Metric Halo ChannelStrip 3 User manual
ChannelStrip 3 Users Guide
Metric Halo
Revision: v1.0.5
Publication date Mon Jun 24 12:11:12 EDT 2013
Copyright © 2013 Metric Halo. MH Production Bundle, ChannelStrip 3, Character, HaloVerb, Multiband Dynamics, Multiband Expander, Precision DeEsser, and TransientControl are our trademarks. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
Table of Contents
I. Installation .................................................................................................................................... 8
1. System Requirements .......................................................................................................... 10
2. Installation ......................................................................................................................... 11
Macintosh ...................................................................................................................... 11
Windows ....................................................................................................................... 15
GarageBand ................................................................................................................... 16
Update Notification ........................................................................................................ 21
II. ChannelStrip 3 ........................................................................................................................... 22
3. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 25
4. Operation .......................................................................................................................... 27
Control Knob ................................................................................................................. 27
Toggle Button ................................................................................................................. 28
Fader ............................................................................................................................. 28
Filter Type ...................................................................................................................... 29
Sidechain Routing Switch ................................................................................................ 29
Sidechain Listen Button ................................................................................................... 30
Compressor Character ..................................................................................................... 30
User Interface Control ..................................................................................................... 30
Tooltip Control ............................................................................................................... 30
Graphs Disclosure Control .............................................................................................. 30
Peak Meter ..................................................................................................................... 31
Gain Reduction Meter ..................................................................................................... 31
Peak, RMS, VU Output Meter .......................................................................................... 31
EQ Transfer Function ...................................................................................................... 32
Spectragraph Analyzer .................................................................................................... 33
Dynamics Knee .............................................................................................................. 34
Auto Enables .................................................................................................................. 34
5. Processing .......................................................................................................................... 35
A Detailed Description .................................................................................................... 35
Input Conditioning .......................................................................................................... 35
Gate/Expander ................................................................................................................ 36
Theory Of Operation .............................................................................................. 36
Gate Enable ........................................................................................................... 37
Threshold Control ................................................................................................... 37
Attack Control ........................................................................................................ 37
Release Control ...................................................................................................... 37
Using The Sidechain Key Input w/Selectable Filter ..................................................... 37
Sidechain Listen Button ........................................................................................... 37
Sidechain Routing Button ........................................................................................ 37
Sidechain Filter Enable ............................................................................................ 37
Filter Type Button ................................................................................................... 37
Filter Band Boost/Cut Control .................................................................................. 38
Filter Band Frequency ............................................................................................. 38
Filter Bandwidth ..................................................................................................... 38
Compressor .................................................................................................................... 38
Theory Of Operation .............................................................................................. 39
Audio Dynamics ..................................................................................................... 39
Compressor Enable ................................................................................................. 39
Post EQ ................................................................................................................. 39
Auto Gain .............................................................................................................. 39
Compressor Knee Control ........................................................................................ 39
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ChannelStrip 3 Users Guide
Manual Make-Up Gain ........................................................................................... 41
Compressor Character ............................................................................................. 41
Threshold Control ................................................................................................... 41
Ratio Control .......................................................................................................... 41
Attack Control ........................................................................................................ 41
Release Control ...................................................................................................... 42
Using The Sidechain Key Input w/Selectable Filter ..................................................... 42
Sidechain Listen Button ........................................................................................... 42
Sidechain Routing Button ........................................................................................ 42
Sidechain Filter Enable ............................................................................................ 42
Filter Type Button ................................................................................................... 42
Filter Band Boost/Cut Control .................................................................................. 42
Filter Band Frequency ............................................................................................. 42
Filter Bandwidth ..................................................................................................... 42
Equalizer ........................................................................................................................ 43
