Manual Nero SoundTrax

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Manual

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Copyright and Trademark Information

Copyright and trademark information

This document, like the software described therein, is provided as a license and may only be used or reproduced in accordance with the licensing agreement. The contents of this document, as well as the associated software, is subject to change without prior notice. Nero AG rejects any responsibility for the correctness of the contents of this document and rejects any claims that transcend the clauses of the guarantee agreement.

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1 Start

Successfully

1.1 About the manual

This manual is intended for all users who want to learn how to use Nero SoundTrax. It is process-based and explains how to achieve a specific objective on a step-by-step basis. To make best use of this documentation, please note the following conventions:

Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be pre-cisely followed.

Indicates additional information or advice.

1. Start … The number at the beginning of a line indicates a prompt for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified.

Indicates an intermediate result. Indicates a result.

OK Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program

inter-face. They are shown in boldinter-face.

(see…) Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as links and are shown in red and underlined.

[…] Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.

1.2 About Nero SoundTrax

Nero SoundTrax is the professional application for the production of audio CDs. Instead of simply compiling audio files into a playlist for a CD as before, you can now mix or change the contents of the audio files. A number of wizards are provided to help you copy your records or cassettes to your computer in just a few steps. Thanks to the many templates, even de-manding projects are no longer a problem: 5.1. Surround, 7.1 Surround - simply select the template and Nero SoundTrax opens along with the relevant tracks. In addition, the inte-grated Nero ScratchBox provides user-friendly functions for mixing and scratching.

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2 Launching the program

To start Nero SoundTrax via Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:

1.

Click the StartSmart icon.

 The Nero StartSmart window opens.

2.

Click the button.

 The list of Nero applications appears.

Nero StartSmart window

3.

Select the Nero SoundTrax entry in the selection list.

4.

The Nero SoundTrax window opens.

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ntain multiple clips in succession. Each

-r they only contain links

se tracks in turn contain multiple clips in which audio is recorded in multiple channels.

3 Terminology

The following terms are specific to Nero SoundTrax:



Clip refers to a single audio file.



Track refers to a single audio track. A track can co track has its own settings for volume and effects.

Channel r



efers to audio information that is contained in a clip, e.g. the left and the right channel.



Project refers to the process of adding existing audio files, editing these files, and export ing them as a finished audio file. A project can be saved with all changes made in a ject file, and it can be re-opened later. The project file has the extension *.npf (Nero pro-ject file). Propro-ject files themselves do not contain audio files, rathe

to the audio files used, as well as mix and effect settings.

In summary: A project has as its goal an edited audio compilation consisting of multiple tracks. The

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4 User

interface

4.1 Nero SoundTrax templates

When starting Nero SoundTrax, a window opens where you can select project templates.

Selecting Nero SoundTrax tasks The following selection options are available:

Menu icon

Templates

Offers templates for frequently used projects such as CD mix, ste-reo, and surround projects.

Menu icon

User templates

Offers user-created templates for projects.

Menu icon

Wizards

Opens wizards for recording a record or cassette (see Recording from a record or cassette 21).

Menu icon

Recently used fi-les

Shows recently used files.

Menu icon

Open existing project

Opens the Open dialog box that offers access to an existing project.

See also:

 Surround projects 39

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4.2 Main

Screen

The main screen appears when Nero SoundTrax is started. The main screen is divided into the following sections:

Main screen with inserted audio file



Menu bar and toolbar (1)



Master track settings (2) (3)



Project (6)

the starting point for all tasks that can be carried out with .

11 12  Track display area 12  Project area 13



Assignable effects



Tracks (4)



Track display (5) The main screen is

See also:

 Menu bar 10  Toolbar 10  Mastertrack area  Assignable Effects area  Tracks area 12

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4.2.1 Menu bar

The menu bar offers the following setting possibilities: Menu

File

Opens the File menu, containing file functions such as opening, saving, and closing that you are already familiar with from Windows. In addition tem-plates can be inserted and called up and CD tracks and the tracks created in Nero SoundTrax can be exported as audio files.

Menu

Edit

Opens the Edit menu, containing editing functions for the files in the selec-tion screen such as cutting, copying, and deleting that you are already famil-iar with from Windows. In addition you can chain the notes of the tracks cre-ated in Nero SoundTrax.

Menu

View

Opens the View menu offering the possibility of individually adjusting the menu bar and toolbar, and enlarging or reducing the view of the project. In addition, you can change the time format of the project.

Menu

Insert

Opens the Insert menu that offers the possibility of inserting audio files, au-dio loops, SoundBox and ScratchBox clips in tracks that have been created in Nero SoundTrax. In addition you can import tracks from audio CDs, gen-erate an automatic LFE track, add effects in effect chains and create as-signable effect groups.

Menu

Audio

Opens the Audio menu that offers the possibility of recording, importing, and playing audio files.

Menu

Tracks

Opens the Tracks menu that offers the possibility of inserting and deleting tracks. You can also add different effect curves to a track and change the track properties.

Menu

Tools

Opens the Toolbox menu that offers the possibility of burning a CD, open-ing other Nero applications and selectopen-ing wizards to record analog audio tracks.

Menu

Options

Opens the Options menu that offers the possibility of specifying general and special settings for the project, for the connected devices, and for the audio format.

Menu

Help

Opens the Help menu that offers the possibility of calling up online help and viewing the version number and other registration data.

4.2.2 Toolbar

The toolbar offers the following setting possibilities: Creates a new project.

