what you can do with sonicstage mastering studio · what you can do with sonicstage mastering...

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What you can do with SonicStage Mastering Studio SonicStage Mastering Studio is an application that lets you record songs from analog records or cassette tapes into your computer, and output them to CD-R or CD-RW discs or audio files. With SonicStage Mastering Studio, you can input songs from your old record or tape collection into the computer in high quality digital audio, and also output them to CD-R or CD-RW discs or files. This allows you to enjoy your treasured songs with a portable player anywhere, independent of your computer. You can record songs into your computer via an audio device Not only can you record songs directly from an external player connected to your computer's input terminal, you can also record songs via an external USB audio device compatible with ASIO device . Many external USB audio devices have multiple types of terminals that allow you to record songs from various external players or devices. You can record songs in high quality sound SonicStage Mastering Studio supports high quality audio (bit depth ; 24-bit and sampling rate ; 192 kHz), and can also reduce noise in songs when recording from analog records or cassette tapes, so that you can input them into your computer more clearly. Note To record songs at 24-bit/192 kHz, you need to use an audio device built into the computer that supports 24-bit/192 kHz audio input or an external USB audio device that supports 24-bit/192 kHz audio input. You can select from 2 modes to record songs SonicStage Mastering Studio provides the Standard mode and the DSD mode. The DSD mode enables you to record and output songs precisely without using external effect plug-ins. You can record songs with simple operations SonicStage Mastering Studio has various functions, such as to adjust input level (volume) automatically, to start recording at a predetermined input level ("synchro-recording"), and to divide songs automatically, etc. Using these functions allows you to record songs into your computer optimally and simply. You can record and output multichannel songs SonicStage Mastering Studio allows you to record and edit songs recorded in 5.1-channel format. You can also convert songs recorded in stereo format to 5.1-channel format. Note Multichannel is available only for an audio device that supports multichannel format. You can edit recorded songs and apply effects to songs You can edit recorded songs in various ways. For example, you can change song titles, normalize songs to make them the same volume level and adjust the positions to divide songs. You can also apply various effects to songs, such as equalization, etc., as well as fade in or fade out songs. Hint The available sound effects for SonicStage Mastering Studio are provided as plug-ins . In addition, you can add "VST effects plug-ins" that are in the VST format, or "DirectX audio effects plug-ins" that are based on "DirectX " technologies, to utilize with SonicStage Mastering Studio. Notes Page 1

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Page 1: What you can do with SonicStage Mastering Studio · What you can do with SonicStage Mastering Studio ... them to CD-R or CD-RW discs or audio files. With SonicStage Mastering Studio,

What you can do with SonicStage Mastering Studio

SonicStage Mastering Studio is an application that lets you record songs from analog records or cassette tapes into your computer, and outputthem to CD-R or CD-RW discs or audio files.

With SonicStage Mastering Studio, you can input songs from your old record or tape collection into the computer in high quality digital audio, andalso output them to CD-R or CD-RW discs or files. This allows you to enjoy your treasured songs with a portable player anywhere, independentof your computer.

You can record songs into your computer via an audio deviceNot only can you record songs directly from an external player connected to your computer's input terminal, you can also record songs via anexternal USB audio device compatible with ASIO device. Many external USB audio devices have multiple types of terminals that allow you torecord songs from various external players or devices.

You can record songs in high quality soundSonicStage Mastering Studio supports high quality audio (bit depth; 24-bit and sampling rate; 192 kHz), and can also reduce noise in songswhen recording from analog records or cassette tapes, so that you can input them into your computer more clearly.

NoteTo record songs at 24-bit/192 kHz, you need to use an audio device built into the computer that supports 24-bit/192 kHz audio input or anexternal USB audio device that supports 24-bit/192 kHz audio input.

You can select from 2 modes to record songsSonicStage Mastering Studio provides the Standard mode and the DSD mode.The DSD mode enables you to record and output songs precisely without using external effect plug-ins.

You can record songs with simple operationsSonicStage Mastering Studio has various functions, such as to adjust input level (volume) automatically, to start recording at a predeterminedinput level ("synchro-recording"), and to divide songs automatically, etc. Using these functions allows you to record songs into your computeroptimally and simply.

You can record and output multichannel songsSonicStage Mastering Studio allows you to record and edit songs recorded in 5.1-channel format.You can also convert songs recorded in stereo format to 5.1-channel format.

NoteMultichannel is available only for an audio device that supports multichannel format.

You can edit recorded songs and apply effects to songsYou can edit recorded songs in various ways. For example, you can change song titles, normalize songs to make them the same volume leveland adjust the positions to divide songs. You can also apply various effects to songs, such as equalization, etc., as well as fade in or fade outsongs.

HintThe available sound effects for SonicStage Mastering Studio are provided as plug-ins. In addition, you can add "VST effects plug-ins" that are inthe VST format, or "DirectX audio effects plug-ins" that are based on "DirectX" technologies, to utilize with SonicStage Mastering Studio.

Notes Page 1

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Some effect plug-ins other than those set by default may not work properly. If you add effect plug-ins, their proper function is notguaranteed.

When you use the DSD mode, some edit functions and effect plug-ins are not available.

Outputting recorded songs to discs of filesYou can output (write) recorded or imported songs to CD-R or CD-RW discs to create your own audio CDs, and also output (export) songs toaudio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension) or DSD format (with a .dsf extension). You can also register the output files to the "SonicStage"application.

HintWhen outputting to CD-R or CD-RW discs or WAV files, you can use the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, which is a technology developed bySony, to enable songs recorded (sampled) at 24-bit to be converted to 16-bit without degrading sound quality.

Importing songs stored on your computerNot only can you record songs from cassette tapes and analog records, you can also import audio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension), MP3 format (with an .mp3 extension), or DSD format (with a .dsf extension) stored on your computer's hard disk, and edit and output them withSonicStage Mastering Studio.

NoteTo import an audio file, the file must fulfill the following conditions:

WAV formatSampling rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, or 192 kHzBit depth: 16-bit or 24-bitStereo, mono, or 5.1-channel

MP3 formatSampling rate: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHzBit rate: 32 kbps to 320 kbpsStereo or mono

DSD formatDSD file in stereo format

 

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The main steps of SonicStage Mastering Studio

You can operate SonicStage Mastering Studio with the following steps.

Selecting modeYou can select from two modes in the Opening Screen.

Using the Standard mode:Click "Click to Start."

Using the DSD mode:Select the "Use DSD Mode" option and click "Click to Start."

Selecting an input sourceYou can specify how the external player (such as a record player or cassette deck) is connected to your computer. You can also adjust the inputlevel and choose whether or not to set noise reduction automatically.

HintYou can also import audio files stored on your computer's hard disk.

Recording and editingYou can record songs from an external player, such as a record player or cassette deck, onto your computer's hard disk.You can also play back or edit songs.

OutputtingYou can output (write) recorded or edited songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc to create your own audio CD. You can also output (export) recorded oredited songs to audio files in WAV format or DSD format.

HintWhen outputting (exporting) to audio files in WAV format, you can also register them to the "SonicStage" application.

 

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Starting and exiting SonicStage Mastering Studio

To start SonicStage Mastering Studio

1. Select "All Programs" from the Windows "Start" menu, point to "SonicStage Mastering Studio," and then click "SonicStageMastering Studio."

SonicStage Mastering Studio launches.

Notes

If more than one Windows user is set for your computer, you cannot launch SonicStage Mastering Studio while another user is running it.In this case, you must first switch over to the user and exit SonicStage Mastering Studio.

To register songs to the "SonicStage" application, you must log on as a user with Administrator rights.

To exit SonicStage Mastering Studio

1. Click in the upper right of the screen. Alternatively, select "Exit" from the "File" menu.

SonicStage Mastering Studio closes.

HintIf the current status has not been saved yet, a dialog box appears prompting you to save as a project. Click "Yes" to save as a project.

NoteYou cannot exit SonicStage Mastering Studio while recording.  

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Selecting an input source

You can specify how the external player (such as a record player or cassette deck) is connected to your computer.You can also adjust the input level and choose whether or not to set noise reduction automatically.

Connect directly to your computer's input terminal (MIC, LINE IN, or OPT IN). - See Details

Connect to an external USB audio device compatible with ASIO device, which is in turn connected to your computer. - See Details

Import audio files stored on your computer's hard disk. - See Details  

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Selecting the computer's input terminal

You can select your computer's input terminal (MIC, LINE IN, or OPT IN) as an input source.

To connect the external player

To select an input terminal

To adjust the input level

To enable/disable the noise reduction

To connect the external player

1. Connect the external player to your computer's MIC, LINE IN, or OPT IN input terminal using an audio connecting cable.

NoteYou cannot record songs if you connect the external player to the computer's "AUDIO" (audio input terminal) allocated to "VIDEO INPUT."

2. Start SonicStage Mastering Studio. 3. Click "Click to Start."

To select an input terminal

Click of the desired terminal to switch to , when you use an audio device built into the computer as an ASIO device. The Setting Panel appears in the Panel Area.

Notes

If your computer does not have an input terminal either for MIC or LINE IN, the icon is not displayed on the screen.

If an additional sound card(s) is installed on your computer, select "Options" from the "Tool" menu to select the sound card to be used. -See Details

If a message appears to notify that no input terminal or device is found, select "Options" from the "Tool" menu to check the sound card tobe used is properly selected. - See Details

Hints

To use an audio device built into the computer as a standard device, select the desired input terminal from the list displayed by clicking"Show Device" of "Standard device."

You can set options for the device in the "Options" dialog box displayed by clicking .

o Using as an ASIO device: "ASIO device" is displayed in the "Options" dialog box.

o Using as a standard device: "Audio device" is displayed in the "Options" dialog box.

To adjust the input levelYou can adjust the input level to prevent the recorded volume becoming too high or low.

NoteIf you select "OPT IN" as the input terminal, you may not be able to use the input level and balance adjustment functions. 1. Click the "Input Level Adjustment" tab. 2. Play back the external player to output sound.

The Level Meter indicates the input level.

HintsPage 6

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o It is recommended that you play back a louder section of the song.

o You can adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen.

NoteYou cannot hear the sound through the computer's speakers if the Windows volume control setting for the input terminal is turned off.Change the Windows setting.

3. Adjust the input level.

Automatic AdjustmentClick "Start"Adjustment starts and progress is shown. It will take approximately 60 seconds to complete the adjustment. Manual AdjustmentMove the input level adjustment slider up or down.Moving the slider up increases the level, while down decreases the level.

4. Move the input balance adjustment slider to adjust the left and right balance, as necessary.

Moving the slider to the left increases the input level for the left side, while to the right increases the input level for the right side.

HintIf the input level exceeds the maximum input level, the clip indicator below "Clip Reset" on the panel lights to notify that clipping has occurred. Ifthis happens, decrease the input level to avoid clipping. The indicator remains lit until you click "Clip Reset."

Notes

If you adjust the input level automatically, the input level that is too high can be adjusted automatically. However, an input level that is toolow cannot be optimized.

The input level may differ depending on the external player or audio connecting cable you are using.If you change the external player or replace the audio connecting cable, you must check the input level and adjust it accordingly.

To enable/disable the noise reductionIf the external player is a record player or cassette deck, you can choose whether or not to automatically reduce noise in songs (automatic noisereduction). If you enable this function, the noise reduction process starts when recording is completed.

Notes

Automatic noise reduction is only recommended when you hear unwanted noise in songs played back from the external player.

Depending on the input source (analog record or cassette tape) or recording time, it may take time to complete the noise reductionprocess.

You cannot apply the noise reduction for a song recorded in 5.1-channel format. 1. Click the "Noise Reduction" tab. 2. Set whether the noise reduction process automatically starts when recording is completed.

If you select the "Apply automatic noise reduction after recording is complete" option, the noise reduction process starts automatically whenrecording songs has finished. If you do not want to reduce noise in the songs automatically, clear this checkmark. In this case, you do not need to perform step 3 below.

3. Select either of the following items from the drop-down list of the "Input source."

o Analog record"Click noise" inherent in analog records will be reduced.

o Cassette tape"Hiss noise" inherent in cassette tapes will be reduced.

NoteAutomatic noise reduction applies the same level of noise reduction to all the songs to be recorded, regardless of the noise level in each song.If results are unsatisfactory, it is recommended that you disable automatic noise reduction and record the songs again, and then manually applynoise reduction after recording.  

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Selecting an external USB audio device compatible with ASIO device

You can select an external USB audio device compatible with ASIO device, which is in turn connected to your computer, as an input source.

To connect the external player

To select an input terminal

To adjust the input level

To enable/disable the noise reduction

To connect the external player

1. Connect the external player to the external USB audio device. 2. Connect the external USB audio device to your computer's USB terminal using a USB cable. 3. Start SonicStage Mastering Studio. 4. Click "Click to Start."

To select an input terminal

Click of "ASIO DEVICE" to switch to .The Setting Panel appears in the Panel Area.

Note"ASIO DEVICE" is not displayed on the screen unless you install the driver of the external USB audio device on your computer.If "ASIO DEVICE" is not displayed on the screen, even after you have installed the driver, check if the driver has been installed properly on yourcomputer's hard disk.

Hint

You can set options for the device in "ASIO device" in the "Options" dialog box displayed by clicking .

To adjust the input levelYou can adjust the input level to prevent the recorded volume becoming too high or low.

1. Click the "Input Level Adjustment" tab. 2. Play back the external player to output sound.

The Level Meter indicates the input level.

HintIt is recommended that you play back a louder section of the song.

NoteYou cannot hear the sound through the computer's speakers. You need to listen to check the sound through the external player or externalUSB audio device.

3. Adjust the input level by using the knob on the external USB audio device.

Adjust to the highest input level before clipping, so as not to exceed the maximum input level.For details on how to adjust the input level, refer to the instruction manuals, etc., which came with your external USB audio device.

HintIf the input level exceeds the maximum input level, the clip indicator below "Clip Reset" on the panel lights to notify that clipping has occurred. Ifthis happens, decrease the input level to avoid clipping. The indicator remains lit until you click "Clip Reset."

NoteThe input level may differ depending on the external player or audio connecting cable you are using.

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If you change the external player or replace the audio connecting cable, you must check the input level and adjust it accordingly.

To enable/disable the noise reductionIf the external player is a record player or cassette deck, you can choose whether or not to automatically reduce noise in songs (automatic noisereduction). If you enable this function, the noise reduction process starts when recording is completed.

Notes

Automatic noise reduction is only recommended when you hear unwanted noise in songs played back from the external player.

Depending on the input source (analog record or cassette tape) or recording time, it may take time to complete the noise reductionprocess.

You cannot apply the noise reduction for a song recorded in 5.1-channel format. 1. Click the "Noise Reduction" tab. 2. Set whether the noise reduction process automatically starts when recording is completed.

If you select the "Apply automatic noise reduction after recording is complete" option, the noise reduction process starts automatically whenrecording songs has finished. If you do not want to reduce noise in the songs automatically, clear this checkmark. In this case, you do not need to perform step 3 below.

3. Select either of the following items from the drop-down list of the "Input source."

o Analog record"Click noise" inherent in analog records will be reduced.

o Cassette tape"Hiss noise" inherent in cassette tapes will be reduced.

NoteAutomatic noise reduction applies the same level of noise reduction to all the songs to be recorded, regardless of the noise level in each song.If results are unsatisfactory, it is recommended that you disable automatic noise reduction and record the songs again, and then manually applynoise reduction after recording.  

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Importing audio files stored on your computer's hard disk

You can import audio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension), MP3 format (with an .mp3 extension), or DSD format (with a .dsf extension)stored on your computer's hard disk.

Notes

To import an audio file, the file must fulfill the following conditions:

o WAV formatSampling rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, or 192 kHz Bit depth: 16-bit or 24-bitStereo, mono, or 5.1-channel

o MP3 formatSampling rate: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHzBit rate: 32 kbps to 320 kbpsStereo or mono

o DSD formatDSD file in stereo format

MP3 files and DSD files are all converted and audio files in WAV format are newly created as a result of conversion.

You cannot import audio files shorter than one second.

Up to 99 songs can be listed on the Track Panel. Songs (files) over the maximum number (99) cannot be imported.

Some audio files cannot be imported. 1. Select "Import Files" from the "File" menu.

The "Import Files" dialog box appears.

HintThe "Import Files" dialog box also appears by clicking "Record/Edit" to switch the screen and clicking "Import File."

2. Select the file to be imported.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Ctrl key. 3. Set the bit depth and sampling rate, as necessary.

To specify the bit depth, select a value ("16" or "24" (bit)) from the drop-down list of "Bit depth." To specify the sampling rate, select a value from the drop-down list of "Sampling rate."

Hints

o If you have already recorded or imported any songs, the above option is disabled. In this case, the audio files are imported with theconversion (if necessary), according to the values set for the recording options for the current project. The values set for the projectare shown on the title bar in the upper part of the Main Window.

o The audio files in mono and stereo formats are added to the project. The mono format is converted to the stereo format. The 5.1-channel audio files are added to the project without conversion.

4. Click , as necessary.

Playback of the file (or the first file displayed in the "File name" box) begins. You can listen to check the sound of the file to be imported.

Hints

o If you put a checkmark before the "Automatically play back the selection" option, playback starts automatically when you select a file.

o You can change the position to begin playback by moving the slider during playback. Playback starts from where you release themouse button.

o To stop playback of the song(s), click .

o The sound is output from the audio device (sound card) specified in the "Sounds and Audio Devices Properties" dialog box of theWindows Control Panel.

