Steinberg WaveLab Elements 7 Operation Manual

							9.1 Dialogs 113
Podcasts
9.1.15 Change Level
This dialog allows you to apply a gain to change the level of an Audio File.
You can also use "Find current peak level" to obtain a report on the peak level of the current
audio selection (or the peak level in the whole file, if "Process whole file if there is no selection"
is selected in the preferences). This can be useful if you wish to calculate how much you can
increase the overall gain of a file without introducing clipping (exceeding 0dB), for example.
To change the level, enter the desired gain and click Apply.
You can access this dialog by choosing Process>Change level... in the Audio File
Workspace.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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Related topics
Audio File editing
Value editing
9.1.16 File attributes (OGG/WMA)
This dialog allows you to enter/edit the meta-tags for an OGG Vorbis (OGG) or Window
Media Audio (WMA) encoded file. Double click on the tags provided to edit an entry.
In the Audio File Workspace you can access this dialog by opening a WMA or Ogg Vorbis
file and clicking in the Meta-Data specific tool window. You can also access it by choosing
Save as... >Output format >Attributes >Edit... when saving a WMA or Ogg Vorbis
file, and from most places where you are able to select an output file format, like the Render
dialog.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Metadata window
Audio File Format Dialog
OGG encoding
Ogg Vorbis files
9.1.17 Global analysis
This dialog allows you to perform advanced analysis on your audio to identify areas with spec-
ified properties. It can be used to find problem areas such as glitches or clipped samples,
or just to check general information such as the pitch of a sound.
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How it works When you analyze a section of an Audio File, WaveLab Elements scans it
and extracts information which it displays in the dialog. It also "pin-points" sections of the
file that meet specific characteristics, for example, sections being very loud or almost silent.
You can then browse between these points, set markers or zoom in on them.
Types of analysis On most of the tabs, you will find settings determining exactly how the
analysis will be performed. Each tab focuses on a particular analysis area:
ˆ Peaks- this tab is for finding individual samples with very high decibel values.
ˆ Loudness - this tab is for finding sections that are perceived by the human ear as
louder or weaker in volume. WaveLab uses an accurate method (RMS - Root Mean
Square), to measure a consecutive section of samples and then average their value.
ˆ Pitch- this tab is used for finding the exact average pitch of a section of audio. The
method works best on monophonic material (single notes, without chords or harmonies)
and assumes the analyzed section has a relatively stable pitch. As a general rule try to
analyze the sustain portion of a sound, rather than the attack.
ˆ Extras- this tab is for informing you about DC offsets and the significant bit resolution
of the file. This can be useful, for example, if you wanted to check whether a 16 bit
file really uses 16 bits (or if it was actually recorded with only 8 bit resolution and then
upscaled to 16 bits).
ˆ Errors- this tab is to help you find glitches and sections where the audio has clipped
(gone beyond 0 dB). Checking and browsing the results Checking the results on
the Pitch and Extra tabs is simple, since only one value is returned for the whole section
of analyzed audio. For all the other tabs, the analysis methods returns a series of exact
points ("hot points") in the file or section of audio. Use the relevant buttons in each tab
to select the "hot points" you wish to look at in more detail. Using the slider you can
then browse or skip between these points, adding markers or focusing the waveform
display at that particular point in the file.
You can access this dialog in the Audio File Workspace via Analysis>Global Analysis... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
3D Frequency Analysis
9.1.18 Import Audio CD
This dialog allows you to import one or more tracks from an audio CD.
Once you have identified the source CD, you can select the track or tracks to import. You
must specify a folder location and file format before the file or files can be saved to disk.
Actions tab Specify the optical disk drive from the drop-down list, and the disk reading
speed. The title and track details are automatically completed. If no track names appear,
click
to refresh CD reading.
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From this list you can select the tracks (or define the start and end points of a single track).
The "Rename tracks" menu option automatically adds the track order number to the name in
a range of different styles. You can select a track name for text editing by double-clicking.
In "Output", accept the default Folder location or choose another. Clicking
produces the
Audio File Format dialog for changing details of the Audio File's format.
Options tab This accesses a list of tickable options to refine how the tracks are read and
output to file.
You can access this dialog via Utilities>Import Audio CD tracks... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Audio File Format Dialog
9.1.19 Insert Audio Files
This dialog allows you to choose how imported Audio Files will be arranged in the active
audio montage.
It displays a list of the Audio Files you have selected to import and allows you to add or
remove files, rearrange their order, choose whether to create new tracks for each Clip or lay
them out on a single track, and where to insert the Clips. To adjust the spacing between
Clips that you import, see
Audio Montage Preferences .
This dialog appears when adding two or more Audio Files to a montage. You can access it
from the Montage Workspace via Insert context menu>Insert Audio Files... , or when
you drag Audio Files directly from your computer's file system.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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Related topics
Podcasts
Audio Montage Preferences
9.1.20 Level envelope
This dialog allows you to create a volume envelope which can be applied to a selected range
or a whole Audio File. This could be useful if you need to even-out loud and quiet parts, for
example.
