Steinberg Nuendo 4 Plug In Reference Manual
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11 The included effect plug-ins Dynamics plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Dynamics” category. Compressor Compressor reduces the dynamic range of the audio, making softer sounds louder or louder sounds softer, or both. Compressor features separate controls for thres- hold, ratio, attack, hold, release and make-up gain para- meters. Compressor features a separate display that graphically illustrates the compressor curve shaped ac- cording to the Threshold and Ratio parameter settings. Compressor also features a Gain Reduction meter that shows the amount of gain reduction in dB, Soft knee/Hard knee compression modes and a program-dependent Auto feature for the Release parameter. The available parameters work as follows: Parameter Description Threshold (-60 to 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 to 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. Soft Knee (On/Off)If this is off, signals above the threshold will be compressed instantly according to the set ratio (hard knee). When Soft Knee is activated, the onset of compression will be more gradual, producing a less drastic result. Make-up (0–24 dB or “Auto mode)This parameter is used to compensate for output gain loss, caused by compression. If the Auto button is activated, the knob becomes dark and the output is instead automatically adjusted for gain loss. 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. Hold (0– 2000 ms)Sets the time the applied compression will affect the signal after exceeding the Threshold. Release (10– 1000 ms or “Auto mode”)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. Analysis (0–100) (Pure Peak to Pure RMS)This parameter determines whether the input signal is anal- ysed according to peak or RMS values (or a mixture of both). A value of 0 is pure peak and 100 pure RMS. RMS mode operates using the average power of the audio signal as a basis, whereas Peak mode operates more on peak lev- els. As a general guideline, RMS mode works better on ma- terial with few transients such as vocals, and Peak mode better for percussive material, with a lot of transient peaks. Live mode (On/Off)When activated, Live mode disengages the “look ahead” feature of the Compressor. Look ahead does produce more accurate processing but will add a certain amount of latency as a trade-off. When Live mode is activated, there is no latency, which might be better for “live” processing. Side-Chain (On/Off)When this is activated, the compression can be controlled by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the side- chain signal exceeds the threshhold, the compression is triggered. For a description on how to set up Side-Chain routing, see the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual. Parameter Description
12 The included effect plug-ins SPL DeEsser A de-esser is used to reduce excessive sibilance, primarily for vocal recordings. Basically, it is a special type of com- pressor that is tuned to be sensitive to the frequencies produced by the “s” sound, hence the name de-esser. Close proximity microphone placement and equalizing can lead to situations where the overall sound is just right, but there is a problem with sibilants. Conventional compres- sion and/or equalizing will not easily solve this problem, but a de-esser can. The SPL DeEsser has the following parameters: About the Auto Threshold function Conventional de-essing devices all have a threshold pa- rameter. This is used to set a threshold for the incoming signal level, above which the device starts to process the signal. The SPL DeEsser however has been designed for utmost ease-of-use. With Auto Threshold on (the button lights up) it automatically and constantly readjusts the threshold to achieve an optimum result. If you still wish to determine for yourself at which signal level the SPL DeEsser should start to process the signal, deactivate the Auto Threshold button. The SPL DeEsser will then use a fixed threshold. When recording a voice, usually the de-essers position in the signal chain is located after the microphone pre-amp and before a compressor/limiter. This is useful, as it keeps the compressor/limiter from unnecessarily limiting the overall signal dynamics by reacting to excessive sibilants and s-frequencies. The Auto Threshold function keeps the processing on a constant level. The input threshold value is automatically and constantly adjusted to the audio input level. Even level differences of say 20 dB do not have a negative impact on the result of the processing. The input levels may vary, but processing remains constant. Parameter Description S-Reduction Controls the intensity of the de-essing effect. We recom- mend that you start with a value between 4 and 7. Level display Indicates the dB value by which the level of the sibilant or s-frequency is reduced. The display shows values be- tween 0 dB (no reduction) and minus 20 dB (the s-fre- quency level is lowered by 20 dB). Each segment in the display represents a level reduction of 2 dB. Auto Threshold See separate description below. Male/Female This sets the s-frequency and sibilant recognition to the characteristic frequency ranges of the female or male voice. The center frequency of the bandwidth at which the SPL DeEsser operates is located in the 7 kHz range for the female voice and in the 6 kHz range for the male voice.