Theory Of Operation .............................................................................................. 44
Master Enable Button .............................................................................................. 45
Filter Type Button ................................................................................................... 45
Filter Enable Button ................................................................................................ 45
Filter Band Boost/Cut Control .................................................................................. 46
Filter Band Frequency ............................................................................................. 46
Filter Bandwidth ..................................................................................................... 46
Controlling The EQ With The Transfer Function ........................................................ 46
Master Gain ........................................................................................................... 46
Delay Section ................................................................................................................. 46
Limiter ........................................................................................................................... 46
III. Working with Hosts ................................................................................................................... 48
6. Pro Tools (Mac/Win) ........................................................................................................... 50
Plug-in Window ............................................................................................................. 50
Key Commands .............................................................................................................. 51
7. AU Hosts (Mac) .................................................................................................................. 52
Logic ............................................................................................................................. 52
Plug-in Window ..................................................................................................... 52
GarageBand ................................................................................................................... 53
Inserting CS3 in GarageBand ................................................................................... 53
Plug-in Window ..................................................................................................... 54
IV. Appendices ............................................................................................................................... 55
A. Key Commands .................................................................................................................. 57
B. Service and Support ............................................................................................................ 58
C. Changelog ......................................................................................................................... 59
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List of Figures
2.1. MH ChannelStrip.pkg ............................................................................................................... 11
2.2. Opening Dialog ....................................................................................................................... 11
2.3. License Agreement ................................................................................................................... 12
2.4. Accepting the License Agreement .............................................................................................. 12
2.5. Selecting the Installation Disk ................................................................................................... 13
2.6. Selecting the Installation Location ............................................................................................. 13
2.7. Giving the Installer Permission .................................................................................................. 14
2.8. Installation Complete ............................................................................................................... 14
2.9. MH ChannelStrip Installer msi .................................................................................................. 15
2.10. Opening Dialog ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.11. Permission to Write Files ........................................................................................................ 16
2.12. Installation Complete .............................................................................................................. 16
2.13. MHChannelStripGB.pkg .......................................................................................................... 17
2.14. Opening Dialog ..................................................................................................................... 17
2.15. License Agreement ................................................................................................................. 17
2.16. Accepting the License Agreement ............................................................................................ 18
2.17. Starting the Installation ........................................................................................................... 18
2.18. Giving the Installer Permission ................................................................................................ 19
2.19. Enter the Serial Number ......................................................................................................... 19
2.20. Installation Complete .............................................................................................................. 19
2.21. Installation Error ..................................................................................................................... 20
2.22. Authorizer(CS-GB3) ................................................................................................................ 20
2.23. Selcting the Software .............................................................................................................. 20
2.24. Authorization Method ............................................................................................................. 21
2.25. Registration Information .......................................................................................................... 21
3.1. ChannelStrip's User Interface ................................................................................................... 26
4.1. Swept Knob ........................................................................................................................... 27
4.2. Plus/Minus Knob .................................................................................................................... 27
4.3. Spread Knob .......................................................................................................................... 27
4.4. Limiter Knob .......................................................................................................................... 27
4.5. Toggle Button (Off) ................................................................................................................. 28
4.6. Toggle Button (On) ................................................................................................................. 28
4.7. Master Fader .......................................................................................................................... 28
4.8. Peaking/Parametric .................................................................................................................. 29
4.9. Low Cut ................................................................................................................................ 29
4.10. High Cut .............................................................................................................................. 29
4.11. Low Shelf ............................................................................................................................. 29
4.12. High Shelf ............................................................................................................................ 29
4.13. Bandpass .............................................................................................................................. 29
4.14. Sidechain Routing Switch ...................................................................................................... 29