5. Click "Import."

The selected file(s) is added to the list of the Track Panel. If any files require conversion, a dialog box appears to confirm. If you click "Yes,"the conversion starts and progress is shown on the screen.

To abort importing files

1. Click "Cancel" in the dialog box showing the conversion process.

A confirmation dialog box appears. 2. Click "Yes."

The importing process is stopped.  

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Recording/Editing

You can record songs from an external player, such as a record player or cassette deck, onto your computer's hard disk. You can also editsongs.You can record and edit songs on the screen displayed by clicking "Record/Edit."  

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Setting recording options

You can choose whether or not to automatically add track markers to divide, at the space between songs, while recording.

1. Put a checkmark.

When you select the "Automatically detect silence and place track markers during recording" option, the track markers will be automaticallyadded at the positions to divide, when you start recording.If you clear the checkmark of this option, the track marker will not be added.

Notes

If there is a silent portion(s) in a song to be recorded, a track marker may be added at that position(s).

If the space (length) between songs is extremely short, or there is excessive noise between songs, the track marker may not be added todivide.

Hints

You can set options for the checkmark in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. - See Details

You can set options to specify the space (length) between songs in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. - See DetailsIf the track marker cannot be added automatically, even if you select the above option, change the values of the silence level and/orduration to add track markers, according to the input source (analog record or cassette tape).

You can fine adjust the position of a track marker to divide the song after recording.  

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Recording songs

You can record songs from an external player, such as a record player or cassette deck, onto your computer's hard disk.The operations differ depending on whether or not you use the "synchro-recording" function.

To record songs manually (normal recording)

1. Select the channel for input from the drop-down list.

NoteYou can select "5.1 ch" for input only when using an ASIO device that supports 5.1-channel audio input.

2. Confirm that the "Use Synchro-Recording" option is not selected.

Clear the checkmark when selecting the option. 3. Play back the external player to output sound. 4. Click "Start Recording" at the position you want to start recording.

Recording starts and the Track Panel appears, allowing you to monitor the recording process.

HintWhen you set the silence level and silence duration to add a track marker, the track marker is added where a predetermined silence isdetected, and the track marker appears at each position below the Timeline.

5. Click "Stop Recording" at the position you want to stop recording.

Recording stops.

To record songs using the "synchro-recording" function

1. Select the channel for input from the drop-down list.

NoteYou can select "5.1 ch" for input only when using an ASIO device that supports 5.1-channel audio input.

2. Specify the input level at which "synchro-recording" starts.

You can set the options in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. Click "Start/Stop recording" to set "Synchro-Recording." - See Details

3. Select the "Use Synchro-Recording" option.

Click the option when this option is not selected. 4. Click "Start Synchro-Recording."

SonicStage Mastering Studio goes into standby recording.

HintTo cancel standby recording, click "Stop Synchro-Recording."

5. Play back the external player to output sound.

Recording starts at the input level you set, and the Track Panel appears allowing you to monitor the recording process.

HintWhen you set the silence level and silence duration to add a track marker, the track marker is added where a predetermined silence isdetected, and the track marker appears at each position below the Timeline.

6. Click "Stop Recording" at the position you want to stop recording.

Recording stops.

Hints

While recording, you can use the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to automatically get song information, such as songtitle and artist name, via the Internet.You can set the options in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. - See Details

Up to 99 songs can be listed on the Track Panel. When the number of the songs is 99, the track marker cannot be added to divide.

If you set to automatically reduce noise in songs, the noise reduction process starts when recording is stopped, and a dialog boxappears to indicate the remaining time. Depending on the input source (analog record or cassette tape) or recording time, it may taketime to complete the noise reduction process.

Recording stops automatically if a silence continues for a predetermined period, or the total recorded time exceeds the maximumrecording time. You can change the silence level and duration to stop recording in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" fromthe "Tool" menu. - See Details

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You can set the bit depth and sampling rate for recording in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. - SeeDetails

You can adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen.However, if you connect an external USB audio device to your computer and select "ASIO DEVICE" in the "Select Input" screen, you cannothear the sound through the computer's speakers. You need to hear through the USB audio device.

Notes

If the clip indicator in the upper left of the screen lights while recording, the recording may be distorted. If this happens, click "Select Input"to go back to the "Select Input" screen, and adjust the input level to avoid clipping, and then start to record again. The clip indicatorremains lit until you click "Clip Reset."

During playback, do not perform any of the following. Doing so may cause playback to be interrupted or sound to skips.

o Connect or disconnect any USB devices (such as a USB audio device or USB mouse, etc.) to/from your computer.

o Change the position or size of the screen.

If you adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen, take into account the following:

o You cannot hear the sound through the computer's speakers if the Windows volume control setting for the input terminal is turned off.Change the Windows setting.

o Adjusting the volume affects the volume of the Windows beeps. It is recommended to adjust the volume appropriately, and restore itwhen recording has finished.

When recording audio from the OPT IN terminal, if the sampling frequency of the input track does not match the project samplingfrequency, you cannot record the track. (In the case of a new project, the sampling frequency is set in "Project" in the "Options" dialog box.)Furthermore, if the sampling frequency of the track changes during recording, recording is interrupted.

While recording without using the "synchro-recording" function, computer energy saver functions (standby, hibernate) or the screensaverdo not activate.

 

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Features and controls of the Track Panel

You can edit a recorded or imported song using the controls of the Track Panel and the edit buttons, which can be displayed when recording (orimporting) has finished.

A Total Time display Displays the total time length of songs in the current project.

B Elapsed Time display Displays the elapsed time of playback or recording of a song.During Playback: Displays the elapsed time of playback and a track number.During Recording: Displays the elapsed time of recording.

C Import File button Imports the audio file stored on your computer's hard disk

D Playback Control buttons Control playback operations.

:Stops playback. The cursor stops at the position where playback stops.

:Starts playback from the current cursor position. The cursor moves to the right as time elapses.

:Skips back to the beginning of the current song (on which the cursor is located). The cursor moves to the beginning of the song.(Playback starts if the button is clicked during playback.)

:Skips forward to the beginning of the next song. The cursor moves from the current song to the beginning of the next song. (Playbackstarts if the button is clicked during playback).

Hints

Clicking or repeatedly skips back or forward through the songs.

You can adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen during playback. However, if you connect an external USB audio device to your computer and select "ASIO DEVICE" in the "Select Input" screen,you cannot hear the sound through the computer's speakers. You need to listen through the USB audio device.

NoteAdjusting the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen affects the volume of the Windows beeps.It is recommended to adjust the volume appropriately, and restore it when playback has finished.

E Undo/Redo buttons

:Used to undo the last editing operation.

NoteIf you record or import songs, you cannot undo any previous editing.

:Used to reset the last undo editing operation.

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F (Delete) button Used to delete a song by selecting the song to be deleted and clicking this button.

G Track Marker A marker shown below the Timeline to indicate the position that the song (track) will be divided.

H Edit Buttons Used to edit a song.Noise Reduction: Displays the "Noise Reduction" dialog box, allowing you to reduce noise in the selected song (or track) by specifying the noise type(hiss, click, or hum noise).

HintIf you have already recorded songs with automatic noise reduction enabled, you do not need to reduce noise in the songs. However,because hum noise cannot be reduced automatically, it is recommended that you reduce it by specifying "Hum Noise" if it is audible inthe selected song(s).Normalization: Displays the "Normalization" dialog box, allowing you to normalize the selected song (or track), in order to adjust all the songs to thesame volume level.Add Track Marker: Adds a track marker at the position to divide, and splits the track into segments.Fade In/Out: Displays the "Fade In/Out Settings" dialog box, allowing you to apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects to the selected song (track), soas to gradually increase or decrease the volume at the beginning or end of the song.

I Timeline Displays (in increments) the duration, starting and ending time, and elapsed time of a song, and also shows the progress of recording.The track marker is displayed below the Timeline at the position you click below the Timeline.

J (Help) button Displays this help file.

K Zoom Out/Zoom In buttons

:Increases the time interval of the Timeline one level. For example, the 4-minute time interval (00:00, 04:00, 08:00...) changes to the8-minute time interval (00:00, 08:00, 16:00...) when you click this button, allowing you to view the approximate start and end time, etc., ofeach song.

:Reduces the time interval of the Timeline one level. For example, the 4-minute time interval (00:00, 04:00, 08:00...) changes to the2-minute time interval (00:00, 02:00, 04:00...) when you click this button, allowing you to view more finely the start and end time, etc., ofeach song.

L Playback Cursor

Indicates the current playback position, and moves to the right as time elapses. When you click , the cursor stops at the

current position. When you click , playback starts from the current cursor position. If you click anywhere (other than on a track) on the right while playback is stopped, the cursor moves to the position you clicked. If youdouble-click anywhere (other than on a track) on the right while playback is stopped, the cursor moves to the position youdouble-clicked, and playback starts from

HintYou can also use the cursor to add a track marker.

NoteThe cursor is not displayed while recording.

M Track Refers to a recorded or imported song, and shows a song in a horizontal bar on the track list on the right of the Track Panel. A bar(track) corresponds to the song on the same line level on the left. The left end of a bar (track) indicates the start time, the right endindicates the end time, and the length indicates the duration of the song. Page 16

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When you select a track, the start time and end time appears.

HintIf a track marker is displayed below the Timeline, the track is divided just temporarily. SonicStage Mastering Studio handles such atrack as one piece until it has actually been divided, even though the songs on the left are listed individually.

N Song List Displays the list of recorded or imported songs, with track number, song title information, their duration, and channel.You can also change the song title information and order.

O Song Info button You can use the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song information, such as song title and artist name, via theInternet.

P Select All button Selects all the songs on the Track Panel.

 

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Reducing noise in a song

You can reduce noise in a recorded song by specifying the noise type (hiss, click, or hum noise) and the noise reduction level.For details about reducing noise manually, refer to the screen displayed by clicking "HELP" of the "Noise Reduction" screen.

NoteYou cannot apply the noise reduction for a song recorded in 5.1-channel format.

HintIf you have already recorded songs with automatic noise reduction enabled, you do not need to reduce noise in the songs. However, becausehum noise cannot be reduced automatically, it is recommended that you reduce it by specifying "Hum Noise" if it is audible in a recordedsong(s). 1. Click to select the song on the left of the Track Panel.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key. 2. Click "Noise Reduction."

The "Noise Reduction" dialog box appears.

3. Click to select one of the following noise types to switch to .

o Click Noise (Analog Records)Used to reduce "click" noise inherent in analog records.

o Hiss Noise (Cassette Tapes)Used to reduce "hiss" noise inherent in cassette tapes.

o Hum Noise (Power Supply)Used to reduce "hum" noise caused by electric power sources.

4. Click of the selected noise. 5. Adjust the noise reduction level by moving the slider up or down.

Moving the slider down decreases the level, while up increases the level.

NoteNot all noise types can be reduced.Note that noise reduction may degrade the sound quality depending on the song. You need to optimize the noise reduction level by playingback the song to check how much noise reduction can be applied to the song.

6. Click to select to either 50Hz or 60Hz, according to the fundamental frequency when selecting "Hum Noise."

HintTo reduce the hum noise, you must select the fundamental frequency of your area. The fundamental frequency depends on the area. Fordetails, refer to your electric power company.

7. Click "Start."

The noise reduction process begins and a dialog box appears indicating the progress. When the process is completed, the dialog boxcloses.

Hints

You can also display the "Noise Reduction" dialog box to reduce noise in a song(s) by selecting a track(s) on the right of the Track Paneland clicking "Noise Reduction."

It is possible to reduce noise in songs by selecting a track added a track marker to be divided. In this case, noise in all the segmentswithin the track (i.e., respective songs on the left) is reduced.

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.

To previewYou can hear the sound with noise reduction.

1. Click .

The song (or the first song of the selected songs) is played back. Check how noise reduction is supplied.

Hints

The sound without noise reduction (the original sound) is played back when selecting the "Preview without noise reduction" option and

clicking .

You can change the position to begin playback by moving the slider during playback. Playback starts from where you release the mousebutton.

To stop playback of the song(s), click . Page 18

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Notes

You cannot change the noise type during playback.

You cannot apply the effects or the Fade-in/Fade-out effects during playback.

When you reduce noise in a song containing noise or a song with the high sampling rate and play back, you may hear noise. However,the sound output to the CD-R/CD-RW disc or the WAV file has no noise.

When you move the noise reduction slider during playback, noise may occur.

To cancel noise reduction

1. Click "Cancel" in the dialog box indicating the progress.

A confirmation dialog box appears. 2. Click "Yes."

The noise reduction process is stopped, and all the settings you made are canceled.  

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Normalizing a song

You can normalize a recorded or imported song by specifying the normalization level, to adjust all the songs to the same volume level. 1. Click to select the song on the left of the Track Panel.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key. 2. Click "Normalization."

The "Normalization" dialog box appears. 3. Adjust the normalization level by moving the slider to the left or right.

Moving the slider to the left decreases the level, while to the right increases the level.

HintTo restore the slider position set by default (100%), click "Reset."

4. Click "Start."

The normalization process begins according to the level you set, and a dialog box appears indicating the progress. When the process iscompleted, the dialog box closes.

Hints

You can also display the "Normalization" dialog box to normalize a song by selecting a track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and clicking"Normalization"

It is possible to normalize songs by selecting a track added a track marker to be divided. In this case, all the segments within the track(i.e., respective songs on the left) are normalized.

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.

To cancel normalization

1. Click "Cancel" in the dialog box indicating the progress.

A confirmation dialog box appears. 2. Click "Yes."

The normalization process is stopped, and all the settings you made are cancelled.  

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Adding a track marker

You can divide a recorded or imported song at a desired position.To divide a song, first you need to add a track marker at the position to be divided. You can add the track marker at the cursor position on theright of the Track Panel.When you add the track marker, the tracks are divided.

Notes

Up to 99 songs can be listed on the Track Panel. When the number of the songs is 99, the track marker cannot be added to divide.

If the audio file is less than one second, you cannot add the track marker as outlined here.

1. Click on the right of the Track Panel to move the cursor to the desired position. 2. Click "Add Track Marker."

A track marker appears at the position that you clicked.

Hints

o You can also add a track marker by clicking below the Timeline on the Track Panel.

o You can change the position of a track marker. -See Details

3. Select the track added the track marker and select "Divide" - "Divide at Track Markers" from the "Edit" menu.

The song (track) is divided at the marked position. The track marker(s) for the selected track disappear.

Hints

You can also add a track marker during playback or recording.However, if you add the track marker during playback, the track marker appears at the current recording position.

You can add a track marker automatically by selecting track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and selecting "Divide" - "Auto Track Marking"from the "Edit" menu. The track marker is added where a predetermined silence is detected, and the track marker appears at eachposition below the Timeline.If you select a track added the track marker, all the existing markers on the selected track are cleared before adding the track marker. Inthis case, the segments within the track are combined into a single track, and then split again.You can set the followings before adding the track marker automatically.

o The silence level and silence duration to add the track marker. - See Details

o Choose whether or not to automatically get song titles and artist names while adding the track marker. - See Details

You can fine adjust the position of a track marker.

To delete a track markerYou can delete a track marker from the Timeline on the right of the Track Panel. 1. Right-click the desired track marker and select "Delete" from the menu.

The selected track marker disappears, and the segments within the track are combined into a single track.

Hints

You can also delete a track marker from the Timeline by dragging a track marker and dropping it onto the desired position other than theTimeline (or below the Timeline of any other tracks).

You can also delete a track marker by selecting a track added the track marker and selecting "Divide" - "Clear Track Markers" from the"Edit" menu. In this case, all the markers for the selected track disappear.

You can also delete a track marker during playback.However, if you select "Divide" - "Clear Track Markers" from the "Edit" menu, playback stops immediately.

NoteYou may hear some noise at the division mark when you play back a track and perform division, but the CD-R/CD-RW and audio output as WAVfiles or DSD files are noiseless.  

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Changing the position of a track marker

You can adjust the position of a track marker by moving the track marker below the Timeline on the right of the Track Panel. 1. Select the track marker and move it to the right or left to adjust the position.

The track marker is moved to the new location where you released the mouse button.

NoteYou must keep the track marker within the range of the track. The track marker is deleted if you drag the marker and drop it onto a position belowthe Timeline of another track, or where there is no track on the list.

To adjust a track marker position more finelyYou can fine adjust the position of a track marker. 1. Double-click the desired track marker below the Timeline.

The "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box appears.

NoteDepending on the song, it takes time to display waves in the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box.

2. Move the track marker in the dialog box to the right or left to adjust the position.

Clicking increases the time interval, allowing you to adjust the approximate position.

Clicking reduces the time interval, allowing you to fine adjust.

Hints

o When you increase or reduce the time interval by clicking or , the track marker is always displayed in the center of theTimeline in the dialog box.

o You cannot scroll the increments on the Timeline in the dialog box. If you want to move the track marker outside the current range,

click first to increase the time interval and move to the approximate position, and then click to reduce the time interval to fineadjust.

o If you click (Previous Marker) or (Next Marker), a track marker to the left (Previous Marker) or right (Next Marker) isdisplayed in the center of the Timeline.

o If more than one track marker appears in the dialog box, the track marker in blue is the one currently selected, and you cannot

change the selection. To select any other track marker, you need to click (Previous Marker) or (Next Marker).

o You can move the track marker anywhere within the track. However, the space (duration) between track markers must be at least 1second or more.

3. Click on the right or left to listen to check where the song will be divided.

Clicking (Play Near Marker) on the left repeats playback near the selected track marker for approximately 5 seconds.

