Steinberg Wavelab Elements - 8.0 Operation Manual

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Operation Manual

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Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte

This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the complexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media except as specifically allowed in the License Agreement. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Registered licensees of the product described herein may print one copy of this document for their personal use.

All product and company names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.steinberg.net/trademarks.

Release Date: March 11, 2013

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5 Introduction

5 The Help System 6 About the Program Versions 7 Typographical Conventions 7 How You Can Reach Us

8 Setting Up Your System

8 Connecting Audio 8 About Audio Cards and Background Playback 9 About Latency 9 Defining VST Audio Connections 12 CD/DVD Recorders 12 Remote Devices

19 WaveLab Elements Concepts

19 General Editing Rules 20 Basic Window Handling 23 Selecting Audio 27 Sliders 28 Renaming Items in Tables 28 File Browser 30 Tab Groups 31 Peak Files 32 Companion Files

33 Program Overview

33 Command Bars 34 Status Bar 36 Context Menus 36 Time Ruler and Level Ruler 42 Value Editing 42 Drag Operations 44 Undoing and Redoing 45 Zooming 52 Managing Tabs 53 Presets 55 Saving a Picture of the Active Window

57 File Operations

57 Recently Used Files 57 Save and Save As 60 Templates 64 File Renaming 65 Deleting Files 65 Special Menu 66 Temporary Files 67 Work Folders vs. Document Folders 69 Setting the Focus on the Current File

70 About Workspaces

70 Elements of a Workspace 71 Audio Files Workspace 71 Audio Montage Workspace 72 Podcast Workspace 72 Opening Files in a Workspace 72 Organizing Workspace Windows 73 About Tool Windows

77 Playback

77 Transport Bar 92 Playing Back Only One Channel 92 Starting Playback From the Ruler 93 Using the Play Tool 93 Playback Scrubbing 94 Scroll During Playback 95 About Playback in the Audio Montage

Workspace

97 Audio File Editing

97 Wave Window 101 File Handling in the Audio Files Workspace 123 Changing the Audio Properties 124 Meta-Data 127 Silence Generator Dialog 129 Waveform Restoration with the Pen Tool

130 Audio Analysis

130 Global Analysis 140 3D Frequency Analysis

143 Offline Processing

143 Applying Processing 144 Gain Dialog 144 Normalize Level Dialog 146 Fades in Audio Files 147 Crossfades 148 Inverting the Audio Phase 149 Reversing Audio 149 DC Offset 150 Time Stretching 152 Pitch Shift 153 Resample

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155 Audio Montage

155 Basic Terminology 156 Montage Window 158 Signal Flow in the Audio Montage 159 Creating a New Audio Montage 160 Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File 160 Import Options for Audio Montages 161 Missing Files in Audio Montage Dialog 162 Assembling the Audio Montage 167 Rearranging Clips 169 Clips Editing 178 Track Activity Indicator 179 Envelopes for Clips 183 Fades and Crossfades in the Audio Montage 188 Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Master Output 198 About the CD Window 201 About Cloning Audio Montages 202 Mixing Down - The Render Function 202 Loudness Meta Normalizer 204 Notes Window

205 Recording

205 Setting Up the Recording Dialog 206 Dropping Markers During Recording 207 Recording Dialog

213 Master Section

214 Master Section Window 225 Rendering 230 Saving a Master Section Preset 234 About Monitoring Background Tasks 235 About Dropouts

236 Markers

236 Marker Types 237 Markers Window 240 About Creating Markers 243 Deleting Markers 244 Moving Markers 244 Navigating to Markers 244 Hiding Markers of a Certain Type 245 Renaming Markers 245 About Selecting Markers 246 Selecting the Audio Between Markers 247 Binding Markers to Clips in the Audio Montage 247 How Marker Information is Stored

248 Metering

248 Metering Window 248 About Meter Settings 249 Resetting the Meters 249 Level Meter 252 Spectroscope 253 Oscilloscope

254 Writing Operations

254 Write Audio CD Dialog 256 Erase Optical Media Dialog 257 About Writing Audio Montages 260 Data CD/DVD Projects 263 About Audio CD Formats

268 Loops

268 Basic Looping 269 About Refining Loops 279 About Looping Seemingly Unloopable Audio 282 About Sample Attributes

284 Importing Audio CD Tracks

284 Import Audio CD Dialog 288 Importing Audio CD Tracks 289 Searching Track Names on the internet 290 About Ultra-Safe Mode 290 Converting Audio CD Tracks to an Audio

Montage

291 Podcasts

291 Podcast Workspace 296 Global Podcast Options 297 Creating a Podcast 297 Setting Up a FTP for Podcast Publishing 298 Publishing a Podcast 298 FTP Site Dialog 300 Checking the Podcast

301 Customizing

301 Customizing the Wave Window and the

Montage Window

310 About Customizing Shortcuts 314 Plug-ins Organization

322 Configuring the Software

322 About Global Preferences 330 Audio File Editing Preferences Dialog 332 Settings Management 333 Multi-User Settings

335 Plug-in Reference

335 Built-in Plug-ins 340 Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins 359 Sonnox Restoration Toolkit 367 Legacy Plug-ins 367 Dithering Plug-ins

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The Help System

The detailed help system of WaveLab Elements makes it easy to look up interface features and get information from within the program.

Three main types of help are available:

• The help provides detailed information on the features and functionality of WaveLab Elements. You can set bookmarks, and use the search function and index to quickly find information.

Introduction

• “What’s This” tooltips give detailed information on the functionality of a specific user interface element.

• The status bar at the bottom of each workspace window gives detailed information on menu items when moving the mouse over an item.

• In the Audio Montage workspace, the status bar shows what kind of editing can be performed when using the mouse and modifier keys.

Accessing the Help System

There are several ways of accessing the help system.

• To open the WaveLab Elements help, select Help > Contents.

• To open the manual in PDF format, browse to the installation folder. The documents are located in the Documentation folder.

• To show tooltips, move the mouse over an interface icon.

• To open the help for the active dialog, click the question mark icon on the title bar (Windows) or in the dialog (Mac OS) to show the Help button, and then click the Help button, or press [F1] (Windows) or [Command]-[?] (Mac OS).

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Introduction

About the Program Versions

• To use the menu help, move the mouse over a menu item. The help text is displayed on the status bar at the bottom of the workspace window.

• To see information on what kind of editing can be performed when using the mouse and modifier keys in the audio montage window, move the mouse over the montage window. The help text is displayed on the status bar at the bottom of the workspace window.

• To activate/deactivate the help texts on the status bar, select

Options (WaveLab menu on Mac) > Global preferences > Display tab, and in the Workspaces section, select Display status bar.

To open the “What’s This” help, you have the following possibilities:

• In any workspace, press [Shift]-[F1], and move the mouse over an interface item, or select Help > What is this?.

• In a dialog, select the question mark icon on any title bar (Windows) or in the dialog (Mac OS), and move the mouse over an interface item or a menu option.

• Some “What’s this” tooltips have a different background color to indicate that a dedicated help topic is available in the WaveLab Elements help. Click the link in the tooltip to open the corresponding information in the help.

About the Program Versions

The documentation covers two different operating systems, Windows and Mac OS X. Some features and settings are specific to one of the operation systems.

This is clearly stated in the applicable cases. If nothing else is said, all descriptions and procedures in the documentation are valid for all WaveLab Elements versions for both Windows and Mac OS X.

The screenshots are taken from the English Windows version of WaveLab Elements.

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Introduction

NOTE

Typographical Conventions

Many of the default key commands in WaveLab Elements use modifier keys, some of which are different depending on the operating system. For example, the default key command for Undo is [Ctrl]-[Z] on Windows and [Command]-[Z] on Mac OS X.

When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are shown with the Windows modifier key first, in the following way:

• [Win modifier key]/[Mac modifier key]-[key]

For example, [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Z] means “press [Ctrl] on Windows or [Command] on Mac OS X, then press [Z]”.

Similarly, [Alt]/[Option]-[X] means “press [Alt] on Windows or [Option] on Mac OS X, then press [X]”.

This manual often refers to right-clicking, for example, to open context menus. If you are using a Mac with a single-button mouse, hold down [Ctrl] and click.

How You Can Reach Us

On the Help menu in WaveLab Elements, you find items linking to additional information.

The menu contains links to various Steinberg web pages. Selecting a menu item automatically launches your browser and opens the page. On these pages, you can find support and compatibility information, answers to frequently asked questions, information about updates and other Steinberg products, etc. This requires that you have a web browser installed on your computer, and a working internet connection.

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Setting Up Your System

IMPORTANTIMPORTANTIMPORTANTIMPORTANT

Before you start working, you need to make some settings.

Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections.

Connecting Audio

Your system setup depends on many different factors, for example, the kind of project that you want to create, the external equipment that you want to use, or the computer hardware available to you.

About Audio Cards and Background Playback

When you activate playback or recording in WaveLab Elements, other applications cannot access the audio card. Likewise, if another application uses the audio card, WaveLab Elements is unable to play back. The Windows MME driver is an exception from this.

You can run WaveLab Elements together with other applications and always give the active application access to the audio card.

To do so, select Options > VST Audio Connections, and on the

Options tab, activate Release driver when WaveLab is in background.

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Setting Up Your System

About Latency

Latency is the delay between when audio is sent from the program and when you actually hear it. While a very low latency can be crucial in a real-time DAW application such as Steinberg Nuendo or Cubase, this is not strictly the case with WaveLab Elements.

When working with WaveLab Elements, the important issues are optimum and stable playback and editing precision. You should not try to reach the lowest possible latency figures.

The latency in an audio system depends on the audio hardware, its

vers, and settings. In case of dropouts, crackles, or glitches during

dri playback, raise the Buffer Number setting on the VST Audio Connections dialog, or increase the buffer size in the ASIO control panel, specific to the audio card.

Defining VST Audio Connections

To be able to play back and record audio in WaveLab Elements, you must specify how the internal input and output channels in WaveLab Elements are connected to your sound card and which device you intend to use for audio playback and recording.

You can define the buffer settings for your device as well as set up connections to external gear, such as external effects units. You should select at least two channels for stereo playback and recording.

If you have no third-party audio card, you can select the Win driver or Built-in Audio (Mac) options. You can also use MME with most third party audio cards, with the advantage that you can record and play at different sample rates. However, Windows MME drivers do not allow audio monitoring in the Recording dialog or multichannel operation, and other drivers generally offer better sound quality and performance.

Selecting an ASIO Driver

dows MME

Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO) is a computer device driver protocol for digital audio specified by Steinberg. It provides a low-latency and

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Setting Up Your System

PROCEDURE

Defining VST Audio Connections

high fidelity interface between a software application and the soundcard of a computer.

1. In any workspace, except the Podcast workspace, select Options > VST Audio Connections.

2. From the Audio Device menu, select your ASIO driver.

The ASIO plug-ins tab and the Control panel button are activated.

3. Optional: Click the Control panel button and make your settings.

4. On the ASIO plug-ins tab, select the audio ports that are used for recording and monitor input of the ASIO plug-ins.

5. Click OK.

Selecting a Windows MME Driver

1. In any workspace, except the Podcast workspace, select Options > VST Audio Connections.

2. From the Audio Device menu, select the Windows MME driver.

3. On the Playback tab, select the audio ports that are used for playback.

4. On the Recording tab, select the audio ports that used for recording and monitor input.

5. Click OK.

VST Audio Connections Dialog

This dialog allows you to specify how the internal input and output channels in WaveLab Elements are connected to your sound card and which device you want to use for audio playback and recording.

In any workspace, except the Podcast workspace, select Options > VST Audio Connections.

Global Settings

Audio device

Here, select the audio device that you want to use for playback and recording audio. If you do not have a third-party audio card, you

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Setting Up Your System

Defining VST Audio Connections

Control panel

Refresh

Playback Tab

can select the Windows MME driver or Built-in Audio (Mac) options.

