Steinberg Cubase Artist - 8.5, Cubase 8.5 Plug-in Reference

Plug-in Reference
Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Kevin
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Quarshie, Benjamin Schütte

Table of Contents

4 Included Effect Plug-ins
4 Delay Plug-ins 10 Distortion Plug-ins 37 Dynamics Plug-ins 63 EQ Plug-ins 75 Filter Plug-ins 84 Mastering Plug-ins 85 Modulation Plug-ins 102 Other Plug-ins 104 Pitch Shift Plug-ins 109 Reverb Plug-ins 127 Spatial + Panner Plug-ins 141 Surround Plug-ins 153 Tools Plug-ins
162 MIDI Effects
162 Arpache 5 164 Arpache SX 167 Auto LFO 168 Beat Designer 176 Chorder 181 Compressor 181 Context Gate 184 Density 184 MIDI Control 184 MIDI Echo 187 MIDI Modifiers 187 MIDI Monitor 188 Micro Tuner 189 Note to CC 190 Quantizer 191 StepDesigner 195 Track Control 198 Transformer
199 Included VST Instruments
199 Groove Agent SE 199 HALion Sonic SE 199 LoopMash 215 Mystic 230 Padshop 230 Prologue 250 Retrologue 250 Spector 265 Diagrams
3
The included plug-in effects are arranged according to their categories. This
NOTE
chapter is arranged in the same fashion, with the plug-ins listed in separate sections for each effect category.
Most of the included effects are compatible with VST 3. For more information, see the Operation Manual.

Delay Plug-ins

Included Effect Plug-ins

ModMachine

ModMachine combines delay modulation and filter frequency/resonance modulation and can provide many interesting modulation effects. It also features a
Drive parameter for distortion effects.
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Included Effect Plug-ins
Delay Plug-ins
Delay
If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.
Delay – Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Delay parameter.
Rate
If tempo sync is activated, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet, or dotted).
If tempo sync is deactivated, the modulation speed can be set freely with the
Rate knob.
Rate – Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Rate parameter.
Width
Sets the amount of delay modulation. This allows you to create a vibrato or chorus-like effect.
Feedback
Sets the number of repeats for the delay.
Drive
Adds distortion to the feedback loop. The longer the feedback, the more the delay repeats are distorted over time.
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Included Effect Plug-ins
Delay Plug-ins
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send.
Nudge
Clicking this button once momentarily speeds up the audio coming into the plug-in, simulating the nudge command of analog tape machines.
Signal path graphic and Filter position
The filter can either be placed in the feedback loop of the delay or in the output path of the effect (after the Drive and Feedback parameters). To switch between the loop and output positions, click in the Filter section displayed in the graphic or click on the Position field at the bottom right of the graphic.
Filter type (in graphic display)
Allows you to select a filter type. You can choose between a low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass filter.
Filter Frequency LFO Modulation
Freq
Sets the cutoff frequency for the filter. It is only available if tempo sync for the
Speed parameter is deactivated and the parameter is set to 0.
Speed
Sets the speed of the filter frequency LFO modulation. If tempo sync is activated, this parameter sets the base note value for synchronizing the modulation to the tempo of the host application.
If tempo sync is deactivated, the speed can be set freely with the Speed knob.
Speed – Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Speed parameter.
Range Lo/Hi
Set the range of the filter frequency modulation. Both positive (for example, Lo set to 50 and Hi set to 10000) and negative (for example, Lo set to 5000 and Hi set to 500) ranges can be set. If tempo sync is off and Speed is set to zero, these parameters are inactive and the filter frequency is controlled by the Freq parameter instead.
Spatial
Introduces an offset between the channels to create a stereo panorama effect for the filter frequency modulation. Turn clockwise for a more pronounced stereo effect.
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Included Effect Plug-ins
Delay Plug-ins
Filter Resonance LFO Modulation
Q-Factor
Sets the resonance of the filter. It is only available if filter resonance LFO tempo sync is deactivated and the Speed parameter is set to 0. If tempo sync is activated, the resonance is controlled by the Speed and Range parameters.
Speed
Sets the speed of the filter resonance LFO modulation. If tempo sync is activated, this parameter sets the base note value for tempo syncing the modulation.
If tempo sync is deactivated, the speed can be set freely with the Speed knob.
Speed – Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Speed parameter.
Range Lo/Hi

