Operation Manual
Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Kevin Quarshie, Benjamin Schütte This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the complexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images. The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Table of Contents 6 6 7 7 8 Introduction Help System About the Program Versions Conventions How You Can Reach Us 10 10 10 11 11 14 14 Setting Up Your System Connecting Audio Audio Cards and Background Playback Latency Defining VST Audio Connections CD/DVD Recorders Remote Devices 20 20 20 21 22 26 27 27 28 31 31 WaveLab Elements Concepts General Editing Rules Startup Dialog Basic Window Handling Selecting Audio Sliders Renaming Items in Tables File Browser Tab Groups Peak Files Companion Files 33 33
139 139 139 140 141 142 143 144 144 145 147 148 Offline Processing Applying Processing Gain Dialog Level Normalizer Dialog Fades in Audio Files Crossfades Phase Inverting Reversing Audio DC Offset Time Stretching Pitch Shift Resample 150 150 153 162 163 164 165 197 200 200 202 Audio Montage Montage Window Audio Montage Tabs Signal Flow in the Audio Montage Creating New Audio Montages Audio Montage Duplicates Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File Import Options for Audio Montages Missing Files in
283 283 288 288 289 289 289 291 Podcasts Podcast Editor Global Podcast Options Creating a Podcast Setting Up a FTP for Podcast Publishing Publishing a Podcast FTP Settings Dialog Checking the Podcast 292 292 293 298 298 Customizing Customizing the Wave Window and the Montage Window Customizing Shortcuts Customizing Command Bars Plug-in Organization 307 307 311 316 319 320 Configuring the Software Global Preferences Audio Files Preferences Audio Montages Preferences Settings Management Multi-User Settin
Introduction Help System The detailed help system of WaveLab Elements enables you to look up interface features and get information from within the program. Accessing the Help System There are several ways of accessing the help system. • To open the WaveLab Elements help, select Help > Contents. • To open the manual in PDF format, select Help > PDF Documentation. • To show tooltips, move the mouse over an interface icon.
Introduction About the Program Versions About the Program Versions The documentation covers the operating systems Windows and Mac OS X. Features and settings that are specific to one of these platforms are clearly indicated. In all other cases, the descriptions and procedures in the documentation are valid for Windows and Mac OS X. Some points to consider: • The screenshots are taken from a Windows operating system.
Introduction How You Can Reach Us RELATED LINKS Lists related topics that you can find in this documentation. Mark-Ups Bold text indicates the name of a menu, option, function, dialog, window, etc. EXAMPLE To open the Layout Options pop-up menu, click Layout Options in the top right corner of the Audio Editor. If bold text is separated by a greater-than symbol, this indicates a sequence of different menus to open. EXAMPLE Select File > Save As.
Introduction How You Can Reach Us The menu contains links to various Steinberg web pages. Selecting a menu item automatically launches your browser and opens the page. On these pages, you can find support and compatibility information, answers to frequently asked questions, information about updates and other Steinberg products, etc. This requires that you have a web browser installed on your computer, and a working Internet connection.
Setting Up Your System Before you start working, you need to make some settings. IIMPORTANT MPORTANT Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections. Connecting Audio Your system setup depends on many different factors, for example, the kind of project that you want to create, the external equipment that you want to use, or the computer hardware available to you.
Setting Up Your System Latency Latency Latency is the delay between when audio is sent from the program and when you actually hear it. While a very low latency can be crucial in a real-time DAW application such as Steinberg Nuendo or Cubase, this is not strictly the case with WaveLab Elements. When working with WaveLab Elements, the important issues are optimum and stable playback and editing precision. The latency in an audio system depends on the audio hardware, its drivers, and settings.
Setting Up Your System Defining VST Audio Connections 3. Optional: Click Control Panel and make your settings. 4. On the ASIO Plug-ins tab, select the audio ports that are used for recording and monitor input of the ASIO plug-ins. Selecting a Windows MME Driver PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Options > VST Audio Connections. 2. Open the Audio Device pop-up menu and select Windows MME. 3. On the Playback tab, select the audio ports that are used for playback. 4.
Setting Up Your System Defining VST Audio Connections Playback Tab This tab allows you to select and name audio ports that are used for playback. Recording Tab This tab allows you to select and name your audio ports that are used for recording and input monitoring. The inputs that you define here are then available in the Recording dialog. Options Tab This tab allows you to specify the number of buffers and the control driver functionality.
Setting Up Your System CD/DVD Recorders Release Driver Allows you to run WaveLab Elements together with other applications and always give the active application access to the audio card. • If When WaveLab Elements is in Background is activated, the driver is released when WaveLab Elements is in the background. • If When Cubase is in Foreground is activated, the driver is released when Cubase is in the foreground.
Setting Up Your System Remote Devices Device Editing Tab This tab lets you select a MIDI control device and see the control map. Active Activates the selected device and scans the MIDI ports. In-Port/Out-Port Select the MIDI input/output ports of the device that you want to use. Name Lets you enter a map name. Expand/Collapse Expands/collapses the folder tree of the control map. WaveLab Elements Action List This folder tree lists the parameters that you can remote-control.
Setting Up Your System Remote Devices Emulate Mouse Wheel If this option is activated, the AI knob of Steinberg controllers acts as a mouse wheel in the WaveLab Elements user interface, except for plug-ins. Edit Focused Numeric Field If this option is activated, the AI knob Steinberg controllers can be used to edit the focused numeric field that you find in many WaveLab Elements windows and dialogs.
Setting Up Your System Remote Devices If the EQ TYPE button is activated on the CC121, you can adjust the parameters of the focused Studio-EQ. All necessary EQ parameters, such as Q/F/G of each band, EQ TYPE selection, and ALL BYPASS on/off can be set. You can switch to WaveLab Elements navigation mode by turning off the EQ TYPE button. In WaveLab Elements navigation mode, you get access to alternative functions, such as scrolling, zooming, and switching between windows.
Setting Up Your System Remote Devices EQ-2 knob for the EQ Frequency (F) Horizontally zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor. EQ-3 knob for the EQ Frequency (F) Vertically zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor. EQ-4 knob for the EQ Frequency (F) Vertically scrolls on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor. Transport Section In this section you can control the transport functions of WaveLab Elements. Previous button Moves the cursor position to the left.
Setting Up Your System Remote Devices FUNCTION button 1 Adjusts the fade in settings of the active clip. FUNCTION button 2 Adjusts the fade out settings of the active clip. FUNCTION button 3 Adjusts the envelope level of the active clip. FUNCTION button 4 The element clicked last in the Nudge section of the Edit tab in the Audio Montage window is assigned to this button. AI Knob Section WaveLab Elements can be controlled with the AI knob of Steinberg’s CC121, CI2+, and CMC-AI controllers.
WaveLab Elements Concepts This chapter describes general concepts that you will use when working with WaveLab Elements. Getting accustomed with these procedures allows you to work more effectively with the program. General Editing Rules The common editing operations apply to any Steinberg product. • To select and move interface items, and to select ranges, click and drag with the mouse.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Basic Window Handling Create Empty Window Creates an empty WaveLab Elements window. Templates Allows you to open a template in a new project. Open Last Files Opens the files that you last used in WaveLab Elements. Recent Files Allows you to open a recently used file. Browse Allows you to select the files that you want to open.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Selecting Audio Closing Windows • To close a file tab, click the X button of the corresponding tab or press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[W]. • To close a file tab without saving your changes, hold [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift], and click the X button of the tab. This avoids having to confirm a warning message whenever you want to close an unsaved tab. • To close all file tabs but the selected file tab, right-click a file tab and select Close All But This.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Selecting Audio Audio Range Selection in an Audio File You can edit, process, or play back selections of an audio file. • To access the audio range selection options, in the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab. The following selection options are available in the Time Selection section: All Selects the entire waveform. Toggle Toggles the selection range on/off.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Selecting Audio • Halve Selection Length halves the length of the current selection range. Channels Opens are menu where you can select the following options: • Extend to All Channels extends the current selection range to all channels. • Left Channel Only reduces the current selection range to the left channel only. • Right Channel Only reduces the current selection range to the right channel only.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Selecting Audio Switching the Selection Between Channels You can switch the channel selection that you have made for a channel to all channels or switch the selection to the other channel. PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window of the Audio Editor, select a range. 2. Select the Edit tab. 3.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Sliders • To extend the selection to the previous/next boundary (marker or start/end of file), press [Shift] and double-click the non-selected area between the boundaries. Extending and Reducing the Selection Using the Cursor Keys • To move the start/end of a selection in the wave window to the left/right, hold down [Shift] and press the left/right cursor keys. To move it in bigger steps, press the [Page Up]/[Page Down] keys.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Renaming Items in Tables Renaming Items in Tables You can rename items in tables in the Markers window, and in the CD window. • To rename an item, double-click it or select it, and press [Return], and enter the new name. • To rename the previous/next item, press [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow]. This way you move the focus on the previous/next item, while staying in the edit mode. File Browser The File Browser window allows you to browse files from within WaveLab Elements.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Tab Groups Auto-Play Mode Automatically starts playback of the selected file. Play Selected Audio File Plays the selected audio file. Search If this button is activated, you can enter text in the search field. File format list Allows you to select which file format to display. Folder tree Shows the folders that are available on your computer. Favorite folders You can add your favorite folders by dragging them from the folder tree.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Tab Groups Empty File Tab Groups File Tab Groups with Audio Montages 29
WaveLab Elements Concepts Tab Groups Creating File Tab Groups PROCEDURE 1. In the top right of a file tab window, open the Tab Group pop-up menu. 2. Select Create a Tab Group (Split Vertically) or Create a Tab Group (Split Horizontally). Creating File Tab Groups in Empty Tab Groups PROCEDURE • In the top right of an empty file tab group, click Create a Tab Group (Split Vertically) or Create a Tab Group (Split Horizontally).
WaveLab Elements Concepts Peak Files • To paste the content of a tab into an audio file, drag the tab onto the waveform. The tab is inserted at the cursor position. • To maximize the active file tab group, open the File Tab Group Options pop-up menu, and select Hide Other File Tab Groups. To show all file tab groups, open the File Tab Group Options pop-up menu, and select Show Other File Tab Groups. You can also double-click the file tab header of a tab group to show/hide other file tab groups.
WaveLab Elements Concepts Companion Files Storing Companion Files in Another Location By default, companion files are saved in the same location as the audio file. However, you can select another file location. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Preferences > Folders. 2. Click Companion Files and specify another file location.
Workspace Window The Workspace window provides an editing and playback environment for each particular file type. Each environment allows functions according to the specific purpose of each file type. • Audio Editor for viewing and editing audio files. • Audio Montage window for assembling and editing audio montages. • Podcast Editor for preparing and uploading podcasts. The Workspace window is highly customizable to match your workflow.
Workspace Window Audio Montage Audio Montage In the Audio Montage window, you assemble audio clips into a montage. You can arrange, edit, and play back clips on both stereo or mono tracks. Features include both track- and clip-based effects, volume and pan automation, and wide-ranging fade and crossfade functions. You can place any number of clips on an audio track. A clip contains a reference to a source audio file on your hard disk, as well as start and end positions in the file.
Workspace Window File Tab File Tab The File tab is the control center of WaveLab Elements. Here, you can save, open, render, import, and export files. It also gives you detailed information about your files and allows you to set up the WaveLab Elements preferences. Info Provides information about the active file and allows you to edit the audio properties of audio files and audio montages. New Allows you to create audio files, audio montages, or podcasts. You can create new files or use a template.
Workspace Window File Tab Save As Allows you to save the active file or the project. You can specify the name, file format, and location. You can also save a copy of the active file. Save All Allows you to save all changed files of your project at once. The file list gives you an overview of all files that have been changed. You can use the filter to show all changed files, only audio files, or only audio montages. Export Allows you to render the active file and upload the audio file to SoundCloud.
Workspace Window Info Tab Info Tab The Info tab provides information about the active file and allows you to edit the audio properties of audio files and audio montages. • To open the Info tab, select the File tab, and click Info. Depending on the selected file, different information and options are available. Name Displays the name, file extension, and file location of the active file. You can edit these attributes. File Properties Displays the size, date, and file format of the active file.
Workspace Window Tool Windows Meta-Data Displays the meta data of the active file. Copy to Clipboard Opens a menu from which you can select which information about the active file you want to copy to the clipboard. Reveal in File Explorer/Mac OS Finder Opens the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder to show the location of the active file. Delete Deletes the active file. Tool Windows Throughout WaveLab Elements there are various tool windows available that allow you to view, analyze, and edit the active file.
Workspace Window Slide-Out Windows Opening and Closing Meter Windows You can close all meter windows you do not need for your project. • To open a meter window, select Meters and select a meter window. • To close a docked meter window, right-click the meter window tab and select Hide. • To close an undocked meter window, click its X button. Slide-Out Windows Slide-out windows are hidden in the frame of the Workspace window. When you hover the mouse pointer over the window name, the window slides out.
Workspace Window Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows Yellow symbols indicate locations for docked windows, pink symbols indicate locations for slide-out windows. Drag the window to one of the locations. • To dock a floating tool window or meter window at its last docked position, click the Options button on the right of the caption bar and select Dock to Last Place Again.
Workspace Window Command Bar Hiding the Caption Bar in Floating Meter Windows To save screen space, the caption bar of floating meter windows can automatically be hidden if the window is not the active window. This can be set individually for each floating window. PROCEDURE 1. In a floating meter window, click the Options window. 2. Select Auto Caption Bar. button at the top right of the Command Bar The command bar of file windows allows you to create, open, and save files, and undo/redo changes.
Workspace Window Status Bar Redo Allows you to redo changes that were undone. Navigate Backwards/Navigate Forwards In the Audio Editor and Audio Montage window, this allows you to navigate to the previous/next cursor position, zoom factor, or selection range without undoing/redoing the edit operation. Customize Command Bar Allows you to select the buttons that you want to display on the command bar. Maximize Window Maximizes the window. To restore the window size, click the button again.
Workspace Window Context Menus Audio Selection Indicator (Audio Editor)/Audio Range Indicator (Audio Montage) In the Audio Editor, this displays the length of the current selection, or the total length of the audio file if no selection has been made. In the Audio Montage window, this displays the length of the audio selection if a clip is selected, or the size of the audio montage.
Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler For example, right-click a file tab to open a context menu with some relevant file options. Right-clicking the ruler of the waveform window brings up the Time Ruler context menu that allows you to access a number of options for changing the time ruler display format. You can find most context menu commands in the tabs, in the file window and in the main menus, but some commands are only available in context menus.
Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler Time Ruler and Level Ruler Options You can specify the time and level (amplitude) formats for each ruler in each wave window and the time formats for each ruler in the montage window separately by right-clicking the ruler and selecting a format from the pop-up menu. Time Ruler Menu Timecode Displays frames per second for various SMPTE timecode types and for CD resolution. You can specify the timecode type in the Time Format dialog. Clock Displays time units.
Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler RELATED LINKS Time Format Dialog on page 47 Level Ruler Menu (Audio Editor only) dB Sets the level format to decibels. +-100 % Sets the level format to percentage. Normalized +1/-1 Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 32-bit float audio. 16-bit Range Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 16-bit audio. 24-bit Range Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 24-bit audio.
Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler Setting the Edit Cursor Position Many operations, such as playback and selection, depend on the current edit cursor position. For example, playback often starts at the edit cursor position. The current edit cursor position is indicated by a vertical flashing line. There are various ways to move the edit cursor: • Click somewhere in the wave window, the montage window, or the time ruler. If you have made a selection, click the time ruler to prevent deselecting.
Workspace Window Managing Tabs Show Absolute Frames Shows the time format as a number of frames, without other time elements. Show Quarter Frames Adds the quarter frame number to the time format. Show Hundredth Frames Adds the number of a hundredth of a frame to the time format. Show Units Adds time units to the time format of the ruler. Clock Tab On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Clock option. Show Units Adds time units to the time format of the ruler.