When you select an ASIO driver, the Control panel button is activated. Click the button to open the settings application of your sound card, which is usually installed with the sound card. Depending on your sound card and driver, this provides settings for buffer size, digital formats, additional I/O connections, etc.

This button causes audio devices to be evaluated again to reflect device changes.

This tab allows you to select and name audio ports that are used for playback.

Recording Tab

This tab allows you to select and name your audio ports that are used for recording and input monitoring. The inputs that you define here are then available in the Recording dialog.

Options Tab

This tab allows you to specify the number of buffers and the control driver functionality.

Buffer Number

Increasing this value improves the elasticity of audio str avoid dropouts.

MME Specific - Buffer size

Increasing this value improves the elasticity of audio streaming to avoid dropouts. This is only available when an MME driver is selected.

eaming to

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Setting Up Your System

CD/DVD Recorders

Initialize streaming engine at first use

Initializes the audio streaming engine when playback or recording are used for the first time. If this option is deactivated, the audio streaming engine is initialized at program startup.

Reset driver when changing sample rate

Resets the driver when sample rate is changed. When playback or recording must be set to a new sample rate, certain audio device drivers must be fully reset to work properly. This operation takes some time.

Perform short fade-in/out when starting/stopping playback

Performs a short fade-in when starting playback and a short fade-out when stopping playback. This avoids clicks that are caused by waveforms that are not starting on a zero-crossing point.

Release driver when WaveLab Elements is in background

Closes the audio device when WaveLab Elements is no longer the front application. This allows other audio applications to use the same audio device.

CD/DVD Recorders

For general instructions on installing internal or connecting external recorders via USB or Firewire, please refer to the instruction manual for your computer or your recorder.

Make sure to have the latest firmware version installed on your recorder unit. For CD recorders, the existing firmware must support disc-at-once mode. In addition, running a unit with older firmware can prevent you from writing sub-inde

x markers into the tracks, for example.

Remote Devices

You can use remote devices to remote-control WaveLab Elements.

Several commands can be controlled with knobs and sliders of your remote control device.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

Remote Devices Dialog

This dialog allows you to select a device to remote-control WaveLab Elements, and see the control map of MIDI control devices.

In any workspace, except the Podcast workspace, select Options > Remote devices.

Device Editing Tab

This tab lets you select a MIDI control device and see the control map.

Active

Activates the selected device and scans the MIDI ports.

In-Port/Out-Port

Select the MIDI input/output ports of the device use.

Name

Lets you enter a map name.

Expand/Collapse

Expands/collapses the folder tree of the control map.

WaveLab Elements action list

This folder tree lists the parameters that you can remote-control. The top folder represent contexts. The related parameters can only be controlled if the context is active. For example, active.

that you want to

if an audio file is

A remote control can be used in several contexts if these are exclusive. For example, parameters that can be used for an active audio file or an active audio montage.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

Options Tab

The Global folder contain the parameters that can always be controlled.

This tab lets you use the MIDI Learn function to assign a control of a MIDI remote control device to a function.

Emulate mouse wheel

If this option is activated, the AI knob acts as a mouse wheel in the WaveLab Elements user interface, except for plug-ins.

Edit focused numeric field

If this option is activated, the AI knob can be used to edit the focused numeric field that you find in many WaveLab Elements windows and dialogs.

CC121 Advanced Integration Controller

You can use Steinberg's CC121 Advanced Integration Controller to control WaveLab Elements.

This section describes the WaveLab Elements factory preset for the CC121. For detailed information on how to use the controller, refer to the manual that came with the CC121. Note that the CC121 was originally designed for Cubase. The following mapping combines the WaveLab Elements functionality with the CC121 controls. The controls that are not listed in the following paragraph are not assigned to a parameter.

Channel Section

You can use all controls of the CC121 channel section, except the fader, to control the elements of the selected track in a WaveLab Elements audio montage. You can use the fader for the Master Section.

Fader

Controls the Master Section fader.

PAN knob

Controls the gain of the selected track.

Mute

Mutes/unmutes the selected track.

Solo

Activates/deactivates solo for the selected track.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

EQ Section

CHANNEL SELECT

Selects the previous/next track in the audio montage.

To move the cursor to the previous/next clip edge in the audio montage, hold [Alt]/[Option]. To move the cursor to the previous/next region edge, hold [Shift]. To move the cursor to the previous/next marker in the Audio Files workspace, hold [Ctrl]/[Command].

With the EQ section you can easily control the Steinberg Studio EQ plug-in.

If the EQ TYPE button is activated on the CC121, you can adjust the parameters of the focused Studio-EQ. All necessary EQ parameters, such as Q/F/G of each band, EQ TYPE selection, and ALL BYPASS on/off can be set. You can switch to WaveLab Elements navigation mode by turning off the EQ TYPE button. In WaveLab Elements navigation mode, you get access to alternative functions, such as scrolling, zooming, and switching between workspaces.

EQ Type activated:

Bandwidth knobs (Q)

Adjusts the Q (bandwidth) of each EQ band.

Frequency knobs (F)

Adjusts the center frequency of each EQ band.

Gain knobs (G)

Adjusts the gain of each EQ band

Activates/deactivates the EQ bands.

ALL BYPASS

Activates/deactivates bypass for all plug-ins in the Master Section.

EQ Type deactivated:

LOW ON

Opens the Audio Files workspace.

LOW-MID ON

Opens the Audio Montage workspace.

HIGH-MID ON

Opens the Batch Processor workspace.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

HIGH ON

Opens the Control Window.

EQ-1 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Scrolls left/right on the timeline.

EQ-2 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Adjusts the horizontal zoom on the timeline.

EQ-3 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Adjusts the vertical zoom on the timeline.

EQ-4 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Scrolls tracks on the Audio Montage workspace or scrolls vertically on the Audio Files workspace.

EQ-1 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Scrolls left/right on the overview timeline of the Audio Files workspace.

EQ-2 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

EQ-3 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

EQ-4 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Transport Section

In this section you can control the transport functions of WaveLab Elements.

Previous button

Rewind button

Horizontally zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audio Files workspace.

Vertically zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audio Files workspace.

Vertically scrolls on the overview timeline of the Audio Files workspace.

Moves the cursor position to the beginning of the project.

Rewind

Forward button

Forward

Next button

Moves the cursor position to the end of the project.

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Setting Up Your System

NOTE

Remote Devices

Function Section

Cycle button

Activates/deactivates Cycle mode.

Stop button

Stops playback. Press again to move the cursor to the previous start position. Press a third time to move the cursor to the beginning of the project.

Play button

Starts playback.

Record button

Press once to open the Recording window. Press again to start the recording. Press a third time to stop recording. The recorded file opens in the Audio Files workspace.

In this section, you can adjust certain functions, such as fades and envelope level, by using the VALUE knob.

VALUE knob/button

FUNCTION button 1

FUNCTION button 2

FUNCTION button 3

FUNCTION button 4

AI Knob Section

Rotate this knob to adjust the assigned function. Press the knob to reset the parameter to its default value.

Adjusts the fade-in settings of the focused clip.

Adjusts the fade-out settings of the focused clip.

Adjusts the envelope level of the focused clip.

The element clicked last on the Edit > Nudge menu in the Audio Montage workspace is assigned to this

button.

WaveLab Elements can be controlled with the AI knob of Steinberg’s CC121, CI2+, and CMC-AI controllers. With the AI knob, you can control the parameter that the mouse points to.

The AI knob only works on parameters that are automatable.

In this section you can control parameters via the AI knob.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

CUBASE READY Indicator

AI KNOB

Controls the VST 3plug-in parameters, emulates the mouse wheel, for example, for scrolling, and lets you edit a focused numeric field. To control a parameter with the AI knob, move the mouse cursor over the parameter that you want to control, and move the AI knob. You can activate/deactivate the emulation of the mouse wheel and the editing of the focused numeric field in the Options tab.

LOCK

When the mouse cursor points to a parameter, press LOCK to control this parameter regardless of the position of the mouse cursor.

The CUBASE READY indicator has no function in WaveLab Elements.

Foot Switch Section

The foot switch has the same function as [Shift]. Press and hold the foot switch while turning the AI knob to fine tune parameters.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

NOTE

This chapter describes general concepts that you will use when working with WaveLab Elements. Getting accustomed with these procedures allows you to work more effectively with the program.

General Editing Rules

The common editing operations can be used in any Steinberg product.

• To select and move interface items, and to select ranges, click and drag with the mouse.

• Use the keys of your computer keyboard to enter numeric values and text, to navigate lists and other selectable interface items, and to control the transport functions.

• Common operations like cut, copy, paste, or the selection of multiple items can be performed using standard keyboard shortcuts.

The behavior of your product is also governed by your preference settings.

RELATED LINKS:

“Global Preferences Dialog” on page 322

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Basic Window Handling

WaveLab Elements follows the basic guidelines for the Windows/Mac OS interface, which means that Windows/Mac OS standard procedures apply.

Closing Windows

• To close a tabbed window, click the “X” button of the corresponding tab or press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[W].

• To close a tabbed window without saving your changes, hold [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift], and click the “X” button. This avoids having to confirm a warning message whenever you want to close an unsaved window.

• To close all tabbed windows at once, right-click a tab, and select Close all.

• To close all tabbed windows but the selected tabbed window, right-click a tab, and select Close all but this one.

• To individually select the tabbed windows that you want to close, right-click a tab, and select Select files to close. This opens the Files to close dialog, where you can select the files that you want to close.

RELATED LINKS:

“Files to Close Dialog” on page 52 “Managing Tabs” on page 52

Switching Between Files

You can have multiple files open and switch between them.

• To bring a file to the front, click the corresponding tab.

• To cycle between all open files in a workspace, hold [Ctrl]/[Command], and press [Tab] continuously.

• To cycle back and forth between the last two active files, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Tab]. Between each step you have to release all keys.

• To cycle backwards, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift]-[Tab].

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Basic Window Handling

Window Switcher

The window switchers let you easily switch between workspaces, create new workspaces, or open existing projects. There are two types of window switchers: The central switcher bar and the floating window switcher.

The floating window switcher behaves like the central switcher bar, but takes less room and floats above other windows.

• To activate/deactivate the central switcher bar, in the Audio Files workspace or the Audio Montage workspace, select Workspace > Command bars > Central switcher bar.

Using the Central Switcher Bar

You can use the central switcher bar to navigate through your workspaces.

• To copy a file from one workspace to another, drag it to the button of the workspace that you want to open, wait until the workspace becomes active, and release the file where you want.

• To create a new file in any workspace, press [Ctrl]/[Command], and click a workspace button.

• To open the Open window to select a file, press [Shift], and click a workspace button.

• To display a menu listing the files that have recently been used in a particular workspace, right-click any workspace icon.

• To create a new file or open a file, right-click any workspace icon, and select New or Open. While left-clicking activates a workspace, right-clicking does not activate a workspace.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Basic Window Handling

Customizing the Central Switcher Bar

You can customize the central switcher bar using the settings menu.

To open the settings menu, right-click an empty part of the central switcher bar.

Hide

Hides the central switcher bar.

Fold

Minimizes the central switcher bar to a thin line. To unfold the bar, click the thin line.

Left side/Top/Right side/Bottom

Determines the location of the central switcher bar.

Large/Medium/Small size

Determines the size of the central switcher bar.

Workspace buttons

Determines which workspace buttons are visible on the central switcher bar.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Selecting Audio

Almost all types of editing and processing that you perform in WaveLab Elements operate on the audio selection. There are numerous ways to make an audio selection.

Selecting a Range by Dragging

The standard way to select a range in a wave window is to click and drag.

If you drag all the way to the left or right side of the window, it scrolls automatically, allowing you to select larger sections than what can be shown in the window. The speed of the scrolling depends on how far from the window edge you are.

Audio Range Selection in an Audio File

You can edit, process, or play back selection of an audio file. In the Audio Files workspace, select Edit > Select time range.

All

Selects the entire waveform.