MonoDelay

Set the range of the filter resonance modulation. Both positive (for example, Lo set to 50 and Hi set to 100) and negative (for example, Lo set to 100 and Hi set to 50) ranges can be set. If tempo sync is deactivated and Speed is set to zero, these parameters are inactive and the filter resonance is controlled by the Q-Factor parameter instead.
Spatial
Introduces an offset between the channels to create a stereo panorama effect for the filter resonance modulation. Turn clockwise for a more pronounced stereo effect.
This is a mono delay effect that can either be tempo-based or use freely specified delay time settings.
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NOTE
Delay Plug-ins
Delay
If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.
Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync.
Feedback
Sets the number of repeats for the delay.
Filter Lo
Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Filter Hi
Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Mix
If side-chaining is supported, the delay can also be controlled from another signal source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the delay repeats are silenced. If the signal drops below the threshold, the delay repeats reappear. For a description of how to set up side-chain routing, see the Operation Manual.

PingPongDelay

This is a stereo delay effect that alternates each delay repeat between the left and right channels. The effect can either be tempo-based or use freely specified delay time settings.
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send.
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Included Effect Plug-ins
NOTE
Delay Plug-ins
Delay
If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.
Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync.
Feedback
Sets the number of repeats for the delay.
Filter Lo
Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Filter Hi
Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Spatial

StereoDelay

Sets the stereo width for the left/right repeats. Turn clockwise for a more pronounced stereo ping-pong effect.
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send.
If side-chaining is supported, the delay can also be controlled from another signal source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the delay repeats are silenced. If the signal drops below the threshold, the delay repeats reappear. For a description of how to set up side-chain routing, see the Operation Manual.
StereoDelay has two independent delay lines which either use tempo-based or freely specified delay time settings.
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NOTE

Distortion Plug-ins

Delay
If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.
Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the corresponding delay.
Feedback
Set the number of repeats for each delay.
Filter Lo
Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Filter Hi
Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.
Pan
Set the stereo position for each delay.
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can control the dry/effect balance with the send.
If side-chaining is supported, the delay can also be controlled from another signal source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the delay repeats are silenced. If the signal drops below the threshold, the delay repeats reappear. For a description of how to set up side-chain routing, see the Operation Manual.
Distortion Plug-ins

AmpSimulator

AmpSimulator is a distortion effect that emulates the sound of various types of guitar amp and speaker cabinet combinations. A wide selection of amp and cabinet models is available.
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Distortion Plug-ins
Amplifier pop-up menu
Click the amplifier name shown at the top of the amp section to open this pop-up menu. It allows you to select an amplifier model. This section can be bypassed by selecting No Amp.
Drive
Controls the amount of amp overdrive.
Bass
Tone control for the low frequencies.
Middle
Tone control for the mid frequencies.
Treble
Tone control for the high frequencies.
Presence
Boosts or dampens the higher frequencies.
Volume
Controls the overall output level.
Cabinet pop-up menu
Click the cabinet name shown at the top of the cabinet section to open this pop-up menu. It allows you to select a speaker cabinet model. This section can be bypassed by selecting No Speaker.
Damping Lo/Hi
Further tone controls for shaping the sound of the selected speaker cabinet. Click the values, enter a new value and press [Enter].
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Included Effect Plug-ins
Distortion Plug-ins

BitCrusher

If you are into lo-fi sound, BitCrusher is the effect for you. It offers the possibility of decimating and truncating the input audio signal by bit reduction, to get a noisy, distorted sound. For example, you can make a 24-bit audio signal sound like an 8 or 4-bit signal, or even render it completely garbled and unrecognizable.
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Mode
Allows you to select one of the four operating modes. In each mode, the plug-in sounds differently. Modes I and III are nastier and noisier, while modes
II and IV are more subtle.
Sample Divider
Sets the amount by which the audio samples are decimated. At the highest setting, nearly all of the information describing the original audio signal is eliminated, turning the signal into unrecognizable noise.