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Cuts out the selected section and saves it on the clipboard Copies the selected section and saves it on the clipboard Pastes the contents of the clipboard at the selected point. Deletes the selected clips.

Undoes the last action.

Restores the last action that you have undone. Zooms into the project.

Zooms out of the project.

Zooms into the project so that the selected section is displayed in a manner that fills the screen.

Zooms out of the project in such a manner that the entire project is displayed. Inserts a new track after the selected track.

Opens the Open dialog box and inserts an audio file at the point selected. Burns the project to CD.

This button is only available if the project contains at least one clip. Opens the selected clip for editing.

If the clip is an audio file, then Nero WaveEditor will be opened. If the clip is a SoundBox or ScratchBox clip, then the respective application will open. This button is only available if a clip is selected.

Aligns the selected clips at the same start position; the start position that is furthest to the left will be used.

This button is only available if multiple clips are selected.

4.2.3 Mastertrack area

The Mastertrack area is where settings that apply for all tracks that are inserted into the pro-ject are made.

The Master track area offers the following possibilities for settings and buttons: Shows distribution of the surround sound.

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Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Master window. This is where you can create an effect chain that can be assigned to all tracks.

Opens the Project settings window.

4.2.4 Assignable Effects area

In the Assignable Effects area you can create effect chains that can later be assigned to specific tracks.

The following setting can be carried out in the Assignable Effects area:

Opens the Assignable Effect Groups window. Here you can create and edit the effect groups.

4.2.5 Tracks area

The Tracks area is where the inserted tracks are shown. Track settings can also be edited here.

The following settings can be made in the Tracks area:

Changes the surround sound, i.e. volume distribution on the various chan-nels/speakers.

Adjusts the volume of the track.

Visualizes the volume level.

/ Start/stops track playback.

Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Track window. This is where you can create and edit an effect chain for the track.

Opens the Track Settings window. Here you can edit the track settings.

4.2.6 Track display area

The Track display area is where the channel frequencies of the inserted audio clips are dis-played. The audio clips are displayed individually and in different colors.

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Clicking on an audio clip opens the Clip context menu. Here you can delete, select, copy, and cut clips. In addition, you can open clips in , select the output channels, and group clips. Clicking on the Track opens the Track context menu. Here you can insert clips of various types, delete, copy, and deactivate them. In addition, you have the possibility of inserting ef-fects and effect chains, track splits, CD indices and labels.

4.3 Project

area

The Project area is divided into the frequency area and the toolbar.

In the frequency section the frequencies of all tracks are displayed in overlay. Here the de-piction of the project can be altered with the aid of the red markings.

The following buttons are available:

Opens the Recording Settings dialog box. Records a clip. Plays the project back from the point where the cursor is located. Plays back the project from the beginning.

Plays back the project or the selected section in an endless loop. Pauses playback of the project.

Stops playback.

Sets the cursor at the beginning of the project. Moves the cursor back quickly.

Moves the cursor forward quickly. Sets the cursor at the end of the project. Adjusts the volume.

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rmat Settings

 Audio Format Settings  18

5.1 Proje

ble to define the You reach this window via Options > Project Settings in the menu bar.

5.1.1

T tab off

dering Sample

Ra-5 Configuration

You can configure Nero SoundTrax to suit your needs. And for this purpose the following ad-justable areas are available to you.



Project settings



General settings



Device settings



Audio Fo See also:  Project settings 14  Program settings 15  Device settings  18

ct

settings

In the Nero SoundTrax project settings, audio and general settings such as project titles and the name of the artists can be made on various tabs. In addition it is possi

tempo and the beat of your music project.

Audio Settings tab

he Audio Settings ers the following setting options: Specifies the sampling rate Drop-down menu

Ren te

. The scan rate is the frequency that e interval.

a signal is scanned per tim The default rate is 44100. Drop-down menu

Rendering Bit Depth

Determines the bit depth. Bit depth indicates the pre which a vibration will be captured.

cision with

d DAT). The default setting is 16-bit (CD an

Option button

Channels

: 8-channel surround (see Surround

pro-Specifies the number of channels.

Stereo: This entry is selected by default.

5.1 Channel Surround: 6-channel surround.

7.1 Channel Surround

jects 39).

See also:

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5.1.2 General tab

The General tab offers the following setting options: Input field

Project length

Specifies the length of the project in minutes.

Input field

Project title

Specifies the title of the project.

Input field

Artist's name

Specifies the name of the artist.

Input area

Comments

Specifies comments for the project.

Check box

Automatically add CD track splits

Adds a short stop between two audio clips in the same track.

5.1.3 Tempo and beat tab

The Tempo and Meter tab offers the following setting options: Input field

Beats per minute

Specifies the tempo of the project, i.e. the beats per minute.

Input field

Beats per measure

Specifies the beats per measure for the project.

5.2 Program

settings

In the Nero SoundTrax program settings, it is possible to make output and saving settings as well as determine aspects of display and plug-ins on various tabs. In addition general set-tings such as a standard export file format and folder in which the music files are saved can be made.

You reach this window via the Options > Settings menu.

5.2.1 General tab

The General tab offers the following setting options: Input field

Maximum number of undo levels

Limits the number of steps that can be undone to the speci-fied value.

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Input field

Default duration of CD track splits

Specifies the duration of the pause of new CD track splits.

Drop-down menu

Default export file format

Specifies the file format in which Nero SoundTrax will ex-port audio files in the default setting.

