
ate your own hard knee or soft knee, or even
create an expander curve.
Each dynamics band features its own key fi lter
and operating bandwidth. This allows you to
customize the frequency band triggering each
compressor.
The Soft-Clip feature adds a smooth, analog-
style clip response when your signal gets close
to overload. These features and others, such as
Noise Gate and Band Linking, ensure that Final
Mix will be an integral part of your mixes from
here out.