Nero SoundTrax 2, SoundTrax 3 User Manual

Nero SoundTrax Manual

Nero AG

The Nero SoundTrax manual and all its contents are protected by copyright and are the property of Nero AG. All rights reserved. This manual contains material that is protected by internationally valid copyright. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed without the express written permission of Nero AG.

All trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Nero AG rejects any claims that transcend the clauses of the guarantee rights. Nero AG does not undertake any liability for the correctness of the content of the Nero SoundTrax manual. The contents of the software supplied, as well as of the Nero SoundTrax manual, may be changed without prior warning.

The trademarks mentioned here are named for information purposes only.

Contents

1 General information 6

1.1 About the manual 6

1.2 About SoundTrax 6

2 Technical information 7

2.1 System requirements 7

2.2 Formats supported 7

3 Terminology 8

3.1 Track/clip/project 8

3.2 Audio-specific terms 8

4 Launching the Program 9

4.1 Starting Nero SoundTrax via Nero StartSmart 9

5 User interface 10

5.1 Selecting Nero SoundTrax tasks 10

5.2 Main screen 11

5.2.1 Menu bar 12

5.2.2 Toolbar 13

5.2.3 Master area 13

5.2.4 Assignable Effects area 14

5.2.5 Tracks 14

5.2.6 Track display area 14

5.2.7 Project area 15

6 Configuration 16

6.1 Project settings 16

6.1.1 Audio Settings tab 16

6.1.2 General tab 16

6.1.3 Tempo and Meter tab 17

6.2 Program settings 17

6.2.1 General tab 17

6.2.2 Save/Output Settings tab 17

6.2.3 View tab 18

6.2.4 Folders tab 18

6.2.5 VST Plug-Ins tab 19

6.3 Device settings 19

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Contents

6.4 Audio format settings 19

6.4.1 Decoder tab 19

6.4.2 Encoder tab 20

6.4.3 Converters tab 20

7 Importing and recording audio files 21

7.1 Recording from record or cassette 21

7.2 Importing from an audio CD 25

7.3 Recording audio 26

8 Tracks 27

8.1 Editing a track 27

8.1.1 Adding a volume curve to the track 30

8.1.2 Adding a pan curve to the track 30

8.1.3 Adding an effect group curve to the track. 31

8.2 Surround sound distribution 32

8.2.1 Changing the surround sound distribution 32

9 Effect chains 33

9.1 Tools 33

9.2 Effects 34

9.3 Enhancements 35

9.4 Effect chains and effect groups 35

9.4.1 Editing an effect chain 35

9.4.2 Effect chain templates 36

9.4.3 Editing an effect group 37

10 Surround projects 38 11 Exporting 39

11.1 Exporting to an audio file 39

11.2 Burning to audio CD 39

12 Nero SoundBox 42

12.1 Main screen 42

12.1.1 General components 42

12.1.2 General settings 43

12.1.3 Beat Editor 43

12.1.4 Sequencer 44

12.1.5 Text II Speech 44

12.1.6 Ambience 45

12.2 Patterns 45

12.3 Inserting a SoundBox clip 45

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Contents

13 Nero ScratchBox 46

13.1 Main screen 46

13.1.1 Turntables 47

13.1.2 Peak file view 47

13.1.3 Mixing console 47

13.1.4 File selection 48

13.1.5 Tools 48

13.2 Creating a ScratchBox clip 49

13.2.1 Scratch Editor 50

14 List of figures 51 15 Index 52 16 Contact 54

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General information

1 General information

1.1 About the manual

This manual is intended for all users who want to find out how to use Nero SoundTrax. It is task-based and explains how to achieve a particular objective on a step-by-step basis.

In order to make best use of this manual, please note the following conventions:

Symbol Meaning

Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be

1. Start …

Æ Î

Chapter

[…] Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.

followed strictly.

Indicates additional information or advice.

A number at the beginning of a line indicates a request for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified.

Indicates an intermediate result. Indicates a result. Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program

interface. They are shown in bold face. Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as

links and are shown in red and underlined.

1.2 About SoundTrax

Nero SoundTrax is a 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 demanding 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 integrated Nero ScratchBox provides user-friendly functions for mixing and scratching.

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Technical information

2 Technical information

2.1 System requirements

Nero SoundTrax is installed together with the Nero Suite and its system requirements are the same. You can find more detailed information on the system requirements in the Nero QuickStart Guide.

In addition, the following requirements apply:

Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0b (or higher)

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The latest version of DirectX® can be downloaded from the Internet under

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx and installed.