13 The included effect plug-ins EnvelopeShaper EnvelopeShaper can be used to cut or boost the gain of the Attack and Release phase of the audio material. You can either use the knobs or drag the breakpoints in the graphic display to change parameter values. Be careful with levels when boosting the gain and if needed reduce the Output level to avoid clipping. The following parameters are available: Expander Expander reduces the output level in relation to the input level for signals below the set threshold. This is useful, when you want to enhance the dynamic range or reduce the noise in quiet passages. You can either use the knobs or drag the breakpoints in the graphic display to change the Threshold and the Ratio parameter values. The following parameters are available: Parameter Description Attack (-20–20 dB) Changes the gain of the Attack phase of the signal. Length (5–200 ms) This determines the length of the Attack phase. Release (-20–20 dB) Changes the gain of the Release phase of the signal. Output (-24–12 dB) Sets the output level. Parameter Description Threshold (-60–0 dB)This setting determines the level where expansion “kicks in”. Signal levels below the set threshold are affected, but signal levels above are not processed. Ratio (1:1–8:1)Ratio determines the amount of gain boost applied to sig- nals below the set threshold. Soft Knee (On/Off)If this is off, signals below the threshold will be expanded instantly according to the set ratio (hard knee). When Soft Knee is activated, the onset of expansion will be more grad- ual, producing a less drastic result. Attack (0.1–100 ms)This determines how fast Expander will respond to signals below the set threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal (attack) will pass through un- processed. Hold (0–2000 ms)Sets the time the applied expansion will affect the signal below the Threshold. Release (10–1000 ms or Auto mode)Sets the amount of time it takes for the gain to return to its original level when the signal exceeds the Threshold level. If the “Auto” button is activated, Expander will automatically find an optimal release setting that varies depending on the audio material. Analysis (0–100) (Pure Peak to Pure RMS)This parameter determines whether the input signal is anal- ysed according to peak or RMS values (or a mixture of both). A value of 0 is pure peak and 100 pure RMS. RMS mode operates using the average power of the audio signal as a basis, whereas Peak mode operates more on peak lev- els. As a general guideline, RMS mode works better on ma- terial with few transients such as vocals, and Peak mode better for percussive material, with a lot of transient peaks.
14 The included effect plug-ins Gate Gating, or noise gating, silences audio signals below a certain set threshold level. As soon as the signal level ex- ceeds the set threshold, the gate opens to let the signal through. The available parameters are as follows: Live mode (On/Off)When activated, Live mode disengages the look ahead fea- ture of Expander. Look ahead does produce more accurate processing but will add a certain amount of latency as a trade-off. When Live mode is activated, there is no latency. Side-Chain (On/Off)When this is activated, the expansion can be controlled by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the side-chain signal exceeds the threshhold the expansion is triggered. For a description on how to set up Side-Chain routing, see the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual. 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 LED 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). Filter buttons When the Side-chain button (see below) is activated, you can use these buttons to set the filter type to either Low Pass, Band Pass or High Pass. Side-chain (Off/On)This button (below the Center knob) activates the filter. The input signal can then be shaped according to set Center and Q-Factor parameters which may be useful in tailoring how the Gate operates. Center (50 Hz– 20000 Hz)Sets the center frequency of the filter. Q-Factor (0.01–10000)Sets the Resonance of the filter. Parameter DescriptionMonitor (Off/On)Allows you to monitor the filtered signal. Attack (0.1–1000 ms)This parameter sets the time it takes for the gate to open af- ter being triggered. If the Live button (see below) is deacti- vated, it will ensure that the gate will already be open when a signal above the threshold level is played back. Gate man- ages this by “looking ahead” in the audio material, checking for signals loud enough to pass the gate. Hold (0–2000 ms)This determines how long the gate stays open after the sig- nal 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 ac- tivated, Gate will find an optimal release setting, depending on the audio program material. Analysis (0–100) (Pure Peak to Pure RMSThis parameter determines whether the input signal is anal- ysed according to Peak or RMS values (or a mixture of both). A value of 0 is pure Peak and 100 pure RMS. RMS mode operates using the average power of the audio signal as a basis, whereas Peak mode operates more on peak lev- els. As a general guideline, RMS mode works better on ma- terial with few transients such as vocals, and Peak mode better for percussive material, with a lot of transient peaks. Live mode (On/Off)When activated, Live mode disengages the “look ahead” feature of the Gate. Look ahead does produce more accu- rate processing but will add a certain amount of latency as a trade-off. When Live mode is activated, there is no la- tency, which might be better for “live” processing. Parameter Description
15 The included effect plug-ins Limiter Limiter is designed to ensure that the output level never exceeds a certain set output level, to avoid clipping in fol- lowing devices. Limiter can adjust and optimize the Re- lease parameter automatically according to the audio material, or it can be set manually. Limiter also features separate meters for the input, output and the amount of limiting (middle meters). The available parameters are the following: Maximizer Maximizer can be used to raise the loudness of audio ma- terial without the risk of clipping. Optionally, there is a soft clip function that removes short peaks in the input signal and introduces a warm tubelike distortion to the signal. The available parameters are the following: Parameter Description Input (-24–+24 dB)Allows you to adjust the input gain. Output (-24–+6 dB)This setting determines the maximum output level. Release (0.1–1000 ms or Auto mode)This parameter sets the amount of time it takes for the gain to return to its original level. If the “Auto” button is activated, Limiter will automatically find an optimal release setting that varies depending on the audio material. Parameter Description Output (-24–+6 dB)This setting determines the maximum output level. Should normally be set to 0 (to avoid clipping). Optimize (0–100)This setting determines the loudness of the signal. Soft Clip (On/Off)Soft Clipper starts limiting (or clipping) the signal “softly”, at the same time generating harmonics which add a warm, tubelike characteristic to the audio material.
