Steinberg Cubase Studio 4 Plug In Reference Studio Manual

							21
The included effect plug-ins
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.
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 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. 
						

							22
The included effect plug-ins
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
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 9), greatly enhancing the tonal 
varieties available.
The following parameters are available: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.
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. 
						

							23
The included effect plug-ins
Tonic – Analog Modeling Filter 
(Cubase only)
Tonic is a versatile and powerful analog modeling filter 
plug-in based on the filter design of the Monologue mono-
phonic synthesizer. Its variable characteristics plus the 
powerful modulation functions make it an excellent choice 
for all current music styles. Designed to be more a creative 
tool rather than a tool to fix audio problems, it can add color 
and punch to your tracks while being light on CPU usage.
The Tonic Analog Modeling Filter has the following proper-
ties:
Dynamic multimode analog modeling filter (mono/stereo).
24 dB low pass, 18 dB low pass, 12 dB low pass, 6 dB 
low pass, 12 dB band pass and 12 dB high pass modes.
Adjustable drive and resonance up to self-oscillation.
Envelope follower for dynamic filter control with an 
audio signal.
Audio and MIDI trigger modes.
Powerful step LFO with smoothing and morphing.
X/Y matrix pad for additional realtime modulation with 
access to all Tonic parameters.
Filter
Env Mod
Parameter Description
Mode Sets the filter type. Available filter types are: 24 dB Low 
pass, 18 dB Low pass, 12 dB Low pass, 6 dB Low pass, 
12 dB Band pass and 12 dB High pass.
Cutoff Sets the filter cutoff frequency. How this parameter oper-
ates is governed by the filter type.
Res Changes the resonance of the multi-mode filter. Full res-
onance puts the filter into self-oscillation.
Drive Drive adds a soft, tube-like saturation to the sound. Like 
for an analog filter, the amount of saturation also depends 
on the input signal level.
Mix Sets the balance between dry and effect signal.
Ch. Choose between mono or stereo operation. When set to 
mono, the output signal of Tonic will be mono regardless 
of the input signal.
Parameter Description
Mode Tonic offers three types of envelope modulation:
“Follow” tracks the input signal’s volume envelope for dy-
namic control of the filter cutoff.
“Trigger” uses the input signal to trigger the envelope 
and have it run through a single envelope cycle.
“MIDI” uses any MIDI note to trigger the envelope. The fil-
ter cutoff tracks the keys played on the keyboard. In addi-
tion velocities higher than 80 will add an accent to the 
envelope by increasing the envelope depth and reducing 
the decay time.
For MIDI control, set up a separate MIDI control track and 
select “Tonic” from the output pop-up menu for the track.
Attack Controls the attack time of the envelope. Higher attack 
times result in slower rise times when the envelope is 
triggered.
Release Controls the release time of the envelope. Higher release 
times result in slower envelope tails.
Depth Controls the amount of envelope control applied to the 
filter cutoff level.
LFO Mod Using this parameter, envelope level modulates the LFO 
speed. A rather stunning effect. 
						

							24
The included effect plug-ins
X/Y Pad
LFO ModWahWah
WahWah is a variable slope bandpass filter that can be 
auto-controlled by a side-chain signal or via MIDI model-
ing 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
X Par Sets the parameter to be modulated on the x axis of the 
XY Pad. All of Tonic’s parameters are available as desti-
nations
Y Par Sets the parameter to be modulated on the y axis of the 
XY Pad.
XY Pad  Use the mouse to control any two of Tonic’s parameters 
in combination. By moving the mouse horizontally, you 
can control the x parameter, by moving it vertically, you 
can control the y parameter. You can also record control-
ler movements as automation data.
Parameter Description
Mode Sets the direction of the step LFO modulation. The avail-
able modes are: Forward, Reverse, Alternating, and Ran-
dom.
Depth Controls the amount of LFO modulation applied to the fil-
ter cutoff level.
Rate Controls the speed of the LFO modulation. The LFO rate 
is always in sync with the song tempo. For example: a 
rate of 4.00 steps per beat advances the step sequencer 
in 16th notes at a 4/4 time signature. A rate of 4.00 beats 
per step would advance the LFO at only one step per bar 
in a 4/4 time signature.
Smooth The smooth parameter controls the smoothing of the LFO 
steps. This works like a glide effect applied to the filter cut-
off.
Morph Morph controls the playback value of the LFO step se-
quencer. It makes the LFO steps drift about randomly. 
Experiment freely with the morph parameter. As you re-
turn the knob to its zero position the step pattern will re-
turn to its original setting.
Steps Sets the number of steps played in sequence. Deacti-
vated steps are grayed out in the step window.
Preset Offers a number of step LFO waveform patterns. 
Choices include: Sine, Sine+, Cosine, Triangle, Saw-
tooth, Square, Random and User (which is the pattern 
saved with the respective program).
Step Matrix Click into the step matrix to set the level for each of the 
16 LFO steps. A higher amount results in a deeper filter 
cutoff modulation. Click and drag along the matrix to 
“draw” a waveform.
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.
Side-Chain
On/OffA signal routed to the Side-Chain input of the effect can 
control the Pedal parameter when this is activated. The 
louder the signal, the more the filter frequency (Pedal) is 
raised so the plug-in acts as an “auto-wha” effect. For a 
description of how to set up Side-Chain routing, see the 
chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual. 
						