Workspace Window Activating Full Screen Mode Add to Allows you to add the active file to another editor. Close Closes the active tab. Close All But This Closes all files but the active file. Info Displays information about the active file. Reveal in File Explorer/Mac OS Finder Opens the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder to show the location of the file. Copy to Clipboard Opens a menu, from which you can select which information about the file you want to copy to the clipboard.
Project Handling Opening Files PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Open. 2. Select the file type that you want to open. For example, Audio File. 3. From the file browser, select the file that you want to open. 4. Click Open. Opening Files from the Clipboard You can open files in WaveLab Elements that you have previously copied to the clipboard in the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder. PROCEDURE 1. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, copy the files that you want to open to the clipboard. 2.
Project Handling Value Editing Value Editing At various places in the program, numerical values can be edited by using a combination of text fields and knobs. Values are sometimes composed of several elements, for example, 12 mn 30 sec 120 ms. Each value can be edited by using any of the following methods: • To change a value, click in a value field and type a new value, or click the small arrows in the value field.
Project Handling Drag Operations NOTE It is also possible to drag and drop files from WaveLab Elements to Steinberg’s Nuendo. • To reorder a tab within its own tabbed group, drag horizontally. To move a tab to another window, drag vertically. • To open a file, drag it from the File Browser window of WaveLab Elements, from the file browser of your operating system, or from another application to the tab bar.
Project Handling Undoing and Redoing Actions • To create a stereo copy of a mono file, or a mixed copy of a stereo file, drag a tab to another position of the tab bar, press [Ctrl]-[Alt] (Windows) or [Option]-[Ctrl] (Mac), and release the mouse button. Dragging in the Podcast Window • To reorder episodes in the episodes list, drag them to another position. Dragging in the Master Section • To change the order of processing, drag effects between different effects slots.
Project Handling Zooming • When you zoom in as far as possible, each sample occupies several pixels on the screen. This allows for sample-accurate editing of waveforms. • When you zoom out as far as possible, the height of the wave fits in the window. • As you progressively zoom in, the display only shows a part of the total height. The vertical scrollbar lets you adjust exactly which section is shown. Check the ruler to see which part of the waveform is shown in the display.
Project Handling Zooming Zooming Using the Zoom Controls Both the main view and the overview have horizontal and vertical zoom controls. • To zoom horizontally, click the Horizontal Zoom control, and drag left or right, or use the mouse wheel. • To zoom vertically, click the Vertical Zoom control, and drag up or down, or use the mouse wheel. • To fully zoom-out, double-click the zoom controls.
Project Handling Zooming Using the Zoom Tool in the Overview The selection that you make in the overview of the wave window is displayed in the main view. PROCEDURE • In the overview of the wave window, click and drag left or right, and release the mouse button. RESULT The selected range of the waveform is shown in the main view. Zooming Using the Mouse With the mouse, you can change the zoom factor by clicking and dragging or by using the mouse wheel.
Project Handling Zooming Zooming Using the Keyboard A quick way to zoom the active wave or montage window is to use the arrow keys on the computer keyboard. • To zoom horizontally in the active wave window or montage window, press [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow]. • To zoom vertically in the active wave/montage window, hold [Shift], and press [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow]. • To zoom vertically to fit the available height, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift]-[Up Arrow].
Project Handling Zooming Zoom Selection Zooms the window so that the current selection occupies the entire montage window. Display Whole Clip (Audio Montage window only) Adjusts the view to display the active clip. Microscope Zooms in as far as possible. Zoom in Audio (10x)/Zoom out Audio (10x) Zooms in/out in big steps. Zoom in Audio/Zoom out Audio Zooms in/out in small steps. Level Adjusts the zoom to only display samples below the selected dB value.
Project Handling Presets • To set the zoom setting to fit the active clips in 25 %, 50 %, or 100 % of the available space, click the corresponding buttons. • To select a specific area, click [Ctrl]/[Command], and drag the rectangle over the tracks and clips that you want to zoom in on. Displaying More or Less Tracks The number of tracks that are displayed in the Audio Montage window can be changed with the zoom controls in the lower right corner of the montage window.
Project Handling Presets Saving a Preset PROCEDURE 1. Open the dialog that you want to use and modify the parameters. 2. Open the Presets pop-up menu and select Save As. 3. Optional: Click the folder icon and enter a name for the subfolder that you want to use as the location for this preset. 4. Type in a name. 5. Click Save. Loading Presets To apply a saved preset or a factory preset to a dialog or plug-in, you must load the preset. PROCEDURE 1. In the dialog, open the Presets pop-up menu.
Project Handling Presets Saving and Restoring Temporary Presets Some dialogs allow you to save and load up to 5 temporary presets. This is useful if you want to quickly test and compare different settings. Saving Presets Temporarily PROCEDURE 1. Open the dialog that you want to use and make your settings. 2. Open the Presets pop-up menu. 3. From the Store Temporarily submenu, select a slot. Restoring Temporary Presets PROCEDURE 1. Open the dialog in which you have saved a preset. 2.
File Operations Recently Used Files All files that you have recently used in WaveLab Elements are saved in a list. This helps you to gain fast access to recent projects. You can open recently used files via the File menu. Setting the Number of Recently Used Files to Display PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Preferences > Global. 2. In the Global Preferences window, select the Display tab. 3. In the History section, set the maximum number of items to be listed on the Recent File menu.
File Operations Save and Save As White The file is not modified. Green (Audio Editor only) The file uses a decoded file format and is saved. Red The file has been modified and changes have not been saved yet. Yellow The file has been rendered in Cubase. Unsaved Changes Indicator When you have made changes to a file, an asterisk is displayed next to the file name until you save the file. Saving Multiple Files at Once You can save some or all open files at once. PROCEDURE 1.
File Operations Templates Reverting to Saved File You can revert the file that you are working on back to its last saved state. This undoes all the changes made to the file since it was last saved. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Open. 2. Select the file type that you want to open. 3. Click Revert to Saved File. 4. In the warning dialog, click Yes to revert to the last saved state. RESULT The last saved version of the file is loaded from disk.
File Operations Templates Templates Tab This tab shows all templates, and allows you to create and open templates. • To open the Templates tab, select File > New, select a file type, and click Templates. List of the available templates Lists all saved templates. Add Template Allows you to add a new template or update an existing template. Use Template Name as Default File Name If this option is activated and you click Add Template, a new file is created and uses the name of the template.
File Operations Templates 5. Optional: If you want to use the template name as the default file name, activate Use Template Name as Default File Name. 6. When saving or updating an audio file template or an audio montage template, you can make additional settings. • When saving an audio file template, the Audio File Template dialog opens. Here, you can select whether WaveLab Elements should attach an audio file format. • When saving an audio montage template, the Audio Montage Template dialog opens.
File Operations Templates Include Clips If this option is activated, clips are saved in the template. Include Track and Master Plug-ins If this option is activated, track plug-ins and master plug-ins are saved in the template. Include Markers If this option is activated, markers are saved in the template. Attach Audio File Format If this option is activated, whenever you open the Render dialog, the audio file configuration specified below is proposed by default.
File Operations File Renaming Deleting Templates PROCEDURE 1. Select File > New. 2. Select the file type for which you want to delete templates. 3. Click Templates. 4. Click Explore. 5. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, delete the templates. Renaming Templates PROCEDURE 1. Select File > New. 2. Select the file type for which you want to rename templates. 3. Click Templates. 4. Click Explore. 5. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, rename the templates.
File Operations Deleting Files 5. Select a file suffix from the drop-down list. 6. Click Apply Changes. Deleting Files You can delete the active file from within WaveLab Elements. PREREQUISITE The file that you want to delete is not copied to the clipboard, is not pasted into another file that is open, and is not open in another application. PROCEDURE 1. Open the file that you want to delete. 2. Select the File tab. 3. Click Info. 4. Click Delete. 5. Click OK.
File Operations Work Folders vs. Document Folders • Document folders contain WaveLab Elements-specific files, such as audio files, audio montages, etc. Specifying Folders You can specify which document folder should open when you perform an open or save operation. You can also specify up to three work folders for temporary files. PROCEDURE 1. Open the file for which you want to specify folders. 2. Select File > Preferences > Folders. 3.
File Operations Setting the Focus on the Current File Cache Folder Activate Use Cache Folder for Decoded Files to specify a cache folder. The cache folder contains wave files that are created when you are working with files in compressed file formats, such as MP3 files. To prevent the cache folder from growing indefinitely, WaveLab Elements checks the date of each file in this folder and deletes files that were created before a specific number of days.
Playback Transport Bar With this command bar you can control playback of an audio file or audio montage, navigate between various positions in an audio file or audio montage, and open the Recording dialog. The transport bar is available in the Audio Editor and in the Audio Montage window. By default, the extended transport bar options are hidden. • To activate the extended transport bar, click Extend Transport Bar on the transport bar. Presets Lets you save and apply presets.
Playback Transport Bar • If Solo Track When Editing is activated and you keep the mouse button pressed when editing ranges in the montage window, the track is soloed when you start playback using the shortcuts for Play Audio Range, Play from Anchor, or Play until Anchor. This option is only available in the Audio Montage window.
Playback Transport Bar • Region End Marker • Clip Start (audio montage only) • Clip End (audio montage only) • Selected Envelope Point in Active Clip (audio montage only) When an anchor is detected, for example, a region marker pair, this is indicated by a green anchor marker. Move Cursor to Start of File/Move Cursor to End of File Moves the edit cursor to the start/end of the file. Move Playback Position Backwards/Move Playback Position Forwards Moves the edit cursor position to the left/right.
Playback Transport Bar The playback button when playing back in the active window (left) and when playing in another window (right). You can also start playback from the last stop position. Right-click the button to open the Lead Sequence pop-up menu. • If you select Start, playback starts from the cursor position. • If you select Resume from Last Interruption, playback starts from the last stop position. Record Opens the Recording dialog. Time Display Displays the edit cursor or playback position.
Playback Transport Bar Playing Back Audio Ranges You can play back audio ranges using the Play Audio Range options on the transport bar. PROCEDURE 1. On the transport bar, right-click Play Audio Range and select the range type that you want to play back. 2. Optional: Activate Perform Pre-Roll and/or Perform Post-Roll. 3. Position the edit cursor inside the range that you want to play back or make a selection range.
Playback Transport Bar 3. Optional: Activate Perform Pre-Roll and/or Perform Post-Roll. 4. To play back from the anchor marker, click the Play From Anchor button on the transport bar or press [F7]. To play back until the anchor marker, click the Play Until Anchor button on the transport bar or press [F8]. RESULT Playback starts from the anchor or stops at the anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.
Playback Transport Bar Using the Auto Selection Mode You can use the auto selection mode in combination with the playback shortcuts to play back audio ranges or anchors. This makes it easy to monitor your editing actions. PROCEDURE 1. On the transport bar, right-click the Play Until Anchor button and activate Auto Select Anchor. 2. Right-click the Play Audio Range button and activate Auto Select Range. 3. In the wave window or the montage window, do one of the following: • Make a selection range.
Playback Transport Bar Using Auto Replay While Editing You can automatically re-trigger playback while editing audio with the mouse. This is useful if you want to monitor the adjustment of a selection boundary, for example. PROCEDURE 1. On the transport bar, right-click the Play Until Anchor button and activate Auto Replay While Editing. 2. In the wave window or the montage window, make a selection range and keep the mouse button pressed. 3. Start playback by using one of the following shortcuts: 4.
Playback Transport Bar RESULT The selected range is skipped during playback. You can also use the factory preset for skipping selections during playback. Activate Skip Range, make an audio selection, and press [Shift]-[F6]. NOTE This mode also works with the Start Playback from Cursor button if there is a time selection or if exclusion start and end markers are set. In this case, the pre-roll and post-roll times are ignored. Loop Playback Loop points are updated continuously during playback.
Playback Transport Bar Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times Dialog This dialog allows you to define a short, an average, and a long pre-roll and post-roll time. These settings are global to WaveLab Elements. • To open the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times dialog, right-click the pre-roll or post-roll button on the transport bar, and select Edit Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times. Playback Shortcuts In addition to the buttons on the transport bar, there are shortcuts to control the playback. Space bar Start/Stop playback.
Playback Transport Bar [F6] Starts playback of the selected range, depending on the selected option in the Ranges section of the transport bar. [F7] Starts playback from the selected anchor, depending on the selected option in the Anchors section of the transport bar. [F8] Starts playback until the selected anchor, depending on the selected option in the Anchors section of the transport bar. Save Transport Bar Preset Dialog In this dialog, you can save a transport bar setup as preset.
Playback Starting Playback From the Ruler When a Preset Is Selected This lets you assign a customized playback command to a shortcut. For example, you can set a shortcut to play a range with a short pre-roll/post-roll, and another shortcut to play a range without a pre-roll/post-roll. When Playback Stops, Restore Previous Transport Settings If this option is activated, the settings are restored to as they were before playback start.
Playback Using the Play Tool Using the Play Tool This tool allows you to play back from any position on one or both stereo channels. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab. 2. In the Tools section, select the Play tool, or press and hold [Alt]/[Option]. 3. In the wave window, click at the position where you want playback to start. The cursor shape indicates whether the left (L) or the right (R) channel is played back.
Playback Scroll During Playback 3. When you are done scrubbing, release the mouse button. The audio is played back from the edit cursor position and a small section is looped once. Playback Scrubbing Preferences You can define the behavior of the Play tool in the Audio Files Preferences. Select File > Preferences > Audio Files. The following options are available in the Playback Scrubbing section.
Playback Playback in the Audio Montage Window Playback in the Audio Montage Window Playback in the Audio Montage window works the same way as in the Audio Editor. However, there are some things to note. Mute and Solo Tracks You can mute or solo tracks in an audio montage by using the corresponding buttons in the track control area. • When a track is muted, the mute button is yellow. • When a track is soloed, the solo button is red. • Solo can only be activated for one track at a time.
Audio File Editing Audio file editing refers to opening, editing, and saving audio files. Wave Window The wave window displays audio files graphically. Here, you view, play back, and edit individual audio files. The wave window consists of two displays. You can use one display as an overview to navigate through the project and the other as the main view for editing. You can synchronize the waveform displays so that they display the same part of the audio file, by clicking Sync with Other View.
Audio File Editing Wave Window Magnetic Bounds in Audio Files Some positions, such as markers or selection edges, can be defined as magnetic. Dragged elements can snap to these positions. This makes it easier to position items accurately. For example, if you move a marker and it gets close to one of the magnetic bounds, the marker snaps to this position. A label is displayed, indicating the snap position. To place the cursor at a magnetic position, click the time line and keep the mouse button pressed.