16 The included effect plug-ins MIDI Gate Gating, in its fundamental form, silences audio signals be- low a certain set threshold level. That means, when a sig- nal rises above the set level, the Gate opens to let the signal through while signals below the set level are cut off. MIDI Gate, however, is a Gate effect that is not triggered by threshold levels, but instead by MIDI notes. Hence it needs both audio and MIDI data to function. Setting up MIDI Gate requires both an audio signal and a MIDI input to function. To set it up, proceed as follows: 1.Select the audio to be affected by the MIDI Gate. This can be audio material from any audio track, or even a live audio input (provided you have a low latency audio card). 2.Select the MIDI Gate as an insert effect for the audio track. The MIDI Gate control panel opens. 3.Select a MIDI track to control the MIDI Gate. This can be an empty MIDI track, or a MIDI track containing data, it doesn’t matter. However, if you wish to play the MIDI Gate in real-time – as opposed to having a recorded part playing it – the track has to be selected for the effect to receive the MIDI output. 4.Open the Output Routing pop-up menu for the MIDI track and select the MIDI Gate option. The MIDI Output from the track is now routed to the MIDI Gate. What to do next depends on whether you are using live or recorded audio and whether you are using real-time or re- corded MIDI. We will assume for the purposes of this manual that you are using recorded audio, and play the MIDI in real-time.Make sure the MIDI track is selected and start playback. 5.Now play a few notes on your MIDI keyboard. As you can hear, the audio track material is affected by what you play on your MIDI keyboard. The following MIDI Gate parameters are available: Parameter Description Attack This is used for determining how long it should take for the Gate to open after receiving a signal that triggers it. Hold Regulates how long the Gate remains open after a Note On or Note Off message (see Hold Mode below). Release This determines how long it takes for the Gate to close (in addition to the value set with the Hold parameter). Note To AttackThe value you specify here determines to which extent the velocity values of the MIDI notes should affect the At- tack. The higher the value, the more the Attack time will increase with high note velocities. Negative values will give shorter Attack times with high velocities. If you do not wish to use this parameter, set it to the 0 position. Note To ReleaseThe value you specify here determines to which extent the velocity values of the MIDI notes should affect the Re- lease. The higher the value, the more the Release time will increase. If you do not wish to use this parameter, set it to the 0 position. Velocity To VCAThis controls to which extent the velocity values of the MIDI notes determine the output volume. A value of 127 means that the volume is controlled entirely by the veloc- ity values, while a value of 0 means that velocities will have no effect on the volume. Hold Mode Use this switch to set the Hold Mode. In Note-On mode, the Gate will only remain open for the time set with the Hold and Release parameters, regardless of the length of the MIDI note that triggered the Gate. In Note-Off mode on the other hand, the Gate will remain open for as long as the MIDI note plays, and then apply the Hold and Re- lease parameters.
