Steinberg Cubase Essential 4 Plug-In Reference Manual
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11 The included effect plug-ins VSTDynamics VSTDynamics is an advanced dynamics processor. It com- bines three separate processors: Gate, Compressor and Limiter, covering a variety of dynamic processing functions. The window is divided into three sections, containing con- trols and meters for each processor. Activating the individual processors You activate the individual processors using the buttons at the bottom of the plug-in panel. The Gate section Gating, or noise gating, is a method of dynamic processing that silences audio signals below a certain set threshold level. As soon as the signal level exceeds the set threshold, the gate opens to let the signal through. The Gate trigger input can also be filtered using an internal side-chain. The available parameters are as follows: The Compressor section Compressor reduces the dynamic range of the audio, making softer sounds louder or louder sounds softer, or both. Compressor functions like a standard compressor with separate controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release and make-up gain parameters. Compressor features a separate display that graphically illustrates the compres- sor curve shaped according to the Threshold, Ratio and MakeUp Gain parameter settings. Compressor also fea- tures a Gain Reduction meter that shows the amount of gain reduction in dB, and a program dependent Auto fea- ture for the Release parameter. The available parameters work as follows: Parameter Description Threshold (-60–0 dB)This setting determines the level where Gate is activated. Signal levels above the set threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold will close the gate. state This indicates whether the gate is open (LED lights up in green), closed (LED lights up in red) or something in be- tween (LED lights up in yellow). Side-chain (On/Off)This button activates the internal side-chain filter. This lets you filter out parts of the signal that might otherwise trigger the gate in places you don’t want it to, or to boost frequencies you wish to accentuate, allowing for more control over the gate function. LP (Lowpass), BP (Bandpass), HP (Highpass)These buttons set the basic filter mode. Center (50–22000 Hz)This sets the center frequency of the filter. Q-Factor (0.001–10000)This sets the resonance or width of the filter. Limiter Routing selectorGateCompressor Monitor (Off/On)Allows you to monitor the filtered signal. Attack (0.1–100 ms)This parameter sets the time it takes for the gate to open after being triggered. Hold (0–2000 ms)This determines how long the gate stays open after the signal drops below the threshold level. Release (10–1000 ms or “Auto”)This parameter sets the amount of time it takes for the gate to close (after the set hold time). If the “Auto” button is activated, Gate will find an optimal release setting, de- pending on the audio program material. Parameter Description Threshold (-60–0 dB)This setting determines the level where Compressor “kicks in”. Signal levels above the set threshold are affected, but signal levels below are not processed. Ratio (1:1–8:1)Ratio determines the amount of gain reduction applied to signals over the set threshold. A ratio of 3:1 means that for every 3 dB the input level increases, the output level will in- crease by only 1 dB. Make-Up (0–24 dB)This parameter is used to compensate for output gain loss, caused by compression. When Auto is on, gain loss will be compensated automatically. Attack (0.1–100 ms)This determines how fast Compressor will respond to sig- nals above the set threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal (attack) will pass through un- processed. Release (10–1000 ms or “Auto”)Sets the amount of time it takes for the gain to return to its original level when the signal drops below the Threshold level. If the “Auto” button is activated, Compressor will au- tomatically find an optimal release setting that varies de- pending on the audio material. Graphic displayUse the graphic display to graphically set the Threshold or the Ratio value. Parameter Description