Toggle

Toggles the current audio selection on/off.

Extend to start of file

Extends the selection to the start of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is created from the edit cursor position.

Extend to end of file

Extends the selection to the end of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is created from the edit cursor position.

Extend to previous marker

Extends the left edge of the selection to the nearest marker to the left or the start of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is extended until the edit cursor position.

Extend to next marker

Extends the right edge of the selection to the nearest marker to the right or the end of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is extended until the next marker position.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Selecting Audio

Extend to cursor

Extends the selection to the edit cursor position.

From start of file until cursor

Selects the range between the start of the audio file and the edit cursor position.

From cursor to end of file

Selects the range between the edit cursor position and the end of the audio file.

From cursor to previous marker

Selects the range between the edit cursor position and the nearest marker to the left or the start of the audio file.

From cursor to next marker

Selects the range between the edit cursor position and the next marker or the end of the audio file.

Playback position => Selection start

Creates a selection range from the playback position to the end of the audio file. If no playback is taking place, the position of the edit cursor is used.

Playback position => Selection end

Creates a selection range from the playback position to start of the audio file. If no playback is taking place, the position of the edit cursor is used.

Double length

Doubles the length of the current selection range.

Halve length

Halves the length of the current selection range.

Extend to all channels

Extends the current selection range to all channels.

Left channel only

Reduces the current selection range to the left channel only.

Right channel only

Reduces the current selection range to the right channel only.

Loop region

Selects the range between the two loop markers that encompass the edit cursor.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Selecting Audio

Generic region

Selects the range between the two generic markers that encompass the edit cursor.

Selecting in Stereo Files

If you are working on stereo material in the Audio Files workspace, you can apply an operation to one channel only or to the entire stereo material.

Which channel is selected when you click and drag in the wave window depends on where you position the mouse cursor, as indicated by the pointer shape. The pointer shape indicates which channel will be affected.

The following pointer shapes are available:

Pointer Shape Description

Clicking in the upper half of the left channel selects the left channel.

Clicking in the middle area between the left and the right channel selects both channels.

Clicking in the lower half of the right channel selects the right channel.

Switching the Selection Between Channels

You can switch the selection that you have made for a channel to all channels or switch the selection to the other channel.

1. In the Audio Files workspace’s wave window, make a selection range.

2. Select Edit > Select time range, and select Extend to all channels, Left channel only, or Right channel only, or press [Tab] to cycle between the different channel selections.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Selecting Audio

Selecting in the Overview of the Audio Files Workspace

The selection ranges that you make in the overview of the Audio Files workspace also apply to the main view.

• In the Audio Files workspace’s wave window, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command], and click and drag in the overview.

Moving a Selection Range

If a selection range is the right length, but at the wrong position, you can move it.

1. In the wave window, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift].

2. Click in the middle of the selection and drag to the left/right.

Extending and Reducing the Selection

You can resize a selection range in the wave window without having to make a new one.

There are several ways to extend/reduce the selection:

• Make a selection range, [Shift]-click outside the selection range, and drag to the left/right, or click and drag the edges of the selection range to the left/right.

• To extend the selection to the previous/next boundary (marker or start/end of file), press [Shift] and double-click the non-selected area between the boundaries.

Extending and Reducing the Selection Using the Cursor Keys

• To move the start/end of a selection in the wave window to the left/right, hold down [Shift] and press the left/right cursor keys. To move it in bigger steps, press the Page Up/Page Down keys.

• To extend a selection to the previous/next boundary in the wave window (marker or start/end of the audio file), hold down [Ctrl]/[Command]+[Shift] and press the left/right cursor keys.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Sliders

Deleting Selections

There are several options for deleting a selected time range.

Audio Files Workspace

The following options can be found on the Edit menu:

Trim

Remove

Removes the data outside the selection.

Removes the selection. The audio to the right of the selection is moved to the left to fill the gap.

Sliders

At various places in WaveLab Elements, slider controls are available to change parameters. There are a number of ways to change the value of a slider.

• Position the mouse over the slider and use the mouse wheel (no click is required). Hold [Ctrl]/[Command] while using the mouse wheel to scroll faster. This modifier also applies to the zoom wheels. To move the button of a slider, click and drag it.

• To move the slider handle direct any position.

• To move the slider handle in smaller steps, right-click or below the handle. Keep the mouse button pressed to automatically step to the next value.

• To reset the slider to the default value, if available, [Ctrl]/[Command]-click the slider, or click using the third mouse button, or double-click the handle.

ly to a position, click the slider at

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Renaming Items in Tables

You can rename items in tables in the Markers window, and in the CD window.

• To rename an item, double-click it or select it, and press [Return], and enter the new name.

• To rename the previous/next item, press arrow up or down instead of [Return]. This way you move the focus on the previous/next item, while staying in the edit mode.

File Browser

The File Browser window in the Audio Files workspace and the Audio Montage workspace allows you to browse files directly from within WaveLab Elements. It can be very useful in speeding up the process of auditioning sound files.

The File Browser window provides you with all the standard browsing functions as well as additional controls to audition audio files and any marker defined regions. You can use it to open or insert files or regions of files by dragging them onto an open workspace.

You can also choose to only view certain types of files.

File Browser Window

In this window, you can browse files and open them in WaveLab Elements.

In the Audio Files workspace or the Audio Montage workspace, select

Workspace > Specific tool windows > File Browser.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

File Browser

You can add your favorite folders to the left pane by dragging them from the middle pane.

The following options are available in the File Browser windows:

Look in

Lets you select a file location to browse and lists the recently used locations.

Back/Forward/Parent Directory

Let you navigate through the list and file hierarchy.

List View

Shows only the file name in the file list.

Detail View

Shows the file name, size, type, and modification date in the file list.

File name

Shows the file name of the selected file.

File format list

Lets you select which file format to display.

The following options are only available in the File Browser window in the Audio Montage workspace:

Select Audio Files

Shows only audio files.

Select Audio Montages

Shows only audio montages.

Auto-Play mode

Starts playback automatically for the selected file.

Play selected audio file

Plays the selected audio file.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Tab Groups

With tab groups, you can view the content of different files and meters at the same time, without having to navigate through different windows.

2 empty tab groups in the Audio Montage workspace

You can have two tab groups. Each tab group has its own content and title bar. In the Audio Files workspace, each tab contains an audio file. In the Audio Montage workspace, each tab contains an audio montage.

2 tab groups with audio montages in the Audio Montage workspace

Using Tab Groups

Tabs are used differently depending on the type of window.

• To add a tab group, select Workspace > Add Tab Group at right

• To remove an empty tab group, activate the tab group, and select

• To use one of the tab group layout presets, select Workspace >

• To reorder tabs, drag the tab to a new position on the tab bar.

• To move a tab to another workspace, drag the tab to another

or Workspace > Add Tab Group below.

Workspace > Remove active Tab Group.

Tab Group shortcuts, and select a layout.

workspace.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Peak Files

• To paste the content of a tab into an audio file, drag the tab onto the waveform. The tab is inserted at the cursor position.

• To create an empty file inside a tab group, double-click an empty part of the tab bar. The created file uses the active file as template.

A peak file (extension “.gpk”) is automatically created by WaveLab Elements each time an audio file is modified or opened in WaveLab Elements for the first time. The peak file contains information about the waveform and determines how it is drawn in the wave window or the montage window.

Peak files speed up the time it takes waveform.

By default, the peak file is stored in the same location as the audio file.

Rebuilding Peak Displays

Normally, peak files are automatically updated when the peak file’s date is older than the audio file’s date. However, it can happen that the date of the audio file is wrong and therefore not automatically updated. In this case you can force a rebuild of the peak file.

• In the Audio Files workspace, select View > Rebuild peak display.

to draw the corresponding

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Companion Files

Companion files (extension “.vs”) store Master Section presets and view settings for audio files. If this feature is activated when you save a file, the stored settings are recreated the next time that you load the file.

Companion files are only available in the Audio Files workspace.

The following view settings are included in companion files:

• Window size and position

• Zoom level

• Scroll position

Storing Companion Files in Another Location

By default, companion files are stored in the same location as the audio file. However, you can select another file location.

1. In the Audio Files workspace, select Options > Folders.

2. Select Companion files, and specify another file location.

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Command Bars

Commonly used tools, shortcuts, and commands are represented by command buttons. Related buttons are grouped into various Command bars.

Command bars in the Audio Files workspace

Program Overview

You can dock Command bars to any window edge or open them in a separate window, and rearrange them freely. Each workspace has an appropriate set of command bars that can be displayed. All the commands that are represented by the command buttons are also available on the menus.

Hiding and Showing Command Bars

You can hide command bars that are irrelevant for your project.

• To view a list of available command bars, in the Audio Files workspace or the Audio Montage workspace, right-click an empty part of the top edge of the workspace, or select Workspace > Command bars.

• To show/hide a command bar, select Workspace > Command bars, and activate/deactivate the command bars that you want show/hide. You can also right-click a command bar, and select Close.

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Program Overview

Status Bar

Docking Command Bars

Command bars can either be used as separate floating windows or docked at the top, bottom, left, or right side of the workspace window.

• To make a command bar floatable, right-click the bar, and select

Floatable. Then click the dots on the left side or the top of the command bar to drag the bar to another location.

• To dock a floating command bar, right-click the bar, and select

Floatable. Then click the dots on the left side of the command bar to drag the bar to the top, bottom, left, or right side of the workspace window.

Status Bar

The status bar at the bottom of the screen of the Audio Files workspace and the Audio Montage workspace shows information about the active window using the units specified in the rulers.

The information displayed on the status bar is updated depending on the cursor position and on the audio selection that you have made.

Time/Level (dB)

Displays the time of the audio file at the mouse cursor position. In the Audio Files workspace, it also displays the level.

Audio information at edit cursor

Displays the time at the position of the edit cursor. This information changes when you reposition the cursor.

• To define the cursor position, click the indicator to open the

Cursor position dialog.

• To focus the cursor position, right-click the indicator.

Audio selection indicator (Audio Files workspace)

In the Audio Files workspace, this displays the length of the current selection, or the total length of the audio file if no selection has been made.

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Program Overview

Status Bar

When you have zoomed in, you can right-click the indicator to display the selected audio range, the focused clip, or the whole file. Left-click the indicator to open the Audio Range dialog, where you can define or refine a selection.

Zoom indicator

Displays the current zoom factor.

• To open a pop-up menu, where you can make additional zoom settings, click the indicator.

• To open the Zoom factor dialog, where you can edit the zoom factor, right-click the indicator.

Sampler key indicator (Audio Files workspace only)

Indicates the key of the current audio file (if defined). Click the indicator to open the Sample Attributes window.

Audio properties indicator

In the Audio Files workspace, this displays the bit resolution and the sample rate. It also indicates whether the audio file is mono or stereo. Click the indicator to open the Audio properties dialog.

In the Audio Montage workspace, this displays the number of audio channels and the sample rate of the audio montage. Click the indicator to open the Audio Montage properties dialog.

Play through Master Section

If this button is activated, the audio is played through the Master Section. If the button is deactivated, the Master Section is ignored.

Document button (drag and drop)

Allows you to drag the current file into another file, for example, an audio file to the Audio Montage workspace. This is equivalent to dragging the file tab.

Background information

The status bar shows the progress of some background operations, such as rendering an effect. The operation can be paused or canceled using the provided

buttons.

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Program Overview

Context Menus

Throughout WaveLab Elements, various context menus are available. These menus group the commands and/or options that are specific to the current working window.

The context menus appear when you right-click certain areas and are useful for speeding up your workflow.

For example, right-click a file tab to open a context menu with some relevant file options. Right-click the ruler of the waveform window brings up the Time Ruler context menu that allows you to access a number of options for changing the time ruler display format.

You can find most context menu commands in the main menus, but some commands are only available in context menus. When you search for a function, right-click the current working window to check if it has a context menu.