4.15. Sidechain Listen Button (Disabled) ......................................................................................... 30
4.16. Sidechain Listen Button (Enabled) ........................................................................................... 30
4.17. Compressor Character Switch ................................................................................................ 30
4.18. UI Size Control .................................................................................................................... 30
4.19. Tooltip Control ..................................................................................................................... 30
4.20. Graph Disclosure Button ....................................................................................................... 30
4.21. Peak Meter ........................................................................................................................... 31
4.22. Gain Reduction Meter ........................................................................................................... 31
4.23. Output Meter ....................................................................................................................... 31
4.24. EQ Transfer Function ............................................................................................................ 32
4.25. Spectragraph Display ............................................................................................................ 33
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ChannelStrip 3 Users Guide
4.26. Dynamics Knee .................................................................................................................... 34
5.1. Signal Flow: Compressor is Pre-EQ .......................................................................................... 35
5.2. Signal Flow: Compressor is Post-EQ ......................................................................................... 35
5.3. Gate/Expander ........................................................................................................................ 36
5.4. Compressor ............................................................................................................................ 38
5.5. Knee Control at 0 ................................................................................................................... 40
5.6. Knee Control at 1 ................................................................................................................... 40
5.7. Knee Control at -0.5 ............................................................................................................... 40
5.8. EQ Section ............................................................................................................................. 44
5.9. Peaking/Parametric .................................................................................................................. 45
5.10. Low Cut ............................................................................................................................... 45
5.11. High Cut .............................................................................................................................. 45
5.12. Low Shelf ............................................................................................................................. 45
5.13. High Shelf ............................................................................................................................ 45
5.14. Bandpass .............................................................................................................................. 45
5.15. Limiter ................................................................................................................................. 46
6.1. Pro Tools Plug-in Window ...................................................................................................... 50
6.2. Compare Button ..................................................................................................................... 50
6.3. Automation Window, Showing ChannelStrip's Parameters .......................................................... 51
7.1. Logic's Plug-in Window .......................................................................................................... 52
7.2. Select the Track ....................................................................................................................... 53
7.3. Insert the Plug-in ..................................................................................................................... 53
7.4. ChannelStrip Inserted ............................................................................................................... 53
7.5. Accessing the Plug-in Settings ................................................................................................... 53
7.6. ChannelStrip's User Interface .................................................................................................... 54
7.7. GarageBand's Plug-in Settings ................................................................................................... 54
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List of Tables
6.1. Pro Tools Key Commands ........................................................................................................ 51
A.1. Tooltip Control ........................................................................................................................ 57
A.2. Control Knob Modifiers ............................................................................................................ 57
A.3. Numeric Field Modifiers .......................................................................................................... 57
A.4. Meters .................................................................................................................................... 57
A.5. EQ Transfer Functions .............................................................................................................. 57
A.6. Pro Tools Key Commands ........................................................................................................ 57
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Part I. Installation
Table of Contents
1. System Requirements .................................................................................................................. 10
2. Installation ................................................................................................................................. 11
Macintosh .............................................................................................................................. 11
Windows ............................................................................................................................... 15
GarageBand ........................................................................................................................... 16
Update Notification ................................................................................................................ 21
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1. System Requirements
• Pro Tools™ (Macintosh): Pro Tools 10 or higher running on a Macintosh computer. This software supports Native and AAX DSP operation.
• Pro Tools™ (Windows): Pro Tools 10 or higher running on a Windows computer. This software supports
Native and AAX DSP operation.
• Native: Any Macintosh DAW that supports Audio Unit plug-ins.
• An iLok copy protection key and account. Please note that one Production Bundle license authorizes
the software on any platform.
• GarageBand™: GarageBand running on a Macintosh computer. ChannelStrip 3 for GarageBand is functionally the same as other versions of ChannelStrip 3 with the following exceptions:
• ChannelStrip 3 for GarageBand will only run in GarageBand. If inserted in another host, it will mute
audio every five seconds.
• There is no sidechain support.
• ChannelStrip 3 for GarageBand does not include technical support via phone.
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2. Installation
Screenshots to illustrate the installation process are from the Production Bundle, but the process is the
same for individual plug-ins.
Macintosh
Please note – The following graphics show installation on an OS 10.7 system; the process may be slightly
different in other versions of the OS, but the basic concepts are the same. Small details such as file sizes shown
may vary with subsequent releases.