16-bit Windows® compatible sound card and speakers or headphones

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Optional: CD recorder

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Installation of the latest WHQL-certified drivers is recommended. WHQL stands for Windows Hardware Quality Labs and means that the device driver is certified by Microsoft® to be compatible with Microsoft® Windows® and the relevant hardware.

2.2 Formats supported

The following formats are supported by Nero SoundTrax:

Audio formats (Import)

AAC AC3 AIF AIFF M4A MP3 MP4 NDA NWF OGG WAV WAVE WMA

Audio formats (Export)

AIF AIFF MP3 MP4 OGG WAV WAVE WMA

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Terminology

3 Terminology

3.1 Track/clip/project

The following terms are specific to Nero SoundTrax:

Clip refers to a single audio file.

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Track refers to a single audio track. A track can contain multiple clips in succession.

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Each track has its own settings for volume and effects. Channel refers to audio information that is contained in a clip, e.g. the left and the right

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channel. Project refers to the process of adding existing audio files, editing these files, and

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exporting them as a finished audio file. A project can be saved with all changes made in a project file, and it can be re-opened later. The project file has the extension *.npf (Nero project file). Project files themselves do not contain audio files, rather they only contain links 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 tracks in turn contain multiple clips in which audio is recorded in multiple channels.

3.2 Audio-specific terms

Sound is transmitted in air via waves. This characteristic gives rise to the following terms that can be important for working with Nero SoundTrax:

Frequency is the number of vibrations per unit of time. It is measured in Hertz.

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The maximum displacement of a vibration is referred to as amplitude. Sampling rate indicates how often the sound card determines the sampling value of an

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analog signal. It is measured in sampling values per second (Hertz or Hz). The higher the sampling rate, the more precise the measurement and the better the audio quality. The sampling rate influences the frequency range. CDs use a sampling rate of 44,100 Hz, in other words 44,100 sampling values per second. Thus according to a mathematical law called the sampling theorem, frequencies up to 22,500 Hz can be recorded.

Bit depth indicates the precision with which a vibration will be captured. The higher the

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bit depth value, the more precise the capture and the better the audio quality. CDs store audio data in 16 bits, i.e. each sample value can assume 65,536 possible values.

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Launching the Program

4 Launching the Program

4.1 Starting Nero SoundTrax via Nero StartSmart

To start via Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:

1. Click on the Nero StartSmart icon.

Æ The Nero StartSmart window opens.

2. Click the button.

Æ The list of Nero applications is displayed.

Abb. 1: Nero StartSmart

3. Select the Nero SoundTrax entry.

Æ The Nero SoundTrax window opens.

Î You have launched via Nero StartSmart.

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User interface

5 User interface

5.1 Selecting Nero SoundTrax tasks

When starting Nero SoundTrax a window opens where you can select project templates. The following selection options are available:

Templates

User templates Wizards Recently used files Open existing project

Fig. 2: Selecting Nero SoundTrax tasks

Offers templates for frequently used projects such as CD mix, stereo, and surround projects (see

Surround projects).

Offers user-created templates for projects. Opens wizards for recording a recor d or cassette

Recording from record or cassette).

(see Shows recently used files. Opens the Open dialog box that offers access to an

existing project.

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User interface

5.2 Main screen

When you start Nero SoundTrax the main screen is displayed. The main screen is divided into the following areas:

Menu bar and toolbar (1)

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Master track settings (2)

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Assignable effects (3)

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Tracks (4)

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Track display (5)

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Project (6)

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The main screen is the starting point for all actions that you perform using Nero SoundTrax.

Fig. 3: Nero SoundTrax main screen with inserted audio file

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User interface

5.2.1 Menu bar

The menu bar offers the following setting options:

File menu

Edit menu

A triplet consists of three tones of the same note value that are set in place of two tones, maintaining the duration of the replaced tones.

View menu

Insert menu

Audio menu

Tracks menu

Tools menu

Options menu

Help menu

Opens the File menu that contains file functions such as open, save, and close with which you are already familiar from Windows

. In addition, you can create and call templates, export CD tracks to audio files, and export the tracks created in SoundTrax as audio files.

Opens the Edit menu that contains editing functions such as cut, copy, and delete with which you are already familiar from Windows

for the files in the selection screen. In addition, you can snap the notes of the tracks created in SoundTrax.

Opens the View menu that allows you to individually adjust the menu bar and toolbar, and enlarge or reduce the view of the project. In addition, you can change the time format of the project.

Opens the Insert menu that allows you to insert audio files, audio loops, and SoundBox and ScratchBox clips in tracks that have been created in Nero SoundTrax. In addition, you can import tracks from audio CDs, generate an automatic LFE track, insert effects in effect chains, and create assignable effect groups.

Opens the Audio menu that allows you to record, import, and play audio files.