Clicking (Play From Marker) on the right repeats playback from the position of the selected track marker for approximately 10seconds.Repeat steps 2 and 3 to adjust the position until you get the result you wish.

4. Click "OK."

The position of the track marker is moved, and the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box closes.

NoteIf the space (duration) between the track markers becomes too close (less than 1 second), a dialog box appears to confirm to combinethese markers. If you click "OK," the right hand mark is deleted, and the dialog box closes. If you click "Cancel," the "Edit Track MarkerPosition" dialog box reappears and you can increase the space to 1 second or more.

HintYou can also display the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box by right-clicking a track marker below the Timeline and selecting "Move" fromthe menu.  

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Applying the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects

You can apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects to a recorded or imported song. "Fade-In" increases the volume gradually at the beginning ofa song, while "Fade-Out" decreases the volume gradually at the end of a song. 1. Click to select the song on the left of the Track Panel.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key.

HintIf you select multiple songs, the length of the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects you specified (in seconds) is applied to all the selectedsongs.

2. Click "Fade In/Out."

The "Fade In/Out Settings" dialog box appears. 3. Move the slider to the right or left to specify the length of the Fade-In effect.

You can specify the length between 0 to 10 seconds.

Hints

o You can select the fade type from or .

o Steps 3 and 4 are not required if you want to apply only the Fade-Out effect to the song. In this case, go to step 5.

4. Click on the left.

The first 12 seconds of the song (or the first song of the selected songs) is played back repeatedly. You can check how the song(s) fadesin.Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you get the result you wish.

Hint

To stop playback, click . 5. Move the slider on the right of the dialog box to the right or left to specify the length of the Fade-Out effect.

You can specify the length between 0 to 10 seconds.

Hints

o You can select the fade type from or .

o Steps 5 and 6 are not required if you want to apply only the Fade-In effect to the song. In this case, go to step 7.

6. Click on the right.

The last 12 seconds of the song (or the first song of the selected songs) is played back repeatedly. You can listen to how the song(s) fadesout.Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you get the result you wish.

Hint

To stop playback, click . 7. Click "OK."

Hints

You can also apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects by selecting a track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and clicking "Fade In/Out."

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.

NoteIf you apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects to a song shorter than 20 seconds, you may not get the result you set.

To cancel applying the Fade-In and Fade-Out effectsClick "Cancel" in step 7 above.  

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Using effects to a selected song

You can apply various sound effects (up to 8) to a recorded or imported song.Songs with effects applied can be played back and also output to discs or files. Here shows the operation to apply the sound effects to the selected song.

You can specify the sound effects in the dialog box displayed by clicking of the desired song on the left of the Track Panel.

Hints

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key and select "Apply Effects" from the menudisplayed by right-clicking.

The effect is applied to a track added a track marker to be divided in the block.

The available sound effects for SonicStage Mastering Studio are provided as plug-ins. You can add "VST effects plug-ins" that are in theVST format, and also "DirectX audio effects plug-ins" that are based on "DirectX" technologies to utilize them with SonicStage MasteringStudio.

NoteSome effect plug-ins other than those set by default may not work properly. If you add effect plug-ins, their proper function is not guaranteed.

To specify an effect plug-in

1. Click on the list.

The "Effect List" dialog box appears, and the available effect plug-ins on your computer are listed.

HintYou can also select a registered preset from the preset list.

2. Select the desired effect plug-in, and click "OK" in the "Effect List" dialog box.

The effect settings dialog box reappears, and the selected effect plug-in is added to the list. Additionally, the dialog box for the selected effect plug-in appears, allowing you to make more detailed settings.

Hints

o If the dialog box for the selected effect plug-in is not displayed, click of that effect plug-in.

o Clicking the effect number turns the effect plug-in on or off.

o The order of the effect plug-ins applied to the song is downwards of the list. To change the order of the plug-ins, click or

on the list.

o Depending on the effect plug-in, you can select the number of input/output channels. Select from the drop-down list below the list.

o To delete an effect plug-in from the list, click of the effect plug-in to be deleted to display the "Effect List" dialog box, and select"No Effects" at the top of the list and click "OK."

o Same sound effect can be applied to a song several times.

o In the Connection State Control Panel displayed by clicking "Patch Bay," you can confirm or change the connection of the effectplug-in for each channel. -See DetailsTo return the connection that you have changed to the standard settings, click "Restore Defaults."

o You can hear the effect by clicking .

To stop playback, click .When you play back with the "Preview without effects." option selected, the track is played back without effects.

3. Click on the left of the effect settings dialog box if you want to save the presets.

The "Save Preset" dialog box appears. 4. Input the desired name and click "OK."

The presets are saved and the effect settings dialog box reappears.

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o You can select a preset by clicking the drop-down list on the left of and selecting the name.

o To delete an effect preset, click the drop-down list on the left of to select the name, click and click "Yes" in the confirmationdialog box that appears. (You cannot delete the preset provided with SonicStage Mastering Studio.)

NoteSony Oxford Restorer for VAIO is not available for the SonicStage Mastering Studio Audio Filter. If you select a preset containing Sony OxfordRestorer for VAIO with the Audio Filter, this effect plug-in is not displayed.

5. Click "OK" in the effect settings dialog box.

To make detailed settings for an effect plug-inYou can use the effect settings dialog box to make more detailed settings for each effect plug-in on the list.

1. Click of the desired effect plug-in on the list of the effect settings dialog box.

A dialog box for the selected effect plug-in appears. 2. Set the options displayed in the dialog box.

The options and items shown in the dialog box differ depending on the selected effect plug-in. Refer to the help file of each effect plug-in fordetails.

NoteYou may experience audio distortion if you adjust effects manually and set to the extreme value.

3. Click "Save" in the upper part of the dialog box if you want to save the preset.

The "Save Preset" dialog box appears. 4. Input the desired preset name and click "OK."

The presets you made are saved as a preset, and the dialog box for the selected effect plug-in reappears.

Hints

o You can select a preset by selecting the name from the drop-down list.

o To delete a preset, select the name from the drop-down list, click "Delete," and then click "Yes" in the confirmation dialog box thatappears.

5. Click in the upper right of the dialog box.

HintFor details about the effect plug-ins set in SonicStage Mastering Studio by default, refer to the help file of each effect plug-in.  

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Using Master Effect

You can apply various sound effects (up to 8) to a recorded or imported song.Songs with effects applied can be played back and also output to discs or files.

HintThe "special effects," which are provided with SonicStage Mastering Studio, can be applied to all the songs on the Track Panel at the sametime.

Here shows the operation to apply the sound effects to all the songs displayed on the Track Panel at the same time.

Signal processing flow of Master EffectMaster Effect provides "2-ch Master Effect" and "5.1-ch Master Effect." You can turn each Master Effect on or off.The following is the signal processing flow of Master Effect.

To set the number of output channelsYou can select the number of output channels from the drop-down list for the output settings in the upper part of the screen.

HintThe selected number of output channels specifies the display order of "2-ch Master Effect" and "5.1-ch Master Effect."

To set Master EffectYou can specify Master Effect in the dialog box displayed by clicking "2 ch" or "5.1 ch" from the output settings in the upper part of the screen.

Hints

You can also display the dialog box by selecting "2 ch Master Effect" or "5.1 ch Master Effect" from the "View" menu.

The available sound effects for SonicStage Mastering Studio are provided as plug-ins. You can add "VST effects plug-ins" that are in theVST format, and also "DirectX audio effects plug-ins" that are based on "DirectX" technologies to utilize them with SonicStage MasteringStudio.

Notes

You cannot set "Balance" or "Send level" in the "5.1-ch Master Effect" dialog box.

Some effect plug-ins other than those set by default may not work properly. If you add effect plug-ins, their proper function is notguaranteed.

To turn Master Effect on or offClick "On" or "Off" in the Master Effect dialog box.

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To specify an effect plug-in

1. Click on the list.

The "Effect List" dialog box appears, and the available effect plug-ins on your computer are listed.

HintYou can also select a registered preset from the preset list.

2. Select the desired effect plug-in, and click "OK" in the "Effect List" dialog box.

The Master Effect dialog box reappears, and the selected effect plug-in is added to the list. Additionally, the dialog box for the selected effect plug-in appears, allowing you to make more detailed settings.

Hints

o If the dialog box for the selected effect plug-in is not displayed, click of that effect plug-in.

o Clicking the effect number turns the effect plug-in on or off.

o The order of the effect plug-ins applied to the song is downwards of the list. To change the order of the plug-ins, click or

on the list.

o Depending on the effect plug-in, you can select the number of input/output channels. Select from the drop-down list below the list.

o To delete an effect plug-in from the list, click of the effect plug-in to be deleted to display the "Effect List" dialog box, and select"No Effects" at the top of the list and click "OK."

o You can set the volume balance for the right and left speakers by moving the slider of "Balance" to the right or left only whenspecifying for 2-channel.

o You can set the send level of the effect plug-in by moving the level slider of "Send level" to the right or left only when specifying for2-channel.

o In the Connection State Control Panel displayed by clicking "Patch Bay," you can confirm or change the connection of the effectplug-in for each channel. -See DetailsTo return the connection that you have changed to the standard settings, click "Restore Defaults."

o You can select the algorithm used for channel conversion from the drop-down list of "Channel conversion."

You can also specify the detailed information of the algorithm by clicking .

3. Click on the left of the Master Effect dialog box if you want to save the presets.

The "Save Preset" dialog box appears. 4. Input the desired name and click "OK."

The presets are saved and the Master Effect dialog box reappears.

Hints

o You can select a preset by clicking the drop-down list on the left of and selecting the name.

o To delete an effect preset, click the drop-down list on the left of to select the name, click and click "Yes" in the confirmationdialog box that appears. (You cannot delete the preset provided with SonicStage Mastering Studio.)

NoteSony Oxford Restorer for VAIO is not available for the SonicStage Mastering Studio Audio Filter. If you select a preset containing Sony OxfordRestorer for VAIO with the Audio Filter, this effect plug-in is not displayed.

5. Click "Close" in the Master Effect dialog box.

To make detailed settings for an effect plug-inYou can use the Master Effect dialog box to make more detailed settings for each effect plug-in on the list.

1. Click of the desired effect plug-in on the list of the Master Effect dialog box.

A dialog box for the selected effect plug-in appears. 2. Set the options displayed in the dialog box.

The options and items shown in the dialog box differ depending on the selected effect plug-in. Refer to the help file of each effect plug-in fordetails.

NoteYou may experience audio distortion if you adjust effects manually and set to the extreme value.

3. Click "Save" in the upper part of the dialog box if you want to save the preset.

The "Save Preset" dialog box appears. 4. Input the desired preset name and click "OK."

The presets you made are saved as a preset, and the dialog box for the selected effect plug-in reappears.

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o You can select a preset by selecting the name from the drop-down list.

o To delete a preset, select the name from the drop-down list, click "Delete," and then click "Yes" in the confirmation dialog box thatappears.

5. Click in the upper right of the dialog box.

HintFor details about the effect plug-ins set in SonicStage Mastering Studio by default, refer to the help file of each effect plug-in.  

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Adjusting the connection state of effects

You can adjust the connection state of effects.The settings can be made in the Connection State Control Panel.

HintClicking the Patch Bay button displays or hides the Connection State Control Panel.

Connection of effectsWhen you register the effect plug-in, the effect plug-in is automatically connected with standard settings.The connection is automatically changed when you turn the input/output pin of each channel on or off or you change the effect.The "Input" section shows the channel input and the "Output" section shows the channel output. The line that is connected between the "Input"and "Output" section through the input/output pins of the effect plug-in shows sound process.

Specifying the final outputYou can turn the final output of each channel on or off.Click the button in the "Output" section to turn on or off.

Specifying the input/output of effects

You can turn the input/output of each effect channel on or off.Click the input pin or output pin to turn on or off.The input pin and output pin of a channel can be dragged to another channel.

HintYou can also move the input pin and output pin at the same time.

Dragging while holding down the Ctrl key: Enables you to move the input pin and output pin of the same channel at a time.

Dragging while holding down the Alt key: Enables you to move the stereo pair (L and R, C and LFE, LS and RS) at a time.

Dragging while holding down the Ctrl key and Alt key: Enables you the above operations at a time.

Restoring DefaultsYou can restore defaults by clicking the Restore Defaults button.

Saving the Patch Bay settingsYou can save the Patch Bay settings as a Preset Effects List.

Click to save the settings. 

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Adjusting the output level

You can adjust the output level by moving the slider for the output settings in the upper part of the screen up or down.

NoteIf the output level is too high, you may experience audio distortion.

HintDecreasing the output level may solve audio distortion.  

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Listening to check recorded or edited songs

You can play back recorded or edited songs to check.

To play back a song

1. Click to select a song to be played back on the left of the Track Panel.

2. Click .

Playback of the song starts.The cursor appears on the right of the Track Panel, indicating the current playback position on the Timeline. It moves to the right as timeelapses.

HintWhen you select the "Mix down to 2 ch for preview" option the upper right of the screen, you can play back the song mixed down.It is useful to play back on the device that does not support 5.1-channel.

To locate the beginning of a song

1. Click or during playback.

Click once to locate the beginning of the current song.

Click once to locate the beginning of the next song.

Clicking or repeatedly allows you to skip through songs.

To play back from the specified position

1. Double-click anywhere (other than on the tracks) on the right of the Track Panel while playback is stopped.

Playback of the song starts from the position you double-clicked.

HintYou can also play back from the specified position by performing the either following operation during playback:

o Click the specified position on the Timeline.

o Drag on the Timeline to the specified position.

To stop playback

1. Click .

Playback of the song stops.

HintYou can adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen.However, if you connect an external USB audio device to your computer and select "ASIO DEVICE" in the "Select Input" screen, you cannot hearthe sound through the computer's speakers. You need to hear through the USB audio device.

Notes

During playback, do not perform any of the following. Doing so may cause playback to be interrupted or sound to skips.

o Connect or disconnect any USB devices (such as a USB audio device or USB mouse, etc.) to/from your computer.

o Change the position or size of the Main Window.

If you adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen, adjusting the volume affects the volume of theWindows beeps. It is recommended to adjust the volume appropriately, and restore it when playback has finished.

 

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Changing a song title

To get a song title via the InternetYou can use the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song information, such as song title and artist name, via theInternet.

Notes

To submit song information to the MoodLogic database, you must first register your screen name with the MoodLogic Service. Refer to "What is the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service?" for details.

To perform the following procedure, your computer must have access to the Internet. For details about the Internet connection, refer toyour computer's instruction manuals, etc.

1. Click "Song Info" on the left of the Track Panel.

A dialog box appears showing options for getting song information.

2. Click of the desired item to switch to .

o Only get info for songs marked "Unknown" Select this option if you want to get song titles only for the untitled songs on the Track Panel.

o Get info for all the songs on the listSelect this option if you want to get song titles for all the songs on the Track Panel.

o Get info for select the songs on the listSelect this option if you want to get song titles for selected songs on the Track Panel.

3. Click "OK."

A dialog box appears to indicate the searching progress.The results are listed on the left of the Track Panel. If there is no match as a result, "Unknown" will be displayed for the song.

Hints

It is possible to get song titles using the MoodLogic Service for a track added a track marker to be divided. In this case, you can getseparate song titles according to each song (segment) within the track.

You can also get song titles for a specific song by right-clicking the song on the left of the Track Panel and selecting "Get Song Info" fromthe menu.

You can get artist names using the MoodLogic Service, as well as song titles. You can see or change the artist name of a song in the"Song Properties" dialog box that is displayed when you right-click the song on the Track Panel and select "Properties" from the menu.

Notes

To get song information using the MoodLogic Service, the song's duration must be more than 30 seconds or the song's format is not5.1-channel.

In some cases (e.g., if there is no match as a result in the MoodLogic database, or depending on the recording conditions, etc.), you maynot be able to get song information.

To abort getting song titles

1. Click "Cancel" in the dialog box indicating the searching progress.

Getting song titles stops.

To change a song title using the keyboardYou can change the song title of a recorded or imported song. 1. Right-click the song on the left of the Track Panel and select "Rename" from the menu.

The song title of the selected song can be changed in the text box. 2. Input the desired song title, and press the Enter key.

The song title is changed.

Hints

You can also change a song title by selecting the song and clicking the field under the "Title" column on the song list.

If you press the Tab key or Shift + Tab keys when changing a song title, you can move to the next or previous song title on the list.

You can see or change a song title or artist name in the "Song Properties" dialog box that is displayed when you right-click the song onthe Track Panel and select "Properties" from the menu.

NoteUp to 255 characters can be applied to a song title or an artist name.  

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Changing the order of songs

You can change the order of songs to be output. 1. Select and drag a song on the left of the Track Panel and drop it onto the desired position on the song list.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key.The selected song(s) is moved to the new location, and the songs are rearranged accordingly on the list.

Hints

You can also change the order of songs by dragging the track(s) and dropping it onto the desired position on the track list.

If you drag and drop a track added a track marker to be divided, the segments within the track will move together. This is becauseSonicStage Mastering Studio handles such a track as one piece until the track has actually been divided. Therefore, to rearrange eachsong on the list individually, you first need to divide the track. -See Details

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.  

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Deleting a song

You can delete a recorded or imported song.

NoteA deleted song cannot be output to a disc or file. 1. Right-click the song on the left of the Track Panel and select "Delete" from the menu.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key.The selected song(s) is deleted from the list on the left of the Track Panel.

Hints

You can also delete a track by selecting the track and clicking .

You can also delete a song(s) by right-clicking the track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and selecting "Delete" from the menu.

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.