Audio File Editing Wave Window Zero Crossing A zero crossing is a point where the waveform crosses the zero level axis. When you perform editing operations, such as cutting, pasting, or dragging, make sure that the material is inserted at a zero crossing. If you do not perform these operations at zero crossings, this can result in discontinuities in the wave, which are perceived as clicks or pops in the sound.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Moving the Cursor Position to the Closest Zero Crossing You can automatically move the cursor position to the closest zero crossing. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor, select the View tab. 2. In the Cursor section, click Snap to Zero-Crossing. Audio Editor Tabs The tabs in the Audio Editor give you access to the tools and options you need to edit audio files.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Zoom Activates the Zoom tool that allows you to define a time range that is zoomed in. Zoom Selection Zooms the window so that the current selection occupies the entire montage window. Microscope Zooms in as far as possible. Zoom in Audio (10x)/Zoom out Audio (10x) Zooms in/out in big steps. View All Zooms out as far as possible. Zoom in Audio/Zoom out Audio Zooms in/out in small steps. Level Adjusts the zoom to only display samples below the selected dB value.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Edit Cursor Position Opens the Cursor Position dialog where you can edit the cursor position. Scroll Start/End Displays the start/end of the audio without moving the cursor. Start of Selection/End of Selection Displays the start/end of the audio selection without moving the cursor. Cursor Displays the cursor position. Playback Steady View Deactivates scrolling. View Follows Cursor Automatically scrolls the view to keep the playback cursor visible.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Edit Tab Tools Time Selection Tool that allows you to select a time range. Pen Tool that allows you to redraw the waveform in the wave window. This can be used to quickly repair waveform errors. Play Tool that allows you to play back the audio file at the position where you click. Time Selection Extend This pop-up menu contains various options for creating or extending selection ranges. Toggle Toggles the current audio selection. All Selects the entire waveform.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs • Generic Region selects the range between the two generic markers that encompass the edit cursor. Clipboard Cut Cuts the active clip to the clipboard. Copy Copies the active clip to the clipboard. Paste Pastes the clipboard content. Right-click Paste to open a pop-up menu that allows you to select a paste type. • Overwrite replaces the audio at the paste position. • Append adds the pasted audio after the end of the file.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Mute Selection Replaces the audio selection with silence. Silence Generator Opens the Silence Generator dialog that allows you to insert silence or background noise in an audio file. Swap Stereo Channels Moves the audio in the left channel to the right channel, and vice versa. Nudge Nudge Left Nudges the audio selection to the left. Nudge Right Nudges the audio selection to the right.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Different Name for End Marker If this option is activated, you can enter a different name for the end marker. If this option is deactivated, the name of the start marker is also used for the end marker. Create Marker Allows you to create markers and marker pairs at the edit cursor position. Audio File At Start Allows you to insert an audio file at the start of the active audio file. At End Allows you to insert an audio file at the end of the active audio file.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Normalizing Level Opens the Level Normalizer dialog where you can change the peak level of an audio file. Fading Fade In/Fade Out Allows you to apply a fade in or fade out. Right-click the button to open the Curve pop-up menu. Curve Allows you to select preset fade curves. • Linear changes the level linearly. • Sinus (*) changes the level according to a sine curve. When used in a crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Correct Error Correction Lets you select the default error correction method. • Linear Interpolation draws a straight line between the first and the last selected samples. • Optimal for Small Clicks – 1 ms is optimal to remove clicks smaller than 1 ms. • Optimal for Common Clicks – 3 ms is optimal to remove clicks smaller than 3 ms.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Render Tab Source The Source pop-up menu allows you to select which part of the audio file you want to process. The following options are available: Whole File Processes and renders the whole audio range. Specific Region Processes and renders a specific audio range to an independent file. Specify the region to process on the pop-up menu. Result In Place If this option is activated, the rendered audio range replaces the source audio range.
Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs Bypass Master Section If this option is activated, the plug-ins and gain of the Master Section are bypassed when rendering. Exclude Master Section Bypassed Plug-ins If this option is activated, the plug-ins that are bypassed in the Master Section during playback are not used for rendering. No Reverb Tail If this option is activated, the audio tail produced by effects such as reverb is not included in the rendered file.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor File Handling in the Audio Editor Mono/Stereo Handling WaveLab Elements is very flexible in its handling of stereo. All editing operations can be performed on either one channel or on both. Supported File Formats WaveLab Elements can open and save audio files in a number of file formats. Wave (.wav) The following bit resolutions are supported: 8 bit, 16 bit, 20 bit, 24 bit, and 32 bit (float). WavPack (.wv/.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor U-LAW (.ulaw, .vox) This is an audio encoding and compression technique supported by Windows and Web phones, using 8 bit resolution. The U.S. telephone system uses U-law encoding for digitization. A-LAW (.alaw, .vox) This is an audio encoding and compression technique for telephony, using 8-bit resolution. The EU telephone system uses A-law encoding for digitization. Sun/Java (.snd, .au) This is an audio file format used on Sun and NeXT computers.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor AAC (.aac) Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) is a codec that allows lossy compression and encoding scheme for digital audio. NOTE The “$$$” file type is a temporary file format of WaveLab Elements. If you experience a computer crash, you may restore some of your work by opening any “$$$” files on your hard disk.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Saving in Another Format You can change the file format, sampling frequency, bit resolution, and stereo/mono status when saving. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Save As. 2. In the Save As window, specify a file name and location. 3. Click in the Format field and select Edit. 4. In the Audio File Format dialog, set the file format and specify the properties. 5. Click OK. 6. Click Save. RESULT A new file is created.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Audio Format Select an audio format that is compatible with the current file type. Channels Specify the number of audio channels for the files to be created. Sample Rate Select a sample rate for the audio file. If you change this setting, a sample rate conversion takes place. IMPORTANT Use this only for simple conversions. For professional results, use the Resample plug-in and add limiting and dithering.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Bit Resolution If a different bit resolution is specified, the file is either truncated down to 8 bits, or padded up to 64 bits. If you are converting to a lower bit resolution, you should consider adding dithering. Mono/Stereo If the file is converted from mono to stereo, the same material is used in both channels. If the conversion is from stereo to mono, a mix of the two channels is created.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor 5. Make additional output settings and click OK. 6. In the Render section, click Start. Encoding Audio Files Audio can be saved in different formats. The process of converting audio to another format is called encoding. When saving audio files, you can specify various encoding options for some file formats. MP3 Encoding Dialog You can edit the encoding options when you save an MP3 audio file.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Highest Quality (Slowest)/Fastest Select the quality that you want to achieve. The higher the quality, the more resources and time are required to analyze and compress the audio signal. NOTE Highest Quality (Slowest) can require a specific sample rate for the audio file. If this is the case and the sample rate is different from the input sample rate, a message is displayed.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Bit Rate Determines the bit rate. The bit rate is related to the quantity of data that is used to encode the audio signal. The higher the value, the better the quality, but the larger the output file. Stereo Encoding In Standard mode, the encoder does not use the correlation between channels. However, the encoder can take space from a channel that is easy to encode and use it for a complicated channel.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Compression Level Lets you specify the compression level. The more compression, the slower the encoding. Ogg Vorbis Dialog You can edit the encoding options when you save an Ogg Vorbis audio file. You can open the Ogg Vorbis dialog from most places where you can select an output file format. For example, open an audio file, select File > Save As, click in the Format field, and select Edit.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Windows Media Audio Encoding Dialog You can edit the encoding options when you save a Windows Media Audio (WMA) audio file. This dialog is only available in on Windows systems. You can open the Windows Media Audio dialog from most places where you can select an output file format. For example, open an audio file, select File > Save As, click in the Format field, and select Edit.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Constrained Bit Rate This option is available when the VBR and Two-Pass Encoding options are activated. This is used to maintain the bit rate within limits to avoid peaks. This is recommended for media, such as CD or DVD. Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File You can export audio files to an audio montage, including all markers that you have set in the audio file. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor • At End • At Cursor If you select At Cursor, the audio file is cut at the insert position. The part after the cut is moved to the right. 5. On the pop-up menu, select the audio file that you want to insert. RELATED LINKS Magnetic Bounds in Audio Files on page 88 Turning Selections Into New Files You can turn selections into new files via drag and drop or by using the Render tab in the Audio Editor.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Special File Format Dialog When opening files via the Unknown Audio option, you can specify how to interpret the format of the audio file that you want to open. • To open the Special File Format dialog, select File > Import, click Unknown Audio, and select the file that you want to open. Sample Format Specifies the binary representation of the samples in the file. Byte Order Specifies the order in which bytes should be interpreted.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Converting From Stereo to Mono and From Mono to Stereo You can convert audio files from mono to stereo and from stereo to mono. Converting a mono file into a stereo file produces an audio file that contains the same material in both channels, for example for further processing into real stereo. Converting a stereo file into a mono file mixes the stereo channels to a mono channel. Converting a Selection From Stereo to Mono PROCEDURE 1.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Converting a Selection From Mono to Stereo PROCEDURE 1. Make a mono selection in the wave window. 2. Select File > New. 3. Select Audio File > From Current File. 4. Click Stereo Version. 5. Click Create. RESULT The selection opens in a new stereo window.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Prepend Adds the pasted audio before the beginning of the file. Multiple Copies Opens a dialog in which you can enter the number of copies that you want to create. Mix Blends two files into each other, starting at the selection or, if there is no selection, at the cursor position. • When you select the Mix option, a dialog opens, allowing you to specify the gain for the audio on the clipboard and at the destination.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Moving Audio Using Cut and Paste PREREQUISITE Decide whether you want to use Snap Selection to Zero-Crossing. PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window, make a selection. 2. Use one of the following copy methods: 3. 4. • In the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab, and click Cut. • Press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[X]. Select how you want to insert the selection: • If you want to insert the audio, click once at the position in the same file or in another file.
Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor Copying Audio You can copy sections of audio within the same file or between audio files. Stereo/Mono Handling When you drag or copy stereo or mono files to other locations, the target location determines how the files are inserted. Stereo/Mono is handled as follows when you drag between files: Dragged section Drop wave Action Stereo Stereo The dragged audio is always inserted into both channels. Stereo Mono Only the left channel is inserted.
Audio File Editing Changing the Audio Properties • Convert the sample rate of the destination file to the same rate as the source file before adding the audio. Copying Audio Using Copy and Paste PREREQUISITE Decide whether you want to use Snap Selection to Zero-Crossing. PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window, make a selection. 2. Use one of the following copy methods: 3. 4. • In the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab, and click Copy. • Press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[C].
Audio File Editing Meta-Data Changing these values does not process the audio file in any way (in contrast to using Save As). However, the following rules apply: • If you change the sample rate, the file plays back at a new pitch. • If you change the bit resolution, the file is converted to the new resolution the next time you save it. NOTE There is no undo for this. If you save a file with a lower bit resolution, the file is converted permanently. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio File Editing Meta-Data • .wav • .mp3 • .ogg • .wma • .
Audio File Editing Meta-Data Depending on the file type, the meta-data is handled differently. Meta-Data dialog for WAV files When opening the Meta-Data dialog for files in the Audio Editor, you can edit the meta-data that is saved in the audio file. This meta-data is saved to disk later. When opening the Meta-Data dialog for files in the Audio Montage window, you can edit the meta-data for the audio files that are created when rendering the audio montage.
Audio File Editing Silence Generator Dialog If Generate Time Markers is activated in the CART tab of the Meta-Data dialog, the markers are generated if at least one CART text field has content. Otherwise, the CART data is meant to be unused. To be able to merge the CART markers with the markers of a file when rendering a file, the option Copy Markers must be activated in the Render dialog. Silence Generator Dialog This dialog allows you to insert silence or background noise in an audio file.
Audio File Editing Silence Generator Dialog Replacing a Selection with Silence You can replace a section of an audio file with silence. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor, make a selection. 2. Select the Edit tab. 3. In the Cutting section, click Silence Generator. 4. Set the silence duration to As Selection, and the destination to Replace Selection. 5. Click Apply. Inserting Silence You can insert a specified length of silence at any position of the audio file. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio File Editing Waveform Restoration with the Pen Tool Waveform Restoration with the Pen Tool The Pen tool allows you to redraw the waveform in the wave window. This can be used to quickly repair waveform errors. The Pen tool can be used if the zoom resolution is set to 1:8 (one pixel on the screen equals 8 samples) or higher. • To redraw the waveform, select the Pen tool on the Edit tab of the Audio Editor, click in the waveform, and draw the new waveform.
Audio Analysis WaveLab Elements provides you with a comprehensive set of tools for analyzing your audio and for detecting any errors. For example, you can use the suite of audio meters or the 3D Frequency Analysis. There are also several tools that help you examine any sample of your audio for errors or anomalies. Global Analysis In WaveLab Elements you can perform advanced analysis on your audio to identify areas with specific properties.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis Opening the Global Analysis Dialog The Global Analysis dialog provides various analysis options. PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window, select a range in the audio file that you want to analyze. If you want to analyze the entire file, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[A]. If Process Whole File If There Is No Selection is activated in the Audio Files Preferences, the whole file is analyzed automatically provided that no selection has been made. 2.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis Find Peaks Enables peak analysis. Digital Displays the highest peak in the analyzed section. When you click this value, the number of peaks that are detected in the selection is shown in the Number of Hot Points section in the lower left corner of the dialog. You can use the hot points to move the cursor between the peaks. At Cursor Displays the level at the current audio file cursor position at the time of the analysis.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis Loudness Settings Analyze Loudness Enables RMS loudness analysis. Average Displays the overall loudness of the analyzed selection. Maximum Displays the level of the loudest section in the analyzed selection. Clicking this value displays the number of loud sections detected within the selection in the Number of Hot Points section in the lower left corner of the dialog. Minimum Displays the level of the quietest section in the analyzed selection.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis Maximum Number of Loudness Points to Report Restricts the number of reported hot points. The highest points are reported. For example, setting this to 1 reports only the loudest section or one of the sections with the same highest value. Minimum Time between 2 Points Controls the distance between points, so they do not appear too close to each other. For example, setting this to 1 s ensures that there is always at least one second between reported points.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis The Apparent Bit Resolution attempts to detect the actual resolution in the audio. This is useful, for example, if you want to check, whether a 24-bit file really uses 24 bits or if it was actually recorded with 16-bit resolution and then expanded to 24 bits. Errors Detection You can detect errors, such as glitches and sections where the audio has clipped. Glitches • These are disruptions in the audio.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis Maximum Number of Error Points to Report Allows you to restrict the reported numbers of hot points. Minimum Time between 2 Points to Report Controls the distance between points, so they do not appear too close to each other. For example, setting this to 1 s ensures that there is always at least one second between reported points. Find Possible Glitches Enables glitch analysis. • Threshold sets the value at which a change in level is considered to be a glitch.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis Performing a Global Analysis PREREQUISITE In the Audio Editor, select the Analyze tab, click Global Analysis, and select the tab that you want to include in the analysis. PROCEDURE 1. In the Global Analysis dialog, set up the parameters. Most of the tabs have settings that determine how the analysis should be performed. 2. If the Peak or Loudness tab is selected, move the cursor to the position that you want to analyze.
Audio Analysis Global Analysis 7. To browse another property, click the corresponding tab, and then the value button. NOTE The result of the analysis is saved until you close the dialog or click Analyze again. RELATED LINKS Performing a Global Analysis on page 134 Creating Markers at Hot Points Creating markers at hot points simplifies browsing the results of the global analysis. PREREQUISITE In the Audio Editor, select the Analyze tab, click Global Analysis, and perform the analysis. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Analysis 3D Frequency Analysis Focusing Hot Points After a global analysis, you can focus the display on a specific hot point. PREREQUISITE In the Audio Editor, select the Analyze tab, click Global Analysis, and perform the analysis. PROCEDURE 1. Use the Number of Hot Points scroll bar to move the position indicator to the position in which you are. 2. Click Focus. The wave window zooms in on the selected point. The Global Analysis dialog is reduced to the bottom part. 3.
Audio Analysis 3D Frequency Analysis Creating a Graph for 3D Frequency Analysis The length of the selected audio affects the accuracy of the analysis. For short selections, the result is more detailed. Consider making a separate analysis of the attack in which the most drastic variations occur. PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window, select the section of the file that you want to analyze. If you make no selection, the whole audio file is analyzed. 2. In the Audio Editor, select the View tab. 3.
Audio Analysis 3D Frequency Analysis Top/Bottom Frequency Specifies the highest/lowest frequency of the range. Logarithmic Ruler (Octaves) Divides the frequency ruler in equally spaced octaves. Amplitude Select whether you want the peaks to be proportional to their amplitude (Linear) or to their power (Logarithmic with Decibel Scale). Colors Defines the color scheme of the graph. Background Defines the background color.
Offline Processing Offline processes are useful for a variety of editing purposes and creative effects, for example, if the computer is too slow for real-time processing or if the editing requires more than one pass. After the processing the audio file is permanently altered. Applying Processing Processing can be applied to a selection or to a whole file. For some operations processing the entire file is necessary.
Offline Processing Level Normalizer Dialog Click Find Current Peak Level to obtain a report on the peak level of the audio selection, or the whole file if there is no selection. This is useful if you want to calculate how much you can increase the overall gain of a file without clipping (exceeding 0 dB), for example. This processor also lets you add clipping. Clipping is when the gain is raised to a point where distortion is added.
