Steinberg WaveLab 3 Operation Manual

							WAVELAB
Plug-in Processor Reference 33 – 761
Chorus
The Chorus plug-in (only available in the Master Section) is a classic ste-
reo chorus based on a sweeping delay, with the following parameters:
Parameter Description
Delay (0.1~60ms) Use this parameter to specify the basic time delay for the chorused sig-
nal with respect to the “dry” signal. The higher the value, the more pro-
minent the effect. Low settings (up to 7ms) create flanger-like effects. 
Settings up to 25ms are for classic chorus while settings above this 
value are mainly for special effects.
Width (0~100%) Use this parameter to specify how much the delay time is allowed to 
vary with the modulation. It is this variation in delay time that causes the 
sweeping effect. Note that the value 0% should probably be avoided 
since it might create the impression that you are experiencing phase 
problems.
Frequency 
(0.01~25Hz)The Frequency parameter sets the speed of the sweep (the modula-
tion). The higher the value, the faster the modulation. You will probably 
not use values above 7Hz except for special effects.
Feedback 
(0~100%)This parameter specifies how much of the output from the effect is fed 
back to the input (the feedback signal is also phase inverted). The 
higher the value, the more prominent the effect. At short delay times, this 
creates a flanger-like effect. At larger settings it creates more of a slap-
back repetition type of sound.
Fb Balance 
(0~100%)Use this parameter to set the volume of the Feedback signal (see 
above) in the mix. If this is set to 100%, and combined with a Feedback 
setting between 65% and 100%, the effect goes into self-oscillation.
Glimmer 1, 
Glimmer 2 
(0~100%)The two Glimmer parameters allow you to specify to what extent the 
Chorus signal should move around in the stereo image. They work in 
more or less the same way as the Auto Panner but only apply to the 
Chorus signals. Glimmer 1 processes the right channel signal, while 
Glimmer 2 processes a combination of the left and right channels (the 
actual left channel always remains at 0).
Stereo Spread 
(0~100%)This parameter specifies the width the Chorus effect will occupy in the 
stereo sound image. The value 0% creates a mono impression, and 
since left and right channel signals are then mixed together, the Chorus 
becomes louder.
Mix (0~100%) Use this parameter to specify the balance in level between the dry and 
the delayed signal. The value 0% means that only the dry signal will be 
heard, while 100% actually means a 50/50 mix between dry and effect 
signal.
Output Lev
(-48dB~0dB)This is an attenuator that allows you to reduce the output level of the 
Chorus effect, avoiding clipping and hence distortion. If the Clip indica-
tor lights up continuously, lower this value. 
						

							WAVELAB
33 – 762 Plug-in Processor Reference
Crystal Resampler
The Crystal Resampler plug-in (only available in the Master Section) is a 
professional sample rate converter providing exceptional transparency 
and preservation of the frequency content:
Echo
The Echo plug-in (only available in the Master Section) is a stereo echo 
effect with two separate delay lines. It has the following parameters:
Parameter Description
Sample Rate (6 - 
384 kHz)This defines the output sample rate while the input sample rate is deter-
mined by the sample rate of the active audio file or Audio Montage.
Quality (Preview 
(fast), Standard, 
High, Ultra (slow))This defines the quality of the algorithm which is used. In Preview mode 
the CPU load is much lower than in Ultra mode but as ta trade off the 
sonic quality of the resulting audio is also lower.
Parameter Description
Delay 1 
(0.5~1000ms)This sets the delay time of Delay 1, with respect to the incoming signal. 
Please note that the minimum value (0.5ms) creates an out-of-phase 
impression.
Feedback 1 
(0~100%)This sets the amount of delayed signal fed back into the Delay 1 block, 
to create repetitions. The value 100% means that the echo signal is re-
peated indefinitely, while 0% means there is only one repetition.
Link 1-2 
(Off, Linked)Select Off if you wish to use Delay 1 and Delay 2 as two independent 
blocks. Select Linked if the output of Delay 1 is to be connected to the 
Input of Delay 2.
Delay 2, Feedback 2 See Delay 1 (0.5~1000ms) and Feedback 1 (0~100%) above. These 
parameters are identical to these but apply to the second Delay block.
Del. Balance 
(0~100%)This sets the stereo width of Delay 1 and Delay 2. When set to 100%, 
Delay 1 is assigned to the left channel, while Delay 2 is assigned to the 
right channel. The value 0% means that both Delay blocks are spread 
across the stereo field.
Vol Left, Vol Right 
(-96dB~0dB)Use these parameters to correct volume imbalances brought about by 
the Delay effects. These parameters only apply to the Echo effect, the 
dry signal is not affected by these settings. 
						