5.2.2 Save/Output Settings tab

The Save/Output Settings tab offers the following setting possibilities: Check box

Use noise shaping when con-verting to lower bit depths.

Activates noise shaping, which ensures higher audio quality when converting.

Drop-down menu

Noise Shaping Filter

Specifies the type of noise shaping.

IIR filter (2nd order): Infinite Duration Impulse Re-sponse. Uses IIR filter. IIR filters can provide an infi-nitely long and continuous impulse response. In gen-eral they achieve a better subjective audio quality than FIR filters do, however they have higher levels of interference energy outside of the audible range. Second order means that sound is attenuated by 12 dB.

FIR filter (3 taps): Finite Impulse Response filter. Uses FIR filters. FIR filters possess a pulse response with guaranteed finite length.

This entry is selected by default. Drop-down menu

Play surround audio as

Specifies how surround audio is played back.

Multichannel audio (true surround sound): Plays back surround audio with all channels.

Stereo using Nero HeadPhone (Virtual Surround): Plays back surround audio filtered down as stereo, with a virtual surround effect generated for head-phones.

Stereo with Nero VirtualSpeakers (virtual sur-round): Plays surround audio filtered down as ste-reo, whereby a virtual sound effect is generated for speakers.

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5.2.3 View tab

The View tab offers the following setting options: Check box

Automatically scale track heights to fill the main window

Automatically enlarges the display of the track so that its height fills the main window.

Check box

Show path name in audio clips

Shows the clip path in the track display in addition to the file name.

5.2.4 Folders tab

The Folders tab offers the following setting options: Input field

Temporary folder

Defines the folder in which temporary files are sto-red. The folder should be located on a drive with plenty of storage space.

Input field

Peak file folder

Specifies the folder where peak files are stored. Peak files are cache files that Nero uses to more quickly open Nero SoundTrax audio files. The folder should be located on a drive with ample storage space.

Input field

"My Music" folder

Specifies the My Music folder.

Opens a dialog box where the folder can be selected for the respective files.

Check box

Always start the File Open dia-log in the "My Music" folder.

When calling the Open dialog box, the system will always first show the folder that is specified in the My Music folder text box.

5.2.5 VST Plug-Ins tab

The VST Plug-Ins tab offers the following setting possibilities: Display area

Installed VST Plug-ins

Shows the currently installed VST plug-ins.

Button

Delete

Deletes the selected VST plug-in

Button

Add Plug-in

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Button

Scan folder

Opens the Open dialog box. Searches for new VST plug-ins in the specified folder.

5.2.6 DirectX Plug-ins tab

The DirectX Plug-ins tabThe following settings can be made: Display area

Installed DirectX Plug-ins

Shows the currently installed DirectX plug-ins

Button

Disable Plug-in

Disables the marked DirectX Plug-in

Button

Scan DirectX Plug-ins

Carries out an intensive search for DirectX Plug-ins.

5.3 Device settings

In the device settings of Nero SoundTrax it is possible to make determinations for the audio input and output.

You reach this window via Options > Device Settings in the menu bar. The following settings can be made in the Device Settings window.

Audio input area: Drop-down me-nu

Device

Specifies the audio device for the audio input.

Audio output area: Drop-down me-nu

Device

Specifies the audio device for the audio output.

Input field

Latency

Specifies the delay time of the sound card, in order to convert an audio signal from the input of the card to the output of the card.

5.4 Audio Format Settings

In the audio format settings from Nero SoundTrax it is possible to undertake various defini-tions for decoder, encoder and converters on different tabs.

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5.4.1 Decoder tab

On the Decoder tabThe following settings can be made: Button

Configure

Opens a dialog box where additional settings can be made for the selected decoder.

This button is not available for all decoders. Button

Info

Opens the About dialog box where information about the se-lected encoder is displayed.

This button is not available for all decoders. Button

Move Up

Moves the decoder up one entry.

Button

Move Down

Moves the decoder down one entry.

Button

Artist/Title Information Source

Opens the Fetch Artist / Title Information dialog box where you can specify the source from which information relative to artist and title will be read.

5.4.2 Encoder tab

The Encoder tabThe following settings can be made: Button

Configure

Opens a dialog box where additional settings can be made for the se-lected encoder.

This button is not available for all encoders. Button

Info

Opens the About dialog box where you can view information about the selected encoder.

This button is not available for all encoders. Button

Artist/Title In-formation Source

Opens the Get Artist / Title Information dialog box where you can specify the source from which information about artist and title will be read.

5.4.3 Converter tab

The Converter tabThe following settings can be made: Button

Configure

Opens a dialog box where you can make additional settings for the se-lected converter.

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Button

Info

Opens the About dialog box where you can view information about the selected converter.

This button is not available for all converters. Button

Artist/Title Information Source

Opens the Get Artist / Title Information dialog box where you can spec-ify the source from which information about artist and title will be read.

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6 Import and Recording Audio Files

The Nero SoundTrax wizards allow you to take music from records (LP ) and cassettes and burn it quickly and easily onto CD. The wizards offer filters that you can use to equalize dis-turbances such as scratches, and thus obtain optimal recording quality.

6.1 Recording from record or cassette

In order to edit audio files in Nero SoundTrax you must first either import them or record them directly.

The following requirement must be fulfilled:

 A record player or cassette recorder must be connected to the input on the sound card. To record from record or cassette, proceed as follows:

1.

If you want to record from a record, then click the menu Toolbox > Wizards > LP to CD Wizard.

2.