A track added a track marker to be divided is deleted in the block.To delete a part of the track added the track marker, select "Divide" - "Divide at Track Markers" from the "Edit" menu and delete.

 

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Submitting song information to the MoodLogic database

You can submit song information, such as song title or artist name, etc., to the database of the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering StudioService on the Internet.Song information you submit is subsequently entered (registered) into the MoodLogic database.

Notes

To submit song information to the MoodLogic database, you must first register your screen name with the MoodLogic Service. - SeeDetails

The MoodLogic database is the database of the MoodLogic Service, which is an online service offered by MoodLogic Corporation, andallows you to search song information. Please note that this service is subject to change or termination without notice.

To perform the following procedure, your computer must have access to the Internet. For details about the Internet connection, refer toyour computer's instruction manuals, etc.

1. Right-click the song of which the information you want to submit on the left of the Track Panel and select "Submit Song Info" fromthe menu.

A dialog box used to submit song information appears. 2. Input each item of information for the selected song.

o TitleInput the song title.

NoteThe song title information is required to be submitted.You must fill in this item properly.

o ArtistInput the artist name of the song.

NoteThe song title information is required to be submitted.You must fill in this item properly.

o AlbumInput the album name of the song.

o TrackInput the two-digit track number of the song.

o YearInput the four-digit year that the album was released.

3. Click "OK."

The information for the song is submitted to the MoodLogic database. When it has been submitted successfully, a dialog box appears toinform you that the process has finished.

4. Click "OK."

Notes

To submit song information, the song's duration must be more than 30 seconds.

Only a single song's information can be submitted at a time. You cannot submit information for multiple songs simultaneously.

Hints

You can also submit song information by right-clicking a track, the information of which you want to submit, on the right of the Track Paneland selecting "Submit Song Info" from the menu.

It is possible to submit song information by selecting a track added a track marker to be divided.  

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Outputting

You can output (write) recorded or edited songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc to create your own audio CD. You can also output (export) recorded oredited songs to audio files in WAV format or DSD format. When outputting (exporting) to audio files in WAV format, you can also register them tothe "SonicStage" application.The screen displayed by clicking "Output" is used for output to discs or files.

CD-R/CD-RW disc

File in WAV format

File in DSD format  

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Outputting songs to CD-R/RW discs

You can output (write) songs to CD-R or CD-RW discs.

To set the output destination

To check/set the contents for output

To set options for CD-R/RW writing

To write songs

To set the output destination

1. Insert a CD-R or CD-RW disc into the computer's recordable optical disc drive.

Hints

o In this help, a drive for CD-R/CD-RW discs is described as "disc drive."

o If you are using more than one recordable optical disc drive, click drop-down list of "Drive" to select the drive to be used from thedrop-down list.

2. Click below "Audio CD (CD-R/RW)" to switch to .

The Setting Panel appears in the Panel Area.

To check/set the contents for outputYou can check the songs to be written (output) to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, edit a disc name, and also print a label for the disc.If the total recorded time exceeds the capacity of one CD-R or CD-RW disc, you can write songs to multiple discs by specifying a portion of eachdisc.

1. Click the "Verify Output Contents" tab.

The disc information (such as disc number, etc.) is displayed on the left, and the songs to be written are listed on the right.

HintIf the total recorded time exceeds the capacity of one CD-R or CD-RW disc (e.g., 74 or 80 minutes, etc.), the sequentially numbered discsare listed on the left showing how many discs are required, and the songs to be written to each disc are listed on the right.The number of necessary discs is calculated based on the capacity of the disc currently inserted into the drive. If no disc is inserted,calculation is based on a 650 MB CD-R (or CD-RW) disc.

2. Input the disc name and artist name for each disc in the text box on "Disc to be written" on the left and press the Enter key.

NoteUp to 255 characters can be applied to a text box.

HintYou can only output to discs selected on the left of the disc list.

3. Check the songs to be written on the right.

You can click "Record/Edit" to go back to the "Record/Edit" screen and delete any unnecessary song(s) or change the song title(s), etc.

HintIf you write to more than one CD-R or CD-RW disc, you can specify where to separate the discs by selecting a disc on the left of the TrackPanel to select the boundary on the right and clicking "Move Disc Boundary" buttons. (Note that you cannot set more than five CD-R orCD-RW discs, and the portion you specify for each disc must be within its capacity.)

4. Click "Print Label" if you want to print a label for the disc.

"PictureGear Studio" starts and a window for creating labels appears.Follow the on-screen instructions to print the label. For more information and notes on printing labels, refer to the help file of the Page 37

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"PictureGear Studio" application.

Notes

Since song titles and artist names are also written to a CD-R or CD-RW disc as text data, this allows you to easily create a CD TEXT disc.The maximum number of characters (the total number of song title and artist name characters) you can write to a CD-R or CD-RW disc is3020 characters. (Note that depending on the number of songs to be written, you may not be able to write 3020 characters to the disc.)

You cannot print labels unless the "PictureGear Studio" application is installed on your computer.

Before printing labels, a printer must be connected to your computer. For more information about connecting a printer, refer to theinstruction manuals, etc., which came with your computer.

When writing songs to multiple CD-R or CD-RW discs, the capacity of each disc to be inserted needs to be the same as the one currentlyinserted into the drive. If you attempt to continue writing by inserting a disc having less capacity than the one already used, the portion tobe output to each disc will be recalculated.

To set options for CD-R/RW writing

Output SettingsYou can set options for CD-R/RW writing, such as the writing method and speed.

1. Click the "Output Settings" tab. 2. Select the writing method from the drop-down list of "Writing mode."

o Write to discUsed to write to a CD-R or CD-RW disc without test writing. Normally it is recommended that you select this.

o Test onlyUsed for test writing only.

3. Select the writing speed from the drop-down list of "Writing speed." 4. Check the information about the disc to be written.

The following items are displayed for "Disc Info."

o Media TypeDisplays the type of disc (CD-R or CD-RW).

o CapacityDisplays the total amount of disc space.

HintIf a used CD-RW disc is currently inserted into the drive, the used space on it is displayed.

o StatusDisplays the status of disc.If "Cannot write to this disc" or "The disc is not inserted" is displayed, you need to insert a suitable disc.If "Disc which needs to initialize" is displayed, you need to use another disc or initialize the disc by clicking "Initialize."

Conversion SettingsYou can choose whether or not to enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function.

1. Click the "Conversion Settings" tab. 2. Put a checkmark before the "Use SBM" option.

Selecting the "Use SBM" option enables you the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function. Page 38

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NoteThe "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function is only available for songs recorded (sampled) at 24-bit.

Hints

You can change the location to store temporary files while writing (outputting) songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc in the dialog box displayedby selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. - See Details

If the output channel is set to 5.1-channel in Master Effect, the song is automatically converted to 2-channel.

To write songsYou can write (output) recorded or imported songs to CD-R or CD-RW discs.1. Click "Start Output."

Writing songs starts, and progress is shown on the screen. When writing is completed, a dialog box appears to inform you that the processhas finished.

2. Click "OK" in the dialog box that shows that writing has finished.

The disc is ejected and the dialog box closes.

HintIf you write to multiple CD-R or CD-RW discs, a dialog box appears asking to insert another disc. Inset another disc into the disc drive.

Notes on writing to multiple discsIf you write songs to more than one CD-R or CD-RW disc, take into account the following:

You cannot continue writing if the total time length of the songs to be written exceeds the capacity (e.g., 74 or 80 minutes, etc.) of the CD-Ror CD-RW disc inserted into the drive. In this case, you need to use another disc. Otherwise you need to abort writing so that the portion tobe output to each disc can be recalculated, and then start to write again.

If you continue writing by inserting an uninitialized CD-RW disc, a dialog box appears prompting you to check the disc. In this case, click"Yes" to abort writing and initialize the CD-RW disc by clicking "Initialize," and then start to write again.

 

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Outputting songs to WAV files

You can output (export) songs to audio files in WAV format.

To set the output destination

To check/set the contents for output

To set options for WAV files

To export songs

To set the output destination

1. Click below "WAV File" to switch to .

The Setting Panel used for output to WAV files appears in the Panel Area.

To check/set the contents for outputYou can check the songs to be exported (output) to audio files in WAV format.

1. Click the "Verify Output Contents" tab. 2. Check the songs to be exported in WAV format.

You can click "Record/Edit" to go back to the "Record/Edit" screen and delete any unnecessary song(s) or change the song title(s), etc.

NoteYou cannot export a part of songs displayed on the panel.

To set options for WAV files

Output SettingsYou can set options for audio files in WAV format to be exported (output), such as the location for storing files.

1. Click the "Output Settings" tab. 2. Click "Browse" if you want to change the location to store the audio files in WAV format to be exported.

The "Browse For Folder" dialog box appears allowing you to specify the location.

Hints

o If you save the current status as a project, a folder having the project name (if you do not save as a project, a folder named"YYYY-MMDD + 0, 1, 2, 3...") is created in the location you specified, and the output files are stored in it.

o You can click "Default" to restore the location set by default, which is "D:\SonicStage Mastering Studio\Output Files\YYYY-MMDD + 0,1, 2, 3... ." If you save the current status as a project, a folder under the "Output Files" folder is given the project name. Page 40

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3. Put a checkmark before the "Register to SonicStage" option, as necessary.

If you select this option, you can export the songs to WAV files and register them to the "SonicStage" application.You can also set the followings. Input in the text box.

o Album title

o Album artist

o Album genre

HintThe names that you input are displayed as information, such as an album name on "My Library" of the "SonicStage" application.

NoteWhen you register output files to SonicStage, take into account the following:

o Your computer must be installed with SonicStage Version 1.5.50 or later.

o You must log on as a user with Administrator rights.

Conversion SettingsYou can set options for the sampling rate used to export and choose whether or not to enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function.

1. Click the "Conversion Settings" tab. 2. Put a checkmark before the "Mix down to 2 ch and output" option.

Selecting this option allows you to mix down to 2-channel format and output.

HintThis option is available only when "5.1 ch" is selected from the output settings in the "Record/Edit" screen.

3. Put a checkmark before the "Change sampling rate" option.

Selecting this option allows you to change (convert) the bit depth and/or sampling rate, and also enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping"function. If you select this option, go to step 6.If you clear the checkmark, the bit depth and sampling rate used for recording are applied to the files to be exported.

HintFor details on how to decide the bit depth and sampling rate for exporting, refer to "How to specify the bit depth and sampling rate" below.

4. Select a value from the drop-down list of "Bit depth."

You can select "16" or "24" (bit). To use the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, select "16" (bit).

HintWhen you select "24" (bit) and select the "Output extensible format WAV files" option, you can create an audio file that is available for allapplications used for playback of songs.

5. Select a value from the drop-down list of "Sampling rate."

To use the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, select "44100" or "48000" (Hz). 6. Put a checkmark before the "Use SBM" option.

The "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function is enabled when exporting. If you clear the checkmark, the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function isdisabled.

NoteThe "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function is only available for songs recorded (sampled) at 24-bit.

How to specify the bit depth and sampling rateThe settings for the bit depth and sampling rate differ depending on those of the recorded songs. To check whether and how to decide the bitdepth and sampling rate for exporting, refer to the following:

For songs recorded at lower bit depth and sampling rateIt is recommended that you do not change (convert) the bit depth and sampling rate.

For songs recorded at higher bit depth and sampling rateIf you want the output file size to be smaller, it is recommended that you choose lower values. (However, because lower sampling valuesmay cause distortion, it is recommended that you enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, in order to convert to lower bit depthwithout degrading the sound quality.) Page 41

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HintThe bit depth and sampling rate of the recorded song are displayed on the title bar in the upper part of the screen.

Notes

In order to play back an audio file (in WAV format) with SonicStage after you have output and registered it to SonicStage, the file size mustbe less than 2 GB. Otherwise, you first need to divide the song to reduce the file size of the output file to less than 2 GB, and then registerto SonicStage. For reference, if the duration of a song is 3 hours and 20 minutes, it will be a 2 GB audio file after you have sampled(recorded and output) at 16-bit /44.1 kHz.

Depending on the bit depth and sampling rate specified when outputting, the audio file may not be played back or recognized on the othersoftware.Especially, if you set the sampling rate to "176400" or "192000" (Hz), the software to play back or recognize is restricted.

To export songsYou can export (output) recorded songs to audio files in WAV format.1. Click "Start Output."

Exporting of songs starts and progress is shown on the screen. When exporting is completed, a dialog box appears to inform you that theprocess has finished.

2. Click "OK."  

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Outputting songs to DSD files

You can output (export) songs to audio files in DSD format.

To set the output destination

To check/set the contents for output

To set options for DSD files

To export songs

To set the output destination

1. Click below "DSD File" to switch to .

The Setting Panel used for output to DSD files appears in the Panel Area.

To check/set the contents for outputYou can check the songs to be exported (output) to audio files in DSD format.

1. Click the "Verify Output Contents" tab. 2. Check the songs to be exported in DSD format.

You can click "Record/Edit" to go back to the "Record/Edit" screen and delete any unnecessary song(s) or change the song title(s), etc.

NoteYou cannot export a part of songs displayed on the panel.

To set options for DSD files

Output SettingsYou can set options for audio files in DSD format to be exported (output), such as the location for storing files.

1. Click the "Output Settings" tab. 2. Click "Browse" if you want to change the location to store the audio files in DSD format to be exported.

The "Browse For Folder" dialog box appears allowing you to specify the location.

Hints

o If you save the current status as a project, a folder having the project name (if you do not save as a project, a folder named"YYYY-MMDD + 0, 1, 2, 3...") is created in the location you specified, and the output files are stored in it.

o You can click "Default" to restore the location set by default, which is "D:\SonicStage Mastering Studio\Output Files\YYYY-MMDD + 0,1, 2, 3... ." If you save the current status as a project, a folder under the "Output Files" folder is given the project name. Page 43

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To export songsYou can export songs to audio files in DSD format. 1. Click "Start Output."

Exporting of songs starts and progress is shown on the screen. When exporting is completed, a dialog box appears to inform you that theprocess has finished.

2. Click "OK."  

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Selecting an input source

You can specify how the external player (such as a record player or cassette deck) is connected to your computer.You can also adjust the input level.

Connect directly to your computer's input terminal (LINE IN). - See Details

Import audio files stored on your computer's hard disk. - See Details  

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Selecting the computer's input terminal

You can select your computer's input terminal (LINE IN) as an input source.

To connect the external player

To select an input terminal

To adjust the input level

To connect the external player

1. Connect the external player to your computer's LINE IN input terminal using an audio connecting cable.

NoteYou cannot record songs if you connect the external player to the computer's "AUDIO" (audio input terminal) allocated to "VIDEO INPUT."You cannot also record songs if you connect the external player to the computer's mic terminal.

2. Start SonicStage Mastering Studio. 3. Select the "Use DSD Mode" option and click "Click to Start."

To select an input terminal

Click of "LINE IN" to switch to . The Setting Panel appears in the Panel Area.

NoteIf a message appears to notify that no input terminal or device is found, select "Options" from the "Tool" menu to check the sound card to beused is properly selected. - See Details

Hint

You can set options for the device in "DSD device" in the "Options" dialog box displayed by clicking .

To adjust the input levelYou can adjust the input level to prevent the recorded volume becoming too high or low.

1. Click the "Input Level Adjustment" tab. 2. Play back the external player to output sound.

The Level Meter indicates the input level.

Hints

o It is recommended that you play back a louder section of the song.

o You can adjust the volume with the volume control buttons in the upper right of the screen.

3. Adjust the input level.

Move the input level adjustment slider up or down.Moving the slider up increases the level, while down decreases the level.

4. Move the input balance adjustment slider to adjust the left and right balance, as necessary.

Moving the slider to the left increases the input level for the left side, while to the right increases the input level for the right side.

HintIf the input level exceeds the maximum input level, the clip indicator below "Clip Reset" on the panel lights to notify that clipping has occurred. Ifthis happens, decrease the input level to avoid clipping. The indicator remains lit until you click "Clip Reset."

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The input level may differ depending on the external player or audio connecting cable you are using.If you change the external player or replace the audio connecting cable, you must check the input level and adjust it accordingly.  

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Importing audio files stored on your computer's hard disk

You can import audio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension), MP3 format (with an .mp3 extension), or DSD format (with a .dsf extension)stored on your computer's hard disk.

Notes

To import an audio file, the file must fulfill the following conditions:

o WAV formatSampling rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, or 192 kHz Bit depth: 16-bit or 24-bitStereo, mono, or 5.1-channel

o MP3 formatSampling rate: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHzBit rate: 32 kbps to 320 kbpsStereo or mono

o DSD formatDSD file in stereo format

WAV files and MP3 files are all converted and DSD files in stereo format are newly created as a result of conversion.

You cannot import audio files shorter than one second.

Up to 99 songs can be listed on the Track Panel. Songs (files) over the maximum number (99) cannot be imported.

Some audio files cannot be imported. 1. Select "Import Files" from the "File" menu.

The "Import Files" dialog box appears.

HintThe "Import Files" dialog box also appears by clicking "Record/Edit" to switch the screen and clicking "Import File."

2. Select the file to be imported.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Ctrl key.

3. Click , as necessary.

Playback of the file (or the first file displayed in the "File name" box) begins. You can listen to check the sound of the file to be imported.

Hints

o If you put a checkmark before the "Automatically play back the selection" option, playback starts automatically when you select a file.

o You can change the position to begin playback by moving the slider during playback. Playback starts from where you release themouse button.

o To stop playback of the song(s), click .

o The sound is output from the DSD audio device specified in the "Select Input" screen.