12 The included effect plug-ins The Limiter section Limiter is designed to ensure that the output level never exceeds a certain set output level, to avoid clipping in fol- lowing devices. Conventional limiters usually require very accurate setting up of the attack and release parameters, to prevent the output level from going beyond the set threshold level. Limiter adjusts and optimizes these pa- rameters automatically, according to the audio material. You can also adjust the Release parameter manually. The available parameters are the following: The Module Configuration button In the bottom right corner of the plug-in panel you will find a button with which you can set the signal flow order for the three processors. Changing the order of the proces- sors can produce different results, and the available op- tions allow you to quickly compare what works best for a given situation. Simply click the Module Configuration but- ton to change to a different configuration. There are three routing options: C-G-L (Compressor-Gate-Limit) G-C-L (Gate-Compressor-Limit) C-L-G (Compressor-Limit-Gate) Filter plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Filter” category. DualFilter This effect filters out certain frequencies while allowing others to pass through. The following parameters are available: StepFilter StepFilter is a pattern-controlled multimode filter that can create rhythmic, pulsating filter effects. Parameter Description Output (-24–+6 dB)This setting determines the maximum output level. Signal levels above the set threshold are affected, but signal levels below are left unaffected. Soft Clip (On/Off)Soft Clipper acts differently compared to the limiter. When the signal level exceeds -6 dB, SoftClip starts limiting (or clipping) the signal “softly”, at the same time generating harmonics which add a warm, tubelike characteristic to the audio material. Release (10–1000 ms or “Auto”)This parameter sets the amount of time it takes for the gain to return to its original level when the signal drops below the threshold level. If the “Auto” button is activated, Limiter will automatically find an optimal release setting that varies depending on the audio material. Parameter Description Position This parameter sets the filter cutoff frequency. If you set this to a negative value, DualFilter will act as a low-pass filter. Positive values cause DualFilter to act as a high- pass filter. Resonance Sets the sound characteristic of the filter. With higher values, a ringing sound is heard.
13 The included effect plug-ins General operation StepFilter can produce two simultaneous 16-step patterns for the filter cutoff and resonance parameters, synchronized to the sequencer tempo. Setting step values •Setting step values is done by clicking in the pattern grid windows. Individual step entries can be freely dragged up or down the vertical axis, or directly set by clicking in an empty grid box. By click-dragging left or right, consecutive step entries will be set to the pointer position. Setting filter cutoff values in the grid window. The horizontal axis shows the pattern steps 1–16 from left to right, and the vertical axis determines the (relative) filter cutoff frequency and resonance setting. The higher up on the vertical axis a step value is entered, the higher the relative filter cutoff frequency or filter resonance setting. By starting playback and editing the patterns for the cut- off and resonance parameters, you can hear how your filter patterns affect the sound source connected to StepFilter directly. Selecting new patterns Created patterns are saved with the project, and up to 8 different cutoff and resonance patterns can be saved in- ternally. Both the cutoff and resonance patterns are saved together in the 8 Pattern memories. To select new patterns you use the pattern selector. New patterns are all set to the same step value by default. Pattern Selector Using pattern copy and paste to create variations You can use the Copy and Paste buttons below the pattern selector to copy a pattern to another pattern memory loca- tion, which is useful for creating variations on a pattern. Select the pattern you wish to copy, click the Copy but- ton, select another pattern memory location and click Paste. The pattern is copied to the new location, and can now be edited to cre- ate variations using the original pattern as a starting point. StepFilter parameters Parameter/ ValueDescription Base Cutoff This sets the base filter cutoff frequency. Cutoff values set in the Cutoff grid window are values relative to the Base Cutoff value. Base ResonanceThis sets the base filter resonance. Resonance values set in the Resonance grid window are values relative to the Base Resonance value. Note that very high Base Reso- nance settings can produce loud ringing effects at cer- tain frequencies. Glide This will apply glide between the pattern step values, causing values to change more smoothly. Filter Mode This slider selects between lowpass (LP), bandpass (BP) or highpass (HP) filter modes (from left to right respec- tively). Sync 1/1 to 1/32 (Straight, Triplet or Dotted)This sets the pattern beat resolution, i.e. what note values the pattern will play in relation to the tempo. Output Sets the overall volume. Mix Adjusts the mix between dry and processed signal.