• Double-click the “MH ChannelStrip.pkg” application
Figure 2.1: MH ChannelStrip.pkg
• The installer dialog will appear:
Figure 2.2: Opening Dialog
Click “Continue”…
• Now you will see the Metric Halo License Agreement:
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Installation
Figure 2.3: License Agreement
After you have read it, click “Continue”…
• Next click “Agree” to accept the License Agreement:
Figure 2.4: Accepting the License Agreement
• Now select the disk you would like the software to be installed to:
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Installation
Figure 2.5: Selecting the Installation Disk
We recommend installing for all users unless you have a specific reason not to. Select the drive and
click “Continue”…
• Next, you have the option to select the location on the disk you would like the software to be installed to:
Figure 2.6: Selecting the Installation Location
We recommend that you use the standard installation location unless you have a specific reason not
to. The standard locations are:
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Installation
• Plug-ins – (drivename)/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/MH Plug-Ins
• Presets – (drivename)/Library/Application Support/Digidesign/Plug-In Settings
Click “Install”…
• You must now enter the name and password you use to log in to your computer, to give the Installer
permission to write the software:
Figure 2.7: Giving the Installer Permission
Enter your credentials and click “Install Software”…
• Once the installer has finished, you'll see this dialog:
Figure 2.8: Installation Complete
If you do not see the “Installation Successful” message, contact MH Support.
• The final step is to go to http://www.ilok.com/ and install the software license to your iLok key.
That’s it! Enjoy using ChannelStrip!
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Installation
Windows
There are two versions of each Windows installer:
• Installers that end in .msi are intended for 32 bit versions of Windows, and install the 32 bit version
of the plug-in(s).
• Installers that end in _x64.msi are intended for 64 bit versions of Windows, and install the 32 bit
and 64 bit versions of the plug-in(s). This allows you to run Pro Tools 10 or 11 on a 64 bit machine.
These installation instructions refer to the 32 bit installer, but the process is the same for 64 bit installations.
Please note – The following graphics show installation on an Windows 7 system; the process may be slightly
different in other versions of the OS, but the basic concepts are the same. Small details such as file sizes shown
may vary with subsequent releases.
• Double-click the “MHChannelStripInstaller.msi” application
Figure 2.9: MH ChannelStrip Installer msi
• The installer dialog will appear:
Figure 2.10: Opening Dialog
After you have read the Metric Halo License Agreement, click the “I accept the terms of the License
Agreement” checkbox and click “Install”
• Windows will ask for permission to write the files:
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Installation
Figure 2.11: Permission to Write Files
Click “Yes” to begin the installation.
• Once the files have been written you will see the completion dialog:
Figure 2.12: Installation Complete
Click “Finish” to close the installer.
If you do not see the “Installation Successful” message, contact MH Support.
• The final step is to go to http://www.ilok.com/ and install the software license to your iLok key.
That’s it! Enjoy using ChannelStrip!
GarageBand
Installing your Metric Halo software product is a simple process:
• Double-click the “MHChannelStripGB.pkg” application
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• The installer dialog will appear:
Installation
Figure 2.13: MHChannelStripGB.pkg
Figure 2.14: Opening Dialog
Click “Continue”…
• Now you will see the Metric Halo License Agreement:
Figure 2.15: License Agreement
After you have read it, click “Continue”…
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Installation
• Next click “Agree” to accept the License Agreement:
Figure 2.16: Accepting the License Agreement
• Click the “Install” button:
Figure 2.17: Starting the Installation
• You must now enter the name and password you use to log in to your computer, to give the Installer
permission to write the software:
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Installation
Figure 2.18: Giving the Installer Permission
Click “Install Software” to begin writing files.
• Next you will need to enter your serial number:
Figure 2.19: Enter the Serial Number
Click "Install" to continue.
• Once the installer has finished, you'll see this dialog:
Figure 2.20: Installation Complete
If you do not see the “Installation Successful” message or see this dialog:
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