DaTube

Depth (0 to 24 bits)
Defines the bit resolution. A setting of 24 gives the highest audio quality, while a setting of 1 creates mostly noise.
Output
Sets the output level.
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
This effect emulates the characteristic warm, lush sound of a tube amplifier.
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Distortion Plug-ins
Drive
Sets the pre-gain of the amplifier. Use high values if you want an overdriven sound just on the verge of distortion.
Balance
Sets the balance between the signal processed by the Drive parameter and the dry input signal. For maximum drive effect, set this to its highest value.
Output
Adjusts the post-gain, or output level, of the amplifier.

Distortion

Distortion adds crunch to your tracks.
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Boost
Increases the distortion amount.
Feedback
Feeds part of the output signal back to the effect input. Higher settings increase the distortion effect.
Tone
Lets you select a frequency range to which to apply the distortion effect.
Spatial
Changes the distortion characteristics of the left and right channels, thus creating a stereo effect.
Output
Sets the output level.
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Distortion Plug-ins

Grungelizer

Grungelizer adds noise and static to your recordings – like listening to a radio with bad reception, or a worn and scratched vinyl record.
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Crackle
Adds crackle to create that old vinyl record sound.
RPM
When emulating the sound of a vinyl record, this switch lets you set the speed of the record in RPM (revolutions per minute).
Noise
Sets the amount of added static noise.
Distort
Adds distortion.
EQ
Cuts the low frequencies, and creates a hollow, lo-fi sound.
AC
Emulates a constant, low AC hum.
Frequency
Sets the frequency of the AC current (50 or 60 Hz), and thus the pitch of the AC hum.
Timeline
Sets the amount of overall effect.
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Distortion Plug-ins

Magneto II

This effect simulates the saturation and compression of recording on analog tape machines.
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Saturation
Determines the amount of saturation and the generation of overtones. This leads to a small increase in input gain.
Saturation On/Off
Activates/Deactivates the saturation effect.
Dual Mode
Simulates the use of two machines.
Frequency Range Low/Hi
These parameters set the frequency range of the spectrum band to which the tape effect is applied.
For example, to avoid the saturation of lower frequencies, set the Freq Low value to 200 set the Freq Hi parameter to values below 10
Hz or 300 Hz. To avoid the saturation of very high frequencies,
kHz.
Tape 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.
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Distortion Plug-ins
VU Input/Output