17 The included effect plug-ins MultibandCompressor The MultibandCompressor allows a signal to be split in up to four frequency bands, each with its own freely adjust- able compressor characteristic. The signal is processed on the basis of the settings that you have made in the Fre- quency Band and Compressor sections. You can specify the level, bandwidth and compressor characteristics for each band by using the various controls. The Frequency Band editor The Frequency Band editor in the upper half of the panel is where you set the width of the frequency bands as well as their level after compression. Two value scales and a num- ber of handles are available. The vertical value scale to the left shows the input gain level of each frequency band. The horizontal scale shows the available frequency range. The handles provided in the Frequency Band editor can be dragged with the mouse. You use them to set the cor- ner frequency range and the input gain levels for each fre- quency bands. The handles at the sides are used to define the frequency range of the different frequency bands. By using the handles on top of each frequency band, you can cut or boost the input gain by +/- 15 dB after compression. Bypassing frequency bands Each frequency band can be bypassed using the “B” but- ton in each compressor section. Soloing frequency bands A frequency band can be soloed using the “S” button in each compressor section. Only one band can be soloed at a time. Using the Compressor section By moving breakpoints or using the corresponding knobs, you can specify the Threshold and Ratio. The first break- point from which the line deviates from the straight diagonal will be the threshold point. The compressor parameters for each of the four bands are as follows: The Output dial The Output dial controls the total output level that the MultibandCompressor passes on to Nuendo. The range available is +/- 24 dB. 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 (1000–8000) (1:1 to 8:1)Ratio determines the amount of gain reduction applied to signals over the set threshold. A ratio of 3000 (3:1) means that for every 3 dB the input level increases, the output level will increase by only 1 dB. Attack (0.1– 100 ms)This determines how fast the compressor will respond to signals above the set threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal (attack) will pass through unprocessed. 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, the compressor will automatically find an optimal release setting that varies de- pending on the audio material.
18 The included effect plug-ins VintageCompressor This is modelled after vintage type compressors. Com- pressor features separate controls for input gain, attack, release and output gain parameters. In addition, there is a Punch mode which preserves the attack phase of the sig- nal and a program dependent Auto feature for the Release parameter. The available parameters work as follows: 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:Parameter Description Input gain (-24–48 dB)This setting, together with the Output gain parameter de- termines the compression amount. The higher the Input gain setting, and the lower the Output gain setting, the more compression is applied. Output gain (-48–24 dB)Sets the output gain. Attack (0.1–100 ms)This determines how fast Compressor will respond. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal (at- tack) will pass through unprocessed. Punch (Off/On)When this is activated, the early attack phase of the signal is preserved, retaining the original “punch” in the audio ma- terial, even with short Attack settings. Release (10–1000 ms or “Auto mode”)Sets the amount of time it takes for the gain to return to its original level. If the “Auto” button is activated, Vintage Compressor will automatically find an optimal release set- ting that varies depending on the audio material. Side-Chain (On/Off)When this is activated, the compression can be controlled by a signal routed to the Side-Chain input. When the side- chain signal exceeds the threshhold the compression is trig- gered. For a description on how to set up Side-Chain rout- ing, see the chapter “Audio effects” in the Operation Manual. 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. LimiterRouting selectorGateCompressor
19 The included effect plug-ins 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: 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) 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 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.
20 The included effect plug-ins EQ plug-ins This section describes the plug-ins in the “EQ” category. GEQ-10/GEQ-30 These graphic equalizers are identical in every respect ex- cept for the number of available frequency bands (10 and 30 respectively). Each band can be cut or boosted by up to 12 dB allowing for fine control of the frequency response. In addition there are several preset modes available which can add “color” to the sound of the GEQ-10/GEQ-30. •You can draw response curves in the main display by click-dragging with the mouse. Note that you have to click on one of the sliders first before dragging across the display. You can also point and click to change individual fre- quency bands or enter values numerically by clicking on a gain value at the top of the display. At the bottom of the window the respective frequency bands are shown in Hz. At the top of the display, the amount of cut/boost is shown in dB.Apart from the frequency bands, the following parameters are available: About the filter modes On the pop-up in the lower right corner there are several different EQ modes available. These modes can add color or character to the equalized output in various ways, which is sometimes desirable. As always, let your ears be the judge! Here follow brief descriptions of the filter modes: True Response – serial filters with accurate frequency response. Digi Standard – resonance of last band depends on sample rate. Variable Q – parallell filters where the resonance depends on the amount of gain. Musical sounding. Constant Q u – parallell filters where the resonance of the first and last bands depends on the sample rate (u=unsymmetric). Constant Q s – parallell filters where the resonance is raised when boosting the gain and vice versa (s=symmetric). Resonant – serial filters where a gain increase of one band will lower the gain in adjacent bands. Parameter Description Output This controls the overall gain of the equalizer. Range This allows you to relatively adjust how much a set curve cuts or boosts the signal. If the Range parameter is turned fully clockwise, +/- 12 dB is the available range. Flatten button Resets all the frequency bands to 0 dB. Invert range This will invert the current response curve. Mode The filter mode set here determines how the various fre- quency band contrrols interact to create the response curve. See also below.