If you want to record from a cassette, then click the menu Toolbox > Wizards > Cassette to CD Wizard.

 The LP to CD Wizard or Cassette to CD Wizard window will then open with the Re-cording Console screen.

Recording console screen

3.

In the Audio input line menu select the input of the sound card.

4.

If you want to hear how the sound quality is modified by changing the recording volume then check the Digital monitoring box.

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5.

Start playback on the capture device.

6.

Move the Record level slider until the display in the Level meter is primarily in the yellow range.

If the level meters are predominantly in the red range then the audio quality will be reduced.

7.

If you want to pause recording until a signal is detected at the recording input then check the

Pause recording until signal detected box.

8.

If you want to pause recording if a signal has not been detected at the recording input after 20 seconds, for instance because the cassette has reach

ds of silence box.

ed the end of one side, then check

ve the audio file. me in the File Name input field.

the Pause recording after 20 secon

9.

If you want to change the target file:

1. Click on the Change Target File button.

 The Save As dialog box is opened.

2. In the Save menu select the folder where you want to sa

3. Enter the desired file na

4. Click the Save button.

10.

Click the button.

 The system will start recording.

11.

Click the button to stop capturing.

 The Automatic Track Detection screen is displayed.

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13.

Turn the Silence Threshold controller until the value whose volume level indicates a pause is reached.

14.

Enter the minimum duration of a pause in the Minimum duration of pause text box. Nero SoundTrax detects passages in the audio file and will automatically inserts a pause.

15.

Enter the minimum duration that a track should have in the Minimum duration of track text box.

16.

tected automatically. The detected tracks will be

 The Noise Reduction screen is displayed. Click on the Detect button.

 The tracks in the recording will be de ropriate screen. displayed in the app

17.

Click the Next button.

Noise suppression screen.

alue for removing background value for removing low fre-cy signals that occur when recording LPs is reached.

18.

Move the Denoiser Level slider until the desired threshold v noise such as hissing, crackling, and humming is reached.

19.

Move the DeRumble Level slider until the desired threshold quen

co

The derumble filter can also erase bass frequencies that are part of the re-rding. Consequently do not set the threshold value of the slider too high.

20.

Move the Declicker Level slider until the desired threshold value for removing clicks that til the desired threshold value for removing background rding LPs is reached.

occur when recording LPs is reached.

21.

Move the DeCrackler level un crackle that occurs when reco

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ppression. n to stop the preview.

 The CD Com

 The recording will be played with noise su

23.

Click on the Stop butto

24.

Click the Next button.

pilation screen is displayed.

n

r

button. acks run into each other then select the Crossfade option button.

propriate text boxes.

30.

nish button. assette. See also: Audio CD 40

6.2

ceed as follows:

2.

CD Compilation scree

25.

If you want to burn the project immediately then check the Burn project immediately box

26.

If you want to launch Nero CoverDesigner then check the Launch Nero CoverDesigne

box.

27.

If you want pauses between the individual tracks then select the Pause option

28.

If you want to have the tr

29.

Enter the duration in seconds and milliseconds in the ap Click the Fi

 You have recorded or imported an LP or c

 Burning the project on an

Importing an Audio CD

To import CD tracks from an audio CD, pro

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 The Audio CD Import dialog box is displayed.

Audio CD Import dialog box

3.

In the CD-ROM device drop-down menu, select the drive in which you have inserted the audio CD.

4.

To specify the folder where the imported audio files will be stored click on the button.

5.

In the directory tree, click on the folder in which you want to store the imported CD tracks.

6.

In the list box, select all CD tracks that you want to import. You can sele

pressed w

ct multiple entries in a selection list by keeping the shift key

de-7.

Click the OK button.

 You have imported CD tracks from an audio CD.

6.3

t be fulfilled:

 vice, e.g. a microphone, is connected to the input of the sound card.

ws: hile clicking.

Capture audio file

The following requirement mus A capture de

To record proceed as follo

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 The Recording Settings dialog box is opened.

2.

Select the desired bit depth in the Resolution menu.

3.

If you just want to record in mono, uncheck the Stereo recording box. recorded file will be stored:

4.

If you want to change the folder in which the

1. Click the button.

ere you want to save the audio file. ile name in the File name text box.

input line drop-down menu.

n e Digital monitoring box.

signal is detected at the recording input then check the .

not been detected at the recording input after

rget File button. ialog box is opened.

select the folder where you want to save the audio file.

File name text box.

2. In the Save in drop-down menu, select the folder wh

3. Enter the desired f

 The Save As dialog box is closed.

5.

 The Recording Console window is opened.

6.

Select the recording input in the Audio

7.

If you want to hear how the sound quality is modified by changing the recording volume the check th

8.

Start playback on the capture device.

9.

Move the Record level slider until the display in the Level meter is primarily in the yellow range.

10.

If you want to pause recording until a

Pause recording until signal detected box

11.

If you want to pause recording if a signal has

20 seconds then check the Pause recording after 20 seconds of silence box.

12.

If you want to change the target file:

1. Click on the Change Ta

 The Save As d

2. In the Save in drop-down menu,

3. Enter the desired file name in the

13.

Click the button.

 The system will start recording.

14.

Click the button to stop capturing.

 You have recorded a track.

See also:

 Recording from record or cassette 21

15.

Click on the Keep button.

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he context menu with the right mouse button and cli

context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert

Clip in the ScratchBox (see Create ScratchBox Clip

7 Working wth tracks

If you have recorded or imported an audio file then this file will be shown in the track as a peak file. You can now edit the tracks containing the audio files.