14 The included effect plug-ins ToneBooster ToneBooster is a filter that allows you to raise the gain in a selected frequency range. It is particularly useful when in- serted before AmpSimulator in the plug-in chain (see “AmpSimulator” on page 7), greatly enhancing the tonal varieties available. The following parameters are available: WahWah WahWah is a variable slope bandpass filter that can be auto-controlled via MIDI modeling the well-known analog pedal effect (see below). You can independently specify the frequency, width and the gain for the Lo and Hi Pedal positions. The crossover point between the Lo and Hi Pedal positions is at 50. The parameters are as follows: MIDI control For real-time MIDI control of the Pedal parameter, MIDI must be directed to the WahWah plug-in. Whenever the WahWah has been added as an insert effect (for an audio track or an FX channel), it will be avail- able on the Output Routing pop-up menu for MIDI tracks. If WahWah is selected on the Output Routing menu, MIDI will be di- rected to the plug-in from the selected track. Parameter Description Tone This sets the center filter frequency. Gain Allows you to adjust the gain of the selected frequency range by up to 24 dB. Width This sets the resonance of the filter. Mode This sets the basic operational mode of the filter; Peak or Bandpass.Parameter Description Pedal This controls the filter frequency sweep. Freq Lo/Hi Sets the frequency of the filter for the Lo and Hi Pedal positions. Width Lo/Hi Sets the width (resonance) of the filter for the Lo and Hi Pedal positions. Gain Lo/Hi Sets the gain of the filter for the Lo and Hi Pedal posi- tions. Slope Specifies the slope of the filter; 6 dB or 12 dB.
15 The included effect plug-ins Mastering – UV 22 HR The UV22 HR is a dithering plug-in, based on an advanced algorithm developed by Apogee. For an introduction to the concept of dithering, see the chapter “Audio Effects” in the Operation Manunal. The following options can be set in the UV 22 HR control panel: Modulation plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Modulation” category. Chorus This is a single stage chorus effect. It works by doubling whatever is sent into it with a slightly detuned version. The parameters are as follows: Option Description Hi Try this first, it is the most “all-round” setting. Low This applies a lower level of dither noise. Auto black When this is activated, the dither noise is gated (muted) during silent passages in the material. Bit Resolution The UV22 HR supports dithering to multiple resolutions: 8, 16, 20 or 24 bits. You select the desired resolution by clicking the corresponding button. !Dither should always be applied post output bus fader. Parameter Description Tempo sync on/offThe button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Rate If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo syncing the chorus sweep (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). If tempo sync is off, the sweep rate can be set freely with the Rate knob, without sync to tempo. Width This determines the depth of the chorus effect. Higher settings produce a more pronounced effect. Spatial This sets the stereo width of the effect. Turn clockwise for a wider stereo effect. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the ef- fect. If Chorus is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send. Delay This parameter affects the frequency range of the modu- lation sweep, by adjusting the initial delay time. Shape This changes the shape of the modulating waveform, al- tering the character of the chorus sweep. Sine and trian- gle waveforms are available. Filter Lo/Hi These parameters allow you to roll off low and high fre- quencies of the effect signal, respectively.
16 The included effect plug-ins Flanger Flanger is a classic flanger effect with added stereo enhancement. The parameters are as follows: Metalizer The Metalizer feeds the audio signal through a variable frequency filter, with tempo sync or time modulation and feedback control. Parameter Description Tempo sync on/offThe button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Rate If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo syncing the flanger sweep (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). If tempo sync is off, the sweep rate can be set freely with the Rate knob, without sync to tempo. Range Lo/Hi This sets the frequency boundaries for the flanger sweep. Feedback This determines the character of the flanger effect. Higher settings produce a more “metallic” sounding sweep. Spatial This sets the stereo width of the effect. Turn clockwise for a wider stereo effect. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the ef- fect. If the Flanger is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send. Shape This changes the shape of the modulating waveform, al- tering the character of the flanger sweep. Delay This parameter affects the frequency range of the modu- lation sweep, by adjusting the initial delay time. Manual If this is activated, the flanger sweep will be static, i.e. no modulation. You can instead change the sweep position manually by turning this knob. Filter Lo/Hi These parameters allow you to roll off low and high fre- quencies of the effect signal, respectively.Parameter Description Feedback The higher the value, the more “metallic” the sound. Sharpness Governs the character of the filter effect. The higher the value, the narrower the affected frequency area, produc- ing sharper sound and a more pronounced effect. Tone Governs the feedback frequency. The effect of this will be more noticeable with high Feedback settings. On button Turns filter modulation on and off. When turned off, the Metalizer will work as a static filter. Mono button When this is on, the output of the Metalizer will be in mono. Speed If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). Note that there is no note value modifier for this effect. If tempo sync is off, the modulation speed can be set freely with the Speed knob, without sync to tempo. Tempo sync on/offThe button above the Speed knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Output Sets the overall volume. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the ef- fect. If Metalizer is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send.
