audio track manual

8/2/2019 Audio Track Manual

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11111AudioTrack Plug-in Manual

Important Notice

This users guide is delivered subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

* This users guide contains proprietary information belonging to ks WAVES, Ltd. Such information issupplied solely for the purpose of assisting explicitly and properly authorized users of AudioTrack.

* No part of the contents herein may be used for any other purpose, disclosed to any person or firm orreproduced by any means, electronic and mechanical, without the express prior written permission ofks WAVES, Ltd.

* The text and graphics included are for the purpose of illustration and reference only. The specificationson which they are based are subject to change without notice.

* The software described in this document is furnished under a license and nondisclosure agreement.The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

* Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Corporate and individual names anddata used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted.

Copyright 1995 ks WAVES, Ltd.Version:1.0

AudioTrackis a trademark ofks WAVES, Ltd.All other products are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.


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AudioTrack Plug-in Manual22222

About This Users Guide

This guide describes the three-in-one AudioTracksoftware plug-in which provides:* Equalization* Compression/Expansion* Gating

In addition to the description ofAudioTrack functionality and operation, this guide provides some basic sountheory as an introduction to each of its controls. For instance this guide briefly describes what an equalizer is anhow it affects the sound that it processes. Some of these explanations may be too elementary for an experienceaudio engineer. Therefore, we have marked these areas in the guide with the following symbol:

Skip over this material if you are already familiar with these concepts.Chapter 1, Introducing AudioTrack,provides a general description of when and how to use the system and intro

duces the AudioTrackworkflow and window.Chapter 2, Using AudioTrackprovides a step-by-step guide through a typical scenario for using AudioTrack.Chapter 3, Tips for Using AudioTrack,provides tips and recommendations for getting the best audio quality wheusing AudioTrack.


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33333AudioTrack Plug-in Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 ..................... Introducing AudioTrack......... 4

What is AudioTrack? ...................... 4

How Does AudioTrack Process Sound? ...................... 4

Working with AudioTrack ...................... 5Equalizer ...................... 6

Dynamic Range Control Devices ...................... 7Compressor ...................... 9

Expander .................... 10Gate .................... 11

Chapter 2 ............................... Using AudioTrack....... 12

Step 1: ........................................ Starting with AudioTrack .................... 12

Step 2: ........................................... Adjusting the Equalizer .................... 13

Step 3: ...................................... Adjusting the Input Fader .................... 16

Step 4: .......................... Setting the Compressor/Expander .................... 16

Step 5: ........................................................Setting the Gate .................... 21

Step 6: .................................... Adjusting the Output Fader .................... 22

Step 7: .......................... Processing using the New Settings .................... 23


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AudioTrack PC/MAC User Guide44444

Chapter 1 - Introducing AudioTrack

What is AudioTrack?AudioTrackis a three-in-one audio processing software plug-in for the professional sound and multimediaindustry. It extends the capabilities of the host system by providing:

Equalization

Compression

Gating

AudioTrackprovides these three tools in one simple screen, making it very straightforward and easy to use. Itscontrols and monitors are intuitive, giving you an overall picture at a glance.

AudioTrackalgorithms are optimized for computational efficiency. This enables simultaneous processing of

more audio tracks using less DSP power.

AudioTrackcan be used through the relevant WaveShell in the following environments:

Adobe Premiere and compatibles - No additional hardware is required.

Deck II - No additional hardware is required.

Digidesign SoundDesigner II

Digidesign TDM/DAE compatible applications

WaveShell-RT for realtime in-out processing - Digidesigns hardware is required.

Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge - No additional hardware.

How Does AudioTrack Process Sound?

The following diagram shows the audio signal flow through AudioTrack:

After sound passes through the Input Fader, it is fed to the Equalizer.

The output of the Equalizer is processed by the Compressor/Expander and Gate module.

Input Fader

4 Band

Equalizer

Compressor

ExpanderGate Output Fader

AudioTrack


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55555AudioTrack PC/MAC User Guide

The final output ofAudioTrackis controlled by the Output Fader.

Working with AudioTrack

This section briefly describes the workflow for using AudioTrack. Refer to chapter 2 for a step-by-step guidethrough a typical scenario for using AudioTrack.

The following describes the workflow in AudioTrack, as shown in the previous diagram:1. Set the Equalizer Curve by adjusting the Gain, Frequency and Qsettings.2. If required to avoid clipping, adjust the Input Fader to lower the volume of the input sound.3. Set the Compressor/Expander and Gate controls.4. If required to avoid an output clip, adjust the Output Fader. The Output Fader sets the final gain.5. Experiment with the settings. You can preview and compare settings with each other or with the original

sound (Bypass).Note: These steps need not be followed in sequence. As you adjust the sound,

you may want to jump from one step to another.

1

2

3

4

5

Set the Equ alizer Curve

if there is an Wqualizer Clip,lower the input fader

Set the Compressor/ Expand erand Gate thresholds

If there is an Outp ut Clip,lower the output fader

Returm to step 1 toexperiment with settings

EqualizerInput Fader Compressor/Expanderand Gate

Output Fader


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High/Low Pass: A filter that lets through only frequencies higher/lower than a specified frequency. This fre-quency is the cutoff frequency. In AudioTrack, this type of filter is not affected by Q nor Gain. It always arrives ata complete attenuation of the undesired frequencies, at a rate of -12dB per Octave.

GainControls the amount of dBs by which to amplify (positive dB value) or attenuate (negative dB value) the

specified frequency band. (0 dB means no change in level). For example, to emphasize the bass, set the gain to apositive value on a lower frequency band.