7.1 Edit the available track

To edit a track, proceed as follows:

1.

Click the menu Tracks > Add Track.

 A track will be inserted in the Tracks area.

2.

If you want to change the track properties:

1. Click the menu Tracks > Track Properties.

 The Track Properties window is opened.

2. Change the track properties as desired.

3.

If you want to insert an audio clip in the track:

1. In the Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Add audio file(s) entry.

2. In the Open window that is displayed, select the audio file that you want to insert.

 The audio file will be inserted in the track as a peak file.

4.

If you want to insert an audio loop:

1. In Track view call up t ck the Insert

audio loop(s) entry.

 The Open window appears.

2. In the file system select the audio file that you want to insert. eak file.

 The audio file will be inserted in the track as a p

5.

If you want to insert a ScratchBox clip:

1. In Track view, call up the

ScratchBox Clip entry.

 The ScratchBox program is opened.

2. Create the ScratchBox  51).

erted in the track automatically.

context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert

Clip in the SoundBox (see Insert SoundBox Clip

3. Close the ScratchBox.

 The ScratchBox clip will be ins

6.

If you want to insert a SoundBox clip:

1. In Track view call up the

SoundBox clip entry.

 The SoundBox program will open.

2. Create the SoundBox  47).

3. Close the SoundBox.

(28)

up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert

you want to save the recording.

g

7.

If you want to capture an audio clip and immediately insert it in the track as an audio file:

1. In Track view call

audio clip entry.

 The Recording Settings window is opened.

2. Enter the storage location in the file system where

 The Recording Console window is opened.

3. Record the audio clip (see Audio recordin  25).

k.

and click the Edit ck window is opened.

t mouse button and click on the Insert

se button to call up the

4. After recording click on the Keep button.

 The audio clip will be inserted in the trac

8.

If you want to edit the effect chain for the track:

1. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button

track effect chain entry.

 The Effect Chain Editor - Tra

2. Edit the effect chain for the track.

9.

If you want to insert a CD track split:

1. Call the context menu in the track view with the righ

CD track split entry.

 The CD track split will be inserted in the track.

2. To change the properties of the CD track split, click the right mou context menu of the icon. and click the Properties entry.

th of the CD track split, the title of the audio clip, and name

CD index:

right mouse button and click the Insert

the right mouse button to call up the

con- The Track Split Properties window is opened.

3. Enter the position and the leng of the artist.

10.

If you want to insert a

1. In Track view call up the context menu with the

CD index entry.

 The CD index will be inserted in the track.

2. To change the properties of the CD index, click

text menu of the icon. and click the Properties entry.

s window is opened.

ert a label:

the right mouse button and click on the Insert

e context menu of the

 The Index Propertie

3. Enter the position of the index.

11.

If you want to ins

1. Call the context menu in the track view with

label entry.

 The label will be inserted in the track.

2. To edit the properties of the label, right-click to call th icon.

 The Label Properties window is opened.

(29)

e track.

rt volume curve for track

12.

If you want to insert a volume curve in the track.

1. Click the menu Tracks > Insert volume curve.

 The volume curve will be inserted in th

2. Continue to edit the volume curve (see Inse  30).

or track

13.

If you want to insert a pan curve in the track:

1. Click the menu Tracks > Add Pan Curve.

 The pan curve will be inserted in the track.

2. Continue to edit the pan curve (see Insert pan curve f  30).

rack:

and click the Insert ect Group Curve

the track (see Insert effect group curve for

14.

If you want to insert a sound change in the track:

1. In the Track area click the Edit Effect Chain button.

 The Effect Chain Editor window is opened.

2. Add the desired sound change from the categories tools, effects, or enhancement to the effect chain.

15.

If you want to add an assignable effect group curve to the t

1. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button

assignable effect curve entry.

 The Add Eff window is opened.

2. Select one of the effect group curves and click on the OK button.

 The effect group curve will be inserted in

track 31).

16.

If you want to disable the track, call the context menu in the track view with the right mouse ck will be disabled. The peak file will be hidden.

d de type.

he tempos of the audio clips, click on the Match Tempos entry. window is opened.

e desired settings.

OK button.

o the track 30 the track 30

curve to the track 31 25

button and click on the Deactivate track entry.

 The tra

17.

If you want to edit a crossfade of two overlapping audio tracks:

1. In the Track view right click to call up the context menu of the crossfade that is displaye in red.

2. Click on the desired crossfa

3. If you want to match t

 The Crossfade Tempo

4. Make th

5. Click the

 You have edited the track.

See also:

 Creating a ScratchBox clip 51  Inserting a SoundBox clip 47  Adding a volume curve t  Adding a pan curve to  Adding an effect group  Capture audio file

(30)

menu Tracks > Insert volume curve.

al ange and move the box ntil you have specified all desired points of the volume curve.

on the curve point and select the

Re-ttings for a curve point more precisely:

t menu d.

2. In the Time Line Position area enter the desired position of the curve point in the input

track.

n the individual channels over the length of the

s are displayed in the track. On the left border of the track a percentage is at 0,

 Nero SoundBox 43  Nero ScratchBox 48

Effect chains 34 

7.1.1 Adding a volume curve to the track

A volume curve allows you to vary the volume over the length of the track. To create a volume curve, proceed as follows:

1.

Select the track whose volume you want to change.

2.

Click the

 The volume curve will be displayed in the track. On the left border of the track a percent-age scale from 0 to 100 is displayed for the volume.