Context menu in the montage window

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

In the Audio Files workspace, you can display a time and a level ruler in the wave window. In the Audio Montage workspace, you can display a time ruler in the montage window.

You can also determine which time and level units the rulers show.

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Program Overview

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Time ruler

Time Ruler and Level Ruler Options

You can specify the time and level (amplitude) formats for each ruler in each wave window and the time formats for each ruler in the montage window separately by right-clicking the ruler, and selecting a format from the pop-up menu.

Level ruler (Audio Files workspace only)

Time Ruler Menu

Timecode

Clock

Samples

Bars and beats

File size (Audio Files workspace only)

Show grid (Audio Montage workspace only)

Displays a list of frames per second for various SMPTE timecodes and for CD resolution.

Displays time units.

Positions are shown as number of samples. The number of samples per second depen

ds on the sample rate of the audio file.

For example, at 44.1 kHz, there are 44100 samples per second.

If this is selected, the ruler is linear relati

ve to the meter position.

Shows positions in MegaBytes. Decimals represent KiloBytes.

Displays vertical lines in the montage window, aligned with time ruler marks.

Time format

Opens the Time format dialog, where you can edit the appearance of the time ruler formats.

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Program Overview

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Level Ruler Menu (Audio Files workspace only)

Save current settings as default

If this option is activated, the time ruler uses the current time format in all new wave windows or montage windows.

Set ruler’s origin to start of file

If this option is activated, the ruler’s zero position is set to the beginning of the first sample.

Set ruler’s origin at cursor

If this option is activated, the ruler’s zero position is set to the current cursor position.

Set ruler’s origin to BWF reference (Audio Files workspace only)

If this option is activated, the first sample matches the BWF time reference, provided that the time reference is available.

Sets the level format to decibels.

+-100 %

Sets the level format to percentage.

Normalized +1/-1

Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 32-bit float audio.

16-bit range

Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 16-bit audio.

24-bit range

Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 24-bit audio.

Save current settings as default

If this

option is activated, the level ruler uses the current level

format in all new wave windows.

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Program Overview

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Time Format Dialog

In this dialog, you can customize the time format. The time format of the ruler is also used in various time fields, for example, the status bar and certain dialogs.

In the Audio Files workspace, depending on whether you want to set the time format for the overview display or the main view display, select

View > Overview display > Time ruler > Time format or View > Main view display > Time ruler > Time format.

In the Audio Montage workspace, select View > Time ruler > Time format.

Timecode Tab

On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Timecode option.

Frames per second

List of standard frame rates. From the drop-down menu, select Other to enter a custom frame rate. You can also choose which frames/units are displayed.

Show absolute frames

Shows the time format as a number of frames, without other time elements.

Show quarter frames

Adds the quarter frame number to the time format.

Show hundredth frames

Adds the number of a hundredths of a frame to the time format.

Show units

Adds time units to the time format of the ruler.

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Program Overview

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Clock Tab

On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Clock option.

Show Units

Adds time units to the time format of the ruler.

Compact

Shows the time without unit indicators.

Meter Tab

On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Bars and beats option.

Time signature

Lets you edit the time signature used to display the time represented as a musical notation.

Tempo

Lets you edit the tempo used to display the time represented as a musical notation.

Ticks per quarter note

Lets you edit the number of ticks per quarter note that displays times that are compatible with your sequencer.

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Program Overview

PROCEDURE

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Setting the Cursor Position

Many operations, such as playback and selection, depend on the current cursor position. For example, playback often starts at the cursor position. The current cursor position is indicated by a vertical flashing line.

There are various ways to move the cursor:

• Click somewhere in the wave window, the montage window, or the time ruler. If you have made a selection, click the time ruler to prevent deselecting.

• Click and drag in the time ruler.

• Use the transport controls.

• Select View > Move cursor to, and select

• Use the cursor keys.

• Double-click a marker.

Working With a Meter-Based Display

If your working material is tempo-based, you can select the meter format (bars, beats, and ticks) for the ruler legend. This makes it easier to find musically related cutting points.

1. In the wave window or the montage window, right-click the time ruler, and select Bars and beats.

2. Right-click the time ruler, and select Time format.

3. On the Meter tab, set the Time signature and Tempo to values that match your audio file.

4. Set the Ticks per quarter note setting to a number that you feel comfortable with.

an option.

For example, this can be the same value that is used by your MIDI sequencer.

5. Click OK.

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Program Overview

Value Editing

At various places in the program, numerical values can be edited by using a combination of text fields and spin controls.

These values are sometimes composed of several parts, for example, 12 mn 30 sec 120 ms. Each value can be edited by using any of the following methods:

• To change a value, click in a value field and type a new value, or

• To change the value by one unit at a time, press the [Left Arrow]

• To change the value by several units, press the page up and page

click the small arrows in the value field.

and [Right Arrow] keys.

down keys.

• To change the value using the mouse wheel, position the mouse cursor over a value, and spin the mouse wheel, or use the AI knob of your MIDI controller.

• To change the value with the mouse, click a value and drag the mouse up or down.

• To jump to the maximum and minimum values, press the [Home] and [End] keys.

• To move from one part of the value to another, press the [Left Arrow] and [Right Arrow] keys.

Drag Operations

WaveLab Elements makes much use of drag-and-drop techniques to perform various operations, some of which cannot be performed otherwise. These are referred to as drag operations in this documentation.

• To drag an object, click and hold with the mouse when positioned on the object and drag it. Drop the object by releasing the button.

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Program Overview

NOTE

Drag Operations

Many types of objects can be dragged between different source and destination locations including files, text, clips, the playback head, items in a list, and markers.

It is also possible to drag and drop files from WaveLab Elements to Steinberg’s Nuendo.

Drag objects within and between workspaces to perform the following operations:

• To dock a tool window, drag its title bar to any side of the workspace, beside or above another tool window.

• To move a command bar, drag the bar grip at the left-hand end of a command bar and reposition it.

• To reorder a tab within its own tabbed group, drag horizontally. To move a tab to another workspace, drag vertically.

• To drag any object to another workspace, use the Central Switcher bar. Drag the object over the corresponding workspace icon in the Central Switcher bar, wait until the new workspace becomes active, and drag the tab in the target workspace.

• To open a file, drag a compatible file from the File Browser window of WaveLab Elements, from the file browser of the operation system, or from another application to the tab bar.

• To create a copy of a file, drag its tab vertically to another position of the tab bar, then press [Ctrl]/[Option], and release the mouse button.

Dragging in the Audio Files Workspace and Audio Montage Workspace

• To insert an audio file in another audio file, drag the title bar tab or document button of the file onto the waveform area of another file. You can also drag an audio file directly from the File Browser window, the file browser of your system, or from another application into the Audio Files workspace.

• To move a marker, drag it along the time ruler.

• To create a copy of this marker, press [Shift], and drag it to another position on the time ruler.

• To delete a marker, drag it above the time ruler.

• To copy an audio selection, drag a selected region of audio onto the waveform area of the same file or another file.

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Program Overview

Undoing and Redoing

• To change the extent of a selection range, position the edit cursor at the start/end of the selection range, and drag to the left or right.

• To move the edit cursor without losing the current selection, and to snap it to an anchor, press [Shift], and move the mouse near the audio file/montage cursor. The mouse cursor shape changes and you can drag the cursor left and right.

• To move the edit cursor without changing or losing the current selection, press [Shift], click the edit cursor, and drag it to another position.

• To scroll the waveform horizontally, click the bar above the time ruler and drag left or right. You can also click anywhere on the waveform using the 3rd mouse button, and drag left or right.

• To create a generic marker from a selected text, drop text that you have selected in an external application onto the time ruler. The text becomes the marker’s name.

• To create a stereo copy of a mono file, or a mixed copy of a stereo file, drag a tab to another position of the tab bar, press [Ctrl]-[Alt] (Windows) or [Options]-[Ctrl] (Mac), and release the mouse button.

Dragging in the Podcast Workspace

• To reorder episodes in the episodes list, drag them to another position.

Dragging in the Master Section

• To change the order of processing, drag effects between different effects slots.

Undoing and Redoing

You can undo and redo as many steps as you like. The only limitation is the available hard disk space.

By default, when undoing or redoing any operation in the Audio Files workspace or position, scroll position, clip selection status, and time range are restored to the state before the operation occured.

the Audio Montage workspace, the zoom factor, cursor

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Program Overview

Zooming

• To undo a step, in the Audio Files workspace or Audio Montage

• To redo a step, in the Audio Files workspace or Audio Montage

Zooming

There are several zooming functions in the Audio Files workspace and Audio Montage workspace.

Horizontal zooming

workspace, select Edit > Undo.

workspace, select Edit > Redo.

• When you zoom out as far as possible, the entire file fits in the

• When you zoom in as far as possible, each sample occupies

Vertical zooming

• When you zoom out as far as possible, the height of the wave fits

• As you progressively zoom in, the display only shows a part of the

• To optimize the vertical zoom of the waveform, press

window.

several pixels on the screen. This allows for single sample-accurate editing of waveforms.

in the window.

total height. The vertical scroll bars lets you adjust exactly which section is shown. Check the ruler to see which part of the waveform is currently shown in

[Ctrl]/[Command], click and hold the time ruler, and move the mouse up or down.

the display.

High zoom level

• When the zooming level is very high, each sample is shown with a step and a bullet. The steps show the real digitized state, while the bullets make it easier to see the samples, especially for zeroed samples.

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Program Overview

Zooming

• The curve also represents an estimation of the analog reconstructed signal to give hints on true peaks.

Zooming in the overview and main view sections (Audio Files workspace only)

• You can have different zoom levels in the overview and main view section. In the overview, a range indicator on the time ruler indicates which section of the file is currently displayed in the main view. The range indicator is only shown if the option Sync with other view is deactivated.

• To adjust the zoom level, drag the edges of the range indicator.

• To scroll in the main view, drag the range indicator.

Range indicator at the top of the overview display

• To adjust the zoom level using the scroll bar, drag the edges of the scroll bar.

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Program Overview

PROCEDURE

Zooming

Zooming Using the Zoom Controls

Both the main view and the overview have horizontal and vertical zoom controls.

• To zoom horizontally, click the Horizontal zoom control, and drag left or right, or use the mouse wheel.

• To zoom vertically, click the Vertical zoom control, and drag up or down, or use the mouse wheel.

• To fully zoom-out, double-click the zoom controls.

Zooming Using the Magnifying Glass Tool

The Magnifying Glass tool is used to zoom in a specific section of the waveform so that is occupies the entire wave window. This is only available in the Audio Files workspace.

Using the Magnifying Glass Tool in the Main View

The selection that you make in the main view of the wave window is magnified and fills up the entire main view.

1. In the Audio Files workspace, activate the Magnifying Glass tool by doing one of the following:

• Click the Magnifying Glass icon.

• Hold down [Ctrl]/[Command].

2. In the main view of the wave window, click and drag left or right, and release the mouse button.

The selected part of the wave now occupies the entire main window.

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Program Overview

PROCEDURE

Zooming

Using the Magnifying Glass Tool in the Overview

The selection that you make in the overview of the wave window is displayed in the main view.

• In the overview of the wave window, click and drag left or right, and release the mouse button.

RESULT

The selected range of the waveform is shown in the main view.

Zooming Using the Mouse

With the mouse, you can change the zoom factor by clicking and dragging or by scrolling the mousewheel.

• To zoom horizontally, in the wave window or the montage window, position the mouse cursor over the time ruler, click, and drag up or down.

• To zoom horizontally while maintaining the cursor position, position the mouse cursor over the time ruler, press [Shift], and drag up or down.

• To zoom horizontally using the mousewheel, press [Ctrl]/[Command], point at a waveform, and move the mousewheel.

• To zoom vertically using the mousewheel, press [Shift], point at a waveform, and move the mousewheel.

Audio Files Workspace Only

• To zoom vertically, in the wave window, position the mouse cursor over the level ruler, click, and drag left or right.