FrequencyControls the bands frequency. If set to the low frequency, it can be a bass control; if set to the high frequencies, itcan be a treble control.The exact meaning of this frequency depends on the Filter Shape, as described above.

QControls the width of a Bell type shape (described on the previous page). This control does not affect other shapetypes. If it is wide (low Q), then a wide band of frequencies can be boosted or cut; if it is narrow (high Q), thenonly a few frequencies can be boosted or cut, as shown below.

The Q control is not usually available on equalizers. When an equalizer has Gain, Frequency, and Q, it is called aParametric Equalizer.

Dynamic Range Control Devices

DRC devices are tools that enable control over the dynamic range (or the span between loud and soft passages) ofa given sound. DRC devices are used, in general, when there is no one constant gain setting that is suitable for theentire sound track, and a continuous change of gain is needed. There are three common types of DRC devices:

Compressor: Attenuates sound exceeding a certain threshold by a specified ratio.

Expander: Amplifies sound exceeding a certain threshold by a specified ratio.

Gate: Attenuates (or even mutes) anything below a certain threshold.

Q=30.0, showing a narrow curve (a "note filter")

Q=2.7, showing a wide curve


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These devices are all are provided byAudioTrack.In general, DRC devices consist of an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) that measures the input sound energy, andmodifies that sound energy according to a certain rule. Each DRC device modifies sound according to its ownrule. For example, the rule for the Compressor is:

For each dB of input energy increase above a given Threshold, allow only 1/Ratio dB increase at the output.

Another important characteristic of a DRC device is its time constants, which determine the speed of thetracking and changing of the input sound energy. In general, there are two time constants specified in a DRC:

Attack time: Defines how fast the DRC device reacts to an increase in input energy.

Release time: Defines how fast the DRC device reacts to a decrease in input energy.

AudioTrackprovides VU meters to enable you to monitor the energy measured at input and the gain applied tothe sound at any moment while these controls are applied.


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Compressor

A Compressor is a DRC device that is designed to prevent loud passages of the sound from being too loud, whileapplying minimal change to quiet passages.

For example: Frequently, output gain is increased after Compression to bring out the quiet passages, while theCompressor will keep the louder passages from being too loud.

To achieve this, a compressor has the following rule:For each dB of input energy increase above a given Threshold, allow only 1/Ratio dB increase at the output.

For example: For Ratio=2:1, if the input energy increases 10dB above Threshold, the output energy will beallowed to increase only 5dB above Threshold. The Compressor automatically calculates the exact amount ofattenuation that must be applied to the input in order to achieve this.

Inp ut goes up

10dB above

Threshold

Radio 2:1

compresses

10dB to 5dB

Outpout

increases only

5dB (5dB gain

reduction will

be shown on

Gain meter)

GateControl Buttons

Input Meter& Controls

Attenuation Meter

Gate Threshold arrow

Compressor/Expander Threshold arrow


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Expander

The Expander is another kind of DRC device, which is the opposite of a Compressor. Instead of keeping loudpassages down, an Expander exaggerates loud passages, making them even louder. An Expander uses the samerule as a Compressor, but the Ratio acts in the opposite way.

For example: The Ratio is set to 0.5:1, which means that one-half dB (0.5) is expanded to 1dB, doubling thedynamic range. Normal settings might not be this extreme, with settings of 0.7:1 to 0.9:1 being moderate.

This would make the attacks of sounds punch harder, with bigger peaks. Expansion can be used to help removetoo much compression from a track, or for special effects.

Notice that the Attenuation meter shows an upward yellow bar for increase during expansion, and a downwardred bar for reduction during compression. The Attenuation meter only shows the change in gain, not the actualoutput level. Therefore, in this example, the 7dB expanded to 14dB needs a 7dB increase (7+7=14!), and that iswhy 7dB is shown in the meter.

AudioTrack Compressor set for 0.5:1 ratio (expander mode)AudioTrack Compressor set for 0.5:1 ratio (expander mode)AudioTrack Compressor set for 0.5:1 ratio (expander mode)AudioTrack Compressor set for 0.5:1 ratio (expander mode)AudioTrack Compressor set for 0.5:1 ratio (expander mode)

Input goes up

7dB above

Threshold

Radio 0.5:1

expands

to 14dB

Outpoutincreases 7dB

(7dB gain

increase will

be show n on

Gain meter)

Compressor/ExpanderControl Buttons


Attenuation Meter



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Compressor/ExpanderControl Buttons


Attenuation Meter


Gate

Another DRC device is the Gate, which is designed to mute unwanted noises in a sound track. A Gate is usedmostly to attenuate portions of the sound where only background noise is present (background noise is generallyquieter than passages where sound is present). A gate can also be used for creative effects, such as gated drums orreverbs.

The rule by which a Gate operates is as follows:Whenever the energy of the input sound falls below the Threshold, it is attenuated by the amount of dBs set inFloor.

One can set Floor to - to completely mute background noise, or one can simply set it down a few dBs in order toavoid unnatural absence of background noise.

The AudioTrackGate has a threshold, which is labeled Thrsh, and is similar in operation to the CompressorThreshold. When the signal goes belowthe Gate Threshold, the gate closes and cuts off the signal from theoutput.


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Chapter 2 - Using AudioTrack

This chapter runs through the general procedure for using AudioTrackby describing one typical scenario. Thisscenario takes you through the entire process: from starting AudioTrack, to adjusting the Equalizer, to adjustingthe Input Fader, to setting the Compressor and Gate, to adjusting the Output Fader. It then describes how toexperiment with different settings so that you can preview and compare them with each other or with the

original sound (Bypass). When you arrive at the sound you want, you can applyAudioTrackto the entire originsound track.