3.

Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box at the left corner, to the desired initi volume.

4.

Click on the point in the volume curve where you want a volume ch up or down.

5.

Repeat the previous step u

6.

If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click

move curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

7.

If you want to define the se

1. Right-click on the cur that is displayed.

ve point and select the Edit curve point entry in the contex

 The Edit Curve Point dialog box is opene fields Min. and Sec.

3. In the Value area, enter the desired volume in decibels in the Volume text box.

4. Click the OK button.

 You have added a volume curve to the

7.1.2 Adding a pan curve to the track

A pan curve allows you to vary the volume i

track. For example, for stereo you can initially make the left channel louder than the right channel and thus simulate a movement.

To create a pan curve, proceed as follows:

1.

Select the track whose volume distribution you want to change.

2.

Click the menu Tracks > Add Pan Curve.

 The pan curve

scale from -100 to 100 is displayed for the volume. The starting point of the curve which represents uniform volume allocation.

(31)

al stribution and move the esired points of the pan curve.

e point and select the Edit curve point entry in the context menu

 The Edit Curve Point dialog box is opened.

osition of the curve point in the Min.

percent in the Pan text box.

be created. ct group, proceed as follows:

Effect Group Curve dialog box is opened.

ft corner, to the desired initial

desired intensity.

l desired points of the effect group cur-cific curve point, right-click on the curve point and select the

Re-cisely:

ve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

3.

Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box at the left corner, to the desired initi distribution.

4.

Click on the point in the volume curve where you want a volume di box up or down.

5.

Repeat the previous step until you have specified all d

6.

If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click on the curve point and select the Re-move curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

7.

If you want to define the settings for a curve point more precisely:

1. Right-click on the curv that is displayed.

2. In the Time Line Position area enter the desired p and Sec. input fields.

3. In the Value area, enter the desired pan in

 You have added a pan curve to the track.

7.1.3 Adding an effect group curve to the track

The following requirement has to be fulfilled:

 An effect group must already In order to add an effe

1.

Select the track to which you want to assign the effect group curve.

2.

Click the menu Tracks > Add Assignable Effect Curve.

 The Add

3.

Select the desired effect group.

4.

 The effect group curve will be displayed in the track. A percentage scale from 0 to 100 will be displayed for the volume at the left margin of the track.

5.

Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box at the le distribution.

6.

Click on the point in the effect group curve where you want an effect change and move the box up or down to the

7.

Repeat the preceding step until you have specified al ve.

8.

If you want to delete a spe

move curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

9.

If you want to define the settings for a curve point more pre

(32)

Edit Curve Point dialog box is opened.

sition area enter the desired position of the curve point in the Min.

and Sec. input fields.

ume in decibels in the Volume text box.

7.2 Surround

Nero Soun

ay-back of a tra s". For

this key poi

subsequent playbacks.

 The

2. In the Time Line Po

3. In the Value area, enter the desired vol

 You have added an effect group curve to the track.

See also:

 Effect chains 34

sound

distribution

dTrax allows you to allocate different output levels to the speakers during pl ck; this changes the sound center of the room so that the sound "migrate nts are created in the track so that the movement of sound can be re-used in

Changed surround sound distribution with key po

g the surround sound distribution

change t

ints

7.2.1 Changin

In order to he surround sound distribution, proceed as follows:

the sound will be.

es louder when the dot is moved to of the speakers then only that

par-ated in the Track section, click the green dot,

 The dot movement is marked by key points in the track view. These key points consist of a dotted line and a diamond at the top of the line.

2.

If you want to move a key point in the track, click on the diamond at the top of the key point and move it to the right or left.

In general: The farther you move the dot away from a speaker the softer the sound in that speaker will be. The nearer you move the green dot to the spea-ker the louder

The sound from the right speaker becomes louder when the dot is moved to the right; the sound from the left speaker becom

the left.

If you place the dot in the corner above one

ticular speaker will provide sound; the other speaker will be completely muted. You can achieve the same effect by double-clicking on one of the speakers to turn it yellow.

1.

In the Surround Sound Distribution field loc

(33)

key point in the track, click on the diamond at the top of the key point key on your keyboard.

3.

If you want to delete a and press the Delete

(34)

8 Effec

You can a

-ter track. It is also possible to define effect chains and to assign them to the tracks as an effect group curve you can adjust the intensity of the effect group k.

choose from the following categories.



s



ncements

8.1 Plug-i

xt menu

The context me DirectX settings

t

chains

ssign effect chains that consist of multiple effects to a specific track or to the mas fect group curve. With the

over the length of the trac

When putting an effect chain together you can Plug-in

Tools Effects Enha

ns conte

Plug-ins nu offers the following possibilities for selection:

Opens the Settings window with the DirectX Plug-Ins tab.

VST Settings Opens the Settings window with the VST-Plug-ins tab.

See also:

 DirectX Plug-ins tab  s tab 17

8.2 Toolbox

context

8.3 Effects context menu

The following setting options are available:

ral slightly distorted signals to the original signal.

Chorus Adds seve

Convolution Reverb Uses convolution to convert depictions of real sounds into audio signals by A computer system.

Delay O us

ac

utputs one or more delayed copies of the input signal and th hieves an echo-like sound.

Distortion Distorts the signal. Frequently used for electric guitars.

Flanger C

th he main difference to the similar phaser effect is the

feeding b can

be

opies the input signal and returns the copy (phase shifted) to e original. T

ack of the copied signal to the input. The feedback finely adjusted.