							WAVELAB
Plug-in Processor Reference 33 – 763
EQ-1
EQ-1 is available both as a VST and a WaveLab plug-in. It can be used as 
a clip or track effect in the Audio Montage, or as a global effect in the 
Master Section (including multichannel configurations). 
This is a three-band equalizer with high and low shelving filters and a full 
parametric mid-frequency band. You can turn off each band separately by 
clicking the corresponding button, making it easy to compare the signal 
with and without EQ. The following parameters are available:
• WaveLab also includes the “Q” equalizer plug-in, which offers two full-para-
metric EQ bands and additional features. 
As always, which equalizer to choose depends on your needs in the given situation.
Parameter Description
High Gain Determines the boost or cut (in dB) of the high shelving filter.
High Frequency Sets the frequency of the high shelving filter. Frequencies above this 
value will gradually be increased or reduced in level, according to the 
High Gain setting.
Mid Gain Determines the boost or cut (in dB) of the mid band EQ.
Mid Frequency Sets the center frequency of the mid band eq. Frequencies around this 
value will be affected by the Mid Gain.
Mid Q Use this parameter to set the width of the Mid band, e.g. how wide a fre-
quency range around the Mid Frequency should be affected by the mid 
band EQ. The higher this value, the “narrower” the mid band.
Low Gain Determines the boost or cut (in dB) of the low shelving filter.
Low Frequency Sets the frequency of the low shelving filter. Frequencies below this 
value will gradually be increased or reduced in level, according to the 
Low Gain setting. 
						

							WAVELAB
33 – 764 Plug-in Processor Reference
Leveler & Leveler Multi
This plug-in is available both as a VST and a WaveLab plug-in. It can be 
used as a clip or track effect in the Audio Montage, or as a global effect in 
the Master Section. 
Leveler Multi is adapted to handle multichannel configurations and can be 
used to change the level of all channels in the Master Section.
This “effect” simply reduces or boosts the signal level. This is useful for 
matching levels between effects. You may want to patch in the Leveler af-
ter an equalizer plug-in, for example. The parameters consist of volume 
settings for the left and right channels, and a Stereo Link setting (when 
activated, the Volume Left parameters control the level of both channels). 
Finally, a Mix to mono setting allows you to mix an incoming stereo signal 
to mono (much like the Mono button in the Master Section).
Noise Gate
This plug-in is available both as a VST and a WaveLab plug-in. It can be 
used as a clip or track effect in the Audio Montage, or as a global effect in 
the Master Section (including multichannel configurations).
The Noise Gate plug-in mutes any signal that falls below a specified 
threshold level. This can be useful for removing unwanted residual noise 
from audio material without having to manually clean up or mute sound-
files. Other applications include gating reverb “tails” and tightening per-
cussion tracks.
Parameter Description
Threshold
(-144~-12dB)This setting determines at what level the Noise Gate is activated. Any 
signal or portion of a signal that falls below the chosen threshold will be 
muted.
Rel Time 
(1~5000ms)Determines how long the gate stays open after a signal below the 
Threshold level has been detected.
Rel Sens (1~100) This setting is used to prevent the gate from being triggered on/off inad-
vertently when the signal is close to the threshold level.
Attack Sens 
(1~100)Determines the time it takes for the gate to open. A low setting provides 
a fast transient response but a high setting will soften or mute the early 
portion of the sound which is triggering the gate. 
						