This lesson runs through the following steps:

Step 1: Starting with AudioTrack, page 26

Step 2: Adjusting the Equalizer, page 27

Step 3: Adjusting the Input Fader, page 32

Step 4: Setting the Compressor/Expander, page 33

Step 5: Setting the Gate, page 38

Step 6: Adjusting the Output Fader, page 43

Step 7: Processing Using the New Settings, page 44

Step 1: Starting with AudioTrack

When you open up AudioTrack, the AudioTrackwindow is displayed.

The buttons at the top of the window are determined by the host application under which AudioTrackisrunning. Refer to the appropriate Shell guide for a description of these buttons.


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For the purposes of this example, we chose Adobe Premiere as the host application, so that the screen capturesand some parameters are specifically for Premiere. Neerthveless, almost all of this example applies to other hostenvironments as well.

In the Adobe Premiere window, shown above, press the Preview button to play the sound. A few seconds of thesound track plays in a loop, repeating itself over and over again. Note that the meters are moving in real time,

synchronized with the playing sound. You may press the Preview button a second time to turn the sound off.

Step 2: Adjusting the Equalizer

The AudioTrackEqualizer has four completely independent bands. Each band is accompanied by four sets ofcontrols, and each one can cover a wide range of frequencies. As you choose the settings for the bands, you set theEqualizer curve.

You may refer back to the Basic Termssection in Chapter 1, for a description of Equalizers in general, and theAudioTrackEqualizer in particular.

Band 1

Band 2

Band 3

Band 4

Band MarkersEqualizerCurve

Four Band

Band In/Out Buttons

Filter ShapeFrequency

Gain

Q


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The four diferent Equalizer bands provided byAudioTrackhave similar controls:

Band In/Out Button: Turns the band on or off. When a bands In/Out button is on (clicked), it is displayedin red, and the corresponding band marker is displayed as a cross on the curve. Clicking the button togglesbetween the In and Out states.

Filter Shape: Five filter shapes are offered to help you shape the Equalizer curve. When you select a filtershape for a selected band or bands, the shape of the appropriate Equalizer curve changes to reflect theselected filter shape. Each click of this button toggles to another shape.

All bands can toggle between the following shapes:

Bell High Shelf Low Shelf

Band 1 can also have a 'High Pass' shape:

Band 4 can also have a 'Low Pass' shape:

Gain: Controls the boost or cut of a particular band. Gain can be set to any value between -18.0dB and+18.0dB in steps of 0.1dB.

Frequency: Controls the musical pitch of a band. All the Bands Frequencies are set in 1/16 tone steps, andcan go up to 21KHz, or up to half the sampling frequency (the lower of both sets the limit). For example, ifthe maximum sampling rate is 22KHz, then the maximum range of frequency is 11KHz = 0.5 x 22KHz.

Band 1 frequency starts at 16Hz,

Band 2 frequency starts at 100Hz,

Band 3 frequency starts at 250Hz,and Band 4 frequency starts at 1600Hz,

Q: Controls the frequency width of a band. Q can be set to any value between 0.5 and 30.0.

As previously mentioned, each of these controls is described in more detail in Chapter 1.


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Equalizer - Operating Instructions

AudioTrackprovides two methods for adjusting each bands parameters (Gain, Frequency and Q):

1. Dragging the Band Markers on the Equalizer curve.

2. Using Equalizer control buttons.

1. Dragging the Band in the Equalizer Curve

AudioTrackenables you to change all the settings for each band directly from the Equalizer graph. This methodmay be the most intuitive way to adjust the equalizer, as it allows you to set up the Equalizer curve by feel ratherthan by numbers. You can control single bands as well as multiple bands. You can adjust the Frequency and Gainor the Q and Gain simultaneously. Any adjustments made from the Bands Markers on the curve will cause thecorresponding controls values to change accordingly.

For those manipulations, specific to your environment, please refer to the Waves

Control appendix.

2. Using Equalizer Control Buttons

The parameter values in the control buttons below the Equalizer may be changed using either the keyboard orthe mouse.Refer to the AudioTrack Controlssection in Chapter 1.

All four bands work the same way, except that bands 1-2 have an extended range (down to 16Hz for Band 1, andto 100Hz for Band 2). Multiple bands can be selected and moved simultaneously.


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Step 3: Adjusting the Input Fader

The Input Fader can be used to lower the volume of the selected audio track and to avoid clipping in theEqualizer. With large EQ boosts, or even small ones with high-level files, it is best to reduce the input level 6dB orso, to create more headroom.

Drag the Input Fader to lower the volume. The box above the Input Fader displays the changes in the volume indBs.

Step 4: Setting the Compressor/Expander

The Compressor/Expander feature provides control over audio dynamics. The AudioTrackcompressor/expande

is a traditional device, which contains the following controls:

* Threshold and Ratio

* Attack and Release time constants.

* Two bar meters with peak holders are provided for visual feedback: Input Energy and Attenuation.


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You may refer back to the Basic Termssection in Chapter 1 for a description of Compressors in general, and ofthe AudioTrackCompressor/Expander in particular.

The following lists the areas in the Compressor section of the AudioTrackwindow:

Thrsh: The Compressor/Expander Threshold, above which the sound starts to be affected.

Ratio: The Ratio by which the dynamic range is Compressed/Expanded. Ratios in the range 1.01:1 to 40:1 willCompress the dynamic range. Ratios in the range 0.5:1 to 0.99:1 will expand the dynamic range.