							25
The included effect plug-ins
Mastering – UV 22 HR (Cubase only)
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.
AutoPan
This is a simple autopan effect. It can use different wave-
forms to modulate the left-right stereo position (pan), either 
using tempo sync or manual modulation speed settings. 
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
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 auto-pan speed can be set freely 
with the Rate knob, without sync to tempo.
Tempo sync 
on/offThe button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo 
sync on (the button lights up) or off. 
Width Sets the depth of the Autpan effect. 
Shape Sets the modulation waveform. Sine and Triangle wave-
forms are available.
Side-Chain
On/OffA signal routed to the Side-Chain input of the effect can 
control the Width parameter when this is activated. For a 
description of how to set up Side-Chain routing, see the 
chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual. 
						

							26
The included effect plug-ins
Chorus
This is a single stage chorus effect. It works by doubling 
whatever is sent into it with a slightly detuned version. See 
also “StudioChorus” on page 30.
The parameters are as follows:
Cloner (Cubase only)
The Cloner plug-in adds up to four detuned and delayed 
voices to the signal, for rich modulation and chorus effects.
The parameters are as follows:
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 StudioChorus is used as a send effect, this should 
be set to maximum as you can control the dry/effect bal-
ance 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.
Side-Chain 
On/OffWhen this is activated, the modulation can be controlled 
by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the 
side-chain signal exceeds the threshhold the modulation 
will be controlled by the side-chain signal’s envelope. For 
a description of how to set up Side-Chain routing, see 
the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual.
Parameter Description
Voices This allows you to select the number of voices (up to 
four). For each added voice, a Detune and a Delay slider 
are added in the right half of the panel.
Spatial This spreads the added voices across the stereo spec-
trum. Turn clockwise for a deeper stereo effect.
Mix Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the ef-
fect. If Cloner is used as a send effect, this should be set 
to maximum as you can control the dry/effect balance 
with the send. 
Output Allows you to reduce or increase the output gain by up to 
+/- 12 dB.
Detune slider
1–4This controls the relative detune amount for each voice. 
Positive and negative values can be set, from -100 to 
100. A value of zero means no detune for that voice.
Delay slider
1–4This controls the relative delay amount for each voice. A 
value of zero means no delay for that voice.
Master Detune This parameter governs the overall depth of the detuning 
for all voices. If this is set to zero, no detuning takes 
place, regardless of the Detune slider settings.
Humanize Delay 
knobHumanize is turned on and off with the Static Delay button 
button below this knob. When activated the delay settings 
are subtly varied, for a richer effect. Values range from 0 to 
100 (strongest delay variation). If deactivated, the set de-
lay amount is static, and the knob is blacked out.
Humanize De-
tune knobHumanize is turned on and off with the Static Detune but-
ton below this knob. When activated, the detune settings 
are subtly varied, for a richer effect. Values range from 0 
to 100 (strongest detune variation). If deactivated, the set 
detune amount is static, and the knob is blacked out.
Master Delay This parameter governs the overall depth of the delay for 
all voices. If this is set to zero, no delay takes place, re-
gardless of the Delay slider settings. 
						

							27
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.
Side-Chain 
On/OffWhen this is activated, the modulation can be controlled 
by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the 
side-chain signal exceeds the threshhold the modulation 
will be controlled by the side-chain signal’s envelope. For 
a description of how to set up Side-Chain routing, see 
the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual.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.  
						

							28
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.
Side-Chain
On/OffWhen this is activated, the modulation can be controlled 
by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the 
side-chain signal exceeds the threshhold the modulation 
will be controlled by the side-chain signal’s envelope. For 
a description of how to set up Side-Chain routing, see 
the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual.
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 Wave Selects the oscillator waveform; square, sine, saw or 
triangle.
Oscillator Range Determines 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.
LFO Waveform Selects the LFO waveform; square, sine, saw or triangle. 
						

							29
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.
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
						

							30
The included effect plug-ins
StudioChorus
The StudioChorus plug-in is a two stage chorus effect 
which adds short delays to the signal and pitch modulates 
the delayed signals to produce a “doubling” effect. The 
two separate stages of chorus modulation are completely 
independent and are processed serially (cascaded).
The parameters for each stage are as follows:
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!
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 StudioChorus is used as a send effect, this should 
be set to maximum as you can control the dry/effect bal-
ance 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.
Side-Chain
On/OffWhen this is activated, the modulation can be controlled 
by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the 
side-chain signal exceeds the threshhold, the modulation 
will be controlled by the side-chain signal’s envelope. For 
a description of how to set up Side-Chain routing, see 
the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual.
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.