• To reset the vertical zoom to 0 dB, double-click the level ruler.

• To set the vertical zoom to the best value that is the current minimum and maximum displayed samples, make sure that the level ruler is set to 0 dB, and double-click the level ruler.

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Program Overview

Zooming

Zooming Using the Keyboard

A quick way to zoom the active wave or montage window is to use the arrow keys on the computer keyboard.

• To zoom horizontally in the active wave window or montage window, press [Arrow Up] or [Arrow Down].

• To zoom vertically in the active wave/montage window, hold [Shift], and press [Arrow Up] or [Arrow Down].

• To zoom vertically to fit the available height, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift]-[Arrow Up].

• To zoom out fully, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Arrow Down]. To zoom in fully, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Arrow Up].

Zoom Menu

The zoom menu allows you to quickly access various zoom settings.

In the Audio Files workspace or the Audio Montage workspace, select

View > Zoom.

View all

Zooms out as far as possible.

Zoom in on 1 minute / 30 seconds / 10 seconds / ... / 500 ms

Adjusts the zoom to display the selected time range.

Zoom in 1:1

Zooms in so that one pixel on the screen represents one sample.

Microscope

Zooms in as far as possible.

Zoom selection

Zooms the entire wave/montage

window so that the current selection occupies the

window.

Zoom in on selected clips (Audio Montage workspace only)

Zooms in to display all selected clips in the wave/montage window.

Zoom in audio

Zooms in in small steps.

Zoom out audio

Zooms out in small steps.

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Program Overview

Zooming

Edit

Opens the Zoom factor dialog, where you can edit the zoom factor.

• Samples per screen point allows you to specify how many audio samples are summarized in each screen point.

• Screen points per sample allows you to specify how many screen points are used to represent a single audio sample.

Reset vertical zoom to 1:1

Adjusts zoom to display audio levels up to 0 dB.

Optimize vertical zoom

Changes the vertical zoom factor so that the peaks are clearly visible. This adjustment is done according to the section of the wave that is currently visible in the wave/montage window.

Optimize vertical zoom (Audio Files workspace only)

Zooms in to display all audio peaks in the wave window.

Zoom to -12 db/-24 db/.../-96 db

Adjusts the zoom to only display samples below the selected dB value.

Zoom in vertically

Zooms in to show waveforms with a lower level.

Zoom out vertically

Zooms out to show waveforms with a higher level.

About Zooming in the Audio Montage Workspace

Zooming options in the Audio Montage workspace are almost similar to those in the Audio Files workspace. However, there are additional

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Program Overview

Zooming

Zoom Buttons in the Audio Montage Workspace

zooming options for tracks and the Zoom window for displaying a close-up view of the beginning of the focused track.

The zoom buttons in the Audio Montage workspace allow you to apply zoom presets.

• To only display the focused track, or also the tracks below and/or above the focused track, click the corresponding buttons.

• To set the zoom setting to fit the focused clips in 25 %, 50 %, or 100 % of the available space, click the corresponding buttons.

• To select a certain area, click [Ctrl]/[Command], and drag the rectangle over the tracks and clips that you want to zoom in.

Displaying More or Less Tracks

The number of tracks that are displayed in the Audio Montage workspace can be changed with the magnification controls in the lower right corner of the montage window.

• To display more tracks, click the smaller magnifying glass icon.

• To display less tracks, click the larger magnifying glass icon.

• To make a single track fit the whole montage window, click the numbered button to the left of a track, and select Zoom from the pop-up menu. You can also right-click the lower area of a track, and select Whole clip from the pop-up menu.

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Program Overview

Managing Tabs

A tab is a container for a file in WaveLab Elements. You can open several tabs, but only one can be active at a time. The Tabs menu allows you to sort and close tabs and navigate between the tabs.

Close/Close all but active/Close all

Closes the active tab, all tabs except the active tab, or all tabs.

Select files to close

Opens a dialog in which you can specify the files to be closed.

Sort

Lets you sort the tabs by name, date, or modification date. If several tab groups exist, only the active tab group is sorted.

Activate next/previous

Selects the next/previous tab.

Pick list

Opens a list of all open tabs. To open a tab, double-click it.

Files to Close Dialog

In this dialog, you can specify which files you want to close. In any workspace, except the Control Window workspace, select Tabs

> Select files to close.

Files list

Displays all open files. You can set a checkmark for the files that you want to close. By default, only the active file will remain open and all other files will be closed.

Select all

Select all files in the list.

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Program Overview

PROCEDURE

Presets

Select none

Deselects all files in the list.

Close files

Closes the files.

You can create presets to save commonly used settings. WaveLab Elements provides a selection of presets that can be used by most dialogs.

You can save customized presets. The next time that you load the program, the presets are available.

Saving a Preset

Presets are saved as single files and can be organized in subfolders. The root folder of the preset is different for each type of preset and cannot be changed.

Saved presets can be used to apply commonly used settings to dialogs or plug-ins.

1. Open the dialog that you want to use, and modify the parameters.

2. Select the Preset menu, and select Save as.

3. Optional: Click the folder icon, and select a name for a subfolder in which you want to save the preset.

4. Type in a name, and click Save.

Loading Presets

To apply a saved preset to a dialog or plug-in, you must load the preset.

• Inside a dialog, click the Presets menu, and select the preset that you want to apply to the dialog.

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Program Overview

PROCEDURE

Presets

Modifying a Preset

You can modify a preset and save the changes.

1. Open the dialog that you want to use, and load the preset that you

2. Modify the parameters of the dialog.

3. Click the Preset menu, and select Save.

Deleting a Preset

1. Open the dialog that you want to use and select the preset that you

want to modify.

want to delete.

2. Click the Presets menu, and select Organize presets.

3. In the Explorer window, select the preset file that you want to delete, and press [Delete].

Storing and Restoring Temporary Presets

Some dialogs allow you to save and load up to 5 temporary presets. This is useful if you want to quickly test and compare different settings.

Storing Presets

1. Open the dialog that you want to use, and make your settings.

2. Click the Presets menu, and from the Store temporarily sub-menu, select a slot.

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Program Overview

PROCEDURE

NOTE

PROCEDURE

Saving a Picture of the Active Window

Restoring Presets

1. Open the dialog in which you have saved a preset.

2. Click the Presets menu, and from the Restore sub-menu, select a preset.

Saving a Picture of the Active Window

You can save a picture of the active window in the BMP, JPG/JPEG, or PNG file format, or copy it to the clipboard.

Plug-in windows are not included in the picture.

1. Click in the window for which you want to save a picture.

For example, click in the wave window or the montage window.

2. In the Audio Files workspace or the Audio Montage workspace, select View > Save picture of active window.

The Save picture of active window dialog opens.

3. In the Save picture of active window dialog, you have the following options:

• To copy the picture to the clipboard, activate Copy to clipboard.

• To save the picture in a specified file format, activate Save as file.

Optionally,

you can activate Open picture after saving.

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Program Overview

Saving a Picture of the Active Window

4. Click OK.

If you have set the montage window as the active window, the resulting picture could look like this.

• If you have activated Copy to clipboard, the picture is copied to

the clipboard.

• If you have activated Save as file, the Save as dialog opens where

you can

specify the file location, file format, and file name. Click

Save to confirm your settings.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Recently Used Files

All files that you have recently used in WaveLab Elements are saved in a list. This helps you to gain fast access to recent projects. You can open recently used files via the File menu.

Setting the Number of Recently Used Files

1. In any workspace, select Options (WaveLab menu on Mac) > Global preferences > Display.

2. In the Miscellaneous options section, set the maximum number of items that you want to list in the following areas:

• Recent file menus

• Recent file manager

• Recent folders menu

3. Click OK.

Save and Save As

• When you save a file for the first time, it does not matter whether you select Save or Save as.

• Once a file has been saved, select File > Save, or press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[S] to update the file and make the changes permanent.

• If you want to specify a new name, location, and/or file format, select File > Save as.

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File Operations

Save and Save As

• In the Audio Files workspace, all save operations except Save

About Tab Colors

Tab colors give information on whether a file is saved or not.

The following colors can be shown:

Orange

Green (Audio Files workspace only)

Copy clear the undo history, which means that after saving you

cannot undo or redo.

The file is saved.

The file uses a decoded file format and is saved.

Purple

A new file that is not empty but has not been saved yet. For example, when creating a new file and pasting content into it.

Red

The file has been modified and changes have not been saved yet.

Unsaved Changes Indicator

When you have made changes to a file, an asterisk is displayed beneath the file name until you save the file and the tab changes its color.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Save and Save As

Save Multiple Files at Once

You can save some or all open files at once.

1. In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > Save all.

2. Select the files that you want to save.

3. Click Save.

Reverting to Saved File

You can revert the file you are working on back to its last saved state. This undoes all the changes made to the file since it was last saved.

1. In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > Revert to saved.

2. In the warning dialog, click Yes to revert to the last saved state.

RESULT

The last saved version of the file is loaded from disk.

Automatic Backups

Backups are created automatically if a file with the same name already exists.

For example, if you select Save As and specify a file name already used in that folder, you will be asked if you want to back up the existing file first. If you click Yes, the backup name will be the original name, with “.bak” added at the end.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Templates

About Saving Audio Montages

The saving operations for audio montages are the same as for audio files. However, there are things to note when saving audio montages.

• Audio montage files only contain references to audio files. If you want to rename audio files referenced by audio montages, use the Rename dialog. All clip references are updated automatically.

• If the audio montage contains clips that refer to untitled audio files, save these audio files before saving the audio montage.

Templates

You can create a template from an active audio montage, audio file, Podcast, or batch processor document and use it as a basis for newly created files.

Creating a Template

Templates are useful when creating new audio files, audio montages, Podcasts, or batch processes.

PREREQUISITE

Set up the audio file, audio montage, Podcast, or batch processor file properties.

1. Select File > Export > Template.

2. In the Save Template dialog, do one of the following.

• To create a new template, select New, enter a name, and click OK.

• To update an existing template, select Update.

3. When saving or updating an audio file template or an audio montage template, you can make additional settings.

• When saving an audio file template, the Audio File Template

Parameters dialog opens. Here, select whether WaveLab Elements should propose a specific audio file configuration with optional meta-data when saving an audio file.

• When saving an audio montage template, the Audio Montage

Template Parameters dialog op include track plug-ins, clips, and/or markers. Also select whether

ens. Here, select whether to

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File Operations

Templates

Audio File Template Parameters Dialog

WaveLab Elements should propose a specific audio file configuration with optional meta-data when rendering an audio montage.

4. Click OK.

This dialog displays the audio properties of the audio file template that you are creating. You can also specify whether to always propose a specific audio file configuration with optional meta-data when creating an audio file template or not.

In the Audio Files workspace, select File > Export > Template.

When saving, always propose a specific audio file configuration (with optional meta-data)

If this option is activated, whenever you open the Render or Save as dialogs, the audio file configuration specified below is proposed

by default.

Audio Montage Template Parameters Dialog

In this dialog, you can set various options when creating an audio montage template.

In the Audio Files workspace, select File > Export > Template.

Include track and master plug-ins

If this option is activated, track plug-ins and master plug-ins are saved in the template.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Templates

Include clips

If this option is activated, clips are saved in the template.

Include markers

If this option is activated, markers are saved in the template.

When saving, always propose a specific audio file configuration (with optional meta-data)

If this option is activated, whenever you open the Render dialog, the audio file configuration specified below is proposed by default.

Setting a Template as Default

You can set a template as default template.

PREREQUISITE

Create a template with the settings that you want to use as default settings for a file.

1. In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > New.

2. From the templates list, select the template that you want to use as the default template.

3. Click Set as default.

4. Click OK.

RESULT

When you select New, a file based on the selected template is created. To remove the default template setting, click th button.

Creating a File From a Template

e Do not set as default

You can create a file from a template to use its settings.