The Compressor can be set to any value between -40.0dB and 0.0dB in steps of 0.1dB. The Ratio can be set to anyvalue between 0.5:1 to 40:1 in steps of 0.1.

Attack and Release: Control how quickly the Compressor/Expander changes the sound, measured in milliseconds.

* Attacktime is how fast the Compressor/Expander will react to an increased Input Energy above theThreshold. Attack can be set to any value between 0.1ms and 1000ms.

* Release time is how fast the Compressor/Expander will react to a decrease in Input Energy. Release can beset to any value between 1ms and 10000ms.

Input Meter (Blue): Dynamically displays the audio energy received after processing by the Equalizer. It enablesyou to intuitively set the Compressor/Expander threshold according to the Input Energy.

Attenuation Meter (Red or Yellow): Dynamically displays the amount of attenuation applied by the Compressor/Expander.

Input Meter& Contrjols

Attenuation Meter


Compressor Threshold arrow

Peak Holders

CompressorControl Buttons

GateControl Buttons


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Compressor/Expander - Operating Instructions

The Input Energy and Gain meters are very helpful when setting the Compressor/Expander. The ThresholdMarker is exactly aligned with the Input Energy meter so that you can easily set the Threshold according to theinput energy. When gain changes occur you will see a Red bar going down (indicating gain reduction), or aYellow bar going up (indicating gain increase) in the Attenuation meter. Reasonable gain reduction for a

compressor is around -6 to -12dB. A reasonable gain increase when expanding will be around +6dB. The valueabove both bar meters numerically shows the most extreme reading since it was last reset.

The default settings (attack =2, release =50) for the Compressor, as displayed on page 33, are good for quicksetups. These will provide good peak control.

To set theCompressor/Expander Threshold:

You can adjust the Threshold either by dragging the Threshold marker (the Yellow triangle next to theInput Energy meter), or from the Threshold value window. If you are not familiar with using Wavescontrols, refer to the Basic Termssection in Chapter 1.

As you pull the threshold down, you will hear the compression of the sound with less peaks and a tighter sound.The Threshold marker is exactly aligned with the Input Energy meter so that you can easily set the Thresholdaccording to the input energy.

Another helpful indication when setting the Threshold is the Attenuation meter. When gain changes starts tooccur you will see a Red bar going down (indicating gain reduction), or a Yellow bar going up (indicating gainincrease). A reasonable gain reduction for a compressor is around -6dB to -12dB. A reasonable gain increase

when expanding will be around +6dB.

The value above both bar meters numerically shows the most extreme reading since it was last reset.

Thereshold arrow


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Ratio: A Ratio bigger than 1:1 will Compress the sound. A reasonable Compression Ratio is 2:1. Values around the

maximum Ratio setting 40:1 will act as a limiter. A Ratio smaller than 1:1 will Expand the sound. Areasonable Expansion Ratio is 0.8:1.

Normally, after setting Threshold and Ratio,you will have to adjust the Output Fader either to avoid clipping, or

to increase the level.

Attack or Release Time:* The default settings (attack =2, release =50) for the Compressor, as displayed on page 33, are good for quick

setups. These will provide good peak control.

Hints:* If you wish to have more accurate Peak Control, shorten the Attack time.* If you wish to have a tighter (less dynamic) sound, shorten the Attackand Release times. Note that a

Release time that is too short can create distortion in some situations, in which case you would have to usea longer Release time.

* If you wish to have a more natural sound, lengthen the Release time.* To create a Punchy sound (to give drums sharp edges), lengthen the Attacktime.

Step 5: Setting the Gate

A Gate is used to attenuate unwanted noises in a sound track. The Floor value specifies the attenuation of thesound that goes below the Gate Threshold. The Gate Threshold can be set to any value between -80.0dB and0.0dB in steps of 0.1dB.

The Gate Threshold is controlled by the blue arrow on the left side of the input meter, as shown below:

Input Meter& Contrjols

Gain Meter


Gate SectionControl Buttons


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Refer to the Basic Termssection in Chapter 1 for a description of Gates in general, and the AudioTrackGate inparticular. The Gate controls are very similar to the Compressor/Expander controls.

Gate Attackand Release control how quickly the Gate changes the sound. Like the compressor controls, they aremeasured in milliseconds.

* Attacktime is how fast the Gate will open after a sound goes above the Threshold. Attack can be set to any

value between 0.1ms and 1000ms.* Release time is how fast the Gate will close after the sound goes below the Threshold. Release can be set toany value between 1ms and 10000ms.

* The Floor control sets how far down (in dB) the gate will close. The lowest setting is a complete mute (-dB). Suppose you want to reduce some background noise, but not completely cut it out, in order to avoidunnatural absence of background noise. Set the Floor control to -15dB and the Gate will close down justthat far. Floor can be set to any value between -80.0dB and 0.0dB, in steps of 0.1dB.

Gate - Operating InstructionsThe Gate threshold should be set so that:

* When a voice or instrument is playing, the gate is open.

* Between sentences, or at the end of a phrase, the gate closes, thereby reducing unwanted noise.

To set the Gate Threshold:1. You can set the Gate Threshold either by dragging the blue Gate Threshold Marker as shown below:

OR,

In the Gate Threshold value window, set the Gate Threshold to the point where the Gate starts turning the soundon and off. The red bar of the Attenuation meter displays the reduction.

The Gate Threshold marker is exactly aligned with the Input Energy meter, so that you can easily set it to thepoint where you want the Gate to close.