Offline Processing Fades in Audio Files Basic Envelope Operations By adding points to the envelope curve you can create an envelope curve that changes the volume of the material over time. When you point the mouse in the display or move a point, the current position and level change is shown in the field above the display. • To add a point, double click the envelope curve. • To select a point, click it. • To select several points, click and drag the selection rectangle.
Offline Processing Crossfades Creating a Fade In and Fade Out PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window, make a selection. 2. In the Audio Editor, select the Process tab. 3. Depending whether you want to create a fade in or a fade out, select one of the following options in the Fading section: • To apply the default fade type, click the Fade In or Fade Out icon. • To select another fade type, click Fade In or Fade Out below the fade icon.
Offline Processing Phase Inverting RESULT The crossfade is created. Any material that originally appeared after the selection in the file into which you paste, is moved so that it now appears after the pasted material. Any excess material in the copied selection appears after the fade at full level. NOTE If both files already have full level sections in the crossfade area (for example, if you have normalized both files), clipping and distortion might occur.
Offline Processing Reversing Audio Inverting the Audio Phase PROCEDURE 1. Optional: If you only want to invert the phase for a specific time range of the audio file, create a selection range in the wave window. 2. In the Audio Editor, select the Process tab. 3. In the Other section, click Invert Phase. Reversing Audio You can reverse an audio file or a part of an audio file as if playing a tape backwards. PROCEDURE 1.
Offline Processing Time Stretching 3. In the Level section, click Remove DC Offset. A dialog opens, stating the amount of DC offset in the audio file. You can also create a selection range in the wave window and select this option to only show the DC offset in the selection range. NOTE This function should be applied to whole files, because the problem is normally present throughout the entire recording. 4. Click OK to remove the DC offset.
Offline Processing Time Stretching Source (Audio Selection) Duration If Edit Tempo is activated, you can change the tempo of the audio source. The number of bars and beats and the stretch factor is updated automatically. If Edit Bars is activated, you can set the number of bars and beats and the signature for the audio source. The source tempo and according the stretch factor is automatically updated. Result Target Duration If this option is activated, the audio source changes its duration.
Offline Processing Pitch Shift ZTX Time Stretching Processor The ZTX engine is a high quality time stretcher. It produces the best quality results possible, but takes longer to process. Pitch Shift Pitch shift allows you to detect and to change the pitch of a sound, with or without affecting its length. This is useful for fixing an off-key vocal note in a live recording, or for tuning the pitch of a kick drum sample to fit a particular song, for example.
Offline Processing Resample Length Preservation Specifies how the length of the selection is affected by the operation: • A setting of 100 means that the length of the audio remains unchanged. • A setting of 0 means that the program behaves like a tape recorder, when the speed of its tape is changed. For example, if you raise the pitch by one octave, the audio is half as long. • Intermediate values give results in between these two extremes.
Offline Processing Resample Converting a Sample Rate NOTE Sample rate conversion is always applied to the entire file. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor, select the Process tab. 2. In the Time & Pitch section, click Resample. 3. In the Sample Rate dialog, select a sample rate from the pop-up menu. 4. Click OK.
Audio Montage The audio montage is a multitrack non-destructive editing environment that allows you to arrange, edit, play back, and record audio clips. Non-destructive means that when you delete or change a part of an audio file, the audio is not deleted or permanently changed. Instead, a set of pointers keeps track of all the edits, so that these can be readily reversed.
Audio Montage Montage Window Track Control Area The track control area offers several options regarding the track. Fold/Unfold Track Folds/Unfolds the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. FX Opens the Effects pop-up menu where you can select effects for the track. A blue icon indicates that a track has track effects. Track number button Opens the track menu that contains track-related options. Track Name Opens the Track Name dialog where you can enter a name for the track.
Audio Montage Montage Window Add Stereo Track Adds a stereo track below the active track. Add Mono Track Adds a mono track below the active track. Move Track Up Moves the track one position up in the track list. Move Track Down Moves the track one position down in the track list. Remove Track Deletes the active track. Mute Mutes the active track. Solo Solos the active track. Route to Master Section Routes the audio signal of the active track to the Master Section input.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Zoom Shows the active track in the full available height. Color Opens a submenu where you can select a color for the active track. RELATED LINKS Ducker on page 322 Audio Montage Tabs The tabs in the Audio Montage window give you access to the tools and options you need for editing audio montages. For example, you can edit the envelope curves and fades in clips, make zoom settings, analyze the audio, and render the audio montage.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs • Samples per Screen Point allows you to specify how many audio samples are summarized in each screen point. • Screen Points per Sample allows you to specify how many screen points are used to represent a single audio sample. Zoom Selection Zooms the window so that the current selection occupies the entire montage window. Microscope Zooms in as far as possible. View All Zooms out as far as possible. Display Whole Clip Adjusts the view to display the active clip.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Previous Clip Edge/Next Clip Edge Moves the cursor to the previous/next clip edge. Scroll Start/End Displays the start/end of the audio without moving the cursor. Start of Selection/End of Selection Displays the start/end of the audio selection without moving the cursor. Cursor Displays the cursor position. Playback Steady View Deactivates scrolling. View Follows Cursor Automatically scrolls the view to keep the playback cursor visible.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Edit Tab Source Edit Source Opens source file of the clip in the Audio Editor. Edit Cubase Project Opens the Cubase project relating to the clip. Clipboard Cut Cuts the active clip to the clipboard. Copy Copies the active clip to the clipboard. Paste Pastes the clipboard content. Split Split at Silences Splits the files so that each non-silent section becomes a separate region.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Track If this option is activated and you move a clip horizontally, all clips on the selected track that are located to the right of the edited clip are also moved. This option also applies when moving or resizing clips, and when inserting or pasting more than one clip at the same time. Global If this option is activated and you move a clip horizontally, all clips on all tracks that are located to the right of the edited clip are also moved.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Insert Tab Markers Marker Name Lets you enter the name of the start and end marker. If nothing is entered, a generic name is used. To edit the default names, open the Markers window, and select Functions > Default Marker Names. Different Name for End Marker If this option is activated, you can enter a different name for the end marker. If this option is deactivated, the name of the start marker is also used for the end marker.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Zoom Zoom to Fade Range Adjusts the view to display the fade in/fade out part of the active clip. Shape Curve Allows you to select preset fade curves. • Linear changes the level linearly. • Sinus (*) changes the level according to a sine curve. When used in a crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition. • Square-Root (*) changes the level according to a square-root curve.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Envelope Tab Selector Envelope Type Sets the type of the envelope. Depending on the selected type, different options are available. Pan Law Lets you select a pan mode. This option is only available if the Pan envelope type is selected. Zoom Zoom to Envelope Range Adjusts the view to display the active envelope of the active clip. Level Reset All Resets the envelope to its neutral form.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs Specific Region Processes and renders a specific audio range to an independent file. Specify the region to process on the pop-up menu. Result CD Allows you to burn a CD from the audio montage. Unnamed File If this option is activated, the rendered file is named untitled. Named File If this option is activated, you can specify a name for the rendered file. Output Name Allows you to enter a name for the rendered file.
Audio Montage Signal Flow in the Audio Montage Copy Markers If this option is activated, the markers that are included in the range to process are copied to the rendered file. Open Resulting Audio File If this option is activated, every rendered file is opened in a new window. Bypass Master Section on Resulting Audio File If this option is activated, playback of the resulting audio file bypasses the entire Master Section.
Audio Montage Creating New Audio Montages Signal Flow in the Master Section 1) Channels/sample rate can change at each plug-in slot. 2) Master Section meters 3) Final Effect/Dithering pane in the Master Section 4) Independent meters 5) Playback or file format rendering Creating New Audio Montages PROCEDURE 1. Select File > New. 2. Select Audio Montage > Custom. 3. Specify the audio properties and click Create. Audio Montage Properties You can set the sample rate of the audio montage.
Audio Montage Audio Montage Duplicates Audio Montage Duplicates Empty (With Same Properties) Creates a new audio montage with the channel settings and sample rate of the original audio montage, without any clips. Exact Duplicate (Using the Same Audio Files) Creates an exact duplicate of the original audio montage and lets the new clips reference to the original audio files. The duplicated audio montage uses the channel settings and sample rate of the original audio montage.
Audio Montage Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File You can export audio files to an audio montage, including all markers that you have set in the audio file. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor, open the audio file that you want export to an audio montage. 2. Optional: If you want to use a specific time range of the audio file, create a selection range in the wave window. 3. Select File > New. 4. Select Audio Montage > From Current File. 5.
Audio Montage Missing Files in the Audio Montage Dialog • To open audio files that have an unknown format, click Unknown Audio. Via the Special File Format dialog, you can specify how to interpret the format of the audio file that you want to open. • To import CD tracks from an audio CD, click Audio CD. Via the Import Audio CD dialog, browse for the audio CD tracks to extract.
Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage Where to Search Lets you specify a location for searching files. Click Find Files with the Same Name to start the search. Replacement List Lists the files that can be used as a replacement. You can also drag a file into the list from the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder. Assembling the Audio Montage You assemble your audio montage by adding tracks and clips. In the audio montage, only one track can be selected at a time.
Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage Moving Tracks in the Track View You can change the order of the tracks in the montage window. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Montage window, click the number button of a track. 2. On the pop-up menu, select Move Track Up or Move Track Down. Removing Tracks Removing a track with clips also removes the clips. However, the audio files to which the clips refer are not affected. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage Clips A clip contains a reference to a source audio file on your hard disk as well as start and end positions in the file, volume and pan curves, fades, etc. This allows clips to play back smaller sections of their source audio files. Any number of clips can reference the same source file. Because a clip only references to the original source file, it contains no audio data. Any number of clips can reference the same source file.
Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage Inserting Audio from Open Wave Windows Using the Insert Menu PROCEDURE 1. In the montage window, right-click an empty area of a track. 2. From the pop-up menu, select the audio file that you want to insert as clip. Inserting Audio Using Copy and Paste PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window of the Audio Editor, select the audio section to which you want the clip to refer to. 2. Select the Edit tab and click Copy, or press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[C]. 3.
Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage Dragging Regions From the File Browser Tool Window If you have defined marker regions in an audio file, you can drag these regions from the File Browser window onto a track. PROCEDURE 1. Select Tool Windows > File Browser. 2. In the File Browser window, select the audio file to which you want the clip to refer. On the right side of the File Browser window, a list shows the available audio regions of the selected file. 3. Drag any region to the track.
Audio Montage Rearranging Clips Mismatched Sample Rates Dialog This dialog opens when you insert an audio file with a different sample rate than the sample rate of the audio montage. It allows you to create a resampled copy of the audio file. Recreate Resampled Files If this option is activated and a resampled file exists, it is recreated. Otherwise, the existing version is used. Activate this option if the original audio file has been modified and you want to recreate its resampled version.
Audio Montage Rearranging Clips Info Line The info line at the bottom of the Audio Montage window shows what happens when you click the mouse button with or without modifier keys, depending on the cursor position. The following symbols are used on the info line: Single-click Indicates what happens when you click. Double-click Indicates what happens when you double-click. Right-click Indicates that you can right-click to display a menu. The name of the menu is displayed to the right of the symbol.
Audio Montage Rearranging Clips Combined modifier keys Indicates that you can use combined modifier keys. Magnetic Bounds in Audio Montages Some positions, such as markers or the start and end of a clip, can be defined as magnetic. Dragged elements can snap to these positions. This makes it easier to position items accurately. For example, when you move or resize a clip, and its edges or its cue point get close to one of the magnetic bounds, the clip snaps to this position.
Audio Montage Clip Editing 1) Fade in section Opens the Fade In pop-up menu where you can edit the fade in. 2) Any area of a clip Opens the Active Clip pop-up menu where you can edit the active clip. 3) Sustain section Opens the Envelope pop-up menu where you can edit the envelope. 4) Fade out section Opens the Fade Out pop-up menu where you can edit the fade out. Clip Editing All clips are displayed in the CD window.
Audio Montage Clip Editing Moving and Crossfading Clips You can let clips overlap other clips, move them, and create crossfades between clips. Moving Clips NOTE The channel configuration of the clip must match the destination track. PROCEDURE 1. In the montage window, select the clips that you want to move. 2. Click the clip area, and drag the clips in any direction. While dragging, the info line displays the current start position of the clip.
Audio Montage Clip Editing Global If this option is activated and you move a clip horizontally, all clips on all tracks that are located to the right of the edited clip are also moved. This option is taken into account when moving or resizing clips, and when inserting or pasting more than one clip at the same time. Crossfading The following crossfading options are available in the Fade tab of the Audio Montage window in the Options section.
Audio Montage Clip Editing • If Group is activated and you move a clip a clip horizontally, all clips on all tracks that are located to the right of the edited clip are also moved. Clip Resizing In this context, resizing usually means moving the start and end points of a clip. This reveals more or less of the original audio file. To resize a clip, click the left or right edge of the clip, and move the start or end point to the left or to the right.
Audio Montage Clip Editing RELATED LINKS Split Clip at Silences Dialog on page 179 Split Clip at Silences Dialog You can remove silent clip parts and create a new clip at the cut position. • To open the Split Clip at Silences dialog, select the Edit tab in the Audio Montage window, and click Split at Silences in the Split section. Minimum Clip Length Sets the minimum length of the resulting regions after splitting. Non-silent sections shorter than this length are not split.
Audio Montage Track Activity Indicator When you move a clip, its cue point is magnetic to any edges, markers, or positions. There are several uses for this: • Set the cue point at a relevant position in the audio to align the clip with other clips, etc. • Set the cue point before the start of a clip to position clips in a row with pre-defined spaces. • Set the cue point at the fade in or fade out point of a clip to maintain defined fade lengths when crossfading.
Audio Montage Envelopes for Clips The track activity indicator provides an overview of which tracks are playing back audio at what approximate level. Envelopes for Clips For clips in the audio montage, you can create envelopes for level and fades, and for panning. You can create an independent level envelope curve to automate level, to create fades and crossfades, and to mute clip sections. You can also draw pan envelopes to automate pan settings for clips.
Audio Montage Envelopes for Clips Selecting Envelopes You can select volume/fade envelopes and pan envelopes. PROCEDURE 1. In the montage window, select a clip. 2. Select the Envelope tab. 3. In the Selector section, open the Envelope Type pop-up menu, and select which envelope to edit. Hiding Envelope Curves All clips display envelopes by default. You can hide these envelopes. However, hidden envelopes are still active. PROCEDURE 1. In the montage window, select a clip. 2.
Audio Montage Envelopes for Clips • To raise or lower the value of two consecutive curve points, [Ctrl]/[Command]-click the segment between the points and drag up or down. • To change the time position of two consecutive curve points, [Shift]-click the segment between the points and drag left or right. • To raise or lower the entire envelope curve, make sure that no curve point is selected, click the envelope curve, and drag up or down. Do not drag a segment that is limited by selected points.
Audio Montage Fades and Crossfades in Audio Montages Pan Modes The power of the sum of the channels drops by about 3 dB if a signal is panned hard left or right, compared to the same signal being panned center. This can be compensated with pan modes. Experiment with the modes to hear which fits best. The pan modes can be set for tracks, clips, and the montage output.
Audio Montage Fades and Crossfades in Audio Montages Creating Fades By default, all clips display fade in and fade out junction points. These can be dragged horizontally to create a fade in or fade out for a clip. You can add envelope points to a fade just as with level envelopes. • To create a fade in, click the fade in point at the start of a clip, and drag it to the right. • To create a fade out, click the fade out point at the end of a clip, and drag it to the left.
Audio Montage Fades and Crossfades in Audio Montages Sinus (*) Changes the level according to the first quarter period of the sine curve. When used in a crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition. Square-root (*) Changes the level according to the square-root curve. When used in a crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition. Sinusoid Changes the level according to a half period part of the sine curve. Logarithmic Changes the level logarithmically.