1. In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > New from.

2. From the list of the available templates, select the template that you want to take as the basis of the new file.

3. Click Open.

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File Operations

Templates

Create From Template Dialog

This dialog shows all templates. Here, you can open and delete them, and set a default template.

In the any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > New

from. If no template exists, the dialog will not open.

List of the available templates

Lists all saved templates.

Use template name as default doc

ument name

If this option is activated, the new file uses the name of the template. If this option is deactivated, the name of the new file is “untitled”.

Set as default

Saves the selected template as default template.

Open

Creates a new file from the selected template.

None

Creates a new file without any reference to a template.

Explore

Opens the folder where the template files are located. can delete templates.

Here, you

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

File Renaming

The Rename function allows you to rename a file and update all references automatically. For example, if you rename an audio file named “India” to “Sitar”, all currently open files that reference the file “India” are updated to reference the file as “Sitar”.

Audio files, peak, and marker files are also renamed accordingly.

Renaming a File

1. Select the file that you want to rename.

2. In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > Rename.

3. Enter the new name and/or a new file location.

4. Select a file suffix from the drop-down list.

5. Click OK.

Rename File Dialog

In this dialog, you can choose a new file name, file extension, and folder location for the active file.

In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > Rename.

Name

Type in the new name.

File extension drop-down list

Select a case for the file extension.

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File Operations

NOTE

PROCEDURE

Deleting Files

Change folder

If this option is activated, you can change the folder location of the file.

This is only possible within the same drive partition.

Keep as default

If this option is activated, the same path is selected next time you open the dialog. This is useful if you need to move several files successively.

Deleting Files

You can delete the currently active file from within WaveLab Elements.

PREREQUISITE

The file that you want to delete is not copied to the clipboard, is not pasted into another file that is open, and is not open in another application.

1. Select the file that you want to delete.

2. In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > Delete.

3. Click OK.

RESULT

The file, including it’s peak and marker files, is deleted.

Special Menu

From this menu you can select various file related options, for example, you can add the active file to a Data CD/DVD, or Podcast.

In any workspace, except the Control Window, select File > Special.

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File Operations

Temporary Files

Depending on the workspace, not all options are available.

Information

Displays information about the active file.

Add to Data CD/DVD

Adds the active file and all the related files to a Data CD/DVD.

Add to Podcast

Adds the active file to a Podcast.

Reveal in Windows Explorer/Mac OS Finder

Opens the Windows Explorer/Mac OS Finder to show the location of the active file.

Copy to clipboard

Opens a menu, from which you can select which information about the active file you want to copy to the clipboard.

Create a file link on the desktop (Windows only)

Creates a file link on the desktop. The link opens the file with the default application associated with the file type.

Temporary Files

Temporary files are used for certain operations, such as the undo/redo functions. You can specify where WaveLab Elements saves its temporary files.

For example, if your source files are located on the C: drive, you could specify D:\temp and E:\temp as temporary folders. This improves the performance and reduces disc fragmentation.

RELATED LINKS:

“Specifying Folders” on page 67

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

WaveLab Elements distinguishes between two types of folders: work folders and document folders.

In work folders, temporary files are stored. Document folders contain WaveLab Elements-specific files, such as wave files, audio montages, etc.

Specifying Folders

You can specify which folder should open when you perform any open or save operation (document folder). You can also specify up to three folders for temporary files (work folder).

Folders Dialog

1. Open the workspace for which you want to specify document folders.

2. Select Options > Folders.

3. Click the type of folder for which you want to specify a location.

4. Specify a location in the Folder field.

5. Optional: Depending on the selected type of folder, you can make additional settings.

6. Click OK.

In this dialog, you can specify default document folders and work folders for each workspace.

In any workspace, select Options > Folders.

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File Operations

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

In the list to the left, you specify the folder type that you want to make settings for. The following options are available:

Folder for temporary files

Companion files

Cache folder

Specify a folder for storing temporary files.

Specify a folder for storing the companion files, that is Master Section presets and view settings for audio files.

Activating Use cache folder for decoded files allows you to specify a cache folder. The cache folder contains wave files that are created when you are working with files in compressed file formats, such as MP3 files. To prevent the cache folder to grow indefinitely, WaveLab Elements checks the date of each file in this folder and deletes files that were created before a certain number of days.

When Use cache folder for decoded files is deactivated, the compressed files are decoded each time they are opened.

Audio File - Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for audio files.

Audio Montage - Open folder/Save folder

The default open and save folders for audio montage files.

Depending on the selected item, different settings are available on the right side of the dialog:

Current Folder

In this field, the folder that is currently used as default i

s displayed. You can click the folder button to the right to navigate to a folder, or to create a new folder.

Keep last used

Uses the last folder for saving or opening files of the selected type.

Change when save-folder/open-folder changes

Updates the default open folder when you c

hange the default save folder, and vice versa. Activate this option for both the save folder and the open folder for a specific file type to use the same folder for saving and for opening this type of file.

On opening the application, revert to this folder

Activate this option to restore a specific folder each time you open WaveLab Elements. This way changes to save/open folders are only temporary and reset when you restart WaveLab Elements.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Setting the Focus on the Current File

If you are editing inside a floating window or a tool window and want to switch back the focus to a wave/montage window, you can use the Set focus on current file option.

• In any workspace, press [Win]/[Ctrl]-[ESC], to set the focus on the wave/montage window.

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About Workspaces

A workspace provides an editing and playback environment for a particular audio file type. Each type of workspace has functions for its specific file types.

In WaveLab Elements, each file type has its own workspace designed for a specific purpose:

• Audio Files workspace for viewing and editing audio files.

• Audio Montage workspace for assembling and editing audio montages.

• Podcast workspace for preparing and uploading Podcasts.

A workspace is highly customizable to match your workflow. A workspace can appear as a simple window with a single menu or as a sophisticated arrangement of command bars, tool windows, tab groups, and active meters.

When a file is opened from a given workspace, it is added to the active tab group of this workspace.

You can drag files between workspaces if their formats are compatible. For example, you can drag an audio file from the Audio Files workspace to the Audio Montage workspace by using its tab bar or its document button.

Elements of a Workspace

The center of the workspace is about the data that you want to edit, and all the menus, command bars, tool windows, controls, and tools to help you with that.

Each workspace contains the following elements:

• A menu bar. Each workspace has a different menu bar, but certain menus are common for all workspaces and each menu can be customized in various ways. The workspace menu has a submenu to show/hide the available Command bars and tool windows.

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About Workspaces

Audio Files Workspace

• One or more Command bars with buttons for instant access to

functions. Command bars can be customized extensively.

• Tab groups to host the files to edit. This is the central part of the

workspace. You can move a tab to another workspace, create a new empty tab, display the file path, and access other functions by right-clicking.

•A set of Specific tool windows. Which tools are available

depends on the workspace. They can be activated/deactivated individually.

•A set of Shared tool windows. The shared tools vary according

to the workspace, and can be turned on or off individually. A shared tool window is a global window that is located in one workspace at a time.

Audio Files Workspace

This workspace provides tools and functions for sample-accurate audio editing, high-quality analysis, and processing. It is the environment commonly known as an audio editor.

It includes various metering tools.

The wave window gives you a graphical representation of the audio file and allows you to view, play back, and edit the file.

Audio Montage Workspace

In this workspace, you assemble audio clips into a montage. You can arrange, edit, and play back clips on both stereo or mono tracks.

Features include both track- and clip-based effects, volume and pan automation, and wide-ranging fade and crossfade functions.

You can place any number of clips, on an audio track. A clip contains a reference to a source audio file on your hard disk, as well as start and end positions in the file.

The montage window gives you a graphical tracks. In it you can view, play back, and edit the tracks and clips.

representation of clips on

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About Workspaces

Podcast Workspace

In this workspace, you assemble, define, and publish your Podcast to the internet.

RELATED LINKS:

“Podcasts” on page 291

Opening Files in a Workspace

You can open files in the workspace that you are working in and in any other workspace, without having to switch workspaces first.

• To open a file in a workspace, select File > Open. From the file

browser, select the workspace file that you want to open, and click Open.

•On the Central switcher bar, click a workspace Open. From the file browser, select the file that you want to open, and click Open.

Organizing Workspace Windows

For working with several workspace windows, WaveLab Elements offers functions to organize the windows.

• To lock a workspace layout, activate Workspace > Lock layout. This prevents you from moving or closing tool windows.

• To automatically move the shared tool windows to the newly activated workspace, every time you switch between workspaces, activate Worksp

ace > Auto move shared tool windows.

icon, and select

• To activate full screen view, select Workspace > Full screen view.

• To specify the workspace position on the screen, select

Workspace > Pos

• To bring all workspace windows to front, select Workspace > Bring all to front.

ition on screen, and select an option.

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About Workspaces

About Tool Windows

• To cascade all workspace windows, select Workspace > Cascade all.

• To switch between the previously selected workspace window and the active workspace window, select Workspace > Switch to previous workspace, or press [F5].

• To close the active workspace, select Workspace > Close.

About Tool Windows

Throughout WaveLab Elements there are various tool windows available that allow you to view, analyze, and edit the active file.

Generally, the content of a tool window is synchronized with the active file, with the exception of the audio meters which displays the audio file being played back. Tool windows can be docked and undocked, and saved in your cu available:

stom layouts. There are two types of tool windows

• Specific tool windows

• Shared tool windows

The tool windows can be accessed via the Workspace menu.

Specific tool windows

Specific tool windows are windows that are specific to the current workspace. The following specific tool windows are available:

Audio Files workspace

Audio Montage workspace Podcast workspace

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About Workspaces

About Tool Windows

Shared tool windows

The difference between specific and shared tool windows is that there can only be a single instance of a shared window in WaveLab Elements. For example, a single Master Section, or a single level meter.

When you open a shared tool window in another workspace it undocks and moves from its original workspace, if this option is activated. An empty tab container with a title bar remains in its previous workspace. You can set the moving behavior by activating/deactivating Workspace > Auto move shared tool windows.

A shared tool window, if docked, can only appear in a single workspace at a time. To retrieve a shared tool window from another workspace, click the tool window. For example, if you have the Level Meter displayed in the Audio Montage workspace and you want to display it in the Audio Files workspace, click the icon in the Level Meter window of the Audio Files workspace.

The following shared tool windows are available:

Audio Files workspace and Audio Montage workspace

Opening and Closing Tool Windows

You can close all tool windows you do not need for your project.

• To open or close a specific tool window, select Workspace >

Specific tool windows, and select a tool window, or use the Specific Tool Windows command bar.

• To open or close a shared tool window, select Workspace > Shared tool windows, and select a tool window, or use the Shared Tool Windows command bar.

• To close a tool window, move the mouse on the left side or the top of the window, and on the toolbar that appears, click Close.

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About Workspaces

About Tool Windows

Tool Windows Command Bar

On the Specific Tool Windows and Shared Tool Windows command bars you can quickly switch tool windows on and off, without having to navigate through a menu.

To open or close the Shared Tool Windows command bar, select Workspace > Command bars > Shared Tool Windows.

Shared Tool Windows command bar in the Audio Montage workspace

To open or close the Specific Tool Windows command bar, select Workspace > Command bars > Specific Tool Windows.

Specific Tool Windows command bar in the Audio Montage workspace

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows

Tool windows can be used as docked windows or as floating windows. They can be freely dragged around and docked at various locations. Command bars can also be freely moved around and docked along the edges of most windows.

To dock/undock a tool window, use one of the following methods:

• Double-click the title bar, located on the left or the top of the tool window.

• Click the double window icon at the top left corner of the window.

• Drag the tool window title bar of a specific tool window. To dock the tool window, drag it by its title bar to another position.

To prevent an undocked tool window from docking, use one of the following methods:

• H

• Activate the Floa

old down [Ctrl]/[Command] before dragging the tool window.

ting versus docking priority icon on the left or

the top of the tool window.

Differences Between Windows and Mac OS

Floating windows behave slightly different on Windows and Mac OS.