Gate Threshold Marker


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To set the Floor, Attack and Release times:* You can adjust the Gate either by dragging the Gate marker (the blue triangle next to the Input Energy

meter), or from the Threshold value window. If you are not familiar with using Waves controls, refer to theBasic Termssection in Chapter 1.

The Attack and Release times can be adjusted so that the Gate is not so fast, or choppy sounding. Make the

Release time longer, say 100 milliseconds, and the gate will close in a softer way. The Floor setting can also be set toa more moderate value, for example to -15, and this will also prevent the Gate from being too abrupt.

In the example below, the Input =-50 and the Gate Threshold =-50. Therefore, the Gate has closed. This isreflected in the Attenuation meter which is completely red.

In the example below, the Input =-50 and the Gate Threshold =-50.1. Therefore, the Gate is still open. The soundlevel is just above the Threshold setting.


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Step 6: Adjusting the Output Fader

The Output Fader sets the final gain. It affects the sound output from the Compressor/Expander and Gate. Use itto avoid an output clip or adjust the output gain. An output Peak Meter appears above the Output Fader showinthe output peak level.

The Output Fader is best used afterall Equalization, Compression and Gating has been set. Make sure you leave 3to 6dB of headroom.

The Clip Indicator box above the Output Meter displays one of three messages:* No Clip: The sound level throughout AudioTrackis within acceptable range and no clipping occurs.* EQ Clip: The sound is clipped because of changes made in the Equalizer. To avoid EQ Clip, lower the Inpu

Fader until the indicator stays in the No Clip state.* Out Clip: The sound is clipped after the Output Fader. To avoid Out Clip, lower the Output Fader (not the

Input Fader) until the indicator stays in the No Clip state.

Output Gain Value

Output Fader Output EnergyVU meter

Peak Holder

Clipping Indicator


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Step 7: Processing using the New Settings

Under Adobe Premiere and Sound Forge, when you have finished experimenting with the various AudioTrackcontrols, you can apply these new settings to the entire audio track by clicking the OK button. AudioTrackthencloses automatically.

Under SDII, click the Process button.

Other non-realtime host applications probably have a similar button.


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AudioTrack PC User Guide Appendix2424242424

Appendix

Appendix A: .......................................... Installation .. 25

Appendix B: .................................... Waves controls .. 26Dialog Box .......... 2

The Shell Part .......... 2The Control Part .......... 2Numeric Entry.......... 2

Tab functions.......... 2Escape key .......... 2

Numeric Entry.......... 2Numeric Entry.......... 2Numeric Entry.......... 2Graph Markers .......... 2

Appendix C: ................................ Specific behaviors .. 29Preview/Playback of uncommon sampling rates.......... 2


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2525252525AudioTrack PC User Guide Appendix

Appendix A: Installation

Your Waves' plug-in comes with an installation disk and a serial number

Insert the disk into your floppy drive.

Windows 95 installation: click Start, go in settings menu and select the Control Panel. Double click "Add/Remove Programs" icon. Then click install button, Next ( setup.exe should appear in the window) and Finish.Setup.exe will install a couple of files on your hard disk, and update some system files.

Windows NT installation: in the menu file of the Program Manager, choose "Run..." option, Click Browse...button. Select floppy drive in the Drive Combo Box. Select Setup.exe in the Filename Box. Click OK for theBrowse dialog and OK for the Run dialog.

The first time you press OK to process the file, you'll be asked the serial number you can find on the back of themanual.


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Appendix B: Waves controls

All the Waves plug-ins share the same interface philosophy, and most of the controls operations will be familiarto those with PC experience. For example, selecting multiple objects (where relevant) may be achieved by clickinon multiple items while holding down the Shift key, or by dragging a rectangle. This is exactly the same system aemployed by the majority of PC drawing programs.

AudioTrack dialog box

Activating AudioTrack under Sound Forge will pop-up a dialog box. This dialog box is divided in two parts: a"shell" part that is common to all Sound Forge plug-ins and a process box.

The shell part

The shell part allows you to save or discard setups, to switch between them, to preview, to control the previewselection, and to call on-line help. Sound Forge users should be familiar with this interface since the same is

shared by all plugs-ins. The Waves plug-ins have four options added to the popup menu. To see this popupmenu, click on the title bar with the right mouse button (Windows 95 GUI) or on the top left square (WindowsGUI).

1 - Preview Realtime: by enabling this option, the Plug will play continuously the preview loop you've selected,and all modifications on the process interface will apply in real-time to the sound. This option shouldalways be enabled when working with a powerful computer.

2 - Favor realtime views: If you're interested in having the views moving as fast as the sound, you should togglethis option. On most computers, it will make the first preview pass sound a little odd, but then you'll get

faster views drawing. This option is active only when the realtime preview mode is enabled.

3 - Process priority: This option allows you to optimize the real time behaviour of L1 regarding the capabilitiesof your computer. Powerfull computers(100 MHz, 16 MB ram) will work best with the "extreme priority'option. For slower computers, you will have to find a compromise between the process response time andthe sound playback smothness. A higher process priority results in a faster response time, but might causecracles in the sound playback. Repeatedly selecting this menu option will make the priority cycle throughthe 'normal, 'high' and 'extreme' settings.

4 - Allows Long Previews: This option allows you preview very long loops of the file. This option should beenabled only on fast computers.


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The control part

Waves plug-in controls can be in one of three states:

1 - Not Selected: no changes can be made to a control unless it is selected2 - Selected: the control responds to mouse control only and not keyboard entry. (If the control is a button, it

will be depressed, and a marker or a slider will be highlighted).3 - Selected and Active: the control response to both mouse and keyboard entry and an outline frame is visiblearound the Selected control.