17 The included effect plug-ins Phaser Phaser produces the well-known “swooshing” phasing effect with additional stereo enhancement. The parameters are as follows: Ringmodulator The Ringmodulator can produce complex, bell-like enhar- monic sounds. Ring modulators work by multiplying two audio signals. The ring modulated output contains added frequencies generated by the sum of, and the difference between, the frequencies of the two signals. The Ringmodulator has a built-in oscillator that is multi- plied with the input signal to produce the effect. Parameter Description Tempo sync on/offThe button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Rate If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo syncing the phaser sweep (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). If tempo sync is off, the sweep rate can be set freely with the Rate knob, without sync to tempo. Width The width of the modulation effect between higher and lower frequencies. Feedback This determines the character of the phaser effect. Higher settings produce a more pronounced effect. Spatial When using multi-channel audio, Spatial creates a 3-di- mensional impression by delaying modulation in each channel. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the ef- fect. If the Phaser is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send. Manual If this is activated, the phaser sweep will be static, i.e. no modulation. You can instead change the sweep position manually by turning this knob. Filter Lo/Hi These parameters allow you to roll off low and high fre- quencies of the effect signal, respectively. Parameter Description Oscillator LFO AmountControls how much the oscillator frequency is affected by the LFO. Oscillator Env. AmountControls how much the oscillator frequency is affected by the envelope (which is triggered by the input signal). Positive and negative values can be set, with center posi- tion representing no modulation. Left of center, a loud in- put signal will decrease the oscillator pitch, whereas right of center the oscillator pitch will increase when fed a loud input. Oscillator WaveSelects the oscillator waveform; square, sine, saw or triangle. Oscillator RangeDetermines the frequency range of the oscillator in Hz. Oscillator FrequencySets the oscillator frequency +/- 2 octaves within the se- lected range. Oscillator Roll-OffCuts high frequencies in the oscillator waveform, to soften the overall sound. This is best used when harmon- ically rich waveforms are selected (e.g. square or saw). LFO Speed Sets the LFO Speed. LFO Env. AmountControls how much the input signal level – via the enve- lope generator – affects the LFO speed. Positive and negative values can be set, with center position repre- senting no modulation. Left of center, a loud input signal will slow down the LFO, whereas right of center a loud in- put signal will speed it up.