You can edit the envelope by:
ˆ Double clicking on the line to add a point: double click on a point to remove it.
ˆ Selecting multiple points (using [Shift]click) allows you to move the selection as a
group.
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You can also use the controls to delete or reset points in the envelope. Use the envelope
smoothing button to toggle the envelope points between a straight (polygonal) line or a
curved path.
Click Apply to apply the envelope to the audio selection or file.
You can access this dialog in the Audio File Workspace via Process>Level envelope... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Audio File editing
Adjusting Envelopes
9.1.21 Loop Tone Uniformizer
This dialog allows you to create sounds that will loop, from audio that is seemingly "un-
loopable". These are normally sounds that constantly decay in level or continuously change
in timbre. The Loop Tone Uniformizer applies processing to the sound that evens out changes
in level and timbral characteristics in order for a sound to loop properly. For example, this
could be useful for creating looped samples for a softsynth or hardware sampler.
To use the Loop Tone Uniformizer you need to have a loop defined using a pair of loop markers
. The original length of the loop is not changed.
Uniformizers
This tab allows you to specify the method/s used to even out the sound you wish to loop.
Choose between "Slice mixing" and/or "Chorus smoothing". For a full explanation of how
each of these methods operate use the "What's this?" help function.
For slice mixing, you may need to experiment to see how many slices are needed. Generally
the more slices you use, the more natural the sound will be (up to a certain point).
Pre Cross fade
The Loop Tone Uniformizer also includes the option to cross fade the end of the loop with
the start of the newly processed section so that transition into the newly looped section is
smoother during playback. Use the envelope drag points or value sliders to adjust the cross
fade.
A note about Post Cross fading
If you have used the Loop Tone Uniformizer within a region of an Audio File, the transition
from the end of the loop into the original file in many cases won't be very natural. This can
be fixed as follows:
1. Close the Loop Tone Uniformizer and open the Loop Tweaker.
2. Click on the Cross fade tab and deactivate the Cross fade option (the check box).
3. Click on the Post Cross fade tab and make sure Cross fade is activated.
4. Set up the post cross fade parameters and click Apply.
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It can also be a useful tip to lock the loop markers after you use this command on a selection
within an Audio File. Once the loop is processed in place, moving the loop markers will upset
playback of the loop.
You can access this dialog in the Audio File Workspace via Process>Loop Tone Uni-
formizer... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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Related topics
Markers
Adjusting Envelopes
9.1.22 Global Preferences
This dialog allows you to view and change options that are common throughout the applica-
tion's Workspaces.
You can adjust the following settings:
ˆ General - this tab allows you to change the location of WaveLab's settings files and
the user interface language. You need to restart the application for changes to take
effect.
ˆ Display- this tab allows you change many aspects of the user interface that apply
across the whole application. These options provide useful information and usability
functions but can be deactivated to streamline the interface. "Use Window Switcher"
is an import panel that controls the appearance of the Window Switcher panel and
whether you want particular Workspaces to appear.
ˆ Formats - this tab allows you to adjust settings for some of the audio formats and units
that WaveLab uses.
ˆ CD Burning - this tab allows you to set a number of parameters for CD burning.
ˆ Options - this tab allows you to control application-wide start-up options and transport
settings. You can also reset default answers. This can be useful for example, if you
deactivated any "Don't show this message again" warning messages that you now wish
to restore.
ˆ Global shortcuts - this tab allows you edit key sequences for shortcuts available
across all Workspaces.
You can access this dialog via WaveLab Elements>Preferences... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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Related topics
Workspaces
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9.1.23 Save Master Section Preset
This dialog allows you to save the current settings of the Master Section as a preset.
You can choose whether plug-ins, dithering, and master levels are saved or ignored. This
can be useful for example, for saving chains of effects plug-ins (and their settings) that you
commonly use.
You can access this dialog from the Master Section by choosing
Master Section preset
menu >Save as... . You can also access it from the
Status Bar .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Master Section
Audio Plug-ins
9.1.24 Audio Montage Clone
This dialog allows you to clone your active Audio Montage and its associated Audio Files.
You can choose a number of options that determine how WaveLab Elements will consolidate
the montage and its related audio Clips when making the clone.
You can access this dialog from the Audio Montage Workspace via File>Save special >
Clone completely... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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9.1.25 Audio Montage Preferences
This dialog allows you to define settings for working in the Audio Montage Workspace.
Using the two tabs you can define settings for both the active audio montage and for all
audio montages. You can adjust default settings for how WaveLab works with audio Clips
and effects plug-ins in an audio montage, as well as to define backup and display options.
You can access this dialog from the Audio Montage Workspace via Options>Audio Mon-
tage preferences... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Workspaces
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9.1.26 MP2 encoding
This dialog allows you to specify the encoding options when you save an MP2 Audio File.
You can select the bit rate and stereo encoding format, as well as define other options.