Volume D

ce without exceeding the maximum

pe de.

escribes the hearing-based volume. With this effect the per-ived volume can be increased

rmissible amplitu

Low Fidelity Simulates a low sampling rate and thus generates a lesser sound quality.

Modulation Modulates the signal with a freely selectable control signal. Sup-ports amplitude modulation as well as frequency modulation.

Multi-Tap Delay Generates individual echoes or a single reflection and describes the number of simultaneously possible echoes. This is a delay ef-fect based on taps.

Phaser Copies and filters the input signal with a varying band-stop filter. t.

Then the signal reproduced is phase-displaced to the original sig-nal. It is similar to the flanger effec

Pseudo Reverse Produces the impression that the file is being played backwards by reversing only fragments; in reality, however, the file is being

ction. played in the correct dire

Re-analogue Offers several effect options by inserting interference effects, as artificial aging through noise.

such

Reverb Gives a reverb effect to the file.

(36)

nt environment can be artifi-possible to specify the room ish of room surfaces, as well as

Surround Reverb Changes the room sound. A differe

cially assigned to the music file. It is depth, width, and height, the fin other parameters.

Voice Modification Modifies the voice in a piece of music. For example you can change the pitch.

Wah-Wah Is primarily used to influence the sound of electric guitars. The term wah-wah approximates the sound of the induced effect.

8.4 Enhan

en

an s the following selection possibilities:

Enables generation of high and low frequency harmonies.

cem

The en

t context menu

cement context menu offer

h

Band Extrapolation

Camera Denoiser Removes (or reduces) the humming noises that frequently

oc-cur with video cameras with graphic view.

DC Offset Correction Automatically removes DC components that can be harmful to speakers.

Declicker Removes pops. The intensity can be adjusted manually.

Declipper Removes

as well as

parasitic noise and distortion that result from digital analog saturation.

DeHum Removes hum.

Filter Toolbox Set of filters that suppress feedback and irregularities.

Noise Reduction Reduces undesired noise when saving analog signals.

8.5

ffects are organized in an effect chain; its effects are a change, and a reverb effect. ave it as an effect chain template.

31

n for all tracks, proceed as follows:

Effect chains and effect groups

In Nero SoundTrax e pplied

sequen-tially, for example first noise reduction, then volume Once an effect chain is created you can s

The second way of assigning effects to tracks is to form an effect group and then assign it to the track as an effect group curve.

See also:

 Adding an effect group curve to the track

8.5.1 Editing an effect chain

(37)

> Master Effect Chain. d.

.

- Track window is opened.

choose the desired effect.

Toolbox effects and the Enhancements effect groups. e displayed depending on the effect selected.

1. Click the menu Add > Effect in

 The Effect Chain Editor - Master window is opene

2.

If you want to create an effect chain for a specific track:

1. Click the menu Add > Effect in > Track Effect Chain

 The Effect Chain Editor

3.

Click the Add button and from the displayed menu The displayed menu contains the

 Different control elements ar

4.

Make the rest of the settings as desired.

The subsequent settings differ depending on the effect selected and are not

added all desired effects.

6.

Close

7.

If an

select single effect then right-click on the effect that you want to delete

ntext menu that is displayed.

ffect chain then remove all effects one after the other. chain.

8.5.2 diting the effect chain template

To edit an effect chain template, proceed as follows:

1.

Open the Effect Chain Editor window.

2.

Select an effect.

3.

Select the desired template in the drop-down menu in the lower left corner of the window.

 The settings of the selected template will be accepted when you close the Effect Chain Editor window.

4.

If you want to create your own template:

1. Define the effect as you desire.

2. Enter a name in the drop-down menu in the lower left corner of the Effect Chain Editor

window.

3. Click the

described in further detail.

5.

Repeat the preceding steps until you have Click the

you w

button.

t to delete the effect chain:

1. Right click in a free area of the track, whose effect chain you want to delete, and

Edit track effect chain in the displayed context menu.

2. If you want to delete a

and select Remove effect in the co

3. If you want to delete the entire e

 You have edited an effect

E

button.

 You have saved an effect template.

5.

If you want to delete a template:

1. Select the Effect Chain Editor in the menu in the lower left corner of the window.

(38)

template. ct chain template.

8.5.3

p, proceed as follows: in > Assignable Groups.

4.

tor - Track window is opened.

5.

d button.

Toolbox, Effects and Enhancement effect groups.

 Different control elements are displayed depending on the effect selected.

6.

Make the rest of the settings as desired.

 You have deleted the

 You have modified an effe

Editing an effect group

To create and edit an effect grou

1.

Click the menu Add > Effect

 The Assignable Effect Groups window is opened. i

2.

Cl ck on the Add Group button.

 The new group will be displayed in the table.

3.

Select the newly created group. Click on the Edit Chain button.

 The Effect Chain Edi

Click the Ad

The displayed menu contains the

The subsequent settings differ depending on the effect selected and are not described in further detail.

7.

Repeat the preceding steps until you have added all desired effects.

8.

Click the Close button.

9.

If you want to delete an effect group:

1. Select the desired effect group.

2. Click the Remove button.

(39)

jects

With Nero SoundTrax you can create 5.1 and 7.1 surround projects. These numbers corre-tem with

n of

d track. Projects in which all speakers will receive a separate channel.

I on

9 Surround

pro

spond to playback with a surround sys



5 speakers + subwoofer Or



7 speakers + subwoofer.

