Steinberg Cubase 8 Manual

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1)Bypass EQ
Click to bypass all EQ bands.
2)Curve Display
Click on the display in a channel to show a larger version. The display is also 
available in the Inspector and in the Channel Settings dialog. If you activate 
Equalizer Curve in the Set up Window Layout pane, the curve is removed 
from the EQ rack and is displayed above the racks.
Hovering with the mouse over the display shows a cross-hair cursor. The 
current mouse position shows the frequency, note value, offset, and level at 
the top or bottom of the display.
Click and hold to add a curve point and activate the corresponding EQ band. 
Double-click the curve point to deactivate it. Drag the curve point up or down 
to adjust the gain. Press [Ctrl]/[Command] to edit only the gain. Drag left or 
right to adjust the frequency. Press [Alt]/[Option] to edit only the frequency. 
Press [Shift] while dragging to set the Q-factor. To invert the EQ curve, open 
the context menu and select Invert EQ Settings.
The final curve shows the EQ settings as well as active high-cut and low-cut filters 
of the Pre rack settings. Bypassed filter settings are shown in a different color 
than the active settings. Disabled filter settings are hidden from the display.
NOTE
You cannot edit the high-cut and low-cut filters in the curve display. To edit 
the filters, open the Pre rack.
3)Select Preset
Opens a pop-up menu where you can load/save a preset.
4)Activate Band
Click to activate/deactivate an EQ band. 
						

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Band Settings
1)Activate Band
Activates the equalizer band.
2)Gain
Set the amount of cut or boost. The range is ±24 dB.
3)Frequency
Sets the center frequency of the frequency range to be cut or boosted. You 
can set the frequency either in Hz or as a note value. If you enter a note value, 
the frequency is automatically displayed in Hz. For example, a note value of A3 
sets the frequency to 440
 Hz. When you enter a note value, you can also enter 
a cent offset. For example, enter A5 -23 or C4 +49.
NOTE
Ensure that you enter a space between the note and the cent offset. Only in 
this case, the cent offsets are taken into account.
4)Q-Factor
Determines the width of the affected frequency range. Higher values give 
narrower frequency ranges.
5)Type
Opens a pop-up menu where you can select an EQ type for the band. Bands 
1 and 4 can act as parametric, shelving, or high/low-cut filters. EQ bands 2 
and 3 are always parametric filters.
RELATED LINKS
Making Filter Settings on page 327
Saving/Loading EQ Presets
You can save and load EQ presets.
PROCEDURE
• In the top right corner of the EQ rack, open the presets pop-up menu and 
perform one of the following actions:
• To save the current settings as a preset, select Save Preset and name your 
preset.
• To load a preset, select Load Preset and select a preset. 
						

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NOTE
You can also apply EQ together with insert and channel strip settings from track 
presets. You can load, tag, and save EQ presets in the MediaBay.
Channel Strips
The Channel Strip rack is only available for audio-related channels. It allows you to 
load built-in processing modules for separate channels.
Channel Strip Modules
The channel strips allow you to apply modules directly to specific channels. You can 
change the position of specific modules in the signal flow via drag and drop.
Gate
Allows you to silence audio signals below a set threshold level. As soon as the 
signal level exceeds the set threshold, the gate opens to let the signal through.
Compressor
Allows you to create smooth compression effects. Drag the compressor up or 
down to change its position in the signal flow.
EQ
Allows you to make EQ settings.
Tools
Provides various tools.
Sat
Allows you to add warmth to the sound.
Limit
Allows you to avoid clipping even at high levels.
Noise Gate
Noise gating silences audio signals below a set threshold. As soon as the signal 
level exceeds the threshold, the gate opens to let the signal through.
Threshold (-60 to 0 dB)
Determines the level at which Gate is activated. Signal levels above the set 
threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold 
close the gate.
Side-Chain
Activates the external side-chain. 
						