You can access this dialog via Save as...>Output Format (select type MPEG-1 Layer
2) >Encoding >Edit... , and from most places where you can select an output file format,
such as the Render dialog.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
MP2 files
9.1.27 MP3 attributes
This dialog allows you to enter/edit the meta-tags (ID3 tags) for an MPEG 3 encoded file.
You can access this dialog via Edit>File attributes... when you have an MP3 file open in
the Audio File Workspace.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
MP3 files
9.1.28 MP3 encoding
This dialog allows you to specify the encoding options when you save an MP3 Audio File.
You can select which encoder to use and adjust the bit rate and quality of the file. You can
also choose the format and method the encoder uses to output the file, as well as select
other advanced options.
You can access this dialog by choosing Save as...>Output Format (select type MPEG-
1 Layer 3) >Encoding >Edit... , and from most places where you can select an output file
format, such as the Render dialog.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
MP3 files
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9.1.29 Normalize Level
This dialog allows you to change the peak level of your Audio File.
Enter the desired peak level (in dB) that you wish the audio selection to have. You can also
use "Find current peak level" to obtain a report on the peak level of the current audio selection
(or the peak level in the whole file, if "Process whole file if there is no selection" is selected
in the preferences). You can choose to apply the same gain to both stereo channels (Stereo
Link) or mix down to a mono file (Mix to Mono) with the assurance that no clipping will occur
when both channels are mixed together.
To normalize the selected audio, enter the desired peak level and click Apply.
You can access this dialog by choosing Process>Level Normalizer... in the Audio File
Workspace.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Audio File editing
Value editing
9.1.30 OGG encoding
This dialog allows you to specify the encoding options when you save an Ogg Vorbis Audio
File.
You can choose between using an average or variable bit rate to adjust the size and quality
of the file.
You can access this dialog via Save as...>Output Format (select type Ogg Vorbis) >
Encoding >Edit... , and from most places where you can select an output file format, such
as the Render dialog.
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Ogg Vorbis files
9.1.31 Mix dialog
This dialog allows you to specify a change in gain while pasting audio.
You can adjust the gain of the copy of audio contained in the clipboard, and/or the audio at
the destination so you can control how the two components mix together.
You can access this dialog from the Audio File Workspace via Edit>Paste special >
Mix... .
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For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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9.1.32 Pitch correction
This dialog allows you to detect and change the pitch of a sound without affecting its length.
ˆ Amount of Shift - use these controls to find out the current pitch of the audio and if
desired, calculate the required shift to match a specific pitch.
ˆ Method - use these controls to adjust the method and quality you wish to use when
processing the pitch change. You can also choose how the length of the sound is
affected by the operation. By default this process will not change the length of the
sound.
This tool could be useful for fixing an off-key vocal note in a live recording, or tuning the pitch
of a kick drum sample to fit a particular song, for example.
You can access this dialog from the Audio File Workspace via Process>Pitch Correc-
tion... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
Getting Help
Related topics
Adjusting Envelopes
9.1.33 Podcast options
This dialog allows you to define a number of options for working with Podcasts. You can
choose how WaveLab Elements handles pictures added to your Podcast, select a different
timezone to publish for, and/or define an external HTML editor.
You can access this dialog from the Podcast Section via Options>Options... .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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9.1.34 Repeat Clip
This dialog allows you to make a number of copies of a Clip and lay them out at various
intervals on the current track of your audio montage. You can specify the number of clones
to produce, and control their placement, alignment and spacing.
You can access this dialog in the Audio Montage Workspace by right-clicking on the track's
waveform and choosing Repeat clip...from the Clip context menu.
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For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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Related topics
Audio Montages
Clip
9.1.35 Recording Dialog
This dialog enables you to set up and record an Audio File from the input device specified in
the
Audio Streaming Settings dialog .
To set up a recording:
ˆ In the "File to create" section, select Temporary File, or select Named File and browse
to the folder where the recorded audio will be saved.
ˆ Click the down arrow to select a preset audio format, or click the audio format text to
display the
Audio File Format dialog , and set up the format for your recorded audio.
Here, you can create new Audio File Format presets, if required, for later use.
ˆ Choose from Level or Spectrum display. If you choose Level, click the Settings button
to bring up the Level/Pan Meter Settings dialog.
ˆ Click Record. While the recording is in progress, you can create named markers by
clicking on the marker icons in the Actions section.
ˆ Click Stop when the recording is complete. An unsuitable recording is easily discarded,
or you can Close the dialog to edit the recorded file in the Audio File Workspace.
In WaveLab Elements you also have further options available:
ˆ Method - use this tab to define options for starting/stopping/pausing the recording
automatically. You can select an input device and choose to start a recording at a
specific time or stop it after a specific duration. In WaveLab Elements you can also
choose to drop markers automatically and split a file into while recording.
ˆ Options - use this tab to determine various options affecting how the recording dialog
window behaves while recording.
ˆ Values- use this tab to define numerical values for the various recording options avail-
able.
You can access this dialog from the
Transport controls button or by choosingTransport
> Record .
For an explanation of each parameter and interface feature, click on , or the 'What's this?'
question mark icon. For more information see
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WaveLab Elements 7