4. Click "Import."

The selected file(s) is added to the list of the Track Panel. If any files require conversion, a dialog box appears to confirm. If you click "Yes,"the conversion starts and progress is shown on the screen.

To abort importing files

1. Click "Cancel" in the dialog box showing the conversion process.

A confirmation dialog box appears. 2. Click "Yes."

The importing process is stopped.  

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Recording/Editing

You can record songs from an external player, such as a record player or cassette deck, onto your computer's hard disk. You can also editsongs.You can record and edit songs on the screen displayed by clicking "Record/Edit."  

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Recording songs

You can record songs from an external player, such as a record player or cassette deck, onto your computer's hard disk.

1. Select the channel for input from the drop-down list. 2. Play back the external player to output sound. 3. Click "Start Recording" at the position you want to start recording.

Recording starts and the Track Panel appears, allowing you to monitor the recording process. 4. Click "Stop Recording" at the position you want to stop recording.

Recording stops.

HintUp to 99 songs can be listed on the Track Panel. When the number of the songs is 99, the track marker cannot be added to divide.

Notes

If the clip indicator in the upper left of the screen lights while recording, the recording may be distorted. If this happens, click "Select Input"to go back to the "Select Input" screen, and adjust the input level to avoid clipping, and then start to record again. The clip indicatorremains lit until you click "Clip Reset."

During playback, do not perform any of the following. Doing so may cause playback to be interrupted or sound to skips.

o Connect or disconnect any USB devices (such as a USB audio device or USB mouse, etc.) to/from your computer.

o Change the position or size of the screen.

While recording, computer energy saver functions (standby, hibernate) or the screensaver do not activate.  

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Features and controls of the Track Panel

You can edit a recorded or imported song using the controls of the Track Panel and the edit buttons, which can be displayed when recording (orimporting) has finished.

A Total Time display Displays the total time length of songs in the current project.

B Elapsed Time display Displays the elapsed time of playback or recording of a song.During Playback: Displays the elapsed time of playback and a track number.During Recording: Displays the elapsed time of recording.

C Import File button Imports the audio file stored on your computer's hard disk

D Playback Control buttons Control playback operations.

:Stops playback. The cursor stops at the position where playback stops.

:Starts playback from the current cursor position. The cursor moves to the right as time elapses.

:Skips back to the beginning of the current song (on which the cursor is located). The cursor moves to the beginning of the song.(Playback starts if the button is clicked during playback.)

:Skips forward to the beginning of the next song. The cursor moves from the current song to the beginning of the next song. (Playbackstarts if the button is clicked during playback).

Hint

Clicking or repeatedly skips back or forward through the songs.

E Undo/Redo buttons

:Used to undo the last editing operation.

NoteIf you record or import songs, you cannot undo any previous editing.

:Used to reset the last undo editing operation.

F (Delete) button Used to delete a song by selecting the song to be deleted and clicking this button.

G Track Marker A marker shown below the Timeline to indicate the position that the song (track) will be divided. Page 51

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H Edit Buttons Used to edit a song.Add Track Marker: Adds a track marker at the position to divide, and splits the track into segments.Fade In/Out: Displays the "Fade In/Out Settings" dialog box, allowing you to apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects to the selected song (track), soas to gradually increase or decrease the volume at the beginning or end of the song.

I Timeline Displays (in increments) the duration, starting and ending time, and elapsed time of a song, and also shows the progress of recording.The track marker is displayed below the Timeline at the position you click below the Timeline.

J (Help) button Displays this help file.

K Zoom Out/Zoom In buttons

:Increases the time interval of the Timeline one level. For example, the 4-minute time interval (00:00, 04:00, 08:00...) changes to the8-minute time interval (00:00, 08:00, 16:00...) when you click this button, allowing you to view the approximate start and end time, etc., ofeach song.

:Reduces the time interval of the Timeline one level. For example, the 4-minute time interval (00:00, 04:00, 08:00...) changes to the2-minute time interval (00:00, 02:00, 04:00...) when you click this button, allowing you to view more finely the start and end time, etc., ofeach song.

L Playback Cursor

Indicates the current playback position, and moves to the right as time elapses. When you click , the cursor stops at the

current position. When you click , playback starts from the current cursor position. If you click anywhere (other than on a track) on the right while playback is stopped, the cursor moves to the position you clicked. If youdouble-click anywhere (other than on a track) on the right while playback is stopped, the cursor moves to the position youdouble-clicked, and playback starts from

HintYou can also use the cursor to add a track marker.

NoteThe cursor is not displayed while recording.

M Track Refers to a recorded or imported song, and shows a song in a horizontal bar on the track list on the right of the Track Panel. A bar(track) corresponds to the song on the same line level on the left. The left end of a bar (track) indicates the start time, the right endindicates the end time, and the length indicates the duration of the song.When you select a track, the start time and end time appears.

HintIf a track marker is displayed below the Timeline, the track is divided just temporarily. SonicStage Mastering Studio handles such atrack as one piece until it has actually been divided, even though the songs on the left are listed individually.

N Song List Displays the list of recorded or imported songs, with track number, song title information, their duration, and channel.You can also change the song title information and order.

O Select All button Selects all the songs on the Track Panel.

 

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Adding a track marker

You can divide a recorded or imported song at a desired position.To divide a song, first you need to add a track marker at the position to be divided. You can add the track marker at the cursor position on theright of the Track Panel.When you add the track marker, the tracks are divided.

Notes

Up to 99 songs can be listed on the Track Panel. When the number of the songs is 99, the track marker cannot be added to divide.

If the audio file is less than one second, you cannot add the track marker as outlined here.

1. Click on the right of the Track Panel to move the cursor to the desired position. 2. Click "Add Track Marker."

A track marker appears at the position that you clicked.

Hints

o You can also add a track marker by clicking below the Timeline on the Track Panel.

o You can change the position of a track marker. -See Details

3. Select the track added the track marker and select "Divide" - "Divide at Track Markers" from the "Edit" menu.

The song (track) is divided at the marked position. The track marker(s) for the selected track disappear.

Hints

You can also add a track marker during playback or recording.However, if you add the track marker during playback, the track marker appears at the current recording position.

You can add a track marker automatically by selecting track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and selecting "Divide" - "Auto Track Marking"from the "Edit" menu. The track marker is added where a predetermined silence is detected, and the track marker appears at eachposition below the Timeline.If you select a track added the track marker, all the existing markers on the selected track are cleared before adding the track marker. Inthis case, the segments within the track are combined into a single track, and then split again.Before adding the track marker, you can set the silence level and silence duration to add the track marker. -See Details

You can fine adjust the position of a track marker.

To delete a track markerYou can delete a track marker from the Timeline on the right of the Track Panel. 1. Right-click the desired track marker and select "Delete" from the menu.

The selected track marker disappears, and the segments within the track are combined into a single track.

Hints

You can also delete a track marker from the Timeline by dragging a track marker and dropping it onto the desired position other than theTimeline (or below the Timeline of any other tracks).

You can also delete a track marker by selecting a track added the track marker and selecting "Divide" - "Clear Track Markers" from the"Edit" menu. In this case, all the markers for the selected track disappear.

You can also delete a track marker during playback.However, if you select "Divide" - "Clear Track Markers" from the "Edit" menu, playback stops immediately.

NoteYou may hear some noise at the division mark when you play back a track and perform division, but the CD-R/CD-RW and audio output as WAVfiles or DSD files are noiseless.  

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Changing the position of a track marker

You can adjust the position of a track marker by moving the track marker below the Timeline on the right of the Track Panel. 1. Select the track marker and move it to the right or left to adjust the position.

The track marker is moved to the new location where you released the mouse button.

NoteYou must keep the track marker within the range of the track. The track marker is deleted if you drag the marker and drop it onto a position belowthe Timeline of another track, or where there is no track on the list.

To adjust a track marker position more finelyYou can fine adjust the position of a track marker. 1. Double-click the desired track marker below the Timeline.

The "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box appears.

NoteDepending on the song, it takes time to display waves in the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box.

2. Move the track marker in the dialog box to the right or left to adjust the position.

Clicking increases the time interval, allowing you to adjust the approximate position.

Clicking reduces the time interval, allowing you to fine adjust.

Hints

o When you increase or reduce the time interval by clicking or , the track marker is always displayed in the center of theTimeline in the dialog box.

o You cannot scroll the increments on the Timeline in the dialog box. If you want to move the track marker outside the current range,

click first to increase the time interval and move to the approximate position, and then click to reduce the time interval to fineadjust.

o If you click (Previous Marker) or (Next Marker), a track marker to the left (Previous Marker) or right (Next Marker) isdisplayed in the center of the Timeline.

o If more than one track marker appears in the dialog box, the track marker in blue is the one currently selected, and you cannot

change the selection. To select any other track marker, you need to click (Previous Marker) or (Next Marker).

o You can move the track marker anywhere within the track. However, the space (duration) between track markers must be at least 1second or more.

3. Click on the right or left to listen to check where the song will be divided.

Clicking (Play Near Marker) on the left repeats playback near the selected track marker for approximately 5 seconds.

Clicking (Play From Marker) on the right repeats playback from the position of the selected track marker for approximately 10seconds.Repeat steps 2 and 3 to adjust the position until you get the result you wish.

4. Click "OK."

The position of the track marker is moved, and the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box closes.

NoteIf the space (duration) between the track markers becomes too close (less than 1 second), a dialog box appears to confirm to combinethese markers. If you click "OK," the right hand mark is deleted, and the dialog box closes. If you click "Cancel," the "Edit Track MarkerPosition" dialog box reappears and you can increase the space to 1 second or more.

HintYou can also display the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box by right-clicking a track marker below the Timeline and selecting "Move" fromthe menu.  

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Applying the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects

You can apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects to a recorded or imported song. "Fade-In" increases the volume gradually at the beginning ofa song, while "Fade-Out" decreases the volume gradually at the end of a song. 1. Click to select the song on the left of the Track Panel.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key.

HintIf you select multiple songs, the length of the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects you specified (in seconds) is applied to all the selectedsongs.

2. Click "Fade In/Out."

The "Fade In/Out Settings" dialog box appears. 3. Move the slider to the right or left to specify the length of the Fade-In effect.

You can specify the length between 0 to 10 seconds.

Hints

o You can select the fade type from or .

o Steps 3 and 4 are not required if you want to apply only the Fade-Out effect to the song. In this case, go to step 5.

4. Click on the left.

The first 12 seconds of the song (or the first song of the selected songs) is played back repeatedly. You can check how the song(s) fadesin.Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you get the result you wish.

Hint

To stop playback, click . 5. Move the slider on the right of the dialog box to the right or left to specify the length of the Fade-Out effect.

You can specify the length between 0 to 10 seconds.

Hints

o You can select the fade type from or .

o Steps 5 and 6 are not required if you want to apply only the Fade-In effect to the song. In this case, go to step 7.

6. Click on the right.

The last 12 seconds of the song (or the first song of the selected songs) is played back repeatedly. You can listen to how the song(s) fadesout.Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you get the result you wish.

Hint

To stop playback, click . 7. Click "OK."

Hints

You can also apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects by selecting a track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and clicking "Fade In/Out."

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.

NoteIf you apply the Fade-In and/or Fade-Out effects to a song shorter than 20 seconds, you may not get the result you set.

To cancel applying the Fade-In and Fade-Out effectsClick "Cancel" in step 7 above.  

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Adjusting the output level

You can adjust the output level by moving the slider for the output settings in the upper part of the screen up or down.

NoteIf the output level is too high, you may experience audio distortion.

HintDecreasing the output level may solve audio distortion.  

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Listening to check recorded or edited songs

You can play back recorded or edited songs to check.

To play back a song

1. Click to select a song to be played back on the left of the Track Panel.

2. Click .

Playback of the song starts.The cursor appears on the right of the Track Panel, indicating the current playback position on the Timeline. It moves to the right as timeelapses.

To locate the beginning of a song

1. Click or during playback.

Click once to locate the beginning of the current song.

Click once to locate the beginning of the next song.

Clicking or repeatedly allows you to skip through songs.

To play back from the specified position

1. Double-click anywhere (other than on the tracks) on the right of the Track Panel while playback is stopped.

Playback of the song starts from the position you double-clicked.

HintYou can also play back from the specified position by performing the either following operation during playback:

o Click the specified position on the Timeline.

o Drag on the Timeline to the specified position.

To stop playback

1. Click .

Playback of the song stops.

NoteDuring playback, do not perform any of the following. Doing so may cause playback to be interrupted or sound to skips.

Connect or disconnect any USB devices (such as a USB audio device or USB mouse, etc.) to/from your computer.

Change the position or size of the Main Window.  

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Changing a song title

You can change the song title of a recorded or imported song. 1. Right-click the song on the left of the Track Panel and select "Rename" from the menu.

The song title of the selected song can be changed in the text box. 2. Input the desired song title, and press the Enter key.

The song title is changed.

Hints

You can also change a song title by selecting the song and clicking the field under the "Title" column on the song list.

If you press the Tab key or Shift + Tab keys when changing a song title, you can move to the next or previous song title on the list.

You can see or change a song title or artist name in the "Song Properties" dialog box that is displayed when you right-click the song onthe Track Panel and select "Properties" from the menu.

NoteUp to 255 characters can be applied to a song title or an artist name.  

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Changing the order of songs

You can change the order of songs to be output. 1. Select and drag a song on the left of the Track Panel and drop it onto the desired position on the song list.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key.The selected song(s) is moved to the new location, and the songs are rearranged accordingly on the list.

Hints

You can also change the order of songs by dragging the track(s) and dropping it onto the desired position on the track list.

If you drag and drop a track added a track marker to be divided, the segments within the track will move together. This is becauseSonicStage Mastering Studio handles such a track as one piece until the track has actually been divided. Therefore, to rearrange eachsong on the list individually, you first need to divide the track. -See Details

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.  

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Deleting a song

You can delete a recorded or imported song.

NoteA deleted song cannot be output to a disc or file. 1. Right-click the song on the left of the Track Panel and select "Delete" from the menu.

To select more than one song at one time, click the songs while holding down the Shift key.The selected song(s) is deleted from the list on the left of the Track Panel.

Hints

You can also delete a track by selecting the track and clicking .

You can also delete a song(s) by right-clicking the track(s) on the right of the Track Panel and selecting "Delete" from the menu.

The operations you performed for a song(s) on the left affect the track(s) on the same line level on the right, and vice versa.

A track added a track marker to be divided is deleted in the block.To delete a part of the track added the track marker, select "Divide" - "Divide at Track Markers" from the "Edit" menu and delete.

 

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Outputting

You can output (write) recorded or edited songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc to create your own audio CD. You can also output (export) recorded oredited songs to audio files in WAV format or DSD format. When outputting (exporting) to audio files in WAV format, you can also register them tothe "SonicStage" application.The screen displayed by clicking "Output" is used for output to discs or files.

CD-R/CD-RW disc

File in WAV format

File in DSD format  

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Outputting songs to CD-R/RW discs

You can output (write) songs to CD-R or CD-RW discs.

To set the output destination

To check/set the contents for output

To set options for CD-R/RW writing

To write songs

To set the output destination

1. Insert a CD-R or CD-RW disc into the computer's recordable optical disc drive.

Hints

o In this help, a drive for CD-R/CD-RW discs is described as "disc drive."

o If you are using more than one recordable optical disc drive, click drop-down list of "Drive" to select the drive to be used from thedrop-down list.

2. Click below "Audio CD (CD-R/RW)" to switch to .

The Setting Panel appears in the Panel Area.

To check/set the contents for outputYou can check the songs to be written (output) to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, edit a disc name, and also print a label for the disc.If the total recorded time exceeds the capacity of one CD-R or CD-RW disc, you can write songs to multiple discs by specifying a portion of eachdisc.

1. Click the "Verify Output Contents" tab.

The disc information (such as disc number, etc.) is displayed on the left, and the songs to be written are listed on the right.

HintIf the total recorded time exceeds the capacity of one CD-R or CD-RW disc (e.g., 74 or 80 minutes, etc.), the sequentially numbered discsare listed on the left showing how many discs are required, and the songs to be written to each disc are listed on the right.The number of necessary discs is calculated based on the capacity of the disc currently inserted into the drive. If no disc is inserted,calculation is based on a 650 MB CD-R (or CD-RW) disc.

2. Input the disc name and artist name for each disc in the text box on "Disc to be written" on the left and press the Enter key.

NoteUp to 255 characters can be applied to a text box.

HintYou can only output to discs selected on the left of the disc list.

3. Check the songs to be written on the right.

You can click "Record/Edit" to go back to the "Record/Edit" screen and delete any unnecessary song(s) or change the song title(s), etc.

HintIf you write to more than one CD-R or CD-RW disc, you can specify where to separate the discs by selecting a disc on the left of the TrackPanel to select the boundary on the right and clicking "Move Disc Boundary" buttons. (Note that you cannot set more than five CD-R orCD-RW discs, and the portion you specify for each disc must be within its capacity.)

4. Click "Print Label" if you want to print a label for the disc.

"PictureGear Studio" starts and a window for creating labels appears.Follow the on-screen instructions to print the label. For more information and notes on printing labels, refer to the help file of the Page 62

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"PictureGear Studio" application.

Notes

Since song titles and artist names are also written to a CD-R or CD-RW disc as text data, this allows you to easily create a CD TEXT disc.The maximum number of characters (the total number of song title and artist name characters) you can write to a CD-R or CD-RW disc is3020 characters. (Note that depending on the number of songs to be written, you may not be able to write 3020 characters to the disc.)