Normally, a control is either Not Selected or Selected and Active. To make a control Selected and Active, simplyclick it with the mouse, or navigate to it using TAB; any previously active control will be deactivated.

When multiple controls are selected (by shift-clicking them), only one control will be Active, and generally it's thefirst one selected. Within a group of selected controls, you can Activate a specific control by clicking on it. Thiswill deactivate the previously Active control, but the group of selected controls will remain the same.

If a Toggle control, such as an on/off button, is the Active control, pressing Enter or Return will cause it to togglein the same way as would clicking it with the mouse.

Please check the Read Me files for the latest information on keyboard control in your host application.

Numeric entry

Keyboard or keypad numeric entry applies only to Active controls. Some controls cannot be Active, since they arenot valid for keyboard entry. To change a numeric entry, type in a new value; negative signs (-) are acceptedwhere appropriate. If a value is entered that is out of range for the parameter being edited, it won't be accepted.Once you have initiated a keyboard entry, it must be completed before any other action can take place. There arefour ways to complete a Numeric entry:

1 - Enter confirms the entry, and returns to normal operation.2 - TAB (with or without Option/Shift keys) to accept the entry. The Active status will move to the next valid

control (according to the TAB navigation rules - see info on next page).3 - Escape key cancels the entry.4 - Clicking on another control.

Tab functions

TAB will move the Selected status to the next control or Value Window,

Shift-TAB moves through the Value Windows in reverse order,

control-TAB moves vertically through controls (if available on the plug-in you are using),

shift-control-TAB moves vertically in reverse order (if available), and


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Escape key

Escape key allows you to cancel any move while moving the mouse on some controls.

Slider

To use a slider, just click anywhere inside the slider zone, and move the mouse. A value window usually displaysthe current value of the slider. Slider accept as well Arrows, PageUp/PageDown (vertical sliders) and numericentries.

Value window

A value window behaves just like a slider : click on it and move the mouse in the right direction. On theAudioTrack, all Value Windows are verticalexept Frequency and Q factor controls.

Toggle Button

Clicking or pressing return gets as toggle to switch. In case of multiple selection, clicking makes all the togglesselected to switch together, whereas return key acts only on the active one.

Graph Markers

AudioTrack enables you to change all the settings for each band directly from the Equalizer graph. This methodmay be the most intuitive way to adjust the equalizer, as it allows you to set up the Equalizer curve by feel ratherthan by numbers. You can control single bands as well as multiple bands. You can adjust the Frequency and Gainsimultaneously or only the Q . Any adjustments made from the Bands Markers on the curve will cause the

corresponding controls values to change accordingly.

- Dragging the marker will control frequency (X axis mouvement) and gain (Y axis mouvement).- Dragging the marker while pressing Alt key will control the Q factor.- Clicking on the marker while pressing Alt key will toggle On/Off the band.- Clicking on the marker while pressing Ctrl+Alt key will toggle the bands filter shape.


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Appendix C: Specific behavior

A plug-in is a software add-on to a host software. Depending the host you are workingwith, some features of the plug-in may be used in a different way. We will discuss thosedifferences in this section.

Preview/Playback of uncommon sampling rates

Sound Forge accepts a range of sampling rates that goes from 2000Hz to 60000Hz.However, your hardware playback device may be limited to most common frequencyrates. You will always be able to process a file, whatever is sampling rate may be, but youmay not be able to preview the result of your process at the native sample rate of the file.


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AudioTrack MAC User Guide Appendix3030303030

The AudioTrack Window

The AudioTrackwindow is divided into the following areas:

Host Application Buttons: Provides control options for the host application in which AudioTrackis running.These buttons may appear at the top area of the window.

Setup Buttons: Enables an A/B switch between two online setups, as well as saving/loading from your hard diskas many setup files as required. Enables experimentation with the sound by saving or loading settings. You maycreate a sound library which contains settings which can be called up later. Refer to Chapter 2, Using AudioTrack,Step 7, for a detailed description.

Input Fader: This fader controls the input gain stage into AudioTrack. It is mainly used to avoid clipping in theEqualizer stage (which follows the input stage). It can also be used for complete fadeouts. Refer toChapter 2,Using AudioTrack, Step 3, for a detailed description.

ParaGraphic Equalizer: This is AudioTracks Equalizer. It is divided into two parts: graphic (top) andnumeric (bottom). Both provide the same information and controls, presented in a different manner. Refeto Chapter2, Using AudioTrack, Step 2, for a detailed description.

Compressor/Expander and Gate Settings: AudioTracks Compressor/Expander (top center) and Gate

(bottom center), accompanied by an energy and attenuation meter (right). Refer to Chapter 2, UsingAudioTrack, Steps 4 and 5respectively, for a detailed description.

Output Fader: Adjusts the volume of the output sound. Refer to Chapter 2,Using AudioTrack, Step 6, for adetailed description.

Input

ParaGraphic Compressor/Expander Output Fader

Setup Buttons

Host Application Buttons


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3131313131AudioTrack MAC User Guide Appendix

AudioTrack Controls

This section describes various AudioTrackcontrols. All Waves plug-ins have the same types of controls.

The AudioTrackuser interface provides 7 types of controls. For explanation purposes, we have divided them intotwo categories:

* Editable Controls: Value Window, Toggle, Slider, Marker.* Monitoring Controls: VU Bar, Clip Indicator, Graph.