							WAVELAB
Plug-in Processor Reference 33 – 765
Peak Master
This plug-in is available both as a VST and a WaveLab plug-in. It can be 
used as a clip effect in the Audio Montage, or as a global effect in the 
Master Section (including multichannel configurations). This plug-in pro-
vides a safe and transparent way of boosting the perceived loudness of 
audio material. By limiting transients and simultaneously raising the ge-
neral level by compression, the Peak Master will increase the subjective 
loudness of the signal without risk of distortion inducing peaks.
Puncher
This plug-in is available both as a VST and a WaveLab plug-in. It can be 
used as a clip or track effect in the Audio Montage, or as a global effect in 
the Master Section (including multichannel configurations).
The Puncher plug-in generates additional harmonics which are added to 
the audio material. The result is a more dynamic, and “punchier” sound, 
particularly when applied to drums and percussive material. Compared to 
the Peak Master the Puncher plug-in could be described as operating in 
almost the opposite way. Puncher leaves quieter parts untouched but will 
add power to the louder portions without causing clipping. The plug-in is 
optimized for peak signal levels between 10 and 0dB, the closer to 0dB, 
the better.
Parameter Description
Input Gain
(-12~+24dB)This allows you to adjust the input level to Peak Master. Use this to 
(typically) raise the loudness of the signal. Use extreme boost settings 
with caution as they can induce distortion.
Out Ceiling
(-18~0dB)This setting determines the maximum level at the Peak Master outputs.
Softness (-5~5) This parameter affects the way the Peak Master operates. A high setting 
will maximize the perceived loudness effect but can in some cases re-
sult in a slight harshness of the sound. Adjust this parameter to optimize 
the balance between sound quality and the desired effect.
Parameter Description
Density (Soft, Me-
dium, Hard)The difference between these 3 settings lies in the number of added 
harmonics. The setting you use depends on the audio material.
Effect (0~100%) This adjusts the balance between the processed and the dry signal.
Input Gain
(-12~24dB)This sets the input level. Boosting the signal may cause clipping, so use 
this with caution. With no boost, Puncher will never cause clipping. 
						

							WAVELAB
33 – 766 Plug-in Processor Reference
ReSampler
The Resampler (only available in the Master Section) plays back the file at 
another sample rate. This is similar to the Convert Sample Rate function. 
However, since the ReSampler processor operates in real time, it lets you 
play back files at a certain sample rate, regardless of which rate they were 
recorded at. Please note that if your files already match the card’s sample 
rate, you do not need to use this processor at all.
One situation where this processor is extremely useful is when you are 
mastering digitally to a certain sample rate.
Resizer
The Resizer plug-in (only available in the Batch Processor) is a simple but 
useful plug-in allowing you to specify a set length for all files in the batch.
Simply set a desired Duration time using the slider.
If “Add silence” is on, silence will be added to all files shorter than the set 
Duration time to make them the exact length specified.
StereoExpander
The StereoExpander plug-in (only available in the Master Section) nar-
rows or enlarges the stereo width of an existing stereo signal. This is set 
by the single “Width” parameter. 
A value of 0% produces two equal output channels (the original stereo 
image is lost). Values between 1 and 49% correspond to a narrower ste-
reo image. A value of 50% corresponds to the original signal. Values be-
tween 51 and 100% enlarge the stereo image.
Parameter Description
Freq 11~192 kHz This is used to set the desired sample rate.
Quality (Low, 
Medium, High)The higher the quality, the more computer processing power is required. 
The option you select here depends largely on the processing capabili-
ties of your computer and the other effects you are using.
Fine The Fine control allows you to set any sample rate between the fixed 
settings of the Freq parameter. The current setting is indicated by the 
“kHz Output” display to the right. 
						

							WAVELAB
Plug-in Processor Reference 33 – 767
Silence
The Silence plug-in (only available in the Master Section) lets you add si-
lent portions at the start and/or end of a file. This can be useful for exam-
ple in conjunction with effects such as reverb and delay which produce 
audio “tails” – i.e. the sound of the effect lingers after the end of the file – 
since the sound of the effect would otherwise be muted at the end of the 
file. To remedy this, just place the Silence plug-in before the other plug-in 
in the Master Section and specify the length of the silent portion as nec-
essary, so that the sound of the effect is allowed to decay naturally.
The Silence plug-in only has two parameters which let you define the 
length of the silent portions at the start and end of the file. Silence can be 
used for multichannel configurations. 
						

							WAVELAB
33 – 768 Plug-in Processor Reference
VST Plug-ins
About VST Plug-ins
These plug-ins use Steinberg’s widely adapted VST plug-in format. As a 
rule, VST plug-ins can be used by any VST-compatible application, al-
though some plug-ins may still be limited to use with certain programs. 
Note:
• VST Plug-ins can be used in the Master Section (but not for multichannel 
configurations) or as track or clip effects in the Audio Montage.
The only exception to this is the “Ducker” effect, which can only be used as a clip effect.
• As with WaveLab plug-ins, you can specify which VST plug-ins should be 
available in the Master Section by using the Organize Master Section Plug-
ins function on the Options menu.
This also allows you to specify which plug-ins should be available in the Dithering Pane 
(post-master fader).
• It’s also possible to exclude VST plug-ins completely from  WaveLab, 
thereby removing them from the clip and track effects lists as well.
• VST plug-ins have their own preset handling. 
When you click the Preset button for this type of effect, a pop-up menu appears, allowing 
you to save or load effect programs (presets) or complete banks containing several pro-
grams.
Autopan
The AutoPan plug-in pans the signals continuously between the left and 
right channel in the stereo image. It has the following parameters:
Parameter Description
LFO Freq 
(0.1Hz~10Hz)This parameter sets the speed of the pan movements. The higher the 
value, the faster the processed signal moves around in the stereo 
image. 
Width (0~100%) Use this parameter to specify the “width” of the pan movements. Setting 
this to its maximum value causes the signal to move from the extreme 
left to the extreme right, while lowering it completely disables the pan-
ning effect.
Waveform Determines the shape of the panning curve. Available curve shapes are 
Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, and Pulse.
Out Levl  The stereo output level of the effect. 
						