You cannot print labels unless the "PictureGear Studio" application is installed on your computer.

Before printing labels, a printer must be connected to your computer. For more information about connecting a printer, refer to theinstruction manuals, etc., which came with your computer.

When writing songs to multiple CD-R or CD-RW discs, the capacity of each disc to be inserted needs to be the same as the one currentlyinserted into the drive. If you attempt to continue writing by inserting a disc having less capacity than the one already used, the portion tobe output to each disc will be recalculated.

To set options for CD-R/RW writing

Output SettingsYou can set options for CD-R/RW writing, such as the writing method and speed.

1. Click the "Output Settings" tab. 2. Select the writing method from the drop-down list of "Writing mode."

o Write to discUsed to write to a CD-R or CD-RW disc without test writing. Normally it is recommended that you select this.

o Test onlyUsed for test writing only.

3. Select the writing speed from the drop-down list of "Writing speed." 4. Check the information about the disc to be written.

The following items are displayed for "Disc Info."

o Media TypeDisplays the type of disc (CD-R or CD-RW).

o CapacityDisplays the total amount of disc space.

HintIf a used CD-RW disc is currently inserted into the drive, the used space on it is displayed.

o StatusDisplays the status of disc.If "Cannot write to this disc" or "The disc is not inserted" is displayed, you need to insert a suitable disc.If "Disc which needs to initialize" is displayed, you need to use another disc or initialize the disc by clicking "Initialize."

Conversion SettingsYou can choose whether or not to enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function.

1. Click the "Conversion Settings" tab. 2. Put a checkmark before the "Use SBM" option.

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NoteThe "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function is only available for songs recorded (sampled) at 24-bit.

HintYou can change the location to store temporary files while writing (outputting) songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc in the dialog box displayed byselecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. - See Details

To write songsYou can write (output) recorded or imported songs to CD-R or CD-RW discs.1. Click "Start Output."

Writing songs starts, and progress is shown on the screen. When writing is completed, a dialog box appears to inform you that the processhas finished.

2. Click "OK" in the dialog box that shows that writing has finished.

The disc is ejected and the dialog box closes.

HintIf you write to multiple CD-R or CD-RW discs, a dialog box appears asking to insert another disc. Inset another disc into the disc drive.

Notes on writing to multiple discsIf you write songs to more than one CD-R or CD-RW disc, take into account the following:

You cannot continue writing if the total time length of the songs to be written exceeds the capacity (e.g., 74 or 80 minutes, etc.) of the CD-Ror CD-RW disc inserted into the drive. In this case, you need to use another disc. Otherwise you need to abort writing so that the portion tobe output to each disc can be recalculated, and then start to write again.

If you continue writing by inserting an uninitialized CD-RW disc, a dialog box appears prompting you to check the disc. In this case, click"Yes" to abort writing and initialize the CD-RW disc by clicking "Initialize," and then start to write again.

 

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Outputting songs to WAV files

You can output (export) songs to audio files in WAV format.

To set the output destination

To check/set the contents for output

To set options for WAV files

To export songs

To set the output destination

1. Click below "WAV File" to switch to .

The Setting Panel used for output to WAV files appears in the Panel Area.

To check/set the contents for outputYou can check the songs to be exported (output) to audio files in WAV format.

1. Click the "Verify Output Contents" tab. 2. Check the songs to be exported in WAV format.

You can click "Record/Edit" to go back to the "Record/Edit" screen and delete any unnecessary song(s) or change the song title(s), etc.

NoteYou cannot export a part of songs displayed on the panel.

To set options for WAV files

Output SettingsYou can set options for audio files in WAV format to be exported (output), such as the location for storing files.

1. Click the "Output Settings" tab. 2. Click "Browse" if you want to change the location to store the audio files in WAV format to be exported.

The "Browse For Folder" dialog box appears allowing you to specify the location.

Hints

o If you save the current status as a project, a folder having the project name (if you do not save as a project, a folder named"YYYY-MMDD + 0, 1, 2, 3...") is created in the location you specified, and the output files are stored in it.

o You can click "Default" to restore the location set by default, which is "D:\SonicStage Mastering Studio\Output Files\YYYY-MMDD + 0,1, 2, 3... ." If you save the current status as a project, a folder under the "Output Files" folder is given the project name. Page 65

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3. Put a checkmark before the "Register to SonicStage" option, as necessary.

If you select this option, you can export the songs to WAV files and register them to the "SonicStage" application.You can also set the followings. Input in the text box.

o Album title

o Album artist

o Album genre

HintThe names that you input are displayed as information, such as an album name on "My Library" of the "SonicStage" application.

NoteWhen you register output files to SonicStage, take into account the following:

o Your computer must be installed with SonicStage Version 1.5.50 or later.

o You must log on as a user with Administrator rights.

Conversion SettingsYou can set options for the sampling rate used to export and choose whether or not to enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function.

1. Click the "Conversion Settings" tab. 2. Select a value from the drop-down list of "Bit depth."

The bit depth can be selected from "16" and "24" (bit). To use the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, select "16" (bit).

HintWhen you select "24" (bit) and select the "Output extensible format WAV files" option, you can create an audio file that is available for allapplications used for playback of songs.

3. Select a value from the drop-down list of "Sampling rate."

To use the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, select "44100" or "48000" (Hz). 4. Put a checkmark before the "Use SBM" option.

The "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function is enabled when exporting. If you clear the checkmark, the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function isdisabled.

NoteThe "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function is only available for songs recorded (sampled) at 24-bit.

How to specify the bit depth and sampling rateThe settings for the bit depth and sampling rate differ depending on those of the recorded songs. To check whether and how to decide the bitdepth and sampling rate for exporting, refer to the following:

For songs recorded at lower bit depth and sampling rateIt is recommended that you do not change (convert) the bit depth and sampling rate.

For songs recorded at higher bit depth and sampling rateIf you want the output file size to be smaller, it is recommended that you choose lower values. (However, because lower sampling valuesmay cause distortion, it is recommended that you enable the "SBM/Super Bit Mapping" function, in order to convert to lower bit depthwithout degrading the sound quality.)

HintThe bit depth and sampling rate of the recorded song are displayed on the title bar in the upper part of the screen.

Notes

In order to play back an audio file (in WAV format) with SonicStage after you have output and registered it to SonicStage, the file size mustbe less than 2 GB. Otherwise, you first need to divide the song to reduce the file size of the output file to less than 2 GB, and then registerto SonicStage. For reference, if the duration of a song is 3 hours and 20 minutes, it will be a 2 GB audio file after you have sampled(recorded and output) at 16-bit /44.1 kHz.

Depending on the bit depth and sampling rate specified when outputting, the audio file may not be played back or recognized on the othersoftware.Especially, if you set the sampling rate to "176400" or "192000" (Hz), the software to play back or recognize is restricted.

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To export songsYou can export (output) recorded songs to audio files in WAV format.1. Click "Start Output."

Exporting of songs starts and progress is shown on the screen. When exporting is completed, a dialog box appears to inform you that theprocess has finished.

2. Click "OK."  

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Outputting songs to DSD files

You can output (export) songs to audio files in DSD format.

To set the output destination

To check/set the contents for output

To set options for DSD files

To export songs

To set the output destination

1. Click below "DSD File" to switch to .

The Setting Panel used for output to DSD files appears in the Panel Area.

To check/set the contents for outputYou can check the songs to be exported (output) to audio files in DSD format.

1. Click the "Verify Output Contents" tab. 2. Check the songs to be exported in DSD format.

You can click "Record/Edit" to go back to the "Record/Edit" screen and delete any unnecessary song(s) or change the song title(s), etc.

NoteYou cannot export a part of songs displayed on the panel.

To set options for DSD files

Output SettingsYou can set options for audio files in DSD format to be exported (output), such as the location for storing files.

1. Click the "Output Settings" tab. 2. Click "Browse" if you want to change the location to store the audio files in DSD format to be exported.

The "Browse For Folder" dialog box appears allowing you to specify the location.

Hints

o If you save the current status as a project, a folder having the project name (if you do not save as a project, a folder named"YYYY-MMDD + 0, 1, 2, 3...") is created in the location you specified, and the output files are stored in it.

o You can click "Default" to restore the location set by default, which is "D:\SonicStage Mastering Studio\Output Files\YYYY-MMDD + 0,1, 2, 3... ." If you save the current status as a project, a folder under the "Output Files" folder is given the project name. Page 68

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To export songsYou can export songs to audio files in DSD format. 1. Click "Start Output."

Exporting of songs starts and progress is shown on the screen. When exporting is completed, a dialog box appears to inform you that theprocess has finished.

2. Click "OK."  

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Saving the current settings/content as a project

If you need to interrupt operation of SonicStage Mastering Studio, you can save the current settings and contents as a "project" for future use.

Hints

The location to save the project can be changed in the "Options" dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. -SeeDetails

If you save the current status as a project, a folder having the project name is created in the specified location. The project file (with an.smp extension) that has information about the current settings, and also the recorded songs (files), etc., are stored in the project folder.

Notes

If you have not recorded or imported any songs yet, you cannot save the current status as a project.

Depending on the current status of the recorded songs and edit operations, saving them as a project may take up considerable diskspace. It is recommended to delete any unnecessary project(s) to leave enough space on your computer's hard disk. -See Details

To save a project by specifying a nameWhen you save the current status as a project for the first time, you can specify the project name. You can also save the current project asanother project with a different name. 1. Select "Save Project As" from the "File" menu.

The "Save Project As" dialog box appears. 2. Input the desired name in the text box in the upper part of the dialog box.

Note

o You cannot input the following symbols: ¥ / : * ? " < > |

o Project name consisting of only the space character is not possible.

3. Click "Save."

The current status is saved as a project with the name you specified, and the dialog box closes.

Hints

If you save the current project as another project with a different name, a new project is saved in the same folder as the current project.

If you save the current status as a project and register the output files to the "SonicStage" application, a project name is displayed as analbum name on "My Library."

To save the current projectYou can save the current project whenever necessary. The project will be automatically saved with its previously specified name and location. 1. Select "Save Project" from the "File" menu.

The existing project is updated to the one you saved.  

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Opening a project

You can open an existing project, so as to continue to operate from where you left off last time. When you open a project, the contents, such asrecorded or imported songs, appear on the Track Panel in the Main Window. 1. Select "Open Project" from the "File" menu.

The "Open Project" dialog box appears and the folders containing the existing projects are listed.

HintIf you perform the above operation while recording or editing songs, a dialog box may appear prompting you to save the current project.To save the current project, click "Yes" in the dialog box.

2. Double-click the project folder on the list.

The project file(s) (with an .smp extension) contained in the selected folder is displayed. 3. Select the project file and click "Open."

The contents of the selected project are displayed in the Main Window.

HintYou can also open the existing project in the following way:

Double-click the project file (with an .smp extension) using Windows Explorer.

Click the project name from the "File" menu in the Main Window. 

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Creating a new project

You can create a new project, so as to operate SonicStage Mastering Studio from the beginning. 1. Select "New Project" from the "File" menu.

A project is newly created with no songs (tracks) listed on the Track Panel.

HintIf you perform the above operation while recording or editing songs, a dialog box may appear prompting you to save the current project.To save the current project, click "Yes" in the dialog box.  

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Converting a project

You can convert a mode of an existing project. 1. Select "Project Manager" from the "Tool" menu.

The "Project Manager" dialog box appears. 2. Select the project folder from "Project folders."

A folder's content is displayed in "Included projects." 3. Click "Convert"

The "Project Mode Conversion" dialog box appears. 4. Select the project name to be converted from the drop-down list. 5. Set other options.

o To convert a project in the Standard mode to the DSD modeCheck the project name and the location to save and choose whether or not to apply effects.To apply all effects set in the "Record/Edit" screen, select the "Apply the effects selected in the Record/Edit window" option.

o To convert a project in the DSD mode to the Standard modeCheck the project name and the location to save and select the bit depth and sampling rate from the drop-down list.

6. Click "Start."

Notes

o It takes time to convert.

o The current project cannot be converted.  

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Deleting a project

You can delete an unnecessary project.

NoteIf you delete a project, the project folder, which contains the project file (with an .smp extension) as well as the recorded songs (files), is deletedfrom your computer. 1. Select "Project Manager" from the "Tool" menu.

The "Project Manager" dialog box appears. 2. Click to select the project folder from "Project folders" and click "Delete."

A confirmation dialog box appears. 3. Click "Yes."

The selected project folder is deleted.If you want to delete other projects, repeat steps 2 and 3.

NoteYou cannot delete a project that is currently opened.

 

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Changing the settings (Dialog box)

Here shows the contents of the "Options" dialog box.You can set options in the "Options" dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu.Select the desired item from the list on the left to set options on the right. After setting, click "OK."

Projects (General settings)

Project folder

Audio device

ASIO device

DSD device

Effect plug-ins

File import

Input level adjustment

Record/Edit (General settings)

Start/Stop recording

Automatic functions

Track marking

Song info

CD-R writing  

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Projects (General settings)

When you select "Project" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can change the settings for a current project, such as the bit depth andsampling rate used for recording.

Bit depth Select a value (16 or 24 (bit)) to use for recording from an external player into your computer from the drop-down list.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the value to the default setting.

Sampling rate

Using the standard deviceSelect a value to use for recording from an external player into your computer through the computer's input terminal from thedrop-down list.

Using the ASIO deviceSelect a value from the drop-down list when selecting an audio device built into the computer as an ASIO device or recordingfrom an external player into your computer via the external USB audio device.

NoteThe sampling rate specified by the external USB audio device precludes the one you set above.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the value to the default settings.

Number of output channels Select the number of output channels to create a new project from the drop-down list.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the number to the default setting.

 

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Project folder

When you select "Project folder" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can change the location to save a project.

Project folder The location to save a project is displayed in "Location (folder)." "D:\SonicStage Mastering Studio\Projects" is displayed by default. Clicking "Browse" displays the "Browse For Folder" dialog box, in which you can specify the folder and click "OK" to change thelocation.

Notes

Note that a project file (with an .smp extension) and also the recorded songs (files) are stored in the specified location, so youneed to choose a drive that has enough free space on it.

Do not manipulate the folder selected as the project destination folder with programs such as Windows Explorer.

Make sure that you select a local folder as the project destination folder.

Hints

You can create a new project folder by clicking "Make New Folder" in the "Browse For Folder" dialog box.

When you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to return the location to the default setting.

 

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Audio device

When you select "Audio device" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can specify the standard device (sound card) to be used for playbackor recording, and also make more detailed settings, such as the buffer size or the number of buffers applied for recording.

Standard device

Device for recordingSelect the standard device (sound card) to be used for recording from the drop-down list.The audio device set in the Windows operating system is selected by default.

Device for playbackSelect the standard device (sound card) to be used for playback from the drop-down list.The audio device set in the Windows operating system is selected by default.

HintClicking "Properties" displays information for the selected device.

Recording buffer settings

Buffer sizeSelect the buffer size for recording from the drop-down list."4096" is selected by default.

Number of buffersSelect the number of buffers from the drop-down list."4" is selected by default.

HintIf sound skips occur during playback of recorded songs, you may solve the problem by increasing the values of "Buffer size" and/or"Number of buffers." Note that the processing speed of SonicStage Mastering Studio may slow down.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the values of "Buffer size" and "Number of buffers" to the default settings.

 

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ASIO device

When you select "ASIO device" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can specify the ASIO device (audio device built into the computer orexternal USB audio device) to be used for both playback and recording.

ASIO device Select an ASIO device (audio device built into the computer or external USB audio device) to be used for both playback and recordingfrom the drop-down list.

HintIf the desired device is not displayed on the list, click "Properties" to display an ASIO device (audio device built into the computer orexternal USB audio device) dialog box.

NoteThis option is disabled unless a driver of the ASIO device (audio device built into the computer or external USB audio device) isinstalled on your computer properly.

Channel settings Select an ASIO device (audio device built into the computer or external USB audio device) terminal assigned to each channel duringplayback and recording from the drop-down list.

HintThis option may be disabled depending on the conditions of the selected device.

NoteYou cannot assign the same terminal to multiple channels.

 

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DSD device

When you select "DSD device" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can specify the DSD device to be used for both playback andrecording.

DSD device Select a DSD device to be used for both playback and recording from the drop-down list.

HintClick "Properties" to display a dialog box for the DSD device.

 

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Effect plug-ins

When you select "Effect plug-ins" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can add "VST effects plug-ins," which are in the VST format, toSonicStage Mastering Studio, so that you can apply these effects to recorded or imported songs. You can also delete an effect plug-in fromSonicStage Mastering Studio, as well as search and reread the available effect plug-in files, and refresh the current settings.

NoteSome effect plug-ins other than those set by default may not work properly. If you add effect plug-ins, their proper function is not guaranteed.

Add effect plug-ins folders The folders containing effect plug-ins are listed.Clicking "Add" displays the "Browse For Folder" dialog box, in which you can specify the folder containing the plug-ins. Selecting thefolder and clicking "OK" in the dialog box allows you to add effect plug-ins to SonicStage Mastering Studio. Clicking "Delete" displays a confirmation dialog box, in which you can click "Yes" to delete the selected effect plug-in folder(s) from thelist.

NoteDo not specify a folder (or subfolder) that contains any DLL files that are not for the VST plug-in.

Hints

Even if you delete effect plug-in folders from the list, the actual plug-in files remain on your computer.

If you click "Scan" or click "OK," "VST effects plug-ins" contained in the added or deleted folder are searched and reread to refreshthe current settings.