Editable Controls

Editable controls respond to three kinds of inputs :

* Mouse control: Click or X - Y drag.* Keyboard control: Arrow keys, Enter key, Copy (the C key), Paste (the V key), Undo (the Z key) and

Tab.* Keyboard numeric entry: Typing in a number.

In order to indicate the controls to which the next operation will apply, Editable Controls can be in one of threestates:

* Not Selected: The control is inactive and it is not affected by any operations.* Active: The control is active and will be affected by the following operations: mouse control, keyboard

control (arrows, copy & paste) and numeric entry. To activate a control, simply click on it with the mouse,or navigate to it using Tab navigation (as described under Tab control).

* Selected: When more then one control is selected it will respond to either mouse or keyboard control.

However, only the active control (described above), will accept numeric entry.

To select more than one control, simply drag a selection rectangle around them. (Note that you have to startdragging the selection rectangle from somewhere on the background). Alternatively, you can Shift-Click onmultiple controls. In any case, the first selected control will be the active one.

Value Windows

Once a value window is selected as the active control (by clicking on it or tabbing to it), you have three optionsfor changing its value:

* Mouse: The most frequently used option is to click-and-drag a value window. The value in the windowchanges continuously as you move the mouse. It increases as you drag the mouse upward and decreases as

you drag the mouse downward.* Arrow Keys: You may also use the arrow keys to change an active value window, using the keys that point

in the same direction as you would move the mouse.* Keyboard Entry: You may also type a number into the value window from the keyboard and press Return.

If you wish to cancel a keyboard entry, press the Esc key.The active value window will remain active until another control is selected.


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Most ofAudioTracks continuous controls are value windows. This includes the EQ numeric controls, and the

Compressor and Gate controls. When a value window is Selected or Active it will respond to the copy (C) andpaste (V) keyboard controls.

Toggle

AudioTracktoggle controls are the EQ bands In/Out and Filter Shape controls.

Two options are provided for changing a toggle control:

* Mouse: Simply Click a toggle control to toggle to its next state. A toggle will circulate through all its

available states, returning to the first after reaching the last. The toggle control will remain active untilanother control is selected.* Keyboard: Tab-Navigate to a toggle control to select it as the active control, and use the Enter key to toggle

it.

When a toggle is selected or active it will respond to the copy (C) and paste (V) keyboard controls.

Bell

low shelf

high shelf

low pass

high pass

Filter Shape Toggle

Gaine Value Window


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Input Fader Slider

Slider

AudioTrackInput and Output Faders are Slider controls. Three options are provided for changing a Slidercontrol:

* Mouse: The most frequently used method is to click-and-drag the Slider control. The Slider control will

remain active until another control is selected.* Arrow Keys: You may also click on a Slider once, or navigate to it using Tab, to select it as the active control,and then use the arrow keys to change the value. Use the arrow keys that point in the direction that youwould move the mouse.

* Keyboard Entry: You may also type a number from the keyboard and press Return. If you wish to cancel akeyboard entry, press the Esc key.

When a Slider is selected or active, it will respond to the Copy (C) and Paste (V) keyboard controls.


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Compressor Threshold arrow

Marker

Markers are controls that graphically mark a position on another control, such as, the Compressor/Expander andGate Thresholds beside the Input Energy Bar meters, or the Bands Markers in the EQ Graph.

The most frequent operation is to click-and-drag a Marker control. The Marker control will remain active until

another control is selected.

Click on a Marker once, or navigate to it using Tab, to select it as the active control, and use the arrow keys tochange its position (in the same directions as you would move the mouse).


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Compressor attenuation is red. Expander gain is yellow.All meters in Waves plug-ins have a numeric Peak Hold reading. These can be reset by clicking anywhere in thepeak meter bars or numbers.

Clip Indicator

The AudioTrackclip indicator is normally Green, and shows the message No Clip. When a sample reaches0.0dBFS (Full Scale digital), this indicator turns red and shows the message Clip.If the clip occurred in the EQ part, the message EQ Clip is shown. In this case, either lower the Input Fader or

reset the Equalizer.If the clip occurred at the Output, the message Out Clip will show, in this case lower the output fader.To reset the Clip Indicator,simply click on it.

Note: whenever you change any control that can affect the level after the EQ or at the output, theClipIndicatorwill automatically reset to NoClip until another clip occurs.

GraphThe Equalizer graph is described in Step 2 of Chapter 2.

Monitoring Controls

VU Bars (Meters)

AudioTrackhas two VU bars (in the right center of the window) for monitoring both the Compressor/Expanderand Gate Input Energy and overall attenuation. AudioTrackalso has Mono or Stereo VU bars (on the right side

of the window) that show output energy.

The Input Energy meter has two Threshold controls beside the Energy VU bar, which makes it very easy todetermine where to position your Thresholds.The Attenuation meter shows the overall attenuation combined from both the Compressor/Expander and Gate.

When the Expander is in use and the signal is amplified, the bar color is yellow; otherwise it is red.

Output EnergeAttenuation

Meter

Input Energe

Meter and

Controls

Peak Holders Clip Indicator


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Keyboard Control

Waves plug-ins enable a few types of keyboard controls:

Numeric Entry Enter Key to toggle values

Arrow Keys to nudge values Tab to navigate between controls Copy (C), Paste (V) and Undo (Z)

Numeric EntryTo initiate numeric entry of a control button, select a control and press a number, or press the plus (+) or minus(-) key. This will open a small highlighted Text Edit field within the controls numeric display. Once you haveinitiated keyboard entry, you must complete it before any other action can take place.