Quadrafuzz v2

Quadrafuzz v2 is a multi-band distortion and multi-effect plug-in for processing drums and loops but also for treatment of vocals, for example. You can distort up to 4 bands. 5 different distortion modes with several sub-modes are available.
The buttons determine whether the VU meter shows the level of the input or of the output signal. To set the input/output level, use the knob or enter a value in the value field.
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Distortion Plug-ins
Frequency Band Editor
The frequency band editor in the upper half of the panel is where you set the width of the frequency bands as well as the output level. The vertical value scale to the left shows the gain level of each frequency band. The horizontal scale shows the available frequency range.
To define the frequency range of the different frequency bands, use the andles at the sides of each frequency band.
h
Global Settings
To attenuate or boost the ou
tput level of each frequency band by ±15 dB, use
the handles on top of each frequency band.
SB
Switches between multi band
and single band mode.
Scenes
You can save up to 8 different settings. If th
e default setting of a scene is
active, the selected scene button lights up yellow.
If you change the default settings, the button lights up green, indicating that this sc
ene has customized settings.
To copy the settings of a scene to another scene, select the scene that you want to copy, click Copy, and click one of the numbered buttons.
You can automate the selection of scenes.
Band Settings
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal
and the wet signal.
Output (-24 to 24 dB)
Sets the output level.
Mute
To mute each frequency band, activate the M b
utton in each section.
Bypassing Frequency Bands
To bypass each frequency band, activate the Bypass Band button section.
Soloing Frequency Bands
To solo a frequency band, activate the S b
utton in each section. Only one
band can be soloed at a time.
in each
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Tape
In/Out meter
Display the input and output level.
Gate
Determines the level at which the gate is activated. Signal levels above the set threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold close the gate.
This band mode simulates the saturation and compression of recording on analog tape machines.
Drive
Controls the amount of tape saturation.
Tape Mode Dual
Simulates the use of two machines.
Tube
Dist
This band mode simulates the saturation effects using analog tubes.
Drive
Controls the amount of tube saturation.
Tubes
Determine the number of tubes that are simulated.
This band mode adds distortion to your tracks.
Drive
Controls the amount of distortion.
FBK
Feeds part of the output signal back to the effect input. Higher settings increase the distortion effect.
Amp
This band mode simulates the sound of various types of guitar amps.
Drive
Controls the amount of amp overdrive.
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Dec
Amp Types
You can select the following types of guitar amps:
•Amp Clean
Amp Crunch
•Amp Lead
This band mode allows you to decimate and truncate the input audio signal to create a noisy, distorted sound.
Decimator
Controls the resulting bit-resolution. The lower the resolution, the higher the distortion effect.
Mode
Delay
Allows you to select one of the four operating modes. In each mode, the plug-in sounds differently. Modes I and III are nastier and noisier, while modes
II and IV are more subtle.
S&H
Sets the amount by which the audio samples are decimated. At the highest setting, nearly all of the information describing the original audio signal is eliminated, turning the signal into unrecognizable noise.
To open the Delay section, click the Delay button.
Time
If tempo sync is activated, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet, or dotted).
If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely with the Time knob.
Sync
Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the corresponding delay.
Duck
Determines how much the delay signal ducks when an audio signal is present.
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
FBK
Determines the number of repeats for each delay.
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NOTE
Distortion Plug-ins
Slider
Mode
If this option is activated, the delay sign al is routed back into the distortion unit to create a feedback with distortion.
High FBK values and low Duck values in combination with activated Mode can lead to unwanted noise.
Width
Sets the stereo width for the corresponding band.
Out
Sets the output gain for the corresponding band.
Pan

SoftClipper

Sets the stereo position for the corresponding band.
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
This effect adds soft overdrive, with independent control over the second and third harmonic.
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Input (-12 to 24 dB)
Sets the pre-gain. Use high values if you want an overdriven sound just on the verge of distortion.
Mix
Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
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Output