Audio Montage Fades and Crossfades in Audio Montages Exponential Changes the level exponentially. Exponential+ Changes the level strongly exponential. Applying Default Fades to New Clips All new clips that are imported or recorded in the audio montage get the default fade in and fade out shape and length if Create Default Fades in New Clips is active. In this case, the default crossfade shapes are used. This also applies to clips that are created by splitting clips. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output • To move the crossfade region while keeping its length, press [Ctrl]/[Command], click the crossfade area, and drag left and right. • When you move a clip so that it overlaps another clip to create a crossfade, and neither clip has a defined fade in the overlap, a default crossfade is created.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output Hovering over a clip name shows the effects that are used for the clip. NOTE • Only clip effects for clips that are active at the current playback position consume CPU power. Track and montage output effects are always active. • The first time that you play an audio montage after is has been opened or copied, the program has to load all effects into memory.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output Menu Clip Effects Displays the plug-ins of the active clip. Track Effects Displays the plug-ins of the active track. Output Effects Displays the plug-ins of the montage output. Add Slot Adds a slot into which an audio plug-in can be inserted. Remove Selected Plug-ins Removes the selected plug-ins. Copy Copies the selected plug-in and its settings to the clipboard. Copy All Copies the settings of all plug-ins to the clipboard.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output Plug-in window icon Opens the plug-in window. Effect Name Clicking an effect name opens the Plug-ins menu where you can select a new effect. The checkbox allows you to activate/deactivate the clips. Preset Shows the preset that is used by the plug-in. If no preset is used, this field is empty. Latency Shows the latency in the audio path. Plug-ins with latency cannot be used for adjusting the send level.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output RELATED LINKS Pan Modes on page 184 Adding Effects to a Track, a Clip, or to the Montage Output You can add effect plug-ins to every track and clip of the audio montage, and to the output of the audio montage. Adding Effects Via the Effects Window PROCEDURE 1. Open an audio montage. 2. Select Tool Windows > Effects. 3. In the Effects window, select the Clip, Track, or Montage section. 4. Click Add Slot. 5.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output Additional Ways of Adding Effects • To add an effect to a track, click the FX button in the track control area, select Add Effect, and select an effect from the menu. • To add an effect to a clip in the montage window, right-click the clip name, select Add Effect, and select an effect from the menu. Removing Effects from Tracks, Clips, or the Montage Output PROCEDURE 1. Open an audio montage. 2. Select Tool Windows > Effects. 3.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output • To paste the effect settings to a new slot, add a new slot, and select Menu > Paste (Insert). • To replace an existing effect, select the effect, and select Menu > Paste (Replace). Undoing Effect Changes You can undo/redo changes to the effect settings. However, WaveLab Elements only registers the changes when the Effects window loses focus. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output Setting the Global Gain for Effects You can set a global gain for the montage output effects of your audio montage and apply it before or after the montage output effects. PROCEDURE 1. Open an audio montage. 2. Select Tool Windows > Effects. 3. In the Effects window, select Output. 4. Adjust the global gain using the fader on the left of the Effects window. 5.
Audio Montage Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage Output • To open the plug-in window for a clip from the montage window, right-click a clip, and select Edit Plug-ins. You can also right-click the clip name and select a plug-in. • To open the plug-in window for a track, click the FX button in the track control area. Adding Effects From Within the Plug-in Window Effects that are added to a clip, track, or the montage output in the Effects window are automatically displayed in the plug-in window.
Audio Montage About the CD Window Switching Between Track, Clip, and Montage Output Effects in Plug-in Windows In the plug-in window, you can switch between the effect chains of clips, tracks, and the montage output. • To skip through the clip and track effects of the active audio montage, use the left and right arrow icons.
Audio Montage About the CD Window You can also adjust pauses between clips, check the conformity to the Red Book standards, add and edit CD-Text, and add UPC/EAN and ISRC codes. When selecting a clip in the montage window, the corresponding clip is highlighted in the CD window. You can reorder CD tracks in the CD track list using drag and drop. CD Window In this window, you can create an audio CD. • To open the CD window, open an audio montage and select Tool Windows > CD.
Audio Montage About the CD Window End Shows the end position of the track. Length Shows the time value from the CD track start position to the corresponding end or splice marker. Gain Lets you set the gain for the clip. ISRC Lets you enter an ISRC code. To change the code, double-click the corresponding cell, and enter a new value. CD-Text Lets you specify the CD-Text. To change the CD-Text, double-click the corresponding cell, and enter a new value. Comment Allows you to enter a comment.
Audio Montage Mixing Down – The Render Function • Select Clips Located After the Cursor (on Selected Track) • Deselect All Clips Creating Audio CD Tracks From Clips You can use the Check CD conformity option to check whether the audio montage is ready for writing to audio CD. PROCEDURE 1. Make sure that the audio montage contains the material that you want on the audio CD. CD tracks must have a length of at least 4 seconds. 2. Audition the tracks in the CD window, and make corrections if necessary.
Audio Montage Loudness Meta Normalizer To avoid clipping at the Master Section stage, you can limit the mixdown output of the audio montage before it goes into the Master Section and/or the Master Section output. NOTE • The audio path in the audio montage uses 32-bit floating point processing. You can therefore overload it, for example, use levels above 0 dB in clips, without causing clipping in the signal path.
Audio Montage Notes Window Peaks menu Select whether WaveLab Elements should limit the sample values (digital peaks), or ignore the peaks. Maximum Peak Determines the maximum peak value that must not be exceeded. Force Equal Loudness If Limit True Peaks or Limit Digital Peaks is selected, some clip might not reach the required gain for the reference loudness.
Recording You can record audio in the Audio Editor and in the Audio Montage window. Setting Up the Recording Dialog Before you start recording, set up the Recording dialog. PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor or the Audio Montage window, click the Record button, or press [*] on the numeric key pad. 2. In the File to Create section, open the pop-up menu, and select whether you want to record a named file or a temporary file. 3.
Recording Dropping Markers During Recording 11. When you have finished recording, click Stop. 12. Optional: If you want to record another take, click Record again. Dropping Markers During Recording When you are recording, you can click the marker buttons to add markers to the recorded file. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Recording dialog. 2. Make your settings and start recording. 3. Select the type of marker that you want to drop.
Recording Recording Dialog Pause Pauses recording. Stop Stops recording. Discard Stops recording and deletes anything recorded so far. Method Tab On this tab, you can define options for starting, stopping, and pausing the recording automatically. You can select an input device and choose to start a recording at a specific time or stop if after a specific duration. File to Create Specify whether you want to record a temporary file to be saved later, or record to a file with a specific name and location.
Recording Recording Dialog • If Add to Active Audio File is selected, the audio is recorded in the active audio file window at the edit cursor position (if no audio file window exists, a new one is created). • If Add to Selected Track of Montage is selected, the audio is recorded in an existing audio montage at the edit cursor position (if no audio montage exists, a new one is created).
Recording Recording Dialog After Recording, Move Edit Cursor at the End If this option is activated, the edit cursor is moved to the end of the recording. Values Tab On this tab, you can define values for the various recording options. Auto-Start on Sound – Threshold (RMS) Specify the sound level that will trigger recording. Auto-Start on Sound – Record Previous Samples Allows you to include a short section of audio before the start point, to capture attacks, for example.
Recording Recording Dialog Meter Display Level/Spectrum Specifies which meter to display. Settings Opens the Level/Pan Meter Settings dialog, where you can customize the meter settings. Reset Resets the peak values. Monitor If this option is activated, the audio input is also sent to the output ports (not available if Windows MME drivers are used).
Recording Recording Dialog Level Meter In the Level Meter, horizontal bars show the peak level (outer bars) and average loudness (VU, inner bars) of each channel. Values are also shown numerically. When you click the Settings button, the Level/Pan Meter Settings dialog opens. Spectrometer The Spectrometer shows a bar diagram, providing a continuous graphical representation of the frequency spectrum.
Master Section The Master Section is the final block in the signal path before the audio is sent to the audio hardware, to an audio file, or to the audio meters. This is where you adjust the master levels, add effects, resample, and apply dithering. The settings and effects in the Master Section are taken into account in the following cases: • When playing back an audio file in the wave window. • When playing back an audio montage.
Master Section Master Section Window The Master Section consists of the following panes: • Effects • Resampling • Master Level • Final Effect/Dithering Signal Path The panes in the Master Section window correspond to the processing blocks of the Master Section.
Master Section Master Section Window In the Master Section, the signal passes all plug-ins, even if some plug-ins are soloed. However, the sound is not affected by this because the muted plug-ins are bypassed from the playback process stream. Master Section Tools The tools and options at the top of the Master Section window allow you to make various settings before rendering the file, make bypass settings, and decide whether the playback signal passes the Master Section.
Master Section Master Section Window Settings Pop-up Menu Hide Plug-in Windows when Master Section is not Visible If this option is activated, plug-in windows are hidden when the Master Section is not visible. Show Plug-in Controls in the Plug-in Window If this option is activated, the plug-in controls are displayed in plug-in windows. Use Plug-in Chain Window Shows all open plug-ins in the plug-in window as tabs, which allows you to quickly switch between the plug-ins.
Master Section Master Section Window Fold/Unfold Pane Expands or collapses the pane. Bypass All Effects Bypasses any effect processing during playback and optionally when rendering. Add Effect Allows you to add an effect to an empty effect slot. Effect plug-in name Once you have added a plug-in to a slot, you can click the plug-in name to open and close the corresponding plug-in window. Presets pop-up menu Lets you save and recall preset settings.
Master Section Master Section Window VST Plug-ins Steinberg’s VST plug-in format is supported by a lot of programs and plug-in manufacturers. You find a number of VST plug-ins included with WaveLab Elements. Other plug-ins can be purchased separately from Steinberg or other manufacturers. Setting Up Effects The number of available effects depends on the number and format of the plug-ins that you have installed.
Master Section Master Section Window Solo (Bypass) Soloes the plug-in. Render in Place Processes the audio in place. Bypassed plug-ins are excluded and the rendered audio is crossfaded at boundaries. Switch Effect On/Off If you deactivate a plug-in, it is excluded from both playback and rendering. Presets Opens a menu to save/load presets for this plug-in. Effect Plug-in Presets With WaveLab Elements comes a number of factory presets for the included effect plug-ins.
Master Section Master Section Window Resampling Pane This pane in the Master Section allows you to resample the signal. With the Resampling plug-in, you can check the peaks before the master gain and meters, and before limiting and dithering. You can select one of the common sample rate values or create custom sample rate values via the Customize Sample Rate Menu dialog. Fold/Unfold Pane Expands or collapses the pane. Off Deactivates the resampling effect.
Master Section Master Section Window Add Common Sample Rate to Menu Adds the selected sample rate to the sample rate pop-up menu. Remove Sample Rate from Menu Removes the selected sample rate from the sample rate pop-up menu. Add Custom Sample Rate Opens the Custom Sample Rate dialog, where you can specify custom sample rate values. Master Level Pane This pane in the Master Section allows you to control the master level of the active audio file.
Master Section Master Section Window • To lock the faders, activate Lock Faders below the fader section. Locked faders cannot be changed with the mouse. Other editing methods, for example via remote control or shortcut, are still possible. Meters The Master Section meters show the signal level of the signal before dithering or any other plug-in that you have applied post-master fader. Use these meters to get an overview of the signal levels.
Master Section Master Section Window Final Effect/Dithering Pane This pane in the Master Section allows you to add a final effect and dithering to the signal before it is sent to the audio hardware or saved as a file on disk. Fold/Unfold Pane Expands or collapses the pane. Bypass All Effects Bypasses the effects in the Final Effect/Dithering pane. Presets pop-up menu Lets you save and recall preset settings. The Presets pop-up menu offers additional options to save and load default banks and effects.
Master Section Master Section Window NOTE Dithering should always be applied after the output bus fader stage, and after any kind of audio process. RELATED LINKS Internal Dithering on page 364 Dithering Plug-ins WaveLab Elements comes with an internal dithering plug-in. However, you can also add other dithering plug-ins. • To select and activate a dithering plug-in in the Master Section, click the plug-in slot in the Final Effect/Dithering pane, and select one of the options from the pop-up menu.
Master Section Rendering When to Apply Dithering The basic rule is that you should apply dithering when converting an audio file to a lower resolution. For example, preparing a 24-bit file for mastering to CD, that uses 16-bit format. However, even if you are playing back or rendering a 16-bit or 24-bit file to the same resolution, you need to apply dithering if you are using any real-time processing in WaveLab Elements.
Master Section Rendering 3. Make your rendering settings. 4. In the Result section, activate Named File. 5. Click the Format field and select Edit Format. 6. Make your settings in the Audio File Format dialog and click OK. 7. When you have set up the rendering process, click Start. RESULT The file is rendered. NOTE Several rendering operations can be performed at the same time when using different files.
Master Section Rendering When selecting Render in Place via the Render tab, you can make additional render settings on the Options pop-up menu. When selecting Render in Place via the Master Section or a plug-in window, the following render settings are always active: • Fade in/out at boundaries • Exclude bypassed plug-ins NOTE Once an audio section has been processed, there is no automatic bypass of plug-ins or the Master Section.
Master Section Rendering RESULT The audio section or the audio file is processed. Render Tab This tab allows you to select which parts of an audio file to render, and into which format. • To open the Render tab, click Render at the bottom of the Master Section. The following options are available for rendering audio files and audio montages. Part • Selected Audio Range processes and renders the selected audio range.
Master Section Rendering Format Opens the Multi Audio File Format dialog, where you can select the file format. Bypass Master Section If this option is activated, the plug-ins and gain of the Master Section are bypassed when rendering. Exclude Master Section Bypassed Plug-ins If this option is activated, the plug-ins that are bypassed during playback are not used for rendering.
Master Section Saving a Master Section Preset In Place If this option is activated, the rendered audio range replaces the source audio range. Render Tab for Audio Montages The following option on the Render tab is exclusive to rendering audio montages. Part Whole Montage processes and renders the whole audio montage. Saving a Master Section Preset You can save all settings that are made in the Master Section as a preset.
Master Section Saving a Master Section Preset Location Opens the root folder of the preset in the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder. Here, you can create subfolders in which presets can be saved. Presets list Lists all existing presets. Name Lets you specify the name of the preset to save. Save Effects Plug-ins If this option is activated, the effect plug-ins are saved with the preset. Save Resampling Settings If this option is activated, the resampling settings are saved with the preset.
Master Section Saving a Master Section Preset • To load a preset that has been previously saved in the Presets\Master Section folder, select a preset from the Presets pop-up menu. • To load a preset from any location, select Load Preset, select a preset, and click Open. • To load a temporarily saved preset, open the Restore submenu, and select a preset. • To import a WaveLab Elements 4/5/6 preset, select Load WaveLab Elements 4/5/6 Preset, select a preset, and click Open.
Master Section Saving a Master Section Preset Load/Replace Resampling Settings If this option is activated, the current resampling settings are reset, and any new settings are loaded. Load/Reset Master Level Settings If this option is activated, the current Master Level settings are reset, and any new settings are loaded. Load/Replace Final Effect/Dithering Plug-in If this option is activated, the current final effect/dithering plug-in is removed, and the new plug-in is loaded.
Master Section Monitoring Background Tasks Restore Lets you restore a previously saved preset. List of saved presets Lists the presets that are saved in the Presets folder of the Master Section. Monitoring Background Tasks When rendering, you can monitor the process, and pause or cancel tasks. A status bar below the wave window and the montage window shows the progress of the current rendering process. You can cancel or pause the rendering with the corresponding buttons.
Markers Markers allow you to save and name specific positions in a file. Markers are useful for editing and playback. For example, markers can be used for the following: • Indicate cue points or absolute time locations. • Highlight problem sections. • Visually separate tracks. • Set the wave cursor to a specific position. • Select all audio between two positions. • Loop sections in an audio file. There is no limit to the amount of markers that you can have in a file.
Markers Markers Window Markers Window In this window, you can create, edit, and use markers while working on an audio file or audio montage. • To open the Markers window, open an audio file or audio montage and select Tool Windows > Markers. Markers List The Markers window contains a list of all markers of the active file along with their details and controls. You can create and edit markers from the markers list.