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Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode)
Sets the time after which the gate closes (after the set  Hold tim
 e). If Auto 
Release  is activated, Gate  automatically finds the best release setting for the 
audio material.
State LED Indicates whether the gate is open (LED lights up in green), closed (LED 
lights up in red), 
 or in an intermed iate state (LED lights up in yellow).
Attack (0.1 to 1000  ms)
Sets the time after which the gate opens when it is triggered.
Range Adjusts the attenuation of the gate when it is shut. If  Ra
 nge is set to , the 
gate is completely shut. The higher the value, the higher the level of the signal 
that passes 

through the shut gate.
Filter Frequency (50 to 20000  Hz)
If  Si
de-Chain  is activated, this sets the filter frequency.
Q-Factor (0.01 to 10000) If Si
de-Chain  is activated, this sets  the resonance of the filter.
Listen Filter Allows you to monitor the filtered signal.
Compressor
This channel strip module reduces the dyna mic range of the audio, making softer 
sounds louder or louder sounds softer, or both. Open the pop-up menu to select 
between  Standard Compressor , Tube Compressor , and Vintage Compressor.
Standard Compressor
Allows you to create smooth compression e ffects. Drag the compressor up or down 
to change its position in the signal flow.
Threshold (-60 to 0  dB)
Determines the level where the compressor kicks in. Only signal levels above 
the set threshol d are processed.
Side-Chain Activates the exte rn
 al side-chain.
Ratio (1:1 to 8:1) Sets the amount of gain reduction that  is 
 applied to signals above the set 
threshold. A ratio of 3:1 means that for every 3  dB the input level increases, 
th

e output level increases by 1  dB. 
						

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Gain Reduction LED
Indicates the amount of compression of the signal.
Attack (0.1 to 100 ms)
Determines how fast the compressor responds to signals above the set 
threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal passes 
through unprocessed.
Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode)
Sets the time after which the gain returns to the original level when the signal 
drops below the threshold. If Auto is activated, the compressor automatically 
finds the best release setting for the audio material.
Make-up (0 to 24 dB or Auto mode)
Compensates for output gain loss that is caused by compression. If Auto is 
activated, the knob becomes dark and the output is automatically adjusted for 
gain loss.
Tube Compressor
This versatile compressor with integrated tube-simulation allows you to achieve 
smooth and warm compression effects. The VU meter shows the amount of gain 
reduction. Tube Compressor features an internal side-chain section that lets you 
filter the trigger signal.
Input (-24.0 to 48.0 dB)
Determines the compression amount. The higher the input gain, the more 
compression is applied.
Side-chain
Activates the external side-chain.
Output (-12.0 to 12.0 dB)
Sets the output gain.
Gain Reduction LED
Indicates the amount of compression of the signal.
Attack (0.1 to 100.0 ms)
Determines how fast the compressor responds. If the attack time is long, more 
of the initial part of the signal passes through unprocessed.
Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode)
Sets the time after which the gain returns to the original level. If Auto is 
activated, Tube Compressor automatically finds the best release setting for 
the audio material.
Drive (1.0 to 6.0)
Controls the amount of tube saturation. 
						

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Mix (0 to 100)
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
VintageCompressor
VintageCompressor is modeled after vintage type compressors.
Input (-24 to 48 dB)
In combination with the Output setting, this parameter determines the 
compression amount. The higher the input gain setting and the lower the 
output gain setting, the more compression is applied.
Side-chain
Activates the external side-chain.
Output (-48 to 24 dB)
Sets the output gain.
Gain Reduction LED
Indicates the amount of compression of the signal.
Attack (0.1 to 100 ms)
Determines how fast the compressor responds. If the attack time is long, more 
of the early part of the signal passes through unprocessed.
Punch (On/Off)
If this is activated, the early attack phase of the signal is preserved, retaining 
the original punch in the audio material, even with short Attack settings.
Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode)
Sets the time after which the gain returns to its original level. If Auto is 
activated, Vintage Compressor automatically finds the best release setting 
for the audio material.
EQ
You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands. These have different default 
frequency values and different Q names. However, they all have the same frequency 
range (20
 Hz to 20 kHz). You can specify different filter types for each individual 
module. 
						