VST Amp Rack

VST Amp Rack is a powerful guitar amp simulator. It offers a choice of amplifiers and speaker cabinets that can be combined with stomp box effects.
Sets the output level.
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Pre/Post-Effects
At the top of the plug-in panel, there are six buttons, arranged according to the position of the corresponding elements in the signal chain. These buttons open different pages in the display section of the plug-in panel: Pre-Effects, Amplifiers, Cabinets, Post-Effects, Microphone Position, Master, and Configuration.
Below the display section, the selected amplifier is shown. The color and texture of the area below the amplifier indicate the selected cabinet.
On the Pre-Effects and Post-Effects pages, you can select up to six common guitar effects. On both pages, the same effects are available, the only difference being the position in the signal chain (before and after the amplifier). On each page, every effect can be used once.
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Each effect features an On/Off button known from stompbox effects, as well as individual parameters.
Wah Wah
Pedal – Controls the filter frequency sweep.
Volume
Pedal – Controls the level of the signal passing through the effect.
Compressor
Intensity – Sets the amount by which an input signal is being compressed.
Limiter
Threshold – Determines the maximum output level. Signal levels above the
set threshold are cut off.
Release – Sets the time after which the gain returns to the original level.
Maximizer
Amount – Determines the loudness of the signal.
Chorus
Rate – Allows you to set the sweep rate. This parameter can be synchronized
to the project tempo.
Width – Determines the depth of the chorus effect. Higher settings produce a more pronounced effect.
Phaser
Rate – Allows you to set the sweep rate. This parameter can be synchronized
to the project tempo.
Width – Determines the width of the modulation effect between higher and lower frequencies.
Flanger
Rate – Allows you to set the sweep rate. This parameter can be synchronized
to the project tempo.
Feedback – Determines the character of the flanger effect. Higher settings produce a more metallic sounding sweep.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Tremolo
Rate – Allows you to set the modulation speed. This parameter can be
synchronized to the project tempo.
Depth – Governs the depth of the amplitude modulation.
Octaver
Direct – Adjusts the mix of the original signal and the generated voices. A
value of 0 means only the generated and transposed signal is heard. By raising this value, more of the original signal is heard.
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Octave 1 – Adjusts the level of the signal that is generated one octave below
the original pitch. A setting of 0 means that the voice is muted.
Octave 2 – Adjusts the level of the signal that is generated two octaves below the original pitch. A setting of 0 means that the voice is muted.
Delay
Delay – Sets the delay time in milliseconds. This parameter can be
synchronized to the project tempo.
Feedback – Sets the number of repeats for the delay.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Tape Delay
Delay – Tape Delay creates a delay effect known from tape machines. The
Delay parameter sets the delay time in milliseconds. This parameter can be synchronized to the project tempo.
Feedback – Sets the number of repeats for the delay.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Tape Ducking Delay
Delay – Tape Ducking Delay creates a delay effect known from tape
machines with a ducking parameter. The Delay parameter sets the delay time in milliseconds. This parameter can be synchronized to the project tempo.
Feedback – Sets the number of repeats for the delay.
Duck – Works like an automatic mix parameter. If the level of the input signal
is high, the portion of the effect signal is lowered, or ducked (low internal mix value). If the level of the input signal is low, the portion of the effect signal is raised (high internal mix value). This way the delayed signal stays rather dry during loud or intensely played passages.
Overdrive
Drive – Overdrive creates a tube-like overdrive effect. The higher this value,
the more harmonics are added to the output signal of this effect.
Tone – Works as a filter effect on the added harmonics.
Level – Adjusts the output level.
Fuzz
Boost – Fuzz creates a rather harsh distortion effect. The higher this value,
the more distortion is created.
Tone – Works as a filter effect on the added harmonics.
Level – Adjusts the output level.
Gate
Threshold – Determines the level at which the gate is activated. Signal levels
above the set threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold close the gate.
Release – Sets the time after which the gate closes.
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NOTE
Distortion Plug-ins
Sync Mode
Equalizer
Low – Changes the level of the low-frequency portion of the incoming signal.
Middle – Changes the level of the mid-frequency portion of the incoming
signal.
High – Changes the level of the high-frequency portion of the incoming signal.
Reverb
Type – A convolution-based reverb effect. This parameter allows you to switch between different reverb types (Studio, Hall, Plate, and Room).
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Some parameters can be synchronized to the tempo of the host application.
The names of these parameters are underlined. Click a knob to activate or deactivate tempo sync. An LED at the top right of the knob indicates that sync mode is active. You can then select a base note value for tempo syncing from the pop-up menu above the control.
Using Effects
To insert a new effect, click the + button that appears if you point the mouse
at an empty plug-in slot or at one of the arrows before or after a used effect slot.
To remove an effect from an effect slot, click the effect name and select None
from the pop-up menu.
To change the order of the effects in the chain, click on an effect and drag it
to another position.
To activate or deactivate an effect, click the pedal-like button below the effect
name. If an effect is active, the LED next to the button is lit.
Pre-effects and post-effects can be mono or stereo, depending on the track