Enter (or Return) to accept the entry, and return to normal operation.

Tab (with or without the Option-Shift key) to accept the entry, and move to the next control.

Press the Esc key (or Command-period) to cancel the entry.

If an invalid entry is made, the Mac will sound the system error beep and wait for a valid entry.

Note: Unlike mouse control, Numeric Entry applies only to one control at a time - the active control.

Enter KeyWhen a toggle control(s) is selected, the value can be toggled using the Enter key.

Arrow KeysWhen a continuous control(s) is selected, you can nudge the value using the ArrowKeys.

Copy & PasteWhen any control(s) is selected, you can Copy C or Paste V values.

UndoPressing Z at any time will undo the last control(s) change.

Tab NavigationTab: Moves the active status to the next control or value window horizontally

Shift-Tab: Moves the active status to the previous control or value window horizontally

Option-Tab: Vertically moves the active status to the next control or value window.

Shift-Option-Tab: Vertically moves the active status to the previous control or value window.


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Step 7: Handling Setups

AudioTrackenables you to experiment with two different settings (A/B) and to switch between them or bypass

AudioTrackfor comparison. AudioTrackalso allows you to save these settings and re-load them later.

Setups Handling Buttons

Each of the Setups buttons is described below:

Undo: Reverses the previous operation. Only the last operation can be undone. All actions except Save, Load andCopy can be undone.

* Keyboard shortcut: z (not Command z)

Setup A:AudioTracksaves in its memory two complete setups including all of its controls settings, ready forimmediate use. When you startup AudioTrack, Setup A is active by default. When you press the Setup button, itswitches back and forth (toggles) from Setup A to SetupB.

Copy To B: This button enables you to copy the current Setup into the alternative setup. If Setup A is current, asindicated by the Setup button, the Copybutton will be labeled Copy To B, and you can copy the settings forSetup A into Setup B. If Setup B is current, the Copybutton will be labeled Copy To A, and you can copy thesettings from Setup B into SetupA. This gives you additional flexibility in making and comparing changes.

Note: When you copy a setup into the alternate setup, the previous alternate setup is erased. You maywant to save these settings, using theSavebutton, before copying from one setup into another.

Load: This button enables you to select any Setup file from the AudioTrackSetups Library or a file you previ-ously saved from AudioTrack. When you click the Load button, a standard file selection dialog box appears, inwhich you can open a previously saved file.

Save: This button enables you to save the current AudioTrackSetup (A or B). When you click the Save button, astandard file dialog box appears, in which you can name the Setup file .

BP: This control is only used when a Bypass option exists in the Host application. When AudioTrackis bypassed,this control enables you to adjust the volume of the BP sound within a range of -12dB to 12dB, in order to matchthe levels of the Processed and Bypassed sound.

Note: Adobe Premiere, for example, does not have a Bypass option. Therefore, this control is notimplemented in


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AudioTrackwhen running under Adobe Premiere.

Reset: This button resets AudioTrackto the default settings, where all controls are set to their neutral position.All EQ bands are switched Out, all EQ Gains are set to 0.0dB, and there is a ratio of 1:1. Both the Input andOutput Faders will also be reset to 0.0. Reset changes these controls to the following corresponding values:

* Input fader: 0.0dB* EQ Bands: Off* EQ Gain: 0.0dB* Threshold: 0.0dB* Ratio: 1.00:1* Gate Threshold and Floor:- dB* Output fader: 0.0dB

Setups - Operating InstructionsAudioTrackoffers the flexibility of having two different settings so that you can switch between them forcomparison. AudioTrackalso allows you to save these settings and re-load them at a future date. When you openAudioTrack, Setup A is automatically active.

To prepare a Setup file:

1. Adjust AudioTrackby setting the various controls. These settings are automatically assigned to Setup A.

2. To enter a second set of controls, click the button labeled Setup A. It is then renamed to Setup B.

3. Adjust AudioTrackby setting the various controls. These settings are assigned to Setup B.

4. To compare the two Setups, click the Setup A/B button. When the button displays Setup A, the Setup savedas A will be used for processing. When the button displays Setup B, the Setup saved as B will be used. In thimanner, AudioTrackswitches back and forth for easy comparison.


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Load / Save function

Waves has revised the Load/Save functions for much more flexibility and faster access in sessions.To use the Load or Save button, click and hold to see a popup menu for each.Here are the main features of this system:

Factory Presets These are permanent presets in the Load popup menu, created by Waves. They can not bechanged or deleted.

User Presets You can make the current settings of the plug-in become a preset in your Load menu. Users presetscan be changed and deleted.

Setup Files Setup files may hold more than one setup. For example, the Halls setup file can contain Small,Medium and Large setups. When you open a Setup file, all setups inside it become part of your Load popupmenu for fast access.

A very good example for multi-setup files in TDM sessions is to open the same Setup file on all instances of the

plug-in that is in your session. Save all settings you create as setups into that file. This makes all the setups in thatfile available very quickly in every instance of that plug-in.


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Loading Setups

Click and hold on the Load button to see the Load popup menu. Three options may be available; if a choice isnot appropriate or available, it will be gray.

The first option is the Open Setup file.... Select it to open any Setup file, whether from the Library or your own.

The second option is the currently open Setup file and its setup(s).

The third option includes the Factory Presets.

The fourth option includes the User Presets.

Example:Example:Example:Example:Example: Select the 'Open Setup File...' option, then navigate into the AudioTrackSetup Library. Double-click the 44.1_Multimedia_BandPass_2 setup file to open it, or highlight it and click the Open

button.

audio track manual

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