Markers Markers Window • To zoom in on the region between a start and end marker, click the corresponding cell in the Length column. • To select the region between a start and end marker, double-click the corresponding cell in the Length column. This function is only available for markers in the Audio Editor. Lock Allows you to lock markers. Locking markers prevents them from being accidentally dragged to a new position in the wave window or the montage window.
Markers About Creating Markers The following options of the Functions menu are only available for audio montages: Bind Selected Markers to Start of Active Clip Makes the marker position relative to the start of the active clip. When the start of this clip moves, the marker moves, too. Bind Selected Markers to End of Active Clip Makes the marker position relative to the end of the active clip. When the end of this clip moves, the marker moves, too.
Markers Deleting Markers 2. Do one of the following: • In the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window, select the Insert tab, and click a marker icon in the Markers section. • Right-click the upper part of the time ruler, and select a marker from the context menu. • Press [Insert]/[M]. This creates a generic marker. Creating Markers at Selection Start and End You can mark a selection for looping or review, for example. PROCEDURE 1. In the wave window, create a selection range. 2.
Markers Moving Markers Deleting Markers in the Markers Window This is useful if your project has many markers or if the marker that you want to delete is not visible in the wave/montage window. PROCEDURE 1. In the Markers window, select one or several markers. You can also select Functions > Select All. 2. Click Delete Selected Markers Markers. , or select Functions > Delete Selected Moving Markers You can adjust marker positions in the wave window and the montage window.
Markers Hiding Markers of a Specific Type Hiding Markers of a Specific Type For a better overview, you can hide marker types. PROCEDURE 1. In the Markers window, select Filter. 2. Deactivate the marker type that you want to hide. You can make the markers visible again by activating the corresponding marker type. Converting Marker Types You can convert markers of a specific type to another type. Converting the Type of a Single Marker PROCEDURE 1.
Markers Selecting Markers Marker type Lets you select the type of marker for which you want to specify the default name. Default Name for This Marker Type Lets you specify the default name for the selected marker type. Selecting Markers There are several ways to select markers. • In the wave window or the montage window, click a marker. • In the Markers window, click in a cell. The corresponding marker is selected. • Use [Ctrl]/[Command] and [Shift] to select multiple markers.
Markers Binding Markers to Clips in the Audio Montage • To open the Markers window and display further information about a specific marker, hold down [Alt]/[Option], and double-click a marker. Binding Markers to Clips in the Audio Montage In the Audio Montage window, you can bind markers to clips. By doing this, the marker remains in the same position relative to the clip start/end, even if the clip is moved or resized in the audio montage.
Metering WaveLab Elements contains a variety of audio meters that you can use for monitoring and analyzing audio. Meters can be used to monitor audio during playback, rendering, and recording. Furthermore, you can use them to analyze audio sections when playback is stopped. Metering Window There can only be one instance of each audio meter. The axis of most audio meters can be rotated, to view the graphics horizontally or vertically.
Metering Resetting the Meters Resetting the Meters You can reset the display of some meters, for example, the Level Meter. PROCEDURE • In the meter window, click Reset , or select Functions > Reset. RESULT All values and numerical indicators of the meter are reset. Level Meter The Level Meter displays the peak and average loudness/decibel levels of your audio file. • To open the Level Meter, select Meters > Level Meter.
Metering Level Meter • Recording levels should be set so that they only rarely clip. If the master level is set too high, the sound quality and frequency response are compromised at high recording levels, with unwanted clipping effects. If the level is set too low, noise levels can be high relative to the main sound being recorded. Level Meter Settings In the Level Meter Settings dialog, you can adjust the behavior, scale, and color of the meters.
Metering Spectroscope Global Range (Peak and VU Meter) Section In this section, you specify the minimum and maximum values of the displayed level range. Spectroscope The Spectroscope shows a graphical representation of the frequency spectrum, analyzed into 60 separate frequency bands, represented as vertical bars. • To open the Spectroscope, select Meters > Spectroscope. Peak levels are shown as a horizontal lines above the corresponding bands, indicating recent peak/maximum values.
Metering Oscilloscope If you are analyzing stereo audio, the Oscilloscope normally shows the separate levels of the two channels. However, if you activate Show Sum and Subtraction on the Functions menu, the upper half of the Oscilloscope shows the mix of the two channels and the lower half shows the subtraction. Oscilloscope Settings In the Oscilloscope Settings dialog, you can adjust the display colors, and activate/deactivate Auto-Zoom.
Writing Operations This chapter describes the CD/DVD writing processes in WaveLab Elements. This chapter assumes that the preparations have been completed, and that you are ready to run the actual writing process. Write Audio CD Dialog In this dialog, you can write your audio montage to an audio CD. • When you want to write audio montages to an audio CD, open the CD window, and select Functions > Write Audio CD. Device Allows you to select the disc writer that you want to use.
Writing Operations Write Audio CD Dialog Refresh Scans the system for connected optical devices. This is done automatically when this dialog opens. Click the update icon after you insert a new blank media to update the Speed menu. NOTE On the Mac, insert a medium in the drive after opening WaveLab Elements. Otherwise, the drive is under the control of the operating system and is not available for WaveLab Elements. Eject Optical Medium Ejects the optical medium present in the selected drive.
Writing Operations Erase Optical Media Dialog Erase Optical Media Dialog In this dialog, you can quickly or fully erase an optical disc before writing. • To open the Erase Optical Media dialog, open the Write Audio CD dialog and click the garbage icon. Quick Erase Erases the table of contents of the disc. Full Erase Erases all parts of the disc. Force Erasing Even If a Disk Appears to Be Blank If this option is activated, the disc is erased, even if it is declared as blank.
Writing Operations About Writing Audio Montages 3. In the CD window, select Functions > Write Audio CD. 4. From the Device pop-up menu, select the writing device that you want to use. 5. If you want to bypass the Master Section, activate Bypass Master Section. 6. Select the writing speed from the Speed pop-up menu. 7. Select the number of copies that you want to write. When you want to write more than one copy, it is recommended to activate Render to Temporary File before Writing. 8. 9.
Writing Operations Data CD/DVD Projects Copy CD Track Marker Name Copies the name of the CD track marker to this field. Copy CD Track Start Marker Name to All CD Track Titles Copies the name of each CD track start marker to the title field of each CD track. Copy Text to All Following Tracks Copies the text to all tracks that are located after the current one. Scrollbar Allows you to navigate across all CD-Texts. The first position corresponds to the whole CD, other positions to individual tracks.
Writing Operations Data CD/DVD Projects Creating a Data CD/DVD Project A data CD/DVD project can be used to compile and write a data-only CD, DVD, Blu-ray, or to write to ISO image. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Tools > Data CD/DVD. 2. Add files to the project, using one of the following methods: 3. • Drag the files from the WaveLab Elements File Browser window or from the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder into the Data CD/DVD window. • Drag an audio file or audio montage tab into the Data CD/DVD window.
Writing Operations Data CD/DVD Projects Media Allows you to select the media type you want to write. If the media size that you want to use is not listed, select the media type that offers the size closest to your requirements. Volume Name Allows you to specify the volume name of the CD/DVD. Open File Explorer/Mac OS Finder Opens the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder to show the location of the selected file. Remove Selected Files and Folders Removes the selected files and folders from the CD/DVD project.
Writing Operations Data CD/DVD Projects • To open the Write Data CD/DVD dialog, open the Data CD/DVD dialog and click Write Data CD/DVD. Device Allows you to select the disc writer that you want to use or select ISO Image to write a file on the hard drive. Writing an ISO image creates a copy of a future optical medium. NOTE On the Mac, open WaveLab Elements without a media in the drive. Otherwise, the drive is under the control of the operating system and is not available for WaveLab Elements.
Writing Operations Audio CD Formats Test Only, Do Not Write If this option is activated, clicking OK initiates a simulation of writing the CD. If this test is passed, the real write operation will succeed. If the test fails, try again at a lower writing speed. Create CD-Extra Session If this option is activated, the data is written in a new session, after the audio tracks. This creates a CD Extra, also known as Enhanced CD and CD Plus.
Writing Operations Audio CD Formats CD-Extra Support CD-Extra is a format that allows for the writing of both audio and data on a single CD, just like Mixed Mode CDs. When writing an audio CD, you can prepare it for CD-Extra support (also known as Enhanced CD or CD Plus). The difference is that when Mixed Mode CDs are written with the audio placed on the last tracks of the CD, for CDs in the CD-Extra format the audio is contained in the first tracks of the CD, and the data follows subsequently.
Writing Operations Audio CD Formats Technically, there is no way to specify something smaller than a frame on a CD. One effect of this is that if the sample length of a track on the CD does not equal a perfect number of frames, some blank audio must be added at the end. Another effect of this is that when you play the CD, you can never locate to anything closer than a frame. If you need some data in the middle of a frame, you still have to read the whole frame.
Writing Operations Audio CD Formats Pre-Emphasis CD pre-emphasis refers to process designed to increase, within a band of frequencies, the magnitude of some (usually higher) frequencies compared to the magnitude of other (usually lower) frequencies in order to improve the overall signal-to-noise ratio by lowering the frequencies during reproduction. Pre-emphasis is commonly used in telecommunications, digital audio recording, record cutting and in FM broadcasting transmissions.
Loops This chapter describes various operations that are related to looping. Looping is used to simulate the infinite or at least very long sustain of many instrumental sounds. WaveLab Elements has tools for creating smooth loops, even for the most complex types of sounds. Basic Looping Looping a sound allows you to repeat a section of the sample indefinitely in order to create a sustain of unlimited length. Instrumental sounds in samplers rely on looping organ sounds, for example.
Loops Refining Loops Creating a Basic Loop PROCEDURE 1. In the Audio Editor, select the audio section that you want to loop. 2. Right-click above the ruler and select Create Loop from Selection. 3. On the transport bar, activate Loop. 4. Play back the loop and adjust the position of the markers to change the loop. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Creating a loop this way does not necessarily lead to good loops, because clicks or abrupt changes in timbre at the turning point can occur.
Loops Refining Loops Crossfade Tab This tab allows you to apply a crossfade between the audio at the end of a loop and the audio at the beginning of the loop. This can be useful to smooth the transition between the end of a loop and its beginning, especially when you use material that is not perfectly suited to create a loop. Use the envelope drag points or value sliders to adjust the crossfade envelope. Click Apply to create the crossfade.
Loops Refining Loops The following applies when moving the loop points manually: • To move the end point to a later or earlier position, move the left part of the display. • To move the start point to a later or earlier position, move the right part of the display. • To move the start and end points simultaneously, activate Link Start and End Points. This way, when adjusting a loop point, the length of the loop stays the same, but the entire loop is moved.
Loops Refining Loops Temporarily Saving Loop Points Temporarily saving and restoring loop points allows you to compare different loop settings. PREREQUISITE Set up a basic loop and open the Loop Tweaker tool. NOTE • There are five slots for temporarily saving loop points for each wave window and montage window. If you have several sets of loops in your file, you must be careful to not recall the wrong set. • Only loop positions are temporarily saved. PROCEDURE 1.
Loops Refining Loops 4. In the Loop Tweaker dialog, decide if you want to create a crossfade or a post-crossfade: • If you want to create a crossfade, click the Crossfade tab. • If you want to create a post-crossfade, click the Post-Crossfade tab. 5. Make sure that Crossfade Audio at End of Loop with Audio before Loop (Crossfade tab) or Crossfade Audio after Loop with Audio of Loop Start (Post-Crossfade tab) is activated. 6.
Loops Refining Loops If more than one loop marker pair is available in the audio file, click in the area between a loop marker pair to tweak the corresponding start and end points. • To open the Loop Tweaker dialog, open the Audio Editor, select the Process tab, and in the Loop section, select Tweaker. Loop Points Adjustment Tab The top of this dialog shows the beginning and the end of the waveform between the loop markers.
Loops Refining Loops Overlap If this option is activated, the waveforms of both halves are continued in the other half. This shows how the waveform looks like right before and after the loop. Display Processed Audio If this option is activated, the display shows a preview of the waveform after crossfading. If this option is deactivated, you see what the waveform looks like without crossfading. This option only makes sense after you have applied a crossfade.
Loops Refining Loops Crossfade Tab Crossfade Audio at End of Loop with Audio before Loop To enable crossfading, activate this checkbox. The crossfade is applied when you click Apply. Length Determines the length of the crossfade. Generally, you want the crossfade to be as short as possible, with an acceptable result. NOTE • Using a long crossfade smoothens the loop. However, more of the waveform is processed, which changes its character.
Loops Looping Audio Which Is Not Very Well Suited for Looping Post-Crossfade Tab Crossfade Audio after Loop with Audio of Loop Start To enable crossfading, activate this checkbox. The crossfade is applied when you click Apply. Length Determines the length of the crossfade. Generally, you want the post-crossfade to be as short as possible, with an acceptable result. NOTE • Using a long post-crossfade smoothens the loop. However, more of the waveform is processed, which changes its character.
Loops Looping Audio Which Is Not Very Well Suited for Looping The Loop Tone Uniformizer applies processing to the sound that evens out changes in level and timbral characteristics in order for a sound to loop properly. For example, this is useful for creating looped samples for a softsynth or hardware sampler. The Loop Tone Uniformizer includes a crossfade option allowing you to fade in the original sound into the processed sections when playback approaches the loop start.
Loops Looping Audio Which Is Not Very Well Suited for Looping Uniformizers Tab This tab allows you to specify the methods that are used to even out the sound that you want to loop. Slice Mixing Cuts the loop in slices, which are then mixed together to uniformize the sound. For slice mixing, you need to determine the number of slices. Only experimentation can tell how many slices are needed, but generally, the more slices you have, the more natural the sound.
Loops Sample Attributes Pre-Crossfade Tab This tab allows you to crossfade the end of the loop with the start of the newly processed section so that the transition into the looped section is smoother during playback. Use the envelope drag points or value sliders to adjust the crossfade. You need to use this feature because the Loop Tone Uniformizer changes the timbre only inside the loop. This means that the transition into the loop is not as smooth as expected unless you apply crossfading.
Loops Sample Attributes Sample attributes do not process the sample, they just provide the file properties that the receiving sampler can use. This includes information about the pitch of the sample, which can be detected automatically, the key range that the sample should span, and the velocity range to occupy. For WAV and AIFF files, this information is saved in the header of the file. By default, there are no sample attributes in an audio file.
Loops Sample Attributes Tune – Detune Specifies whether the sample should be played back at a slightly different pitch. The range is ±50 % of a semitone, which translates into a quarter tone in each direction. Detect from Audio Selection Detects the pitch from an audio selection. Make sure that the audio selection contains a clearly defined pitch. Key Range – High/Low Specifies the key range for the sample if the sample is part of a multi-sample key map.
Importing Audio CD Tracks You can read audio tracks from regular CDs and save them as a digital copy in any audio format on your hard disk. Although WaveLab Elements supports a large number of CD drives, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of: • There are a number of different protocols for retrieving audio from a CD-ROM/CD-R drive. WaveLab Elements supports as many of these methods as possible, but there are no guarantees that it works with any particular drive.
Importing Audio CD Tracks Import Audio CD Dialog Functions Menu CD Info Displays the CD length and the UPC/EAN code, if available. Extract ISRC Codes Reads the ISRC codes and displays them in the track list. Depending on your CD drive, this can take a while. Examine CD-Text Opens the CD-Text dialog where you can view the CD-Text. Not all CD drives support CD-Text. Extract CD-Text Extracts the CD-Text and displays a summary in the track list.
Importing Audio CD Tracks Import Audio CD Dialog Convert Menu Convert All Tracks to Audio Montage Extracts all audio CD tracks and uses them to create an audio montage. Convert Selected Tracks to Audio Montage Extracts the selected audio CD tracks and uses them to create an audio montage. Actions Tab Source Select the CD drive from which you want to import audio CD tracks. Speed Allows you to set the writing speed. The highest speed depends on your writing device and on of the media present in the device.