configuration.
Using quick controls you can set up an external MIDI device, such as a foot
controller, to control the VST Amp Rack effects. For more information about quick controls, see the Operation Manual.
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Amplifiers
The amps available on the Amplifiers page are modeled on real-life amplifiers. Each amp features settings typical for guitar recording, such as gain, equalizers, and master volume. The sound-related parameters Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence have a significant impact on the overall character and sound of the corresponding amp.
Plexi
Classic British rock tone; extremely transparent sound, very responsive.
Plexi Lead
British rock tone of the 70s and 80s.
Diamond
The cutting edge hard rock and metal sounds of the 90s.
Blackface
Classic American clean tone.
Cabinets
Tweed
Clean and crunchy tones; originally developed as a bass amp.
Deluxe
American crunch sound coming from a rather small amp with a big tone.
British Custom
Produces the sparkling clean or harmonically distorted rhythm sounds of the 60s.
The different amps keep their settings if you switch models. However, if you want to use the same settings after reloading the plug-in, you need to set up a preset.
Selecting and Deactivating Amplifiers
To switch amps on the Amplifiers page, click the model that you want to use. Select No Amplifier if you only want to use the cabinets and effects.
The cabinets available on the Cabinets page simulate real-life combo boxes or speakers. For each amp, a corresponding cabinet type is available, but you can also combine different amps and cabinets.
Selecting and Deactivating Cabinets
To switch cabinets on the Cabinets page, click the model that you want to
use. Select No Cabinet if you only want to use the amps and effects.
•If you select Link Amplifier & Cabinet Choice, the plug-in automatically
selects the cabinet corresponding to the selected amp model.
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Microphones
Master
On the Microphones page, you can choose between different microphone positions. These positions result from two different angles (center and edge) and three different distances from the speaker, as well as an additional center position at an even greater distance from the speaker.
You can choose between two microphone types: a large-diaphragm condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone. You can crossfade between the characteristics of the two microphones.
To select one of the microphone types or blend between the two types, turn
the Mix control between the two microphones.
Placing the Microphone
To select a microphone position, click the corresponding ball in the graphic.
The selected position is marked in red.
Use the Master page to fine-tune the sound.
Input/Output Level Meters
The input and output level meters on the left and the right of the Master section show the signal level of your audio. The rectangle on the input meter indicates the optimum incoming level range. In compact view, the input and output levels are indicated by two LEDs at the top left and right.
Using the Master Controls
To activate/deactivate the equalizer, click the pedal-like On/Off button. If the
equalizer is active, the LED next to the button is lit.
To activate/deactivate an equalizer band, click the corresponding Gain knob.
If a band is active, the LED to the left of the Gain knob is lit.
To tune your guitar strings, click the pedal-like On/Off button to activate the
Tuner and play a string. If the correct pitch is displayed and the row of LEDs below the digital display is green, the string is tuned correctly.
If the pitch is too low, red LEDs are lit on the left. If the pitch is too high, red LEDs are lit on the right. The more LEDs are lit, the lower/higher is the pitch.
To mute the output signal of the plug-in, click the pedal-like Master button. If
the output is muted, the LED is not lit. Use this to tune your guitar in silence, for example.
To change the volume of the output signal, use the Level control on the
Master page.
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NOTE
Distortion Plug-ins
Configuration
View Settings
On the Configuration page, you can specify whether you want to use VST Amp Rack in stereo or in mono mode.
To process the pre-effects, the amplifier, and the cabinets in full stereo mode,
make sure that the plug-in is inserted on a stereo track, and activate the Stereo button.
To use the effect in mono-mode, make sure that the plug-in is inserted on a
mono track, and activate the Mono button.
In stereo mode, the effect requires more processing power.
You can choose between 2 views: the default view and a compact view, which takes up less screen space.
In the default view, you can use the buttons at the top of the plug-in panel to open the corresponding page in the display section above the amp controls. You can horizontally resize the plug-in panel by clicking and dragging the edges or corners.
In the compact view, the display section is hidden from view. You can change the amp settings and switch amps or cabinets using the mouse wheel.
Using the Smart Controls
Smart controls become visible on the plug-in frame when you move the mouse pointer over on the plug-in panel.
Switching between Default and Compact View
To toggle between the different views, click the down/up arrow button
(Show/Hide Extended Display) at the top center of the plug-in frame.
Changing the Amplifier and Cabinet Selection in the Compact View
In the compact view, a smart control on the lower border of the plug-in frame allows you to select different amplifier and cabinet models.
To select a different amplifier or cabinet, click the name and select a different
model from the pop-up menu.
To lock the amplifier and cabinet combination, activate the Link/Unlink
Amplifier & Cabinet Choice button. If you now select another amp model, the cabinet selection follows. However, if you select a different cabinet model, the lock is deactivated.
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Distortion Plug-ins
Previewing Effect Settings
In both views, you can show a preview of the pre- and post-effects that you selected on the corresponding pages:
Click and hold the Show Pre-Effects or Show Post-Effects button at the