Scan effect plug-ins The following effect plug-ins are searched, while showing progress on the screen.

"VST effects plug-ins" contained in the folders displayed in the folder list.

"DirectX audio effects plug-ins" installed on your computer. Clicking "Scan" displays a scanning dialog box. When the process has finished, the settings for the effect plug-ins available forSonicStage Mastering Studio are refreshed.

HintIf you add or delete effect plug-in folders and click "OK," a confirmation dialog box appears asking whether or not you want to search theeffect plug-ins to refresh the current settings.If you click "Yes," the searching process starts and the "Options" dialog box closes when the process has finished.If you click "No" in the confirmation dialog box, no effect plug-ins are searched and the "Options" dialog box closes.

 

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File import

When you select "File import" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can set options for imported files.

File importing When you select the "Copy files to be imported to the project folder" option, the imported files are copied to the project folder that youspecified.

 

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Input level adjustment

When you select "Input level adjustment" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can change the period of time that the input level is adjustedautomatically.

Automatic input level adjustment Clicking the up-down buttons allows you to increase or decrease the time (10 to 120 seconds) that the input level will be adjustedautomatically. The default setting is "60" (sec).

Hints

You can also input the value with the keyboard.

When you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the value to the default setting.

 

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Record/Edit (General settings)

When you select "Record/Edit" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can change the settings for the maximum recording time for arecording session.

Maximum recording time Clicking the up-down buttons allows you to increase or decrease the time (60 to 120 minutes) for a recording session. The defaultsetting is "120" (minutes).

Hints

You can also input the value with the keyboard.

When you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears. You can click "Yes" to restore the value to the defaultsetting.

NoteThe actual time may be shorter than the specified time depending on the project settings.

 

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Start/Stop recording

When you select "Start/Stop recording" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can change the settings for recording, such as the input level tostart "synchro-recording" or options to stop recording automatically.

Synchro-Recording Moving the slider to the left or right allows you to increase or decrease the input level at which recording starts automatically.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the value to the default setting. The default setting is "-25.76" (dB).

Automatic stop recording Selecting the "Use automatic stop recording" option allows you to stop recording automatically when a predetermined period of silenceoccurs, with the following options enabled.

Silence levelMoving the slider to the left or right allows you to increase or decrease the input level that determines the silence level to stoprecording.The default setting is "-25.76" (dB).

Silence durationClicking the up-down buttons allows you to increase or decrease the time (15 to 60 seconds) that a determined silence levelcontinues before recording stops. The default setting is "30" (sec).

HintYou can also input the value with the keyboard.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the silence level and silence duration to their default settings.

 

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Automatic functions

When you select "Automatic functions" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can select whether or not to automatically mark tracks or getsong information while recording.

HintThis option is only available for the Standard mode.

Automatic functions

"Use automatic track marking" optionSelecting this option allows you to automatically add a track marker to be divided where a predetermined silence is detectedwhile recording.

"Automatically retrieve song info" optionSelecting this option allows you to use the MoodLogic Service on the Internet and automatically get song information, such assong titles and artist names, while recording or adding a track marker automatically.

Notes

o When you use the MoodLogic Service for the first time, selecting this option displays a dialog box allowing you to proceed withyour screen name registration. - See Details

o Note that your computer may remain connected to the Internet depending on the Internet connection settings.

o In some cases (e.g., if there is no match as a result in the MoodLogic database, or depending on recording conditions, etc.),you may not be able to get song information.

o If there are no remaining MoodLogic credits, you cannot get song information.

HintTo get song information during recording, select the "Automatically retrieve song info during recording" option.

 

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Track marking

When you select "Track marking" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can set options for marking tracks (such as the silence level andsilence duration to add a track marker).

Silence detection You can set the silence level and silence duration to add a track marker automatically.

Silence levelMoving the slider to the left or right allows you to increase or decrease the input level that determines the silence level to add atrack marker.

Silence durationClicking the up-down buttons allows you to increase or decrease the time (1 to 10 seconds) that a determined silence levelcontinues before adding a track marker. The default setting is "3" (sec).

HintYou can also input the value with the keyboard.

HintWhen you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears.You can click "Yes" to restore the silence level and silence duration to the default settings.

 

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Song info

When you select "Song info" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can also set options for getting song information (such as registration ofyour screen name with the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service and purchase of additional credits).

NoteTo register your screen name with the MoodLogic Service, your computer must have access to the Internet. For details on how to connect to theInternet, refer to your computer's instruction manuals, etc.

HintThis option is only available for the Standard mode.

Screen name settings You can register your MoodLogic screen name to get song information using the MoodLogic Service, as well as submit songinformation to the MoodLogic database.Clicking "Register" displays a dialog box allowing you to proceed with your screen name registration.

NoteTo use the MoodLogic Service, you cannot apply any MoodLogic screen names registered using other applications.

HintYour screen name registration is required only when you use the MoodLogic Service for the first time.

Buy credits You can purchase additional MoodLogic credits to get song information using the MoodLogic Service. Clicking "Buy Credits" launches the Web browser to view the MoodLogic Web site, on which you can follow the on-screen instructionsto buy MoodLogic credits.

Get account info You can view your MoodLogic account information, such as screen name and credits. Clicking "Get Info" displays a dialog box, in which you can view your screen name, as well as your total and remaining credits for theMoodLogic Service.

HintFor more information about the MoodLogic Service, refer to "What is the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service?"  

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CD-R writing

When you select "CD-R writing" on the left of the "Options" dialog box, you can change the settings for the location to store temporary files whilewriting (output) songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. You can also select whether or not to automatically eject the disc.

Location for temporary files The location to store temporary files while writing (outputting) songs to a CD-R or CD-RW disc is displayed in "Location (folder).""D:\SonicStage Mastering Studio\Temp" is displayed by default. Clicking "Browse" displays the "Browse For Folder" dialog box, in which you can specify the folder. Click "OK" to change the location.

Hints

You can create a new folder to store temporary files by clicking "Make New Folder" in the "Browse For Folder" dialog box.

When you click "Restore Default," a confirmation dialog box appears. You can click "Yes" to return the location to the defaultsetting.

Auto eject When you select the "Auto eject after writing" option, the disc is automatically ejected after writing.

 

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Menu bar

A menu bar provides the following items.

HintThe available item depends on the mode that you are using or currently displayed screen (the Opening Screen, "Select Input" screen,"Record/Edit" screen, or "Output" screen)

File menu

New ProjectCreates a new project, allowing you to commence SonicStage Mastering Studio operations from the very beginning.

Open ProjectSelects an existing project and display the contents in the Main Window.

Save ProjectSaves the current status and updates the existing project.

Save Project AsSaves the current status as a project by specifying the project name.

Import FilesImports an audio file stored on your computer's hard disk into SonicStage Mastering Studio.

NoteAudio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension), MP3 format (with an .mp3 extension) or, DSD format (with a .dsf extension) can beimported into SonicStage Mastering Studio.

Recent ProjectDisplays the latest project up to five.

ExitExits SonicStage Mastering Studio.

Edit menu

UndoCancels the last operation.

RedoResets the last undo operation.

Noise ReductionReduces noise in a track (song), by specifying the noise type (hiss, click, or hum noise) and noise reduction level.

NormalizationAdjusts all the songs to the same volume level.

Fade In / Fade OutApplies either or both the Fade-In/Fade-Out effects, which increase or decrease the volume gradually at the beginning or end of atrack (song).

Apply EffectsSpecifies various effect plug-ins for a track (song).

Divide

o Add Track MarkerAdds a track marker on the position where the cursor is located.

o Edit Track MarkersAdjusts the position of a track marker.

o Divide at Track MarkersDivides a track (song) at the position of a track marker below the Timeline.

o Clear Track MarkersDeletes a track marker (from the Timeline).

o Auto Track MarkingAutomatically adds a track marker, where a predetermined silence is detected.

DeleteDeletes a track (song).

RenameChanges the title of a song.

Move UpMoves a song (track) one line down.

Move DownMoves a song (track) one line down.

Select AllSelects all the songs (tracks).

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Displays the dialog box used to submit your song information to the MoodLogic database on the Internet.

View menu

Select InputDisplays the "Select Input" screen.

Record/EditDisplays the "Record/Edit" screen.

OutputDisplays the "Output" screen.

Show Hint PanelDisplays the Setting Panel in the Panel Area.

2 ch Master EffectDisplays the "2-ch Master Effect" dialog box.

5.1 ch Master EffectDisplays the "5.1-ch Master Effect" dialog box.

Zoom InIncreases the time interval of the Timeline.

Zoom OutReduces the time interval of the Timeline.

Control menu

Play/StopStarts or stops track (song) playback.

BackSkips back to the previous track (song).

NextSkips forward to the next track (song).

Volume UpIncreases the volume.

Volume DownDecreases the volume.

Volume MutingSwitches mute on or off.

Tool menu

Get Song InfoConnects to the Internet and uses the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song information.You can select the desired song in the displayed dialog box.

Submit Song InfoDisplays the dialog box used to submit your song information to the MoodLogic database on the Internet.

Project ManagerDisplays the "Project Manager" dialog box to convert or delete a project.

OptionsDisplays the "Options" dialog box to set options for SonicStage Mastering Studio.

Help menu

SonicStage Mastering Studio HelpDisplays this help file.

GlossaryDisplays a glossary.

UA-25/UA-5 Connection GuideDisplays "Audio Device UA-25/UA-5 Connection Guide."

Effect Plug-insDisplays the menu items for the help files of the effect plug-ins, which are set in SonicStage Mastering Studio by default, allowingyou to display any of the help files.

About SonicStage Mastering StudioDisplays version information of SonicStage Mastering Studio.

 

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Pop-up menu

HintThe available item depends on the mode that you are using.

When you right-click a track on the right of the Track PanelThe following menu items appear when you right-click a track (or a track added a track marker to be divided) on the right of the Track Panel.

PlayStarts playback of a track (song) you right-click.

Noise Reduction Reduces noise in a track (song) you right-click, by specifying the noise type (hiss, click, or hum noise) and noise reduction level.

NormalizationAdjusts all the songs to the same volume level.

Fade In / Fade OutApplies either or both the Fade-In/Fade-Out effects, which increase or decrease the volume gradually at the beginning or end of a track(song) you right-click.

Apply EffectsSpecifies various effect plug-ins for a track (song) you right-click.

Divide

Edit Track MarkersAdjusts the position of a track marker you right-click.

Divide at Track MarkersDivides a track (song) you right-click, at the position of a track marker below the Timeline.

Clear Track MarkersDeletes a track marker from the Timeline of a track (song) you right-click.

Auto Track MarkingAutomatically adds a track marker, where a predetermined silence is detected.

DeleteDeletes a track (song).

Get Song InfoConnects to the Internet and uses the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song information for a song (track) youright-click.

Submit Song InfoDisplays the dialog box used to submit your song information (for a song (track) you right-click) to the MoodLogic database on theInternet.

PropertiesDisplays the "Song Properties" dialog box, allowing you to view or change the song title or artist name, etc. of a track (song) youright-click.

When you right-click a track marker below the Timeline on the right of the Track PanelThe following menu items appear when you right-click a track marker below the Timeline on the right of the TrackPanel.

MoveDisplays the "Edit Track Marker Position" dialog box, allowing you to fine adjust the position of the track marker you right-click.

DeleteDeletes a track marker (from the Timeline) you right-click.

When you right-click a song on the left of the Track PanelThe following menu items appear when you right-click a song on the left of the Track Panel.

PlayStarts playback of a track (song) you right-click.

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Reduces noise in a track (song) you right-click, by specifying the noise type (hiss, click, or hum noise) and noise reduction level.

NormalizationAdjusts all the songs to the same volume level.

Fade In/OutApplies either or both the Fade-In/Fade-Out effects, which increase or decrease the volume gradually at the beginning or end of a track(song) you right-click.

Apply EffectsSpecifies various effect plug-ins for a track (song) you right-click.

Divide

Edit Track MarkersAdjusts the position of a track marker you right-click.

Divide at Track MarkersDivides a track (song) you right-click, at the position of a track marker below the Timeline.

Clear Track MarkersDeletes a track marker from the Timeline of a track (song) you right-click.

Auto Track MarkingAutomatically adds a track marker, where a predetermined silence is detected.

DeleteDeletes a track (song).

RenameChanges the title of a song you right-click.

Move UpMoves a song (track) you right-click one line down.

Move DownMoves a song (track) you right-click one line down.

Get Song InfoConnects to the Internet and uses the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song information for a song (track) youright-click.

Submit Song InfoDisplays the dialog box used to submit your song information (for a song (track) you right-click) to the MoodLogic database on theInternet.

PropertiesDisplays the "Song Properties" dialog box, allowing you to view or change the song title or artist name, etc. of a track (song) youright-click.

 

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Shortcut keys

Key FunctionESC Cancels and closes a displayed dialog box.F1 Displays this help file.F2 Renames a selected item.F6 Starts/stops track playback.F8 Turns the sound on or off. (While the Opening Screen is displayed, this function is disabled.)F9 Turns the volume down. (While the Opening Screen is displayed, this function is disabled.)F10 Turns the volume up. (While the Opening Screen is displayed, this function is disabled.)Del Deletes a selected item(s).Ctrl+I Displays the "Import Files" dialog box. (To import audio files, you must log on as a user with Administrator rights.)Ctrl+N Creates a new project.Ctrl+O Displays the "Open Project" dialog box.Ctrl+S Saves the current project. If the current status has not been saved as a project yet, displays the "Save Project As"dialog box.Ctrl+Y Resets the last undo editing operation on the Track Panel.Ctrl+Z Undoes the last editing operation on the Track Panel.Ctrl+Right Arrow Moves to the next track.Ctrl+Left Arrow Returns to the beginning of the track or moves to the previous track.Alt+Right Arrow Reduces the time interval (by a minute) on the Timeline of the Track Panel.Alt+Left Arrow Increases the time interval (by a minute) on the Timeline of the Track Panel.Alt+F4 Exits SonicStage Mastering Studio.Alt+F Displays the File menu.Alt+E Displays the Edit menu.Alt+V Displays the View menu.Alt+C Displays the Control menu.Alt+T Displays the Tool menu.Alt+H Displays the Help menu.PageUp Moves the selected song one line up on the left of the Track Panel.PageDown Moves the selected song one line down on the left of the Track Panel.Home Selects the first song on the left of the Track Panel.End Selects the last song on the left of the Track Panel. 

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What is the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service?

The MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service is an online service offered by MoodLogic Corporation, and allows you to search songinformation by verifying songs' waveforms against those in the MoodLogic database on the Internet.The MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service is hereinafter referred to as the "MoodLogic Service." You can use the MoodLogic Service when you perform any of the following in the "Record/Edit" screen to get song titles and artist names forrecorded (or imported) songs.

While recording songs.

When clicking "Song Info" on the left of the Track Panel or right-clicking a song on the Track Panel and selecting "Get Song Info" from themenu.

When adding a track marker to divide.

Notes

To use the MoodLogic Service to automatically get song information during recording or adding a track marker, you must first select the"Automatically retrieve song info" option in the dialog box displayed by selecting "Options" from the "Tool" menu. -See Details

The MoodLogic Service is an online service offered by MoodLogic Corporation. Note that this service is subject to change or terminationwithout notice.

HintYou can also submit information about the songs on the Track Panel (in the "Record/Edit" screen) to the MoodLogic database.

To use the MoodLogic ServiceWhen you use the MoodLogic Service, take into account the following:

You must first register your screen name with the MoodLogic Service.

You need credits to get song information.

To register your MoodLogic screen nameYou can use the "Options" dialog box to register your MoodLogic screen name by following the steps below. (Your screen name registration isrequired only when you use the MoodLogic Service for the first time.)

NoteTo perform the following procedure, your computer must have access to the Internet. For details on how to connect to the Internet, refer to yourcomputer's instruction manuals, etc. 1. Select "Options" from the "Tool" menu.

The "Options" dialog box appears.The items shown in a tree structure on the left of the dialog box indicate the categorized settings of SonicStage Mastering Studio. If you clickan item on the left, the options corresponding to the settings of that item are displayed on the right, allowing you to view or change.

2. Click "Song info" in the tree structure on the left.

The options and items are displayed on the right. 3. Click "Register" (of the "Screen name settings" option) in the upper right of the dialog box.

A dialog box appears asking whether you want to register a new screen name or use your existing screen name.

4. Click for "Register a new screen name" to switch to and click "OK."

A dialog box appears showing the description of the MoodLogic Service.

HintIf you are required to re-register your MoodLogic screen name (e.g., when reconfiguring your computer, etc.), you can use the one previouslyregistered. In this case, select "Use the screen name already stored in SonicStage Mastering Studio" in the dialog box. For details aboutusing an existing screen name, refer to "To use an existing MoodLogic screen name" below.

NoteTo use the MoodLogic Service, you cannot apply any MoodLogic screen names registered using other applications.

5. Read the contents carefully and click "OK."

A dialog box used to register a new screen name appears. 6. Input your screen name and password, as well as other information as necessary.

A screen name and password (indicated by *) consisting of alpha-numeric characters (min.4, max.16) are required to register. 7. Click "OK."

The information you typed is sent to the MoodLogic Service. When the registration has completed successfully, a dialog box appears toinform you that the process has finished.

8. Click "OK."

The dialog box closes.

HintIf you have not yet registered your screen name according to the above procedure, and a dialog box appears prompting you to do so in thePage 95

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following cases, you can also proceed with the registration by following the steps above (from step 4 through 8).

When you put a checkmark before the "Automatically retrieve song info" option in the "Automatic functions" of the "Options" dialog box.