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1)Activate Band x
Activates the equalizer band.
2)Select EQ Band x Type
Opens a pop-up menu where you can select an EQ type for the band. Bands 
1 and 4 can act as parametric, shelving, or high/low-cut filters. EQ bands 2 
and 3 are always parametric filters.
3)Gain
Sets the amount of cut or boost.
4)Freq
Sets the center frequency of the frequency range to be cut or boosted.
5)Q
Determines the width of the affected frequency range. Higher values give 
narrower frequency ranges.
Tools
Provides various tools.
DeEsser
This channel strip module reduces excessive sibilance, primarily for vocal and 
speech recordings. Basically, it is a special type of compressor that is tuned to be 
sensitive to the frequencies produced by the s-sound. Close proximity microphone 
placement and equalizing can lead to situations where the overall sound is just right, 
but there is a problem with sibilants.
Reduction
Controls the intensity of the de-essing effect.
Side-Chain
Activates the internal side-chain filter. The input signal can then be shaped 
according to the filter parameters. Internal side-chaining can be useful for 
tailoring how the gate operates.
Release
Sets the time after which the de-essing effect returns to zero when the signal 
drops below the threshold.
Threshold
If Auto is deactivated, you can use this control to set a threshold for the 
incoming signal level above which the plug-in starts to reduce the sibilants. 
						

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Auto
Automatically and continually chooses an optimum threshold setting 
independent of the input signal. The Auto option does not work for low-level 
signals (<
 -30 db peak level). To reduce the sibilants in such a signal, set the 
threshold manually.
Gain Reduction LED
Indicates the amount of compression of the signal.
Low-Frequency
Allows you to set the low frequency band.
High-Frequency
Allows you to set the high frequency band.
Solo
Allows you to solo the frequency band to find the appropriate position and 
width of that band.
Diff
Allows you to listen to the sounds that the de-esser removes from the signal.
EnvelopeShaper
This channel strip module can be used to attenuate or boost the gain of the attack 
and release phase of audio material. You can use the knobs to change parameter 
values. Be careful with levels when boosting the gain and if needed reduce the 
output level to avoid clipping.
Attack (-20 to 20 dB)
Changes the gain of the attack phase of the signal.
SC (Side-Chain)
Activates the external side-chain.
Release (-20 to 20 dB)
Changes the gain of the release phase of the signal.
Length (5 to 200 ms)
Determines the length of the attack phase.
Output (-24 to 12 dB)
Sets the output level.
Sat
Allows you to add warmth to the sound. Open the pop-up menu to select between 
Magneto II, Tape Saturation, and Tube Saturation. 
						

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Magneto II
This channel strip module simulates the saturation and compression of recording on 
analog tape machines.
Saturation
Determines the amount of saturation and the generation of overtones. This 
leads to a small increase in input gain.
Dual Mode
Simulates the use of two tape machines.
Saturation On/Off
Activates/Deactivates the saturation effect.
Output
Allows you to adjust the output level.
Saturation Amount LED
Indicates the amount of saturation of the signal.
Low-Frequency
Sets the frequency range of the spectrum band to which the tape effect is 
applied.
To avoid the saturation of lower frequencies, set the value to 200 Hz or 
300
 Hz.
High-Frequency
Sets the frequency range of the spectrum band to which the tape effect is 
applied.
To avoid the saturation of very high frequencies, set the Freq Hi parameter to 
values below 10
 kHz.
Solo
Allows you to hear only the set frequency range including the tape simulation 
effect. This helps you to determine the appropriate frequency range.
HF-Adjust
Sets the amount of high frequency content of the saturated signal.
HF-Adjust On/Off
Activates/Deactivates the HF-Adjust filter.
Tape Saturation
This channel strip module simulates the saturation and compression of recording on 
analog tape machines.
Drive
Controls the amount of tape saturation. 
						

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Dual Mode
Simulates the use of two tape machines.
Auto Gain
Adjusts the gain automatically.
Output
Sets the output gain.
Drive Amount LED
Indicates the amount of drive of the signal.
Low-Frequency
This is a low shelving filter with fixed frequency.
High-Frequency
This is a Hi Cut filter. Use the frequency fader to reduce harshness of the 
output signal.
Tube Saturation
This channel strip module simulates the saturation and compression of recording of 
analogue tube compressors.
Drive
Controls the amount of tube saturation.
Output Gain
Sets the output gain.
Drive Amount LED
Indicates the amount of drive of the signal.
Low-Frequency
This is a low shelving filter with fixed frequency.
High-Frequency
This is a Hi Cut filter. Use the frequency fader to reduce harshness.
Limit
Allows you to avoid clipping even at high levels. Open the pop-up menu to select 
between Brickwall Limiter, Maximizer, and Standard Limiter.