Opens the Tracks menu that allows you to add and delete tracks. In addition, you can add various effect curves to the track and edit the track properties.

Opens the Tools menu that allows you to burn a CD, open other Nero applications, and select wizards to record analog audio tracks.

Opens the Options menu that allows you to specify general and special settings for the project, for the connected devices, and for the audio format.

Opens the Help menu that allows you to call online help and view the version number and other registration data.

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User interface

5.2.2 Toolbar

The toolbar offers the following setting options:

Creates a new project. Opens an existing project. Saves the project. Cuts 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. Redoes the last action undone. Zooms into the project. Zooms out of the project. Zooms into the project so that the selected section fills the screen. Zooms out of the project so 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 selected point. 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.

5.2.3 Master area

The Master (track) area is where settings that apply for all tracks that are inserted into the project are made.

The Master area offers the following setting options:

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Shows the distribution of the surround sound.

Adjusts the volume of all tracks in the project. Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Master window. Here you can

create an effect chain that can be assigned to all tracks. Opens the Project Settings window.

User interface

5.2.4 Assignable Effects area

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

The Assignable Effects area offers the following setting options:

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

5.2.5 Tracks

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

The Tracks area offers the following setting options:

Changes the surround sound, i.e. the volume distribution to the various channels/speakers.

5.2.6 Track display area

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

5.2.6.1

Context menu

Open the context menu by clicking with the right mouse button within the track display. Clicking on an audio clip opens the Clip context menu, while clicking on the track opens the Track context menu.

In the Clip context menu you can delete, select, copy, and cut clips. In addition, you can open clips in Nero Wave Editor, select the audio channels, and group clips. In the Track context menu you can insert clips of various types as well as delete, copy, and disable the track. In addition, you can insert effects and effect chains, track splits, CD indices, and labels.

Adjusts the volume of the track.

Visualizes the volume level.

Start/stops track playback. Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Track window. Here you can

create and edit an effect chain for the track. Opens the Track Settings window. Here you can edit the track

settings.

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User interface

5.2.7 Project area

The Project area is divided into the frequency area and the toolbar. The frequency area displays the frequencies of all tracks, one superimposed on the other.

The display size of the project can be changed with the red markings. The toolbar offers the following setting options:

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

Specifies the tempo in the unit BMP.

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Configuration

6 Configuration

You can configure Nero SoundTrax to suit your needs. The following setting areas are available to you for this:

Project settings

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General settings

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Device settings

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Audio format settings

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6.1 Project settings

You adjust the project settings in the Project Settings window. You reach this window via Options > Project Settings in the menu bar.

6.1.1 Audio Settings tab

The Audio Settings tab offers the following setting options:

Rendering sample rate

drop-down menu

Rendering bit depth

drop-down menu

Channels option button

Specifies the sampling rate. The entry 44100 is selected by default.

Specifies the bit depth. The entry 16 bit (CD and DAT) is selected by default.

Specifies the number of channels.

Stereo: This entry is selected by default.

5.1 Channel Surround: 6-channel surround (see

Surround projects).

7.1 Channel Surround: 8-channel surround (see

Surround projects).

6.1.2 General tab

The General tab offers the following setting options:

Project length

text box

Project title

text box

Artist's name

text box

Notes input area Specifies notes for the project. Automatically add CD

track splits

check box

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Specifies the length of the project.

Specifies the title of the project.

Specifies the name of the artist.

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

Configuration

6.1.3 Tempo and Meter tab

The Tempo and Meter tab offers the following setting options:

Beats per minute

text box

Beats per measure

text box

6.2 Program settings

You adjust the program settings in the Settings window. You reach this window via Options > Settings in the menu bar.

6.2.1 General tab

The General tab offers the following setting options:

Max. number of undo levels

text box

Default duration of CD track splits (in seconds)

text box

Default export file format

drop-down menu

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

Specifies the beats per measuring interval for the project.

Limits the number of steps that can be undone to the specified value.

Specifies the duration of the pause of new CD track splits (see

Specifies the file format in which Nero SoundTrax will export audio files in the default setting.

General tab).

6.2.2 Save/Output Settings tab

The Save/Output Settings tab offers the following setting options:

Use dithering when converting to lower bit depths

check box

Noise shaping filter

drop-down menu

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

Specifies the type of noise shaping. IIR filter (2nd order): Infinite-duration Impulse

Response. Applies IIR filters. Second order means that sound is attenuated by 12 dB. IIR filters usually achieve a better subjective audio quality than do FIR filters, however they have higher levels of interference energy outside of the audible range.

FIR filter (3 taps): Finite Impulse Response filter. Applies FIR filters. This entry is selected by default.

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