When clicking "Song Info" on the left of the Track Panel in the "Record/Edit" screen.

When you right-click a song on the Track Panel in the "Record/Edit" screen, and select "Submit Song Info" from the menu.

To use an existing MoodLogic screen nameIf you select "Use the screen name you already created using SonicStage Mastering Studio" in step 4 above, you can use the screen name andpassword you previously registered using SonicStage Mastering Studio. After you filled in each and click "OK," your screen name and passwordare sent to the MoodLogic Service to be authenticated. When they have been verified successfully, you can use the MoodLogic Service.

MoodLogic creditsYou need MoodLogic credits to get song titles and artist names using the MoodLogic Service.Free credits are given from the MoodLogic Service upon registration, however, one credit decreases per song each time you get results for songinformation. If there are no remaining credits, you cannot get song information unless you buy additional MoodLogic credits.

HintYou can use "Song info" of the "Options" dialog box to view the remaining credits and buy additional credits. -See Details

Notes on using the MoodLogic Service

To get song titles and artist names using the MoodLogic Service or submit your song information to the MoodLogic database, yourcomputer must have access to the Internet.

When you get song titles and artist names using the MoodLogic Service or submit your song information, your computer automaticallyconnects to the Internet. Note that it may remain connected to the Internet depending on the Internet connection settings.

In some cases (e.g., if there is no match as a result in the MoodLogic database, or depending on recording conditions, etc.), you may notbe able to get song information.

 

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Troubleshooting

Noise or sound skips occur in a recorded song.

Depending on the computer's performance or the values of the buffer size and/or number of buffers, this problem may occur.In this case, increase the values set for "Buffer size" and "Number of buffers" in "Audio device" of the "Options" dialog box, and then recordthe song again. -See Details

If another application(s) is running simultaneously with SonicStage Mastering Studio while recording, it may be causing the problem.Exit all other applications and record the song again.

Sound skips occur during playback of a recorded song, etc.

Depending on the computer's performance or the values of the buffer size and/or number of buffers, this problem may occur.In this case, increase the values set for "Buffer size" and "Number of buffers" in "Audio device" of the "Options" dialog box, and then recordthe song again. -See Details

HintIf you increase the values, the time until the sound can be heard after you click the playback button will take longer. It is recommended to setlower values within the range where sound skips will not occur.

If another application(s) is running simultaneously with SonicStage Mastering Studio during playback, it may be causing the problem.Exit all other applications and play back the song again.

Noise or sound skips occur in a song written to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.

Depending on the recordable optical disc drive or the CD-R or CD-RW disc, this problem may occur if you specify a higher speed forwriting.In this case, change the setting for "Writing Speed" on the Output Settings Panel in the "Output" screen to a lower speed, and then write toa CD-R or CD-RW disc again.

If another application(s) is running simultaneously with SonicStage Mastering Studio while writing, it may be causing the problem.Exit all other applications and write to a CD-R or CD-RW disc again.

If the screen saver started while writing, it may be causing the problem.Follow the steps below to disable the screen saver, and write to a CD-R or CD-RW again. 1. Select "Control Panel" from the Windows "Start" menu.

The Control Panel appears. 2. Click "Appearance and Themes," and click "Choose a screen saver" on the screen that appears.

If the Control Panel is in "Classic View," double-click "Display" in the Control Panel to display the "Display Properties" dialog box, andclick the "Screen Saver" tab.

3. Select "(None)" from the drop-down list for "Screen saver" and click "OK."

Sound input from the LINE IN, MIC, or OPT IN terminal cannot be output through the computer's speakers.

SonicStage Mastering Studio has no options to output sound through the computer's speakers. To output sound through the computer'sspeakers, you need to take the following steps.

To enable sound input from an external device to be output through the computer's speakers

1. Select "Control Panel" from the Windows "Start" menu.

The Control Panel appears. 2. Click "Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices," and click "Sounds and Audio Devices" in the screen that appears.

If the Control Panel is in "Classic View," double-click "Sounds and Audio Devices" in the Control Panel. 3. Click the "Audio" tab. 4. Click "Volume" of "Sound playback."

The volume control panel appears. 5. Make sure that the following items are displayed.

When using the LINE IN terminal: "Line" etc.

When using the MIC terminal: "Microphone" etc.

When using the OPT IN terminal: "SP-DIF" etc.

If the item is already displayed, go to step 9. 6. Select "Properties" from the "Options" menu.

The "Properties" dialog box appears. 7. Make sure that the "Playback" option for "Adjust volume for" is selected.

If "Playback" is not selected, click to select it. 8. Select the desired item in the "Show the following volume controls" list and click "OK."

The volume control panel reappears with the item that you checked in step 5 added. Page 97

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9. Clear the checkmark before the option (denoted by "Mute") for the item that you checked in step 5.

Sound input from the external device is output through the computer's speakers.

10. Click in the upper right of the panel.

The "Sounds and Audio Devices Properties" dialog box reappears. 11. Click "OK."

Song titles and artist names cannot be obtained via the Internet.

To use the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song titles and artist names via the Internet, your computer musthave access to the Internet. Make sure that the Internet connection is properly set up on your computer. For details about the Internetconnection, refer to your computer's instruction manuals, etc.

To use the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song titles and artist names via the Internet, you need MoodLogic credits. If there are no remaining credits, you cannot get song information unless you buy additional credits from the MoodLogic Web site.-See Details

In some cases (e.g., if there is no match as a result in the MoodLogic database, or depending on the recording conditions, etc.), you maynot be able to get song information.

Sound cannot be input from the LINE IN terminal.

Make sure the mark appears beside the terminal to which you have attached the audio connecting cable. If you select LINE IN as the

input source for SonicStage Mastering Studio, the audio connecting cable must be attached to the terminal to record input sound. Fordetails on the location of the LINE IN terminal, refer to the instruction manual supplied with your computer.

The input level becomes too high when recording songs through the MIC terminal.

Audio connection may require optimizing.If you are using an audio connecting cable without "impedance," replace it with an "impedance cable" to optimize the input level.If the input level cannot be optimized this way, it is recommended to connect an active device (e.g., amplifier, etc.) between the externalplayer or audio device and your computer, so as to adjust the input level with the active device.

Sound cannot be recorded properly through the MIC terminal.

A stereo audio connecting cable may be connected to the mono input terminal.If your computer's MIC terminal is mono, use a mono audio connecting cable.

The computer's recordable optical disc drive cannot be recognized.

If another application(s) that also uses the recordable optical disc drive (such as "SonicStage," etc.) is running simultaneously withSonicStage Mastering Studio, it may be causing the problem.Exit all other applications to check the drive again.

The free space on the computer's hard disk becomes insufficient while using SonicStage Mastering Studio.

Unnecessary projects may remain on your computer's hard disk.Depending on the current status of the recorded songs and edit operations, saving them as a project may take up considerable diskspace. It is recommended to delete any unnecessary project(s) to leave enough space on your computer's hard disk. - See Details

 

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Glossary

A   B   C   D   E   F   H   I   L   M   N   T   P   S   T   U   V   W   

[A]

ASIOASIO, which stands for "Audio Streaming Input Output," is a standard format for input/output of audio data, which enables playback andrecording of high quality audio (e.g., 24-bit/96 kHz, etc.) with lower latency.Many ASIO compatible devices can run with more stability and lower latency (the time until the sound can be heard is a couple ofmilliseconds).Using ASIO compatible devices with SonicStage Mastering Studio allows for high quality recording and playback of songs.

ASIO deviceAn audio device that supports the ASIO architecture. See also "ASIO."

[B]

Bit depthThe level (size) at which analog audio is sampled to be converted (recorded) into digital audio. The bit depth for an audio CD is 16-bit.Generally, the higher the number, the more precisely the audio signal can be recorded, but the larger the file size.SonicStage Mastering Studio supports 16-bit and 24-bit sampled audio.

BufferAn area of computer memory reserved for temporarily holding digitized audio data for playback.The buffer size determines how big (or how many, if more than one area can be taken for memory) an area is allocated.In SonicStage Mastering Studio, "buffer size" refers to how big a memory area is reserved, and "number of buffers" refers to how manybuffers are available for playback of songs using the standard device (sound card).Generally, the larger the buffer size, the more data that can be stored, and the less the load on the computer's CPU, but the latency maybe higher. The smaller the buffer size, the lower the latency, but the heavier the load on the computer's CPU at any one time, which cancause sound skipping if processing cannot be done in the given time.

[C]

ClippingThe phenomenon that occurs when input level exceeds the threshold of a digital recording and causes distortion.In SonicStage Mastering Studio, the clip indicator shown above the Level Meter lights when clipping occurs (i.e., the input level exceeds0 dB). Adjust the input level accordingly to avoid clipping.

Click noiseSee "Noise."

Credit (MoodLogic)The right required to get song information using the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service.The number of credits decreases by one each time you get results for song information. If there are no remaining credits, you cannotget song information unless you buy additional credits.

[D]

dB"dB," or "decibel," is the unit used in measurement of sound pressure level or volume (loudness).

DecibelThe unit used in measurement of sound pressure level or volume (loudness).

DeviceA device is a generic term for any kind of equipment.In SonicStage Mastering Studio, "device" basically refers to a device built into a computer (such as a sound card) or an external device,such as an ASIO device (USB audio device) etc., connected to a computer, and used to input/output audio data.

DirectSoundA part of "DirectX," which is a group of technologies aimed at multimedia extension of the Microsoft Windows operating system."DirectSound" enables applications to play back multiple sounds simultaneously (e.g., BGM playback along with effects in real-time),and also maximizes the features of each hardware (sound card).

DirectX Page 99

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The name of a group of technologies that provide computers with multimedia capabilities, such as manipulating graphics, sounds, oranimations, etc., and integrate them into applications.SonicStage Mastering Studio mainly utilizes the "DirectSound" module, which is a part of "DirectX," to play back multiple soundssimultaneously.

DirectX audio effects plug-insAudio effects plug-ins based on "DirectShow," which is a part of "DirectX" technologies (developed by Microsoft Corporation). They arealso called "DX" plug-ins. See also "DirectX."

DiscIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "disc" refers mainly to a CD-R disc or CD-RW disc.

DriveA drive is a generic term for any kind of data storage unit, such as a floppy disk drive or a CD-R or CD-RW disc drive.In SonicStage Mastering Studio, "drive" refers mainly to a recordable optical disc drive.

DSDDSD, which stands for "Direct Stream Digital," is a method of encoding analog audio signals in digital form, used for Super Audio CD(SACD).This is a one-bit, delta-sigma-modulated digital signal and enables you a digital recording to hear sound almost exactly like theoriginal source.SonicStage Mastering Studio allows you the DSD signal with a sampling rate of 2,822 MHz, same as Super Audio CD.

DXDX stands for "DirectX." See "DirectX."

[E]

EffectIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "effect" refers to a sound effect applied to recorded or imported songs.There are various kinds of sound effects, such as "Reverb" and "Equalization," etc. "Reverb" is a reproduction of ambience, such isfound in music halls, etc., and "Equalization" enables the volume of different frequency ranges to be adjusted (by dividing into multiplebands) to control the total balance.The available sound effects for SonicStage Mastering Studio are provided as the plug-ins, and some effect plug-ins are set by default(they are called "special effects" in SonicStage Mastering Studio).SonicStage Mastering Studio allows you to add "VST effects plug-ins" that are in the VST format, and "DirectX audio effects plug-ins"that are based on the "DirectX" technologies, in order to apply more sound effects.

NoteSome effect plug-ins other than those set by default in SonicStage Mastering Studio may not work properly. If you add effect plug-ins,their proper function is not guaranteed.

External playerIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "external player" refers to a player, such as a record player or cassette deck, from which you can recordsongs by connecting to your computer.

[F]

Fade InAn effect that gradually increases the volume at the beginning of a song. (The opposite applies for "Fade Out.")

Fade OutAn effect that gradually decreases the volume at the end of a song. (The opposite applies for "Fade In.")

FileWith SonicStage Mastering Studio, you can import audio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension), MP3 format (with an .mp3extension), and DSD format (with a .dsf extension) stored on your computer's hard disk, so as to edit and output them. (MP3 files are allconverted to audio files in WAV format.)

Fundamental frequencyAC power frequency delivered to your home. The frequency depends on the area.If the frequency for your area is unknown, refer to your electric power company.

[H]

Hiss noiseSee "Noise."

Hum noisePage 100

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See "Noise."

[I]

ID3A tag contained in an MP3 file and stores information such as song title or artist name, etc.SonicStage Mastering Studio displays a song title contained in the ID3 tag when an MP3 file is imported.

[L]

LevelIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "level" refers to the sound volume.

LFELFE, which stands for "Low Frequency Effect," is a channel that carries only bass deep frequencies for multichannel and is counted as0.1 channel.

[M]

Master EffectAn effect applied to all the tracks as the last signal processing.

MMEMME, which stands for "MultiMedia Extension," is a proposed standard technology, developed by Microsoft Corporation, for multimediaextension software. MME enables applications to input/output video and audio signals, in order to play back/record video and audio.Generally, the latency using MME may be lower than that of "DirectSound," etc.

MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio ServiceAn online service offered by MoodLogic Corporation, which allows you to search song information by verifying songs' waveformsagainst those in the MoodLogic database. You can use the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service to get song informationfor recorded (or imported) songs.

MP3MP3, which stands for "MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3," is a standard of audio file compression, codified by the Motion Picture Experts Group, aworking group of ISO (International Organization for Standardization).It enables audio files to be compressed to about 1/10 the size of the equivalent audio file storage on a standard compact disc.

[N]

NoiseUnwanted sound added to audio, which was not contained in the original audio.With SonicStage Mastering Studio, the following noise types can be reduced in recorded songs.

"Hiss noise," inherent in cassette tapes.

"Click noise," inherent in analog records.

"Hum noise" caused by an electric power source.

NormalizeNormalizing is a process of adjusting the input level of individual songs so as they are all the same volume.

[P]

PCMPCM, which stands for "Pulse Code Modulation," is a method of encoding analog audio signals in digital form. It is utilized by CDs, etc.

Plug-inA component added to expand the functionality of a "host program" and often runs within a host program appearing to be part of thestandard interface.As a "host program," SonicStage Mastering Studio supports "VST effects plug-ins," which are compatible with the VST format, and"DirectX audio effects plug-ins," which are based on "DirectX" technologies.

NoteSome effect plug-ins other than those set by default in SonicStage Mastering Studio may not work properly. If you add effect plug-ins,their proper function is not guaranteed.

Project"Project" is a unit of SonicStage Mastering Studio, which contains the settings, and also the contents such as recorded songs, etc.If you save the current settings and contents as a "project," a folder having the project name is created on your computer's hard disk,

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and a project file (with an .smp extension) that contains the settings, and also recorded songs (files) for the project are stored in it.Opening the project allows you to continue operations of SonicStage Mastering Studio from where you left off last time.

[S]

SamplingThe process by which an analog signal is converted to digital.In SonicStage Mastering Studio, "sample" refers to recording analog audio from an analog record or cassette tape into your computerin digital form.

Sampling rateThe number of times per second analog audio is sampled for digital conversion (recording). Sampling rates are measured byfrequency, and represented by hertz (Hz).The sampling rate for an audio CD is 44.1 kHz.Generally, higher sampling rates are better because they can record higher frequencies, but the larger the file size.SonicStage Mastering Studio supports 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, and 192 kHz sampled audio.

"SBM""SBM" stands for "Super Bit Mapping." See "Super Bit Mapping."

Screen name (MoodLogic)A user name required to get song information using the MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service.

"Super Bit Mapping""Super Bit Mapping" is a technology developed by Sony Corporation, which converts 24-bit/20-bit PCM data to 16-bit PCM data withoutdegrading sound quality. This allows 24-bit/20-bit PCM audio data to be optimally written to audio CD, etc.

Standard deviceIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "standard device" refers to a device (sound card) that inputs or outputs audio using "MME" (MultiMediaExtension of Windows) or "DirectSound."

Synchro-recordingIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "synchro-recording" refers to a recording that starts automatically when a predetermined input level isdetected.

[T]

TrackIn SonicStage Mastering Studio, "track" refers to a recorded or imported song, which can be edited on the Track Panel.

[U]

USBUSB, which stands for "Universal Serial Bus," is a serial interface for connecting peripheral devices to computers.

[V]

VSTVST, which stands for "Virtual Studio Technology," is a standard format for enabling computers to generate and utilize sound effectsand virtual instruments.Each module of effects or virtual instruments is defined as a plug-in in the VST format, and can be utilized by adding (plugging) toapplications.SonicStage Mastering Studio supports "VST effects plug-ins" to apply the sound effects to recorded or imported songs.

[W]

WAVThe audio data format to be recorded and played back supported by the Windows operating system. (It is also called WAVE format.)Typically WAV files are represented as PCM data in 8-bit or 16-bit mono or stereo format.The audio files in WAV format (with a .wav extension) can be handled by SonicStage Mastering Studio.

 

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Trademark information

Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005 Sony Corporation

is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

"SBM/Super Bit Mapping" is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

"Direct Stream Digital" and DSD are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Digital Music Recognition Technology & MoodLogic for SonicStage Mastering Studio Service provided by MoodLogic, Inc. Copyright (C)2003.

ASIO and VST are trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Copying all or part of the contents of this software and Help, or renting the software without authorization are prohibited by copyright laws.

The Company cannot accept liability for damage or loss resulting from the use of this software, or for any claim from a third party.

The software is applied only for the devices specified.

The software specifications may be subject to change without notice.  

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