• On Windows systems, a floating window is hidden when its dependent workspace is minimized or covered by another If WaveLab Elements is not the active application, all its independent floating windows are hidden.

window.

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About Workspaces

About Tool Windows

• On Mac OS X systems, a tool window is always on top of all other windows and a floating window remains visible even if its dependent workspace is not active or is minimized. If WaveLab Elements is not the active application, all its floating windows are hidden.

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Playback

WaveLab Elements offers numerous playback functions.

There are 4 playback modes available:

• Traditional playback, with playback starting from the cursor position and stopping anywhere when stopping playback.

• Play range, where playback starts from a given point and stops at another point of interest.

• Play from anchor, where playback starts from a specific point of interest.

• Play until anchor, where playback starts anywhere but stops at a given point of interest.

RELATED LINKS:

Transport Bar

With this command bar you can control playback of an audio file or audio montage, navigate between various positions in an audio file or audio montage, and open the Recording dialog.

In the Audio Files workspace or Workspace > Command bars > Transport bar.

Transport bar in the Audio Files workspace

“Playback Shortcuts” on page 89

the Audio Montage workspace, select

Transport bar in the Audio Montage workspace

Presets

Lets you save and apply transport bar presets.

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Playback

Transport Bar

Skip range

If this option is activated, playback skips the selected range and any region surrounded by exclusion markers.

On stop, move cursor back

If this option is activated, the edit cursor jumps back to the start position when playback stops. If you want to activate this option for the options Play from anchor, Play until anchor, and Play range, right-click this button, and activate On alternate playback stop,

move cursor back to start.

Perform pre-roll

Activates pre-roll for the commands Play from anchor, Play until anchor, and Play range.

Right-click the button to select the pre-roll length and to specify to which commands you want to apply pre-roll to. To edit the pre-roll times, select Edit pre/post-roll.

Perform post-roll

Activates post-roll for the commands Play from anchor, Play until anchor, and Play range.

Right-click the button to select the post-roll length and to specify to which commands you want to apply post-roll to. To edit the post-roll times, select Edit pre/post-roll.

Auto selection

If this option is activated, the anchor and/or range are automatically selected according to the editing actions. Right-click to open a menu with related options and auto selection modes.

Ranges

Lets you select one of the following ranges:

• Selected time range

• Marked region where edit cursor is located

• Range of focused clip (audio montage only)

• Crossfade range (audio montage only)

• Fade-in range (audio montage only)

• Fade-out range (audio montage only)

Play range

Plays the selected range. Post-roll and Pre-ro into account.

ll settings are taken

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Playback

Transport Bar

Anchors

Lets select which anchor to use as reference for the commands Play from anchor and Play until anchor. When there are multiple possibilities, for example, multiple markers, the last selected item is taken into account as a reference anchor or the closest marker near the edit cursor position if no marker is selected.

You can select one of the following anchors:

• Start of file

• Start of selected time range

• End of selected time range

• Any marker

• Region start marker

• Region end marker

• Clip start (audio montage only)

• Clip end (audio montage only)

• Selected envelope point in focused clip (audio montage only)

When an anchor is detected, for example, a region marker pair, this is indicated by a green anchor marker.

Play from anchor

Plays from anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.

Play until anchor

Plays until anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.

Move cursor to previous/next anchor

Moves the edit cursor position to the previous/next anchor. To set the type of anchor, right-click the next anchor button and select an option from the menu. If you click during playback, playback continues from the anchor position.

Move playback position backwards/forwards

Moves the edit cursor position to the left/right. If you click during playback, playback jumps to the new edit cursor position.

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Playback

Transport Bar

To move the edit cursor to the start/end of the file, press [Ctrl]/[Command], and click the Move playback position

backwards/forwards button.

Loop

Activates the loop mode. Right-click the loop button to select whether to loopforever or only a few times.

Stop

Stops the audio being played. If playback is already stopped, the edit cursor is moved to the previous start position.

Play

Starts playing the active audio file or audio montage

from the edit

cursor position. If the audio being played back is not the active audio file, the Play

button has a different color. This happens if you switch to another workspace during playback, for example.

The playback button when playing back in the active window (left) and when playing in another window or workspace (right).

Record

Opens the Recording dialog.

Time display

Displays the edit cursor or playback position. Click to select another time unit.

Fold bar

Minimizes the transport bar. To unfold the transport bar again, click the thin line where the transport bar was located.

Settings

Opens layout menu of the transport bar and lets you edit shortcuts for the transport bar. You can also right-click the transport bar to open this menu.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Transport Bar

Transport Bar in the Podcast Workspace

In the Podcast workspace, a simplified transport bar allows you to play back the selected Podcast episode.

Play Button

Clicking the Play button on the transport bar starts playing back the active audio file or audio montage from the edit cursor position.

You can also use the Space bar or the Enter key on your keyboard to start playback. Pressing the Space bar during playback stops playback, while pressing Enter during playback makes playback restart from the last start position.

When loop is activated, the audio selection is looped, if available. Otherwise, the region defined by loop markers is looped, if available. If there are no selection ranges or loop markers, the entire file is looped.

The standard Play command is not influenced by the Play range, Play from anchor, and Play to anchor options.

Stop Button

The result of clicking the Stop button or on the transport bar or [0] on your numeric keypad depends on the current situation.

• If you trigger Stop in stop mode, the edit cursor moves either to

the previous Playback start marker, or to the selection start (whatever is closer), until the start of the file is reached.

• If there is no selection or if the edit cursor is positioned to the left of the selection, it is moved to the beginning of the file instead.

Playing Back Audio Ranges

You can play back audio ranges using the Ranges options on the transport bar.

1. On the transport bar, select the type of range that you want to play back.

2. Optional: Activate pre-roll and/or post-roll.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Transport Bar

3. Position the edit cursor inside the range that you want to play back or make a selection range.

This selected range and, if activated, the pre-roll and post-roll times are displayed on the time ruler.

4. To play back the selected range, click the Play range button on the transport bar or press F6.

RESULT

The selected range is played back. Pre-roll

and post-roll settings are

taken into account. When the Loop mode is active, pre-roll is used before the first loop only, and post-roll is only used after the last loop.

Playing Back From an Anchor or Until an Anchor

You can play back audio from an anchor or until a specified anchor using the Anchor options on the transport bar.

1. On the transport bar, select an anchor type

If nothing is selected and you use the Play from anchor button, the edit cursor is the default anchor.

2. Depending on the selected anchor type, position the edit cursor in the wave window or montage window inside the range that you want to play back.

For example, if you have selected Region start marker, click somewhere in the area of the region marker pair from which you want to play back from/to. The green anchor marker jumps to the selected anchor.

3. Optional: Activate pre-roll and/or post-roll.

4. To play back from the anchor marker, click the Play from anchor button on the transport bar or press F7. To play back until the

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Playback

Transport Bar

anchor marker, click the Play until anchor button on the transport bar or press F8.

RESULT

Play back starts from the anchor/until the anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.

About the “Play From Anchor” and “Play Until Anchor” Functions

You can play back audio from an anchor or until an anchor using the Play from anchor or Play until anchor functions on the transport bar. These playback functions behave differently depending on the pre-roll and post-roll settings.

Play from anchor

• If post-roll is selected, playback starts at the anchor position and stops after the post-roll time. If no post-roll is selected, playback continues until the end of the audio file or audio montage.

• If pre-roll is selected, playback starts from the selected anchor, minus the pre-roll time.

• If pre-roll and post-roll are selected, playback starts from the selected anchor, minus the pre-roll time and stops after the anchor point plus the post roll time.

• If the loop mode is activated, the pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account. This way you can play a loop around the edit cursor position, without having to make further range settings.

Play until anchor

• Playback starts from the cursor, and stops at the selected anchor. If the cursor is beyond the selected anchor, playback starts at the selected anchor. If pre-roll is activated, it is taken into account.

• If pre-roll is selected, playback starts from the selected anchor minus the pre-roll time, until the selected anchor.

• If there is no selected anchor, Play until anchor is disabled.

• The loop settings have no effect.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

NOTE

Transport Bar

Using the Auto Selection Mode

You can use the auto selection mode in combination with the playback shortcuts to play back audio ranges or anchors, without needing to interact with the transport bar. This makes it easy to monitor your editing actions.

1. On the transport bar, activate Auto selection mode.

2. In the wave window or the montage window, do one of the following:

• Make a selection range.

• Click inside the area of a marker pair.

• Click a fade-in, fade-out, or crossfade.

• Click anywhere in the wave/montage window.

•Drag a marker.

Depending on your action, the most appropriate range, or anchor is s

cted. For example, if you click inside a marker pair, this region is

ele

selected as playback range. The time ruler shows the selected range or anchor.

In Auto selection mode, you can still change some range and anchor options in the transport bar to play a different range/anchor. However, the range/anchor will be reselected when you starting editing again with the mouse.

3. Use the playback shortcuts to start playback.

• To play back the selected audio range, press F6.

• To play back from an anchor, press F7.

• To play back until an anchor, press F8.

You can also use the Play buttons on the transport bar.

range, Play from anchor,

and Play to anchor

RESULT

The selection range is played back, or play back starts from the anchor/until the anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.

A selection range has priority over any other range. To allow other ranges to be auto-selected, deselect the selection range.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Transport Bar

Using Auto Replay While Editing

You can have playback automatically re-triggered while editing audio with the mouse. This is useful if you want to monitor the adjustment of a selection boundary, for example.

1. On the transport bar, right-click the Auto selection mode icon, and activate Auto replay while editing.

2. In the wave window or the montage window, make a selection range and hold the mouse button pressed.

3. Start playback by using one of the following shortcuts:

• To play back the selected audio range, press F6.

• To play back from an anchor, press F7.

• To play back until an anchor, press F8.

4. Drag the cursor to the right or left.

The selection range is adjusted and played back until you release the mouse button. When playback ends, the new selection range is played back.

Automated Selection Mode Settings

You can select whether the automated selection mode should select only ranges, only anchors, or both. To use the selected settings, activate Auto selection of anchor and range, based on editing actions.

To open the automated selection mode settings menu, right-click the Auto selection of anchor and range, based on editing actions icon on the transport bar, and make your selection.

Auto replay while editing

If this option is activated, playback is automatically restarted when you hold down the mouse button while editing ranges or anchors, and used the shortcuts to trigger playback. This is useful to find a loop, for example.

This option works even when the automated selection mode is deactivated.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Transport Bar

Solo track while editing

If this option is activated, when holding down the mouse button while editing ranges or anchors in the montage window, the track is soloed when playing back via the shortcuts for Play range, Play from anchor, or Play until anchor. This option is only available in the Audio Montage workspace.

This option works even when the automated selection mode is deactivated, because it is independent from this mode.

Auto select range or anchor

If this option is activated, ranges and anchors are automatically selected.

Auto select range

If this option is activated, ranges are automatically selected.

Auto select anchor

If this option is activated, anchors are automatically selected.

Skipping Sections During Playback

You can automatically skip a selected audio range during playback. This way, you can audition what the material would sound like with certain sections cut out.

1. On the transport bar, activate Skip range.

2. Activate Use Pre-Roll and Use Post-Roll.

3. If you want to use the Play range function, activate one of the

Ranges modes.

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Playback

NOTE

Transport Bar

4. Depending on the Ranges mode, do one of the following:

• If you have activated Selected audio range, make an audio

selection in the wave window.

• If you have activated Marked region where

located, click the section between a marker pair.

The audio range that will be skipped is with the pre-roll and post-roll times.

displayed on

edit cursor is

the time ruler along

5. Select Play range, or press [F6]

RESULT

The selected range is skipped during playback.

You can also use the factory preset for skipping selections during playback. Activate Skip range, make an audio selection, and press [Shift]-[F6].

This mode also works with the standard Play button, if there is a time selection or if exclusion start and end markers are set. In this case, the pre-roll and post-roll times are ignored.

About Loops

Loop points are updated continuously during playback. If you change the loop start or end during playback, the loop changes. This way you can audition selection points for rhythmic material.