VST Bass Amp

VST Bass Amp is a bass amp simulator. It offers a choice of amplifiers and speaker cabinets that can be combined with stomp box effects.
bottom left or right of the plug-in frame.
Cubase LECubase AICubase
Elements
Included with –––XXX–
Cubase
Artist
Cubase
Pro
Nuendo NEK
At the top of the plug-in panel, the following buttons open different pages in the display section of the plug-in panel: Pre-Effects, Amplifiers, Cabinets, Post-Effects, Microphones, Configuration, and Master.
These buttons are arranged according to the position of the corresponding elements in the signal chain.
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Pre/Post-Effects
Below the display section, the selected bass amplifier is displayed. The color and texture of the area below the bass amp indicate the selected cabinet.
On the Pre-Effects and Post-Effects pages, you can select up to six common bass effects. On both pages, the same effects are available, the only difference being the position in the signal chain (before or after the bass amplifier). On each page, every effect can be used once.
Each effect features an On/Off button known from stompbox effects, as well as individual parameters.
Wah Wah
Pedal – Controls the filter frequency sweep.
Envelope Filter
Range – Determines the frequency range.
Q-Factor – Sets the intensity of the envelope filter effect.
Sensitivity – Determines how sensitive the effect reacts to the instrument
level.
Attack – Determines how quickly an effect reacts to the input signal.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Type – Sets the filter type.
Release – Determines how quickly the effect fades after the input signal
stops.
Volume
Pedal – Controls the level of the signal passing through the effect.
Compressor
Intensity – Sets the amount by which an input signal is being compressed.
Compressor MB
Lo Intensity – Sets the compressor effect in the low frequency band.
Activate/deactivate Auto Makeup Mode by clicking the LED at the top right of the knob.
Hi Intensity – Sets the compressor effect in the high frequency band. Activate/deactivate Auto Makeup Mode by clicking the LED at the top right of the knob.
Crossover – Determines the crossover frequency between the low frequency band and the high frequency band.
Output – Sets the output level.
Limiter
Threshold – Determines the maximum output level. Signal levels above the
set threshold are cut off.
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Distortion Plug-ins
Release – Sets the time after which the gain returns to the original level.
Maximizer
Amount – Determines the loudness of the signal.
Chorus
Rate – Allows you to set the sweep rate. This parameter can be synchronized
to the project tempo.
Width – Determines the depth of the chorus effect. Higher settings produce a more pronounced effect.
Tone – Allows you to attenuate low frequencies.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Phaser
Rate – Allows you to set the sweep rate. This parameter can be synchronized
to the project tempo.
Width – Determines the width of the modulation effect between higher and lower frequencies.
Tone – Allows you to attenuate the low frequencies.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
Flanger
Rate – Allows you to set the sweep rate. This parameter can be synchronized
to the project tempo.
Feedback – Determines the character of the flanger effect. Higher settings produce a more metallic sounding sweep.
Tone – Allows you to attenuate the low frequencies.
Mix – Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
DI Driver
Level – Sets the output level.
Blend – Blends between normal and tube emulation circuitry. With Blend at 0, Drive and Presence are not active.
Bass – Boosts or attenuates low frequencies.
Treble – Boosts or attenuates high frequencies.
Presence – Boosts or attenuates upper harmonics and attacks.
Drive – Sets gain and overdrive.
Enhancer
Enhance – Simulates the classic enhancer effect.
Tone – Allows you to attenuate low frequencies.
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