Importing Audio CD Tracks Import Audio CD Dialog Automatically Refresh on CD Change If this option is activated, WaveLab Elements checks for the presence of a new CD in the drive several times a second. If a new CD is found, the track list display is refreshed. Automatically Extract ISRC Codes If this option is activated, ISRC codes are automatically extracted when a CD is inserted. Automatically Extract CD-Text If this option is activated, CD-Text is automatically extracted when a CD is inserted.
Importing Audio CD Tracks Importing Audio CD Tracks Importing Audio CD Tracks PROCEDURE 1. Insert a CD into the CD-ROM/CD-R device. 2. Select File > Import. 3. Click Import Audio CD. 4. In the Import Audio CD dialog, in the Source section, select the drive from which you want to read, and specify the read speed. 5. Optional: Rename the files and adjust the numbering scheme. The tracks must have unique names if you want to import them all. 6.
Importing Audio CD Tracks Submitting Track Names to the Internet Submitting Track Names to the Internet You can submit information about an audio CD to the FreeDb database of CD information. PREREQUISITE You must be connected to the Internet to use the FreeDb function. PROCEDURE 1. Insert a CD into the CD-ROM/CD-R device. 2. Select File > Import. 3. Click Import Audio CD. 4. In the Import Audio CD dialog, rename each track. 5. Select Rename Tracks > Submit Track Names to the Internet (FreeDb).
Importing Audio CD Tracks Converting Audio CD Tracks to an Audio Montage 3. Click Import Audio CD. 4. Optional: In the Import Audio CD dialog, on the Options tab, select which information you want to extract from the Audio CD when converting. 5. Decide whether to convert only selected tracks or all tracks. • To convert only selected tracks, select Convert > Convert Selected Tracks to Audio Montage. • To convert all tracks, select Convert > Convert All Tracks to Audio Montage.
WaveLab Exchange You can use WaveLab Elements as an external editor for Cubase and vice versa. IIMPORTANT MPORTANT • WaveLab Exchange is only available for Cubase Pro 8.5.10 or higher and Cubase Artist 8.5.10 or higher. • WaveLab Exchange supports the file formats Wave and Wave 64. WaveLab Elements as External Editor for Cubase You can open Cubase events in WaveLab Elements. This allows you to use the editing capabilities of WaveLab Elements and apply them to Cubase events.
WaveLab Exchange Cubase as External Editor for WaveLab Elements 3. In WaveLab Elements, edit the audio event. 4. When you have finished the editing, click Trigger Cubase Update on the command bar. RESULT The changes to the audio event are applied to the Cubase project. Cubase as External Editor for WaveLab Elements When you are working on an audio file or clip in WaveLab Elements, you can open the project of the audio file in Cubase.
WaveLab Exchange Cubase as External Editor for WaveLab Elements 6. In the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, activate Insert iXML Chunk. IMPORTANT Do not change the file name and path. 7. Click Export.
Podcasts Podcasting is a method of distributing multimedia files over the Internet, for example, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. A podcast can be downloaded automatically, using software that is capable of reading RSS feeds. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a standard for distributing news and other information via the Internet. An RSS news feed sends short messages on a specific topic from a specific web site.
Podcasts Podcast Editor Episode Section In the Episode section, you can create, delete, and move individual podcast episodes. New Adds a new untitled episode. Duplicate Adds a new episode, copying all the information from the existing episode to the new one. Delete Deletes the selected episode. Alternatively, you can exclude an Episode from the podcast by deactivating the Enabled box. Cut/Copy/Paste Cuts, copies, and pastes the selected episode.
Podcasts Podcast Editor FTP Section In the FTP section, you can define where your podcast is going to be uploaded via FTP. Update All Items Uploads/updates the XML podcast file on the FTP server. It also uploads all associated media files, but only if they are not yet available on the FTP server. This is the most common function to upload and update your podcast. Update Selected Item Uploads/updates the XML podcast file on the FTP server.
Podcasts Podcast Editor Description Gives space for a further description of the feed content. Import HTML File (only available for episodes) Lets you browse for an HTML document that replaces the description. Internet Link (URL) The main link of the feed that the user sees. Use this to direct people to a web site that is related to your feed. Clicking the world icon opens the specified URL in your default Internet browser.
Podcasts Podcast Editor • Skip Hours (0 to 23, Comma Separated) • Time to Live (Number of Minutes) The following parameters are available for an episode: • Author (Email Address) • Comments (URL) • Category • Related Domain (URL) • Title • Original Domain (URL) iTunes Tab On the iTunes tab, you can activate the iTunes extension that allows you to specify additional feed and episode information. The available parameters change, depending on whether you select a feed or an episode.
Podcasts Global Podcast Options Global Podcast Options Some additional options are valid for all Podcast Editor tabs. • To open the Global Podcast Options dialog, open the Podcast Editor, select the Edit tab, and click Global Options. Automatic Picture Resizing (Not for iTunes) Defines what to do if specified pictures exceed the maximum size allowed by the RSS standard. If pictures need resizing, the original images on your hard disk is not modified.
Podcasts Setting Up a FTP for Podcast Publishing Setting Up a FTP for Podcast Publishing To be able to upload a podcast to your FTP server, you must enter the FTP server details first. PROCEDURE 1. In the Podcast Editor, select the Edit tab. 2. In the Podcast section, click FTP Settings. 3. In the FTP Settings dialog, enter the following details: 4. • The log-in details for your FTP server. • The relative path and file name of the podcast (extension .xml).
Podcasts FTP Settings Dialog • To open the FTP Settings dialog, open the Podcast Editor, select the Edit tab, and click FTP Settings. Host The host name or IP address of the FTP server. User Name The login name to your FTP server. Password The password to the login. Use Passive Mode Keep this activated and only change this if you experience problems with the FTP connection. Feed File Name (with Path) The podcast file name that is displayed on your FTP server (extension .xml), including the relative path.
Podcasts Checking the Podcast • The media files of the podcast will be uploaded to the FTP server at “ftp.MyPage.com/podcasts”. • The podcast file itself and the Internet address to be distributed will be found at “www.MyPage.com/podcasts/fantastic-cast.xml”. Each podcast saves its own complete FTP site information. It is also possible to save and recall FTP site presets using the Preset functions at the bottom of the dialog.
Customizing Customizing means making settings so that the program behaves and looks the way that you want it to. Customizing the Wave Window and the Montage Window You can set up the wave/montage window by adjusting colors of waveforms, background, cursor lines, etc., and changing the look of the ruler and other window details. Customizing can be done in the following ways: • By changing the default style. • By assigning different styles, according to specific conditions.
Customizing Customizing Shortcuts Assigning Custom Colors According to Conditions You can apply different color schemes automatically to different clips, according to their names or the properties of their audio files. MPORTANT IIMPORTANT If you redefine colors, be careful not to choose colors that cause other elements to disappear. PROCEDURE 1. 2.
Customizing Customizing Shortcuts Most shortcuts are restricted to a specific editor, which means that you can reuse the same shortcut combination in different editors. The exception is the Master Section where all shortcuts are global to the application. The shortcuts in the Navigation (Numeric Pad) and View and Navigation sections on the Shortcuts tab are dedicated to navigating through WaveLab Elements. Shortcuts that cannot be edited are grayed out.
Customizing Customizing Shortcuts The Shortcuts tab provides a different command set for each menu or dialog. • To open the Shortcut Definitions dialog, select File > Preferences > Shortcuts, select a command, and click Edit Shortcut. • You can define one key shortcut per command. Each shortcut can be a sequence of up to four keystrokes. • To reset some or all types of shortcuts to their factory default use the Reset button. Defining Key Sequences You can define key sequences for a keyboard.
Customizing Customizing Shortcuts Generating a List of All Shortcuts You can generate an HTML file or print out a list that contains all shortcuts. PREREQUISITE If you want to print out the list, make sure a printer is connected to your system. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Preferences > Shortcuts. 2. Click Summary, and select one of the following options: • To open the Print Preview dialog, from which you can print out the list of all shortcuts, select Print Preview.
Customizing Customizing Shortcuts Search pop-up menu Allows you to select the part of the commands list in which the search is performed. Search field Allows you to search for a command. Use Wildcards If this option is activated, the wildcard characters “*” and “?” can be used. “*” substitutes zero or more characters, and “?” substitutes any character. For example, if Search Keyboard Shortcut is selected, type “*” to display all commands that are already associated with a shortcut.
Customizing Customizing Command Bars Key Sequence 1st Key Stroke Lets you select the first key of a sequence that can consist of up to four keys. Set the focus to the key stroke field, then press the key combination. If nothing is displayed, a key is not allowed in this context. 2nd/3rd/4th Key Stroke (optional) Lets you select additional keys that must be used to execute the command. The command is only executed if this key event happens after the first one. Clear Erases all key event fields.
Customizing Plug-in Organization This is because 32-bit plug-ins cannot be used in WaveLab Elements 64 bit and vice versa. RELATED LINKS Plug-ins Preferences on page 302 Deactivating Plug-ins :PV DBO EFBDUJWBUF QMVH JOT 5IJT JT VTFGVM JG ZPV EP OPU XBOU UP VTF QBSUJDVMBS QMVH JOT JO 8BWF-BC &MFNFOUT PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Preferences > Plug-ins. 2. Select the Organize tab. 3. In the plug-ins list, navigate to the plug-in that you want to deactivate. 4.
Customizing Plug-in Organization 4. Activate the checkbox for the corresponding plug-in in the Favorites column. NOTE If the Favorites menu is empty, it does not appear in plug-in selection menus. Customizing Plug-in Groups You can customize the appearance and sorting of plug-ins on the Organize tab of the Plug-ins Preferences. • To update the tree, click the Show Changes button. • The category labels that are used to create the hierarchy are supplied by the plug-in manufacturers.
Customizing Plug-in Organization Adding Additional VST Plug-ins You can specify folders where additional VST plug-ins can be found. This is useful if you are using third-party VST plug-ins that you do not want to save in the standard VST folder. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Preferences > Plug-ins. 2. Select the General tab. 3. In the Additional VST Plug-in Folder (WaveLab Specific) section, click the folder icon, and navigate to the folder that contains the VST plug-ins that you want to add.
Customizing Plug-in Organization Replacing Missing Plug-ins When you open an audio montage and some plug-ins for tracks or clips are missing, you can select plug-ins to replace the missing plug-ins. PROCEDURE 1. In the Missing Plug-ins dialog, click the Replacement column, and select a replacement for the plug-in displayed in the Original column. 2. If you want to use the new plug-in from now on, activate Save Replacements as Default. 3. Click OK.
Customizing Plug-in Organization General Tab Search Standard VST Plug-in Shared Folders If this option is activated, WaveLab Elements searches for VST plug-ins in the default VST plug-in folders. Information About the Searched Folders Click on the info icon to see in which folders WaveLab Elements searched for plug-ins when it was launched. If you cannot find a plug-in in WaveLab Elements, this helps you to determine whether you have specified the correct folder, for example.
Customizing Plug-in Organization Do Not Load the following Plug-ins Lets you specify plug-ins that WaveLab Elements does not open. Enter the file names, without path and without file extension. Write each plug-in on a new line. If you put the character * in front of the name, any plug-in that contains the name is ignored. Force Plug-in Detection at Next Launch Analyzes the plug-ins when launching WaveLab Elements the next time.
Customizing Plug-in Organization Plug-ins list Displays the hierarchy of the plug-ins in WaveLab Elements. Here, you can specify whether a plug-in is available on the plug-in selection menus and/or the Final Effect/Dithering panel and Playback-Processing panel of the Master Section. You can add plug-ins to the Favorites list, create shortcuts for plug-ins, specify custom categories, and decide whether to use the generic user interface or the plug-in specific user interface.
Customizing Plug-in Organization Category Renaming The category labels used to create the hierarchy are supplied by the plug-in manufacturers. In this section, you can change the category name. This can also be useful to merge two categories into one, by renaming these two categories with the same name. Submenu with Recently Used Plug-ins If this option is activated, the Recently Used submenu is shown. The Maximum Size value determines the maximum number of plug-ins on the Recently Used submenu.
Configuring the Software You can configure WaveLab Elements according to your needs. NOTE The settings that you make in the preferences are applied when you switch to another WaveLab Elements window. Global Preferences Global preferences are preferences that apply throughout WaveLab Elements. Before you start working with WaveLab Elements, it is recommended to edit these preferences to configure WaveLab Elements according to your needs.
Configuring the Software Global Preferences Specific Folder Allows you to save the settings in a specified folder. Open Setting Folder Opens the folder that is used to save settings. This way you know where the settings are saved and you can back up the settings. Synchronization Settings Master Folder Lets you specify where the preference settings are saved. Synchronize at Every Launch If this option is activated, the settings are synchronized whenever WaveLab Elements is launched.
Configuring the Software Global Preferences Display Tab This tab allows you to change many aspects of the user interface that apply across the whole application. These options provide information and usability functions but can be deactivated to streamline the interface. Theme Theme Allows you to switch between the WaveLab Elements color schemes.
Configuring the Software Global Preferences Formats Use AES17 Standard for RMS Values Determines how RMS values are reported. • If this option is activated, the displayed level for a full scale sine audio file is 0 dB. This follows the AES17 standard. • If this option is deactivated, the displayed level for a full scale sine audio file is -3 dB. Pitch of A3 (Used in Frequency To Note Conversions) Sets the reference pitch in WaveLab Elements.
Configuring the Software Audio Files Preferences Maximum Audio CD Size Allows you to specify the maximum length for a CD. A warning message will appear if the project exceeds this length. The standard maximum length is 74 minutes. Options Tab This tab allows you to control application-wide start-up options. You can also reset the default message boxes.
Configuring the Software Audio Files Preferences Edit Opens the Folders dialog that allows you to specify where to save the companion files. Show Overview when Opening new Audio Files If this option is activated and you open an audio file, the overview is also displayed. If this option is deactivated, only the main view is displayed.
Configuring the Software Audio Files Preferences Sensitivity Lets you set the micro audio loop duration that is performed when you move the mouse cursor over the time ruler. Snap Selection to Zero-Crossing Do Not Snap at High Zoom Factors If this option is activated, snapping does not occur if the waveform is displayed at a high zoom factor. Scan Range Lets you define how far WaveLab Elements searches a zero-crossing point in the left and right direction.
Configuring the Software Audio Files Preferences Change Both Channels Allows you to make separate color settings for the left and the right side of a stereo file. If this option is activated, settings for the left side of a file are automatically mirrored on the right side, and vice versa. Change Both Main View and Overview Allows you to make separate color settings for the main view and the overview.
Configuring the Software Audio Files Preferences Color Elements in the Audio Editor You can assign custom colors to various elements of the Audio Editor. Depending on the selected element, additional settings can be made for transparency, appearance, or whether a line should be dotted, for example. Left/Right Channel Waveform The waveform color. Waveform (Selected) The waveform color of the selected part of the waveform. Waveform Outline The outline color of the waveform.
Configuring the Software Audio Montages Preferences Cursor (Play) The color of the cursor during playback. Marker Line The color of the marker lines and an optional transparency. End of File Indicator The color of the end of the file indicator. Time Ruler Style The color of the time ruler and its style. Time Ruler Font The color of the font on the time ruler and the font size. Level Ruler Style The color of the level ruler, its style, and transparency.
Configuring the Software Audio Montages Preferences Hide Hides the selected part. Change Both Channels It is possible to make separate color settings for the left and the right side of stereo clips. If this option is activated, settings for the left side of a clip are automatically mirrored on the right side, and vice versa. Color Picker Lets you select the color for the selected part. Click the surrounding circle to select the hue. Click in the triangle to adjust the saturation and brightness.
Configuring the Software Audio Montages Preferences Clip Colors The following clip types are available: Crossfade Region Allows you to set the background color for overlapping clip sections. Default The default colors, used for clips for which you have not selected any specific color. Locked The colors used for fully locked clips. Muted The colors used for muted clips. Custom These options correspond to the items on the color submenus.
Configuring the Software Settings Management Clip Name The name label of the clip. Active Clip Name The name label of the active clip. Active Clip Name Background The name label background of the active clip. Miscellaneous Background Top/Bottom The background colors of the track view for areas without a clip. Background (Selected Range) Top/Bottom The background colors in selected ranges. Cursor (Edit)/Cursor (Edit, No Focus)/Cursor (Playback) The color of the corresponding cursor.