If you loop a section in an audio montage, playback loops within the boundaries of the current selection range. This selection range may be on any track, even if empty. The vertical position of the selection range is of no relevance for loop playback, only the left and right selection boundaries matter.

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Playback

Transport Bar

Pre-Roll and Post-Roll

You can start playback slightly before a specific position (pre-roll) and stop playback slightly after another position (post-roll). This gives you a brief context if you are auditioning a clip, for example.

The position can be an anchor or the start or end of a range. The pre-roll and post-roll times are displayed in the time ruler.

To activate pre-roll and/or post-roll, activate the Use Post-Roll and Use Pre-Roll buttons on the transport bar.

When right-clicking the pre-roll or post-roll icon on the transport bar, you can select a pre-roll/post-roll time. Here, you can also select which play option you want to apply the pre-roll/post-roll to, and you can open the Edit Times dialog.

Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times Dialog

This dialog allows you to define a short, an average, and a long pre-roll and post-roll time. These settings are global to WaveLab Elements.

In the wave window or the montage window, on the transport bar, right-click the pre-roll or post-roll icon, and select Edit pre/post-roll.

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Playback

Transport Bar

Playback Shortcuts

In addition to the buttons on the transport bar, there are shortcuts that can be used even when the wave window or montage window is not the active window.

Space bar

0 on numeric keypad.

Enter

Start/stop playback.

Stop. If the program is stopped and you trigger Stop again, the edit cursor moves either to the previous Playback start marker, or to the selection start (whatever is closer), until the start of the file is reached. This is the same as clicking the Stop button on the transport bar.

Starts playback. If pressed during playback, playback restarts from the previous start position. This is the same as clicking the Play button on the transport bar.

Starts playback of the selected range, depending on the selected option in the Ranges section of the transport bar.

Starts playback from the selected anchor, depending on the selected option in the Anchors section of the transport bar.

Starts playback until the selected anchor, depending on the selected option in the Anchors section of the transport bar.

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Playback

Transport Bar

Save Transport Bar Presets Dialog

In this dialog, you can save a transport bar setup as preset. On the transport bar, click the preset icon, and select Save as.

Path name

Opens the root folder of the preset in the Windows Explorer/Mac OS Finder. Here, you can create subfolders for your presets.

Presets list

Lists all existing presets.

Name

Lets you specify a name for your preset.

When preset is selected with shortcut

This lets you assign a customized playback command to a shortcut. For example, you can set a shortcut to play a range with a short pre-roll/post-roll, and another shortcut to play a range without a pre-roll/post-roll.

On stop, restore previous settings

If this option is activated, the settings are restored as they were before playback start. This is useful to trigger a special play task, and automatically switch back to the standard settings, as soon as playback is finished.

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Playback

Transport Bar

Transport Bar Settings

In the transport bar settings menu, you can customize the transport bar. This is useful to optimize the transport bar according to the available screen space.

To open the settings menu, right-click the transport bar, or click the

Settings button on the transport bar.

Hide

Hides the transport bar. To make it visible again, select

Workspace > Command bars > Transport bar.

Fold

Minimizes the transport bar. To unfold the transport bar again, click the thin line where the transport bar was located.

Top/Bottom

Aligns the transport bar at the top/bottom of the wave window or the montage window.

Large transport buttons / Small transport buttons

Determines the size of the transport bar buttons.

Align buttons left / Align buttons right / Center button

Moves the transport bar buttons to the corresponding position.

Show time display

Shows/hides the time display.

Show alternate play buttons

Shows/hides the alternate play buttons in

the Ranges and

Anchors section of the transport bar.

Show all Range and Anchor buttons

Shows/hides the full range of Ranges and Anchor

s buttons. If this

option is deactivated, only one range and one anchor button is visible. The other buttons can be accessed via shortcuts or when you right-click this button.

Show Preset button

Shows/hides the Presets button.

Show Skip button

Shows/hides the Skip mode button.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Playing Back Only One Channel

Edit shortcuts

Opens the Customize commands dialog, where you can edit the shortcuts for the transport bar commands.

Playing Back Only One Channel

You can choose to play only the left or the right channel of an audio file in the Audio Files workspace.

• In the Audio Files workspace, select Options, and activate/deactivate Play left channel and/or Play right channel.

Starting Playback From the Ruler

You can use the ruler to quickly jump to a position and start playback from there.

• Double-clicking the ruler starts playback from that position. Playback continues until you click Stop or until the end of the audio file or audio montage.

• To set the playback position to a certain position, click the ruler during playback. This also applies another audio file or audio montage, which allows you to quickly switch playback between audio files or audio montages.

• To start playback from a marker position, press [Ctrl]/[Comm and double-click a marker.

for clicking the time rulers of

and]

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Using the Play Tool

This tool allows you to play back from any position on one or both stereo channels.

1. In the Audio Files workspace, select the Play tool from the Edit tools command bar, or press and hold [Alt]/[Option].

2. In the wave window, click at the position where you want playback to start.

The cursor shape indicates whether the left (L), the right channel (R), or both channels are played back.

RESULT

Playback continues for as long as you keep the mouse button pressed, or until the audio file ends. After playback has stopped, the cursor is moved to the playback start position.

Playback Scrubbing

Playback scrubbing helps you find a certain position in an audio file, by restarting playback repeatedly when you click and drag on the time ruler during playback or use the Play tool.

Scrubbing Using the Play Tool

1. In the Audio Files workspace, select the Play tool from the Edit tools command bar, or press and hold [Alt]/[Option].

2. Click in the wave window, or click and drag the time ruler.

If you click in the wave window, playback starts at the position where you clicked. If you click and drag in the time ruler, the audio is played back from the edit cursor position and a small section is looped once.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Scroll During Playback

Scrubbing Using the Time Ruler

1. Optional: In the Audio Files workspace, activate Options > Stop after playback scrubbing, to stop playback after scrubbing.

The edit cursor then jumps back to the start position.

2. Start playback.

3. Click the time ruler and hold the mouse button pressed, and drag left or right.

4. When you are done scrubbing, release the mouse button.

Playback Scrubbing Preferences

You can define the behavior of the Play tool in the Audio file editing preferences.

In the Audio Files workspace, select Options > Audio file editing preferences > Editing tab.

•If Restrict to Play Tool is activated, scrubbing is not available when you click and drag on the time ruler during playback.

• The Sensitivity setting determines the length of the audio loop that is played once when click and drang on the time ruler with the Play tool activated.

Scroll During Playback

You can determine how the view should be scrolled in Play mode.

In the Audio Files workspace or the Audio Montage workspace, select View > Scroll during playback.

The following options are available:

Immobile view

Disables scrolling.

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Playback

NOTE

About Playback in the Audio Montage Workspace

View follows cursor

The view automatically changes to keep the playback cursor visible.

Scroll view (partial)

The view only scrolls when necessary to keep the playback cursor visible.

Scroll view (always)

Scrolls the view to keep the playback cursor centered.

If you get dropouts during playback, do not use the scroll options.

About Playback in the Audio Montage Workspace

Playback in the Audio Montage workspace works the same way as in the Audio Files workspace. However, there are some things to note.

Mute and Solo Tracks

You can mute or solo tracks in an audio montage by using the corresponding buttons in the track control area.

• When a track is muted, the mute button is yellow.

• When atrack is soloed, the solo button is red.

• Solo can only be activated for one track at a time. However, you can unmute other tracks when Solo is active if you want to listen to a combination of tracks.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

About Playback in the Audio Montage Workspace

Playing Back Individual Clips

You can play back an individual clip on a track. Overlapping clips or clips on other tracks are muted.

1. In the Audio Montage workspace, right-click the lower part of the clip that you want to play back.

2. On the menu, select one of the following play options:

• To play back the clip, select Play focused clip.

• To play back the clip with pre-roll, select Play focused clip with

pre-roll.

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Audio file editing refers to opening, editing, and saving audio files.

Wave Window

The wave window displays audio files graphically. Here, you view, play back, and edit individual audio files.

Audio File Editing

The wave window consists of two displays. You can use one display as an overview to navigate through the project and the other as the main view for editing.

You can synchronize the waveform displays so that they display the same part of the audio file, by clicking the Sync with other view button.

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Audio File Editing

Wave Window

Magnetic Bounds in Audio Files

Certain positions, such as markers or selection edges, can be defined as magnetic. Dragged elements can snap to these positions. This makes it easier to position items accurately.

For example, when you move a marker and it gets close to one of the magnetic bounds, the marker snaps to this position. A label is displayed, indicating the snap position.

Magnetic Bounds Menu

On this menu, you can specify which positions should be magnetic. When Snap to magnetic items is activated, items that you move snap to these positions.

In the Audio Files workspace, select Options > Magnetic bounds.

You can let items snap to the following positions:

Start/End of file

Moved elements snap to the start/end of the file when they are moved near these positions.

Time ruler marks

Moved elements snap to the time ruler grid when they are moved near these positions.

Markers

Moved elements snap to marker positions when they are moved near these positions.

Selection edges

Moved elements snap to the selection edges when they are moved near these positions.

Cursor

Sets the edit cursor magnetic when moved near this position.

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Audio File Editing

Wave Window

Zero Crossing

A zero crossing is a point where the waveform crosses the zero level axis.

If you cut out a portion of a wave and paste it in somewhere else, there often is discontinuity where the two waves are joined. This discontinuity results in a transient in the wave, which is perceived as a click or bump in the sound.

To avoid this, you must make the splice at a zero crossing, especially if you do not use crossfades.

If you activate Options > Snap selection to zero crossings, the selections that you make are always adjusted so that they start and end at the nearest zero crossing.

WaveLab Elements can automatically search for zero crossings and extend the selection outwards so that it begins and ends at a zero crossing. This helps avoid clicks, pops, and bumps.

When you perform editing operations, such as cutting, pasting, or dragging, mak

e sure that the material is inserted at a zero crossing.

Setting Up the Zero Crossing Detection

You can let selection edges automatically snap to the nearest zero crossing point when making a selection. In the Audio file editing

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Audio File Editing

PROCEDURE

Wave Window

Moving the Cursor Position to the Closest Zero Crossing

preferences dialog, you can specify whether to allow snap at high zoom factors, and specify the scan range for the zero crossing detection.

1. In the Audio Files workspace, select Options > Snap selection to zero crossing.

2. Select Options > Audio file editing preferences.

3. On the Editing tab, fill out the Snap selection to zero crossing options.

4. Click OK.

You can automatically move the cursor position to the closest zero crossing.

1. In the Audio Files workspace, position the cursor in the waveform.

2. Select View > Move cursor to > Snap position.

100

Steinberg Wavelab Elements - 8.0 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

The Help System

Introduction

About the Program Versions

Typographical Conventions

How You Can Reach Us

Setting Up Your System

Connecting Audio

About Audio Cards and Background Playback

About Latency

Defining VST Audio Connections

CD/DVD Recorders

Remote Devices

WaveLab Elements Concepts

General Editing Rules

Basic Window Handling

Selecting Audio

Sliders

Renaming Items in Tables

File Browser

Tab Groups

Peak Files

Companion Files

Command Bars

Program Overview

Status Bar

Context Menus

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Value Editing

Drag Operations

Undoing and Redoing

Zooming

Managing Tabs

Presets

Saving a Picture of the Active Window

File Operations

Recently Used Files

Save and Save As

Templates

File Renaming

Deleting Files

Special Menu

Temporary Files

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

Setting the Focus on the Current File

About Workspaces

Elements of a Workspace

Audio Files Workspace

Audio Montage Workspace

Podcast Workspace

Opening Files in a Workspace

Organizing Workspace Windows

About Tool Windows

Playback

Transport Bar

Playing Back Only One Channel

Starting Playback From the Ruler

Using the Play Tool

Playback Scrubbing

Scroll During Playback

About Playback in the Audio Montage Workspace

Wave Window

Audio File Editing