							WAVELAB
Plug-in Processor Reference 33 – 769
Choirus2
Choirus2 is a chorus effect, used for making the sound “warmer”, etc. It 
has the following parameters:
Parameter Description
Time  Use this parameter to specify the basic time delay for the chorused sig-
nal with respect to the “dry” signal. The higher the value, the more pro-
minent the effect. Low settings create flanger-like effects, medium 
settings provides classic chorus while higher settings are mainly for 
special effects.
Width  Use this parameter to specify how much the delay time is allowed to 
vary with the modulation. It is this variation in delay time that causes the 
sweeping effect. Note that the value 0% should probably be avoided 
since it might create the impression that you are experiencing phase 
problems.
Lfo Freq The Frequency parameter sets the speed of the sweep (the modula-
tion). The higher the value, the faster the modulation. You will probably 
not use higher values (above 7Hz) except for special effects.
Feedback  This parameter specifies how much of the output from the effect is fed 
back to the input (the feedback signal is also phase inverted). The 
higher the value, the more prominent the effect. At short delay times, this 
creates a flanger-like effect. At larger settings it creates more of a slap-
back repetition type of sound.
Feed Bal  Use this parameter to set the volume of the Feedback signal (see 
above) in the mix. If this is set to 100%, and combined with a Feedback 
setting between 65% and 100%, the effect goes into self-oscillation.
Glimmer 1, 
Glimmer 2 The two Glimmer parameters allow you to specify to what extent the 
Chorus signal should move around in the stereo image. They work in 
more or less the same way as the Auto Panner but only apply to the 
Chorus signals. Glimmer 1 processes the right channel signal, while 
Glimmer 2 processes a combination of the left and right channels (the 
actual left channel always remains at 0).
Out Levl  The stereo output level of the effect. 
						

							WAVELAB
33 – 770 Plug-in Processor Reference
CleanComp
CleanComp is a simple compressor that allows you to limit loud sounds, 
while at the same time boosting the overall loudness of the audio material.
DeClicker
The DeClicker plug-in is specifically designed to eliminate single “clicks” 
or “pops” in a recording. One typical application is to clean up recordings 
made from vinyl records, but you may also find it useful for removing pops 
from microphone switches, oxidized connector noises, clicks from sync 
problems when transferring material digitally, etc.
• Note that the DeClicker module is not optimized for crackles (a series of 
short clicks).
However, as it is often hard to distinguish between clicks and crackles, you might also be 
able to use it to improve your recording in this respect.
• If the recording also contains background noise (hiss), you may want to 
combine DeClicker with the DeNoiser plug-in.
How DeClicker works
The Declicker process is divided into two steps:
• Analysis – when the audio signal passes through DeClicker, the selected analysis 
algorithm finds the clicks in the recording. You provide input to the analysis pa-
rameters by selecting a Mode and the Threshold and DePlop parameters.
• Removal – a de-click algorithm is applied to the audio, removing the clicks.
In many cases, the original audio material “hidden” underneath a click cannot be restored. 
This means there will be a gap once the click has been removed. DeClicker has the ability 
to automatically “redraw” the hence missing parts of the waveform. This feature can also be 
used to remove tape dropouts with a length of up to 60 samples (just above one millise-
cond at 44.1kHz).
Parameter Description
Ceiling (0dB~-24) This setting determines the maximum level at the CleanComp outputs.
Softness (-5~5) This parameter affects the way CleanComp operates. A high setting will 
maximize the perceived loudness effect but can in some cases result in 
a slight harshness of the sound. Adjust this parameter to optimize the 
balance between sound quality and the desired effect.
Out Gain 
(0~+24dB)This allows you to adjust the output level from CleanComp. Use this to 
(typically) raise the loudness of the signal. Use extreme boost settings 
with caution as they can induce distortion.