In addition to two different types of surround projects, Nero SoundTrax offers the selectio the number of speakers:



Projects in which all speakers will be addressed with one soun



n additi you can insert an automatically generated LFE channel in the project. ual tracks in a surround pro

Edit individ ject precisely in the same manner as described in the

chapter Editing a track

See also:

(40)

10

10.1

The Save As dialog box is opened.

2.

v

3.

n Sie de e ein und wählen Sie

soll.

Exporting

Export project in an audio file

To export the project to an audio file, proceed as follows:

1.

Click the menu File > Export to audio file.



In the Sa

Gebe

e in drop-down menu, select the folder where you want to save the audio file.

n gewünschten Dateinamen in das Eingabefeld Dateinam

das Audioformat aus, in dem die Datei gespeichert werden

The subsequent settings differ depending on the selected effect and will not be

button.

10.2 on an Audio CD

CD recorder drive. ble CD.

e, select the Image Recorder entry in the

De-described in further detail.

4.

If you want to make additional settings for the audio format:

1. Click on the Options

 A dialog box opens.

2. Make the rest of the settings as desired.

5.

Click the Save button.

 You have exported the project to an audio file.

Burning the project

To burn an audio CD, proceed as follows:

1.

In the Toolbox menu click Burn to CD.

 The Audio CD Recorder window is opened.

2.

Insert a writable CD in the

3.

In the area CD recorder options in the menu Device choose the CD recorder into which you have placed the writa

If you want to burn the project as a disc imag

vice drop-down menu.

You can burn a disc image later on using Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express.

can burn the CD, activate gram verifies that all files selected for burning are available.

r to recording then check the Test maximum speed

be-4.

If you want to perform a simulation to verify whether the recorder

the check box Simulate before burning.

 Prior to burning, the pro

(41)

gram will verify whether the recorder is capable of burning the

levels area

alize option field. ption field.

e CD, choose the Normalize all option field.

7.

If you have selected a normalization, move the Normalization level slider until the desired decibel value is reached.

8.

If you wish to add a CD text, enter the desired title and artist in the Title and CD Text area.

 Before burning, the pro

session with the selected writing speed.

6.

If you do not want to norm choose the Do not norm

alize the volume, then in the Normalizing volume

If you wish to normalize the volume of the individual CD tracks individually, then choose the

Normalize each track separately o

If you wish to normalize the volume of the whol

With CD players that support CD text, the title of the CD, the name of the audio file as well as the name of the artist appear in the display.

9.

If you want to add the same artist information to all tracks:

1. Click the Select All button.

2. Click on the Properties button.

 The CD Track Properties dialog box is opened.

3. Enter the joint artists of the CD track in the appropriate input field.

10.

If you want to add titles and artist to specific tracks:

1. Select the desired track in the CD Track List area.

2. Click the Properties.

 The CD Track Properties dialog box is opened.

3. Enter the title of the CD track in the appropriate input field.

4. Enter the artist of the CD track in the appropriate input field.

6. Repeat these sub-steps for each track to which you want to add title and artist.

11.

1. If you have selected the Image Recorder as destination, then the dialog box Save As will open.

2. In the Save In menu select the desired folder and enter the desired file name in the File name input field.

 A dialog box with information concerning the successful burning process will open.

 The Burn Progress window is opened.

12.

If you would like to save a log file:

2. Select the desired folder from the Save in drop-down menu.

(42)

. n.

13.

3. Carry out the desired settings in the Printer Area and Copies menu.

or the burning process, click the Discard button.

4. Click the Save button

5. Click the Close butto

If you would like to print a log file:

1. Click the Print button.

2. In the menu, choose the Name of the desired printer.

14.

If you do not want to save a log file f

(43)

11 Nero

SoundBox

ro SoundBox you can create audio clips. Various rhythms, music types, and instru-ailable to you. You can also enter a text which a computerized voice will speak

c and ad

11.1 Nero Soundbox main screen

ou tions. General settings



Beat Editor Sequencer



Text II Speech With Ne ments are av

in time with the musi d background noises to the audio clip.

The main screen of Nero S ndBox is organized into the following sec



Ambience

Nero SoundBox Main Screen

components

ng setting possi the Nero SoundBox

11.1.1 General

The followi bilities are available. They are repeated in the various sections of

interface.

Manual Nero SoundTrax

Manual

Table of contents

1 Start

Successfully

1.1 About the manual

1.2 About Nero SoundTrax

2

Launching the program

1.

2.

3.

4.

3 Terminology









4 User

interface

4.1 Nero SoundTrax templates

4.2 Main

Screen













4.2.1 Menu bar

4.2.2 Toolbar

4.2.3 Mastertrack area

4.2.4 Assignable Effects area

4.2.5 Tracks area

4.2.6 Track display area

4.3 Project

area

5.1 Proje

5.1.1

Ra-5 Configuration









ct

settings

Audio Settings tab

5.1.2 General tab

5.1.3 Tempo and beat tab

5.2 Program

settings

5.2.1 General tab

5.2.2 Save/Output Settings tab

5.2.3 View tab

5.2.4 Folders tab

5.2.5 VST Plug-Ins tab

5.2.6 DirectX Plug-ins tab

5.3 Device settings

5.4 Audio Format Settings

5.4.1 Decoder tab

5.4.2 Encoder tab

5.4.3 Converter tab

6

Import and Recording Audio Files

6.1 Recording from record or cassette

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

14.

15.

16.