Configuring the Software Multi-User Settings Multi-User Settings If you use multiple WaveLab Elements stations in your studio or in your school, for administration, etc., you can set up one WaveLab Elements station to be the master station. The shared preferences and presets of this station can then be used by other slave stations. These settings can be saved on the local network, for example.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg created Virtual Studio Technology (VST) to allow effect plug-ins to be integrated with audio editors, such as WaveLab Elements. VST uses Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to closely simulate the effects of familiar recording studio hardware in software. A vast number of plug-ins are available, from freeware to high-end commercial products. The order of processing is significant.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Output Sample Rate Defines the output sample rate while the input sample rate is determined by the sample rate of the active audio file or audio montage. Quality Defines the quality of the algorithm that is used (Preview (Fast) or Standard). Ducker This plug-in lets you control (modulate) the volume of clips placed on a track with the signal of one or more clips placed on the next adjacent track below it.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Rise Time Sets the time after which the reduced level rises to the normal level when the modulating signal falls below the set threshold (after the Hold Time). Mix Mode If this is activated, the Ducker outputs a mix of the two tracks. This is only useful if the Route to Upper Track Only option has been activated for the modulating track.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Main Layout Module Chain The module chain contains the mastering modules. You can add up to 5 modules. The following settings are available for each module: Bypass Bypasses the module. This allows you to compare the sound of the unprocessed signal to that of the processed signal. Solo Solos the module. Only one module can be soloed at a time. Remove Removes the module from the module chain.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Parameter Linking Links the parameters of the same type in all bands in a module. This allows you to edit parameter values of all bands in a module simultaneously. Two link modes are available: Absolute and Relative. • If Absolute Mode is activated and you edit a parameter value in one band, the corresponding parameter values in the other bands are set to the same value.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins • To add a module to the module chain, click Add Module in the modules section and click a module. • To remove a module, click the corresponding Remove button. • To bypass a module, click the corresponding Bypass button. • To solo a module, click the corresponding Solo button. • To change the order of the modules, drag a module to another position in the module chain.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Harmonics If the Harmonics section is activated, the Limiter module starts limiting the signal softly. At the same time, harmonics are generated, adding a warm, tube-like characteristic to the audio material. Drive Allows you to adjust the amount of gain boost for the signal to raise the amount of soft-clipping. Gain Sets the amount of attenuation.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Maximizer Maximizer raises the loudness of audio material without the risk of clipping. The limiting amount is displayed between the input and the output meter. Optimize Determines the loudness of the signal. Output Sets the output level.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Compressor The Compressor module allows a signal to be split into two frequency bands. You can specify the level, bandwidth, and compressor characteristics for each band. Band Settings On/Off Activates/Deactivates the corresponding section. Soloing Frequency Bands To solo a frequency band, activate the S button in each section. Only one band can be soloed at a time. Add/Remove Band Allow you to add and remove bands.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Standard Allows you to create smooth compression effects. THRESH (-60 to 0 dB) Signal levels above the set threshold trigger the compressor. ATT (0.1 to 100 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds. If the attack time is long, more of the initial part of the signal passes through unprocessed. REL (10 to 1000 ms) Sets the time after which the gain returns to its original level.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Tube This versatile compressor with integrated tube-simulation allows you to produce smooth and warm compression effects. Input In combination with the Output setting, this parameter determines the compression amount. The higher the input gain setting and the lower the output gain setting, the more compression is applied. ATT (0.1 to 100 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Equalizer The Equalizer module is a high-quality 4-band parametric stereo equalizer with 4 fully parametric mid-range bands. The low band can act as either shelving filter, as peak filter (band-pass), or as cut filter (low-pass, band 1 only). Band Settings On/Off Activates/Deactivates the corresponding section.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Equalizer Section Type You can choose between the EQ types Low Shelf, Peak, High Shelf, and Notch. For band 1, you can also select the types Cut 12, Cut 24, and Cut 48. • Low Shelf boosts or attenuates frequencies below the cutoff frequency by the specified amount. • High Shelf boosts or attenuates frequencies above the cutoff frequency by the specified amount. • Peak boosts or attenuates frequencies at the set frequency value with a bell shaped filter.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Saturator The Saturator module allows you to simulate the sound of analog tubes, and the saturation and compression effect when recording on analog tape machines. Band Settings On/Off Activates/Deactivates the corresponding section. Soloing Frequency Bands To solo a frequency band, activate the S button in each section. Only one band can be soloed at a time. Add/Remove Band Allow you to add and remove bands.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Saturator Section Tape/Tube Allows you to switch between tube saturation and tape saturation. • Tube saturation simulates the saturation of analog tube compressors. • Tape saturation simulates the saturation and compression effect of analog tape machine recordings. Drive Controls the amount of saturation. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. Output Sets the output gain.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Imager The Imager module allows you to expand or reduce the stereo width of your audio in up to two bands. This way you can independently adjust the stereo image in defined frequency domains. Band Settings On/Off Activates/Deactivates the corresponding section. Soloing Frequency Bands To solo a frequency band, activate the S button in each section. Only one band can be soloed at a time. Add/Remove Band Allow you to add and remove bands.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Imager Section Width Allows you to control the stereo width per band. Pan Allows you to pan the signal left/right. Output Sets the output level for each band. Peak Master This is a basic plug-in that minimizes peaks in your audio file, allowing a louder mix without clipping. It is useful in taming dynamic instruments. It is primarily used as a brickwall limiter. For example, you can limit audio peaks without altering the rest of the audio signal.
Plug-in Reference Built-in Plug-ins Out Ceiling This is the maximum level of the output signal. Values range from -18 dB to 0 dB. Softness This governs the speed at which the signal becomes unaffected after limiting has been triggered on some samples. Values range from -5 to +5. Silence This plug-in provides a simple way of inserting a precise period of silence at the start or at the end of an audio file.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins In WaveLab Elements there is no limitation to the use of VST plug-ins. They can be used wherever plug-ins can be inserted. • You can specify which VST plug-ins should be available in the Effects pane and Final Effect/Dithering pane of the Master Section by using the Plug-in Settings dialog. • VST plug-ins have their own preset handling. You can save or load effect programs (presets). AutoPan This plug-in is a simple auto-pan effect.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Brickwall Limiter Brickwall Limiter ensures that the output level never exceeds a set limit. Due to its fast attack time, Brickwall Limiter can reduce even short audio level peaks without creating audible artifacts. However, this plug-in creates a latency of 1ms. Brickwall Limiter features separate meters for input, output, and the amount of limiting. Position this plug-in at the end of the signal chain, before dithering.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Channel Extractor This plug-in allows you to only keep the left or the right channel of a stereo stream. Channel Lets you select whether to keep the left or the right channel of the stereo stream. Chorus This plug-in is a single-stage chorus effect. It works by doubling the audio that is sent into it with a slightly detuned version. Rate If tempo sync is deactivated, this sets the sweep rate. Sync Activates/Deactivates tempo sync.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Delay Affects the frequency range of the modulation sweep by adjusting the initial delay time. Filter Lo/Hi Allow you to roll off low and high frequencies of the effect signal. NOTE If side-chaining is supported, the modulation can also be controlled from another signal source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the modulation is controlled by the side-chain signal’s envelope.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Make-up (0 to 24 dB or Auto mode) Compensates for output gain loss, caused by compression. If the Auto button is activated, the knob becomes dark and the output is automatically adjusted for gain loss. Attack (0.1 to 100 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds to signals above the set threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal passes through unprocessed.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Feedback Feeds part of the output signal back to the effect input. Higher settings increase the distortion effect. Tone Lets you select a frequency range to which to apply the distortion effect. Spatial Changes the distortion characteristics of the left and right channels, thus creating a stereo effect. Output Sets the output level. Gate Gating, or noise gating, silences audio signals below a set threshold.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Center (50 to 20000 Hz) If the Side-Chain button is activated, this sets the center frequency of the filter. Q-Factor If the Side-Chain button is activated, this sets the resonance or width of the filter. Monitor Allows you to monitor the filtered signal. Attack (0.1 to 1000 ms) Sets the time after which the gate opens when it is triggered. NOTE Deactivate the Live button to make sure that the gate is already open when a signal above the threshold is played back.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Limiter can adjust and optimize the Release parameter automatically according to the audio material, or it can be set manually. Limiter also features separate meters for the input, output and the amount of limiting (middle meters). Input (-24 to 24 dB) Sets the input gain. Output (-24 to 6 dB) Sets the maximum output level. Release (0.1 to 1000 ms or Auto mode) Sets the time after which the gain returns to its original level.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Delay If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds. Sync Activates/Deactivates tempo sync. Feedback Sets the number of repeats for the delay. Filter Lo Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Reverb Time Allows you to set the reverb time in seconds. Diffusion Affects the character of the reverb tail. Higher values lead to more diffusion and a smoother sound, while lower values lead to a clearer sound. Hi Level Affects the decay time of the high frequencies. Normal room reverb decays quicker in the high- and low-frequency range than in the mid-range. Lowering the level percentage causes high frequencies to decay quicker.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Filter Hi Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter. Pan Set the stereo position for each delay. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Gain (-20 to +24 dB) Sets the amount of attenuation/boost for the corresponding band. Inv Inverts the gain value of the filter. Use this button to filter out unwanted noise. When looking for the frequency to omit, it sometimes helps to boost it in the first place (set the filter to positive gain). After you have found the frequency of the noise, you can use the Inv button to cancel it out. Freq (20 to 20000 Hz) Sets the frequency of the corresponding band.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Output (-24 to +24 dB) This knob on the top right of the plug-in panel allows you to adjust the overall output level. Auto Gain If this button is activated, the gain is automatically adjusted, keeping the output level constant regardless of the EQ settings. Spectrum Shows the spectrum before and after filtering. Reset Resets the EQ settings.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode) Sets the time after which the gain returns to its original level. If the Auto button is activated, the plug-in automatically finds the best release setting for the audio material. Mix Adjusts the mix between dry signal and wet signal preserving the transients of the input signal. In/Out Meters Show the highest peaks of all available input and output channels. VU Meter Shows the amount of gain reduction.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Output (-48 to 24 dB) Sets the output gain. Attack (0.1 to 100 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds. If the attack time is long, more of the initial part of the signal passes through unprocessed. Punch If this is activated, the early attack phase of the signal is preserved, retaining the original punch in the audio material, even with short Attack settings.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins The following parameters are available: Threshold (-60 to 0 dB) Determines the level where the gate is activated. Signal levels above the set threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold close the gate. State LED Indicates whether the gate is open (LED lights up in green), closed (LED lights up in red) or in an intermediate state (LED lights up in yellow). Side-Chain Activates the internal side-chain filter.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Input Gain Meter Shows the input gain. Compressor Section The compressor reduces the dynamic range of the audio, making softer sounds louder or louder sounds softer, or both. The compressor features a separate display that graphically illustrates the compressor curve shaped according to your settings. Threshold (-60 to 0 dB) Determines the level where the compressor kicks in. Only signal levels above the set threshold are processed.
Plug-in Reference Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins Soft Clip If this button is activated, the signal is limited when the signal level exceeds -6 dB. At the same time, harmonics are generated, adding a warm, tube-like characteristic to the audio material. Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode) Sets the time after which the gain returns to its original level. If the Auto button is activated, the plug-in automatically finds the best release setting for the audio material.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit Sonnox Restoration Toolkit The Sonnox Restoration Toolkit consists of the De-Clicker, De-Noiser, and De-Buzzer tools. The tools are for restoring old material, removing clicks, pops, buzzes, and background noise that can occur in new recordings. Sonnox DeBuzzer Sonnox DeBuzzer allows you to remove hum and buzz noises from audio material.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit Fine Adjust button Enables fine tuning of the buzz frequency control. The graduations around the circumference of the frequency knob re-draw to a finer scale, and scrolling the touch pad enables very quick fine tuning of a hunt frequency. Scrolling past an end-stop continues to scroll the frequency and the marked graduations re-draw appropriately.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit Freeze button Enables Freeze mode for the buzz detection circuit. In this mode the buzz fundamental is fixed to the frequency shown in the touch pad window. This mode is useful for material with fluctuating buzz level, but with a constant buzz frequency. In this instance, Auto mode would suffer when the buzz level drops and would typically re-hunt for a different buzz fundamental. In this mode the removal filters follow the nominal frequency.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit Sonnox DeClicker Sonnox DeClicker allows you to remove clicks from audio material. Sonnox Menu Options Button Opens a menu where you can select the following options: • Duration of the input/output meter clip lights hold (indefinitely, 2s, 5s) • Information about the version number and build date Input Level Meter Gives exactly 1 dB per LED for the top 18 dB of dynamic range, and 2 dB per LED thereafter.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit Output Level Meter (dB) Gives exactly 1 dB per LED for the top 18 dB of dynamic range, and 2 dB per LED thereafter. There is a peak-hold feature that holds the highest peak, helping to give a better impression of the working dynamic range. Trim Output Level Allows you to reduce the output level by up to 12 dB. Dithering is applied after output gain control, so it can be necessary to reduce this value by a small amount to avoid clipping.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit • Duration of the input/output meter clip lights hold (indefinitely, 2 s, 5 s) • Knob behavior • Information about the version number and build date Graphical display Shows the real-time frequency/gain curve of the program material. It is graduated from 0 to 20 kHz and from 0 to -144 dB. The yellow line is the calculated noise spectrum level, and in Adapt mode continually follows the noise in real time.
Plug-in Reference Sonnox Restoration Toolkit In button Enables the noise removal processing. It allows glitch-less comparisons with and without the noise reduction. When In is deactivated, the noise detection circuit is still enabled and the graphical display still shows the real-time frequency display and the noise contour line. HF Limit knob and touch pad (Hz) Displays and controls the frequency beyond which the attenuation is applied nondynamically.
Plug-in Reference Legacy Plug-ins You might be working with bandwidth-limited material, possibly as a result of sample rate conversion or lossy compression (for example, limited at around 10 kHz). If you experience distortion around the limit try reducing the HF Limit control. Adjust until it lies just to the lower frequency side of the limit (around 9.5 kHz in our example).
Plug-in Reference Dithering Plug-ins Noise Shaping Increases the apparent signal to noise ratio by altering the spectrum of the low-level audio signal which results from lowering the number of bits. The higher the number you select here, the more the noise is moved out of the ear’s mid-range. Bit Resolution Allows you to specify the intended bit resolution for the final audio, after dithering, regardless of whether you want to render the settings or play back in real-time.
Index A Envelope 181, 182 Equalizer 349 AAC 101 Active clip 172 AIFF 101 Analysis 127, 136, 241, 244 Attributes 121, 122, 270 Audio file format 101, 104, 114 Audio files 101 Audio Montage 34, 150, 162 Audio selection 22, 106, 113, 224 F Fades 141, 142, 184 File browser 27 Final effects 220 FLAC 101, 109 FTP 289 G Group 28, 300 B Backup 64 BWF 121 H C I Help 6 ID3 121 Image 248, 250, 257 Import 165, 273 ISO 257 ISRC 256 CART 121, 123 CC121 14, 16 CD 14, 197, 254 CD import 273 CD writing 197 CD-Tex
Index O WMA 101, 111 Writing operations 246, 248, 249, 250, 254 Ogg 101, 110 Oscilloscope 244 Z P Zoom 53, 57 ZTX 147 Pan 181, 184 Peak 31, 337 Picture 121 Pitch 131, 147 Playback 72, 75, 86 Plug-ins 188, 189, 195, 214, 216, 298, 300, 321, 339, 364 Podcast 34, 283, 288 Post-roll 80, 81 Preferences 307, 311, 316 Pre-roll 80, 81 Presets 59, 82, 123, 320 R Recently used files 62 Recording 203 Redo 53 Remote Devices 14, 16 Renaming 68, 238 Rendering 200, 222 Resample 148 Resampler 321 Restoration 126, 3