18 The included effect plug-ins Rotary The Rotary plug-in simulates the classic effect of a rotary speaker. A rotary speaker cabinet features variable speed rotating speakers to produce a swirling chorus effect, com- monly used with organs. Rotary features all the parameters associated with the real thing. The parameters are as follows: Directing MIDI to the Rotary For real-time MIDI control of the Speed parameter, MIDI must be directed to the Rotary. Whenever the Rotary has been added as an insert ef- fect (for an audio track or an FX channel), it will be avail- able on the Output Routing pop-up menu for MIDI tracks. If Rotary is selected on the “out:” menu, MIDI will be directed to the plug- in from the selected track. LFO Waveform Selects the LFO waveform; square, sine, saw or triangle. Invert Stereo This inverts the LFO waveform for the right channel of the oscillator, which produces a wider stereo perspective for the modulation. Envelope Generator (Attack and Decay dials)The Envelope Generator section controls how the input signal is converted to envelope data, which can then be used to control oscillator pitch and LFO speed. It has two main controls: Attack sets how fast the envelope output level rises in re- sponse to a rising input signal. Decay controls how fast the envelope output level falls in response to a falling input signal. Lock L
19 The included effect plug-ins Tranceformer Tranceformer is a ring modulator effect, in which the in- coming audio is ring modulated by an internal, variable fre- quency oscillator, producing new harmonics. A second oscillator can be used to modulate the frequency of the first oscillator, in sync with the Song tempo if needed. ÖNote that clicking and dragging in the display allows you to adjust the Tone and Depth parameters at the same time! Tremolo Tremolo produces amplitude (volume) modulation. Parameters are as follows: Vibrato The Vibrato plug-in produces pitch modulation. Parameter Description Waveform buttonsSets the pitch modulation waveform. Tone Sets the frequency (pitch) of the modulating oscillator (1 to 5000 Hz). Depth Governs the depth of the pitch modulation. Speed If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). Note that there is no note value modifier for this effect. If tempo sync is off, the modula- tion speed can be set freely with the Speed knob, without sync to tempo. Tempo sync on/offThe button above the Speed knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. On button Turns modulation of the pitch parameter on or off. Mono button Governs whether the output will be stereo or mono. Output Adjusts the output level of the effect. Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. Parameter Description Tempo sync on/offThe button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Rate If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). If tempo sync is off, the modulation speed can be set freely with the Rate knob, without sync to tempo. Depth This governs the depth of the amplitude modulation. Spatial This will add a stereo effect to the modulation. Output Adjusts the output volume. Parameter Description Tempo sync on/offThe button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Rate If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). If tempo sync is off, the modulation speed can be set freely with the Rate knob, without sync to tempo. Depth This governs the depth of the pitch modulation. Spatial This will add a stereo effect to the modulation.
20 The included effect plug-ins Other plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Others” category. Bitcrusher If you’re into lo-fi sound, Bitcrusher is the effect for you. It offers the possibility of decimating and truncating the in- put audio signal by bit reduction, to get a noisy, distorted sound. You can for example make a 24-bit audio signal sound like an 8 or 4-bit signal, or even render it completely garbled and unrecognizable. The parameters are: Chopper Chopper is a combined tremolo and autopan effect. It can use different waveforms to modulate the level (tremolo) or left-right stereo position (pan), either using tempo sync or manual modulation speed settings. The parameters are as follows: Parameter Description Mode Select one of four operating modes for the Bitcrusher. Each mode will produce a result sounding a bit different. Modes I and III are nastier and noisier, while modes II and IV are more subtle. Sample Divider This sets the amount by which the audio samples are decimated. At the highest setting (65), nearly all of the in- formation describing the original audio signal will be elim- inated, turning the signal into unrecognizable noise. Depth Use this to set the desired bit resolution. A setting of 24 gives the highest audio quality, while a setting of 1 will create mostly noise. Output Governs the output level from the Bitcrusher. Drag the slider upwards to increase the level. Mix This slider regulates the balance between the output from the Bitcrusher and the original audio signal. Drag the slider upwards for a more dominant effect, and drag it down- wards if you want the original signal to be more prominent. Parameter Description Waveform buttonsSets the modulation waveform. Depth Sets the depth of the Chopper effect. This can also be set by clicking in the graphic display. Speed If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted). Note that there is no note value modifier for this effect. If tempo sync is off, the tremolo/auto-pan speed can be set freely with the Speed knob, without sync to tempo. Tempo sync on/offThe button above the Speed knob is used to switch tempo sync on (the button lights up) or off. Stereo/Mono buttonDetermines whether the Chopper will work as an auto- panner (button set to “Stereo”) or a tremolo effect (but- ton set to “Mono”). Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the ef- fect. If Chopper is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum.